A walking safari is one of the coolest and most thrilling experiences you could ever have. Sure you can go on an actual safari, ride in large vehicles and see lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) … but a walking safari is much more exciting and exhilarating. But keep in mind … a walking safari is not for the faint of heart.

To clarify, when I say go on a walking safari, I don’t mean grab your camera and a bottle of water and explore the wide open African savannah on your own. On your Botswana walking safari, you’ll be led by a guide (an armed ranger) and accompanied by a tracker – a professional explorer who can help pick up the faintest wildlife clues and get you within feet of some of Botswana’s best and most beautiful wildlife.

Because it gets so hot in the afternoon and evening, you’ll head out for your adventures in the morning, accompanied by your guide and tracker. As you walk, you’ll have a chance to not only see the wildlife, but learn about both the animals and the geography of the land … an experience you won’t get driving in a jeep.

If you know anything about safaris and wild animals, you’re probably wondering how on earth a walking safari could be even remotely safe. I mean, really … how are you going to avoid being attacked by wild animals? What about those man-eating lions?

That’s your guide’s job. He (or she) understands the animal’s behavior … which will help him (or her) keep you safe. You’ll also find that your guide will be sure to avoid areas with dense brush and have a few basic rules for your safety. You’ll be told to stay together when you’re in open areas. When you are walking through bushes, you’ll walk in a single-file line so that the animals will see you as one, single, large unit. Your guide will also tell you how to react if you suddenly see an elephant (back off … slowly) or if a lion threatens you (stay steady and don’t run … if you run, you’ll look like prey and he’ll follow his instincts and chase you).

When you set off on your journey in the early-morning, the air will be cool and you’ll see the sun rising. You’ll likely see giraffes out using their long tongues to pluck the acacia leaves from the treetops, elephant footprints so large two grown adults can stand in them and plenty of spoor. Spoor is a word that the natives use to refer to any sign of wildlife – it could be pay prints, dung or foraging marks.

As you continue on your Botswana walking safari, you’ll likely see grazing kudus (small antelopes with stripes on their sides), waterbucks, zebras, impalas and maybe even a leopard or two. Taking a walking safari is an experience of a lifetime – just make sure you pack the right clothes and supplies. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes (obviously), sunscreen, khaki or light-colored clothing, camera (duh), binoculars and your malaria pills. Once you head out, make sure you are prepared for an incredible adventure. Not only will you get to see the wildlife up close and personal, you’ll also get to learn how to track them, understand their movements, learn about their behavior and learn more about the geology and environment of the savannah. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Every culture has different rules or etiquette that one has to follow, and Japan is no exception. So, to help you know what you can (and can’t) do at the dinner table, we’ve put together a list of table manners that will likely save your skin while you are eating in Japan (especially if you eat in private homes).
In Japan some restaurants and homes have low sitting tables and chairs, which is very different from the Western types. In Japan, sitting on the floor is very common. Men sit with their feet crossed, while women kneel down. When you are sitting keep that in mind. Only men should cross their feet and women must kneel.

When you receive your food, before you start to eat, you should say ‘itadakimasu’ (which means ‘I gratefully receive’). When you finish your meal make sure you say ‘Thank you for the meal’ by saying ‘gochisosama.

In Japan, it’s not unusual to have several dishes served that are meant to be shared. In western culture food is often served individually, but in Japan dishes are often shared because it is part of their food culture. So, if you eat at a restaurant and there are shared dishes, make sure you move some of the food from the shared dish to your plate (do this yourself, don’t dish up food for other people or ask someone to do it for you).You’ll move the food with your chopsticks, so make sure you use the opposite end if you’ve already used yours. Sometimes there will be a special set of chopsticks for dishing up food.

When it comes to drinking alcohol with meals, it’s not polite to pour your own glass. It’s a Japanese custom to serve each other, so make sure you check your party’s coups frequently and serve them more when their cups get low – they’ll return the favor. Also, make sure you do not start drinking until everyone at the table has been served. You’ll all raise your glasses for a drinking salute. Make sure you avoid using ‘chin chin’ when drinking a toast because in Japanese this phrase refers to the male genitals.

