Travel - House Of Coco Magazine

Dog-friendly February 15, 2022

How To Introduce Your Dog To #VanLife

The #VanLife movement is growing fast, with waves of individuals turning their backs from what is deemed a ‘normal’ life and seeking an alternative way of living. I mean, who can blame them? Just take one glance at the Instagram hashtag and you’ll be welcomed with endless posts of vans parked up next to idyllic beaches, rolling hills, and on the odd occasion, a Lidl carpark. Needs must! With the cost of living rising at an alarming rate, the idea of saying goodbye to your mortgage/rent, endless insurances, and gas bill seems pretty tempting. Life on the road with a home that boasts four wheels is perfect for the aspiring nomad. Freedom, flexibility, and of course a relatively low cost of living. You just need to buy the van first!

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been tempted by the movement myself, which is perhaps why the summer of 2021 saw me purchase a 1994 Toyota Hiace, complete with bed, extremely basic kitchen and even a portable toilet. What else could you need? Van Life is all about bringing it back to basics, looking beyond material possessions (because let’s face it, you don’t have space for those anymore) and enjoying the natural world with just a few life essentials. One element of van life I wasn’t totally sure on how to tackle was introducing my dog, Martha, to this new lifestyle. Sure, I could cope without the comfort of my kingsize bed, get accustom to sporadic showers, and cut down on my skincare routine, but will I be able to tempt my rather spoilt whippet into enjoying this journey with me?

For our maiden voyage, I chose Norfolk. I felt playing it safe was the best option here, and couldn’t face a whining whippet halfway around the Scottish highlands. Just two hours from home, Norfolk felt like the perfect place to introduce Martha to van living. Spoiler: I didn’t need to worry. Turns out dogs are simply MADE for life on the road. All of the walkies and smells they could have ever dreamed of.

If you’re considering adopting the van lifestyle with your pup, or perhaps you want to dip your toe in part-time, here are a few top tips to help settle them into their new home on wheels.

Bring Plenty of Snacks & Chews

If your dog is food orientated, bring snacks, lots of snacks. On days where we were chilling around the van and enjoying the sunshine, having a few healthy chews to hand was great to keep Martha occupied whilst we relaxed and got the BBQ fired up. Kong toys (filled with peanut butter) are also great and provide plenty of stimulation.

Consider a Natural Calming Supplement

When it comes to supplements, I always ensure I select products that are totally natural and don’t feature any nasty chemicals. If your dog struggles with car journey’s then a Natural Calming Spray (I use this one from Broadreach Nature) can work wonders for easing their anxiety. Martha found our first couple of trips in the van quite stressful and refused to sit down, so I looked into how I could help her feel more relaxed and the spray worked really well to help settle her. I would recommend a few short test journey’s just to get them used to their new surroundings! I would spray her blanket before we embarked on our journey and I could tell she was a lot more relaxed. Now, as she’s got used to travelling a lot more we rarely need to use it, but a great staple for your kit nonetheless.

Purchase a longline Lead

One question I’m frequently asked when heading off on van adventures with Martha, is how I keep her safe once parked up. I don’t let Martha off of the lead unless we’re in a fenced area such as a dog park, as I just don’t trust her wild chasing whippet instincts. Recall? Pah! To get around this, and to keep her safe, I used a longline lead which I clip onto a handle in our van. It allows her plenty of roaming space around the van but without fear of her running off.

Bring a travel crate

This one largely depends on whether your dog is crate trained or not. We crate trained Martha at a young age so that she would feel safe and secure in a crate, mainly for any potential future vet stays. We don’t lock her in a crate at home, but we always bring a fold-up travel crate to ensure Martha has her own dedicated safe space if she wants to hideaway – read: escape her crazy owners for a minute’s peace.

Always be Prepared

I’ll hold my hands up and say I was an unprepared dog mom on our first Norfolk expedition. This became apparent when I realised I had not brought any water on our walk and had to dash to the nearest store to purchase a bottle of Evian. Always make sure you’ve packed well when you head away with your furry best friend.

