If you are torn between traveling for a while and going to university, don’t be. There is no need to choose between the two. Advances in remote studying and the changing face of education means that it is perfectly feasible for you to do both.

However, you are going to face challenges. Some of which students who study in a more traditional way will not. But, with a bit of know-how and effort, you can travel and study for a degree at the same time.

Get into a good university

The first thing you need to do is to get into a good university that provides you with enough freedom to be able to travel. There are quite a few out there. But, spaces are limited, so you will need to stand out from the other applicants to be able to get in. One way you can do this is by producing a compelling and flawless personal statement. The easiest approach is to go to this site or one like it and use their personal statement editing service. It will cost money, but for most people, it is a worthwhile investment.

Set yourself up for success

Once you are in and know the content of your course, sit down and plan. Work out how much studying you will need to do at various stages. Ideally, you do not want to be moving from place to place or doing seasonal work at key points in your course. You need to identify the busiest months and plan your travels accordingly.

Get yourself a decent laptop and buy or download the software and apps you will need to help you with your studies. Use reviews like this to decide which one to buy. Make sure you have a mobile phone deal that gives you access to plenty of affordable data in the countries you are planning to travel to.

Plan to take advantage of student discounts

As a student, you will potentially be entitled to all kinds of discounts. That includes access to special deals on things like travel and accommodation.

Find out about study abroad schemes

Sometimes it is possible to apply for one of the special schemes that enable people to study abroad without having to pay high fees. This site will help you to find out about many of them.

Stay organized

If you want to succeed, you need to prioritize your studies and plan around them. Doing that will ensure that you put enough time aside to be able to get everything you need done.

Be disciplined

Even with good planning, you will need to take a disciplined approach to your life. When you are traveling alone staying accountable can be difficult. So, it may be a good idea to pair up with a couple of students that are also combining travel with studying. Doing this will enable you to encourage each other and make suggestions about how to overcome some of the fairly unique challenges you are going to be facing.

About The Author : Emily is a UK based blogger with a passion for travel and lifestyle. When she’s not off traveling and discovering all the world has to offer, you’ll find her keeping a close eye out for all the latest styles and trends coming around the corner.

The post How to continue to travel while at university appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Whether you are planning a city break, a six-week cruise or a trip around the world, packing the right eyewear is essential. Wherever you are going, popping into the optician to get an issue sorted out is not as easy as it would be if you were at home. Packing the right eyewear is essential. Below, we help you to select the right glasses, sunglasses or goggles for your trip.

So, if you are trying to choose between new horn eye glasses, old school aviators or a sassy pair of cat-eye frames, you just need to read on. We’ve got you covered.

Get your prescription up to date

If you wear prescription glasses, it is well worth getting your eyes tested before you go. You want to be able to see properly. If you cannot you won’t get to enjoy the landscape as much and little tasks like reading a map will be difficult.

The longer your trip is, the more important it is to get your eyes tested, so you have an up to date prescription. Be sure to leave enough time for this. Factor in time to get the appointment with the optician and for your new glasses to arrive. Remember that you will also have to wear your glasses for a couple of weeks to be sure that they are right for you. If they are not, you may have to go through the whole process again and order a new pair. So, it is wise to allow double the time you think you need to update your prescription before traveling.

Choose a versatile pair of glasses

If space in your suitcase is tight, consider buying all in one eyewear. For example, choosing a pair of closely fitting prescription glasses with reactive lenses may work for you. The prescription allows you to see and read. When it is sunny the reactive lenses will darken and if they fit closely to your face you could potentially use them as an alternative to goggles.

Looks matter too

You need to make sure that you buy a pair you really like and will look right regardless of what you end up wearing. Start by looking at the classic frame shapes. If you are a man, this guide will provide you with inspiration, and it contains great advice about narrowing down your options. For women, this is a good guide. That article is written with buying sunglasses in mind but, the advice you will find there applies equally to prescription glasses.

Be prepared

Unfortunately, when you travel it is all too easy for your glasses to get lost or damaged. So, it is usually worth taking a super cheap pair of prescription glasses with you, just in case. This will get you through until you can buy a proper replacement set. Provided you have your prescription with you, it is possible to order what you need online and have them shipped to anywhere in the world. Often, that is a more practical option than relying on a local optician’s shop.