Along the same lines, it’s impolite to become obviously drunk (or wasted as we call it) in many formal restaurants, so make sure you are aware of the rules and do not bother other guests at the restaurant.

There are many different types of foods you’ll eat in Japan, and each has its own proper way of eating. Rice, for example, is eaten by taking the bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. You’ll life the bowl to your mouth and then use your chopsticks to ‘scoop’ the rice into your mouth.

If you’re eating sushi, you’ll pour a little sauce into a separate saucer. Then take your sushi and dip (not dunk) it. Most sushi has wasabi in it, so you won’t need to add that to your sauce.

If you’re eating Miso Soup you’ll usually eat the food from the soup with your chopsticks and then drink the soup broth from the bowl.

Your mom has probably always told you not to slurp noodles, but in Japan it’s okay. You’ll use your chopsticks to eat noodles and then softly slurp them into your mouth – just try not to be too loud about it.

There are some dishes, called Kare Raisu, where rice is actually mixed with a sauce. You’ll be given a spoon to eat these dishes. It will be one meal that’s a little easier to eat.

Eating can be tricky when you are dealing with big chunks of food. You’ll need to use your chopsticks just right to eat them. Before you begin eating, use your chopsticks to cut the pieces into smaller pieces and then pop the smaller pieces into your mouth. Or, if that isn’t working, you can just bite off a small piece and then put the rest back onto your plate.

When you are finished eating, make sure you never stick your chopsticks into your rice. This is very rude because it resembles the Japanese tradition of burning incense sticks at a funeral. When you finish eating, lay your chopsticks on the chopstick holder or on the edge of your plate.

Here are a few more tips to help you get through your meal:

• Don’t eat right from the communal dish. Make sure any food you take is placed on your plate before you begin eating it.
• Alternate eating dishes. Have a bite of fish, then some veggies, then some rice. Don’t eat all of one thing before moving on to the next.
• Don’t ask for special requests or substitutions in your meal. There is a great deal of work and care that goes into planning a meal and how it will be presented.
• It’s offensive to ask for a change.It’s very rude to blow your nose at the table. Excuse yourself and blow your nose in the restroom.
• Some restaurants provide a damp hand dowel to wipe your hands before eating. While it is acceptable for men to wipe their faces with it, women should only use it for their hands.
• Tipping in Japan is not common and it’s not expected. In some cases the staff may chase you out of the restaurant to give you back your extra money. Rather than tipping, it’s polite to say ‘gochisosama deshita’ which means ‘thank you for the meal.’

Now that you know the basics of table manners, you’re ready for your Japan vacation. Enjoy every minute.

Before rivers and roads were created and discovered, riding elephants was a major form of transportation for the people in Thailand. Today, many people still use elephants to get around, especially when it comes to travelling through the dense forest and broad rivers – places where it’s nearly impossible to navigate through using modern transportation. That’s why the best way to explore the natural beauty of Thailand is by using resources that mother nature has already  given us – elephants.

As you stand next to the elephant and prepare for your ride, you’ll likely notice three things. First, elephants are really tall … like 10-11 feet tall. That’s pretty huge. Second, elephants are really big. And by big, we mean they weigh almost 4 tons. Do you know how much 4 tons is? It’s big. And third, elephants are like kids the day after Halloween – they never stand still.

In order to mount the elephant, you’ll climb up a ladder to a platform. When you finally stand on the platform, you’ll probably notice that it sways from side to side – just like the elephant. You’ll jump from the platform (remember you’re 11 feet above the ground) onto the elephant’s back and then sit on a little wooden plank.

That’s when the real adventure begins. You’ll spend the next 30 minutes, hour or day (depending on what kind of tour you’ve booked) riding on the back of an elephant. And, in case you were wondering, elephants are pretty fast runners.

