Eight Exhilarating Indoor Water Parks around the World

Water parks, isn’t it fun to spin and splash in the water? How about enjoying water slides with family? Thinking of having a cup of hot coffee on a cold winter day and enjoying a water slide? Yes…you can do so now; thanks to indoor water parks. Majority of these indoor water parks have kiddie pools, playgrounds, wave pools, tube slides, body slides, water coasters, etc., the perfect place for a weekend escape with your family. Here is a small list of 8 exciting indoor water parks around the world.

1. World Waterpark, Edmonton, Canada

Thunderbolt sled slide, World Waterpark, Edmonton, Canada

This is one of the largest indoor water parks around the world and is located in the West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Canada. It is not only the largest indoor water park, but also has the world’s largest indoor wave pool with a capacity of 12.3 million litres.

They have classified the slides into various categories like beginner, intermediate, advanced, extreme and decommissioned slides. Beginner slides are the best for small children; dolphin kiddie pool is a small dolphin-themed play park for children. Another must use beginner slide is the Caribbean Cove. There are slides with bumps, steep drops, slide centered on sleds, etc., for the adults.

Do you have a fascination for hot tubs? World waterpark has two hot tubs; one single and one double. Enjoy a snack or a hot dog during a break and start to splash in the water again.

2. Splash Lagoon, Erie, Pennsylvania

Tiki Tree House, Splash Lagoon Waterpark, Pennsylvania

This is the large indoor water park in Pennsylvania and has seven water slides, three hot tubs, a children’s area, and loads of other attractions.

In the Wild Waters Wave Pool, enjoy the 200,000-gallon wave pool and six different wave patterns. Monkey Shines Island is the best place for children where there are pint-sized slides, shallow pool and various other activities for small children. Enjoy 1000 gallons of water dumping on you from a height of 48 feet at Bucket. Some of the must see water attractions at Splash Lagoon are Hurricane Hole, Paradise Cove, Shark Attack, Python Plunge, Big Kahuna, and Black Hole.

The resort arranges for shuttle services from hotels that are affiliated to the park and do not have direct transportation. It is necessary to wear a wristband when inside the Water Park.

3. Water Park of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

Wave Pool, Water Park of America, Minnesota

The tallest indoor water park in America located very close to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. This indoor water park is attached to the Radisson Hotel and is operated by Davidson Hotel Company.

Water Park of America has body slides, tube slides, wave pool, lazy river, flow rider, hot tubs, children’s area, etc.; a perfect indoor water park for the entire family. Enjoy 500 gallons of water dumped on you every 2 minutes and 15 seconds at Fort Snelling Play area; have a breathtaking view of the entire water park at Eagles Nest 5^th Floor Tube Slide; take a ride outside the water park building at Eagles Nest 7^th Floor Body Slide; or the fastest body slide at Eagles Nest 10^th Floor Body Slide. If you are fond of hot tubs, take a plunge at Isle Royal Hot Spring Hot Tubs.

Check out their website to know about the prices and offers as they change depending on the season.

4. H2Oasis Indoor Water Park, Anchorage, Alaska

H2Oasis Indoor Water Park, Alaska

Image source

H2Oasis Indoor Water Park, the fifth largest indoor water park in the United States is the best bet for water coasters, splash pools, wave pools and a host of other water slides.

How about enjoying a water coaster of 43 feet high, yes…it is the “Master Blaster.” Children can enjoy in the 12-inch-deep children’s lagoon. There are umpteen rides that include Lazy River, Beached Boat, Wave Pool, Pirate Ship, Water Cannons that makes the trip to H2Oasis Indoor Water Park memorable and exciting. One of the most fun ways to exercise is the Riverwalk; it is definitely enjoyable to walk on those slow moving water and then relaxing in the whirlpool spa.

This indoor water park offers both monthly and yearly memberships; you may be entitled for a discount if paid the membership in full.