About The Author : Emily is a UK based fashion writer with a passion for travel. When she’s not off traveling and discovering all the world has to offer, you’ll find her keeping a close eye out for all the latest styles and trends coming around the corner.

The post Packing the right eyewear for your trip appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Croatia offers a unique natural landscape and perfect climate all year round for cruising. We focus on delivering the story about this about this magical destination to each of our visitors. This is why we focus on small ship cruises that create a special atmosphere unlike regular cruise liners that carry thousands of passengers. Exploring stunning islands and cities with rich culture on our cruises around the Adriatic archipelago is experience that will last for a lifetime.

Croatia Cruise provides an opportunity to visit one of the hot spots of Eastern Europe which tourists around the world herald as one of the top destinations for vacation. We made a list of reasons why Croatia should be the next destination for your holiday:

Stunning Locations

We offer departures from all the major cities along the Croatian Coastline such as Split, Dubrovnik, Pula and Zadar.

Each of these cities tell their own unique stories and are surrounded by amazing small Islands that you will have the opportunity to experience on our cruises. We tailor each itinerary for our stunning ships to offer unlimited options to choose from. Take a look at some of the beautiful locations Croatia Cruise has to offer.

Budget

One of the biggest hassles while planning your dream vacations for many people is budget. With taking a cruising as an option for travel you eliminate most of the unwanted additional cost.

Itineraries that are carefully designed by our team of local experts are almost all inclusive! Croatia Cruise offers a huge portfolio of small ships that cater to any class of customer that wants to experience the magic of Mediterranean. You can contact us directly and we will help you to get the most out of your holiday budget. Our professional team is here to help you along each step of the way.

Climate and Atmosphere

Unlike many destinations around the world, thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate Croatia is perfect for vacation all year round. We offer departures from mid-April until mid-November and we guarantee you won’t make a mistake by booking any given date. Whether you are traveling with family and friends or making a romantic gateway, Adriatic Cruise is perfect choice for a 7-day trip around this magical archipelago.

Being a tourist hotspot for centuries, the people of Croatia create the most unique and friendly atmosphere that you will ever experience. From the local crew on our ships to the people at the stunning destinations that you visit. You will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and amazing authentic stories they hold from first-hand. Take the opportunity and let us make your dream vacations a reality. Visit Croatia with us and don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

About author: Nur Brkovic is a content manager at Croatia Holiday Ltd. Company based in Croatia and is cruise provider for Adriatic Sea Cruises.

The post Top 3 Reasons Why Croatia is Your Next Cruise Destination appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Did you know that beautiful country of Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities? If not, you’ll definitely agree that this is a lot of land to explore! Which region of Spain is the most spectacular and what parts of Spain should be on your travel bucket list?

Just before we start a little war in here, let’s agree that every region of Spain is beautiful in its own particular way. Each part of ‘España’ has its special landscapes, customs, gastronomy and sometimes even a different language.

Spain is a diverse country, there is no doubt about it! And so, we have selected the following regions of Spain as the most beautiful mostly because of our personal relationships to these places.

If you don’t agree with our selection of the most beautiful regions in Spain below, just give us a comment with Spanish places which have captured your heart and tell us why! We’ll be happy to have them all here.

Balearic Islands – Caribbean of Europe

Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are some of the most popular destinations for travellers of all kinds. Which is hardly a surprise! Each of the islands offer you a slightly different experience, but all of them have at least these two strong traits in common –  one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean sea and gorgeous nature.

Water is the main topic we are going to talk about here! From crystal clear waters in Mallorca, through the turquoise waves of Caribbean look-alike Formentera to the dark deep blue waters on the way to Ibiza, the Balearic Islands won’t disappoint any water lover!

As a European you can enjoy exotic-feeling vacations within just a few hours! What we truly recommend is exploring the island via a boat trip. If you decide to help the environment and choose a sailing boat instead of a yacht (it’s also a much nicer experience), a 7 to 10-day boat trip should be enough to explore all of these enchanting Spanish islands. 