Make sure you hold onto your hats and sunglasses during your ride because elephants love to walk on anything that gets dropped onto the ground. Your hat is no exception. If you lose your hat, the elephant will stomp all over it and turn it into a pancake. If you do drop your hat, you probably won’t want to try to rescue it because … well … that 4 ton elephant might squash you instead of the hat. It’s not a risk you should take.

If you are feeling really adventurous, ask your guide (called a mahout) to urge the elephant to run down a steep hill. That’ll give you butterflies like you’ve never had them before. And, speaking of running elephants … you never want to ask your guide to stop suddenly if there is another elephant behind you. The moment you realize that you are about to get rear-ended by an elephant is a moment you will never forget – it gives  a whole new meaning to the word fear.
In Thailand elephants are raised to work first and then to give rides to tourists through the rain forest. Elephant riding is a huge part of tourism in Thailand, and while it is a tourist trap, it’s an experience you’ve got to take advantage of. Elephant riding isn’t very expensive, it’s only about $15 per hour or a full day out trekking will cost you $40. It’s an experience that is worth every penny.

If you are heading to Maldives and you want to embark on a diving adventure, make sure you check out Rasfari. There are many awesome diving spots in Maldives, but if you’ve got to choose just one, it’s got to be Rasfari. This dive site is in the outer reef regions of the North Male Atoll and is an incredible experience. In Rasfari you’ll be able to see different species of sharks (like the gray reef shark, silver tip reef shark, white tip reef sharp) and eagle rays gliding around gently with the current.

The currents in Maldives are very strong, so if you’re not a very experienced diver you may have a difficult time, but the view is worth the fight. Visibility at Rasfari is great for 45-80 feet, but beyond that is the unknown of the Indian Ocean that has long help the imagination of divers and other underwater explorers.

Because Rasfari has such beautiful coral beds, reefs and fish, Maldives has named it one of their protected marine areas. Maldives has several islands and beaches protected, and any type of trade that involves black corals, pearl oyster shells, turtle shells or red corals is strictly prohibited. More than 500,000 people visit Maldives each year, so the regulations are simply a form of protection for the country.

If you’ve never dived before, you may think that all dive spots are created equally and they are all beautiful. Experienced divers know better. No two dive spots are ever the same. Everything is different – from the types of corals to the fish to the colors, every dive spot is unique – and Rasfari is no exception.
As you explore the water at Rasfari you’ll find napoleon wrasses, tuna, barracudas, snappers, surgeon fish, several types of sharks and other marine life. You’ll see white- and black-tip reef sharks swimming lazily near the bottom of the ocean at Rasfari. The sharks rarely come near humans, but it’s still not smart to swim over to them. Sharks are sharks – humans should just leave them alone.

If you like diving at night, when the moon is full, you’ll see an ocean trigger fish. The trigger fish visits for nesting on the deeper sandy slopes. Once a month, the female trigger fish will lay eggs – just a couple days before the full moon. A couple of days later, on the full moon, the eggs will hatch and the young fish drift away from the area and predators with the ocean currents. If you can time your visit just right and be here for the full moon, you won’t regret it. There’s something amazing about seeing baby trigger fish during the full moon. It’s magical.

If you are looking for the ultimate diving experience in Maldives, you’ll want to book your Rasfari dive through a resort or a dive school. Once you get to Rasfari, your dream of swimming with sharks and eagle rays might just come true. Oh, and don’t forget a waterproof camera – you’ll want to take pictures. Rasfari is beautiful; you’ll want to show everyone your pictures.

While you visit the Gardens by the Bay, you will have a chance to get up close with a wide range of plant species from around the world. You’ll visit cool conservatories, see an incredible Supertrees vertical garden and even have a chance to discover the delicate intricacies of plant life at the themed gardens. You can choose to participate in local concerts and entertainment or host a private event in the beautiful and lush garden settings. There is a lot to explore in this beautiful oasis in the heart of Singapore.