5. Serena Aqua Park, Espoo, Helsinki

Serena Aqua Park, Helsinki

Image source

This is the biggest indoor water park in the Europe; it also has an outdoor water park area. Are you looking for an exciting and adventurous water slides? If yes, Serena Aqua Park is definitely the best.

You can enjoy a tropical climate almost all through the year; this indoor water park is a place where you can enjoy terraced pools, whirlpools, wave pools and water slides. Does your child accompany you and wondering what fun the little one will have in Serena? There are special splash pools for small children. It is a best place for a fun family time together.

There is no entrance fee for children under 4 years; however, for children under 10 years, parents must accompany them on all rides.

6. Alpamare, Bade Toelz, Bavaria

Alpamare Indoor Water park, Bavaria

Image source

Alpamare is the first indoor water park in Europe and the first one to have indoor surf wave. Experience swirls, eerie, sound effects, etc., as you slope down in Alpamere indoor water park. There are 7 slides in total with an area covering nearly 1000 meters.

It is very thrilling to experience Jacuzzis, massage jets, music pools and above all the indoor surf wave. The indoor surf wave is called the “Endless Peak” and as the name goes, there is no end to surfing here in the indoor surf wave.

7. Blue Lagoon Water Park, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Blue Lagoon Water Park interior, Wales

Source

Blue lagoon Water Park is one of the largest in Wales and is located in Bluestone holiday village; this is definitely one of the best indoor water parks that provide host of activities for the entire family.

They have an indoor wave machine, rapids river ride, and enclosed flume rides. Kids are sure to love the kiddie pool while the adults can race against each other on the water slides, go for an inside or outside Jacuzzi, or enjoy the lazy river.

Out of the 4 slides, 2 slides are completely dark and they are sure to add the excitement and enjoyment.

8. Fallsview Indoor Water Park, Casino Niagara, Ontario

Fallsview Indoor Water park slides

Source Wikipedia

Spread across an area of 2.9 acres, Fallsview Indoor Water Park is one among the best water parks in the world. The major attractions are the 7 pools and 16 water slides. This indoor water park is nicknamed “Niagara’s Wettest Wonder.”

Enjoy waves that are 3 to 4 feet high in the Tidal Wave, race side-by-side, drop at a great speed at Drop Canyon, enjoy a ride at Canadian Plunge that offer water centrifuge super bowl, relax yourself at the Horseshoe hot springs, and above all soak yourself at the Niagara Tipping Bucket that will spill nearly thousand gallons of water. There is also enough room for the kids to enjoy; children can take a dip in the Tiny Tots Splash Park or go wild at the Jungle Beach Playland.

Drench yourself in these amazing and enthralling water parks around the world.

Top 5 National Parks of Canada

Canada is famous for untouched landscape and preserving its natural beauty. Canada has 36 national parks and 6 national park reserves. Parks Canada, an agency of Government of Canada, maintains all these parks; the main aim of Parks Canada is to protect the rich natural and cultural heritage of Canada.

Here is a list of top 5 National Parks of Canada, which are also a part of World Heritage Site. These national parks are definitely a great tourist attraction as it is a treat to watch the lush green trees, glaciers, open meadows, wildlife, skiing area, etc.

1. Banff National Park

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Image via dreamstime

Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada and was established in the year 1885. This is the best place for hot springs, snow-filled mountains, glaciers, lakes, limestone caves, icefields, open meadows, pine forests that include aspen, willow, etc. Is that all…no, you can also witness nearly 56 species of mammals and few reptile species.

Best time to visit:Visit between June and September, the sunny months for summer activities like camping, hiking, biking, hot springs, wildlife viewing, swimming, etc. If you are an adventure traveler interested in winter activities like skating, alpine and Nordic skiing, ice diving, ice-skating, snow shoeing, etc., it is best to visit between November and January.

Getting there:Banff National Park is located in Alberta province, 80 miles west of Calgary and 500 miles northeast of Vancouver.  You can reach there by the Trans-Canada highway or Icefields parkway or through Bow Valley parkway. You can take a flight to Calgary or Edmonton or Vancouver and from there can drive to Banff National Park.

