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Seven Tips for Women Trekking Burma

Trekking-Burma

Love traveling to unexplored places?

Then, Burma (or as the government calls it Myanmar) should be on your bucket list.

Picture it:

Thousands of temples cover the plains of Bagan, leg-rowing fisherman sit patiently on the still water of Inle Lake and rolling rice paddies and small villages wait to be explored.

And there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside, meet locals, and live the Burmese lifestyle than trekking Burma.

Along with several self-guided treks in Burma, I’ve hiked a guided three-day trek from the tiny town of Kalaw to the beautiful still water of Inle Lake.

After walking over 37 miles (60 km) through rice paddies, into thatched hut villages, and up and down Burmese mountains, here’s my list of seven tips for women trekking Burma…

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The Secret to Seeing Seoul, Korea

Amanda in Seoul Korea

My name is Amanda Slavinsky and my city is Seoul.

I have lived in my city Seoul for almost two years.

My city is best described by these five words: sprawling, energetic, loud, fast, and bright.

The most famous thing about my city is Gangnam Style.

The best way to explore my city is by walking and using the easy to navigate (and cheap!) subway system.

When my girlfriends come for a visit, I always take them to a jjimjilbang (traditional Korean bathhouse) first because it’s a great way to relax and experience Korean culture firsthand.

The best place to take a guy on a date is Mercado Brazilian Steakhouse because it’s unlimited meat for less than $25 in an upscale environment.

When I want to have a night out I always head to Hongdae, the area around country’s most famous art college, Hongik University.

The most random thing about my city is seeing couples in completely identical outfits.

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The One Thing You Must Do in Tulamben, Bali…

Wreck Scuba Dive & Snorkel; Tulamben (Bali), Indonesia

One question: Is scuba diving and snorkeling really worth it in Tulamben, Bali?

Yes… and it’s arguably the best diving in the world!

Tulamben is the most overlooked coastal village in Bali.

There aren’t hordes of tourist, thousands of bars or restaurants and – in all honesty – it’s pretty boring.

But that’s only at first glance…

The real action takes place beneath eerie black Bali Sea.

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7 Must-See Attractions of Mysore India

Mysore, India

Tourists.

They’re hard to miss with their khaki traveler pants, cameras dangling around the neck and noses buried in pages of maps and guide books.

But there’s an even worse dead give-away…

A bus tour.

And in most cases, guided bus tours are overpriced and a waste of time.

However, there is one exception…

Mysore India.

The bus tours in Mysore are exceptionally efficient, affordable and there is a high chance that you’ll be the only international tourist on the bus – giving you a chance to mingle with other Indian travelers.

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Warning: Don’t Travel Here If You Love Chinese, Indian or Malaysia Food

Georgetown (Penang), Malaysia

It’s literally a melting pot.

Known as the food capital of Malaysia – Georgetown boasts some of the best Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine in the entire world.

Mouth-watering treats like Dim Sum for breakfast, Asam Laksa for lunch and Chicken Tikka Masala with Mango Lassi for dinner have been perfected over hundreds of years and are served up fresh daily.

If you love a mix of delicious cuisine from a historic port town, then Georgetown is just for you…

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Winding Down; Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, Nepal

Looking to unwind after that extended trek through the Himalayas?

Have your legs given up on you?

Do you just want to find somewhere to hide away and relax for a while?

Spend some time in the city of Pokhara to do just that. Continue

Temple Hunting; Taipei, Taiwan

Temples Taipei, Taiwan

Has the constant flow of traffic got your head spinning?  Have the sheer amount of vendors, buskers, and tourists overwhelmed your senses?  When you feel the need to pace yourself rest assured that in Taipei, you’re never far from refuge.

The rich history of Taiwan’s largest city brings with it some gifts for the weary traveler.  Countless temples can be found in public squares throughout the city.  A simple bit of research will help you determine which temples you might like to visit. Continue

The Open Road; Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

The Open Road; Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

In wide open countries with limited transportation, your best option may be to rent a vehicle.

Perched behind the wheel, the open road is at your mercy.

Drive for as long as you see fit and stop wherever you want.

Access places seldom seen by the common tourist. Continue

Magic Carpets and Bazaars: How to Shop Almaty Kazakhstan Markets

Almaty, Kazakhstan

There’s nothing quite like a busy Sunday in the market. Hordes of people stuffed into a small area, pickpockets hoping to take avantage of the careless tourist, and street-level commerce in full swing.

And somewhere out there, amongst the stalls and the vendors, is that perfect buy.

Almaty

Where Astana is Kazakhstan’s capital and is built up as such, travelers looking to get a sense of the nation’s traditional culture are often drawn towards Almaty. With a population of just under 1.5 million, the city has found a balance between modern conveniences and old ways.

Located towards the south of the nation, Almaty lies close to Kazakhstan’s border with Kyrgyzstan. As the weather only drops below freezing for a couple months, year-round travel is entirely possible.Continue

Walk the Great Wall; China

Walk the Great Wall; China

Imagine stepping foot on 2,000 year old crumbling ramparts that stretch 5,000 miles (8,000 km) into the distance. Taking a walk on the Great Wall of China features high on most people’s list of 1,001 things to do before they die. And satisfying that dream by visiting the world’s longest man-made structure rarely disappoints. Continue

Creature Cuisine; Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What has eight legs, is deliciously crispy and served with a side of chili and shoyu for 300 riels?