Here are my essentials that might help you too…

Travel bowls (you can get fold-up rubber ones that are ideal)
Travel mat, for if your dog is like mine and refuses to sit on bare floor
Doggy first-aid kit
Bag of the good stuff – treats, chews, Kong toys
Their daily food – always ensure you have enough portions for however many days you’re spending on the road, I bag mine up for each day
Fresh drinking water in a reusable flask, always take on walks and try not to forget, like I do.
Calming spray or chews if needed
Longline lead for exploring and chilling around the van securely

Once you’re well equipped, all that’s left is to hit the road and create magical memories…

Food Travel February 15, 2022

10 Tips to Eat Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant

Hop into an El Rincon Mexican restaurant and you can eat healthy guiltless Mexican food from the menu. Follow our expert Tips to Eat Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant and savor every bite.

You can always add flair to healthy Mexican food that you want to eat by spicing your choice of food with traditional and nutritious herbs and spices. Here are a few ways you can lighten up your Mexcian meal and eat healthy while still enjoying great flavor:

1. Choose grilled fish first because it contains the lowest fat of all the meat choices, followed by grilled chicken, and grilled steak (lean cut with no extra fat).

2. Go for soft tortillas which are lower in calories and fat compared to their deep-fried crispy counterpart. Stoneground tortillas will also save you calories, fat, and sodium while giving you an extra gram of fiber compared to a flour tortilla.

3. Stick with light dressings instead of sour cream or creamy dressings like ranch sauce. You can shave 120-240 calories, 10-27 grams of fat, 4-7 grams of saturated fat, and sodium when you do so.

4. Leave the cheese off your grilled meat, chick, or fish burrito to save a considerable amount of calories, fat, and saturated fat. For a moment, just hold the cheese.

5. Unlimited guacamole for a side is a healthy option because it is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Its fat is also the healthy monounsaturated type that improves blood cholesterol levels.

6. Not fried, please. Go for grilled fish, meats, veggies, and seafood that contain a lot less fat than fried ones. They also add more flavor to any Mexican dish that has them.

7. Adding fajita vegetables to your burrito or burrito bowl is a flavorful and easy way to boost your vegetable intake. Think about additional fiber, Vitamin C, powerful phytochemicals, and tons of flavor for a perfect nutritious Mexican favorite.

8. No chips because they will add calories, fat, and sodium to your otherwise healthy diet. Crunchy dishes on the menu are most likely to be deep-fried and full of fat so ditch the chip option. Go for soft. Remember tip number two and save yourself a few hundred calories that might just make the difference in your diet.

9. Pick lean black beans that are low in fat, high in protein, and give you lots of fiber. They get the biggest thumbs up as a low-calorie Mexican food. If you prefer refried beans, pinto beans are the healthier option because they give you a similar flavor to lean black beans without the extra fat of other types of refried beans.

10. Healthy swaps on your Mexican food order like choosing bean burritos over beef or cheese burritos and corn tortillas over flour tortillas will save you a lot of calories while giving you plenty of fiber.

Tips to Eat Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant

What Can I Eat at a Mexican Restaurant That is Low Calorie?

The most popular ingredients—beans, rice, avocado, and limes—speak for themselves of their nutritional value and are low calorie.

When you order at a Mexican restaurant, here are menu items, according to WebMD that have less than 500 calories and less than 6 grams of saturated fat.

Most also contain under 1,300 milligrams of sodium (total). Most of these also give you at least 6 grams of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3s:

Fresh Ensalada with Chicken or Shrimp
Mexican Grill and Cantina Citrus Chipotle Chicken Salad with Mango Citrus Vinaigrette
Soft Tacos, Ranchero Chicken, or Grilled Steak
Bean Burrito
Taco with Chicken or Shrimp
Grilled steak with black beans, rice, cheese, and pico de gallo in a whole-grain tortilla
Salad with fish, beans, cheese, chopped romaine, pico de gallo, olives, cucumbers, and ranch sauce
Salmon taco

What is the Healthiest Option at a Mexican Restaurant?

