When traveling, not many people consider how they’re going to get to their destination. However, it can be important to weigh the pros and cons of each method, to make your travels as smooth as possible. Let’s break down a few of the most common forms of transportation and their positives and negatives.

Plane

Pros

Flying by planes is one of the most common forms of transportation. You can travel nearly everywhere in the world by plane, making it a top choice for people looking to travel internationally. Within some countries, you can also travel by plane, making it a good choice for people living in larger nations. Flying also means you can truly be a passenger, as the time between takeoff and landing won’t be interrupted.

Cons

Everyone knows the disappointment of flying with a crying baby, but that’s not the only negative. The cost of flights can be incredibly high, especially if you’re traveling a reasonably short distance. Additionally, security checks can be tedious and take a long time, meaning you can easily spend more time getting screened and waiting around than flying.

Car

Pros

Unlike any other form of transportation on this list, you have full control over your itinerary when you travel by car. You can make stops as often as you need to, you can eat what you like, and you won’t be surrounded by total strangers.

Cons

Traffic is the biggest inconvenience when driving. Missing exits or having to stop for gas can also be an inconvenience. Furthermore, you can’t fully relax while driving somewhere, so your vacation won’t really start until you arrive at your destination.

Train

Pros

Train rides are very scenic and can be an experience in and of themselves. Some can also be reasonably priced, compared to flights. Trains can go shorter distances than planes, making them a good choice for short-term trips. Additionally, trains are a great form of transportation if you’re looking to travel to several places in a close geographical area.

Cons

Train rides can be expensive at times, so you’ll have to carefully map out your plans ahead of time. Trains may also take longer to reach their destinations, and you still may have to deal with crying children.

Bus

Pros

Bus rides are similar to trains in that they are a great option for shorter distances and spontaneous travel. Buses also tend to be one of the more inexpensive choices. You also may have fewer limitations on bringing on food and drinks, and you know where your luggage will be the entire time.

Cons

Buses are slow and can run into traffic just as easily as cars. This means traveling by bus is not always a reliable option when your itinerary is time-sensitive. And, just as with trains and planes, buses may be uncomfortable and have annoying passengers.

Next time you travel, think carefully about how you want to get to and from your destination. Make sure you pick the option that works best for you, as transportation can make or break the start and end of your vacation.

Paraguay is a little-known country of magnificent beauty in the heart of South America. Although the country is not often visited, it is packed with culture and authenticity. Because there are no major attractions to lure in travelers and tourists, the culture is rich and beautiful. For a trip unlike any other, travel to Paraguay and experience the true South America.

General Info

The small country is landlocked between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia with a population of merely 6.8 million people. The language typically spoken in Paraguay is Spanish and Guaraní. Their currency is the Paraguayan guaraní.

What can I do in Paraguay?

Although the country is hardly ever visited by tourists, there is no shortage of things to do. Many travelers enjoy visiting the Iguazú Falls for sightseeing. There is also Eco Reserva Mbatoví for tourists who enjoy adventures like zip-lining through the wilderness or taking walks across historic hanging bridges. For a more traditional South American experience, tourists can head to Estancia Aventura for horseback riding and sightseeing on a beautiful ranch.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

The food in Paraguay is very similar to the dishes found in Uraguay. While visiting Paraguay, be sure to try their traditional dishes such as Chipá, Borí borí, Pira caldo, and Tereré. Each of these recipes has been perfected over the centuries and speaks true to their traditions. Most of the cuisine consists of barbequed meats and vegetables, pastries, and fish.

And where should I stay?

It easy to find both budget and luxury stays in Paraguay. Some of the most popular are Hotel Excelsior, Hotel Papillon, La Mision Hotel Boutique, and Topachi Hotel. For a more authentic stay, Pro Cosara, Mbaracayú Eco-lodge, Tres Gigantes offer remote lodging in the wilderness.

I’m sold. How do I get to Paraguay?

Paraguay is 14,431 km from Australia, making the flight about 35 hours, depending on the number of stops along the way. There are no direct flights to Paraguay from Australia and will typically consist of two to three layovers. The cost of the flight can be anywhere between 1500 and 3000 AUD.

The little-known country offers authentic beauty and timeless traditions of Soth America. For the trip of a lifetime, plan a visit to Paraguay.

The rising cost of touristy locations prevents many from taking a holiday. However, there are a variety of beautiful and fascinating countries around the world that offer affordable accommodations and meals. Whether traveling as a couple or a family, consider planning a getaway to an exotic destination.

