destinations Archives - A Million Lives

December 30, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Wildlife Spotting: Where to Go for the Best Sightings in Africa

Thanda Safari | South Africa

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is one of the greatest game lodges in KZN which will exceed your every expectation, and it’s better known as Thanda Safari. A short road trip from King Shaka International Airport will get you there, making it one of the most accessible game lodges in Africa. This is a reserve that is filled with luxury accommodation, safari drives, guided walks, impeccable service and amenities and guarantees sightings of some of the rarest wildlife species on earth. It’s not just about the wildlife though, Thanda Safari is an experience and a once in a lifetime one if we do say so ourselves. Thanda Safari is home to the big five which are leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion although you’ll spot many other fascinating species too. Thanda Safari also offer extraordinary opportunities to their guests such as the tracking of rhinos and cheetahs for research and protective measures.

Chobe National Park | Botswana

The Chobe National Park in Botswana is one of the most breathtaking safari experiences with personal and up-close contact with wildlife. Located on the north eastern point of Botswana is the Chobe River and Kasane – Kasane being the focal point and gateway to the Chobe National Park. The popular gigantic baobab tree with its massive hollow that is large enough for you to enter, has become an iconic place to start your entry in the Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park has a diversity of wildlife which includes the big five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as; hippo, wild dog, hyena, jackal, roan antelope, sable, kudu, impala, warthog, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, baboons, monkeys and more. To add to this list is an incredible amount of over 460 bird species including fish and martial eagle, egyptian geese, the sacred ibis, spur-winged geese, darters and cormorants to name a few. A river cruise is a wonderful experience to see many of these along the water banks as well as crocodiles either in the water or basking in the sun.

Kruger National Park | South Africa

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most well known Parks in Africa. There are other parks within and around Kruger National Park, each providing their own unique experiences but almost all are blessed with the big five species and you can almost guarantee you will spot them, as well as zebra, cheetah, hippo, hyena and more. There are many other mammals and approximately 500 species of bird. Kruger National Park is known for open spaces, bush veld and plains and is a special place that will keep you coming back for more. Kruger National Park offers game safari drives or the freedom of doing the drive safaris in your own vehicle as well as walking safaris, guided tours which is one that is becoming popular where you get the feeling of being one with the elements of nature and wildlife. From sunrise to sunset you will be blessed with the most colourful sky displays, with the sounds of life and fresh aromas of nature surrounding you – absolute bliss!

Serengeti | Tanzania

When planning to go on a safari holiday, the Serengeti in Tanzania will most definitely feature as one to consider especially if you have experienced a safari in Africa. The Serengeti is known as one of the world’s largest natural regions of wilderness. The Serengeti will bless any visitor with an experience of its own no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. The Serengeti is also home to the big five. If you are wanting a truly unique experience the Serengti can offer just that: tenting safaris out in the open is a favourite, this gives you a sense of adventure being out in the wild with the sounds of nature all around you. This is not an experience for everyone but if you choose to do it you will have highly trained guides accompanying you, as well as your own chef. Always keep in mind that you are out in the wild, surrounded by wild animals so never venture out on your own, don’t try and coax the animals over by offering food, keep safety in mind at all times.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, Africa, is a massive primeval forest located in the south-western part of Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known for the beautiful mountain gorillas that call this area home. You can get a chance to see these beautiful creatures on a gorilla trekking safari. This is truly an experience never to be forgotten.

June 24, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Top 3 areas perfect for tourists to stay in Dubai

Over the years, Dubai has become one of the most visited destinations in the world. If you are planning to visit Dubai soon, this article will help identify some of the best places to stay during your vacation. Firstly, it is important to understand that summer falls between June and September where the temperatures rise severely. If you don’t appreciate the hot summers, you can visit during winter that falls between October and May. During the winter season, the temperatures are favourable for a vacation.

