May 22, 2019 by Jeremy

Best Business Ideas for People Who Desire To Travel More

If you were to ask a group of people what are some things they wish they could do more of in their lives, traveling would be on the list. Getting away from the norms of everyday life to explore the beautiful world is something most enjoy doing but few have time for. There are a number of reasons for this, but finances and career obligations are common culprits. Needing to pay the bills you’re often strapped to your profession with little to no time off.

Yet, what if there was a way for you to travel more AND earn a living? Thanks to advancements in technology and new business platforms, it is possible. You can now explore the world and be your own boss! Check out some of these killer examples below:

Personal Assistant (High-Profile)

Have a knack for helping others? Personal assistants to high-profile individuals often get the opportunity to travel. With responsibilities ranging from grabbing a coffee and dry cleaning to helping with events and managing personal and professional schedules, the person you work for will rely on you a lot. You can travel across the country or even around the world providing professional services on the go.

Massage Therapist

If you’d like to work in a field that supports the physical and mental well-being of others, perhaps becoming a massage therapist would be ideal. After you’ve received the proper training and certifications, you can launch a mobile business that takes you anywhere you’d like. You’ll need a bit of startup funding to invest in things like a portable massage table, essential oils, candles, linens, and other spa service supplies, but you could book appointments in another city, state, or country.

Travel Blogger

If you’re good at writing and taking photos you could become a travel blogger. You can create a blog for followers that provides general travel tips, travel guides for various destinations, or just share your experiences of traveling around the world. You’ll need to create a presentable blog and come up with efficient marketing practices to increase your following and monetize your site. If you’re not one for writing, however, you can consider becoming a vlogger which is done in the form of videos instead of writing content.

Public Speaker

If you don’t mind speaking in front of crowds and have something valuable to say, you could earn a living and travel as a public speaker. Perhaps you were an expert in your field or you’ve gone through an experience in life and have a message of encouragement? Maybe you have some great skill you’d like to teach others? Please note, however, that as a public speaker you’ll have to take the time to invest in branding and building a strong presence both off and online to start being paid to speak across the country.

Wedding Planner

Do you just love, love? If so, you could make a decent living as a wedding planner. Your job is to help engaged couples plan a wedding and reduce the stress of it all. So, you’d need talents that range from stylist to networker. Yet, marketing your services online opens the doors for you to plan weddings for couples all around the world which allows you to travel more.

Virtual Business

To be quite honest, just about any entrepreneur who starts a virtual business (meaning exclusively performed online) can travel more. Since all of your business needs are digital, you can perform your job anywhere you have a computer or laptop and internet. You can be a virtual assistant, web developer, online tutor, and much more.

There is so much of the world out there to be explored and enjoyed. Yet, life often bounds people to their routines and obligations. If you’d like to travel more but can’t do to finances or your job, perhaps it’s time to consider some changes. By becoming your own boss in any of the fields listed above you can bring home the bacon while traveling as often as you’d like.

May 21, 2019 by Jeremy

The San Francisco skyline: a practical guide to SF’s most beautiful buildings

San Francisco is referred to as the ‘city by the bay’ and is unforgettable for its hills, views, culture, energy, and skyline. Although the skyline in San Francisco is changing on the daily and future plans also confirm that there will be some changes, there are some buildings that will always be associated with the SF skyline. And those iconic and unmissable landmarks, they deserve to stand out on their own as much as they do as a part of the unforgettable SF skyline.

That being said, here is a practical guide in honor of 10 of SF’s most beautiful buildings.

1. Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid was once headquarters for the Transamerica Corporation and the tallest structure in San Francisco. It has a tapered design and is easily recognized as you look out over the SF skyline. When it was being built, many tried to stop the process, but it has now become a beloved sight in the city.

2. Salesforce Tower

Tech companies have a heavy presence in San Francisco, and the Salesforce Tower not only makes a statement, but also is a reflection of modern day tech-centered San Francisco. Salesforce is a cloud computing company that worked with architect César Pelli to design a sleek look for its building. The award-winning building is a 61-story skyscraper is now the tallest structure in the city, and is an obelisk with rounded glass corners.

3. Millenium Tower

The Millenium Tower, located on Mission Street, is a glass condo box. It was built 80 feet to soft sand, rather than the mandatory bedrock in the Rincon District (since the land used to in fact by the Bay), and is now referred to as the sinking tower of San Francisco.

4. San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall may not stretch as high as the previous two, but it is a memorable building in the city. Fun fact: The dome of San Francisco City Hall is the fifth largest in the world.

5. Palace of Fine Arts Theater

The Palace of Fine Arts Theater is the last remaining structure built for the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915. It has pink and beige stone and is a historic and well-loved place in San Francisco.

