Category Archives: Travel Tips

Travel Tips

A Guide to Visiting Animal Sanctuaries Around the World

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Sloth in animal sanctuary

Swimming with dolphins, riding horses, or hanging out with sloths: these are just a few items that might be on the bucket list for an animal lover. Fortunately, for those of us willing and able to travel, this dream can become a reality on your journey abroad in a way that’s not harmful to the species or animal itself. 

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries defines an animal rescue or sanctuary as a facility that provides care and protection for wild and domesticated animals. While some organizations are entirely rehabilitation-based, others provide lifelong care for the animals in their charge if release is not a viable option. Many sanctuaries are locally run and operated by those who aim to promote the welfare of not only the individual animals but the entire ecosystem as well.

Animal Sanctuaries Around The World

The world is full of wonders. For some, it’s the people, plants, and wildlife that amaze and intrigue the most. Many sanctuaries work to conserve threatened and endangered species while offering life-changing opportunities to interact with these animals.

Costa Rica alone has several highly rated animal sanctuaries that offer protection for wild and domesticated species. It’s common for sloths, exotic birds, and monkeys to be found in sanctuaries such as the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaguar Rescue Center, or Osa Wildlife Sanctuary.

“There are many amazing animals in Costa Rica,” Alfred Decarolis, the owner of Casa Teresa, said. “For visitors, seeing these species thrive right before your eyes imbues you with respect for the work and a desire to help—even after you leave.”

If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand, you’ll find opportunities to pet, swim with, or feed several species unique to the Land Down Under. Between ziplining adventures, helicopter tours, and local cave explorations, there are an enormous amount of animal sanctuaries to explore. In Australia, try out Featherdale Wildlife Park or Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, or in New Zealand, try out Zealandia.

kangaroos

In Japan, the island of Tashirojima has become not only a sanctuary for cats but a paradise for them as well. Cats are fed and taken care of by locals and visitors alike on an island that celebrates their quirks and usefulness. To this day, people still pray at the local shrine dedicated to a former feline resident of the island.

On a different island in Borneo, Indonesia, Tanjung Puting acts as a national park and prominent orangutan sanctuary. Various species of plants and other animals are protected here from deforestation. The park is open to the public and serves as an educational hub for the local environment. Guests can spot rare birds and unique plants, as well as feed orangutans. 

Travelers stopping in Croatia will discover numerous national parks, each offering a different experience. A few of these island parks require a boat ride to access them. While there aren’t many opportunities to interact directly with the protected wildlife here, exotic animals such as zebra and elephants can often be spotted on safaris around the parks.

How You Can Help

When animal lovers see a furry, scaly, or feathered friend in need, their instinct is to help. However, this is a task that should be left to the experts who understand the effects that one touch can have on an animal. 

horse

Rescues are proof of this. But in order to maintain quality care, many sanctuaries rely on donations and the volunteer efforts of locals and travelers with a soft spot for animals. 

For those with wanderlust and philanthropic tendencies, there are several volunteer destinations that allow you to travel the world and lend a hand to elephants, sea turtles, and everything in between. Volunteers can assist with cleaning, feeding, and other helpful services benefitting the sanctuary’s animal population.

For recuperating animals, a healthy diet is important to improve an animal’s well-being. Whether it’s man’s best friend or nature’s fiercest predator, nutrition is vital—especially in rehabilitation cases. Proper funding provides the necessary resources needed for the animals in their care. 

Participating in animal tourism and donating are just two options that allow you to support animal sanctuaries. Whether you’re handling these animals or watching them from afar, it’s important to leave things as they are. Tread lightly during your visits to some of the most beautiful and exotic animal sanctuaries around the world. The animals there will thank you for it.


Australia, Travel Tips

4 Best Day Trips from Brisbane

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Whether you live in Brisbane or you’re planning on visiting it in near future, consider taking a one day trip to some of the local destinations that will blow your mind with their beauty and an insanely large number of fun activities. These four destinations are just some of them you should not miss out on. 

Noosa Heads

One of the best destinations you can opt for is Noosa. It is located on the Sunshine Coast and it is only about two hours away from Brisbane. Noosa is a favourite destination for Aussies who are looking for a relaxing beach escape. Noosa Heads is the perfect place if you want to relax, enjoy fantastic restaurants, and explore the wild-life wilderness and stunningly beautiful golden beaches. You can have the most amazing nightlife in Brisbane but after a few nights of partying it is nice to go somewhere where you can rest and relax even just for one day. It is also a very attractive destination for passionate swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers who want to swim in the Noosa’s blue waves and bask on the sand. 