You will have noticed by now that if you are on a strict diet, there are many options for you on the Mexican menu. The healthiest option for you would depend on what your goals are in getting fit and how many calories are you willing to take or not take from the food you eat. But, of course, the healthiest option will be what will make you eat great Mexican food without ruining your diet.

Italy February 14, 2022

Malta Travel Guide

Malta is one of many locations in the world that functions mostly on tourism. The island is located between Italy and Tunis and you don’t need to have plenty of time to visit all popular destinations because of its size. It’s a perfect place if you want to go and relax, party, or enjoy some amazing weather.

When to Visit?

There are a few different factors you should consider and one of them is: when is the perfect time to travel. Each season has its advantages but if you like warm weather, the best time to visit is in the spring when it’s not too hot. The most popular time of the year is the summer when you can expect a lot of tourists and high prices.

Fall and winter are not the best time to visit because the climate becomes very dry but there are still some people visiting. In the winter, you can expect rain and colder weather.

How to Get Around?

Another thing that will be important is to plan how you will move from one place to another. This usually depends on what you plan to do while traveling and with how many people you are visiting. You can use a car, bus, taxi, or a ferry.

Renting a car is probably the best option because you can do it as soon as you get off the plane. Remember that you might need an international drivers license for Malta depending on your original license. Using a bus is also a smart idea if you want to save money but you’ll have to get used to traveling with a crowd.

You’ll have some comfort using a taxi but it is very expensive because most of their clients are tourists so they increase the prices. Either thing you choose, you should use a ferry from time to time and visit places like Gozo.

How Expensive Is It?

If you don’t have a budget and you can afford anything, then it is a great place for you because you’ll have plenty of things to spend on. But, most have a certain budget in mind and everyone will have things to enjoy no matter how much money they have.

Some of the things you might be interested in are the drinks and food. They are cheap compared to some other European countries like Italy. Coffee and beer will go from 1 to 3 euros which is also the price of a bus ticket.

If you want to have a nice seafood dinner for a couple, you will need to have at least 40 euros. Renting a car will depend on the vehicle but the prices range from 25 to 35 euros.

Places to Visit

The whole country is very compact but you have a lot of places to visit starting from Valletta, Malta’s capital. You can explore it for a whole day and it can be quite fun checking out the architecture and churches which are protected by UNESCO. Other locations you should visit include Gozo Island, Blue Lagoon, St. Julians, Sliema, The Three Cities.

Jamaica February 14, 2022

Living the Beach Hut life at GoldenEye, Oracabessa

Here at House of Coco we feel most at home in the Caribbean because, there’s no two ways about it: life is better by the beach. The salty warm air, the sound of the waves, the feeling of the sun on the skin and, above all, the relaxed way of life. GoldenEye is no ordinary hotel, it is a collection of 49 villas, cottages, and huts scattered throughout tropical gardens, along a tranquil lagoon, beaches and a Snorkeler’s Cove.

The Beach Huts were created to match the style of Chris Blackwell’s own GoldenEye Hut and to mirror the way he likes to live, which is about casualness and simplicity; while offering the most relaxing, “barefoot experience” – organically connected to nature. Handmade touches equate to wooden floors and high ceilings to allow for the natural ocean air to filter though with simple clean lines, married with harmonious furniture built by skilled artisans carefully sourced from around Jamaica.

Guests can enjoy having an outdoor shower in the beach huts or a unique immersive open concept wet room with double rain shower heads, and all the Huts have Caribbean styled terraces for a sensory experience, in symbiosis with nature.

The village of Beach Huts are built at various heights and scattered around a tropical garden that stretches between the unique Snorkeler’s Cove and Shabeen – (an outdoor lounge with a whimsically designed freshwater pool) on one side and Button Beach with its’ gentle, almost wave-less waters on the other side.

Not only the unique accommodations, but the expansive spaces at GoldenEye are carefully designed for respite and relaxation, and for enjoying the relaxed beachy way of life. Guests can feel the sand, safely swim everywhere, enjoy the sunsets from the stunning Shabeen Bar, take a Yoga class at Playscape, listen to Drummers or paddle-board down the lagoon.

