Category: Travel & Leisure

Eating healthy foods when travelling is a lot more challenging. It is easy to get distracted from healthy foods especially when you are too tired to look for it or you are faced with delicious-looking foods in front of you. Besides, lots of people think the same way when travelling. They think that it is fine to temporarily loosen up from healthy habits because they are on travel. They think they get back to healthy eating once they finish their trip. However, your trip can still be fun even without basking in too much unhealthy foods in the way. Eating healthy foods won’t lessen the fun of your trip. In fact, it will help you to stay fit throughout your journey that you can reduce the risk of getting sick.

Best strategies for healthy eating during travel

Jeopardize your health just because you want to make the most of your vacation is irresponsible especially when you are used to keep yourself in-check. Even though it seems challenging to stick with healthy eating habit, you can do just fine by using the right strategies. Here are some tips for you to try:

• Before departing to your travel destination, it is highly recommended to stick to your healthy eating habits. However, it is also fine to give yourself some slacks by eating side items which are not so strictly healthy or unhealthy. This can be effective strategies for you to stay with healthy eating habits during travel. You won’t crave for unhealthy foods that much because during your pre-trip, you have allowed your body to taste some of them. Thus, you won’t feel too miserable when you look at greasy, unhealthy food when travelling.
• It is recommended to book a hotel offering mini-fridge. Thus, you can store your own healthy food stocks during your trip. You can also book accommodation providing functional kitchen. Thus, you can prepare your own meal if you can’t find diner offering healthy dishes. You can go grocery shopping on your own and cook yourself delicious, healthy foods. This can be fun activity especially when you are travelling with friends or families.
• Actually, it is not hard to find restaurants or local diner that promote healthy food options. There are also vegan restaurants in some travel destination. Thus, it is not hard to locate if you are willing to stick with your rule of healthy eating. The biggest enemy is the temptation itself. You can find the locations of those places offering healthy foods prior to your departure. Thus, you don’t have to waste your time searching for them when you arrive.

Basically, eating greasy or fatty foods during travel is fine. However, eating them excessively to the point you don’t have healthy food intake at all is disconcerting. It can put your health in jeopardy. Staying fit during travel will make it more memorable and fun because you don’t have to deal with potential sickness caused by eating random foods such as food poisoning, diarrhea, stomach bugs, etc.

London is a great travel destination because its classic vibe can make people at ease. Besides, London is home to over 250 registered art institutions. That’s why it is such a great idea if you decide to travel to London because it is one of the greatest cultural capitals. There are many museums you can explore when travelling in London. It is like incomplete journey if you visit London without stepping into the museums. Museums are intellectual landmarks of history and arts. Thus, visiting them while you can is a priceless experience. Besides, most of museums in London is free of charge. Where can you find this opportunity?

Most recommended museums to visit in London

When you are travelling in London, museums are one of the must-visit sites. Even if you are not into art or history, visiting one of the museums in London can be a priceless experience. If you didn’t like cultural or art vultures before, then you will. Here are some recommended museums in London you can visit:

• Victoria and Albert Museum is located at Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, UK. People also call it the V&A museum. Even from the entrance, you will feel enchanted with its grandiose vibe especially when glass chandelier hanging above your head. This museum was established in 1857 and consists of seven floors. There’s so many collections inside including the notebook of Leonardo Da Vinci, Shakespeare’s works, Picasso’s ceramics, and many more.
• British Museum is located at Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK. This is a must-visit museum in London hosting most valuable collections such as Egyptian mummies, Easter Island figures, etc. Most visitors even preplan their visit by mapping out the highlights beforehand. One of the most favorite spots in this museum is the Reading Room.
• National Portrait Gallery is located at St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H oHE, UK. This is where you can find the most interesting photographs. There’s Spice Girls white and black photographs, Bronte Sister’s and William Shakespeare’s oils, as well as mixed media portrait of the infamous J.K Rowling. There are other collections of photographs as well that you can enjoy to see.
• Science Museum is located at Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD, UK. This is a perfect place for science lovers. This is where you can technological, scientific, and mathematical achievements though interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and IMAX Theater. Even though it is about science and technology, it isn’t boring to venture into this museum. This place is not only popular for kids but adults as well.
• Churchill War Rooms is located at Clive Steps, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, UK. This is part of The Imperial Museum. This is where the history of British conflict starting from WW1 to present is preserved. Churchill War Rooms is a subterranean bunker under the street of Westminster. There’s underground labyrinth you can venture to. There are several corridors as well which used to be shelter during German air raids in the past. If you are into history, this museum is a paradise for you.