6. Coit Tower

Coit Tower has an observation deck where visitors are rewarded with a 360 view of the city. You can get a view of the SF skyline from here, or spot it out looking from another direction in the city.

7. One Rincon

One Rincon was the first tall tower built in the SoMa district. It is not loved for its appearance but is now easily identified.

8. 555 Building

The 555 Building is a tall brown building that is very distinctive. Locals can automatically find it among the skyline and often use 555 as a reference point in the city.

9. 181 Fremont

181 Fremont is a new tower located next to the Salesforce Tower. It is divided between residential and commercial space and is shaped like a trapezoid.

10. Flood Building

The Flood Building, located in the Financial District, survived the 1906 earthquake and still stands tall at 12-stories high.

These are just a few of the many beautiful buildings in San Francisco. Given the number of projects in store for the future, in a few years there will be even more.

April 1, 2019 by Jeremy

5 South African Attractions to See Before you Die

Blessed with picturesque landscapes, vast national parks, and raw subtropical coasts, South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. No wonder why millions of tourists throng to South Africa, every year, to experience the beauty of this region. Also, let us tell you that if you plan to book a South Africa tour package anytime soon, then make sure you opt for a longer stay as a week’s vacation won’t be enough to experience the vividly beautiful country.

And just in case you don’t have much time on hand, make sure you at least visit these five South African attractions that are one of the most famous destinations among tourists on a South African tour. Take a look.

1. Kruger National Park

One of the world’s most famous safari parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a must-visit attraction. The oldest reserve in South Africa is approximately 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. The national park gives visitors to see the ‘Big Five’– lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino and a variety of other wildlife. The park is also home to bushman rock paintings as well as archaeological sites. You can also opt for the walking safari, or take a hot air balloon ride to explore the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and the river systems.

2. Cape Point Nature Reserve

A natural reserve in the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point Nature Reserve lies at the tip of Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve was originally named Cape of Storms and has an 1859 lighthouse. A paradise for nature lovers, the abundance of flora and fauna includes approximately 250 species of birds, bucks and baboons. The best part is the National Park also has some world-class restaurants and curio shop.

3. V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, which is named after Great Britain’s Queen Victoria and her youngest son Alfred, is one of the top attractions in South Africa. The popular destination is very popular among local families as well as tourists. From a number of shopping outlets, curio shops, puppet shows, fine dining places to workshops, there are of things you can experience at the V&A waterfront. There are also a number of museums, markets, which give you a chance to learn about the city harbour and also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also indulge in some outdoor activities such as harbour cruises, boat charters and helicopter flips.

4. The Drakensberg

Drakensberg, which implies Dragon Mountains, is another spectacular destination in South Africa. The place is home to the country’s highest peaks. The region has some of the famous World Heritage listed destinations such as uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, San rock art, Royal Natal National Park, beautiful Amphitheatre and a cliff face. Don’t forget to go for hot air balloon rides to appreciate the place.

5. Garden Route

The Garden Route runs for approximately 200 kilometers through some of South Africa’s breathtaking coastal scenery. The main highlights of the place include the beautiful town of Knysna snuggled in the dense forest, Garden Route National Park with the stunning gorges , tidal pools, and thick forests. You can also go for elephant rides and whale watching trips to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours.

Last Few Words

South Africa’s scenic beautify and diverse wildlife make it a popular vacation destination. If you too want to book a South Africa tour package, the best way is to contact an international tour operator that can help you select a holiday package that matches your plan and budget. But, make sure you get quotes from at least three to four operators to be able to compare the packages, and to get the best deal possible.

February 19, 2019 by Jeremy

How to Plan a Solo Holiday

A vacation is usually a group activity. Most people think of vacations and going somewhere nice with an amazing view together with a bunch of friends and loved ones. It would seem like not a lot of people are excited about taking solo vacations. The thing to note is that solo vacations are an amazing experience. A few people have noted that they feel very free and emancipated when they take a solo vacation because they can do whatever they want, whenever and however they choose to.

There are a few things to consider when planning a solo vacation especially if you’re going to a destination you’re generally unfamiliar with or a place that you might encounter cultural and lifestyle differences. Here are a few:

Be Pre-Emptive

You need to do a lot of research and planning ahead of your travel date. What kind of place are you going to? What are the safest areas of the city? Is it safe for me to plan fun activities at night? What is the dress code and what type of behaviour is allowed or frowned upon? Generally, it’s safer to not stick out like a sore thumb especially if you’re in an unsafe area. This is so you don’t get targeted.

Set a Reasonable Budget

Make a list of everything that your vacation will cost, including your Uber trip to the airport or train station. If you’ve done really good research, then you already know how much your flights and accommodation will cost. You also already know the places you’d like to visit at your destination. Put all of this in a budget and be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t afford.