Tarantulas. It’s okay, really.

But spiders aren’t the only things deep-fried in Phnom Penh. Just about anything that crawls or jumps is on the menu including crickets, beetles, grubs, and grasshoppers.

Eating insects might seem like a locals gimmick to earn extra coins from brave travelers, but there is more than meets the eye.

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View from Above; Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, Philippines

Nothing beats the view from the top.

Whether standing at a height or flying from above, a sense of serenity comes over those who look down upon the chaos below. A little separation can do wonders for the soul.

But don’t think that heights are always a comfortable experience. On firm ground all is well, however, hanging over the edge of an elevated plateau can be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. Continue

Love Shopping? The Chatuchak Weekend Market Can Help You…

Chatuchak Weekend Market; Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok…

The second largest city in South East Asia and the heart of Thailand…

Pumping goods into and mainly out of the country accounting for 16% of the country’s GDP.

In layman terms…

Thailand produces a lot of inexpensive stuff, making it one of the best shopping destinations in the world!

And what better way to bargain shop than at Chatuchak Weekend Market – the largest market in Thailand.Continue

The Shocking Truth About Tokyo’s Love Hotels…

Love Hotels; Tokyo, Japan

Love hotels.

No, you won’t be staying here with your extended family.

Yes, you can rent rooms by the hour.

No, you won’t be receiving room service.

Welcome to Tokyo and the often-used, seldom-talked about world of love hotels.

We hope you enjoy your stay. Continue

Tibet Travel: How to Explore Bhaktapur, Nepal…

Bhaktapur, Nepal 2

You might be keen to get hike the Himalayas when you visit Nepal.

You’ve seen Kathmandu and you’ve witnessed city life in the mountainous nation.

You’ve seen  modern existence in a metropolis.  But don’t be too rash.

Travel a mere 7.5 miles (12km) east of Kathmandu and you’ll come across the historic city of Bhaktapur.

Whether staying for the night or just making a day trip, Bhaktapur offers visitors a wide selection of sites in a relatively small area.

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Caves of Religious Coexistence; Ellora, India

Ellora, India

Travelers visit religious sites expecting to find one specific representation.  Certain sites may have historical importance for two religions.  However, it’s unlikely that artifacts from three separate religions.

For such an occurrence to be possible, there would have to be incredible tolerance.  Such coexistence is rare.  Yet here it is at India’s Ellora Caves.

The Ellora Caves

Located only 19 miles (30km) out of Aurangabad, the Ellora site consists of a series of 34 caves representing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.  Having been built from the 7th to the 11th century, the caves were created to include temples and monasteries.

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Sea Kayaking; Phang Nga, Thailand

Sea Kayaking; Phang Nga, Thailand

Phang-Nga – located just 59 miles (95 km) from Phuket – is a highlight for many travelers to Thailand.

Why?

Some say its the province’s numerous limestone cliffs, strange rock formations, and underwater caves; others argue it’s Phang-nga’s (pronounced “fang naa”) blue-green waters, killer kayaking and dense collection of mangroves on this collection of islands.Continue

The Shores of Palawan Island; Philippines

Palawan Island; Philippines

Reaching paradise in Palawan isn’t necessarily the final destination.  The Philippine province bases resorts and activities in a series of exotic locations.  If you keep on traveling after you’ve discovered the perfect spot you’re likely to come across something even more perfect.  Continue to explore and you will be greatly rewarded.Continue

Scuba Dive; Ko Tao, Thailand

Scuba Dive; Ko Tao, Thailand

Ko Tao – which means “Turtle Island” – is highly regarded for its snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.

There are two reasons for this. First, an abundance of coral ensures plenty of marine life – including grouper, moray eels, angelfish, stingrays, reef sharks and even whale sharks – will be circling the coral in search of food. The second reason is its location: Ko Tao is three to seven hours by boat from the mainland, which helps keep day-trippers away. In other words: serious divers only.

Well… not really.

This remote location has also kept development – and therefore, costs – down. Ko Tao has become one of the premier spots in Thailand to get certified for scuba diving, thanks largely to the fact it’s cheaper than Ko Samui or Ko Pha Ngan.

Many people who backpacked here in their twenties are now returning with their families. Travelers in search of peace and quiet should head to Chalok Baan Khao, located on the south end of the island.Continue

Explore the World’s Oldest Jungle! Taman Negara National Park…

World’s Oldest Jungle; Taman Negara, Malaysia

Taman Negara National Park is the ultimate survivor.

The ices ages came and went, miraculously leaving the forest unscathed…

Volcanoes exploded around the world, never touching the dense jungle…

And even the destruction of human over-development hasn’t faulted this protected land.

The pristine plant and wildlife that flourished in Taman Negara National Park for over 130 million years, should be respected and cherished for years to come.Continue