Lots of Travel experts advise you to travel with a thorough plan. It is not wrong. Planning your trip will put your mind at ease because you have everything arranged so that you are already prepared for what’s coming. For first time travelers, planning your trip is important because then you have clear pictures of what to do or where to go during your trip. This way, you won’t feel so lost especially when it is your first time travelling abroad. You need everything in check to stay in control so that you won’t get panicked. However, it is recommended to travel without a plan once in a while if you travel frequently.

Benefits of travelling without a plan

There is no wrong to be a spontaneous travelers especially if you have great thinking and fast solving problem making skill. However, it may not be recommended for those who tend to panic for unexpected things. However, it is also worth trying because you may gain some benefits from it such as:

• Flexibility is the first and most obvious benefit you get from zero-planned travel. You won’t need to stick with one itinerary because you didn’t book anything in advance. If you have something different in mind, you can easily change accordingly. There is no pressure of what to do or where to go either. Travelling without plan can also put your mind at ease just like travelling with one. It is because you are not bounded to strict schedule. If your flight is delayed, you won’t be worried about it.
• Another benefit is being able to enjoy as much as you can without limited by time. You see, those who are travelling with plan are so stick with their schedule. They plan how long they should spend to visit a gallery and when they have to move on to the next destination. In the end they don’t really enjoy the place they visit because they focus more on visiting as many places as the time allow on their schedule. Therefore, travelling without plan allow you to enjoy the place you visit for how long you like it to be. The pace is absolutely yours to set.
• There is possibility for you to experience serendipity. This mostly happens when you don’t plan to find it. Travelling without plan means you learn how to go with the flow. You just move forward with flexibility so no pressure on your mind or shoulders.
• Travelling without plan is fun and all. However, it is not recommended for first time traveler. If you are not flexible person, travelling without plan can be much more stressing as well. Thus, you still need to calculate everything thoroughly whether or not you really want to try travelling without plan. Make sure that you should expect the unexpected when travelling, with or without a plan. You can also start by planning your trip in not-so-detailed manner before going for a trip without plan at all. This make a smooth transition.

When travelling is your favorite things to do but you are afraid of flying then it can be a big issue you need to overcome. It is not uncommon for people to have certain fear of flying. Well, being high up in the sky sometimes can be a scary thing. For those who are fear of height, flying can also too stressful and too terrifying. However, it is still solvable as long as you don’t have severe phobia of flying or some sort. If you are fear of flying for long haul that it can make your anxiety spikes up, you can do something to overcome it. Thus, your hobby of travelling around the world won’t be full of hassle anymore.

How to overcome your fear of flying for comfortable travel

People are scared of flying for various reasons. Some have difficulty with the height and others with the limited space in the cabin of the plan. Even if your fear is considered mild, it still can be disturbing for your travel. You will fee agitated throughout your fly and it only makes you get tired more. Here are tips to overcome it:

• Finding more information about how airplanes work. It is often that the fear comes from the thought that an airplane will automatically fall down once the engine fails. However, it is not entire true. The airplane still able to work that way. Finding more about turbulence and something related to it will also help you to know what to expect.
• To make your fly more bearable, you can request seat assignment. If you are more into claustrophobia, you can request an aisle seat. It will also help if you familiarize yourself with the plan. Once you sit on your seat, you can take a look at your surrounding and take a breath. It gives you time to adjust with your surroundings. When the time to fly rolls around, you will be more comfortable.
• Get rid of negative thoughts before and during flying. For example, the night prior to your flight, make sure to not watch movies related to airplane crash, accident, and some sort. Avoid reading news with scary images of disaster or crashes. Instead, try to think positively. Try to focus more on things you are going to do when you are arrive at your travel destination.
• If you travel with friends, distract your mind by having light conversation. Or, you can also chat with your neighbor seats. Talking interesting things with people before and during your flight can be helpful to distract yourself from bad thoughts and anxiety.
• Make yourself comfortable during the flight. You can read your favorite novel, watch fun movies, or listen to soothing music. make sure to regulate your breathing as well. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water to make you stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking caffeine since it can trigger your anxiety instead of relaxing. You can drink mineral water, juice, or tea to help you hydrated and relax.