Choose a Good Time Period

Some places are a bad idea to visit at certain times of the year. Other places are more fun at certain times, too. The best way to enjoy your destination is to choose a time where there’ll be a lot of activities that let you soak in and enjoy the experience properly.

Accommodation Plans

Reports have it that the best place to stay for a solo vacationer is an Airbnb or a hostel. The great thing about places like this is that you get to enjoy your destination with a lot of other people who can show you the best places to go and how best to enjoy your time. Your social life would largely improve and you wouldn’t be so alone anymore. Another fantastic thing about this is that hostels and Airbnb’s are generally cheaper than hotels. So if you could have accommodation without spending a lot of money and you still have amazing people around you with common interests, what more could you want?

Most importantly, don’t be too afraid or reluctant to go on a vacation alone. They are fun, interesting, and could help you see the world through other people’s eyes and experiences. Feel free to find a last minute singles holiday today and take a trip!

February 4, 2019 by Jeremy

A Guide to Hanoi’s Best Street Food

Vietnamese food is integral to understanding the culture and history of the country, and Hanoi is a great place to taste the local cuisine. But what is the best way to experience Vietnamese food while in Hanoi? Here’s your guide to Hanoi’s best street food and how to find them:

Street food tour

The best way to experience Hanoi street food is to take a walking tour of the city. It will give you a closer look at how these dishes are prepared and served by Vietnamese people. To make your trip more immersive, try the Withlocals food tour, an app that pairs you up with a local who can guide you through the busy streets of Hanoi and take you to the best street food stops in the city.

Private vs group tour

There are different ways to experience the street food scene in Hanoi. You can take a private tour with a local through an app like Withlocals, or you can book a group tour. How are they different?

Customizability: Group tours usually have a set itinerary. You’re told where to go and when to leave each stop, which often prevents tourist from experiencing the true essence of the city. Meanwhile, a private tour can give you a unique experience that’s totally customizable to your preferences. If you like a place, you can stay longer or visit it more than once during your vacation. You can also tell your local guide if there are certain places that you want to try or have been recommended by friends who have visited Hanoi before.
Authenticity: Organized tours often fail to give tourists an immersive experience because they’re trying to stop by so many places in such a short amount of time. As a result, you get a holistic but not an immersive tour of the city. So if you want authenticity above all else, and if a taste of the local cuisine is your main reason for visiting Hanoi, then a private tour is the better option for you. Locals are the key to experience even the most touristy destinations in a renewed, respectful and sustainable way.
Privacy: Don’t like the idea of spending so much time with foreign strangers who know nothing about the history and culture of Hanoi? You might enjoy a private tour more. After all, locals are the ones who live in the city and walk these streets daily, so they can take you to the best and most authentic venues, markets, and street food stalls.

What to try

Now that you know how you can taste the best of Hanoi street food, let’s talk about the must-try Vietnamese food items. While in the city, here are five dishes you don’t want to miss:

1. Pho

Did you even go to Vietnam if you didn’t have a taste of their famous pho? Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with delicious beef broth, rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs, and a combination of spices and sauces. When you try this delicious Vietnamese staple, make sure to squeeze in a half of a lime into the broth to add another layer of flavor to this exquisite main dish.

2. Bánh mi

Born in Saigon in the late 1950s, bánh mi is one of the good things that France brought to Vietnam during the invasion. It’s a fusion between the French baguette for the bread and Vietnam’s fresh and local ingredients for the sandwich filling. As Americans got involved in the Vietnam war, bringing with them wheat shipments from the West, bánh mi became more popular in many different parts of the country. Today, you can have a taste of bánh mi in almost every street corner.

3. Chè

When someone says dessert, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A slice of cake or pie? A chocolate concoction of some kind? In Vietnam, the most popular dessert is chè, an interesting dish that can either be a pudding, a drink, or even a soup. When in Vietnam, try at least one of these famous types of chè: chè chuôi, chè thái, chè trôi nuóc, chè ba màu, and chè bap.

4. Xoi

Xoi is a favorite breakfast food among locals. It’s a simple breakfast dish that can either be sweet or savory. Basically, xoi is sticky rice mixed with corn and beans and served with chicken, sausage, eggs, and pork. Start your walking tour of the city right with a serving of Xoi in the morning.

5. Bún cha

A dish that proudly originated in Hanoi, bún cha is a Vietnamese super meal. It usually consists of four different dishes: rice or rice noodles, meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It is also served with different dipping sauces for the meat and a few side dishes. When US President Obama visited the country, he tried bún cha and immediately fell in love with it.

Is your mouth watering yet? Get excited because these Vietnamese dishes are waiting for you on your vacation! Just make sure to choose the right kind of food tour for you and you’ll be eating the best local cuisine in no time.