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How to Backpack Cuba on Budget

Travel Tips - Shelia - July 26, 2020

how to backpack Cuba on budget

Everyone loves to go on a vacation with family and friends. Well, Cuba is famous for the white sand Caribbean beaches, which makes it more beautiful. Moreover, Cuba can give a fascinating and educational experience, but it is not a cheap destination for foreigners. All credits go to the Cuban government because they gain revenue from tourism. As, the crimes are rare, and tourists are safe in Cuba, it has become one of the popular tourist destinations. Besides, foreigners are officially very well looked after.

However, if you are looking for how to backpack Cuba on budget, then you are in the right place. Here we are about to share a few tips for backpackers to enjoy Cuba trip on a budget.

How to Backpack Cuba on Budget

Look for cheap Accommodation

If you are traveling to Cuba, then the best way to stay there is to find cheap accommodation. Well, if you reduce accommodations costs, then your entire trip can come under your budget. Also, you can find your friends who are willing to travel with you to Cuba. This way, you can save money for the trip by sharing the cost.

Moreover, anyone backpacking Cuba solo can make friends and save a great deal of cash. This will give you many benefits, such as getting a partner for yourself and a buddy who can spend time with you on a trip.

Casa particulars

If you are wondering how to backpack Cuba on budget, then ‘casa particulars’ or homestays can save you a lot of money. If you want to enjoy your trip on a budget without spending too much on a trip, you can go for it. It is simply staying with the locals who rent out their additional rooms. Besides, you can get to stay with the Cuban family in their homes.

This can enhance your experiences, and you can get to know about Cuba in a detailed way. Besides, you can also gain much knowledge about Cuban history and culture from them. The room rent is $15 to 30$ or $50 for an expensive and luxurious room.

Moreover, if you want to save on the rent, you can go for sharing. There are big bedrooms with a huge bed where three people can sleep in a single bed. Thus, check with the Casa that how many people can stay in a room before you book.

Bargaining and haggling

Many a time, when we travel, we tend to see that we are overcharged. It is common in a tourist place, as people tend to understand that all the tourists are rich and can afford any amount of money. However, for tourists like backpackers or someone looking for a budget-friendly trip, this can be a bit problematic.

Hence, if you are wondering how to backpack Cuba on budget, you can start bargaining with the taxi drivers, tour guides, and salespeople. Try to come to a win-win situation for both of you. If you visit Cuba, make sure from the beginning of the trip that you don’t show that you are rich; instead, you confirm you are a student or a backpacker. It will help you to save money.

Besides, if you can make some friends on your Cuba trip, then you can go for sharing the money and save money in turn.

Foods in Cuba

Most of the restaurants in Cuba aim tourists and travelers because they can charge the price in CUC. If you go to restaurants, then they will charge you 5-10 CUC that is huge. Besides, for a backpacker looking for cheap foods, the only options are pizza, spaghetti, and bread with cheese. In such a situation, it is advised to go to local restaurants or places that serve home-cooked food. Also, backpackers can try food from local streets.

Besides, if you see the street foods or the local food shop, you will get an amazing flavor of the food and little pocket pinch. You will get the taste of pure, authentic food, which will help you save lots of money. Thus, if you doubt how to backpack Cuba on a budget, this is one of the best things to do in Cuba.

Budget transport

Who doesn’t want to travel in a lavish car or roam around in a 1950s car? If you are looking for how to backpack Cuba on a budget, then hiring a 1950s convertible can be challenging. Thus, backpackers can use bus or public transport services. You can book buses in advance. Also, it covers most of the places and destinations and very comfortable.

Moreover, you can also go to carpool services. They can also collect from Casa and drop you wherever you want to. The price is very similar to the bus. If you are a backpacker, this can be a plus for you to travel the country with some of the people around in the carpool. It will be on budget, and you will get to meet with new travelers and enjoy the trip thoroughly with them.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing in Cuba is open for travelers and is the best way to meet locals and also other travelers. Also, if you are a solo traveler you can get the opportunity to make new friends or partners. However, it is not widely popular due to the limitation of legality and the internet.

Moreover, if the internet is easily accessible for all, then Couchsurfing will become more popular.

Entertainment

Well, Cubans love music, and you can get to see a lot of musicians play on the street. Live music or sudden salsa dance on the streets are some of the things that can be seen very often in Cuba. These things will not cost you a penny and definitely will entertain you.

However, Cuba is not a cheap place to travel. Thus, a proper plan, careful negotiations, and using the above tips can help you save a lot of money.

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Best Things to do in the Bahamas

Travel Destination - Shelia - July 8, 2020

Striving to find out the best things to do in Bahamas? Then you have come to the right place. In this post, you’ll find out all the exciting Bahamas Tourist Attraction.

The Bahamas is the common name, whereas the official name is “The Commonwealth of Bahamas.” The Bahamas is a state with a large group of islands.

