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In the western spans of Serbia, we travelled through the Valjevo gulch(canyon) like we were its first settlers, gradually and to a hush just broken by the streaming of the river which we would break with our steps as we traversed. A steam train transported us through the rippling green woods that began in Mokra Gora and spread past the mountain tops on the steam-fuelled tracks of the Sargan Eight Railway. An evening, flanked by an eminent and glorious sun, was spent after the delicate flow of the strong Dunabe River from the little shorelines of Novi Sad to a narrow point that appeared like the serene end of its overwhelming course. On another, our little pontoon conquered the many twists of the 10-kilometer long Uvac River, embraced by the mountainous plateau.

Nature of Serbia

The back and forth movements of Serbia don't just originate from its social change since troubled time. A nation that is 75% bumpy! What I mean is Mountain! It is scattered with rolling green, secured nature parks, ravines, rivers, and lakes. I spent seven days investigating nearly the full extent of the nation west of its Capital, Belgrade - from the coastline of Novi Sad to the valleys of Valjevo, the wilderness of Gostoljublje to mountainous Zlatibor and the breadth of Tara National Park to the gigantic, snaking Uvac Gorge.

On the off chance that there is one thing that Serbia isn't really known for, it's a plenitude of untouched and unfamiliar nature. Traveling through Serbia is to move with the natural setting that has been presented to it, to be dynamic to explore its multi-layers and exceptional landscape.

For when you strip away a mind-boggling society and governmental issues, the magnificence of the landscape and nature in Serbia is the one thing here that has not ever changed and neither will be.

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Trekking The Gradac River, Valjevo 

The Gradac River goes through what I said to be some of Serbia's ideal and untouched scenery. Steep slants, high rock developments, and precipice faces encase a shallow river that curves through the timberlands and meadows of this secured region in shades of white and silver. Its streaming waters were our waymarkers as we trekked through the towns of Valjevo that lay covered up in this bumpy landscape - a 50km-long said to represent to a natural outskirt of northwest Serbia towards the south. Wild Serbia, an experience tour organization set up by local people from this very zone, takes you into the very heart of the area - deep into the Canyon, through its forest, and knee-deep into the frigid icy crisp waters flanked by twisting trees and mud tracks!

Winding The Uvac Gorge

We landed on a street that bended around the edges of the high cliff faces, and the main sighting was of a swing that just called for us to leave dead speechless and take in the view. It was the flight of flexibility after entering the Uvac Gorge in southwestern Serbia, and keeping in mind that 10,000-foot view can catch the eminent curves of this river. Even this scene was sufficient to catch the feeling of the numerous wild and free landscapes in this nation.

Inching down a manmade soil incline, we came straightforwardly to the riverfront where we could hire a boat and driver. Pontoon trips are the must-do here, where you feel as though you've been gobbled up by all the clichés of a marvelous natural scene, gliding through the gorge of the River Uvac yet feeling as though you have never observed anything like its color of reflected blues and greens never before. Truly, you haven't!

Drifting on The Danube 

Obviously, the greatest river that slices through Serbia is the Danube - a relentless spread that slices through 10 nations, from Germany and Austria in the west to the Balkan plain (and in the long run Ukraine). Europe's second-biggest river and its wide banks and endless appearance are tempting to explore.

From the sandy banks that line Serbia's second greatest city of Novi Sad, we delicately skimmed down towards a little sandy hill, likened to a mysterious island, before bouncing in kayaks and paddling to the most tranquil corners. Dunavski Rafting are your hosts, welcoming you on board its wooden house-like vessel and giving all the gear you have to float around, entire with a local guide who knows these waters and its stories. Isn't it great?



Riding The Sargan Eight Railway 

Riding the Sargan Eight narrow gorge railroad in southwestern Serbia through the bumpy valleys is a cultural-changing experience here, regardless of whether you just take a short half-hour travel. An eager train nerd's fantasy, the steam's emerald green shell sits inside a setting likened to stepping back in time. Maybe to the late 1900's, the point at which it initially ran its chugging, steaming course through restricted gages from Sarajevo to Belgrade - a connection that shut in 1974.

