Everyone likes to travel every once in awhile, and for a lucky few of us it’s a fulltime reality. However, time and money can get us bogged down, and the thought of a holiday ends up being just a dream. After booking a vacation, the cost of amenities can get too much and we have to cut down on those important hints of luxury as well. However, you can still travel when you only have a few bucks in the bank. So if you do have some time on your hands, here are a few suggestions of where to go when you only have a budget to live on for some time away from home. 

Head Off to Thailand

Thailand is popular with tourists for good reason. There’s plenty of locations to head off to including jungles and beaches, perfect for exercising your swimming skills or adventurous side. Taking a bite out of the street food is wonderful for the experience as well, with plenty more flavour then you’d get at home. Visit the Phi Phi Islands in affordable and fun speed boat trips. Try your hand at rock climbing, or even get a tattoo from one of the local shops in remembrance of your time away. As Thailand is tourist hotspot number one, sites such as DontPayFull.com have plenty of offers and coupons when it comes to finding places to stay, and even for booking a package holiday itself. Use the internet to your advantage and scour for some deals that will be a godsend for rolling in the little money you have to indulge your adventurous side. 

Check Out Greece

Tourism to Greece has increased by 6.6 percent in 2017 alone. The recent economic crisis in Greece is a reason in itself to head over there on holiday. You’ll be supporting its economy with one of the main ways all countries make money: tourism. Every dollar you spend is a step in the right direction, and there will be more deals when it comes to hotels and eating out. Greece is full of something for everyone, including historical hot spots and beaches. This appeals to the mythical side in all of us, so go and discover the origins of Zeus himself. Similarly, Greece has perfect climate temperatures all year round, so for Christmas this year head down to the beaches. 

If You Want, You Don’t Even Have To Leave The Country 

Having a good vacation is all dependent on what you do with it. So when a colleague comes into the office with tales of their trip away, don’t be jealous. Have culturally enriched tales of your own holiday to share. Visit landmarks and shopping districts to take the best photos and find the best deals. You can even roadtrip cheaply with just a good friend and some sleeping bags in the back. Eating out of gas stations and convenience stores is already a staple of student life, so do it in style this year.

Pondicherry, a city in India with a potent history of French colonialism, is one of the most serene and underrated tourist destinations in the whole of Asia. For a relatively small area, the city is brimming with things for adventurous travellers to see and do. Here are some of the highlights you may be interested in.

Sail Out to Paradise Beach Island

Paradise Beach is an exceedingly popular spot for visitors to Pondicherry, and after just one visit, you’ll be able to tell exactly why. The venue offers some of the best boating facilities along the Chunnambar river, offering you amazing views of luscious green plantations and a backdrop of sparkling waters. If you ever need somewhere to chill out and take a load off, then this is the place! While simply reclining on the beach and watching the sun go down is an incredible experience in itself, this is just the tip of the iceberg in this part of the city. Here, you’ll find great spots for backwater sailing, hiking, and picnicking. If you love it so much that you don’t want to leave, there are also treehouses that can be rented out for overnight camping!

Take a Bicycle Tour

Pondicherry offers a number of fun and fascinating bicycle tours around the French colonial areas and traditional Tamil villages, which will be perfect for you if you always like to soak in the history and culture of a place. Many of these tours start from convenient locations accessible from the many Pondicherry homestays that are so popular with travellers. If bicycles really aren’t your thing, there are also a number of walking tours run by guides who speak English and French. Tours typically cover the Muslim quarter, French and Tamil houses, and a number of fascinating cultural and historical centres.

Treat Your Taste Buds

The rich mesh of different cultures that have had an influence in Pondicherry has made it a paradise for foodies. The area has its own unique take on French food, not to mention a range of other European cuisines. As you can imagine, there’s also an abundance of traditional Indian restaurants. Some of the highlights include the Lighthouse; a romantic, rooftop restaurant which is ideal for romantic dinners, Café des Arts, a bohemian French restaurant that’s great for a light lunch, and Kasha ki Asha, which offers a unique blend of local and European cuisine. If you always want food to be a highlight in your travels, Pondicherry won’t disappoint!

See the Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual centre that’s known all over India, and other predominantly Dharmic countries. It’s one of the most popular cultural staples in Pondicherry to visit, associated with two of the most prolific spiritual leaders in India over the 20th century. Needless to say, it attracts countless pilgrims and tourists alike every year. Whether you want to attend a group meditation or simply get some stunning pictures of the ashrams’ unique golden orb, visiting Sri Aurobindo is something you certainly won’t forget.

