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7 Tips for Traveling Like a Local in Indonesia
I’ve always wanted to publish my best tips on how to travel like a local in Indonesia, and when a friend of mine shot me a text announcing he’s jettisoning off to Bali in the fall (insert jealousy here), I decided there’s no time like the present. I also feel that Indonesia is still one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. You can certainly travel across Indonesia in luxury and style, but consider a more modest approach. With my tips, you may just fall head over heels for this corner of the world. Quick Facts: Visas: Visa-on-Arrival is permitted for Canadians & Americans (Check Indonesia’s government site for other passports) –…
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7 Ways to Experience the Island of Sumatra
If Bali is the pearl of the orient, then the island of Sumatra is the opal. Complex, diverse and undeniably robust. An island borne out of fire and brimstone, and a region not without its controversies, Sumatra is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse places I have ever visited. Sadly, its reputation has been marred not only by mother nature’s forcefulness (earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions), the human footprint has not been without strife. However, none of this should be a deterrent. If you do venture here, a cultural and natural blend of ethnic groups, populations of highly endangered animal and plant species, pristine deserted beaches and frothing volcanoes await, so here…
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15 Reasons Why Backpacking China is Totally Worth It
Backpacking China is probably not at the top of your bucketlist for 2016, but it should be. Unfortunately, this fascinating country seems to be getting a bad wrap these days. Especially in my neck of the woods. Flip on the news and all you hear about is how Mainland Chinese buyers are driving up the cost of our housing. And down south, Donald Trump is either busy vilifying China (this video is hilarious) or rattling on about how much he loves it. All that aside, I’m growing a little tired of hearing people dismiss such an important player in human history. Relax! It’s not like you have to pledge your…
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Top 10 Most Romantic Places to Kiss
“A kiss is a secret told to the mouth instead of the ear; kisses are the messengers of love and tenderness.” From Ingrid Bergman’s lips to Humphrey Bogart’s ears, there are still those of us wandering the earth seeking that epic love. As a bonafide cupid kid and unabashed, hopeless romantic, one of the toughest parts of the year (for me), passed me by. I grew one year older amidst a sea of badly written Hallmark cards, cheap chocolate and tacky stuffed creatures and when the dust settled, I found myself thinking about all the beautiful places in the world I’d experienced romance, but more importantly, all the places I’ve yet to…
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Top 5 Best Bali Beaches for New Surfers
For the last eight decades, wave riders from around the world have been flocking to Bali’s beautiful beaches in hopes of catching the big one. With the peak surfing season running from May to September, there is no shortage of fantastic surf spots. However, if you’re stepping onto a board for the first time, the renown Balinese Pipeline at Padang Padang, or the challenging ‘Racetracks’ at Uluwatu can be a tad intimidating. So before you try anything death defying, there are a number of surf spots perfect for those first time wave riders. Kuta Beach It’s hard to believe the maze of alleyways that make up the island’s backpacker mecca…