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As the reality of social distancing truly takes hold, our thoughts inevitably turn to wanderlust and to times where we could choose splendid isolation over self-isolation.Jail Hill Inn is an absolute must for a rejuvenating trip with inspirational surroundings, and one of our top picks of where we’d most like to self-isolate in the USA.

The quaint and cosy Jail Hill Inn is an old county jail transformed into an inn in the gorgeous Illinois town of Galena – located just three hours’ drive from Chicago. This multi-award-winning inn was voted the number one bed and breakfast in the United States in 2019 by Tripadvisor and second-best in the world. Delve into your favourite book or learn about the fascinating civil war history in the small-town whilst cosied up by the grand fireplace. Or, if you prefer, indulge in a luxury in-suite massage.

The inn is tucked away from the Main Street to ensure ultimate relaxation for your stay, yet just near enough to walk there and enjoy Galena’s rich history and all-American historic charm. The four-story brick building is 135 years old and served as the county jail for nearly 100 years before innkeeper Matthew Carol lovingly transformed it into the premier bed and breakfast inn it is today.

Be sure to take in the impressive views across Galena before you head out to explore what it has to offer. Step into a bygone era along the banks of the Mississippi River. In this Midwestern town, trolley cars cruise down the six-block Main Street, along which 19th-century buildings house small galleries, antique stores and independent shops. Walk off lunch from local hotspot Fried Green Tomatoes along the Galena River Trail before moseying around historical sites such as the home of Civil War hero and former US President Ulysses S. Grant.

If you work up a thirst exploring these pretty streets and perusing local craft stores, Galena is also home to Blaum Bros Distilling Co. Formed by two brothers with a passion for high-quality spirits, this distillery has grown ever popular for its spirit tours. They source grains from local farmers to make small batches of rye, whiskey and vodka. Make sure to take one home with you, their branding is very pretty, and it makes for an excellent gift.

For more information, please visit: www.enjoyillinois.com

Most people love to travel, but unfortunately, the Earth does not like it as much as humans do. Travelling can have adverse effects on the planet. Some practices are better than others. Keep reading to learn how to have a fantastic vacation without feeling guilty about creating a massive carbon footprint. By incorporating these practices into your travels, you will not only feel better about your traveling habits but also be actively working to preserve the beauty of the world for years to come.

1. Use Reusable Packaging and Bags ifyou are going to go shopping or bring lunch with you, consider bringing reusable bags and packaging. Plastic bags can take up to 500 years to biodegrade, so keeping just one out of the landfills is extremely helpful. If you are looking for creative ways to keep your food fresh without using plastic, you may want to consider innovative products like beeswax wraps from superbee.me or bamboo containers. Limiting your consumption of single-use plastic is one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

2. Bring a Water Bottle buying copious amounts of single-use plastic water bottles by investing in a reusable water bottle. If you are exploring a city, then you can refill your water bottle at public water fountains, which will also save you money. Reusable water bottles are not expensive to purchase and will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

3. Treat Your Hotel Like Home if you are staying in a hotel, it is better for the planet if you treat it like you would treat your own home in which you pay for utilities. Avoid asking for your towels to be washed each day because it is an unnecessary waste of water. In the same vein, try not to take hour-long showers. Additionally, be sure you always turn out the lights before going out for the day. These actions will help your hotel stay to not be any more detrimental to the environment than your everyday life at home.

4. Avoid Flying Flyinghas a significant impact on our environment. If you can travel to your destination differently, then it would be best for the planet for you to do so. Consider taking a train or a bus instead, if possible. If you cannot avoid flying, then consider buying a coach ticket so that your spot takes up less space and resources on the flight. Also, think about packing as light as possible, because the heavier the plane is, the more fuel it will require to reach its destination.

5. Use Public Transportation Instead of hiring a private taxi to take you everywhere you need to go, consider using public transportation. Not only will this give you a more authentic experience of what life is like in your destination, but it will significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Public transportation is also a much more cost-effective travel option, making it a win-win for both your wallet and the planet.