Andalusia – The Home of Flamenco

Flamenco is mistakenly connected with Spain as a whole and not many people know that it’s the Andalusian region which brought this passionate way of dancing and singing to the world.

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, and not just because of its unique culture. This very southern part of Iberian Peninsula can also be proud of its diverse and spectacular countryside and nature.

There are in total 2 National Parks and 22 Natural Parks which are an important part of the ecosystem, climate and geology of Andalusia. This flamenco region is also well-known for stunning sandy beaches across all four coasts – the Costa del Sol, Costa del Luz, Costa Tropical and Costa Almeria.

That’s not all folks! Another thing to blow your mind (or rather your tongue) is the typical Andalusian cuisine based on tapas dishes, cold soups, seafood and lots of fried stuff! And if you need further reasons to come to Andalusia, the Arabic heritage around Granada or snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada may persuade you.

Basque country – Alien Language & Michelin Restaurants

There are rumours that the Basque language is the most unique language not only in Spain, but also in the whole world! According to linguists Basque is ‘unrelated to any other language of Europe and isolated from any other current living language’. Its originality allowed people to spread the legend that it comes directly from the universe – and it’s not only the way people speak, you may have also heard about the Rh-negative Blood Type Theory. Let’ keep it short: Basque people seem to be very special!

That’s not what we wanted to talk about though! It’s not a myth that Basque country looks like a paradise from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The place is all about never-ending greenery, magical forests and hills, the wild waters of the Biscay Bay… Those who prefer city escapes will also appreciate the splendid gastronomy, vibrant culture and rich art life of cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Catalonia – The Cradle of Art Geniuses

Antoni Gaudí, Pau Casals, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso… All of these artists spent the best years of their lives in Catalonia and proudly called it home (even though not all of them were born there). Catalonia is the cradle of avantgarde art in Spain and one of the most important regions in the whole country.

Catalunya – as this region is called in Spanish, is not just about big artsy cities like Barcelona. Even though is vibrant and definitely worth visiting, there is much more to discover in this north-eastern part of Spain.

One of the most beautiful spiritual destinations of Catalonia is definitely Montserrat, located just an hour from Barcelona. Easily reachable by train and cable car it’s a chance for people to take in some breath-taking panorama scenery, hike around the mountain and as well, if not most importantly, to think about your recent sins (oh yeah!)

For those who are attracted by water rather than hills and peaks, there is the Costa Brava – a long coast packed with astonishing beaches, bays and lagoons calling you to jump into their waves. In nearby fishing villages you can taste some seafood delicacies and in nearby vineyards you can get drunk from love to wine. Doesn’t it sound like a beautiful place to stay?

Asturias – Cows in Meadows, Pilgrims on Trails

Emerald green valleys, monumental mountains with snowy peaks, cute forest houses and cows happily feeding on fresh pastures. Nope, we are not talking about Bavaria, nor about Switzerland. This kind of fairy-tale scenery is ready to be seen in the northern region of Spain called Asturias.

Things you shouldn’t miss on your experience-packed Asturian trip is the capital Oviedo, so charming that it captured the imagination of even the famous director Woody Allen. You have to try its unique cider, eat tasty Asturian cheese, and most of all get closer to the green Spain you can’t see in many corners of the country.

Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, thanks to its spectacular nature. Take a hike to the famous Picos de Europa and try to close your mouth while absorbing the wonderful natural surroundings. If you are looking for something more spiritual, get on the famous Camino del Rey, the very first pilgrim trail starts in Asturias!

Beach girls and boys won’t leave Asturias with tears, as the Costa Verde is on fire with its sandy beaches and impressive cliffs. The only thing to watch out for is plenty of rain… and cows (almost) everywhere.

There are More Beautiful Regions of Spain

We know that it’s hard to choose just 5 most beautiful regions of Spain when each of them is splendid in its own way. As we are no ‘region racists’ or don’t try to do any kind of ‘region propaganda’ we have to mention the rest of the purely stunning places in Spain you have to see!

Galicia is famous for its gorgeous scenery and spiritual town of Santiago de Compostela. It’s also unofficially known as ‘The Scotland of Spain.’

Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean next to the African continent, are definitely the most exotic parts of Spain you can visit. Don’t skip on surfing and watch out for those volcanos!

Extremadura is wild and nearly untouched. One of the best places for nature lovers.

La Rioja is the kingdom of lovely Spanish wines and Aragon attaches itself to you with its mountainous terrain and rich history.

Cantabria belongs to the ‘Green Spain’ and its beauty lies in delightful countryside and nature, while Castile and León has one of the most amazing architecture and historical monuments.

Castilla-La Mancha is a desert-like region with deep medieval history, also famous for the famous novel ‘Don Quixote’ as well as tasty wine.

Community of Madrid being the heart of Spain is a must-visit place for art, history and culture lovers.

Navarre is a picturesque land filled with stunning scenery of Pyrenees and Ebro river valley.

Murcia has almost everything that an excited traveller may need: nature, hiking, beaches, plenty of historical cathedrals and churches, charming towns and villages.

And the last beautiful region of Spain, proud of its coastlines and natural gems – Valencia is the home of one of the most typical Spanish delicatessen of all times – paella.

Spain is home to so many beautiful sights and sounds that an article like this can barely scrape the surface. Next time you pay a visit to this wonderful country, make sure to try and take in some of those regions you may not have explored before, as Spain is so much more than sun, sand and sangria!

About The Author: Lenka is a Slovak blogger currently based in Spain. The idea of her page wesolotravel.com is quite simple: ‘Sometimes we travel solo, sometimes we travel together. It doesn’t matter if you explore the world alone or with your friends, what really matters are the memories and experiences you gain!’ 

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Traveling with your friends, family and loved ones are some of the best holidays that you will cherish for the rest of your lifetime. However planning and organizing such a group holiday for more than 3 people, and getting the whole family together can be demanding. Everyone might have their idea of what relaxing or fun holidays are and on top of that, group holidays might sound like an expensive thing to do. However, there are some amazing choices that Turkey has to offer for a fantastic holiday with your closest and dearest ones where you won’t have to spend a fortune. Turkey is a diverse country with beautiful shores, great cuisine, magnificent landscape, ancient history, to suit all tastes. Here are some fantastic ideas for a group holiday that might inspire your next trip to Turkey.

1.Food tour holidays

We all love food, but some love it so much that they organize a whole trip revolving around it. This concept of traveling is becoming more and more popular in the world. Now you can enjoy diverse cuisine that Turkey has to offer and some delicious dessert combined by undeniable Turkish hospitality. Holidays planned around food, are a great group activity, and a fun way to explore your chosen destination. You might even take it to the next level and participate in some cooking class and learn the new traditional Turkish recipe. Many cities around the country offer diverse attractions, many food choices so everyone can find something they love, and things usually are very budget-friendly especially when it comes to beyond delicious food. The most popular dishes to try while you are visiting this country are Baklava, Muhallabia pudding, Lahmacun pizza, Patlican karniyarik – aubergines with minced meat and fresh tomatoes…

There are also many nice restaurants along with this country, and depending on your preferences, you can choose one of your likings. However, among the most popular ones are, Mezze Grill Ocakbasi Restaurant in Antalya, Roof Mezze 360 or for fine dining Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine Restaurant in Istanbul and Annalivia Restaurant Gumbet in Bodrum.

2. Active holidays

Active holidays don’t have to be reserved only for the young and the fittest, now the whole group can enjoy action-filled holidays adapted to all generations, even your kids and grandparents. Depending on your level of fitness you can choose to try adrenaline-packed activities like rafting, mountain biking, paragliding in regions of Ölüdeniz, or go scuba diving on the Lycian Coast and even rock climbing in regions such as Marmaris or touristic center Bodrum.

For a more relaxing easygoing activity that grandparents and teenagers can enjoy, choose things like canyoning or perhaps cycling tours throughout the south-west coast of Turkey. Also, you may do a combination of activities and leave some time for enjoyment and relaxing, so you and your loved ones have a perfect mix of both worlds.