China has the most incredible mixture of ancient and modern culture. Both are as intense and exciting as each other. The Imperial and revolutionary past are mysterious and rich in legend. The futuristic areas of Shanghai are on the cusp of modern revolution. You can also head out to see some of the most beautiful sights in the natural world.

Travelling around China is a challenge, even for the most adventurous amongst us. While mastering Mandarin will ensure you have an easier time, for those who don't speak a word of Chinese you can still relish every moment of an independent journey around China. The Chinese are incredibly friendly and between hand gestures, guessing and initiative you will get by on your own. Of course, you could opt to use a China travel agency to ensure everything is taken care of. They know the best ways to see this magical country, especially if it is your first time away. 

We wanted to share with you some of the best places in China, so we are starting at the beginning. In Ancient China. 

If it is the ancient world you are looking to find then Beijing, Xi'an and Pingyao are the places for you. Star attractions include the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. You are also only a day trip away from the Great Wall. Of course, it isn't all about the past. Olympic Village is here, and there is a contemporary art district. To get to grips, it is best to find yourself a knowledgeable guide.

Terracotta Warriors are the stand out attraction for Xi'an, but there are some other places which offer a little more peace and mystery. Including Lianhu Park downtown where the tea house overlooks a pond dense with pink and white lotus flowers. Here you cannot fail to feel inspired and, of course, you will find some beautiful teas available.

You cannot miss the Temple of Heaven. Discover the ancient practice of t'ai chi when the elders head here to help improve their balance. You can explore on foot or hire a bicycle, which would seem apt while you are here. If you want to understand local life, then head to the tiny alleys of Nanluoguxiang. 

Heading out of Beijing you can take a train to Taiyuan and then you will discover Pingyao. You will find traditional tea houses and hotels; it is also the home of the country’s first bank. It is located about halfway along the old trade route between Beijing and Xi'an and as mentioned before the biggest attraction to tourists is the Terracotta Army. However, there is far more to see here. Specifically the Daoist temples and Muslim Quarter. 

For modern living, then you should head out of the past and land yourself at the heart of commercial China, you need to head to Shanghai. Here you have the very best of Asia with the most famous hotels, restaurants and shopping. There are some gorgeous old colonial neighborhoods, and a walk down the riverside Bund is a must do. 

The real highlight of Shanghai though, is the beautiful hotels, including the Park Hyatt which has views to die for, Langham Yangtze and PuLi Hotel and Spa which is a very contemporary building indeed. 

The best hotels in Shanghai include the old Astor House, the Park Hyatt, with its shock-and-awe views, the Thirties-inspired Langham Yangtze and the contemporary PuLi Hotel & Spa. The Radisson Blu Plaza Xing Guo is set in vast manicured grounds and offer a quiet retreat

A trip you must try is to head from Shanghai to Huangshan. This is a very famous mountain peak, which is seen in most classic Chinese scenes. It has been just under 60,000 steps to the summit, although you could take a cable car if you prefer. However, some of the steps on this trek are 1,500 years old, so it is worth taking a look. 

Guangxi and Guizhou provinces will open your eyes to some of the most stunning landscape in China. There are paddy fields, gorges and even cave systems. The Li River is quite busy for tourism now so if you are looking for a little more escapism then head to the Yulong. There are some fantastic Inns on this smaller river, and they offer bicycle loans, can help organize bamboo rafting trips or caving. 

The Tibetan villages dotted around the town of Shangri-La at 3,300m above sea level are essentially visiting. However, you need to see Tibet itself. There is a train called "Roof of the World" which head to Tibet from Beijing and travels over the world's highest plateau. Its final destination is in Lhasa. Lhasa was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama right up until 1959 when he had to flee to India. You will need to check regulations, though, as there are sometimes issues with travelling into Tibet. 

There are direct flights into Chengdu from most major airports which mean you could base yourself near Sichuan province to visit the Panda Base. You will get an excellent introduction to local cuisine here too, as the area is famous for spicy Chinese food. You can also find a beautiful place called the People's Park, where fortune tellers predict your life highs, or you could just enjoy a lovely shoulder rub! This is also where those looking for a cruise of the Three Gorges, begin their journey on the Yangtze River. 

China holds many secrets, some which have been discovered and much more which have yet to be. It is a country of incredible wisdom and personal awareness and will give you a spiritual connection you may not have felt before. It isn't a place you can get to the heart of in just a week or two; you need a long trip to see all the wonders. Alternatively, you may consider a few two-week breaks to each area. Getting deeper into the passion of China as you go. 