Conclusion

Traveling to new places can be an incredibly enriching experience; however, we all need to do our part to preserve the Earth and the places we visit to ensure they will be able to be enjoyed by future generations. In addition to following the above tips, be sure always to be respectful to the places you visit by observing local customs and making sure never to litter or do anything else that degrades the location. With these things in mind, we wish you safe and happy travels!

For many dogs and dog-owners, lockdown has brought on a new level of bonding. Countless pups all over the world have been going on 25 walks a day, derailing zoom meetings, and getting about 300% more belly rubs than usual.

While you may be enjoying all the quality time with man’s best friend, it’s equally important to dream of better days ahead. This is why we’ve rounded up some of the cosiest dog-friendly hideaways in the UK, so you and your four-legged friend can dream of #TeamCocopup approved places to roam free.

Ellenborough Park in The Cotswolds

Ellenborough Park is a stunning countryside retreat with 13 dog-friendly rooms and is one of the Cotswolds’ finest hotels. The hotel sits on a stunning 90 acres of beautiful British countryside, including the famous Cotswolds Way, which are perfect for long walks filled with wildflowers, hill forts, and stunning beech woodlands.

If you’re looking to add a bit more culture to your retreat, the hotel is located within close distance to Cheltenham and Bath, where there are plenty of dog-friendly local museums for your pups to explore too.

A stay at Ellenborough Park begin from £189 a night on a bed and breakfast basis. Dog-owners will be required to pay a £25 housekeeping charge. www.ellenboroughpark.com.

The Roseate Villa Bath

The Roseate Villa in Bath offers 21 unique and beautiful rooms and is located just a few minutes stroll away from Bath’s historical Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. This stylish boutique hotel also has its own doggy mascot, a border terrier called Muttley, who has plenty of recommendations for dog-friendly activities nearby.

Some of Muttley’s top tips include Henrietta park, or the Lennet and Avon cancel. To add to the hotel’s pet-friendly credentials, it also offers ‘woof’ boxes filled with treats from Lily’s Kitchen and a tennis ball to play with in Henrietta Park.

A stay at The Roseate Villa Bath begin from £169 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.roseatehotel.com.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Glenapp Castle is a handsome 17-bedroom castle hotel located in the Ayrshire Coast of Scotland. It also has 36 acres of majestic Scottish countryside, perfect for long walkies with your pooch. This luxury estate has two dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor with easy access to the gardens outside. Dogs can take a swim in the glen, participate in star-gazing activities, and go on plenty of hiking trails too.

Stays in one of Glenapp Castle’s Garden View Suites begins from £415. www.glenappcastle.com.

Global tourism has been on the rise but finding the best remote luxury travel destinations has been getting harder. The best remote luxury travel destinations allow you to escape the hustles of daily life and avoid crowds. Always take a few steps back from your daily life for health and psychological benefits.

The world offers luxurious remote destinations for people who would want to enjoy their weekends in quiet places near the sea and try various outdoor activities. Lottoland explores the world’s remotest islands in a summarized format that you can actually make informed decisions at a glance. But even better for you, we have explored 10 best remote luxury travel destinations that offer a quiet atmosphere, fresh air and natural beauty. They include:

Travaasa Hana, Hawaii, USA

Travaasa Hana, also known as Hotel Hana Maui, is situated on the eastern Maui tip in Hana and it is a perfect destination for tourists who would want to experience the real Hawaii. Lei making and throw-net fishing are some of the local customs to expect. Travaasa Hana is set amidst palm trees and rolling grass in the Hana Bay. The private suites and spacious cottages are some of the things that will set a peaceful mood in this area free from clocks, radios or televisions.

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Situated in Newfoundland, Canada, Fogo Island Inn is on one of the earth’s four corners. On the North Atlantic Ocean rugged shores, the area has four seasons. All the 29 suits of this hotel offer floor-to-ceilings views of the sky and sea. The suites showcase the richness of the locality and express modern take on the traditional design and décor. The architecture of Fogo Island Inn is optimistic, bold and distinct.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Soneva Kiri is a choice of many tourists from all parts of the world. Even though the destination is remote, you can access it by flight from Bangkok. Soneva Kiri is situated in the fourth largest Island of Thailand but the least populated. Expect to find 36 spectacular private villas, built on hillsides overlooking turquoise waters and blanketed with rainforests. Spend your time in the powdery soft sand for a great experience.