Here are the perfect areas to stay in Dubai

1. Downtown Dubai

This is one of the most popular destinations in Dubai. It is home to most of the major tourist attractions in the world. For instance, the tallest building, the largest shopping mall, the tallest dancing fountain, the biggest man-made lake and many more. This neighbourhood is strategically located in the heart of the city making it perfect for a vacation.

The area has a lively and thriving atmosphere that is designed for those with a special appreciation of life. This is a very high-profile neighbourhood that offers world-class amenities and attractive lifestyle privileges to visitors and residents

2. Dubai Marina

This is another popular tourist destination in Dubai developed by Emaar Properties. It is meticulously planned with efficient road networks and a picturesque marina. One of the most alluring features of this neighbourhood is the large canal that stretches over 3.5 kilometres that provide access to the sea on both sides. The developer has also been involved in a similar project known as the Dubai Creek Harbour Emaar.

There are two metro stations near the marina. Since the roads can get busy during rush hours, the metro is always an easy way to access other parts of the city. Also, if you want to get around the neighbourhood, you can use the Dubai Tram that has eleven stations.

3. Jumeirah area

Jumeirah is a coastal area in Dubai which offers scenic views and a wide array of world-class restaurants, cafes, hotels and other amazing amenities. In Arabic, the name Jumeirah means beautiful and coincides with the beachfront living and gorgeous views of the area. There is also easy access to pristine white beaches where you can enjoy a wide variety of water activities such as swimming, paddling and more. The Jumeirah area is home to very popular residential properties such as Port De La Mer by Meraas and City Walk apartments Dubai.

April 27, 2019 by Greg Underwood

5 reasons why Dubai continues to attract millions of tourists every year

Over the last four decades, Dubai has evolved to become one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. The city attracts millions of visitors every year to have an experience of a lifetime. Through the years, the number of visitors has been raising and is projected to continue in the coming future. This is a demonstration that most people prefer to have Dubai as their tourist destination of choice.

The city is known for the world’s superlatives such as the tallest building, the highest dancing fountain, the biggest mall and soon the tallest residential complex. It is unsurprising that millions of people are flocking to Dubai to experience the lifestyle of the 21^st century and future.

Why do tourists continue coming to Dubai year after year?

1. Hotels

Dubai hosts some of the grandest and most luxurious hospitality facilities in the world that offer top of the range services. In fact, the city is home to the only 7-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. These facilities are spread across the whole city and continue to increase to meet the rising demand.

2. Uptown lifestyle with local culture

Dubai is able to provide a perfect mixture of uptown lifestyle with the traditions of the Emirates. No matter where you visit, you will have an experience you have never had before. Apart from the local traditions, almost every culture in the world is represented in Dubai. As a result, there is a wide variety of dining and entertainment options for everyone.

3. Shopping

Dubai is synonymous with luxurious shopping attracting people from all over the world. The city is home to some of the biggest malls in the world such as the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, etc. These malls feature top of the range amenities and facilities to cater to a wide variety of needs.

4. Tourist attractions

There is a wide variety of attractions for everyone. In fact, you may not even spend a dime but have an experience of a lifetime. For instance, you can visit the Dubai Fountain placed at the 30-acre man-made lake, the Burj Lake. Besides, you can hop on the traditional boats known as the abras, to have an incredible view of the city from the sea.

5. Residential options

Dubai offers a wide selection of residential options at different prices to cater for every budget. Due to the increasing demand, there are a lot of new upcoming projects in almost every part of the city. For instance, new projects by Meraas include the iconic Port De La Mer apartments or Emaar Dubai Creek Harbour which is a seaside community development that’s attracting investors from all over the world.

December 11, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Top Tips For Applying For Your United States Visa

For most people, moving to the United States means that they will need a US visa. With the visa, you will be allowed to make travel arrangements to the United States, as airlines will always check to make sure you have the appropriate visa and documentation before allowing you to travel.

But in order to get your visa, you need to apply for it first, and tips on how to do so is the subject we’re going to be covering today.