The overlooking of the Taal Volcano and the cool breeze throughout the year are some of the reasons why there are many Tagaytay homes for sale in the famous city. Apart from beautiful homes situated all over the city, Tagaytay is also known for its array of fine restaurants, which will absolutely satisfy everyone’s palate. 

Tagaytay City is flocked by various tourists (both locally and internationally) not only because of its breathtaking view and delectable dishes, but also because of the captivating churches that can be found in the city. As the Holy Week is nearly approaching, surely, many Catholics are already planning where they will do their Visita Iglesia. Why not consider in the city of Tagaytay? Listed below are some of the best churches to visit this Lenten season.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church 

Location: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church is known for its beautiful interior characterized by high ceiling, yellow-lighted chandeliers, and big white wall. The church is run by the Capuchin, Order of Franciscan Minors. The visitors can offer their prayers in the grotto outside the church. Beside the grotto is the candle chapel, which has different kinds of candle that you can choose from. The color-coded candles can be used for a specific prayer (e.g. lavender for spiritual guidance). Moreover, the church has two life-sized statues of the saints: Francis of Asisi and Padre Pio.

Pink Sisters Convent 

Location: Brgy. Maitim 2nd, East, Tagaytay City 

Pink Sisters Convent is one of the Catholic Monasteries in Tagaytay City that was founded by German priest Blessed Arnold Janssen. The church was established to support by prayers and sacrifice the first two missionary foundations he established before. 

The church got its name because the nuns who are keeping a prayerful vigil 24/7 wear pink-colored habits, a color that symbolizes joy. They take turns to adore the Blessed Sacrament, seven days a week. Visitors can pray at Pink Sisters for any intentions that they have. On the other hand, they can also ask the Pink Sisters to do the praying for them. Guests can write his or her petition in a piece of paper and put in an envelope. Any amount of donation that goes with the requested petition is highly appreciated.

Tip: Make sure to refrain from doing unnecessary noise since the place is kept solemn.

San Antonio de Padua

Location: Silang, Cavite 

Apart from being a popular wedding destination, San Antonio de Padua Church is also a good choice to include in your Visita Iglesia. The interior of this church is characterized by an intricate pattern of dark greens, oranges, and reds and marble floors. Meanwhile, the exterior of the church has two similar brick structures, the other brick as San Antonio de Padua’s bell tower. The landscape of the church is also breath-taking since it is well manicured by the caretakers. 

These are some of the many churches that you can visit in Tagaytay City. Since the Lenten Season is coincidentally happens during summer, it might be a great choice to do your yearly Visita Iglesia in the cool city of Tagaytay. 

Laurel Santos is a 24 year old grown up woman whose kid at heart. She lives in the city and works as a freelance photographer. She also manages a small pet shop inside their village. She loves traveling so much because she believes that one should not just die staying in without exploring the world. She got a big heart for animals especially those stray dogs. Despite her busy schedule she always finds time to do one thing that she is very passionate about which is writing.

There are some foods that we will never try in our lifetime. There are some foods that, quite frankly, we never want to try in our lifetime. But do we know what the offerings are from different cultures and countries? Unless we specifically fly out to them, we probably aren’t aware of what’s available to us. We don’t know what we may love but haven’t had the chance to sample yet, or what we’ll save til another day (month, year, century). Let’s take a couple of the weirdest foods from a few countries/continents and see what tickles our fancy… 

Scotland, Europe

What was once a Scottish-only celebration has now descended across the whole of the United Kingdom, taking place on the 25th of January every year.

January in Scotland is a month of big celebration. Not only do they bring in the year in style with Hogmanay, but revered poet Robert Burns’ birthday is celebrated on the 25th of the month with a traditional dinner of haggis, neeps & tatties (haggis, turnips and potatoes), washed down with traditional Scotch whiskey and a recital of Burns’ poetry. What is haggis? Well, it’s a mixture of a sheep’s internal organs, spices and oats, encased in sheep intestines. There are health benefits in it though, as it is full of fibre and protein. What’s to lose by trying some? 

China, Asia

There are a few dishes in Chinese cuisine which may not be suited for Western palates. The one meal that is common in the Western world is swiftlet birds nest soup, which is made using one of the most expensive animal-made products in the world (the birds nest, which can demand prices of up to US$2,500 worldwide); it has always been regarded as a meal which promotes good health. Other delicacies include the century egg, which is an egg preserved for a good few months encased in a mixture of ash, clay and salt. It produces a strong-tasting, salty product that barely resembles the original egg in everything but shape. 