Now you can bounce on board at the town of Mokra Gora and take in the barcode tag of tree trunks in a shuddering of green as you trundle through the Sargan pass that was remade in the mid-2000's.

A place where there is diverse landscape, it is Serbia's natural treasures untouched by the contention that give it another new lease of life, and additionally hope for the local people to show a wonderful side to the nation that we once in a while, if at all, hear about.


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There is Mexico and there is the Mexican state of Yucatan. The former gets a lot of negative (and often unfair) press and the latter hardly gets mentioned (unlike the resorts of next-door state Quintana Roo, Cancun and the Riviera Maya). Being inquisitive slow-travelers who prefer the "unusual," we did a lot of research and discovered the essence of a fascinating destination.

Why the Yucatan Peninsula?

The Mayan Culture

The Yucatan Peninsula has a mystical vibe due to the ancient Mayan civilization that was founded here about 2600 BC. These ingenious people developed astronomy, calendrical systems, hieroglyphic writing and built magnificent ceremonial architecture.

The Mexican State of Yucatan promotes dozens of well-maintained Mayan temples/pyramids with palaces surrounded by intact ancient villages that have been carved out of the dense jungles... picturesque and dramatic vistas in every direction.

The Gastronomical Oasis

As slow-travellers always searching for culinary adventures we learned that this part of Mexico has a unique epicurean history... it is not "Mexican" it is "Yucatan" (yucateco) cooking.

We uncovered a hands-on cooking class being offered by the renowned chef David Sterling. His "Los Dos" school, which is located in Merida, tilted the scales in favor of taking this journey.

Getting to Merida

We flew into the modern Cancun airport and were greeted by the normal hoard of sales types promoting "free" timeshares, hotel and villa rentals as we walked through the "welcoming area". As we stepped out of the terminal area we were rewarded by a warm, lush, tropical atmosphere fragrant with flowers and palm trees.

We booked the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa and arranged beforehand for their transportation service. Our good fortune was to be met by Rafael who proved to be a perfect "Ambassador of Goodwill" with his welcoming personality, charm, national pride and simply being an endearing person.

We were greeted at the Westin by an efficient and pleasant desk staff and were soon settled into our spacious room overlooking the immaculately maintained grounds, bordered by a bright, white sandy beach that fades into multiple shades of azure ocean water...

Our day at the beach left an indelible memory. Envision warm sugar granules of beige and white sand that traces each squeaky footstep as you walk into the 80+ degree opaque, electric blue water... tranquility.


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Dinner Recommendations

Now ready for a good meal, we headed to the front desk for dining suggestions. The concierge produced a few tourist menus that offered Americanized Mexican" fare just like we can get back home.

We had something different in mind and asked for the local favorites and where she would take her family or friends... a new set of menus appeared offering real Yucatan dining and we selected the "La Habichuela Sunset" restaurant for our first night in Cancun.

The weather was perfect and we were seated at an outdoor, secluded and candlelit table overlooking the lagoon... the cuisine was exceptional with tastes that we never had before. A great way to get introduced to the Yucatan food scene. with Soft Shell Crab Taco Appetizer, followed by Seafood Empanxonostle which is fish fillet, shrimp and sea scallops prepared with aromatic herbs and vegetables and wrapped/cooked in aluminum foil. Then finishing off the meal with a unique local beverage known as Xtabentun (made of fermented honey from the flowers of the Xtabentun plant).

Cancun to Merida Decision Time - Fly... Bus... Rental Car


What is the best way to get there?

Option A - The flight from Cancun to the regional airport in Merida was less than an hour but cost considerably more than the flight from Los Angeles to Cancun.

Option B - There is a bus system with a decent schedule offering local and express travel with different classes of service.

Option C - Rent a car from Hertz... a jeep would be appropriate in case we had to go off-road for any reason.

We made our decision and with a bit of trepidation, mixed with a sense of adventure and a strong desire to explore this unique part of our world, we booked the car.


