Get Inspired: A Place in the Middle of Nowhere for the Artist in You

There are many places that inspire artists, writers, dramatists, painters...or anyone with a creative bent of mind. Different destinations around the world world inspire different people. India - the incredible land of saints and philosophers - has quite a few spots that let you be you. Places where you can reflect on life and where you can be with yourself.

Great for people with creative pursuits, one can choose to spend some time in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh. It is well known for its Artist Colony founded by Norah Richards, an Irish writer and dramatist who settled here in early 20th century. She built a mud house in Kangra-style architecture and soon the place started getting visitors, which included Prithvi Raj Kapoor, the old man of Hindi Cinema and  father of legendary Raj Kapoor. 

BC Sanyal, the well known painter and sculpture has a house in Andretta. Portrait painter Sardar Soba Singh and Sardar Gurcharan Singh were among a few of those Norah Richards invited in her quest to establish Andretta as an Artist Village. Today, Andretta Pottery is run by Mansimran "Mini" Singh, son of famous potter Gurcharan Singh. Andretta Pottery and Craft Society was started in 1983. It is situated between the old Shuahk hills and the towering range of the Dholadhar Himalaya.

Besides being an apt destination for artists, Andretta has equal opportunities for travellers, who can trek, enjoy bird watching and indulge in paragliding and river rafting. If you want to get your hands dirty but take solace in sculpting opt for any pottery courses that run for one week to three months.


Pics Credit: mirageandretta.com & andrettapottery.com

10 Most Tourist Unfriendly Nations of the World

There are countries blessed with beautiful scenery, culture and great architectural heritage but they make it difficult for tourists to visit them. World Economic Forum in its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked countries on scale of 0 (very unwelcome) to 7 (very welcome) and came up with a list of most tourist unfriendly countries. The report among other things have taken into consideration "Attitude of population toward foreign visitors."

World's Most Tourist Unfriendly Countries
1. Bolivia  4.1
2. Venezuela  4.5
3. Russian Federation  5.0
4. Kuwait  5.2
5. Latvia  5.2
6. Iran  5.2
7. Pakistan  5.3
8. Slovak Republic  5.5
9. Bulgaria  5.5
10. Mongolia  5.5

Image Credit: nomadicexpeditions.com

How About a Dinner in the Sky? Yes It's for Real!

Now this one is little different from ordinary and in a sense out-of-the-box in its truest sense. Just imagine dining mid air in 'front' of the Eiffel Tower or in the middle of  a river. A company - Event in the Sky - is arranging these mid-air jaunts for the rich and famous who have a head for heights.

The mid air events are not limited to dining but the company has a long list of events, which may include fashion show, wedding, birthday party, press conference, product launch, business meeting and Christmas Party.

To arrange a mid-air event all they need, "any site accessible to both crane and truck with trailer that provides minimum 30 x 15 meters space which can be secured for such an exclusive event."

Live the moment in these pics:

 Pics courtesy: Dinner in the Sky

High Season: Busiest Travel Dates to Keep in Mind this Summer

If you want to take it light and easy this summer, mark the busiest dates when most travelers will set out on  vacation. According to a poll by a travel agency about 88 per cent  of Americans are planing to take a vacation. Thursday through Saturday are believed to be the busiest days when airports, highways and train stations will be crowded. 

That means, considering vacations Sunday through Wednesday may get you plenty of space on airports, trains stations and the destination of your choice hopefully. Family vacations should be all about quality time and bonding no?     

Here is the list of busiest dates this travel season:

1. Friday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend)

2. Saturday, May 24 (Memorial Day weekend)

3. Thursday, May 29

4. Friday, May 30

5. Thursday, June 5

6. Friday, June 6

7. Thursday, June 19

8. Thursday, June 12

9. Thursday, July 3 (July Fourth weekend)

Get innovative and figure out a way to dodge the crowd. Have a great idea, share with us!