GoldenEye is the perfect place to experience a low-key escape, simply and harmoniously connected to nature, in a wonderfully expansive environment.

EXPERIENCE THE SIMPLISTIC BEAUTY OF JAMAICAN HUT LIFE AT GOLDENEYE. RESERVE 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 3 OR 7 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 5 IN A BEACH HUT. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.

More information at WWW.GOLDENEYE.COM/EXCLUSIVES/

1 bedroom Beach Hut from £458 2 bedrooms Beach Hut from £654

Travel February 14, 2022

Luxury UK Hotel Reveals Top Proposal Tips for those making the Leap of Love today – on Valentine’s Day

Some people would say that proposing on Valentine’s Day is pure cringe and predictable whereas others would say it’s the most romantic day to do it. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, we’ve teamed up with luxury boutique hotel group, Dakota Hotels, who have revealed the top ring reveal tactics for those proposing today.

Below are the hotel’s top five ring reveal tricks for 2022:

Ring served in a fizzing glass of Champagne
Will you marry me? written on a dessert plate
Ring hidden in a short candle, revealing itself when the candle burns away
Ring placed inside a balloon and revealed when popped
Ring attached to the stems of a bunch of flowers

Lauren Martin, Guest Relations Cupid said: “We always go the extra mile for guests who want to plan special or elaborate proposals, but it can definitely be challenging.

“The ring reveal is no longer a traditional down on one knee in a busy restaurant kind of experience, it has become an all singing all dancing celebration of love, with no expense spared.

“At Dakota, we want to ensure our dedicated team can provide guests with the most romantic proposal experience they will never forget.”

Dakota Hotels, have also revealed the most unusual, ambitious, and downright bizarre proposal requests they have received from Valentine’s guests this year.

Hundreds of heart shaped balloons – One guest requested that thousands of pounds worth of red roses, alongside several hundred heart shaped balloons, be left in his suite for his partner to find!
A private helicopter ride over the city – When one guest requested scenic views of Glasgow serve as the backdrop to popping their big question, Dakota were tasked with chartering a helicopter for the occasion to help deliver a breath-taking proposal!
Bedroom String Quartet – One pitch perfect guest requested that Dakota Manchester provide a string quartet to play love songs in their bedroom. The hotel was also tasked with placing rose petals from the lift to suite door, before the big musical reveal!
Candle lit terrace – With panoramic views over the city, the terrace of Dakota Manchester’s Grand Deluxe Suite is the perfect backdrop for any romantic moment. When one guest requested that 300 candles, plus their partners name spelled out in rose petals, were placed on the terrace, it made for one unforgettable proposal.
Full Restaurant Take-over – When one guest wanted the service and luxury of Dakota Leeds destination restaurant, The Grill, for their proposal, they requested to hire the whole restaurant for guaranteed privacy.

Jersey February 9, 2022

4 new things you could do while in the Big Apple

What’s better than a trip to New York City? You could go during the holidays and see the giant tree while getting premium gifts for loved ones. Or you could go during the summer, while the weather is nice enough to enjoy a long walk to different attractions. Spring and fall are great for going to Central Park and other outdoor events. Whenever you choose to go, there’s always something amazing happening in NYC.

That said, NYC is a popular tourist destination. It’s very possible that you’ve already seen the more iconic attractions. You might be in the market for something new. Fortunately, there’s a lot of new things in the Big Apple happening at all times.

Below we gathered four things for every member of the family. From the sports fan to the theater junkie, we’ve thought of something for everyone. So give it a quick read and hopefully you find something new for your next trip to NYC.

Take A Swing At Sports Betting

New Yorkers visiting the city will often want to see a sports game. Both the Yankees and Mets play in the city, and Madison Square Garden is home to the Rangers and Knicks. Driving up to the city to hit up a sports bar then see a game is a great weekend trip. It’s hard to top the experience of a big city game, but there’s one new addition that can make things even more exciting.