Dive enthusiasts are no stranger to the place known as Raja Ampat. It deserves its name as a hidden paradise. Is Raja Ampat among your bucket list as a traveler?

It’s currently difficult to reach—which is secretly a good thing

Just getting to Raja Ampat currently took a whole day out of your trip. And that’s when you’re already in Indonesia. Bali or Jakarta, to be precise. If you’re landing at other places in Indonesia, then it may take longer or quicker, depending on where you land.

Peace, tranquil, unspoiled lands. Because of the remoteness of Raja Ampat, the place is truly the embodiment of pristine. If you’re coming to Indonesia for its white sandy beaches, then Raja Ampat is one of the best places there is, and more. But because it’s just so difficult to get there, Raja Ampat until now has not faced mass tourism. Once you get there after the lengthy journey, you’re going to feel as if the place is yours alone.

A haven for over 70% of the world’s marine life

Marine biodiversity in Raja Ampat is simply extraordinary. Dubbed as “The Crown Jewel of the Coral Triangle,” Raja Ampat is beyond rich in marine lives. Simply put, Raja Ampat’s underwater scene is the most incredible there is on earth.

It’s been discovered that around 75 percent of marine lives known to humans exist in Raja Ampat. Approximately 3,5 million ha areas are protected by the government. There are over 1,400 species of coral reef fishes in the area alone. The term paradise on earth is not an exaggeration. However, the marine life in Raja Ampat is not without threats. The threat of mass tourism is one of them. Which is why the remoteness of Raja Ampat is a good thing.

You’re going to need a permit to enter

Ouch for more extra fees. But again, like the difficulty in reaching this place, this is actually a good thing. Raja Ampat marine biodiversity is a part of priority for both Indonesian national and global conservation.

Depending on your mode of travel, it may already be included in the whole package of your tour. For instance, if you’re going by liveaboard, diving groups, and other group or private tours, then you likely won’t have to worry about this fee.

The permit is another step to deter the harm mass tourism would always bring eventually. The good news is, the money is going to be used to fund the conservation effort. Conservations in Raja Ampat is among the global as well as national priorities.

Help fund marine life conservation

If Raja Ampat is attacked by streams of mass tourism, it will eventually lose the charm that attracts people in the first place. And by then, it’s too late to reverse the damage. It’s going to take decades to restore the place if it is spoiled by human hands through mass tourism.

As mentioned previously, the funds from the entry permit is going to be used to help fund the conservation effort. So the extra fees you spent is not for naught and they’re going to go to a good place.

So are you planning a dive for the next vacation? Whether planning a solo, partner or traveling group, Bali is the perfect vacation destination. Bali offers a special attraction for diving and non-diving tourists. The reason why tourists really like Bali is the beach and sun (sunrise and sunset).

Enjoy Vacation And Be A Profesional Diver

If you are a beginner, you must take part in training activities for beginners. It takes effort, perseverance, and intention to take a beginner diving course. It is appropriate that best scuba diving in Bali for beginners should not be missed. Why? Warm weather, friendly ocean currents and good visibility, make it as the best scuba diving in Bali for beginners.

Some of the best scuba diving in Bali for beginners like Benoa offer a perfect underwater view. If your partner trip is with non-diving, Benoa is an amazing one. Enjoying the sea walker, paragliding or banana boat can make others busy while you dive.

While the other best scuba diving in Bali for beginners is on Menjangan Island. Although the distance of Menjangan Island from the area of Kuta or Seminyak is a bit far, the island offers a comfortable resort for its visitors. As a National Park area in West Bali, the beauty of the underwater and coral and reefs should not be missed. Snorkeling is one of the activities for non-divers visitors.