Jalakara, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Jalakara is a destination of many British couples in need of luxurious remote destinations. Named after an ancient Sanskrit word, which means “the source”, the property was once a betel nut and banana plantation. Today it is a beautiful rainforest. It offers six suites and a private villa. Better still, the destination provides fabulous views across the rainforest towards the sea and sun.

Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia

Lizard Island offers 24 powdery-white beaches in addition to 40 luxurious suites. Situated on the Great Barrier Reef, this resort is the most northern in tropical Queensland. It is reserved for people desiring unforgettable holiday experiences. As a guest, you will enjoy secluded picnics on the private beaches, indulgent spa treatments in Essentia Day Spa and five-star cuisines in the SaltWater restaurant.

Nimmo Bay, British Columbia, British Columbia

Some of the things you should expect to see at Nimmo Bay Resort when arriving by helicopter include snow-capped mountains that meet the shoreline of the calm bay and the remote coastal rainforest that extends as far as your eyes can see. The main lodge of Nimmo Bay Resort floats on the bay and the two cedar hot tubs that steam at the cascading waterfall’s feet will be of great benefit. The adventures range from heli-hiking atop the sparkling mountain peaks, whale watching, river rafting and bear spotting. Food will be part of your adventures.

Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is widely known for the Giant Moai statues that dot grassy flanks of an extinct volcano situated in the Pacific Ocean. It is halfway between French Polynesia and South America. One of the unique features in this remote destination is Explora Rapa Nui, a hotel situated on a calm spot that allows you to experience the Island’s dramatic isolation and mysteries. The architecture of this hotel blends perfectly with its unique heritage and geography. The architects designed the 30 rooms to take advantage of the privacy, silence and the spaciousness of surrounding landscapes to ensure deeper rest after daily exploration.

Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar

Miavana is a luxurious resort situated on the remote Nosy Ankao Island. Nosy Ankao Island is part of the five-island dry land of the north-eastern part of Madagascar. Some of the things you should expect in this remote destination are vibrant coral reefs and the spectacular maritime wonders of the Indian Ocean. Miavana offers 14 one-, two- and even three-bedroom villas located along the western white beaches of the island.

The designers of the palatial villas of Miavana are Lesley Carstens and Silvio Rech, the architects who also designed the North Island Seychelles. You will enjoy the spectacular panoramic sunsets of the Indian Ocean extending beyond the mainland Madagascar.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Maldive’ ultraluxe resorts never miss in lists of remotely located hotels because they occupy private islands, all scattered around the Equator. Unless you currently live in Male South or North close to an international airport, you can only reach this destination by a domestic turboprop or water plane flight after arriving in Maldives. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is situated in one of the deepest and largest atolls. It is also among the hard to reach resorts.

Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska, USA

Situated deep in the Alaskan wilderness (in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park), the Ultima Thule Lodge offers the luxuriousness you might need. This destination is very far from the paved roads and it is centred on adventure and immersed in nature. The lodge sits on a hill and offers an open kitchen, dining room and sitting room. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to view the mountains and Chitina River flow to the south.

Conclusion

We all need to take a few steps back from our daily life. Whether you prefer hikes or quiet weekend pampering near the sea, the destinations offer beautiful surroundings, high-class spas and many outdoor activities. From forest hideaways and private tropical islands to secluded spots, the above remote destinations might offer the experience you need.

There are few regions in the world that can boast the astonishing cultural, culinary, natural, musical, and urban diversity of West Africa. While the travel hotspots of South Africa tend to get the most attention, West Africa is rising fast on travellers’ radars. The region represents the cornucopia of unforgettable experiences that Africa has to offer. From tropical rainforests, otherworldly deserts, volcanic outcrops, and sprawling, vibrant megacities, a West African itinerary leaves you truly spoiled for choice.

While this vast region is too rich to cover in this one piece, we thought it would be useful to provide those who are new to West Africa with a beginner’s itinerary that allows you to absorb the essence of the region. If you’re sitting at home and looking to plan your dream itinerary for when it’s time to travel again, here is why you should be making West Africa your next destination.