Moreover, it is an internationally recognized state comprising a series of islands forming an archipelago. The Bahamas is the state with more than 700 islands, out of which 31 are inhabited and about 2000 cays. They spread across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Bahamian Island is visited by more than a million visitors every year. The capital city of the Bahamas, the Nassau, is the place of attracting a large crowd of visitors.

The Bahamas is the place where you will find the bustling cruise port. You will find a mix of huge resorts, entertainment complexes, restaurants, and shopping complexes. Moreover, the perfect stretch of powdery beaches, seas with bluish shade makes it the best place for your vacation. The Bahamas is at a distance of 80 km from Florida and 290 km away from the buzzing city of Miami.

You can indulge in various activities such as fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling, and sailing. Above all, the Bahamas is a combination of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. You will find pleasant and sunny weather all around the year. There are so many things to do and to see in the Bahamas.

Beaches:

The Bahamas have the most beautiful beaches in the world. When you think about beaches, you think about the sandy shore and the blue sea. However, you will find the rarest pink sand beaches in the Bahamas along with white sand beaches.

One of the most famous pin sand beaches is on Harbor Island. The unique pink color to sands is due to the microorganisms and pieces of coral shells that wash up to the shore. Above all, you can visit these beaches at any time of the day as they are open 24 hours a day. Besides, you can also get something to eat or drink from nearby restaurants while you are relaxing. Exploring beaches is surely the best things to do in Bahamas.

Paradise Island Tour:

Paradise Island, Atlantis houses one of the biggest resorts in the Bahamas. In the Paradise Island resort, you will find all the Luxury that you are looking for.

For instance, you can find yourself playing or gambling your money away in one of their finest casinos. Besides, you will find yourself surrounded by the finest restaurants and a golf course within the resort. Above all, being an Island Resort, the Paradise Resort provides its visitors with 11 swimming pools and an 8 km white sandy shore.

Museum tour:

The Bahamas is a state with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Bahamas is full of museums showcasing its heritage. Some of the museums include pirates of Nassau Museum, The Bahamas Historical Society museum, Nassau Heritage Museum, National Art Gallery.

If you are a huge fan of pirates and wanted to know more about them. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is the right place to do so. This museum is open to all age group people. You will get entertained and, at the same time, get a little educated regarding the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Besides, you can dive into the history of pirate settlement in the Bahamas way back to 17th. Above all, the main attraction of the museum is the pirate ship call “REVENGE.” Onboard the Revenge, you can see their weapons, their lifestyle, and the information on battles they fought.

The Bahamas Historical Museum is another museum worth visiting. Interestingly you will find this museum to be a nonprofit organization. This aims at conserving the rich heritage of the Bahamian Culture.

Similarly, the Nassau Heritage Museum is located in New Providence. In this museum, you will be able to understand the history of the Island. You will also be able to understand the hoe the city has come forward from its past traits. For instance, slavery and pirates are one of the major aspects of Island history.

Swimming with the Dolphins:

One of the major attractions of the Bahamas is the swimming with the Dolphins. You can swim with the dolphins through the dolphin encounter program offered by the Blue Lagoon Island.

This program offers you a meet and greets with the bottlenose dolphins. Moreover, you can get a hug and kiss from these dolphins who just love to dance in and out of water. The Blue Lagoon Island also offers interactions with the sea lions along with the dolphins. Above all, it is one of the best experiences in the Bahamas.

Scuba diving:

Scuba Diving, yes, you heard it right. Scuba Diving, It is a combination of Scuba diving and snorkeling. The best place for scuba diving is the Andros Great Barrier Reef.

You will find the underwater blue holes, which are the home for some exotic aquatic life. For instance, you will find the most exotic trumpetfish, parrotfish, and scorpionfish.

Aquaventure water park:

Aquaventure water park is one of the main attractions in the Atlantis Bahamas Resort, Paradise Island water park. If you are looking for fun and family time and engaging in activities, then this waterpark is your destination.

You can indulge in a lot of activities like spiraling slides, pools. Moreover, you can enjoy any of the 20 swimming areas, 11 pools, thrilling water slides. Above all, the main attraction is the mile-long river ride with high and rapid waves.

In addition, to the pools and slides, you will also find yourself in a 6 story Mayan temple plunging down into a lagoon that is filled with sharks. Similarly, you can feel at ease by taking a ride in the lazy river or at the Royal baths or zero-entry pools.

These all rides come with easy access to the white sandy beaches of the Atlantis Bahamas Resort, the paradise island. In conclusion, this Aquaventure water park is one of the biggest and adrenaline-filled attractions in the Bahamas.

These are the best things to do in Bahamas for an unforgettable vacation. Enjoy your trip with all these best things to do in the Bahamas.