Scuba diving is fun but you have to understand the security side. Complying with the rules of diving is important. As long as you comply with regulations, diving will be the most interesting and memorable experience in your life.

When non-divers decide to try diving, there are many dive operators who offer training packages for beginners. Whether you decide to dive in Benoa, Menjangan or other spots training and safety are the main ones for beginner divers.

Best scuba diving in Bali for beginners is ideal for your perfect vacation. It is important for you to look for a trusted and best dive operator. Don’t be tempted by the price of a cheap training package. There are many training packages no matter you are beginner or professional. Learning diving skills is important and must be done as long as you still have an interest in diving.

There are many dive spots that you can explore throughout the world. When you find a passion for diving, then you will be able to explore the other underwater. If you are serious about diving, then don’t miss the best scuba diving in Bali for beginners. It doesn’t need an expensive budget to become a diver.

Bhutan is a small kingdom that is largely untouched by the outside world. To this day, it is one of the most beautiful and the most pristine regions in the world. Technology such as television and internet did not enter the nation until 1999. It is one of the most isolated nations in the world. As a result, not many people knew of Bhutan’s existence until quite recently when the Bhutan monarchs decided to seek United Nations membership. These days, Bhutan is increasingly becoming more and more popular for tourists. Yet, it manages to keep themselves pristine.

Bhutan is a small place tucked away in the Himalayas

The remoteness of Bhutan is a part of the reason why Bhutan is untouched—and not just seemingly. Bhutan is secluded in all sense of the word. And this has allowed the nation to survive in isolation. But it does not stop there.

Bhutanese people seemed to isolate themselves from the rest of the world for much of their existence. The Bhutanese people practice Buddhism. And many of the Bhutanese lands are areas of spiritual practices. Places of meditation and other religious routines are in abundance in Bhutan. This is one of the reasons why Bhutan is a very peaceful place.

Bhutan is never colonized in its history

The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the very few Asian nations that has never been colonized in history. Part of it again, thanks to the geographical nature of Bhutan. The natural fortresses surrounding Bhutan help Bhutan’s defenses and maintain its sovereignty throughout centuries. Thanks to this, now we can enjoy Bhutan in its all unspoiled beauty.

A strong sense of tradition

Bhutanese culture is so enduring during the centuries that the nation has existed. This, again, is largely thanks to the protection offered by the Bhutanese geography itself. When people say it’s a hidden gem, it is a hidden gem. Bhutan is tucked away between the Tibetan Chinese area as well as India. While being in a landlocked country is generally viewed as a disadvantage to the outside world, in Bhutan’s case, it has largely protected it from the outside influence.

The concept of Gross National Happiness

Gross Domestic Product is not the only thing and in fact, not the dominant aspect the Bhutanese are focused on. The idea of Gross National Happiness was conceived by Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Bhutanese king who reigned since 1974. Although this concept is in nature, ultimately difficult to define, to measure, and to see evidence from, the idea is a novel one. And it’s one of the most attractive aspects of the Bhutanese culture. Naturally, the very idea attracts tourists as International appreciation comes.

There are no traffic lights in Bhutan

Bhutan is the only place in the world where this is the case. So how is the traffic regulated? By humans, of course! It’s been noted the time and again that Thimpu is the capital of human traffic lights. Curious to experience this? Maybe it’s time for you to do further research until you decide to finally book your Bhutan experience through their authorized local tour agent.

Nothing says that Komodo liveaboard trip is reserved only for the young and adventurous. Now that you have retired and comfortable, no one can hold you from travelling and sailing the world—including the raw and remote Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, Flores. Here are some basic guide that would be helpful for seniors who desire to sail in this frontier.

Avoid Joining the Younger Crowds

You have passed almost entire phases of life and you know very well how energetic younger crowds can be. When you are sailing with younger adventurers, you might have conflict of interest. What you think of enjoying Komodo might include taking time absorbing one place to the fullest, having lunch by the water, and spend the day leisurely sailing across the Flores Sea and enjoying the scenery. On the other side, younger generation’s definition of exploring the Komodo would often means cramming as many destination as possible in one day, have one activities quickly followed by another, and won’t rest until the stars out. For them, true Komodo holiday would be dive, trek, eat, sleep, repeat. Often times, the fun won’t die intimate at night—time when you might preferably spend by resting without disturbance.