Where to stay:There are lots of hotels, B&B’s, backcountry lodges, condos and inns for travelers to stay. Most of these offer complimentary breakfast, complimentary internet, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating rooms, etc. Few hotels also help you in getting discounted tickets to visit the local attractions. The rentals starts at as low as $49 per person.

Must-see attractions:Banff Upper Hot Springs that flows naturally through the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault, ski resorts, Cory Pass loop, wildlife and golf course at Fairmount.

Fees: A visitor pass is required to visit the national park. You can purchase a day or yearly pass.

How to stay safe: It is very important that you stay safe when visiting Banff National Park. To stay safe:

1. Obey speed limits, take extra care when driving in winter and be aware of avalanches.
2. Read the warning signs and stay safe.
3. Stay at a distance from wildlife like elks, wolves, cougars, coyotes, bears, etc. 

2. Gros Morne National Park

Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park

Source: Wikipedia

Gros Morne National Park is the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada and is located on the west coast of Newfoundland; it was established in the year 1973. This park is famous for its picturesque scenery, sandy beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, fishing villages and wildlife.

Best time to visit: If you prefer dry and cool weather, the best time to visit would be between mid July and mid September. It is also the best time to watch some special species like Canada goose, Wilson warbler, etc. It usually starts snowing by late September. January through March is best for cross-country skiing. The best time to visit Gros Morne National park to watch ducks and shorebirds is Fall.

Getting there: Once you reach Newfoundland by air reaching Gros Morne National Park is simple. The two airports are Deer Lake Regional Airport and St. John’s International Airport. There are shuttles, car, or bus via Marine Atlantic ferry to the park.

Where to stay: You can stay on the campgrounds; both park and private campgrounds are available. There are certain rules and regulations to be followed when using these campgrounds; these include registering the vehicle, one camping unit and a small tent for each campground, no nailing on trees, no littering of food items, etc.

Must-see attractions:Western Brook Pond, Pissing Mare Falls, The Tablelands, and Lobster Cove Lighthouse

Fees: There is an entrance fees to visit the park; you need to pay additional charges for activities like camping, wilderness hiking, backcountry use, etc.

How to stay safe: To stay safe, remember the following:

1. Be aware of the weather conditions before you visit the park, as few hikes can be very challenging.
2. Do not get down from your car when you encounter animals like bear, moose, etc. Make sure there is enough room for the wild animals to roam, wait until they leave. If in doubt, ask the staff of the park. 

3. Jasper National Park

Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park

Source: Fotopedia

Do you wish to see glaciers, hot springs, rugged mountains, charming scenery? If yes, head straight to Jasper National Park, one of the largest national parks in the Canadian Rockies. This park was established in the year, 1907. This national park boasts of having nearly 40 different varieties of fishes, 277 species of birds and 69 species of mammals.

Best time to visit:Mid June through October is the best time to visit Jasper National Park. To enjoy clear skies and cool weather, the best time is between September and October.

Getting there: Jasper National Park is located west of Edmonton, northwest of Calgary and northeast of Vancouver. Once you reach any of these locations by air, you can take the Trans-Canada highway to reach the park; rental cars are also available.

Where to Stay: Jasper National Park provides campgrounds all through the year; it can accommodate a single person as well as a large group. If you are not interested in camping and are looking for hotels, bungalows, cabins, home accommodations, etc., you definitely have a lot of options.

Must see attractions:Mount Edith Cavell, Maligne Canyon for its frozen waterfalls, spectacular Icefields Parkway, Miette Hot Springs, and the Marmot Basin ski area.

Fees: Either you can buy a daily pass or an annual pass as visitors to the park will be permitted only if they have a valid pass. You will have to pay additional fees for various activities like camping, backcountry, visiting Hot springs, etc.

How to stay safe:

1. Obey speed limits; check the local weather forecast before you start your trip and drive only if you are prepared for the said weather conditions.
2. Avalanches are very common; be aware of them and equip yourself with the necessary equipments.
3. Stay away from wild animals like bear, cougars, elks, etc.; if you are near them, ensure you are inside your vehicle.
4. Never leave food items, as these will attract wild animals. 