3. Hire a luxury private gulet

Nowadays cruising on a luxury boat isn’t just an activity reserved only for the richest. If you are looking for privacy and spending your holidays away from heavy crowds, and you wish to spend your time on a yacht that looks like a hotel on water, then this might be a great choice for you.

Affordable isn’t a word that comes to mind when you think of luxury yachts, but in some destinations, such turkey you can get amazing offers and deals you’d be surprised. Going on a luxury gulet with a group of friends or family at your side can be an amazing holiday idea.

You and your loved one will be able to enjoy gorgeous seas, plenty of cultures, exquisite islands, coastline, remarkable ruins, plus an endless array of entertainment and activities organized by your preferences. This is a recipe for the ultimate stress-free getaway.

4. Book family-oriented hotel and resorts

If you are a family who loves the comfort and easy-going atmosphere, then Turkish family-oriented resorts are the way to go! The best and largest resorts are located on the Turkish coast in regions like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Antalya. Getting the whole family together for some fun in the sun has never been easier. This group holiday can be a perfect break for the whole family while everyone can enjoy some serious savings on the cost per person. These places also often have many activities that kids will love, while parents relax and enjoy. Some of the best resorts for your holiday are Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara or Aska Lara Resort & Spa in Antalya, Salmakis Resort Bodrum, or Green Nature Resort & Spa in Marmaris.

About author: Mitja with his family has an active lifestyle. They love to explore new, hidden places, experience new vistas and try local cuisine – but most of all, they love to spend our holidays traveling from place to place.

The post 4 fantastic group holiday ideas on the Turkish coast appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Getting medical treatment while you’re abroad might not be the first thing on your mind. In fact, most of us only really step on a plane when we’re travelling for business, visiting family, or relaxing and unwinding during a holiday. However, the rise in medical tourism has led to more and more people indulging in a trip abroad for popular treatments such as plastic surgery and dental surgeries such as fillings or root canals. From the reduced costs to shorter waiting times, here’s what you need to know about medical tourism.

What Does Medical Tourism Offer?

Medical tourism may be a controversial topic, but over recent years, has developed a far better reputation in the healthcare industry. Travelling abroad for treatment can provide you with access to high-quality healthcare while overseas, and often at a far lower cost. This is beneficial for those looking to undergo a treatment such as plastic surgery as this can be expensive when seeking to have it in the UK.

Lower Costs

Perhaps the leading draw for medical tourism rests in the lower cost of a number of treatments when compared to the patient’s home country. It’s possible to find procedures and packages at accredited and trustworthy clinics that factor in travel costs as well as the procedure, ensuring you get the full treatment and aftercare you need, often for less than just the cost of the treatment at home. With popular treatments such as the cost of a hair transplant and a number of popular procedures being significantly cheaper, this is one of the biggest benefits to opting for medical tourism. Patients have reportedly made savings of anything between 15-75% when opting for medical tourism for their specific treatment.

Waiting Times

In the UK, the NHS, in particular, is notorious for long waiting times for elective surgeries. Any patient in need of treatment can wait upwards of 110 days (according to The Patient’s Association) which can be halved, if not eradicated completely when travelling abroad for the treatment. This is particularly beneficial for those that are looking for specific procedures, as medical professionals can also be found in a privately funded clinic.

A Holiday With Your Treatment

Another huge draw for medical tourism rests in the fact that most patients will factor a holiday in with their treatment to make the most of the travel expenses. If you’ve never been to the country before, you could opt to leave a little earlier than the arranged surgery date to explore the surrounding location or, in cases where recovery time is minimal, you could go on to explore this as you recover. With a number of destinations highly popular for those looking to undergo some form of plastic surgery or hair transplant the USA came out on top when looking at the results of the 2016 International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery press release, closely followed by Brazil, Japan and Italy. This is beneficial for those looking to undergo surgery whilst exploring the area, as medical facilities and accommodation are high quality to help you recover quickly with the best possible results.

Do Your Research

Previously, the thought of travelling abroad for an operation had less-than-ideal connotations. However, the perceived differences in quality of care are practically non-existent and in some cases, the complete opposite to what the stereotype suggests. Despite the high-quality care available abroad, however, you should still do your research before choosing a clinic to ensure you’re getting an accredited body that adheres to regulation and industry standards.