This destination also offers beautifully designed walking trail threads along the rugged headland in Noosa National Park where you are able to see brush turkeys snuffling in the bush, and koalas clinging to eucalyptus trees. And a five-minute stroll from the beach will take you to a string of amazing restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries that you can visit while you’re there. There are so many fun activities this destination offers. You just have to go and discover the possibilities as you enjoy your time with friends or family. 

Lamington National Park

Another destination that is pretty close to Brisbane and worth visiting is Lamington National Park. It is absolute heaven on Earth for nature lovers and birders. Lamington National Park has beautiful luxuriant rainforest with waterfalls that create such a peaceful and lovely setting for hiking adventures. It offers an unbelievable range of diverse wildlife. Some of its most popular residents are bowerbirds that are known for building elaborate arches adorned with bright blue objects they use in order to impress the females. Many other bird species find their home in this National Park including squadrons of king parrots and crimson rosellas. They also have some other exotic and beautiful animal species such as marsupials, red-necked pademelons and long-nosed bandicoots.

Most visitors of this lovely Park tend to go to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and take a guest house, spa, and restaurant. It is a great location because from there you can explore the park on O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, many interesting suspension bridges and walkaway strung that stretches about 16 metres above the rainforest floor. Also, stunning views of the region from Mount Tamborine are another great reason for you to jump into your car and go for a one day trip to Lamington National Park right away. 

Gold Coast

If you are looking for a location that offers a variety of different activities, the Gold Coast is the right place for you. For instance, whale watching is very popular at this destination. It is an experience of a lifetime. If you go to Gold Coast you will be able to see a migratory group of humpback whales as they make their way from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef every year. 

It is estimated that they number over 30,000 based on a whale census. Their numbers are recovering annually. The best chance of having some good sightings of these magnificent creatures is somewhere between August and October. The best option would be to go in the morning because winds and waves tend to increase later in the day. So, what are you waiting for? Search some fishing charters Gold Coast that you can book right away and go for an adventure with your friends. 

Surfers Paradise

If you want to visit Brisbane at least once in your lifetime, take this chance to discover some of the nearby locations and beaches as well. A two-hour drive towards the south of Brisbane will take you to another great destination, Surfers Paradise. It is a location that offers amazing beaches and glittering surf. It is one of the best tourist destinations that buzzes with life no matter what season it is. There are many high-rises and hotels that line the sun-soaked Surfers Paradise beach. It even has many boutiques. 

This place also offers some theme-park attractions. That includes SeaWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Dreamworld. Also, passionate wildlife lovers get a chance to commune with Aussie creatures at Currumbin Sanctuary. Another activity you could try is to go on a canal cruise to see the homes of the rich and famous. This cruise comes with the full-day Surfers Paradise Day Trip and Whale watching Tour that offers a perfect blend of natural and urban attractions. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, visiting these locations will be one in a lifetime experience. You’ll get to explore the wildlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world while having fun with your friends. You should definitely consider these locations if you ever find yourself in Brisbane.

North America, Travel Tips

4 Historical Sites in Cleveland

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Are you going to be in Cleveland for a few days? There’s plenty to see and do. Here is a list of some of the top-rated historical sites for this Ohio city.

4 Historical Sites in Cleveland

cleveland

1.   Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Maybe most writers wouldn’t place the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on a list of historical sites for Cleveland. Those other writers are wrong.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is all about history. Not only will you read displays about the beginnings of the genre, but you will also see historical items like John Lennon’s glasses and the first issue of Rolling Stone.

Sure, this historical site doesn’t celebrate the native people of the area or the founders of the city. But this fantastic museum celebrates one of the things that makes America great — rock and roll music. This museum should be on everyone’s bucket list.

2. Lake View Cemetery

One would expect to find a cemetery on the top travel lists in New Orleans, but why should you make a point to visit this cemetery in Cleveland?

First, at Lake View Cemetery, you will be able to visit the Garfield Monument, a beautifully designed structure that was dedicated in 1890. The Memorial Hall has beautiful stained glass, red-granite columns, and an outdoor balcony that offers a view of Lake Erie. You will also see President Garfield’s casket, which is the only presidential casket that is fully displayed.