Penang, Malaysia

The island lies off the northwestern coast of Malaysia and earned the nickname “Pearl of the Orient.” The soft sandy beaches of Tanjung Bungah provide a chance to relax, enjoy the view and catch some sun. Gourmet cooks enjoy touring the Tropical Spice Garden. Learn more about Buddhists by visiting the exquisite Kek Lok Si Temple in Georgetown. Explore local culture by touring the Khoo Kongsi clan house, which is more than six centuries old. Dining options range from fancy restaurants to the street vendors that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Xi’an, China

The capital city of Xi’an was established in the north-central region of the country and at one end of the historic Silk Road. Thirteen dynasties ruled the land for thousands of years, which makes the metropolis rich in culture and history. Guests have the chance to explore local heritage by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum. Exhibits include everything from items derived from emperor’s tombs to artifacts from the Silk Road. The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum remains one of the most popular places to visit in order to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors that date back to 221 B.C. Art enthusiasts make a point of touring the Tang Bo Art Museum where you might also attend a calligraphy workshop.

Kochi, India

The metropolis remains an important port city along the country’s southwestern coast. The Indian spice trade made Kochi popular with many world countries for centuries. Venture to the old part of the city, which is known as Fort Kochi. Tour the Mattancherry Palace that dates back to 1555. The building features Dutch and Portuguese design and was a gift to the Raja. Bird watchers enjoy making a trip to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. The location encompasses 2.74 hectares and cares for 35 species of birds, 17 butterfly species and six mammal species. The Museum of Kerala History enables guests to explore the heritage of the city. The facility also has an art gallery and a doll collection.

Traveling is exciting but can also pose many challenges. This is especially true for those traveling into a different hemisphere. Keep these tips in mind if you plan on traveling between hemispheres for your next vacation.

Daylight and Nighttime Hours

As you travel closer to the north and south poles, the ratio of daytime to nighttime hours becomes more drastic. Due to the tilt of the planet and its position in relation to the sun, the polar ends of the planet either receive an abundant amount of daylight hours with very little nighttime hours and vice versa. The time of year you visit certain countries will determine which extreme you will encounter. There are websites that allow you to enter the country and city to which you’ll be traveling so that you can see when the sun rises and sets and how many daylight and nighttime hours you have for work and leisure. It’ll also be wise to set alarms on your smartphone to alert you of designated mealtimes so that you don’t accidentally miss a meal due to restaurants and stores being closed.

Check The Weather

Checking the weather of your travel destination is a common tip given to novice travelers. This is to help you know what type of clothes to pack. This tip should be heeded even more fervently when you travel to another hemisphere. The way hemispheres work is that they experience opposite seasons. When it’s winter in the northern hemisphere, it’s summer in the southern hemisphere. This sort of extreme seasonal difference can really mess up your travels if you pack clothes and gear for the season in your own hemisphere. A quick search online can help you determine the current season in the hemisphere of your travels and the effect it has on the local weather.

Time and Date Differences

There is an invisible line that separates the western and eastern hemispheres which denotes the beginning of the next day. When you travel over this International Date Line, you automatically exist in the next or previous day, depending on which hemisphere you depart from. It is important for you to keep this line in mind when reading your travel tickets and purchasing hotel reservations. You may not purchase enough days at the hotel to cover your entire visit or even miss your flight.

Passionate travelers do not let financial constraints squash their dreams of wanderlust. It is easier than ever to plan extravagant trips on a shoestring budget. Here are six of the most practical ways to travel without breaking the bank:

HARNESS THE POWER OF POINTS: Savvy travelers understand the great benefit of learning how to work the points system to their advantage to gain valuable travel rewards. Experts recommend finding a credit card that pays out in generous hotel and airline miles and then using that card for all possible expenses. Paying attention to sign-up bonuses can also help you to rack up the points more quickly.

FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES WITH A BUDGET AIRLINE: As long as your personal tastes do not require a first-class flying experience, choosing a budget airline is a great way to stretch your travel dollar. By being mindful of the extra costs associated with budget airlines and taking care to avoid them, this can be a huge money saver.

BE FLEXIBLE: By committing to be flexible in your travel schedules, you will undoubtedly open up a world of additional inexpensive vacation options. Traveling off-season or taking flights during the less desired times can protect your budget and leave more room for fun expenses. Being open to flying out of an airport farther than your ideal location can also potentially save a lot of money.

HIT THE ROAD: Especially when traveling as a family, a road trip can be a lot more economical than flying. Looking into a gas rewards credit card is another way that you can save big when traveling by car. As a bonus, the bonding that happens during a road trip cannot be replicated by any other type of travel experience.

LEVERAGE THE DOLLAR: The current strength of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies makes this an ideal time to travel abroad. Even going somewhere as close as Mexico or Canada can yield big savings when your money is converted to foreign currencies.

AVOID UNNECESSARY FEES: Do your research and plan ahead so that you avoid unnecessary costs such as ATM service charges and cell phone roaming fees. There are numerous services and products designed to eliminate these fees.