While you are visiting Gardens by the Bay, make sure you check out the Flower Dome. As you enter the Flower Dome you’ll be amazed by the beauty of nature in its glory. The blooming plants and flowers will mesmerize you while the sweet smell of flowers will put a smile on your face. While you walk through the Flower Dome, you’ll feel the cool-dry Mediterranean climate – that’s how the baobabs, olive trees and date palms survive. And, finally you’ll get a breathtaking view of the Marina skyline as you journey through the Mediterranean Basin, South West Australia, South Africa and Central Chile – all from the comfort of the Flower Dome.

Next, you’ll be able to see the Heritage Gardens, where you’ll be able to see the roots of Singapore’s history and culture through the story of plants. You’ll be able to understand why the British wanted to use Singapore as a trading port; how the Malays lived before Singapore was colonized and much more about Singapore’s culture as you travel through the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Colonial-themed gardens in the Heritage Gardens.

In Bay East there are several beautiful pavilions, swaying palm trees, flowering shrubs and wide-open grassy spaces for you to enjoy. This is a great place for you to take a book. If you enjoy quiet moments in nature, you will love this place. Grab a book and find a quiet spot in this interim garden, or grab your camera and snap pictures to help you remember the serenity and beauty of Bay East Gardens.

As you enter the main gates of Bay South of the Gardens by the Bay, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of three Supertrees. These Supertrees are a bright visual spectacle of gold and yellow bromeliads. In the Silver Garden, there is a beautiful mixture of grey and silver with the Supertrees, which creates a very warm and romantic atmosphere.

And finally, you won’t want to miss Dragonfly Lake. At Dragonfly Lake you’ll be able to explore an aquatic ecosystem that can only be seen when you look beyond the surface. The Dragonfly Lake has an abundance of aquatic life – from plants to fish. The plants help to cleanse the water and provide the necessities of life for the fish. You’ll learn more about how plants play a vital role in maintaining the health of a lake by absorbing nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus and ensuring the water quality is acceptable for the fish and other sea creatures to live in.

Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s newest attractions and it’s a good one. The first displays opened in November 2011, but the whole garden will open in June 2012. This is absolutely a sight you’re going to need to see in person. With the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore has successfully transformed itself from a city into a garden – and you’re not going to want to miss it.

In 1961 north Vietnam began to advance on South Vietnam with the intentions of establishing a communist government in Laos. The Pathet Lao (communist Lao party) allied with North Vietnam, while the Royal Laotian Party (the party in power in Laos) allied with Thailand and the United States.

To help withstand the heavy bombardments from the Americans, the Pathet Lao took to the Vieng Xai caves in Hua Phan province for protection. The Vieng Xai caves are actually a collection of about 800 caves in all. The caves are pretty difficult to reach and sometimes they are equally difficult to see. During the Vietnam War, these caves gave shelter to about 23,000 people. The caves are incredible. Inside there is a hospital with an operating room, schools, factories, sports arenas and even a night club. Hey, it was wartime, but people still needed some form of entertainment. Some of the rooms within the caves could be sealed up airtight, so if there was a gas attack, the people could still survive. After the war ended, the caves were used as re-education camps for about 40,000 soldiers and officials from the former government.

In 1997 the cave complex was opened to visitors. The Lao government wants to turn the Vieng Xai caves into a tourist attraction, much like the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam. There are 800 caves in the Vieng Xai area, and seven of them are currently open to the public. The seven caves open originally served as headquarters for the masterminds of the Pathet Lao. The caves have been beautifully preserved, and a tour of the caves is an experience of a lifetime.

The first cave is the Tham Khamtay or the Defense Minster Cave. This cave was actually the hide out for Khamtay Siphandone who was the sitting president of the country during the war. In this cave you’ll see Khamtay Siphandone and his nephew’s bedroom. In between the two bedrooms is a concrete bunker called the emergency room. The emergency room was built in case of chemical warfare and actually had a Soviet-grade wooden oxygen pump. The room was sealed air tight with a 2-inch thick submarine door.