4. Waterton Lakes National Park

Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Lakes National Park

Source: Wikipedia

This park is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, Canada and borders Glacier National Park; Waterton and Glacier parks together known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was dedicated by Sir Charles Arthur Mander for world peace. Waterton is the smallest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Visit Waterton Lakes for its ecosystem, grasslands, chain of lakes, and prairies.

Best time to visit:The best time to visit Waterton Lakes national park is between June and September; this is the best time for various summer activities, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and plants; there are nearly 1000 species of plants.

Getting there: Reach the airports at Calgary or Lethbridge and take a car from there to the park. You can also reach Waterton Lakes National Park from Glacier National Park via the Chief Mountain International Highway.

Where to stay: You can stay either in the campgrounds or at hotels, inns, or B&B’s. The rates at B&B’s are between $135 and $215.

Must-see attractions:Do not miss to see the Upper Waterton Lake, Buffalo Paddock and the Red Rock Canyon.

Fees: An entry to the park requires a pass; both daily and annual pass are available. You need to pay additional fees for activities like camping, backcountry, fishing, etc.

How to stay safe:

1. Know the weather conditions before hand and travel accordingly.
2. Do not stop near posted avalanche zones.
3. To stay safe from wildlife try moving around in groups, do not feed the animals; do not litter food, as this would attract animals, etc. 

5. Wood Buffalo National Park

Grosbeak Lake, Wood Buffalo National Park (World Heritage site)

Source: Wikipedia

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada and is famous for its diverse ecosystem, landscape and wildlife. It is also a place for one of the world’s largest fresh water deltas.

Best time to visit:Visit Wood Buffalo National park in the winter to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. For activities like cross-country skiing, it is best to visit during March and April.

Getting there: Reach Edmonton by air, which is the hub for commercial air travel and take a vehicle through Highway 5 near Hay River to get to the park. There are also winter roads to gain access to the park during winter.

Where to stay: The Park has few campgrounds for the visitors to stay; there are not too many hotels or other accommodations near Wood Buffalo National Park.

Must-see attractions:Watch the whooping crane or the wood bison and experience the salt plains, the freshwater delta, aurora borealis, backcountry trip to sweetgrass, and the Grosbeak Lake.

Fees: There is an entry fee as well as additional fees for activities like camping, backcountry use, fishing, etc.

How to stay safe:

1. Clothing in layers is necessary to avoid insect bites.
2. As you might encounter bears and bison, it is essential to stay calm and not attract bears or other wildlife by throwing food, plastic containers, etc.
3. Be careful when driving.

Pay a visit to these World Heritage site national parks of Canada and I am sure it will be a memorable vacation.

Greeting Etiquette and Faux Pas in Latin American Countries

There are so many continents and countries and each country has its own customs, rituals and etiquettes. What is right in one country may not be right in other country or continent; this is the reason it is very much essential to know the etiquette of the place you wish to visit. Here is a small list of etiquette to be practiced when greeting and the faux pas in greeting in countries of Latin America.

Argentina

1. You greet others with a kiss in their cheeks with or without a hug; this holds true for both the sexes.


2. Say “Gracias” if you want to thank someone and respond with “De Nada” if someone thanks you.


3. Greet people you meet and remember to say a goodbye when you leave.

Brazil

1. Avoid making the mistake of greeting Brazilians in Spanish as it is considered rude instead greet them in Portuguese.


2. You kiss on other person’s cheek to greet them; in general, men greet each other with a handshake followed by a hug if close friends.


3. If you have the habit of giving gifts when meeting someone, make sure you change the habit when you visit Brazil. There is every chance that it is misinterpreted as romantic offer especially if it is given to opposite sex; however, this doesn’t apply if the gift is given on a birthday.