1. Start With a Sensory Overload in Nigeria

Where better place to start your West African odyssey than Nigeria, the continent’s fastest-growing country and premier cultural powerhouse. Begin your trip in the country’s sprawling, riotous commercial capital, Lagos, home to 21 million people and counting. While your first experience of the city may be challenging, your perseverance will be richly rewarded.

This city is one of the most liberal and energetic on the continent, which is reflected in the booming nightlife. As well as the classical streetside bar experience that can be had in every corner of the city, Lagos is one of the few places in Africa with a thriving casino scene, and a game at the roulette table is always a memorable experience.

Interestingly, Nigeria is one of the only places in Africa which also has also fully legalised online casino gaming, meaning that visitors can take advantage of the best online casinos on the continent. Once you’ve been thoroughly partied out by Lagos, make sure to book a couple of days in the serene colonial port town of Calabar for some R&R.

2. Nature and Tradition Meet in Cameroon

After the dizzying sensory overload of Nigeria, head to its southern neighbour, Cameroon, for a more relaxing change of pace. Here you will find rich tradition and jaw-dropping nature in equal abundance. Get the lowdown by starting your journey in Douala, the largest city, and home to some of the most noteworthy museums and historical institutions in the region.

The Musee de Douala, Douala Maritime Museum, and Doual’art can easily fill a whole afternoon, which you won’t regret. Once you’re sufficiently clued up on Cameroonian history, take a bus to volcanic Mt Cameroon, the tallest mountain in Western and Central Africa and home to a huge number of indigenous plant and animal species. When you’re not exploring the mountain and its surroundings, rejuvenate at the nearby Hotel Seme Beach Resort and Spa.

3. Eco-Friendly Beach-Hopping in São Tomé & Príncipe

After trekking through Cameroon, it’s time to hop aboard a tiny plane and jet off to the small island nation of São Tomé & Príncipe. Many travel writers have described this compact country as one of the closest incarnations of paradise on Earth they have seen, and it’s not hard to see why.

São Tomé & Príncipe has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading eco-tourism hotspots in recent years, offering unbeatable and sustainable experiences such as swimming with turtles on Praia Banana or mingling with crested mona monkeys at the breathtaking Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé.

All in all, São Tomé & Príncipe feels like a break from the rest of the world, a place that contains sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that few others have ever had the privilege of experiencing.

This itinerary is ideal for anyone wishing to get to grips with this beautiful corner of the world. If you have any tips for West Africa travel, let us know in the comments!

For many people, living in the United States is a dream, and the first step is to be able to live and work in the USA permanently. They believe that the United States is a country that can provide them opportunities and settle down.

Green card holders can file a petition for their relatives, but on some occasions, people can file a green card through self-petition, which not everyone is aware of. This is called the National Interest Waiver. This allows qualified individuals to get a green card even if they do not have any job offers in the United States.

The Green card is an essential document. It allows the holder to live permanently in the United States and find jobs and earn income. For green card holders, it is advisable that if you have plans of traveling outside the United States, it should not be longer than a year. Otherwise, your Green Card will expire, and you will go through the application process again.

What are the Qualifications to Apply for a Green Card?

There are various requirements that you must fulfill, depending on what USA Green Card you choose to apply. Each category has its own set of conditions and also a few must-have for each visa.

Family-based Green Cards

For family-based Green Cards, Green Card applicants must live and reside in a foreign country, and they must apply from their home country. Each state has its process for Green Card Applications. Applicants are required to meet these to get a Green Card.

An applicant must have a family member who is also a citizen or a green cardholder. They must be either a spouse/fiance, child, sibling, or parents, both adoptive and biological. The relative who is a U. S. citizen must be willing to sponsor the application for you and must prove that they are financially capable. And able to support you for the first few months of you moving to the United States and until you land your first job.

It is also required that the family member applying for the green card should not be over 21 years old, and if they are, your parents should be more than 21 decades of age.

The family member requesting to petition her relative/s should be at least 21 years old and should have a valid U. S. address.

