Journey Around The Globe
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Winter Wonderland in Leavenworth, WA
Visiting Leavenworth in Washington was on our list for a while, especially around the Christmas/holiday time. This town brought back some sweet memories of small villages of Europe because of its charms and cozy setups.
Leavenworth is German village at the foothill of the Cascades. Its Bavarian style half-timbered colorful houses give this town an enchanting look. Shops and cafes along the road-sides and round the year activities attract thousands of visitors each year. Leavenworth is a popular getaway in Pacific Northwest because of magical Christmas lighting and other winter activities/sports.
If you are planning to stay in Leavenworth during summer break or winter holiday season, be sure to book your hotel ahead of time (way ahead maybe). We stayed in Ellensburg, WA, which was about an hour away from Leavenworth.
If you are planning to have either lunch or dinner in Downtown Leavenworth, try to make a reservation at a restaurant or cafe in at least couple hours before you are ready to eat. During lunch or dinner time, it gets pretty crazy with long lines, and waiting time in restaurants were at least 2 hours. We ended up having some pretzels and danishes at a bakery. Then made an early reservation at a Mongolian place, called Wok About Grill for dinner. But if time and energy allow, do try some Bavarian style food here, like schnitzel and brats and etc. One final tip about visiting Leavenworth in December is that, make sure to wear few layers of clothes with heavy jacket with other winter gears. It came down to 8 or 9 degree Fahrenheit when we were there.
We spent only few hours in the heart of Leavenworth to go around and to enjoy the Christmas lighting and festive atmosphere the town has to offer. I do plan to go back there during summer sometime soon. For now, these are the few places we’ve visited in Leavenworth.
- Downtown: This is the heart and soul of Leavenworth. Laced by lots of boutique stores and gourmet restaurants, downtown is the place where the stunning holiday lighting takes place every year. All the cafes and shops will catch your eyes with its decorations or names or their unique products. If you don’t want to be trapped by the crowd near the stores, enjoy the kids sledding on snow from a tiny hill near the gazebo or just sit down with a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy all the alpine beauties all around the city.
2. Nutcracker Museum: This is one of the coolest and fun museums we’ve been to. With more than 6,000 nut cracking devices, some dating back from the Roman time, this place will definitely make its guests excited.
The museum won’t take more an hour to visit and the ticket is only $5 per person. Watch the video before the tour to know more about the nutcrackers and its amazing history. Also, check out the souvenir shop before leaving which has some pre-owned and new nutcrackers from Germany and China. These nutcrackers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors…have fun choosing one for you or the loved ones.
3. Waterfront Park: This is probably not very popular place to visit in December. We took a little walk along the Wenatchee River. It is probably one of the best kept secrets of this town.
Only few minutes from the main streets in downtown, this Waterfront Park is a quiet place with few trails and a bridge. I can imagine this place in summer time with incredible sceneries and fun outdoor activities.
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The Charm of Sharm…El Sheikh
There are few locations as steeped in history and romantic mysticism as Egypt. Most of us, as children have been enthralled by the tales of Egyptian mythology and thus, visiting the country as an adult, we tend to retain a sense of wide eyed mysticism when feasting our eyes on the wonders of this historically and culturally rich civilization. From the pyramids to the Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt is steeped in exotic history that has captured the hearts and imaginations of Western visitors for generations. The beauty of Sharm El Shiekh is its ability to combine this sense of vivid and romantic history with peerless luxury so that one can explore or relax in this divine city while experiencing a vacation that is unique and full of character.
Sun, sand and sea
If you want to take your sandals for an airing, you can hit one of Sharm El Sheikh’s many wonderful beach resorts and enjoy the uniquely arid beauty of the coastal regions.
Naama Bay is the epicenter of the region’s resort life, boasting ultra-luxurious hotels like the Sharm El Sheikh Marriott Resort and the Royal Savoy. Each offers a subtly different but undeniably luxurious stay from which you can begin your journey across the windswept sandy vistas.Naama Bay is famous for its expansive beach with its pedestrian only promenade ringed with profuse cafes and restaurants.
If, however, you’re looking for something more sedate and solitary, we recommend a trip to the Nabq Protectorate 20 km north of Sharm El Sheikh proper. Here you can spend a whole day without seeing another person, although you’ll find plenty of examples of the region’s exquisite wildlife. You’re likely to encounter gazelles and ibexes, and you can even explore the world’s most northerly mangrove forest which is also in the region.