Despite being wedged between the two most populous countries in the world, Nepal is a country that does not receive much tourism, compared with more developed countries. Although it is most notable for its 2015 earthquake, Nepal has so much more to offer than most westerners expect. If you’re considering traveling to an obscure country, read on to see what makes Nepal unique.

General Info

Although Nepal borders China to the north and India to the south, it had a miniscule population of nearly 30 million people, as of 2016. The national language is Nepali, although there are fifteen recognized regional languages, as well. The currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 NPR equals 0.012 AUD.

What can I do in Nepal?

Known for its mountainous geography, Nepal is a country that people primarily go to for its outdoor activities. If your dream is to climb the Himalayas, Nepal is a great place to do so. For those who are a little less adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails for both beginners and experts. If you want a more casual experience, check out a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, which will show off some of the religious buildings and beautiful architecture.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Nepalese food can be similar to its surrounding countries. Some of their main dishes are Momos and Yomari (both types of dumplings), but they also have soups, lentil and egg patties, and even their own version of a pizza (Keema chatamari).

And where should I stay?

Kathmandu has plenty of Airbnbs to choose from, for roughly $10 per night. Visitors rated Nepalese Airbnbs an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, so you know the hospitality will be great just about anywhere you go.

I’m sold. How do I get to Nepal?

Flights from various parts of Australia to Kathmandu are anywhere from 750 AUD to 1000 AUD. Most flights will have a single stop, but otherwise, the trip is a fairly straight shot.

Although Nepal is an up-and-coming country, it has a lot more to offer than people expect. When planning your next trip, keep in mind the rich culture of this country, and consider it for your next vacation.

No matter where you live, you have probably seen or read about a road trip experience. Media portrays these trips as fun, easygoing, and a great way to bond with your travel companions. But is road tripping all it’s made to seem, or is it an overrated form of travel? I won’t answer that for you, but let’s look at some of the pros and cons that can help you decide whether you should take a road trip.

Pros

Enjoy Underrated Attractions

No matter where you are looking to road trip, you will likely find an attraction, a restaurant, or even a national park that most tourists tend to overlook. It’s here that you’ll often see the most real version of a place; it’s where you can stop being a tourist and just be a person. After the trip is over, these places are the ones you’ll most remember.

Group Bonding Time

The cliché is real — road trips are a great time to learn more about your traveling companions. You’ll spend time together in a small space for days, and there will be times where the drive is boring. After the fun and excitement starts to wear off, you can expect to open up a bit and relate to each other on a more personal level.

Fully Customizable Travel

Do you want to visit a city that has no close airport? You may end up traveling for the same amount of time you would if you drove, but spending way more. Or, you might book a hotel and find out it looks much worse in person than it did online. Taking a road trip means being able to customize your travel itinerary to suit your needs, so you can avoid situations like these.

Cons

No Room To Breathe

Although staying in close quarters may lead to a heart-to-heart moment, it can also be the catalyst for epic fights. People get sick of each other after spending so much time together with no out, so be ready to argue over nothing, just because.

The Cost

Although road tripping may be less expensive than an international vacation, it can often be more costly than expected. Gas drives costs up, food and lodging can be a surprise, and you never know when your vehicle will break down. It’s a good idea to have extra money stashed away, just in case something goes awry.

Where’s The Excitement?

Unfortunately, no road trip is going to be interesting 100% of the time. You may have days of travel without an exciting element. Be prepared to entertain yourself in other ways, or else you may regret taking this kind of trip.

Taking a road trip can be a fun experience, but it can also be grueling. Before you commit to the idea, make sure you consider both the good and the bad. You may be surprised at how you feel after weighing all of the consequences.

When traveling, it can be tempting to fall into a typical routine — go to this city, eat at this restaurant, and talk with the same people you see daily. However, people are tired of following suit and want to encounter authentic experiences. In fact, so many people are shifting from the norm that 2018 is known as the year of these unique travel trends.

Solo or No?

When traveling, most people prefer to spend their trip with someone. Usually, this is family, friends, or a significant other. Yet, the era of the travel companion may soon be over, as one of the big trends of 2018 is solo travel. Although traveling by yourself is not everyone’s ideal vacation, it can provide new experiences that you would not have on your own. For example, you may be more inclined to speak to locals, rather than retreating to your group. You also would not be limited by others’ preferences, which can open the door to adventures, sights, and, of course, food that you never would have tried. It’s no wonder that people are traveling solo; it’s the perfect opportunity to cater specifically to your interests.

The New Old Transportation

Another big trend that has taken off is traveling by train. People in Europe do this frequently when traveling between countries, but other continents are taking interest, as well. With airport security at an all-time high, it may be more convenient to take a train to your destination, especially if you plan on stopping in a few places. Another benefit of traveling by train is an increased amount of room. We’ve all heard that airlines are restricting legroom each year, but trains still maintain a fairly large capacity without sacrificing personal comfort. Finally, trains may not provide the most interesting experience, but it can be fun to watch the sights you pass on the way to your stop.