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The Drive to Merida

The drive was 196 miles and took about 3 hours with a rest stop at the toll booth at the halfway point. The facilities were immaculate and they offered a food service with fresh, reasonably priced options and plenty of variety.

The toll was 355 pesos (about $30 USD) and we were glad we had pesos since credit cards were not accepted.

After all the negative hype about the "bad guys", the only attack that we experienced was from a swarm of beautiful blue butterflies that cropped up a few times during our pleasant drive... so much for media drama.

Arrival in Merida

Casa del Balam (The House of the Jaguar)

We selected a small, old-world hotel that was once a colonial mansion and is situated in the historic town center. The management maintained the charm and have kept some of the original furnishings in the rooms and the open lobby area.


Such a welcoming oasis after the drive.

The long day was topped off with a delicious meal of local favorites. We began with traditional guacamole with fresh made chips, then on to Sopa de Lima (lime soup) and finished off with a large and delicious Yucatan Sample Platter consisting of Cochinita Pibil, Tamales Colados and for dessert Flan.

Tomorrow we will explore the city and uncover the hidden gems that await the adventurous traveler.

Summary

Our first impressions of the Yucatan Peninsula have been excellent and reassuring. All of the negative hype proved to be just that... hype. The people are amazing and the beauty of this region is remarkable.

We are looking forward to exploring Merida and the surrounding area... But most of all the Los Dos cooking school which is why we are here in the first place.

Please follow our journey into the wonderful world of the Yucatan Peninsula.

After all, what is the hurry... be inspired.

Author: Bob Kollar

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Holidays are the best time in a child's life. After a hectic year at school, this is the time they enjoy relaxing. Parents should also plan some of their leaves well ahead knowing when their children will have holidays so that they can spend some quality time together. Also taking them travelling is a great idea. Travelling has a great impact on children. They learn a lot on their journey. The different experiences make them wise beyond their years.

Hence, whenever parents get a chance, they should take their children on a trip to experience new and exciting things. However, as exciting it is to children, it can be a little overwhelming for parents as they have to take care of a lot of things before and during the trip.

In order to make the trip memorable for the children as well as for you, you have to consider a few important things like:

Book Ahead - When you were just a couple without children, there was nothing to worry about, you could show up at the last minute and book a ticket to wherever you want. With children, however, it is not possible as children can get tired with long journeys. If you have to wait for the next flight that will be after 8 hours or if you have to keep driving hunting for a lodge, you will end up getting tired and cranky kids. Hence planning ahead is extremely important.

Make a List - This is one of the most important things when you travel with kids. Before you pack, make a list of all the things that you might need when you travel. If you do not make a list, there are chances you can forget a few things like your phone charger, passports, hand sanitisers, emergency medicines, etc.



Consider the Weather - Children are more vulnerable to adults when there is a change of weather. Hence it is important to consider the weather of the place you are visiting. Pack cloths accordingly. A child dressed comfortably for the weather will be the happiest.

Bag Full of Essentials - If you have a toddler, you must have a separate essential bag that contains all the important things like their nappies, wet wipes, medicines, Band-Aids, thermometer, torch, pacifier, etc. so that you know that all the important stuff is at one place.

Apps - Yes children-friendly apps are great while travelling, so that your baby is busy playing. A device loaded with games and other apps is compact and saves you enough space while also keep your child interested.

Child Locator - Children are curious and however much you keep an eye on them, they tend to wander away, and if it is a crowded place, you might get all panicky. Hence why not take advantage of modern technology and invest in a good child locator. It will put your mind at ease. It's a small unit that the child can wear on a belt or shoe and the transmitter will be with you. If you need to find him, set off the alarm and follow the sound.


Let Them Have the List - Always write an important list of phone numbers and your address and keep it in the pockets of all the cloths of your child. In case s/he is lost, it can be accessible to them. You should inform them not to lose it. Also, you can write your cell phone number on their arm when you travel, so that someone can help call you if your child is lost.

I hope these tips will help you in your future travel along with your children.