Employment-based Green Cards

For applicants who are getting a green card because of their jobs or employment, there should be a job offer from your employer to move to the United States permanently. Your employer can file the necessary petition documents for you as long as he/she would also be able to provide all requirements to process your green card application.

You or your employer should be able to provide proof of the job or employment offer. Documentation such as a signed contract or a signed letter from your employer stating the conditions of you working in the United States permanently. The date of when you should start working in the United States; nature and specialization of your job and also the information about the company you are going to be working for.

Your employer should also pass certain criteria wherein they should be financially stable and can support at least ten or more regular paid employees. Some other requirements for your employer will be provided and stated by the government.

Diversity Visa Green Card

This particular category is considered a special case when it comes to green card applications. Every year, the United States Government would hold a visa lottery for citizens of some countries that have low immigration rates to the United States. If your country is considered under this category and you decide to apply through that lottery, then you are one of the lucky 55,000 who would get a green card. This is the easiest way to acquire a green card, considering that all you need to do is apply to participate in the drawing that takes place every year.

Imagine you want to explore the hills and trails one day, and you realize that all you have is a school backpack that you used to carry for those nostalgic school treks. But with trekking and hiking becoming a mainstream profession as much as it is a passion, there have been improvements in the hiking gears to suit different needs of different hikers. At such, evolving traveling backpacks has earned quite a name for itself with demand for advanced level backpacks soaring through the roof.

But the best experience with any backpack can only be achieved if the way to take it is the right way or, in other words, how to adjust your backpack the ideal way. But before that, let’s take a look at a few things that you should look for while buying a backpack.

  • A large compartment for easy carrying and distribution of weight
  • Smaller compartments for essentialities is a must.
  • Separate compartment for putting wet things like clothes or shoes or any waste
  • Nylon of polyester lined bag for durability and light-weightiness
  • Easily adjustable reflective straps for convenient carrying
  • A water bladder pouch with an approved non-toxic suitable pipe
  • A waist belt to manage the weight of the bag is a very important feature.
  • Daisy chains to load various gear to the shoulder straps for convenient movement
  • If it’s a foldable bag, it’s even better.
  • The capacity of the bag should be considered, provided the length of the hike you are looking at. If it’s just day hikes settling for a day backpack is sufficient.
  • Water bottle pockets are necessary with easy accessibility.
  • Waterproof and weather-resistant bags are much durable than the other fancy ones.
  • A valuable pocket either outside the bag or on the frontal sides of shoulder straps is good.
  • A double-layered base allows you to carry the backpack with convenience as the weight gets evenly distributed.

Now, let’s take a peek into how to adjust your backpack correctly to give the ultimate comfort that the bag intends to:

  1. Size of the backpack

The question of adjusting a backpack should be a question when the size of the backpack is aligned with the height of the person. Wrong bag sizes cannot be adjusted perfectly, no matter how much it is tried. While buying a backpack, always try the size as any backpack with a size reaching by the thighs is not ideal. The ideal size will be if the bag ends just below the lower back so that it can support against your back.

  1. Load your backpack-

You can never adjust your backpack correctly if you try it without packing it in with the load. Once it’s filled with things, wear the straps and balance it on your back. This should be done without making any adjustments and leaving all straps loose.

  1. Adjusting the bag strap-

The best support is our backs, and the backpacks rest on is our lower back and hip. Therefore, always rest the backpack on that area and fasten the bag strap to the extent of pulling the backpack tight towards your body. This will fit the backpack to your back while snuggly supporting it in the small of your back. This will also allow you to feel less weight on your shoulders, giving you the liberty to move around easily.

  1. Adjusting the chest strap-

Tighten the chest strap, but no so much that it interferes with your breathing. Once you fasten the strap, put your index finger between the strap and your body to measure the space required for chest contractions in case of heavy breathing. This belt balances the weight of the bag and helps distribute the weight evenly.

  1. Adjusting the support booster

These are small buckles on top of the shoulder strap, which, when pulled, brings the top portion of the backpack closer to your body to keep the bag straight and supporting your spine with it. These should be adjusted carefully as too much pulling will disbalance your bag making you feel uncomfortable.