Undiscovered Destinations

Every year, it seems another attraction has become overrun with tourists. Instead of wading through the sea of people you could find at home, try following another 2018 trend: traveling to unfamiliar places. There are dozens of countries throughout several continents that rarely see outside tourism. Furthermore, within many popular countries, there are usually areas tourists stay away from. Why not explore a bit further than most? These undiscovered areas often come with some of the best hospitality, as well as a truly immersive experience. You will eat like a native, live like a native, and may not see a person from your country the entire time. It may sound nerve-wracking, but afterward, you will be amazed at how much you learned.

2018 has been a year full of surprises, but these travel trends were a long time coming. Even if you aren’t one to follow trends, try giving these a try. You will certainly have a unique experience and a great story to tell.

Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and many people can relate. It is exciting to see the world, meet the locals, and taste new cuisines. Although so many of us love traveling, there are certain countries people tend to travel to most. While these countries have merit, so many others are left mostly undiscovered. To bring some light to the places more people could visit, I’m starting a series called Undiscovered Countries. Today, I’m going to dive into what you should know if you are interested in visiting Croatia.

General Info

Croatia is a swooping country, found on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Croatia, the national language is Croatian, while Serbian, Italian, French, and many other regional languages are minority languages. The currency is the Kuna, and 1 AUD equals roughly 4.61 Kuna.

What can I do in Croatia?

Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands, which many tourists love exploring. The Adriatic Sea is a great place for sailing, so all tourists should make a stop by the coast. The country also contains rich scenery, including seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Of course, you can also visit the numerous small towns throughout the country, and make a stop in the capital, Zagreb. Here, you can visit farmers’ markets, spend an afternoon in a local coffee shop, or explore one of many museums.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Croatian food varies greatly, as the country is divided into several regions. However, if you travel throughout the country, these are three dishes you must try:

• Black risotto (crni rizot) is often known in other countries as squid-ink risotto. It’s a Croatian specialty, and comes with several kinds of seafood mixed in. Make sure to eat this dish near the coast, as the seafood will be fresh.
• Manestra, a bean soup, is a common dish in Istria, and a must-try for foreigners. This soup contains a garlic-pancetta-parsley paste, as well as cured meats. It’s a unique flavor that you don’t often find, so make sure to keep it on your list.
• Rozata may seem familiar to those who love Central American cuisine. Rozata is Croatia’s version of flan, and it looks nearly identical. Still, there is no way you can go wrong with this sweet treat, so make sure to try it at least once.

I’m sold. How do I get to Croatia?

Flights directly to Croatia can be expensive, if you can even find them. Instead, consider flying into a major Western European city and taking a train or a short flight to Croatia. If you are hoping to stop in some other countries, this is a great way to make sure you do so. Once you arrive in Croatia you will never want to leave.

There are tons of countries around the world, and most people will only see a handful in their lives. If you’re looking to break from that mold and adventure into new territory, why not start with Croatia?

Many people see traveling as a simple vacation from the drudgery of their lives. Traveling can provide so many invaluable skills and lessons that will not only make your life better but will make you a better person.

A Lesson In Patience

Impatience is often considered the cornerstone of youth. Maturing through adulthood to a ripe age is the most common way to temper impatience, but traveling can begin the process much sooner. There are many things that can go wrong during travel such as lost items, delays, crowds, cancellations, and language barriers. The more you expose yourself to annoying situations, the more chances you have to train your mind to not react in an impulsive, impatient manner. Traveling helps you to learn how to remain calm and relax during moments where you have no power to change the situation.

Acquiring Worldly Knowledge

While textbooks and the internet can provide you with a plethora of information at your fingertips, it’s quite another experience to travel to a different country to acquire the knowledge from its origin. Traveling will allow you to visit historic sites, view relics from ancient civilizations, go on tours of places you’ve only read about, and speak with people who have lived an entirely different life than you. Knowledge used to be passed down verbally by the elders of families and tribes since human beings tend to retain information more effectively through verbal communication. This is still an effective way to acquire worldly knowledge.

Conquer Your Fears

Fear is one of the main reasons that people refrain from doing something that seems interesting or exciting. The basis behind these fears can be a multitude of things such as a fear of change, a fear of failure, a fear of the unknown, or even a fear of traveling. Yes, some people are afraid of the certain modes of travel such as flying. The only way to conquer your fears is to face them and overcome them. Traveling can provide this important life lesson by helping you to build your confidence. The best way to build your confidence is to push yourself to do something you never thought you could do or were too afraid to do. Once you’ve emerged from that confrontation safely, you’ll be blessed with a renewed sense of confidence in yourself as you slowly conquer the fears that have been holding you back.