Here are the top tips for applying for your United States visa:

Have The Proper Documentation

There are many important documents that you will need to have on hand when preparing your application, including:

Your Passport
Travel Itinerary
Information On Your Last Visits to the United States
Work History
Education History
Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
Police Certificates (if applicable)
Financial Support Evidence
Photographs

Complete Form DS-160

Next, you will need to form the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, otherwise known as Form DS-160. You can access this on the website of the US Consulate from which you will apply.

In this form, you’ll basically need to list out your background, work and education history, and a few other details.

Pay The Fee

You will need to pay a fee to apply for your visa. Some people are under the impression that they only need to pay the fee if their visa is approved, but this is not the case. The fee can be anywhere from $150 to $250 on average depending on which specific visa you’ll be choosing and where in the United States you will be working.

Take The Interview

If you are between the ages of fourteen and seventy nine, you will need to take a mandatory US visa interview at the USA consulate or embassy from which you are applying. The wait time can be anywhere from a few days or a few weeks, so schedule it quickly.

Be sure to arrive on time to the interview and have all of the requested documentation on hand. After the interview, you can expect to wait anywhere from a few days to a few months before your visa is approved or denied. Only make the proper travel arrangements after the visa has been accepted; otherwise, you could end up paying several hundred or thousands of dollars in non-refundable travel costs that you won’t be even able to use.

Applying For Your United States Visa

In all honesty, applying for your United States visa is not going to be as intimidating or complicated of a process as you may suspect it is. Just have the proper documentation on hand, fill out all the proper forms, and be honest and forthright in your interview, and you should be good to go.

November 29, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Ample Atlanta: The Benefits of Moving to Atlanta

While the process of moving, itself, may be an incredible hassle, finding and learning about your new city doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it may seem at first. Whether you are a history buff, lover of the nightlife, or anything in between, Atlanta, Georgia professes some of the most diverse and intriguing sites! Our friends over at Suddath have provided us with this in-depth look at what moving to A-Town has in store.

With the nickname “the city in the forest”, much of Atlanta’s appeal lies in its nature reserves, gardens, parks, and the abundance of flora and diversity of wildlife. Considered to be one of the ten most progressive cities in the US, Atlanta exerts a moderate impact on global markets in many aspects.

For the Millennial generation, Niche.com has taken it upon themselves to compile a list of the top ten suburbs of Atlanta. They are as follows:

Top 10 Atlanta Suburbs:

North Druid Hills (DeKalb County)
Vinings (Cobb County)
Brookhaven (DeKalb County)
Smyrna (Cobb County)
North Decatur (DeKalb County)
Druid Hills (DeKalb County)
Sandy Springs (North Fulton)
Dunwoody (DeKalb County)
Decatur (DeKalb County)
Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett County)

…Not a Millennial?

Not to worry. Niche.com diligently analyzes public data sets and over a million reviews and survey responses to present a comprehensive understanding of what any given area is truly like. The above list was created with the following aspects in mind:

Number of residents 25-34 Years Old
Higher Education Rate
Access to Coffee Shops
Cost of Living Grade
Access to Bars
Access to Restaurants
Composite Overall Score
Crime & Safety Grade
Millennial Newcomers
Millennials Below Poverty
Percent Change in Employees
Walkability Grade

Others may also want to take into consideration the closest airports, childcare expenses, auto, home, and other maintenance fee increases or decreases, local pet laws, community centers and religious organization locations, and other lifestyle-dependent factors.

City Considerations:

There’s no doubt about it- Atlanta is a city for driving. Residents can expect to make good use of their vehicles, though the public transportation system is a prominent feature, as well. With its rich history and ever-expanding cultural diversity, Atlanta has proven, time and again, it is a capable and forward-looking city. Having revolutionized much of the city’s societal concepts, along with promoting the diversification of industries, Atlanta residents and tourists alike can attest to its vast and powerful influence.