A staircase connects the first cave with the second cave, Tham Xam Lot.  This is the longest cave you can visit. This cave is also called the Soldier’s cave because it held about 2,000 soldiers during the war. There wasn’t a lot of space or privacy in the cave, but it was lit with electricity and there was even a little water reservoir used for bathing.  The only bad thing was that during the rainy season about half of this cave flooded.

In the third cave is the Royal pad – a little pink house that belonged to Prince Souphanouvoung. He, along with his three brothers, set up the first Free Lao government. Souphanouvoung was also called the Red Prince. The house has a little dugout cave called Tham Souphanouvoung or the Red Prince Cave that has living quarters for a medical staff and a little kitchen area.

There are three other caves you can visit during your stay at Vieng Xai, all of which are jam packed with history. The trip to the caves is difficult and requires a long bus ride, but the view and the history of the caves are worth the trip. About 200 people visit the caves each month, and that number continues to grow. If you are planning a trip to Laos, you won’t want to miss the Vieng Xai caves.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal located in Uttara Pradesh is actually the eternal symbol of love (plus it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World). This mausoleum is set against the river Yamuna – which is what makes it so magical. The light hits the river and actually changes the look of the Taj. In the morning, the Taj is a pink color; in the evening, it’s milky white; and while the moon is shining the Taj is beautiful and golden. Want to win the heart of your girl? Try walking around the Taj with her while the moon is shining, it’s a moment she’ll never forget.

Manali

Manali is one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in all of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is actually very popular because it is naturally beautiful – in fact, many people refer to this place as “India’s Switzerland.” If you’re thinking of heading to Manali, the best time to visit is between May and October – During the winter it’s very cold in Manali. During your stay, you’ll be able to raft, ski, paraglide or sightsee.

Kerala

In Kerala, the main attraction is a backwater houseboat called Kettuvallam. This boat is actually made out of wood and doesn’t use any nails. There are a couple of bedrooms and bathroom on the boat, so you’ll want to make a reservation early for a cruise. During your cruise through the backwaters of Kerala, you’ll visit small villages and learn about local life, visit temples and have a chance to see and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. Nothing says “I love you” like a romantic backwater cruise through India.

Araku Valley

Araku Valley is located in Andhra Pradesh and is a beautiful place to visit. You’ll journey to Araku by train, and the journey is a memorable one. You’ll travel through tunnels, beautiful hill sides and lovely streams. Once you get to Araku, you can stay in tree top cottages that hang 10 feet in the air. After your tree top cottage stay, you can visit the Borra caves. Inside the caves there’s a really cool formation that actually looks like a human brain. It’s pretty cool.

Goa

Goa is actually one of the most popular romantic destinations in India – most likely because it’s so beautiful and has a lot of popular beaches. While there are a number of beautiful beaches, Palolem beach is the most attractive beach by far. Palolem is not very crowded compared to other beaches and it’s cheap and easy to get to. Palolem beach is actually a favorite beach for honeymooners. There’s just something romantic about a beach vacation.

Are you convinced yet? Hopefully by now you realize that India really can be a romantic vacation destination. If you want to take your special someone on a vacation that they will never forget, splurge … head to India. Who wouldn’t want to walk by the Taj Mahal and night or sleep in a tree top cottage?

This is one of the hotels in the Bahamas that offers condo style accommodations. Each room is actually a condo, which will offer you the feeling of being at home. Each room offers wonderful views of either the brightly colored water or the lush gardens of Nassau Bahamas. These rooms also offer you the luxury of a full kitchen as well as the option of one or two bedrooms. You can enjoy your vacation in the Bahamas with that someone special or take the entire family.

This is one of the hotels in the Bahamas that offers exciting amenities. You will enjoy shuffleboard and horseshoes. You also have the opportunity to play volleyball, tennis and basketball on the resort premises. It does not matter what you choose, you can spend your vacation in the Bahamas enjoying the beauty of the beach.  After a great day of physical activity, just visit the hot tub to soak those tired muscles and relax.