Besides seeing the impressive Memorial Hall, you can also stroll around the remarkable 285-acres that make up the cemetery. You may visit the cemetery to be impressed by the human-made attractions, but you will also enjoy all the beautiful trees and shrubs that adorn the grounds.

3. USS Cod Submarine Memorial

Take a tour of the USS Cod Submarine Memorial. This National Historic Landmark is located near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The USS Cod was used during the second world war, and its crews are credited with sinking at least twelve enemy vessels.

Check the website before you visit since the site may be open at different times throughout the year.

4. A Christmas Story House

Visit the house that was depicted in the film “A Christmas Story.” The home has been lovingly restored to look exactly like the home that was featured in the movie.

First, visit the museum and gift shop located across the street. Once you have purchased your ticket, you can cross the street to walk into Ralphie’s front door. From there, you are on your own to wander around the home. You can take as many photos as you like with all the props available.

Crawl under the sink like Ralphie’s kid brother. Sit on the toilet while decoding a secret message from Little Orphan Annie. Unpack the major award from the crate marked “fragile.”

Finally, what better way is there to get to know a community than to check out the Cleveland houses for sale. Find out how much it would cost to live down the street from Ralphie’s house or near Lake View Cemetery.

Editor's Picks, Travel Tips

Germany’s Romantic Road is Ideal for Slow Travel

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Germany’s Romantic Road is Ideal for Slow Travel

Words: Len Rutledge  Images: Phensri Rutledge

Magnificent medieval architecture, the dramatic Alps, pretty green rolling countryside, castles and some of the most picturesque villages in Europe combine to make Germany’s Romantic Road a very special drive. Driving in Europe can be a challenge but this road is perfect for those who wish to take their time and experience the German countryside and explore some delightful towns.

For this Germany’s Romantic Road, we began in Füssen in the south with its large former monastery and castle and finished in Würzburg 350 kilometres to the north. While this drive could have taken four hours, in fact we took three days and felt rushed in the process.

These were some of Germany’s Romantic Road highlights.

Schwangau

This small village is home to one of Germany’s most iconic sights, Schloss Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a personal retreat, the castle has enough towers, turrets, balconies, pinnacles and sculptures to satisfy anyone.

You can visit the castle with a timed ticket but you will share the trip with hundreds of others during busy times. I suggest the best view is from Marienbrücke, the suspension bridge behind the castle where you can see the dreamy castle in all its glory.

Germany’s Romantic Road
Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle

If you have the time, also tour the less-visited Hohenschwangau, the neighbouring castle where King Ludwig II grew up and dreamed about his magical castle.

Augsburg

The city was founded in 15 BC and was a free imperial city until the early 19th century. Due to a flourishing textile trade, luxurious palatial homes, civic buildings, baroque fountains and gothic churches were built. You can enjoy them all on a visit today.

Constructed in the early 1600s, the “Rathaus” still serves as the administrative centre of the city. Next to it you can climb an ancient Perlachturm tower, built over 1000 years ago to serve as a watchtower.

Harburg

Towering over the town, Harburg Castle exemplifies medieval architecture. It comes complete with sentry walk, prison tower, dungeon and ballroom. There is a small hotel inside if you wish to stay.

Nördlingen

This has beautifully preserved town walls and the Rieskrater Museum, where you’ll learn about the meteor that struck this area some 15 million years ago. In fact, the entire almost perfectly round walled old town is built inside a massive crater. Because it sees fewer tourists than Rothenburg or Dinkelsbühl, the other two walled towns, it can be enjoyed more quietly.

Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbühl was not bombed in the Second World War, so it stands as it was in the Middle Ages, when it was created. It is a gem.

St. George’s Minster, a late 15th-century Gothic masterpiece, dominates the town while magnificent gabled buildings, dating from around 1600, line the central Weinmarkt. Many are now restaurants and cafés. The square hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

Germany's Romantic Road

I strongly suggest a walk on the town walls with their 18 towers and four gates. The views are nice but the thought of walking where many armed defenders have been over hundreds of years makes it something special.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This is a very popular tourist destination overlooking the Tauber River, so it can get quite crowded. You have a real sense of stepping back into Renaissance era Germany and most visitors love it. The narrow cobblestone streets feel like they haven’t changed in hundreds of years.