Chile

1. You can cheek-kiss to greet:


1. Men and women


2. Women-women

To greet a male counterpart, it is generally a male hug or abrazo; this way of greeting is done only when the male counterpart is close to you.

2. Greet your family members with a kiss on their cheek.


3. If you have children, make sure they too greet everyone you meet once they have offered their greetings to you.

Colombia

1. It is common to greet others with a cheek-kiss, but greeting a woman who is a stranger and elder to you with a cheek-kiss is a faux pas.


2. Say thank you for even common actions like opening a door, offered something to eat or drink, etc. It is a very good habit to say thank you how small the action is.


3. Do not try to imitate the accent of the person speaking with you as it is considered rude especially if you know the language.

Haiti

1. When men meet their counterpart, they shake hands; men and women greet each other with a cheek-kiss; women greet each other with a cheek-kiss.


2. Never forget to greet the elders in a family as it is considered insulting and a faux pas if you don’t greet the elders.


3. In general, public display of love and affection between opposite genders (men and women) is not encouraged.

Nicaragua

1. Greet with a “hello” followed by “Good Day” or “Good Afternoon” or “Good Evening” depending on the hour of the day.


2. Greet with a handshake and kiss. Are you seeing someone whom you know at a distance? If yes, don’t forget to reach them and greet them; a simple wave or verbal salutation is definitely not enough.


3. Use “Don” or “Dona” when greeting elders; Don for men and Dona for women.

Peru

1. Shake hands to greet others; you can kiss on the cheeks only if they are close acquaintances.


2. Never forget to greet everyone in a gathering; especially the elders.


3. If meeting Amerindians, do not kiss or shake hands to greet them instead slightly brush of the hand.

Venezuela

1. If you are a male and is introduced to a female, make sure you initiate the greeting; kiss on the cheek once followed by a gentle handshake.


2. When invited to someone’s house make sure you go with a gift and not empty-handed.


3. During conversations, it is very common to touch each other’s arms or shoulders.

Know the etiquette of the country or place you are visiting and avoid embarrassments.

Top 10 Ski Resorts in Canada - Part I

Canada is the largest country in North America and is famous for its beautiful landscapes and culture. Canada is sometimes called as “Switzerland of North America.” Switzerland, what is the first thing you remember when you hear this name? It is of course, snow covered mountains. As the name says “Switzerland of North America,” Canada too offers a lot of adventure travel and is famous for skiing and best skiing resorts.

Skiing is definitely for those who love to race through the beautiful white snow. Are you planning for a Canadian ski vacation? If yes, do not miss to see these top 10 exotic Canadian skiing resorts. This is travel encyclopedia’s best skiing resorts of Canada. Some of the best ski resorts of Canada are in Alberta and British Columbia. This list is based on the skiable area.

10. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, skiable area - 2,750 acres

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Canada and is located in British Columbia; it is just 14 km above Golden, British Columbia. This Canadian ski vacation resort got its name after the nearby Kicking Horse River and Pass. This resort is just 1.5 hours west off Banff and 2.5 hours west off Calgary in the Trans-Canada highway. 

Kicking Horse Resort

Image source

Base and top elevation: 3,900 ft and 8,033 ft

Runs: 106; beginners and intermediate - 20%, advanced - 45% and experts - 15%

Longest run: 10 km long

Terrain parks: 1

Snowfall: 7m a year

The annual snowfall ranges between 250 and 700 cm and is best for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing or free heel skiing. If you visit this resort during summer, you have loads of opportunities for bungee jumping, grizzly bear refuge, mountain biking, etc.

9. Big White Ski Resort, skiable area - 2,765 acres

It is easy to get to Big White Ski Resort once you reach Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley; from Kelowna, it is just 56 km. Once you get to Big White Ski Resort, you can even take a day trip shuttle to Silver Star Mountain Resort. If you are looking for some serious snow, without a second thought go for Big White Ski Resort.

Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Image source wikipedia

Base and top elevation: 5,757 ft and 7,606 ft

Runs: 118 designated trails; beginners - 18%, intermediate - 54%, expert - 22% and extreme - 6%

Longest run: 7.2 km

Snowfall: average of 750 cm

If you are an adventure traveler, you have a bunch of adventures in store for you in Big White Ski Resort. These would include snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snow biking, tubing, etc.

8. Panorama Mountain Village, skiable area - 2,847 acres

Panorama Mountain Village is located in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia; it is located 308 km west of Calgary, Alberta and is 18 km west of Invermere. This is the best place for rolling cliffs and you are sure to get a brilliant and stunning view of the Rocky Mountains from here. This has the largest vertical drops in North America.

Panorama Mountain Village

Image source wikipedia

Base and top elevation: 3,806 ft and 7,808 ft

Runs: 120+; beginners and intermediates - 75%

Longest run: 5.5 km

Snowfall: 479 cm a year

One can visit Panorama Mountain Village both in winter and in summer. If you are most interested in skiing, the best time is winter and there are many winter activities that one can participate; these include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, dog sledding, etc. In summer, you can either chill out in the pool or take an adventurous trip if you love adventure travel. It is also an ideal place for kids as they offer so much of kid-friendly programs such as pony rides, cooking adventure, etc. Have fun by riding on a horseback or revitalize yourself with mountain yoga. Canoeing and kayaking are also equally a good way to relax during summer in Panorama Mountain Village.

7. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, skiable area - 3,031 acres

Revelstokr Mountain Resort is one among the popular Canadian ski resorts and is on Mount Mackenzie in British Columbia. This ski resort can be reached by car, bus, or air; one can even use the regular shuttle service that the resort offers. This resort is the only mountain resort in the world that offers centralized hub, which includes cat skiing, gondola and heli-skiing.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Image source wikipedia

Base and top elevation: 1,680 ft and 7,300 ft

Runs: 40 designated trails; beginner - 10%, intermediate - 42.5% and expert - 47.5%

Longest run: 15.2 km

Snowfall: An average of 12 to 18 m a year

You can experience the out of this world sight of the mountains when cat skiing and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the resort. During summer, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting or go for a helicopter tour or paraglide or do mountain biking.

6. Silver Star Mountain Resort, skiable area - 3,065 acres

Silver Star Mountain Resort is located on the Monashee Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. Some of the reasons for taking a trip to Silver Star Mountain Resort would include 100% natural snow, variety of terrains, award winning Nordic trails, etc. The highlight of this ski resort is the champagne powder over the mid-mountain range.

Silver Star Mountain Village Ski Resort

Image source wikipedia

Base and top elevation: 3,780 ft and 6,280 ft

Runs: 115 designated trails; beginner and expert - 20%, intermediate - 50% and extreme - 10%

Longest run: 8 km

Snowfall: 700 cm a year

Like any other Canadian ski resorts that we saw above, this mountain resort also, have hosts of activities for both summer and winter. Some of the activities that you can enjoy in this ski resort of Canada are skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tube town, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, heli skiing, etc. One of the best events during summer is the Okanagan Summer Wine Festival apart from the nature walk, mountain bike trails, etc. Don’t ever miss to watch the following spectacular events of Silver Start Mountain Resort:

1. Christmas Eve fireworks and torchlight parade
2. New Year Eve fireworks and torchlight parade

Watch out for the second part of best Canadian ski resorts.

Seven Tips to Pack Efficiently for Flight Travel

Packing for an air travel or flight travel requires lot of preparation. There are various reasons why you must prepare for packing luggage for air travel; these are:

1. Air travel security restrictions


2. Air travel carry on rules


3. Baggage fee for excess luggage


4. Carry on weight restrictions

Small girl packing for travel

Image via dreamstime

Here are seven packing tips to make your packing for airline travel simple and easy.

1. Determining the duration of your travel is a key to packing for air travel. What does duration have to do with packing? This determines things that need to be packed; for example; you might require only few dresses if the trip is for just 2-3 days and more if it is going to be a long one.