There are many surface factors one might consider when deliberating on where to move in or near Atlanta. Of the entertainment benefits, one can expect to take advantage of close proximity to a Six Flags theme park, the State Farm basketball arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks), or festivals and fairs such as the “Attack of the Killer Tomato” and the “Flying Colors Butterfly” festivals. For those who are more interested in the day to day activities found in Atlanta, many will delight in the ability to effortlessly manage running errands thanks to the ‘hub’ of the city’s intelligent design.

Whether you’re retiring to a warmer climate, relocating due to a career obligation, or simply looking for a change of pace, Atlanta has something for everyone. Sporting year-round nice weather, with the exception of a few snow storms in harsher winters, and only about an hour’s drive to the east coast, it takes no stretch of the imagination to refer to Atlanta as a modern utopia.

October 2, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Traveler Guide on the 5 Best Beaches in the World

Beach lovers always dream of going to a beach with soft white sand in their holiday vacations. However, not all beaches are nice. Beaches that get high traffic usually have problems like trash, no parking or loud music. A careful research will enable you to find the perfect beach with the ideal condition for you to relax on your vacation. The following is a list of the 5 best beach spots in the world.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a sugar white sandy beach that offers a nice view of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. The beach is clean without any crushed seashell or other sharp objects on the shore. There are lots of baywatchers and police riding on golf carts to patrol the beach. You can visit restaurants and specialty shops at Pier 69. There are many types of boats at the pier including sail boat, pirate ship and shark boat. There are public umbrella and chairs to use. After swimming, you can rinse off the salt water at the shower stand. Lifeguards and public car parking lot are available.

Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach is a long powdery white sandy beach that is lined with palm trees in Bavaro, Dominican Republic. The beach is surrounded with a lot of hotels and restaurants. It is ideal for couples who want to enjoy an evening walk. It is near to a small fisherman village called ElCortecito. On this beach, you will find a lot of boat tours that you can take part in. You can go parasailing on a boat driven by the local. When wearing the snorkel mask, you can see small shark, stingrays and other exotic fishes swimming in the water.

Praia de Falesia

Praia de Falesia is a 6km long golden sandy beach with lots of pine trees and a cliff background in Portugal. The beach is situated in between Vilamoura and Albufeira. You must descend a long stairway from the car park on the cliff to reach the beach. The stairway has a handrail and is in good condition. Nearby, you will find several high class golf courses, and restaurants. Many nearby hotels offer courtesy buses to this beach but it is near enough to walk to. Lots of sunbeds and umbrella shades are available.

Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach is a mile long pink sandy beach with turquoise water situated on the Elafonissi island in the southwestern part of Crete, Greece. The beach is named after a Greek term called Elafi, which means deer. Sunbeds can be rented by hour or daily rate. The water is shallow and suitable for toddlers. If you come by car, you will need to drive through a narrow winding mountain road with steep cliff. There are plenty of small coves and rock formations along the shoreline. Elafonissi beach is a natural reserve area and home to more than 110 plant species. While at Elafonissi Beach, you can also visit the Chrysoskalitisa monastery.

Fig Tree Bay

Fig Tree Bay is a gorgeous sandy beach with crystal clear water in Protaras, Cyprus. The beach is full of loungers. If you want a lounger, it is recommended that you come early before 8:30 am as it gets crowded fast. The beach gets busy with tourists but it offers plenty of rooms. You can get the Wi-Fi code from the staff and use free internet on the beach. Fig Tree Bay has disabled facilities. It is also suitable for young families who have to push their babies or toddlers on prams.

September 5, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Top beaches to visit in Kochi

Kerala is awarded the title of “God’s own country,” for the natural beauty it possesses. Every single city of Kerala offers beauty that one can found nowhere in this world. Be it a hill station or a beach city, Kerala has the best. Talking about beach then Kochi is the first name that often strikes the tourists. The city has the beaches that not have ocean and shores but are something that looks majestic. With other elements like Chinese fishing nets and smacking seafood being served on the seaside stalls, Kochi has always been people’s favourite when it comes to planning a holiday at the beach city. If you are impressed with the elaboration of Kochi’s beaches and want to plan a holiday there, we have more for you. Today, we are discussing the top beaches of Kochi that you must visit.