New York now has legal sports betting, which you can do through sportsbook apps like BetMGM New York. Putting in your own money on the outcome of a game is a fresh way to have something to root for. Now it’s not just the team’s standings you’re vying for, it’s more money in your wallet. This adds a level of tension to a game that brings the thrill to new heights. You can bet on major league sports, college sports, and even attach your account to an online casino account to earn rewards points for goodies.

Experience The Magic Of The Harry Potter Store

NYC is famous for its stores dedicated to various beloved franchises. Disney has a shop, and Nintendo NY is the only store of its kind in the US. Now the Wizarding World of Harry Potter joins the ranks. Fans of the books and movies can grab a butterbeer, add Hogwarts House clothes to their wardrobe, and personalize wands or Quidditch jerseys.

See Broadway’s Latest

While the concept of Broadway itself has been around for awhile, there’s always a new show to see. There are two musicals about iconic stars playing right now: MJ and Tina Turner. David Byrne’s American Utopia offers a new way to experience music on stage. Classic shows like Phantom of the Opera and Wicked are still running, as usual.

Those looking to experience Broadway without the price of tickets can also check out the recent themed stores. The dedicated Hamilton store on 46th often gets exclusive goods and will be the closest many of us get while tickets are still always sold out. For those who can’t get enough of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Drama Book Shop near Madison Square Garden is a newly rebuilt haven for Broadway and Miranda’s works.

Try The Best Pizza In NYC

There’s a lot of great pizza in NYC, but you might’ve missed Francesco’s. Located on 186 Columbus Ave, Francesco’s looks like a quick serve spot for a slice on the run. And it is, but it also offers sit-down customers amazing garlic knots and baked ziti. And of course, the pizza is heavenly. It’s truly a contender for best pizza in the city and is well worth taking a detour to the Upper West Side.

Travel February 3, 2022

Things to Prepare For When Travelling Long-Term

For some people, travelling is a lifestyle rather than an annual treat. Long-term travel looks a little different for everyone. Some might consider a month-long trip as long-term, whereas for others, it might be two or three years.

You could also move around from place to place or settle in a city for a few months or even a year. There are no rules – it’s entirely up to you. But if you’ve made this decision, you might be anxious about how to handle it and what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Immersing Yourself

Leaving your home for an extended period means that you’re probably ready to experience something a little different. Travelling somewhere new and settling down for a while is a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a different culture.

It’s up to you to put in the effort though. Make an effort to learn the language, experience the cuisine, take part in rituals and festivals. For example, if you’re religious, you might want to try reading the bible in Spanish and join in religious festivities that are slightly different from your own. This is a great way to learn and show the locals you meet that you respect and appreciate their culture.

Being Selective

Even if you’re travelling for years, you have to make peace with the fact that you probably cannot see and experience everything a city, country, or the world has to offer.

In this regard, you need to be selective about where you choose to go and what you choose to do there. Make lists of what is most important to you and prioritise these. This will help you to make sure you don’t finish your trip with regrets about not experiencing something amazing.

Learning More About Yourself

You might not be going on a trip of self-discovery, but you’ll probably learn more about yourself than you ever expected. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner or friend, new experiences can reveal different parts of us.

Long-term travel might open your eyes to new and different goals and aspirations for your life. Try to be open-minded to new paths and embrace what you discover about yourself.

Being Frustrated

Even if you’re obsessed with travelling the world, be prepared for the fact that it can be frustrating to be uprooted for such an extended period of time. Humans crave stability to some extent and being away from your roots, family and friends, and your normal routine will grow frustrating eventually.

Remind yourself of the positives of your circumstances and the fact that home will always be there when you decide to return.

Taking Care of Yourself

Finally, though it may feel like you’re on a never-ending holiday, remember to take care of your mind and body. Don’t neglect healthy habits, exercise, good nutrition and spiritual practices that keep you grounded and feeling mentally sound.

Even when things are unstable and chaotic, falling back on healthy habits and taking care of your mind and body is crucial.