2. Know the baggage weight restrictions of the airlines as different airlines have different weight restrictions; weight restrictions also differ for domestic and international travel. Call up your airlines and find the weight restrictions allowed as this will help you avoid paying baggage fee for excess luggage.

3. Get a clear picture on things that can be packed in carry-on luggage and check-in luggage. In general, you must not carry sharp objects, flammable liquids, etc., in your carry-on luggage; certain items such as explosives, flammables, chemicals, aerosol paints, etc., can’t be kept even in check-in baggage. Majority of the airlines allow a separate laptop bag apart from carry-on luggage, but it is always good to make room for laptop in the carry-on luggage itself.

4. Prepare a checklist for your flight travel. Plan on things you will keep on the carry-on baggage and check-in baggage; find out if you need to buy anything for your travel, understand the weather conditions of your travel destination and see whether you need to take your thermals, raincoats, etc. Plan and prepare a thorough check-list to avoid confusions.

5. Start your packing with essential things for your travel like clothes, matching accessories, undergarments, shoes, etc. in your check-in baggage. Make sure you don’t pack too much of anything for your travel. It is advisable to look for options where you can mix-n-match your dress and accessories; less baggage always gives you more comfort. Please pay attention to the weight restrictions when you pack for your flight travel else you may have to pay for excess baggage.

6. Now, start packing your carry-on baggage; pack things like book, CD or mp3 player, hand sanitizer or cleanser, eye mask, travel documents, laptop, camera, etc. If you were able to restrict yourself with a backpack rather a big suitcase for your carry-on baggage, it would really be great. Keep travel documents in an easily accessible place in your carry-on baggage; don’t search for the documents when the authorities ask them.

7. Make sure you have at least one set of clothing in your carry-on baggage; this will come in handy if your baggage is either lost or delayed.

All the best for your safe flight travel! Happy traveling!

References:

Permitted and Prohibited Items for Air Travel

Top 5 Tourist Attractions of Mauritius

Mauritius is definitely one of the popular travel destinations among travelers. Mauritius is a small island situated off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritius is divided into five zones, namely, Northern Touristic Zone, East, South East, West, and the Interior. Mauritius is famous for its sandy white beaches, coral reefs, stunning scenery and warm climate. I present you with some of the best and must see tourist attractions in Mauritius Island.

1. Le Chateau de Labourdonnais:

Le Chateau de Labourdonnais, Mauritius

Image via tropicscope

Le Chateau de Labourdonnais is one of the top tourist attractions of Mauritius. It is a combination of museum, garden, distillery and a restaurant. This was owned by Christian Wiehe and was constructed in the year 1856 with an inspiration from the Italian neo-classical architecture.

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2. Grand Baie

Grand Baie or Grand Bay, Mauritius

Image via flickr

Grand Baie is the seaside tourist village of Mauritius. Can there be a better way of recognizing Grand Baie rather saying it to be the heart of Mauritius nightlife? If you are a party freak, Grand Baie is the best and main tourist attraction in Mauritius. It is just not for night birds, but also best for those who love shopping and spend some time in leisure. It is a great tourist attraction as it offers wonderful facilities for swimming, sailing, water skiing, boat excursions to the northern islands of Mauritius, and helicopter excursions. Grand Baie or Grand Bay has the best bar and nightclub of Mauritius.

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3. Le Morne Brabant

Le Monre Brabant, Mauritius

Image via fotopedia

Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula in Mauritius and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. What is so special or interesting about this tourist attraction of Mauritius is the single standing basaltic rock of 1821 feet above sea level. This place is surrounded by lagoons and is home for certain rarest plant species of the world like Mandrinette and Trochetia boutoniana. 

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4. Chamarel Village

Seven Colored Earth, Chamarel Village, Mauritius

Image via flickr

Are you wondering what is there to look in a village and how can this be a tourist attraction? The significance of Chamarel village is the Chamarel Falls and the Seven Colored Earth. Chamarel Falls is definitely spectacular and you can spend hours looking at the gushing waters. Seven Colored Earth; doesn’t that kindle your interest to see this village? Seven Colored Earth is a natural phenomenon and is formed by decomposed basalt gullies. The hydrolysis process is responsible for the formation of Seven Colored Earth and the colors are mainly due to elements present in the soil like iron and aluminium. You can even buy a small test tube filled with colored earth when you visit Chamarel village.