Author: Skye Smith

Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now!
Traveling is something we all love doing as the summer months are looming ahead. This can be great, but if you do not take precautions, it might just turn out to be not so good. Take it from us. We have been there and done that. Here are the travel tips to do so you make sure that you are safe no matter where you go.

The one thing many of us have a bad habit of is just putting things off when we are thinking about making a trip. However, this is something bad to go through. You have to be able to go about and do things the right way. When you call ahead and learn the area, you can plan where you would like to go as well as plan on how you are going to do things and more. If you wait until the last minute then you might find yourself frantic as plans might not turn out the way you'd like them to go.

Making sure you have everything you have to have can seem like a tedious task. We have all been there before, but here is what we have learned from traveling. We have learned that it is usually just best to buy a new toothbrush just for travel so you do not have to worry about if you remembered yours or not. Buying travel size is usually well also. Make a list of the things which you need to get.

There are things that you can almost expect. There are roadblocks of all sorts from emergencies to gas stops to more. When you are flying, these roadblocks are even greater. So make sure you have what you need to keep you entertained if you are going to have to wait a bit when you have little to no say on the matter. You might also make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time for just this situation.

When you leave the country or even the state, you need to be sure that if you are taking your credit cards, you let them know. While many of you already know this, you might forget this too. We have done this a few times. If you spend a certain amount they might freeze your card as they are wondering if this is something you are purchasing or if your card has been stolen. Do not carry that much cash on you and make sure you budget your book too so that you do not have any problems.

Your safety is very important. That is why there are ideas for this as well. One of those things would be that you should try to do your site seeing during the day. Women, you have to be careful too. That is why you should be extra careful. Women are perceived as weak and an easy target.

While the hotel says it is safe, you can never be too certain. This is why we have some ideas for this as well. Anyone can come in your room if they really have a plan. Some of the staff who cleans the room cannot be trusted either. This is why we tell you to be sure to be careful of those things that have a high value. Take them with or lock them up.

As you read through these, there might be some that you just roll your eyes on. This might be redundant, but you need to be reminded. So many people make the same mistakes and they wish they could have learned from their mistakes.

Author: Farah Wahida

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Regardless of if the traveler is a male or a female, it is vital to take precautions when traveling. Women travelers especially need to be cautious of traveling alone anywhere around the world. However, unlike many other countries, travel to America is much safer in comparison. Taking precautions will help abundantly, especially if you are a female.

The foremost thing to consider is understanding the culture. The culture you follow may be very different and so it is vital to learn about the place to which you are traveling. Trying to follow the values of the country when you are visiting will help abundantly. Being a rebel may lead you into trouble. So it is vital to never overlook. Try communicating with locals with an open mind and mingle with them with an open mind.

Be prepared to be shocked by the weather. Each state that you travel to might have a different climatic condition. Southern states are usually hot and humid and the northern parts are cold. You may have to be prepared to experience snow and carry different types of clothing too. Take these weather conditions into consideration when planning your packing. It would be a better idea to carry more that require rather that finding out that you do not have enough. Think about the places you will be visiting, understand the weather conditions and then be prepared with clothes.

Relying on maps is a good idea. However, ensure you have other ways as well. most tourist places are huge and just having one source for your travel may leave you stranded. The distance you will be traveling will be really long. Ask locals and improve your knowledge on the distance you will have to be commuting on a daily basis. Prepare yourself depending on the distance you will be traveling. Highways are more often deserted and you wouldn't find a lot of eateries on your way if you decide to travel by road. This is exactly why you would have to stock up on food, water as well as gas. It would be best practice to not venture out on these routes.

Apart from these tips, make sure you follow the regular safety tips. Keep your money to yourself and never flash it out in public. Using a lot of jewelry can land you in trouble with robbers. You may want to reserve doing that for a later place. Never talk to strangers whatever the circumstance. Keep the emergency number in memory and use it when necessary.