Investing in a good backpack is important as such bags have good durability, even distribution of weight, and doesn’t harm the posture in any way, whatever may be the weight. As the characteristics of a good backpack are already mentioned, finding a place where all the features of a perfect backpack can be found is very difficult. Therefore, we bring to you an online platform that not only has an amazing product line but even better reviews. Their customer service and quality products have been winning the hearts of many for quite some time now. This platform, ‘Backpacks. Global’ showcases different standard brands of backpacks along with various informational guides on how to use them.

Their range of backpacks is trendy and peppy with conventional in-built systems but with advanced technology so that you never have to worry about wearing them again. Their quality and standards will make your journey fun and adventurous, with you gaining a trustworthy travel friend for yourself. For more information, visit, https://backpacks.global/*

Flying business class for the price of the economy? Well, it is a great idea to enjoy luxurious amenities and superior ambiance. If it is your dream to score a business class seat at an affordable rate, then visit the Business Class Experts to save on premium international flights. Review the article for more tips:

#1: Pick Your Own Luxury

Even though the business class is known for wonderful luxuries, you probably don’t want to pick all the highest levels of luxuries available. You can skip on a few, especially when you want to experience business class at the economical price. You can purchase only needed elements, such as access to the VIP lounge, priority check-in, security screening, extra legroom, and onboard meals. For instance, if you are traveling for a short-haul from one city to another city, you can exclude luxuries like flat-bed seats and multi-course meals. It is recommended that when flying with a business or premium economy class, you should pick and choose luxury, depending on your needs. This will help you save costs on the business class airfare.

#2: Bid for an Upgrade

You can get cheap business class tickets through online auction systems. Nowadays, many airline companies offer online auctions so that economic passengers can experience business class. This allows you to make a blind bid for getting an upgrade. And there is a chance that you will win the upgrade to the business class in an easy way. You can enjoy a low-cost upgrade by significantly reducing the original airfare. Many airlines also have to offer a fixed price upgrade. You can consider that if you desire to experience business class at economical rates.

#3: Watch Email for Promo Codes

Many airline companies use different marketing tactics to promote their services. They often use email marketing tools to send promo codes, exclusive deals, and discounted business class upgrades to their old and new passengers. Many passengers get emails before flight day in which they are asked if they like to upgrade their seats for up to 50% off. It is suitable for passengers if they book flights ahead of time. Thus, it is vital that you check on your emails before a flight, so you don’t get to miss the opportunity of flying business class at an economical rate.

#4: Prefer Business Class Seat with Low-Cost Carrier

At present times, it is easy to find multiple options for airlines with affordable business class. They have to offer a full-service business class and premium economy class. You get to benefit from the complimentary entertainment facilities, 30+ Kg baggage allowance, leather seat, power socket, delicious meal service, adjustable lumbar support, and increased legroom. You can search online or consult airline consolidators to experience low-cost carrier business class.

#5: Check on the Loyalty Programs

Due to a highly competitive environment, many airline companies employ different strategies to retain existing passengers and attract new ones. They have loyalty programs for frequent flyers. This means that each time you fly with an airline, you will get the point and the perks like upgrading from economy to business class seat. You don’t have to pay anything extra on your fare. Thus, it is imperative on your end to fly with such airlines that have to offer loyalty programs to passengers. You never know how much you will be getting points for a free upgrade. You can also get points for domestic flights. Moreover, you should use airline-branded credit cards to purchase tickets and collect more points.

#6: Follow Business Class Airfare Sales

Perhaps, you don’t know, but airline tickets can also be found on sales just like clothes or shoes. If you are a frequent flyer, then you may already know the trick of waiting for airlines to put airfares on sale. This is a high time when you get to experience business class by just paying the price for economy class. Every airline has exclusive deals on their business and first-class seats. They often advertise that on social media platforms, newsletters, etc. Thus, it is imperative on your end to follow your favorite airline carriers to keep up-to-date with package tours or upcoming exclusive deals.