You should look into not only the company but the facility and the doctor you’ll be under. Investigate their qualifications, take a look at other patient reviews and make note of any warning signs you need to take into consideration or questions that you would want to ask before booking any appointments.

Travelling for treatment isn’t for everyone, but certainly opens up a world of opportunities for those who either can’t afford the procedure at home or who may find themselves waiting for surgery back at home. Whether you’re travelling for hip surgery, or you’re heading abroad for cosmetic surgery, different countries specialise in different medical areas. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, do your research, find the right clinic for you, and enjoy your medical tourism experience!

About author: Thomas Readley is an experienced and notable author, who loves taking on new challenges and writing across a huge range of topics – channelling his personal experience and expertise. When Troy isn’t tapping away at his keyboard, creating his latest masterpiece, he can be found exploring new countries and cultures or burying his head in a good book.

The post Travelling for Treatment: What You Need To Know About Medical Tourism appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

If you’re in the process of planning a family vacation, and especially one your entire family will enjoy, you might consider the Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are located in East Tennessee as well as part of North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains are considered a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.

Along with being called the Smoky Mountains, sometimes they’re called the Great Smokies or just the Smokies.

The following are some things to know, reasons to visit, and tips for what to do when you’re in the Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky National Park

Great Smoky National Park was established in 1934. It currently has more than eleven million visitors each year, and it’s the most visited national park in the country. The park spans for more than 800 square miles along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Despite how many visitors it attracts each year, you would never realize it.

It’s quiet, deeply forested and the smoky haze is its namesake.

You’ll find not only woodlands but river valleys and fields of wildflowers (depending on the season).

There are opportunities to spot wildlife, including black bears and elk.

There are so many specific places to go within the park that these could fill their own lengthy lists.

For example, there’s Caves Cove and the nearby Abrams Falls hiking trail. There’s the park’s highest point which is Clingmans Dome, and also Laurel Falls, which is an 80-foot waterfall.

Whether you like a trip that’s more relaxing or adventurous, the park will have something you’ll find appealing. There are easy and more advanced hikes, as well as paddling and white water rafting.

Fall Foliage

If you get the opportunity to visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall, take it. The fall is stunning in the Smoky Mountains—it’s among the best you’ll find anywhere in the country.

The leaves start to change in late September to early October, and the peak is usually by the start of November.

The fall is also the perfect time to enjoy some local festivals like the Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival.

The Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival takes place over five weeks, and it includes Oktoberfest and the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair.

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy lower prices, don’t go in fall—go in spring instead. The Smoky Mountains spring views are beautiful as well, and in April and May, there are more than 1,500 species of wildflowers in bloom.

The weather is usually in the 70s, so it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors.

The Arts Community

You may not know it, but there is an eight-mile loop that’s part of historic Gatlinburg that’s a designated Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. It is the largest group of independent artists and artisans in North America, with more than 100 artists studios.

You can watch craftspeople paint, carve, sew and more.

You can also purchase an original piece of art. 

Amusement Parks and Entertainment

There is no shortage of things to keep you occupied near the Smoky Mountains. Two of the most well-known attractions are Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country, but there’s a lot more than that.

For example, there is The Island in Pigeon Forge. The Island is a shopping and entertainment venue with the Margaritaville Island Hotel, the Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel, and lots more family-friendly fun.

There are dinner shows, including the popular Hatfield & McCoy show, and there’s the Titanic Museum.

Also a big hit is the Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge. At this fun-filled attraction, you roll down a hill inside a big transparent ball, and it’s called zorbing.

Gatlinburg has its fair share of attractions much like nearby Pigeon Forge. There is Ober Gatlinburg, which is a longstanding amusement park that also has skiing and snow activities in the winter. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is in Gatlinburg, as is the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower.

Recently added was the Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park, where you can take a chairlift ride year-round to get stunning mountain views.

The Mountain Mall is located in Gatlinburg also. It’s an indoor shopping area where you can find themed retailers offering everything from candy to handmade jewelry. The Village Shops are another Gatlinburg shopping destination, and they’re designed to feel like an Old World European shopping venue. Again, the focus is on handcrafted items and southern hospitality and customer service, which are trends you’ll see throughout your time in the Smoky Mountains.