Unless you have frequently on long trip with young groups of travelers, we highly suggest you to take private Komodo liveaboard if you can afford it. Chartering a liveaboard gives you undisturbed privacy and flexibility that won’t be available in open trip. You are even free to change the itinerary on sudden notice should your health condition need it. And the best of it all, there are no nosy teens to irritate your leisure sailing trip.

One Day One Hike, More Beaches than Trek

When you have passed the peak of your prime health, you might want to have more relaxed adventure. On the other side, the rugged landscape of Komodo strongly suggest lost of exploration—which obviously needs a lot of physical work. To avoid putting too much strain to your body, we highly suggest you to limit hiking, snorkelling, or diving to just once per day. Take more time chilling around Komodo’s beautiful beaches, leisurely swim in the shallow water, and just enjoying the vibe from the comforts of your liveaboard.

Tell Komodo Liveaboard Crews Your Health Diet

Oh, we all know the joy of food when it comes to senior age. Especially when you have many to watch—sugars, fat, cholesterol, certain seafood (some liveaboard cook fresh clams, shrimps, and sushi), and other certain foods you need to watch. As the Komodo liveaboard crew would be the one who cook your food during the trip, give them all the details. If necessary, hand them your personal low-calories sugars to make things easier.

Walk Carefully

This seems simple—after all, this might one of the most common advice for senior citizen to liveaboard trip. Following the model of Indonesian’s wooden ‘phinisi’ schooner, your Komodo liveaboard is full of narrow gangways and steep staircases. This seemingly super-simple advice, however, turns out to be the most challenging one. Over the years, we have seen many—experienced and inexperienced—fall to victim of the staircases. It’s very important to be extra careful 24/7, particularly when you just enter the liveaboard just after dive or beach play.

Never Forget Your Meds

Just because you are on your holiday doesn’t mean you can forget your medication. Put reminder when to register the meds and consult to your doctor whether you should adjust it with the local time to keep sticking to your biological hours.

Bali is one of the most favorite place to go when it comes to vacation. This island of Gods has everything you need for memorable vacation. Natural beauty, sweet people, deep culture, and foods are amazing. That’s why it is like a must to visit Bali from wherever you are at least once in your life to truly experience the real vacation. Aside from the culture and amazing places to visit, Bali also has delicious, authentic local dishes you should try. Travelling without trying the local foods is not complete. Foods are part of the local culture that you cannot only enjoy but learn about.

Foods you shouldn’t skip when visiting Bali

Enjoying local dishes is one of the perks of having s vacation. In Bali, there are many food stalls, simple diners, as well as high-end restaurant where you can enjoy various local dishes. If you are visiting Bli for the first time, food should be on your to-do list. Here are recommended authentic Balinese foods you wouldn’t regret trying:

• Betutu is one of the most iconic Balinese dishes. It consists of a whole duck or chicken stuffed with traditional spices. It is usually wrapped in banana leaves and enveloped tight in banana trunk bark before it is buried or baked in a coal fire. It can take 6 to 7 hours before ready to serve. The texture of Betutu is juicy and rich with flavor. It is easy to separate the meat from the bone after being cooked for so long. It is often served with rice and Sambal Matah.
• Jimbaran seafood

When you visit Bali, you must not skip Jimbaran as from your itinerary. This is one of the most favorite places to go because here you can enjoy the best seafood. Jimbaran seafood has been famous amongst tourist in Bali. There are many cafes and restaurant around Jimbaran Bay which serve grilled fresh caught seafood. They range from crabs, shrimps, clams, calamari, lobsters, and wide variety of fish. Every café usually has secret recipe of barbeque sauce and condiments in a form of Sambal Seafood Jimbaran Style.