Late afternoon is the best time after the tourist buses have left and the shops are closing, leaving only the restaurants open. It’s a calm atmosphere allowing you to really take in the town.

Rothenburg’s well-preserved town walls which completely encircle the old town are great for walking along. It is free and it was one of the highlights for us.

Parking is almost impossible inside the walls so we chose a hotel close by with its own car park and we left our car there the whole time.

Germany's Romantic Road
A classic Rothenburg view

Walking along cobbled streets, you’ll notice that each building here is special. There are various popular photo points but we equally enjoyed walking the back streets and making our own discoveries.

Bad Mergentheim

This is home to one of Southern Germany’s spa resorts. If you’re looking for a massage, an Ayurvedic treatment or some time in a sauna, this is the place for you. There is also a large castle and a wonderful Rococo church.

Würzburg

Built around the Main River and surrounded by rolling hills, the city of Würzburg has impressive architecture and a nice vibe.

In 686, three Irish missionaries made a vain attempt to convert the town ruler to Christianity. Later, Würzburg had a bishop appointed and became a duchy as well, and the ruling prince-bishops brought their wealth here causing the city to experience a period of growth and lavishness.

Germany's Romantic Road

You see this today in the Wurzburger Residenz a baroque palace now inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list and once the seat of the reigning prince-bishop; the rococo-style church Käppele; and Festung Marienberg, a medieval fortress high above the city.

www.LenRutledge.com

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5HUmGP1lR2aoscn3O8

Travel Tips

4 Travel Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, where festive jumpers and flaming desserts are everywhere. As Christmas draws closer, many of us are making plans to go back home, head on a much-needed winter break or are simply just travelling around a lot, which means that public transport and roads are likely to be extremely busy. 

This is one of the busiest times of the year, so stress is inevitable, but we all want a stress-free Christmas. If you don’t want anything to ruin your festive spirit, then here are 4 travel tips for this Christmas season. 

Plan, then plan some more

You’ll have a far more relaxed trip if you plan and book your transport in advance. Many rail services reduce their timetables, so if you want to make sure your travel plans go without a hitch, then book as early as possible to make sure that you can get on the train you want. 

Airlines also tend to increase their prices over Christmas, so if you want to avoid incurring any price hikes then Google Flights can help you find the best airfares. When it comes to road travel, be sure to leave as much time as possible to allow for delay or bad weather. Avoid rush hour if you can and use the AA’s traffic news section to find out about any accidents or delays along your route. 

Pack with care

If you’re transporting gifts with you on your travels, then you should be mindful of the different import and customs regulations for your destination and be careful not to exceed your given allowance. Try to avoid wrapping gifts if you can, because if customs officers wish to inspect them further, then they will remove all wrapping. 

If you’re travelling hand-luggage only, then remember that different airlines allow different amounts of liquids, so check with them beforehand. Things such as professional makeup, bath and shower gels, and perfumes all need to be under 50mls and in a clear, sealed bag.

Know your limits

Many of us enjoy a drink or two over Christmas, but if you’re planning on travelling before or after you’ve had a few drinks, then you need to bear the legal limits in mind. We all know that drink driving is both illegal and highly dangerous, so do not get behind the wheel if you have had more than the recommended amount. 

Of course, we all have different tolerance levels, so this is also important to remember. If you plan on travelling in the morning and have had a few drinks the night before, then you may still be well over the legal driving limit. Overall, if you’re driving, it’s best to avoid any alcohol. Airlines are also strict on alcohol consumption and transporting drunk passengers, so try not to have one too many whilst waiting for your flight. 

Be clever about the weather 

Not looking at the weather forecast before you travel is a storm waiting to happen. Decembers tend to be relatively mild in the UK, but there have been years where unusual weather has occurred, resulting in snow, ice, fog and wind – all of which can put your travel plans into jeopardy. 

Whilst you can’t control the weather, it is important that you prepare for it in the lead-up to your departure. Allow plenty of time before you set off, regularly check weather apps and prepare for the worst. If you are travelling by car, you might want to pack a weather kit if you get stuck in traffic and include things such as a blanket, flask of hot drink, snacks, de-freezer for your windscreen and warm clothes, such as socks and jumpers.