About the Author: Susan is an avid writer, traveler, and overall enthusiast. Follow her on Twitter.

The post The Top Reasons You Should Visit the Smoky Mountains appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Three high passes trek in Nepal is great choice for those who cannot choose between Gokyo lakes and Everest base camp (EBC). While doing three passes you will visit both of these places and much more. Most of the trek is not so busy as EBC trek and usually you will meet just a few people on the passes.

Three high passes you will need to pass

If you will start your trek from Namche clockwise the first pass is going to be before Gokyo lakes. This will be the lowest pass of all three – Renjo La, which reaches 5345 meters above sea level.

Second one is Cho La pass which reaches 5420 meters, it is between Dragnag and Dzhongla.

The last one of Three passes is Kongma La which is also the highest one – 5535 meters. Kongma La is between Lobuche and Chukung villages.

I did the trek anti-clockwise – started with Kongma La and finished with Renjo La.

In my opinion the easiest pass was Renjo La pass. Keep in mind that during most of the hiking season you will probably need micro spikes for Cho La pass. Before or after the pass (depends from which side you come) there is around 200-300 meters of crystal blue ice which is slippery.

Gear list for Three Passes trek

Depends from where you start but three passes trek will take you at least 10-12 days. If you start from Phaplu and will do some rest days or additional climbs the trek might take you even 20 or 25 days. For this time you will need some stuff. Check out what I had in my backpack during the trek:

• Warm sleeping bag. Nights get pretty cold above 5000 meters.
• Down jacket. I had thin one and it worked fine.
• Hiking socks, underwear and T-shirts
• Rain/wind jacket
• Small backpack for day trips
• GPS device, maps.me on your phone or Khumbu valley map.
• Powerbank and solar charger. This will save you a lot of money.
• Snacks – nuts, dried meet, sweets, chocolate. This stuff is expensive in lodges.
• SIM card. Mobile data was working in some trek sections.
• Trail running or hiking shoes. I did all the trek with Salomon speedcross and it was fine.
• Book or cards for long evenings in lodges
• Thermal base layer
• Some medicine and patches
• Chargers for your devices
• Hiking poles
• Other stuff you might need…

Three passes trek is not technical at all and you will not need ice axe, climbing chalk bag or helmet with harness.

Three Passes hike itinerary

If you are acclimatized and fast you can make this itinerary shorter. Although, if you are not acclimatized you might want to spend some extra rest days in Namche Bazaar.

It is also worth to stay an extra day in Gokyo and do a trek to 6th lake (Cho Oyu basecamp). The itinerary I recommend:

1. Lukla-Phakding (in the above map it marked as [end] – [2])
2. Phakding-Namche Bazaar ([2] – [14])
3. Namche Bazaar-Tengboche ([14] – [4])
4. Tencboche-Dingboche ([4] – [5])
5. Dingboche-Chukung ([5] – [6])
6. Chukung-Lobuche ([6] – [7])
7. Lobuche-Gorakshep + EBC  ([7] – [8] + [9])
8. Gorakshep-Kala Patthar-Dzhongla ([8] – [10] – [11])
9. Dzhongla-Gokyo ([11] – [12])
10. Gokyo-Thame ([12] – [13])
11. Thame-Namche Bazaar ([13] – [14])
12. Namche Bazaar-Lukla ([14] – [end])

How to save money on the trek

Everyone wants to save money, especially when they are travelling long time. I have found some ways to save money on expensive Khumbu valley treks:

• Bring solar charger and 10000-20000mAh powerbank. While you will do day trips around the villages just put the solar charger on the roof of the lodge and you will have half of the powerbank if couple of hours. I have used Rav Energy 24W 3 USB ports charger which I really enjoyed.
• Have your own tea bags. Evenings are cold and you will definitely want to drink tea in lodges. Hot water is much cheaper than tea which is usually not so good. Bring your own tea bags and use them.
• Don’t take shower. Use cold water to wash up. You will need to pay for hot showers in every lodge, so I decided not to do it. Not everyone will do that, but it saves a lot of money in Khumbu valley.
• Bring your own nuts, jam and honey. Otherwise you will have to pay higher prices for oat meal or other breakfast cereals with them.