Under the sea
For those with a restless sense of adventure, Sharm El Sheikh has a plethora of opportunities to scuba dive or snorkel among the region’s bountiful sea life. The Gardens Reef at the northern end of Naama Bay offers three different snorkelling and diving sites that can be accessed either off the shore or by boat. There’s a richly diverse palette of sea life to be found here to suit veteran divers and neophyte snorkelers.
Seasoned divers, however, will be drawn to the vivid coral of Thomas Reef where you can explore the spectacular underwater vistas amidst schools of fish.
Step back in time
A trip to Sharm El Sheikh isn’t complete without sampling some of the ancient wonders that give the city and its surrounding regions so much of their character. Take a coach trip to St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The ancient site is home to a still functioning Greek Orthodox monastery and is home to the legendary “burning bush” of the old testament.
The bustling streets of the Sharm Old Market are also a must for those whose trip is not complete without some friendly haggling. Here you can shop, eat and drink in the unique atmosphere that one would not expect to be able to experience without a time machine.
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Flight Museum in Seattle
Since we moved to Portland, OR, we have visited Seattle way too many times to keep track of. Sometimes it was just us, sometimes with friends, sometimes with our families/guests from other states.
Seattle is only little more than 3 hours of drive from Portland and it’s one of the beautiful and diverse cities of the West Coast. The iconic landmark of Seattle has got to be the Space Needle in downtown. It’s surroundings and that square where it’s located is a thriving place to be at any time of the year. Tons of museums, cafes, and shops attract thousands of people from all over the world each year.
Another favorite spot in Seattle is Pike’s Place. From fresh produce to fish and meat to unique local items are sold here at different price ranges. Check out the first ever Starbucks coffee shop in Pike’s Place. This is considered to be as one of the top ten farmers’/outdoor market in the U.S.
I will keep adding more tourists’ attractions here as we visit more places in Washington or in Seattle to be specific.
- The Museum of Flight: This museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world and attracts more than half a million visitors each year. Its library and archives are also the largest on the West Coast. Being affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, this is a cool and educational place to be for both kids and adults.The collection includes more than 160 historically significant air and spacecraft along with world’s only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer.
One of the galleries my older daughter was really interested is out the WWI and WWII. Some of the original aircraft (and some replicas) are displayed here and my girls loved the Flight Simulators. Check out the Space Gallery for cool facts about NASA, the astronauts and their lives, future ventures, fun spacecrafts and gadgets. Visitors can explore more than 50 historic aircraft in the Great Gallery, including world’s only remaining M-21 Blackbird. Red Burn shows the birthplace of the Boeing Company in its original manufacturing plant, which includes rare aircraft, a factory workshop, and exhibits on the early history of American aerospace. One of my favorites was the Aviation Pavilion which is a covered outdoor area containing 19 rare and unique commercial/military aircraft from the 1930s to the present. When you are there, make sure to go inside Boeing 747 or 787, Concorde, FedEx Air Cargo, and finally, a luxurious Dreamliner.
The museum is open daily (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 10 am to 5pm. There is a cafe, called Wing Cafe, has lots of options and a fun souvenir shops in the building. Make sure to spend at least couple hours to half a day here.
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Underrated Asian Locations You Shouldn’t Miss
Asia is a continent with much to offer. Whether you’ve spent a lot of time there or never even set foot on Asian soil, there’s a lot for you to discover for the very first time. Of course, we all know about the wonders of Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai, but these aren’t the only places in Asia for you to explore and enjoy. Every country in Asia has a few hidden treasures that not too many people know about.
If you’re an avid traveler looking for places to visit that are off the beaten track and away from the usual tourist traps, you’re going to love the information outlined below. There are so many great locations that fly under the radar, but it’s time to uncover some of the best and reveal their secrets and wonders.
Read on now to learn about some of the very best and most underrated locations in Asia right now. These are the places that you have to experience to truly appreciate, so once you’ve read about them and found out why they’re worth visiting, you can’t start putting those travel plans in place.
Busan, South Korea
When it comes to major South Korean cities, all the attention understandably goes to Seoul. It’s a fantastic city, but it shouldn’t be allowed to eclipse the other beautiful towns and cities that this country has to offer. Chief among them is Busan, a bustling hub or urban development and social buzz. It’s the kind of place that you want to stay for longer than you’d arranged to once you delve beneath its surface. As well as being a vibrant metropolis, it has a coastline that’s simple devine so make sure you appreciate that while you’re there too.