Alaska, United States, North America

Stinkheads. If you haven’t figured out what they are yet from the name alone, let the elaboration confirm it for you: a rotting fish head. More specifically, the fermented head of a king salmon. It doesn’t really retain its shape, and is instead eaten in a mushy form. Doesn’t it sound appealing? 

United Kingdom, Europe or Australia, Oceania 

Marmite for the UK and Vegemite for Australia. The well-known phrase coined in the UK for Marmite is “You’ll Either Love It or You’ll Hate It” and it could not be more true; try and find a Brit who is indifferent to this yeast-filled delight. Made from the leftovers of the beer-brewing process, this dark brown thick, sticky spread is salty but that’s as far as you’ll get with trying to describe the taste - it’s definitely savoury, but tastes like nothing else you have ever tried before. If that description alone won’t nudge you towards trying it, there’s not much else that will; some British chefs are even creating recipes with it as it provides that distinct a flavor to be combined with blander food.

So - which are you going to try first? 

Everyone loves to go on vacations to escape the stress and pressure they feel from their daily lives. People from Metro Manila are most especially keen on taking on trips to escape the city even for a little while. Obviously, there are only several places they can go to that will not consume too much time or effort. 

Tagaytay is one of these places. In fact, it is being considered as a top (summer) destination in the Philippines. Numerous individuals end up loving it so much that they decide to purchase a Tagaytay home for sale so they can have a getaway place to go to. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the luxury of buying one. However, they can still enjoy the many sights the place can offer.

Here are a few things you can do and places you can visit while in Tagaytay:

Fun Times at Sky Ranch Theme Park

One of the most popular attractions in Tagaytay today is the Sky Ranch Theme Park. It is situated close to Taal Vista Hotel and stands across the street from Casino Filipino. It has several rides your whole family can enjoy, including the Super Viking ride, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel. This Ferris wheel is being considered as the tallest Ferris wheel in the country as it stands at 207 feet tall.

The Adventure-filled Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Tagaytay has many recreational venues that you can visit. Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of them. The place is very ideal for family get-togethers for it has many open-air cottages that they can use to have picnic at. By then, they can sit back, relax, and watch the amazing view of the Taal Volcano or they can also look for other activities to do. They won’t have to look far because the vicinity offers a number of them. You can go on a horseback ride as well as attempt to zipline across the luscious green hills in the area.

Thailand has become a hotspot for travelers. After all, there is a ton of amazing things to do, whether you are old and young. It’s no wonder it makes people’s bucket list as a must-do before they die. However, a lot of people are unsure whether or not they should go to Thailand for a holiday. Therefore, here are three top reasons why Thailand should be on your radar for travels during 2017.

It has amazing cities

Most people have heard of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. And no wonder as the vibrant city has so much to see and do. As well as beautiful temples, you can expect shops and restaurants aplenty. And not only this, but it’s also got an amazing nightlife. You can expect to find locals and tourists galore on the vibrant streets during the night. And with amazing bars and clubs, it’s no wonder people head to the capital city. But as well as Bangkok, several other cities are worth visiting if you are in Thailand. Chiang Mai is one that’s worth going to if history is your thing. With religious temples galore and beautiful mountain areas, it’s definitely worth checking out. And if relaxing is what you're after from the trip, Pattaya is the best place to go as it’s got a ton of beautiful beaches that you need to see! In fact, you will spend days sunbathing on the glorious beaches here. And the upmarket area has shopping malls, as well as lively casinos to go to when the sun sets in the area!

It has great opportunities 

When you go to Thailand for a holiday, there is a lot to do during your trip. It’s definitely not going to be a boring holiday where you sit around for days. You can try everything from watersports to hiking while you are in the country. And if you fancy helping the locals, you could even volunteer in Thailand. Helping some little ones learn some basic English or even helping at a local animal sanctuary will ensure you have a trip you never forget. And you could even learn some of the language while you are in the country. Ask in the area for a local tutor who can teach you the basics so that you come back speaking some of the language!

You won’t spend a fortune on the trip 

Another reason why people are adding Thailand to their must-do list is because it’s so cheap. You can get a hotel for a reasonable price for a couple of weeks. And transport is cheap too while you are in the country. As for food, you can expect to only spend a couple of dollars! And you will get a great deal when exchanging your dollars for Thai baht. Therefore, you can have a fantastic trip without spending a small fortune! 

And remember to be adventurous when it comes to food. You need to try all the delicious food on offer. Therefore, don’t be afraid to try food from the street markets if you want to find something a bit different that will tickle your tastebuds.