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5. Black River Gorges

Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

Image via wikipedia

Black River Gorges is a national park in Mauritius spread across an area of 16,244 hectares. This was declared open in 1994 and is maintained by National Parks and Conservation Service. This is the best place in Mauritius to watch rare bird species and fauna. The landscapes too are a treat to the eyes. You can get to see Chinese guava, privet, animals like rusa deer, Mauritian flying fox, birds like pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel and parakeets, etc.

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Take a break from your monotonous work schedule and relax yourselves in Mauritius. These are the must watch tourist attractions of Mauritius.

Enchanting Eight Highest Waterfalls of Africa

Waterfalls, aren’t they beautiful to look at? Imagine a scene of water gushing down to land at full speed…wow. Have you tried throwing stones in the water or leaving paper boats on them? I definitely have enjoyed making paper boats and leaving them on water. Here is a list of 8 highest waterfalls of Africa.

8. Victoria Falls, Zambia:

Victoria Falls, Zambia

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Victoria Falls also called, as Mosi-oa-Tunya is located in Zambia on Zambezi River. This is the eight highest waterfall of Africa with a total height of 108 m and the largest waterfall in the world. Sevennaturalwonders.org website has listed Victoria Falls as one of the seventh natural wonders of the world. The best feature of this fall is the naturally formed pool called the “Devil’s Pool.”

7. Ouzoud Falls, Morocco:

Ouzoud Falls, Morocco

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Ouzoud Falls in Morocco is the seventh highest waterfall of Africa with a height of 110 m and is located in the Grand Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt. Ouzoud means “olives” in Berber language and this falls got its name due to the abundance of olive trees near the falls.

6. Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province:

Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province

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Howick Falls is located in KwaZulu-Natal province with a total height of 111 m and lies on Umegeni River. The Zulu people originally called this falls as KwaNogqaza; KwaNogqaza means “Place of the Tall One.” A legendry tale says that a giant serpent like creature called “Inkanyamba” is residing at the bottom of the falls and those who offer prayers to sangomas can only reach this falls safely and return.

5. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho:

Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho

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Maletsunyane Falls, with a total height of 192 m is located near Semonkong town in Lesotho. Maletsunyane Falls is horsetail type waterfall with the longest drop measuring 192 m. Semonkong means “The place of smoke” and this town got its name from the fog or smoke created by Maletsunyane Falls when it is falling into the gorge.

4. Kalambo Falls, Zambia:

Kalambo Falls, Zambia

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Kalambo Falls is a 235 m high waterfall in Zambia and is second highest uninterrupted falls in Africa. It is a treat to watch Lake Tanganyika from Kolambo falls. This falls was noticed initially by people in the year 1913 and was believed to be more than 300 m high, but the actual height was recently discovered.  

3. Livingstone Falls, Democratic Republic of Congo:

Livingstone Falls, Zambia

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Livingstone Falls was named after the explorer David Livingstone and is 270 m high. Livingstone falls may not be the highest waterfall of Africa, but definitely a largest waterfall in the world in terms of flow rate. The latter portion of Livingstone Falls contains group of cataracts called Inga falls and contains two large hydro power plants.

2. Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe:

Mutarazi Falls, also spelt as Mtarazi Falls is located in Zimbabwe and is 762 m high. This is the second highest waterfall in Africa and 17^th highest in the world. When the river is flowing off the cliff one can clearly see two nearly indistinguishable drops flowing from it.

1. Tugela Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province:

Tugela Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province

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Tugela Falls is the highest waterfall in Africa with a total height of 948 m and is world’s second highest waterfall. It is located in KwaZulu-Natal province. Tugela Falls has two trails; one is to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources and the second one is from the Royal Natal National Park.

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