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Sharp Island, Hong Kong
Most people aware away of what Hong Kong has to offer. It’s a sprawling and dazzling metropolis with so much to see, hear and taste. But people often look past the smaller places like Sharp Island that are just out of the main city area of Hong Kong. It’s a short boat ride off the main area of Hong Kong, and it’s a big contrast to what you find there. It’s natural, clean and quiet. Because so few people actually make this journey, its beaches are quiet and easy to enjoy, so be sure to make the most of them when you’re there yourself.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia is all about immersing yourself in everything it has to offer and everything there is to see. It’s very different to the capital cities in other Asian countries such as Thailand or Indonesia. There is less of the buzz and busy atmosphere, and that can be a really positive thing when you are want to take things a little easier. The best part of the country is undoubtedly the people the populate it, and there are fantastic markets and food stalls that will send your senses into a tailspin. You certainly won’t regret taking this trip.
Majuli, India
India is a very popular destination for people who want to experience Asia in all its glory, but not so many people think of heading to Majuli. It flies under the radar, mainly because it’s not easy to get to it for everyone, you’re going to be traveling up a remote river to get to the island, but if you ask me, it will all be worthwhile for you in the end. The sad fact is the island might not be there for much longer, and the water could subsume it completely, so it makes sense to see it and experience it first-hand while you still have the chance to.
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Dalat, Vietnam
More and more people are starting to realise everything that Dalat in Vietnam has to offer. If you’ve never been there or never even heard of it, you should give it a try. It’s a location that has just as much to offer as more popular parts of Vietnam, such as Hanoi, so you shouldn’t be put off by the thought that you’re missing better areas in other parts of the country because that’s simply not true. The highlands in Dalat are simply stunning, so if you want some examples of genuine natural beauty, look no further than this.
Java, Indonesia
Java is a relatively small island in terms of its land size, but it’s home to a startling 145 million people, making it the most populous island on the face of the earth. Its transport links are improving all the time, and it becomes a more modern location with each passing year. It also has some stunning natural wonders across the island for you to explore. Head to rumahdijual.com/bekasi/ if you want a place to stay. And be sure to visit the Borobudur Temple while you’re there; it’s one of the most impressive structures in Asia.
Yakushima, Japan
The subtropical region of Yakushima in Japan is a must-visit region for fans of stunning natural landscapes and nature reserves. If you enjoy being at one with nature, there is no better place for you. It’s a UNESCO reserve, meaning it’s fully protected for people to see and experience first-hand, which has to be a good thing for you and future generations. It’s an island with hot springs, stunning fauna and the kinds of animal species that you might not natural associate with Japan. If you’re going to be in the country, don’t leave without seeing Yakushima.
Pai, Thailand
The juggle regions combined with the laid back atmosphere of the village itself make Pai one of the most fascinating and most underrated spots in all of Asia, if not the entire world. You should definitely make sure you head to this part of the country if you’re going to be there anytime soon. If your only previous taste of Thailand has come in the form of Bangkok, you’ll be in for a surprise because it’s entirely different in Pai. It couldn’t be more relaxed and laid back if it tried, and that’s all part of what makes it such a wonderful place to visit.
Plain of Jars, Laos
The name of this place is just as good as the place itself. Plain of Jars is found in the tiny country of Laos near Vietnam and Cambodia. The name comes from the huge stone jars that you will find scattered around this strange and unique city. Many of them have been there for thousands of years. It’s a quietly beautiful location that not many people are aware of, so you should certainly add it to your itinerary if you’re going to be exploring Asia in the near future.
Kuching, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is great, but that’s only one side of Malaysia, and you should try to see the other side of it while you’re there to. That’s why Kuching is such an essential visit for anyone who wants to see another side of the region. It’s the kind of place that offers the quiet and solitude that can be so hard to find in modern life. And you can learn a lot about the Chinese heritage of Malaysia while you’re there as well.
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As you can see, Asia is such a vast and varied continent, and even if you think you understand it and know what it has to offer, it still has the capacity to surprise you. Be sure to check out the locations mentioned above; you’re sure to find at least a couple that appeal to you.