Travel Tips

Top Volunteering Destinations – Travel to Make a Difference

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Most of us love traveling because it allows us to see unique things, meet new people and gain all sorts of different experiences. It is through these experiences that we get to develop as people and get a new perspective on life. However, other than traveling for pure pleasure, you can also consider volunteering during your travels which will not only help people and animals in need but it will bring you satisfaction as well. Take a look at some of the top destinations where you could go to really make a difference.

Experience life on a Native American reservation

Image source

If you would like to help preserve the cultural identity of Native Americans, you can choose to volunteer at one of the reservations that require additional services. Some of the things you could contribute include maintenance and construction, painting houses and tending to gardens. Then, if you would rather work with people, you can provide assistance to the elders of the community by taking them to grocery stores, parks, museums or by helping them around the house and preparing meals. If kids are more your forte, you can supervise field trips, read them books or play various games. Furthermore, if you have a medical or social services degree, you can provide them with assistance during some crisis or even give advice or run workshops to share your knowledge. For instance, you can consider the Blackfeet Indian Reservation or the Navajo Nation.

Contribute to Ghana’s development

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You have another great opportunity to help people by visiting Ghana. This colorful African nation offers plenty of volunteer options that are all aimed at supporting the local communities and developing the quality of life. For example, if you like working with children, you can help out in nurseries, schools and orphanages. Teaching kids to read, playing with them and providing them with essential assistance will be very fulfilling. Moreover, you can also work in hospitals; even if you have no experience, you can help out with some basics. Finally, lending a hand when it comes to building schools is always welcome.

Help the conservation of Australian wildlife

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In case you would rather volunteer with animals abroad, you definitely need to consider going to Australia. By opting for this path, you will get to work with rangers at a local NSW wildlife park and be surrounded by the wonderful wildlife. The park participates in rehabilitating animals that have been orphaned or injured and you will help with their care. What is more, there are breeding programs that help increase the survival rate of certain rare and endangered native animals. Other than caring for the animals, you will also be involved with cleaning and maintaining their enclosures by mending fences and fixing up various things around the park.

Save the sea turtles in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is an amazing destination for students looking to travel and volunteer during their gap year. The cost of living in this gorgeous Central American country is not super expensive and it offers plenty of opportunities. Seeing as how they have so many stunning beaches, it is no wonder that turtle hatchlings happen all year long. However, the sea turtle population is in decline due to poaching and pollution. This is where volunteering can play a big role. You can help with the conservation of sea turtles by joining one of the many programs available and patrol beaches, man hatcheries and assist in rehabilitation centers. In addition to sea turtles, there are also conservation centers that work toward protecting sloths, jaguars and butterflies.

Work at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand

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Millions of travelers visit Thailand every year and unfortunately, a lot of them opt for riding on an elephant’s back during this time. While it may seem like a fun activity, most people are unaware of how these gentle animals are being treated. Luckily, there are many organizations working to protect elephants and encourage proper and healthy treatment. You will get hands-on experience by taking care of rescued elephants in sanctuaries that allow them to roam around huge pieces of land. What is more, retired elephants can no longer be returned to the wild and they require human assistance for daily care. When looking for an organization to work with, make sure they are reputable and treat these animals properly and ethically.

Try your hand at archeology in Israel

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Israel offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities from marine and wildlife conservation to teaching English and building eco-friendly lodges. However, you can also get a first-hand look at all the history that this country is famous for by sifting through many archeological sites. No previous experience is needed, which is great for everyone who wants to learn something new. But keep in mind that this is tedious and difficult work including a lot of digging, shoveling and hauling earth.

These six locations are all unique in their own way and you will surely find a way to help if you decide to visit them. Try something new if you want to be challenged or rely on your skills and really make a difference in the world. Bon voyage!

Editor's Picks, North America, Travel Tips

Downtown Los Angeles’ museums and music venues

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Words: Len Rutledge   Images: Phensri Rutledge

Los Angeles is recognised as the centre of the USA video and film industry but it also has a growing recognition as a music and museum hotspot. Much of this is centred on the rejuvenated downtown area where new apartment blocks, office complexes and accommodation facilities are rising from long degraded areas. A real authentic cultural buzz is associated with this area and every visitor should experience it.