One can easily reach Kochi as the city has well-connected and maintaining transportation facilities. Talking about international tourists then it is even easier to reach the place as Kochi has its own international airport. One can book Canada, Singapore, London, and book Dubai to Kochi flights easily with the help of several websites.

Now let us discuss the top beaches of Kochi that you shouldn’t miss from visiting.

Fort Kochi Beach

Fort Kochi beach is the first beach in the list that you must visit. The beach is located in the Old Kochi across the Arabian Sea. The beach is famous for its Chinese fishing net which is locally called “Cheenavala.” The beach is not the cleanest one in the city but it is worth taking a walk. Do not forget to click the photos of Chinese fishing net as they are hard to find these days. Also, if you are a seafood lover, do try out some seafood dishes served at the nearby stalls. You can also shop for some handmade crafts from the beachside stall.

Puthuvype Beach

This beach is not famous as other ones in the city which perhaps keep it from crowd and litters. This fact also has kept the place from getting commercialized and there is hardly any vendor. You can enjoy some me-time here without getting interrupted. The view of the turquoise water meeting with golden sand at the shore is something worth watching. A lighthouse serves as the perfect background scene. If you are visiting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. you can also get the chance to take a trip to the lighthouse.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is another very famous beach in Kochi and is located on the Northern tip of the Vyppedn Island. The beach stays overcrowded for there are many water sports activities are offered along with swimming and boat ride. You can ride a boat and go to the less crowded area of the beach to enjoy the view. You should try out seafood here. You can also spot the same Chinese fish net as of Fort Beach. If you are lucky, you can also spot a dolphin. Yes, you read it right, you can spot a dolphin.

These 3 beaches of Kochi are must visit. Each of them offers different ambiance, facilities, and charm.

August 15, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Best Ways to Travel in Russia

Russia is one country that figures in almost every traveler’s bucket list. From the sub-freezing temperatures of Siberia to the onion domes of Moscow, the country has something to offer for everyone. To cover the whole of Russia is a challenging task, given that it is the largest country in the world. You can travel the country in cars, trains, planes or cruises – all of which come with their own pros or cons. Take for example a cruise St Petersburg to Moscow, which takes up at least ten days and offers world-class luxury. On the other hand, a Trans Siberian railway trip is not only economical but covers more diverse landscape in the same time period. Read on to know more about the best ways to explore the country.

Drive around the highways in Russia

A road trip is a more authentic and relaxed option. However, covering such a vast and diverse country can seem unnerving to some. Add to that the long stretches with no people or the poor quality of roads at places – and traveling by road in Russia becomes one of those options which only some can truly opt for.

Take a cross-country train trip

The country features a robust railway network. One of the oldest lines in the world, the Moscow – St. Petersburg network is a good way to cover the two most beautiful capitals on the planet.

You can also take the Trans Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok, which makes for the perfect one week vacation. Hop on the longest railway line in the world to explore Russia like never before. There are different types of wagons in the train, which vary in terms of cost and comfort levels. This rail trip will let you cover most of the various landscapes that the country has to offer and interact with natives along the way.

Cruise along the waters of Volga

Many cruises offer the option of exploring St. Petersburg and Moscow while sailing on the waters of Volga. These cruises vary in their itineraries but most of them offer various onboard activities, luxury stays, city tours, lounges, bars, etc. You can also enjoy different cuisines and incredible services from the cruise operators.

Traveling in the waters is the best way to explore the tiny, quaint Russian towns situated along the Volga and soak in the beauty of the river and its canals. It is the perfect option if you are a couple looking to relax, rejuvenate and spend some quality time together.