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6 Must Visit Destinations In Asia For Adrenaline Junkies
For folks seeking wanderlust, a dose of adventure is like a cherry on top. Now, as fulfilling as taking the sight of beaches or mountains may feel like, the thrill of adrenaline rushing through your veins is an experience in itself. If you are the type of traveler who craves an adrenaline rush in your trips, then Asia must be on top of your travel list. The continent of Asia is a land of diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and exotic cuisines. But, away from the hustle-bustle of the tourist places, there lies a world where adventure and thrill seekers find their solace. Given below is a compilation of the ultimate adventure destinations in Asia:
- Skydiving in Pattaya, Thailand:
Extreme adventure sport you ask? Add skydiving to your extreme adventure docket. Thailand is an ever-popular destination amongst tourists known and skydiving as an extreme adventure sport is slowly and steadily gaining prominence within the country. There are many dropzones spread across Bangkok and Pattaya to crave your skydiving fix. How about jumping from a height of 12000 feet? It certainly is enough to get your heart racing while you freefall down with a view of turquoise blue waters from above. Such an experience is certainly bound to be etched in your mind for quite some time. There are many places that offer skydiving packages around Thailand. Some of them even have ties with hotels offering it as a part of their inclusive package deals. If you are looking for the best travel destinations around the world then Savvy Expeditioner should be your next stop. The site provides great travel tips and good insights on some of the best travel destinations.
2. Quad Biking in Ubud Bali, Indonesia:
If you think of Bali as a meditating and peaceful retreat, then think again. If you don’t mind getting wet and dirty then quad biking is the perfect sport to indulge in. Imagine yourself on a quad bike zooming through the jungle, muddy roads and across rice fields and agricultural plantations. You get to discover the beautiful landscape of Bali through a different lens which is an experience in itself. Having fun and getting to explore the lay of the land, could there be a perfect activity for an adventure seeker?
3. Climbing the highest Via Ferrata in Mount Kinabalu, Borneo:
For those people unfamiliar with the concept of “Via Ferrata”, the term has been coined from the Italian language which means “Iron Road. The road to the Via Ferrata consists of rails, cables, and bridges embracing the rocks. There are more than 300 Via Ferrata routes all across the world but the world’s highest one is located in Borneo, called the Mountain Torq which is located at Mt. Kinabalu’sPanabalan rock face. The highest point starts at 3400m and ends at 3800m. Quite a spectacle and a challenge to accomplish. Scaling the Via Ferrata at Mount Kinabalu is certainly not a task for the faint-hearted.
4. Shipwreck diving in Palawan, Philippines:
If scaling the highest mountain isn’t enough for you then here comes another adventure. How about scaling the depths of the ocean and exploring lost shipwrecks? Southeast Asia is home to many eerie shipwrecks and the Coron Bay is famed for shipwreck diving. The Coron Bay is home to many World War II shipwrecks. Imagine picture perfect shipwrecks, awash with sea life and corals. This is how your shipwreck diving experience will be wreck diving at Coron Bay in Palawan.
5. Sandboarding in Mui Ne, Vietnam:
The Mui Ne in Vietnam is dubbed as one of the best places to sandboard in the entire world and the view doesn’t disappoint one bit. On the same principles as snowboarding, sandboarding is the same except the fact that you are racing down never-ending sand dunes. Also, you have two options to choose from, the Red Sand Dunes and White one. The sandboards used in this endeavor are all plastic made and many kite-boarding shops rents at this place rent out proper gears at a small cost. However unconventional sandboarding may feel like, it sure is fun speeding down steep hills on boards.
6. Off Road Motorbike Tours in Laos:
The thrill of handling an off-roader bike is quite an amazing experience. You don’t have to worry about cops, speed limits and even if you manage to fall, you can be sure about not hitting your head on the pavement but instead some plain old dirt. You can experience the same thrill in Laos where you can get off the beaten path on two wheels on the countryside roads exploring the land. There are a few popular motorbikes companies in Laos offering you the experience where they take you on a few days tour to for adventure and exploration. Some even offer self-guided adventures for people willing to do solo tours.
Your trips need not always be about seeking wanderlust because now you know which places to head in Asia for your next adventure fix. Bookmark these destinations in your itinerary today itself.
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Business Excellence Award 2020 from AI Global Media for The Most Entertaining Personal Travel Blog – Pacific Northwest USA
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Globe RunnerBusiness Excellence Award 2020 for The Most Entertaining Personal Travel Blog – Pacific Northwest USA
Business Excellence Award 2020 from AI Global Media