This is a partial list of what I found on a recent visit. It would take you days to give each place the time it deserves.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a cultural museum dedicated to telling the story of the Mexican origins of Los Angeles. It occupies the first two floors of two 1880s buildings adjacent to La Placita Church, across Main Street from the gazebo and Mexican Market at Olvera Street. It traces the history of Los Angeles from Old Mexico to annexation, and from the first settlers to the new immigrants. Upstairs there is a mini Main Street with a variety of shops designed for kids and adults to explore.

The Chinese American Museum is symbolically housed in the oldest and last surviving structure of Los Angeles’ original Chinatown. It reflects the vibrant development of an immigrant history that began over 150 years ago when the first major Chinese settlement was documented in Los Angeles. The free museum has three permanent exhibitions and usually one or more temporary exhibits.

The Plaza Firehouse Museum is in the oldest fire station in the city. It features helmets, photos, and firefighting equipment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

los angeles
Fountain in front of Music Centre

The Music Center

The LA Music Center is one of the largest and most active performing arts centres in the United States.  It is home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a 3200-seat theatre; The 2000-seat Ahmanson Theater; the 240 seat Mark Taper Forum; the Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater; and the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Each year, The Music Center welcomes more than 1.3 million people to performances and if you have the time you should see a performance by one of its four internationally renowned resident companies: Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Center Theater Group.

The metallic ship-like structure of the Walt Disney Concert Hall seems to be sailing down Grand Avenue. One of the most unique aspects of the building is that it is designed to be explored. Stairways and walkways allow you to climb up and around the sweeping stainless-steel sails to get really unique views of the structure and the downtown landscape. Best of all, it’s open to exploring inside and out during the day totally free of charge.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Other Museums

Right next to the concert hall is The Broad a contemporary art museum offering free general admission and an active program of rotating exhibitions. The museum is named for philanthropist Eli Broad, who financed the $140 million building. Timed tickets are recommended to avoid long waits and can be reserved online. If you just turn up you may have a long wait for same day visits.

Across the road is the main site of the Museum of Contemporary Art which is home to almost 5,000 artworks created since 1940, including masterpieces by classic contemporary artists, and inspiring new works by emerging and mid-career artists.

The free Wells Fargo Museum is something completely different. The Museum is located in the Wells Fargo Centre on Bunker Hill. Exhibits depict the history and development of Wells Fargo Bank and the West since the company’s founding in 1852. Highlights include an authentic 19th-century Concord stagecoach and a replica you can climb into, the 26-ounce Challenge nugget, and historic maps of Los Angeles.

Old coach in Wells Fargo Museum

The A & D Museum located on 4th Street is a museum for architecture and design. Through exhibits, multi-disciplinary projects, educational and community programming, A+D serves as a showcase for the work of important regional, national and international designers, providing a forum for contemporary issues in architecture, urbanism, and design that are helping to shape the city.

L.A. LIVE

This is an entertainment complex adjacent to the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center.It has ballrooms, bars, concert theatres, restaurants, movie theatres, and a 54-storey hotel and condominium tower.

Xbox Plaza is an open-air plaza that serves as the central meeting place for L.A. LIVE. The square provides a broadcast venue featuring giant LED screens. Microsoft Theater is a music and theatre venue seating 7,100, while The Novo is an intimate venue with a seating capacity of 2,300 for live music and cultural events.

The Grammy Museum opened in 2008 for the Grammy Awards 50th anniversary. It consists of four floors with historical music artefacts. Embedded in the footpaths of the LA Live streets are bronze disks honouring each year’s top winners, for Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

IF YOU GO

Numerous airlines fly to Los Angeles. There are five-star hotels to budget properties in central Los Angeles, but prices tend to be high. Cheaper accommodation is available in other parts of the city.

www.LenRutledge.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5HUmGP1lR2aoscn3O8P2Q

Len Rutledge is the author of the Experience Guides travel books available from amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=len+rutledge&ref=nb_sb_noss)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5HUmGP1lR2aoscn3O8P2Q

Asia, Travel Planning

5 Ways Indian Travel Agency Helps You

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Travel is a pleasant exposure to keep you happy. Nowadays everyone is prone to travelling and touring new places. It is a religion and probably a lifestyle for the people in India. If you understand and plan travelling, the Indian Travel Agency will help you to make the plan successful. Have a see on some points on how the travel agents help you.

The Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
  1. Specialise The Travel Plan: Suppose you have planned your travel in someplace. Still, you lack some information about travel packages and other useful tips on how to sort out the travelling agenda and all. You may browse through the internet and find some accommodation, and you wonder wow! But in reality, it is quite more laborious for you to find the cheapest packages for the travel which Indian Travel Agency may show you by their experience.
  2. Giving A Personal Guidance To The Clients: The travel agents are very loyal to their clients. In case of any arising issues, people approach them to have some reassurance on their travel. Nowadays, emails, messages and useful contents provided by the Indian Travel Agency help people understand the overall experience of travelling. Giving visitors that much attention boosts their confidence in repeated travelling.
  3. Identify The Great Travelling Demands: It is the task of travel agencies. The quick accessibility of the travelling places is enough to show diverse experience of travelling among the people. Hence identifying the value-added services and maintaining the integrity among various people is the primary goal of the Travel Agency. This continuous effort and related procedure make the Indians keen for their next tour.
  4. Finding The New Possibilities: In the changing world, the method of travel arrangement is also touching the new heights. Hence the travel agents must see the need of the people. They streamline with other beneficial services to give some extra effort to provide the best travelling strategy. India is such a country with numerous travelling places where a little effort can make the people convinced about travelling.
  5. The Technology Factor: It is useful to manage travel hoodoo more easily. The support team is always available 24*7 to help you out in any issue. The supplier tools provide the best of offers, and you may book online after watching the sample video representation on the websites. The travel agents are available to make your journey with fewer struggles and more happiness inside out — the valuable and compelling information you would find with the help of them. The same thing is to describe it as beneficial to have some idea about the location, pricing, etc.
  6. While you are in travel, make your mind free from the problems in the world and ask yourself why you want to travel. While you want to become a creative person, the travel agents are the canvas upon which you dream to draw the great painting. Find your soul in the travel, and it is something to keep your mind floating in the beaches, hills, or lakes. Have a great time!
Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

6 Essential Packing Tips for Traveling With Kids

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For most people, packing can be quite a hassle. However, if you’re traveling with kids, it can be even more stressful and exhausting, even for the most experienced trippers.

When you travel with kids, you have to be extra careful and prepared – there’s much less room for improvisation and spontaneity. The stakes of packing for a trip with kids are definitely higher: your level of preparation and organization can definitely make or break your trip.

traveling with kids

For all those wanderlust parents who want to experience the world with their little ones, we have prepared essential packing tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

  1. Choose your destination wisely and research beforehand

Even though you and your partner have always wanted to visit a magical remote island in the Pacific, it’s time to face the facts: packing and traveling with kids will make certain destinations very hard to visit.

When you research your vacation destination, make sure you keep packing in mind. Destinations that require ample additional equipment and luggage are much less convenient when traveling with children, such as skiing or hiking.

Choosing a tourist destination with a simpler itinerary will make packing much easier, while the whole trip will become a breeze.  

  • Snacks and entertainment galore

As you very well know, stacking up on all kinds of entertainment is the best recipe for keeping your kid happy, entertained and calm. This is especially important for the traveling part of your vacation: prepare your little one’s favorite cartoon and games and let them calm themselves with their favorite characters and shows.

The same goes for snacking: not only is it a great way to bridge gaps between bigger meals, but it’s also a soothing activity for most children. Pack as many of your kid’s favorite snacks for your trip and make sure you always have some handy during sightseeing.

  • Pack a stroller

Jet lag coupled with long walks and overstimulation can exhaust even the strongest of kid walkers, according to Huffington Post. Many people who travel with children who know how to walk try to avoid packing a stroller, but you’ll probably regret it once you’re there.

No matter how inconvenient it may be, a stroller will likely prove to be a lifesaver in many situations.

  • Pay special attention to the essentials

Essential luggage should be packed into one smaller backpack which you will pay special attention to and never let it out of your sight. Here, you can pack all of the paperwork (tickets, passports, reservations) and your kid’s favorite stuffed animals and other items.

Other essential items include:

  • wallets
  • phones and chargers
  • prescription medication
  • painkillers
  • first aid essentials
  • an international adapter

“I always feel like I can buy anything we might need once we get to our destination – but some items are hard to replace, such as official documents or phones. That’s why I put special attention to these essential items when packing and try not to stress about clothes and other luggage”, says Sophie Bradley, a mom of three and a travel blogger who manages a reviews page.