Enjoy your trek in Khumbu valley!

About author: Joseph travels since he was a child. Now he runs a travel blog – NomadJoseph.com where he writes about his travel experiences and gives tips to other fellow travellers. Joseph writes about budget travelling and mountains climbing. Follow Joseph on Facebook or Instagram.

The post Best of Khumbu valley – Three High Passes Trek in Nepal appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Vietnam is known for its plethora of stunning natural landscapes, quaint villages, museums, untouched islets, ancient citadels and colonial structures. The unique blend of the east and the west makes major cities like Hanoi and Saigon special vibes that you will fall in love with.

On your Vietnam visit, there are many things that you can do to make your visit a life time experience. Here are Best Things to do in Vietnam in Less Than 24 hours

1. Enjoying aromatic street foods

Street food is one of the best highlights of Vietnam travel that impress every single tourist and visitor. Internationally, Vietnamese food is recognized for its culinary uniqueness, aromatic flavors, and fresh ingredients. You can consider a culinary adventure to enjoy the Vietnamese flavors, colors, and textures of street food.

Saigon, the biggest city in Southern Vietnam, is considered to be the best street food capital where every night thousands of informal eateries serve hundreds of dishes to food lovers.

2.Trekking in Sapa or Fansipan

Once known as the colonial hill station, Sapa in Vietnam is the mountainous town that is located in the Northwest region. Sapa is known for its picturesque scenery such as the bamboo forests, rolling Green valleys, ethnic minority villages and patchwork terraced fields.

You can also do trekking on the Vietnam’s highest mountain, Fansipan, which is said to be one of best trekking route in less than 24 hours. While you are trekking on the mountain, ensure you have a standard backpack, for example, a sling backpack. It allows you to effortlessly shift your backpack from behind your back to the side of your hips or to your front, to give your back a rest.

3. Cycling along the countryside

You can explore the small and beautiful towns in Vietnam by riding a bike that will help in learning more about the Vietnamese culture and the lifestyle of the locals in less than 24 hours.
During your Vietnam visit, you can ride a bike to have the utmost fun and enjoyment while discovering the beautiful locations and stunning attractions. Nature lovers don’t miss on this cycle Ride as it will mark a perfect end your visit.

4. Shopping Around the market Like a Local

Local markets are one of the main attractions, which a visitor or tourist should explore. The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is a home to the most bountiful, colorful and frenzied markets in the country. In this market, you will get an opportunity to shop like a local with great bargaining skill to buy some exotic fruit.

5. Visiting the Chill Sky bar for a night treat

The great place- Chill Skybar offers the most beautiful view of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can enjoy an all night long party. If you are a party addict and want to discover the famous Vietnamese nightlife, then the Chill Skybar is the right place to explore and have fun.

6. Cruising along the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is known as Vietnam’s Rice Bowl that has a diverse vegetative life and rugged landscape. While cruising along the Mekong Delta, you will get lost in the labyrinth of canals lined with mangrove forest, agricultural plots, and the floating markets. Drifting down these waterways has become one of the best tourist activities to do in Vietnam in less than 24 hours.

Conclusion

By booking a guided Vietnam tour, you will get a chance to enjoy a memorable holiday trip. You can rely on a reputable tour operator or agencies to get the best deals on booking a Vietnam travel or tour package to have the utmost fun and enjoyment. With a reliable tour operator, you will get the assistance of experienced guides to indulge in lovely scenery and exciting activities
to do in less than 24 hours.

About the author: Ryan Smith is a full-time traveller and founder of MrAbroad.com, where he turns his passion into interesting information for travel lovers. MrAbroad focuses on travel destinations, helpful tips&tricks. It is built to inspire you to live a life full of adventure, joy and experience.

Follow Ryan on Twitter : https://twitter.com/RyanSmi09679811

The post 6 Best Things to do on a Wonderful Vietnam Tour in less than 24 hours appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.