Finland February 3, 2022

TRAVEL COMPANY HIDING FREE HOLIDAYS WORTH UP TO £2000 IN CAPITAL TO CELEBRATE ITS UK LAUNCH AND REMOVAL OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

What’s better than travelling? Travelling for free! Adventure travel company WeRoad has arrived in the UK and to celebrate the government’s removal of travel restrictions is hiding free holidays, worth up to £2,000 each, across the capital.

As UK travel restrictions are lifted on Friday, February 11 at 4am, WeRoad is giving ten adventurous members of the public the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’, the equivalent of a group adventure holiday of their choice.

A trusty WeRoad Travel Coordinator will be guarding the tickets and will only reveal the secret central London location when the clock strike’s 04:00 on 11 February. The location of the once-in-a-lifetime free trips will be posted on their Instagram account and the first ten people to find them will win them.

And that’s not all: the next 10 people who just miss the cut will win a £1,000 voucher to one of WeRoad’s group holidays in the form of a ‘Silver Ticket’. In total, the company will be dishing out £30,000 worth of holidays.

It comes as WeRoad announces its official launch in the UK, after first kicking-off in Italy in 2017. The brand is headed up by Milan-based Paolo De Nadai, Fabio Bin and Erika De Santi, with the WeRoad concept starting out offering group trips for solo travellers. Since then, the innovative travel company has brought together more than 30,000 solo travellers from Europe.

Travel Coordinators are a key part of the overall experience, and their 600 strong team are passionate travellers, all equipped with the necessary knowledge to give you a truly holistic and unique experience in your chosen destination.

Erika De Santi, Co-Founder & International Expansion Director, said: “Innovation is an integral part of our DNA at WeRoad, and we strive to disrupt and rewrite the existing status quo within the travel industry. Our unique direct to consumer brand experience aims to provide prospective WeRoaders with a life-changing travel experience, designed and delivered by our fantastic Travel Coordinators.

She continued: “As a brand we want to help bring together like-minded people with similar interests, joining a vibrant community of passionate travellers who want to share an unforgettable adventure together.

“We’re very excited to officially launch in the UK and with travel restrictions being lifted on February 11th, we’re giving people a helping hand to get out there again and go on a once in a lifetime adventure. To celebrate our launch, we’ll be giving lucky Brits the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’, which is the equivalent of a group adventure holiday of their choice.”

The trips on offer are numerous, whether it’s heading on a safari in Tanzania, hunting for the Northern Lights in Finland or island hopping in Mexico and the Gili Islands, WeRoad has organised group adventures to 180 long and short-haul destinations across nearly all the continents.

Its holidays are made up of 90% solo travellers, mostly aged between 18 and 35, looking to travel the world (without all the time-consuming planning), forming lifelong friendships along the way. Small groups of 8 – 15 people are fully immersed in new cultures, eating local cuisine and staying in guest houses, a truly authentic experience. Groups are matched based on their age and what kind of trip they’re up for – a relaxing escape or pulse-raising adventure. Couples and groups are also welcome.

In addition, it’s not just the amazing locations that people can visit that make a WeRoad trip such an unforgettable experience, it’s the people who really make the holidays so special. More than highly specialised tour guides, Travel Coordinators are there for the same motivations their fellow travellers are – to form new friendships with like-minded solo travellers while exploring the world.

Best of all? You barely have to lift a finger: all trips are specially designed to meet all WeRoaders needs. All anyone needs to do is arrange their flights, which aren’t included in the price of the holiday, because WeRoad doesn’t want to force travellers to depart from an inconvenient airport or end up with inefficient layovers and impossible connections.

To find out more visit https://www.weroad.co.uk/how-it-works-new

Kenya February 2, 2022

How to do a Kenya Wildlife Safari on a Budget

For those struck by insatiable wanderlust, nothing will stand in the way of a truly incredible adventure- not even budgetary constraints.

Kenya is a market leader with plenty of jaw-dropping attractions and activities for visitors regarding African safaris.