#7: Take Business Class Flights on Weekend

You probably realize that business class flights are primarily meant to facilitate traveling for business personnel, officials, etc. They fly from one place to another place many times during weekdays for business meetups, conferences, formal sessions, etc. But, flying on weekends for business meetings is the last thing they would want. It is obvious that a few business travelers fly on the weekends. This means airline companies don’t expect too many of the business people in suites on Saturdays and Sundays. This eventually leaves more business class seats to grab by the public. Many airline carriers offer discounted deals and fewer prices for their business class onboard lounges.

Hawaii has a very casual culture where the locals mostly wear flip-flops and tourists wear floppy hats and sundresses. Even the most stylish outfit is relaxed with floral or Boho patterns, accompanied with stunning shell and pearl jewels which are naturally located on the island. Despite the chilled vibe on the island, you can still dress up with cuts and prints. For instance, a floral romper or a skirt with a top that can be dress up without being too formal.

The Perfect Maui Accessory And Clothing Packing List

  • Three to five tops
  • One legging
  • Two pairs of shorts
  • One or two rompers
  • Two to three dresses
  • One or two bathing suits
  • One or two sunhats
  • Two cover-ups
  • Three pairs of shoes (no heels)
  • One beach bag and a purse
  • One or two pairs of sunglasses

Don’t forget to check out https://www.islandessence.com/ for a wonderful selection of hand-cleansing oils for those hot humid days and relaxation healing oils.

What To Pack For Your Maui Vacation

Tops – you don’t have to have too many tops;however, you’ll require layers. Maui doesn’t get very cold, but it tends to get wet. For outdoor excursions like hiking, going out to lunch, or going to the beach, you are going to need a variety of garments. Don’t forget to wear a bathing suit underneath for when you want to take a dip.

Leggings – the most suitable pants you’ll need in paradise, is a pair of leggings. They can be worn for physical activities or for covering up when it rains.

Dresses – Gowns and bodycons are a complete waste on an island vacation. Maui’s laid-back culture leaves no room for such attire. For dressing up, a colorful maxi dress with a pair of gladiator sandals or wedges is perfect.

Cover-ups – Sarongs, extra-long skirts or sarongs work well when you’re leaving your hotel room or and require some coverage. Baggy dresses are perfect for some sun protection.

Bathing Suits – There is no such thing as having too many bathing suits while vacationing in Hawaii. With all the laid-back lounging in the sun and taking dips in the ocean, you will need a diverse selection to avoid tan lines. You can consider a triangle bikini, trendy one-piece, and bandeau bikini.

Shoes – Unless you want to protect your feet from sharp rocks while exploring the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, all you will need are sandals or flip-flops. Close-toed shoes might feel too stifling when you’re out and about. Gladiator sandals, espadrilles, Birkenstocks, strappy sandals and flip-flops are all great options. Two or three pairs of shoes will be sufficient.

Accessories – Boho accessories looks amazing, since you’re not wearing formal gowns or dresses. These types of accessories are the perfect match and present incredibly chic. Think vintage sunnies, floppy hat, bohemian scarves, bangles and delicate jewelry pieces. Since you’ll be showing off a lot of skin most of the time, these accessories can be shown off at their best. Remember to pack a purse or crossbody bag for when you’re out and about, exploring the island, running a few errands for essentials or going for a quick lunch. A beach bag is a necessity for carrying all your sunbathing and beach accessories.

With its picturesque alleyways and terracotta houses framed with climbing ivy, pastel coloured shutters and wrought iron balconies, the irresistible charm of Greece’s first capital is hard to ignore. Famed as the most striking and romantic cities across the mainland, the quaint cobbled streets are distinctly Italian in style, with a unique blend of Venetian and Turkish architecture built in the throes of foreign rules from way back when. Just a two-hour coastal drive from Athens, Nafplio is a frequent haunt for local Athenians seeking light relief from the buzz of the city and in our opinion, a must-visit for all travellers heading to Athens.

Doing

The most blissful thing about Nafplio is that you don’t have to do much of anything at all! The maze-like feel of Old Town makes it perfect for aimless wanderings; window shopping in the endless boutiques, gelato and midday beers in Constitution Square and afternoons spent paddling in the gleaming waters at Arvanitia Beach (located just a stone’s throw from the town) is a day blissfully spent. The irrefutably beautiful Palamidi Fortress frames the town with a sense of ancient grandeur, which is both mesmerising and imposing. While a joy to look at from wherever you are in town, a steep climb up the 999 steps to the top will reward visitors with expansive views of the town, the ocean, and the mountains beyond.