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All about London city 5 star boutique hotels

Relaxing Resorts - Shelia - June 10, 2020

Are you a traveler or someone who has come to London for work or other issues and can’t live without royal living and lifestyle? Do you need a hotel in London which suits your class and lifestyle bereft of any sort of hassle? Well look no further because we bring you the guide to the best 5 star boutique hotel, London and who have garnered a lot of appreciation and accolades in the past few years. The kind of staff and services the hotels offer, there is hardly any match for the luxurious hotels and you can be sure of a lavish lifestyle with a royal touch!

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TripAdvisor Hotels provides a comprehensive travel planning experience to benefit the budget traveler and business traveler as well. You can book directly from here and get more cashback benefits .

The hotel services must include loads of amazing stuffs of which maximum are complimentary for the esteemed guests they would be having in here and that is you! Namely,

• Free wireless internet in every rooms with individual portals for having the best internet speed possible
• Every room must have personal central heating and cooling systems. Depending upon the choice of the guest and the weather, the atmosphere of the room should be controlled. The room boys and attendants should always be on their toes to make you comfortable and cozy.
• They must have a wide range of delicacies in the food section, which includes each and every cuisine in the world. You should also get complimentary toiletries and other basic daily needs.
• Pick up and drop services from and to the airports and that too in a car of your choice. Be it a BMW or Mercedes or an Aston martin, they will and must have it all.

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The kind of hotels available in London is very much the best in the world and Montcalm is undoubtedly the bets of those. Their smooth functioning and polished attitude towards our guests is a good quality which they try to maintain and they do it quite brilliantly. If you want to go through the best 5 star boutique hotels in London then you can check out The Montcalm London city. This is undoubtedly the best in class hotel in London city in these days.

It comes up with the best possible luxurious lifestyle offered to anyone who seeks it. The location is at the park way which is one of the best areas in London. You would obviously need a city centered hotel which gives you the lifestyle you want and thoroughness of the transportation availability you need and this 5 star boutique hotel London is one of the best in the world with loads of services and amazing qualities to give you a lavish and royal stay here at London for as long as you want. You can visit its official website for more details and contact numbers and email IDs.
So keep calm and whenever you visit London, for a royal stay always remember these points and you would be having a life, king size (literally)! So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have the lifestyle you deserve.

Image by Travel Intelligence, business_traveler_1818, Nite and Room Reporter under CC License.

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Must Visit Restaurants in Shanghai

Travel Destination - Shelia - May 12, 2020

Flying to Shanghai soon for a business or family trip? Despite being a booming city, Shanghai has managed to preserve its traditional side, including its culinary art. What’s more, Shanghai’s gourmet landscape is certainly not limited to Xiao Long Bao and buns alike. With the plethora of cuisines blooming in every corner of Shanghai, taste buds are having a party in this food paradise! Fly to Shanghai and get a taste of the diverse Shanghai culinary delights. Here’s our pick of 4 must-go restaurants to satisfy your cravings on a wide spectrum, from upmarket and fine-dining restaurants to affordable but nonetheless quality restaurants that will satisfy your cravings for Shanghainese culinary delights.

1. Jia Jia Tang Bao

Probably the best Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai, if you don’t mind the long queue! The restaurant is so beloved that it’s sought after by long lines of people every day. But it’s worth the wait! The simplistic interior of the restaurant draws attention to its exquisite dumplings. Each dish is served in steaming hot bamboo steamer, with mouthwatering scent filling up the rather packed medium-sized restaurant, impossible to ignore. Dumplings have different fillings which you can order, such as crab meat filling or port meat filling. Dishes here are marked at reasonable prices. Every dish is prepared after you make the order, so expect a 10-15 minutes waiting time. Each steamer contains 12 dumplings! The dumpling skin is nice and soft, so thin that you can feel the soup inside almost bursting out when you grab it with chopsticks! Carefully lifting the bun without poking the skin and wasting all the soup inside is challenging. There’s always a friend who gets messy with Xiao Long Bao… But for long-time fans of this classic Shanghai dish, delicately lift the dumpling and dip it into the vinegar. Enjoy the outpour of umami flavours on your tongue! As the price here is not expensive, you can order as much as you can without breaking the bank. You will surely get your money’s worth here!

Address: 90 Huanghe Lu, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm

2. M on the Bund

M on the Bund specializes in cuisines where East meets West. Established by an Australian restaurateur in 1999, the upscale restaurant overlooks the Huangpu River and Pudong. Dishes served here incorporate luxurious ingredients such as black truffles and foie gras in its main courses and side dishes. Some of the signature dishes are sunckling pig, lamb, tagine with saffron and so on, with a mix of Australian, North African and European flavours of course. The Art Deco terrace is given an oriental twist, exuding sophistication and creativity. Dine alfresco on the terrace while enjoying a magnificent view of Shanghai skyline and glittering river. It is a great venue for formal parties, business dinner, and will make memories for you. Trying to impress someone over a dinner date? Make a reservation in advance and get a table with a stunning view. This restaurant is perfect for a formal dining experience with your loved ones, especially if you wish to create a memorable occasion.