Its wildlife safaris are unparalleled and attract repeat travelers from all over the world.

Although some of the safari packages were traditionally pricey, the country’s tourism industry has evolved to cater to budget travelers.

Nonetheless, knowing how to plan your budget safari will assure you of a phenomenal and flawless adventure. It will also guarantee maximum value for money while availing you a wholesome safari experience.

Here are some valuable pointers to bear in mind when planning a budget safari to Kenya

Destinations

All of Kenya’s unique destinations can be accessed by luxury and budget travelers alike.

The Maasai Mara Game reserve is among the most thrilling, a rich ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of wildlife species.

It is also the arena for one of the most spectacular natural wonders- the annual wildebeest migration. Today, you can book a Maasai Mara budget safari at the click of a button.

The most popular animals in the Maasai Mara include the Big Five. These include the African elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.

Figure 1 Leopard

Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/16/17/12/leopard-163035__340.jpg

The Mara’s other fascinating animals include giraffes, gazelle, wildebeest, dik-diks, aardvarks, elands, crocodiles, jackals, hyenas, and more.

Additionally, the park boasts more than 470 avian species.

Besides the Maasai Mara, you can also check out dozens of other natural wildlife reserves and conservancies spread throughout the country.

Alongside its rich wildlife, Kenya is home to some of the gorgeous beaches on the planet, key among them being the award-winning Diani beach.

Activities.

There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the Mara and other reserves.

Some of the popular activities available to budget travelers in most parks include camping, walking safaris, day game drives, night game drives, and (for Mara visitors) visits to a Maasai village.

Figure 2 Game drives in Kenya

Source: https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/woman-on-an-african-safari-travels-by-car-with-an-open-roof-and-wild-picture-id1212707849?b=1&k=20&m=1212707849&s=170667a&w=0&h=JxBk9aTB9Br5pbeOoOb_NC7AUqFGUEh3zjfmbVb9ixM=

The beauty of Kenya’s attractions is that they are pretty spread out across the country. That means that no matter which corner of Kenya you visit, there is a wildlife destination nearby.

Even travelers on tighter budgets or those pressed for time have the option of touring the Nairobi National Park. It has the distinction of being a sizable natural animal habitat located within a modern capital city.

Some of the striking beasts here include the black rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, and more than 400 types of birds.

All the animals roam freely in the park, traveling in their native habitat.

Some enjoyable activities in the park include game drives, hiking, camping, and walking safaris. It also has secure picnic sites where you can catch a breather as you enjoy your packed lunch.

Should you opt for a beach safari, some activities to indulge in at the coast include swimming, snorkeling, big game fishing, swimming with dolphins/ dolphin watching, swimming with turtles, scuba diving, and kite surfing.

Travel Guides

Whether yours is a luxury or budget safari, it is always best to have a travel agent guiding your tours.

That is particularly vital if you are a first-time visitor to Kenya. A travel agent or tour company will advise you on the most efficient way to plan your trip.

Some professional travel companies benefit from native guides and consultants who will show you the country and its innermost details. Some were born and bred in the Maasai Mara and possess a vast knowledge of the animals and the Mara ecosystem.

Figure 3 AjKenyaSafaris Ltd, one of Kenya’s top indigenous tour operators

An agent will also guide you on the ideal travel times for each attraction you wish to visit. That ensures you get the most value for money, as you can structure your itinerary accordingly.

Also worth noting is that you are likely to enjoy discount options at most accommodations when you book through an agency compared to when you go it alone.

Hotel establishments and other service providers often extend these discounts to travel agencies since they tend to attract travelers. So, why not take advantage of these discounts yourself?

Accommodation

Kenya has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. These include boutique hotels, Airbnb, 3-star restaurants, and campsites for the happy campers among us.

Camping in the Maasai Mara is especially thrilling as you will literally be sleeping in the wild.

Also, there are different categories of camps, which vary according to the level of comfort you wish to have and your appetite for adventure.

Some of these camps feature flush toilets and open-air showers, which have walls but are roofless. You can enjoy a refreshing shower while enjoying the warm African sun on your skin.