Soar through the skies

Most airlines in Russia are not exactly cheap given the long distances they need to cover due to the geography of the place. Traveling around the country will cost you upwards of 400 USD, which is a lot given the more economical options like trains available. However, planes are the way to go if you are on a deadline.

So much is known yet mysterious about this beautiful country that we all end up daydreaming about it. So why not plan a trip soon and get exploring!

August 2, 2018 by Greg Underwood

The Top EU Destinations

The world is a global village and there are so many destinations many people with passports have access to. In addition, thanks to visas, there’s an even greater opportunity to explore various locations. You may presently be thinking about visiting the EU but be unsure of where exactly you should go. Seeing as there are 28 countries and hundreds of cities to choose from, you definitely have a lot to choose from. Although where you should go is heavily dependent on what you want to experience, each city tells its own unique story and offers something different. On that note, you’re going to find three top destinations to consider next time you head off to the EU below.

Prague

When thinking of EU destinations one of the first places that may come to mind is Paris as it’s a popular city. However, you should also consider somewhere less popular like Prague which is located in the Czech Republic. Although this destination may not be as popular, it definitely has magic of its own. Rich in culture, one of the first things you should do in Prague is taste their distinct locally made food. Prague is also known for its Old Town Square, gothic-like churches, and medieval Astronomical clock. Overall, it’s bound to be a unique experience, and it’s relatively inexpensive depending on your budget and the time of year you go.

Greece

When thinking of EU destinations, Greece is a place that you’re likely to love. This is a more popular destination and it had to be mentioned because of how stunning it is. If you decide to go to Crete which is the country’s largest, you can visit the palace of Knossos, walk along the shores of breathtaking beaches, eat fresh seafood, and experience their distinct culture. In terms of accommodation, you can choose to stay in a local hotel and it might please you to know that hotel prices have apparently reduced by 9%. You can also explore Vacation Renter by Wilbur Labs as you’ll find local guides and information about vacation renters if you’d rather have an intimate and homely feel.

Hungary

Another place in Europe that is unique in its own right that you should visit is Hungary. Budapest, in particular, is a very vibrant and inviting city that is likely to grab your attention upon arrival. Some attractions include the city skyline, parliament building, and luxurious thermal spas which are said to have healing properties. Other things you can get up to in Budapest are visiting the Danube river, seeing sights on Castle Hill, and seeing the historic Buda Castle. If you enjoy opera or are a general music fan, then think about visiting the Hungarian State Opera House if you have time as well.

The EU has its own unique feel and is graced by characteristics such as rich history, small towns, unique architectural structures, and cultured people. If you want to learn more about these attributes, you should consider one or more of the destinations above. It’s likely to be an experience like none you’ve had before.

July 31, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Travel and accommodation in the Cook Islands

Source

Should the next holiday take place in the Cook Islands? Then it should be noted that the journey from Germany takes quite a bit longer. However, the extra times are well worth the effort. If you have some time, you have the opportunity to connect the Cook Islands with a New Zealand stay.

Accommodation in the Cook Islands is far from simple. Because, of course, many luxury hotels have formed on the islands. The most beautiful luxury hotels are located on Muri Beach. This beach is located on the island of Rarotonga. The luxury hotels of the island fulfil their guests every wish. Of particular note is the Rumors Luxury Villa and Spa Hotel. It is located directly on Muri Beach and has a direct view of the beach. Of course these are not the only accommodations that can be found on the Cook Islands. Numerous beautiful accommodations have formed on the main islands. Private accommodations are sometimes offered right on the beach.

What can be experienced on the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands are shaped by the traditions of the Maori. As a vacationer you can look at the landscape, explore the islands or indulge in the local dances which is a lot of fun with the High Class Escorts Berlin. This is a real South Sea feeling. On the islands, the traditions of the natives are very intense.
You can explore the island both by bus and on foot. Ideally, you can rent a moped in many places with which you can jet low on the island. On the water, the island groups can best be explored by canoe or boat.