Address: 7th Floor, 20 Guangdong Road, Shanghai, China
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

3. T’ang Court Shanghai

T’ang Court Shanghai is a Michelin three-starred restaurant, and is in fact the only restaurant in Shanghai with three Michelin stars. Treat yourself to a feast of exquisite dishes with impeccable flavours! This fine-dining restaurant is possibly the best restaurant in mainland China. Executive chef Justin Tan has created a Cantonese menu which is authentic yet with a Western hint. T’ang Court’s signature dessert is an elegant swan-shaped pastry coupled with an almond tofu pudding. The beautiful dish, as well as other dishes on the menu, is overwhelmingly detail-oriented that it’s almost a shame that it’s gone bite by bite. This upmarket Cantonese restaurant has won multiple awards over the years, perfect for a dinner with which you wish to make a long-lasting impression. Don’t forget to make a reservation before you go.

Address: 5/F The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai, No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai 200021 China
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

4. Shanghai Ren Jia

Experience a diverse array of Shanghainese cuisines here! All Shanghainese staples can be found on the authentic menu here. We recommend you to go in a group and book a table in advance, as you can try out more dishes in one go. The taste may vary from branch to branch as the chef has his own preference, but the authentic Shanghainese flavour is always there. One of the signature dishes is the Drunken Shrimp, which is freshly made by marinating raw shrimps in alcohol soy sauce. The shrimp is sweet and fresh, perfect for an appetizer. A more well-known Shanghainese dish is the Braised Pork Belly, fattening but irresistible. The meat is well-cooked and tender, marinated in sweet and savory sauce. The fat just melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more! Go with a group of four or five, you can share the signature dishes with your friends or family. A delicious dining experience is elevated when it is a shared one!

Address: 41 Middle Yunnan Road, Shanghai (other branches available)
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

A young and vibrant city, Shanghai offers many unknowns for foodies. If you are there for a business or family trip, do not miss out on the opportunities to try out the modern Shanghainese culinary delights! Or are you secretly yearning for a culinary enlightenment? Book a flight to Shanghai with Cathay Pacific. Experience top-notch in flight service and a variety of entertainment options. Watch the latest films and classic TV series in the air. You will land in Shanghai before you know it! Enjoy a safe and pleasant flight before diving into your gourmandizing journey!

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Top 5 Best Things to do in the Sunshine Coast

Travel Destination, Travel Tips - Shelia - April 30, 2020

Discover the top things to do in the Sunshine Coast and enjoy your Queensland Holiday in the sun.

1. Visit the beaches

If you go to the Sunshine Coast, you have to visit the beaches; they’re what the coast is known for! Check out popular beaches like Bulcock beach with its local playgrounds, perfect for families. Or visit Noosa Heads for classic fun in the sun. Surfers will enjoy a trip to Coolum Beach for the opportunity to paddle out and hang ten. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

2. Climb a mountain

Along with a lot of beaches, the Sunshine Coast has a lot of mountains that you can climb. One of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast if you like getting active, try one of the local mountain climbs. Mount Coolum National Park features Mount Coolum, a dome-shaped mountain that stands 208m tall and overlooks the Sunshine Coast lowlands. Of course, Mount Coolum isn’t the only mountain with impressive views of the Sunshine Coast. The Glass House Mountains are also full of popular hikes with stunning scenery.

3. Enjoy some ginger

Something you might not expect on your trip to the sunny, seaside Sunshine Coast is ginger, but you’d be surprised how enjoyable a trip to The Ginger Factory can be. The Ginger Factory is more than just a store that sells ginger and ginger-flavoured food (though there is plenty of that). There’s also rides and activities for visitors of all ages. There’s also an attached rainforest for when you want to reconnect with nature. Then you can enjoy a meal at the café, and maybe some handmade ice cream for a final treat.

4. Go to Aussie World

If the fun rides at The Ginger Factory weren’t enough for you, all the excitement of Aussie World might be one of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast for you. Thrill rides, family rides, sideshows and more can be found at Aussie World. The park is full of brightly coloured attractions that are sure to capture the attention of any young ones with you.

5. Check out the markets

Like a lot of seaside Australia, the Sunshine Coast is home to many markets. The Original Eumundi Markets are some of the most popular markets, full of art, craft, entertainment, and more. But there’s also markets like Nights on Ocean with artisan stalls, live music and performers, and street food—a great way to spend an evening in the Sunshine Coast. You can also check out the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, the Caloundra Street Fair, and so many more markets and marketplaces. The markets are a great way to get a feel for the culture of a town and find a memento to take home with you.

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