Campsites are spread across the country, including the warm and humid coast, where you can pitch camp in designated areas, some close to the beach.

Transportation

While luxurious 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, and land rovers cars are the best way to navigate the off-road locales, Safari vans are dependable yet budget-friendly.

These vans can easily navigate off-road terrain and are customized to ensure your comfort, with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.

Whether you opt for the land cruiser or the safari van, you can choose to take it on a self-drive or a guided safari.

Self-driven safaris are better for seasoned visitors who have been to Kenya before and are comfortable taking on the off-road terrain. You would have to hire a safari vehicle when going on a self-driven tour.

On the other hand, guided safaris take the hassle of procuring a vehicle out of your hands, as your tour agent will provide you with whichever car you choose.

Denmark February 1, 2022

4 Things You Need To Know Before Moving To A Different Country

Moving to a different country is perhaps one of the biggest steps you can take in your life. If it’s not for college, then it’s for work or because you simply want to experience a new adventure and see a completely different world from what you’re used to. Here are 4 things you need to know about moving to another country.

Cost Of Living

One important thing you should consider when thinking of moving to a different country is the cost of living. It varies from place to place; emigrating to Portugal means a low cost of living while the USA means a high cost of living. So how much money do you need to emigrate? Well, it depends on the standard of life that you’re used to. If you live in Norway or Denmark, where basic food is free of charge, then moving abroad will be expensive for you because your expenses will increase by at least 30%. So it’s advisable to go and check out how much things such as groceries, rent, and transportation cost before actually deciding to move somewhere. Once you have some idea, take some time to save money or find ways of earning extra cash before your trip. You don’t want any unnecessary stress while abroad!

Make Yourself Familiar With The Country’s Culture

In all honesty, there are some things you just can’t prepare for. You should be aware that every single country has its own unique culture and way of life. For example, in Norway, it’s rude to arrive several minutes after a meeting time because Norwegians perceive themselves as punctual people. In Hungary on the other hand it is customary to be quite late because Hungarians think they’re generous if they give their guests a few extra minutes before starting dinner or a party. Other examples of different cultures include:

In China, they have a completely different way of greeting people compared to the rest of the world. In China, it is common for people to bow instead of shaking hands or kissing each other on the cheek. Also, in China, it is considered polite to slurp your food when eating noodles. This sound means that you are enjoying your meal so much that you want everyone around you to have a taste too!
In Denmark, if someone visits your home it is customary for the guest to bring a small gift. It can be something from flowers to wine or even chocolates.
In Japan, starting a conversation with a stranger in public is considered extremely rude. Instead of speaking, Japanese people will send signals via body language instead!

You should also make yourself aware of the different traditions and celebrations other countries have during different seasons and times of the year. For example, Christmas in Norway is celebrated similarly to how Christmas celebrations happen regularly while in China, the celebration is held according to the lunar calendar and lasts for one whole month!

Learn The Local Language

It’s obvious that if you want to move to another country it would be beneficial if you learn at least a few words of the native language. This way you could make yourself understood and communicate more easily with other people in your new home. It will also help you fit in and not feel like a stranger among locals. However, learning a new language takes time and it helps if you know how much effort must go into achieving fluency beforehand.

In general, learning a new language requires: -A total of 2000 hours spent studying -At least 60% comprehension accuracy -80% production accuracy Of course, having a good memory and an active learning process helps too.

The Food Will Be Different

Not only the ingredients of the food you get in your new home will be different, but also the order in which they are served. For example, if you’re used to having a starter, main meal, and dessert when sitting down for lunch or dinner with your family then this custom won’t apply to most people living in Asia or South America. Instead, these countries tend to serve their meals according to what they think is filling rather than what goes well with each other. So instead of having one big dish per person like on a Western table, some dishes might be shared while others are served individually.

The bottom line is: if you want to move to a different country, do your research beforehand and make yourself aware of the differences that exist within countries. This way you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your stay abroad will be as pleasant as possible!