Is there any better vacation than a beach vacation? The sand between your toes, soaking up the sun, the cool refreshing sea air filling your lungs. For many people, a beach destination is just about synonymous with paradise! The challenge is deciding where actually to go! There are so many amazing beach destinations around the world that it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. After all, no two people want the same thing from their vacations, and no two beaches are the same either. With that in mind, here is some of the greatest beach destinations in the world.

Thailand

There's a good reason that Thailand is considered one of the premier travel destinations in the world. It's the kind of country that really seems to have it all, and one thing it definitely has is beautiful beaches. Well you're getting away from it all in Railay, or you want to find somewhere nearer to the nation's capital, Thailand's beaches have something to offer for everyone. Pattaya has enough beaches by itself to keep any beach bunny happy for weeks! Make sure you check out this guide to Pattaya beach to find the perfect spot for you.

Brazil

It's hardly a coincidence that bikini waxes are called "the Brazilian." Brazil is a country that is inescapably connecting with the sunshine and white sandy beaches. If you're looking for beaches with a little something extra then Brazil is the place for you. Places like Ipanema Beach is the perfect place for a seafront party, with plenty of local vendors offering fantastic drinks to help get you in the party mood!

Mexico

If you want somewhere genuinely extraordinary to visit then, you simply have to check out the hidden beach in the Marieta Islands. Rumored to have been created by test bombs detonated by the Mexican military in the early twentieth-century, this beach is not only extremely cool, but it looks incredible! Surrounded on all sides, the beach is actually underground, and you need to go through a water tunnel to access it. If you're after something unique that you can boast to your friends and family about, this is the perfect place.

Australia

If you don't want to limit your beach destinations to purely relaxing then, you'll have to get yourself to the land down under. Australia is home to some of the best surf in the world. So if you're in the mood to hop on your board and get ahead of the rip curl, then there's nowhere better in the world. Of course, if the waves aren't your scene, the beaches themselves are still absolutely beautiful, offering you the chance to soak up some of that fabulous Aussie sunshine at your leisure!

Whatever you want to go for a beach vacation, there's somewhere out there that's perfect for you. It's just a matter of looking for it. And, of course, don't forget your sunscreen!

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is a great place to vacate for the whole family. The capital city has plenty to do to keep the kids busy for the entire week. There are so many fun activity centre for them to attend, while adults can check out the shopping facilities at one of the many large malls. In fact, nearly nine million people visit the city every year and have an enjoyable trip. Here are a few things you need to do when visiting Kuala Lumpur with the kids!

You should visit the Petronas Towers 

Not a lot of people have heard of the amazing Petronas Towers. But the tall buildings which stand side by side in Kuala Lumpur offer panoramic views across the city. The kids will love going up high and looking across the city. In fact, the 88-story buildings were once the largest buildings in the world. Therefore, take your kids to visit the towers, so that they can learn more about the history of the towers. You will also get some unforgettable photos to put up in your home.

You should spend the day at the Petrosains Discovery Center 

You should also take the kids to spend the day at the Petrosains Discovery Centre. The Science museum is a great place to take kids of all ages. The interactive museum has so much to see and do that they will come away with a brand-new love for science. The discovery centre is perfect for a rainy day of your holiday. And they will enjoy telling their teacher everything they learned when they return to school. Additionally, this article says the staff is very helpful which is always a bonus!

You should take them for a thrilling day at Sunway Lagoon 

If your kids love some thrilling rides, then you will have to take them to Sunway Lagoon while you are in Kuala Lumpur. The great park has six different parks for your kids to go into and there is even a surf beach. The thrilling rides range from smaller rides for little ones in their Nickelodeon land, to extreme heights on Tornahawk! There is also a playground and a water park for your kids to spend time in. After a long day at the park, you can relax and explore hotel in Kuala Lumpur!

You should take them to Kuala Lumpur National Zoo

Animal fans will love to spend a day at the Kuala Lumpur National Zoo which has a wide array of animals for your kids to see. The 110-acre park is home to 476 different species of animals so your children won’t be bored! The large zoo is split into sixteen different exhibits including the reptile park and the bear complex! There is also an aquarium if your kids want to get to know more about sea creatures! If you do love animals, you could head on to Borneo after Kuala Lumpur to get a closer look at the orangutans.

When visiting Kuala Lumpur with the children, make sure they have enough to do to keep them busy for the journey to the amazing city. Here are some apps which will keep your kids occupied during your travels.