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One of the best parts of traveling is getting to taste and savor all kinds of new and delicious foods, whether you're driving across the state or flying across the world. And, without a doubt, it's fun to let go a little and eat things you wouldn't normally eat during a week at home, that's part of the freedom and excitement of being on vacation!

But we all know the feeling when we've had way too much for too many days in a row: the total lack of energy, the bloating, dehydration, headaches, or hangovers, the pronounced jet lag, the increased susceptibility to getting sick. All of these things can really get in the way of maximizing your travel enjoyment. And if you're someone with food restrictions, you know the added frustration of trying to find good food that will be good for you, too!

The great news is that it's easier than ever to make the kinds of food choices that will keep you healthy and energized while you're away from your usual routine. Here are some simple ways to eat great while you're taking in the best moments of your trip:

Plan ahead. Often when we're traveling, we're out of routine and aren't eating at regular intervals. Sometimes we can go several hours without eating anything.

Contrary to the popular myth that you should hold off eating to "save room" for a big meal, going for long stretches without eating actually slows metabolism and causes your body to become sluggish and tired and hang on to calories. Our bodies experience these periods as "mini-starvations" and send our brains into panic mode. To keep blood sugar stable and avoid energy lapses (which can then lead to overcompensating with high-sugar or fried foods), aim for eating a little bit every couple of hours while in transit and while you're out and about, in the form of foods that are nutrient-dense and high in lean protein. Pack snacks for easy access: nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, firm fruits (like apples), veggies and hummus, or natural fruit-and-nut bars.

If you know where you're staying, scout out restaurants in the area of your hotel. Check with your hotel or resort to peruse menus and see what's available. Once you arrive, you can use an app like AroundMe to locate healthier restaurants in your area. And check out these smartphone apps that can help you find gluten- and other allergen-free options while you travel.

Don't forget the grocery store! A supermarket, and especially a local co-op, can be your best ally while traveling. You'll have easy, cheap access to fresh produce and bulk healthy snacks. You'll find a wider variety of great foods that are free of gluten, dairy, and other common allergens at a reasonable cost. Plus, many co-ops also have a deli where you can get delicious sandwiches, salads, or wraps to take with you during the day.

Your mother was right: get your greens and take your vitamins. While you're traveling, your immune system is exposed to tons of new pathogens-especially on airplanes and other mass transit. You want to make sure your body has what it needs to stay healthy and fight germs and process toxins. Don't forget to pack your multi-vitamin and your other supplements! If you can't get ready access to fresh greens, consider getting some powdered greens that you can bring with you and easily mix into a glass of water or a morning smoothie.

Speaking of morning smoothies... if you're really dedicated to getting your daily intake of fruits and veggies, you might even consider bringing along a travel blender. This might seem extreme to some, but consider this: most of them are under $20, fit easily into a suitcase or the back of the car, and can be just the thing to quickly make a power breakfast of fruits, nuts, and vegetables that will keep you going all morning.

Drink way more water than you normally do. Planes and hotel rooms are notoriously dry. Walking around all day expends energy and dehydrates. Often people drink alcohol or sodas with meals, which also are dehydrating. Drinking more than your usual 8 glasses of water a day will keep you energized, hydrate your cells, keep your skin glowing, and will help flush out toxins.

Drink less alcohol than everyone around you is drinking. This can be challenging especially on business trips, where drinking is a familiar pastime. But in addition to worsening dehydration and jet lag, tossing back more than two drinks leads to more unhealthy eating. (A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men take in an extra 433 calories on average from alcohol and food when they consume more than two drinks!)

Try to get your eight hours' beauty rest. Easier said than done, I know! But getting decent rest helps steady your metabolism, resets your adrenal system, and boosts your immunity. Being sufficiently rested will make every other choice you face on your vacation so much easier.

Try the "one and done" rule. Let yourself have treats and enjoy them-just keep it to once a day. Get that gorgeous piece of chocolate cake. Have an extra helping of steak fries. Order the thing that's happily doused with butter, and love every single bite. And then, be done with the less-than-healthy food for that day. There's always more.


Author: Burton L. Robertson


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