  • Pack clothes wisely and realistically

Have you ever packed for a trip and ended up not wearing most of the outfits that you have prepared? This is often the case when we pack unrealistically and believe that we will dress in a way that we usually don’t. With kids, it’s even more important to pack only clothes that they are familiar with and comfortable in.

When you’re packing your kid’s clothes, make sure you include versatile options, so that your little one has something to wear in any environment. It’s also wise to pack layered outfits so you can easily regulate their clothing according to the temperature.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to go overboard with underwear, socks and PJs. If your luggage is not too limited, try to pack double the essentials that your kid would normally wear during the same period.

  • Involve your children in the packing process

Even though most mommies tend to pack kids luggage themselves, involving them and teaching them how to pack can have multiple benefits.

First, you can hear their own opinions on what they want to take with them on their trip. However, they will probably want to bring all of their earthly possessions with them on a 3-day trip, so make sure you talk to them on why it’s important to limit and decide on the essentials.

This will give your kid a great boost in organization skills, prioritizing and decision-making. Who knew packing could be such a great learning activity?

Conclusion

If it’s your first time traveling with kids, remember: preparation is key. No matter how stressful packing can be, if you plan in advance you can make your trip much more enjoyable and trouble-free.

If you have already traveled with your children, you can take advantage of all the packing lessons from your previous trips: take more of what you lacked last time and double-check to see that you’ve brought the items you forgot the last time you packed.

Most importantly, remember to have a great time from the very planning of your trip to the last day. Include your kids in the packing process and try to turn it into a game, which it can easily be.

Traveling with kids is a beautiful and unforgettable experience!

Europe, Travel Tips

Research Finds Camping and Caravanning Can Help with Depression and Anxiety

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Earlier this month, we celebrated World Mental Health Day and new research has found that a third of Brits felt that camping or caravanning has had a very positive impact on their mental health.

22% believe it has a positive effect on their physical health, and 12% of people believe it has helped them to become closer to their family.

The research from Specialised Covers also found that 70% of the UK public believe “outside therapy” should be prescribed to people suffering from depression or anxiety.

Those based in London and Manchester were most enthusiastic about outside therapy (82% and 80% respectively) perhaps showing that those in larger cities crave the calming effects of prolonged time in nature more than others. Only 54% of people in Southampton thought prescribing outdoor therapy was a good thing, alongside 57% of people in Norwich.

Sometimes called “forest bathing”, outside therapy is the practice of spending time in nature and practising mindfulness in the great outdoors. Research suggests that this could calm those who feel stressed or anxious and help people (especially children) fight the “always-on” culture promoted by social media.

A recent government study found that people who spend more time in nature are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological wellbeing than those who don’t visit nature at all. Places like The Woodland Trust are now campaigning for the NHS to encourage more patients to spend prolonged periods of time outdoors.

When it comes to experiencing nature, the UK public agree that camping and caravanning is one of the best ways to do it. 93% of people believe that a caravanning holiday is “calming”, 44% think its “family-friendly” and 93% think its “affordable”. However, only 8% of the UK public would call it “glamorous”, and only 14% would describe caravan holidays as “modern”.

camping

Those aged between 35-44 seem to believe in the healing powers of caravanning the most (44%), with those aged 65+ the most sceptical (20%). Surprisingly, the younger generation (18-24) are very enthusiastic about spending time in nature, with 27% believing a caravan holiday has helped them become closer to their family, 31% believing it has had a positive effect on their physical health, with 40% wishing they could caravan more often.

Fitness Coach Amy Elisabeth believes in the physical benefits of prolonged periods of time outside. She says:

“Spending time outside increases our Vitamin D levels and balances our Melatonin levels. Vitamin D helps regulate the calcium and phosphate in our bodies and melatonin regulates our sleeping cycle, so both are very important when it comes to the feeling of well-being.

“With fewer modern-day distractions (such as watching tv just before bed), people get better sleep as well, helping with their overall health.”

Katie Fishwick from Specialised Covers said: “We all feel the benefits of relaxing outdoors when we do it, but it’s often hard to make time in our busy schedules to really get immersed in nature.

“It’s great to see how many people are getting behind the healing benefits of outdoor therapy, and perhaps if it was prescribed, people would take more time to connect with the outdoors.

“Caravanning and camping are shedding their out-dated reputations and rightfully being seen as a wonderful way of relaxing, switching off, and connecting with ourselves and our families.”