If you decide that you absolutely love spending your vacation in the Bahamas at this resort, you may want to consider becoming a member. As a member, you will enjoy benefits that only VIP’s get. When you are a VIP member and you walk into this resort you will not have to wait in line to check into your room. Just wander to the VIP check in and you will be immediately given access to your private condo. Once there you can enjoy drinks at the swim up bar, by just presenting your VIP card. Everything you want to buy at this resort in Nassau Bahamas will go on this card, so you do  not have to carry cash around with you.

If you have been searching for hotels in the Bahamas, this one will certainly treat you like royalty. You have the option of playing horseshoes, or shuffleboard with others that are also enjoying their vacation in the Bahamas. Additionally if you choose to become a VIP member of Island Seas Resort, you will enjoy premium benefits only available to members.

This is the only one of the hotels in the Bahamas that we have reviewed that offers such a limited number of space and availability. The accommodations include five beach houses with gorgeous views of this hidden paradise in Nassau Bahamas. David Copperfield himself continually collects treasures from around the world to enhance the décor of these beach houses. Each master suite includes four-poster beds and is decorated in rich mahogany. You will definitely feel like royalty when you spend your vacation in the Bahamas at Musha Cay.

This is one of the hotels in the Bahamas that serves freshly caught seafood from their own beach. Musha Cay has the best chefs on staff that will create an exquisite meal for you to enjoy. For added ambience you can choose to dine outside under the start listening to the crashing waves of Nassau Bahamas.

During your vacation in the Bahamas, you are sure to enjoy some of the most amazing amenities at Musha Cay. Our favorite feature of this private resort is Dave’s Drive-in. This is an outdoor theater where only the finest movies are shown. One of David Copperfield’s favorite childhood memories was going to the drive-in theater with his parents. Wanting to share the wonder of his childhood with you, David has created this outdoor theater for you to make your own memories. Instead of being inside of a car, you will be enjoying the view of the stars and the movie screen on chaise lounge chairs.

During your visit to Nassau Bahamas, you will find the luxury and magic that only David Copperfield could offer to his guests. Because Musha Cay only offers five beach houses and can only accommodate a limited number of guests, you will not have to feel as if you are sharing your vacation in the Bahamas with total strangers. You can enjoy a magical time creating special memories that will live on forever.

The first beach we would like to mention in our review of the best beaches in the Turks and Caicos is Grace Bay. In 2007, Grace Bay Beach was names the World’s Leading Beach. This beautiful beach is great for Caribbean vacations, because it offers so many activities. Along with stunning views of the azure waters and white sandy beaches, you have the opportunity to spend time diving and snorkeling without ever feeling crowded out by others on their Caribbean vacations because this beach is so large.

Our second pick for the best beaches in the Turks and Caicos is Malcolm Beach. While this is one of the beaches in the Turks and Caicos that does not offer a lot in the way of restaurants or facilities it does offer some gorgeous scenery. Keep in mind that you will need a 4X4 vehicle for access to this beach as well. You will have to avoid ruts and rocks to get to the prized beach, but the wait will be worth it. Because of the rough path, there are very few visitors here.

Another excellent beach to visit when enjoying the Turks and Caicos is Long Bay. This beach is perfect for families that are enjoying their Caribbean vacation with children. They offer white sandy beaches with shallow water that will allow your children to wade and enjoy the water without heading into a deep abyss. This beach is also perfect for spending romantic time with your partner, walking hand in hand along the water’s edge enjoying the spectacular views.

Our fourth pick of the best beaches in the Turks and Caicos is Pine Cay. This private island beach offers the warm rays of the sun while allowing you to dip your feet in the blue waters of the Atlantic. There is a constant but mellow breeze on this island allowing you to keep cool while enjoying the sites.

Our final pick of the Turks and Caicos beaches is Parrot Cay. This private island offers you a mile of long beach where you can enjoy the powdery sand and gorgeous blue waters. This beach is also great for families and couples alike. It offers you all of the festivities you would want during vacation.

It does not matter which beach you choose to visit, you are bound to have a glorious experience!