For those seeking a little more adventure, Sea Kayaking is a must. We spent a glorious morning with Tribal Kayak paddling our way from the beautiful Karathona beach to calm blue waters below the ancient fortress, before looping leisurely around the Venetian water castle of Bourtzi. While the four and a half hour experience is heavy on the arms, the scenery is breath-taking and the atmosphere relaxed. Each of us were paired with an expert guide who spun stories of the town’s recent and ancient history, while picking up the brunt of the heavy paddling when our arms had had enough! In the summer months, when the water is warmed from the sun, there is ample time for swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing in the little beach coves that pepper the coastline.

Eating

Bathed in dim light and oozing a romantic ambience, Nafplio comes alive at night. While Central Square and the surround streets are a main hub for tourists with what seems like endless tavernas and al fresco dining options, seek the trendier and more relaxed sophistication of Bouboulinas Street and beyond to New Town, where contemporary Mediterranean eateries can be found tucked away from the well-trodden tourist pathways.

We ate at Menta – a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that blends the design of traditional coffee house with a shabby-chic style modern touch. With traditional dishes and ingredients served with a contemporary flair, the menu nor our choices did not disappoint. Beetroot Hummus and melt in your mouth crispy fishcakes gave way to creamy aubergine dip and salty grilled cheese laced in balsamic glaze. For mains, the freshly caught squid was light and peppery, while the slow cooked lamb and bulgar was beautifully rich and devilishly moreish. Naturally, we ate the lot.

Remaining true to the town’s Italian heritage, it’s impossible to spend a day roaming the streets without stopping for some gelato. Ice cream parlours aren’t exactly in short supply here, so we suggest doing a little loop of the streets to assess your options, before diving into the most delicious looking ice cream in town.

Sleeping

From budget-friendly rooms to upscale boutique hotels and suites, Nafplio has ample accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. We stayed in the Adiandi Boutique Hotel, perfectly located on a quaint Venetian style street in the centre of the old town of Nafplio, and 50 meters from the beach. The hotel itself is simple and functional with traditional architectural features and a charming mismatch of furniture. For travellers uninterested in spending much time in their hotel room, Adiandi is the perfect place to stash your bags and rest your head before getting out into the thick of it.

Hotel breakfast is served in the Wild Duck restaurant just opposite the hotel, where an elegant buffet spread includes a multitude of Greek classics including fluffy Greek yogurt, Strapatsada (Greek style scrambled eggs with tomato and feta) and Revani – semolina cake with orange syrup, which, by the way, is out of this world delicious. The restaurant venue itself is beautifully chic and the ambience relaxed, making fo the perfect place to start your day over a fresh Greek coffee.

Nafplio and Beyond

Nafplio is the perfect launchpad for exploring the ancient sites in the surrounding area. The theatre of Epidaurus is the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece and at 2,400 years old, its immense acoustics and breath taking structure are a must-see monument and just a 30-minute drive from the town centre. From June to August, the site welcomes 90,000 theatre-goes for open-air midsummer productions as part of Athens and Epidaurus Festival and while the surrounding views are spectacular any time of day, a sunlight rendition of Oedipus is a bucket-list level activity.

The Mycenae is a lesser-known but no less iconic ancient archaeological destination, a 25-minute drive North of Nafplio. Set atop a hill-scape, this fortified citadel is nestled above the Peloponnese and was once the largest centre of the ancient Mycenae civilisation that dominated Greece during the Bronze Age Era. Though the old city has weathered and crumbled, the huge Lion gates are an impressive reminder of the test of time and sheer size and scale of the ruins that remain in place are a mesmerising reminder of richness of Greek history.

As enchanting and beautiful as a fairy-tale town, there is something about Nafplio that made or hearts soar and our minds calm. With its mild, all-year-round climate, the destination is at its best just prior to or following the peak summer period, where the buzz of tourism is lighter, the streets sleepier and the surrounding ancient ruin sites a little quieter. You heard it here first.