• Babi Guling is another authentic local dish from Bali. However, it is not for Muslim travelers. Thus, make sure to ask what you are going to eat in Bali beforehand. This is a dish conceited of spit-roast pig stuffed with mixes of rice and vegetables. It is then slowly rolled over a coal fire. That’s why the name ‘guling’ means to roll. The meat is tender and juicy along with crispy skins. You can find dish dishes in almost every restaurant in Bali.
• Lawar is a dish consist of mix containing chopped meat,, vegetables, grated coconut and some spices. In some areas in Bali, Lawar is prepared using fresh blood mixed with the spices and meat to strengthen the flavor. There are two types of Lawar. They are white and red. The red Lawar is the one with fresh blood mixed and white Lawar is without. You can choose the one of them or both to try.

To be honest, I wasn’t appealed by Komodo cruise when I first heard about them.

Before Komodo, the idea of travelling with boat has never been on the top of my list. I don’t really like being swayed by the waves—though it may sounds romantic for other people. While travelling awhile back in Bali, we made a short day trip to Nusa Penida which we did by small ferry boat. Crossing the strait was like a trip to hell. The boat was constantly swayed to right and left, the deck was cramped with people and stiff chairs, and the air was not circulated properly. I went to the back seat; part of the ferry just before the stern. The only part where we can sit in an open setting. Though I needed to endure splashes of salt water from the propeller (and got wet a little), at least I get fresh air to ease the nausea a little. Not a very pleasant experience, I tell you. Needless to say, I got traumatised. I even still feel the nausea when I wrote this.

But then I heard of Komodo. I keep seeing fellow traveler posts beautiful birds eye view of yellowish hills with deep curved bays (which later I know as Padar Island, one of traveler’s fave in Komodo), providing a high contrast to the bright blue sea in the surrounding. As if it was a universe conspiration, my Pinterest wall and Instagram feeds were constantly flooded by charming shots of golden hills, rosy tinted beaches (another Komodo’s main destination), scaly and ferocious dragons, jagged brown hills, and loads of aquamarine ocean that were too appealing to be ignored. Amidst the horde of Komodo’s natural beauty, travelers were busy sharing their leisure time in their Komodo cruise. They seems so happy to have relaxing sunbathing in the deck, and actually enjoying the scenery. Before I know it, I was deeply hooked. 

Torn Apart: to Go or Not to Go

But here was the problem. To have a trip to Komodo, I need to hop into liveaboard. And that’s not just a one-to-two hours boat trip, but a three day trip! While my heart longs for this far-flung paradise, my head kept replaying our terrible trip with ferry back in Bali. Can I stand the nausea? Will I really enjoy my time in the sea? Do I really want this trip?

Until one day, I made the decision. A decision that forever change my soul.

Finally, A Cruiser Convert

Unlike my previous trip to Nusa Penida, this time I got bae on my back. He kept reassuring me that everything will be okay, that Komodo cruise was far more enjoyable than a fast boat ferries. This time, I take seasickness tablets wit me. The next thing I know, we have booked slots for two people on Ocean Pure, one of the best Komodo cruise recommended by our friend.

My Komodo Cruise was Not That Bad

In fact, it was so good that now I’m considering a trip to Raja Ampat, Papua.

So, I was still lingering in fear up to the moment when we were just about to see our liveaboard. It was when the liveaboard really sail that I realised I was okay. I didn’t want to throw up. I didn’t feel the seasickness. Maybe that’s due to the cruise’s body that were physically bigger than the ferry. Or maybe that was due to our captain’s skills. Maybe…it was because of the amount of creature comfort available on the cruise. I even fell in love with the interior of our ship—the nautical vibe made calmed me and made everything felt exciting at the same time!

One thing I really love from the Komodo cruise is their lounges; both indoor and outdoor. The cushions were regularly cleaned, super comfortable to lie in, and actually made our leisure time enjoyable. For the first time in my sailing trip experience, I could actually enjoy watching the scenery. And oh boy, seeing rugged islands passed by without thinking about anything but admiring nature’s creation was truly a satisfying experience.

Other things I love from the liveaboard were the rooms. Here we have our private cabin where I can retreat to our comfy bed whenever the I got too nauseated or tired from the trip. Something I definitely couldn’t do back in the ferry. Overall, it was a very enjoyable voyage.

The trip itself was incredible. We got to see everything Komodo has to offer; the Komodo dragons, the Pink Beach, the phenomenal Padar Island, many wonderful dive sites, and other breathtaking places that would be my story for another day.