NGC Traveler Photo Contest: Take Your Killer Pics to the World

Do you think the pictures you take speak to the world? Do they inspire or make a connect with human emotions? National Geographic Channel takes your 'killer pics' to the world. Enter the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest to win name and fame apart from the Grand Prizes, which are:


1st Prize: An 8-day National Geographic Expedition to Alaska for two
2nd Prize: A 5-day National Geographic Photo Workshop for one in Santa Fe, New Mexico
3rd Prize: A 6-day cruise for two on a Maine windjammer schooner

There are four categories under which entries can be submitted:

1. Outdoor Scenes
2. Sense of Place
3. Travel Portraits
4. Spontaneous Moments

30th June is the last date to submit your entries.

And if you want to have an idea about the kind of entries, check the following stunning pics:

 

 Pics courtesy : National Geographic Photo Contest

Top 5 Iconic Bridges in US

What is a bridge (n)? A structure that connects two pieces of land and makes it possible for us to reach from one part to another. Yes that's what all bridges do. But there are others that have caught the fascination of today's traveler. These are the bridges that are iconic to say the least.

Here are the top 5 famous bridges in US

1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Opened to public in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco connects the San Francisco Peninsula with Marin County. Over the years, the bridge has become a symbol of United States around the world. The length of the bridge is 2737 meters.

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York
One of the popular tourist attractions in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. The bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.

3. George Washington Bridge, New York
Built on the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge connects Fort Lee to Manhattan. The bridge is designed in such a manner that additional lanes can be added to it to cater to the increasing traffic. The bridge was inaugurated in 1931.

4.  Navajo Bridge, Arizona
It is the bridge with the view. Built over the Colorado river, the Navajo Bridge almost 250 meters long.

5. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
The third biggest suspension bridge in the world, the Mackinac Bridge connects the upper peninsula of Michigan with the lower peninsula. The bridge was opened to public in 1958 and it took three and a half years to complete the bridge. Every Labor Day, two of the lanes of the bridge are closed to traffic and open to walkers.

5 Packing Tips to See you Through a Lifetime of Travels

Not everyone loves packing. For some it is too much to think about what to pack and what to leave. This confusion at times makes travelers forget important stuff while packing. On the other hand, there are people who live out of a suitcase and packing comes naturally to them. And even if it doesn't, they get so used to packing and unpacking that a thing here or there hardly bothers them. 

Image Courtesy: www.smartertraveling.com

For others who are not very good at the art of packing nor they intend to. Here are five packing tips to see them though a lifetime of travels. 

1. Travel Uniform

By this time you must have figured out what suits you best while traveling. If you have, great; every time you travel, don't think too much about what to wear, just go for what you have been wearing thus far. If you haven't yet figured out your travel uniform. Take some time out to do so. It'll save you plenty of time and hassle of deciding what to wear.

2. Wrinkle Free Clothing

What an invention! Roll them, crumple them or ball them and stuff them in your suitcase without worrying. A few sets of wrinkle-free clothes can save you time and effort of neatly folding and then placing clothes of cotton and other fabrics in your suitcase. 

3. Pack but do not Unpack

You probably won't need an inflatable neck pillow, mini toothpaste, adapter or mini laundry bag in daily life. There are things that we need only when we travel, so why unpack them once we are back from a trip. Let them lie in your suitcase and next time when you travel, you do not need to think about packing them again.

4. Buy a Toiletries Case

The best way to pack toiletries is to have a toiletries case. Keep it pre-filled with a set of travel sized tooth paste, soap, tooth brush, shaving cream, brush  etc. So the next time you travel, just lift your toiletries case and put it in your suitcase.  

5. Packing Basket

If you are not a last minute traveler and know about your trip quite in advance, just keep a basket in your bedroom. Every time you come across something that you think needs to be packed, throw it in the basket. Just a day before your travel date, empty the contents of basket in your suitcase. 

Know Your Shape and the Kind of Swimwear Suits You

Getting ready for summer beach break? Check the following infographic by Hot Beauty Health that offers interesting information about the kind of swimwear you should wear for that hot beach look.

It recommends swimwear basis your body shape type. Are you an Apple shape or do you have the most stunning Hourglass figure? Here is your guide to the best beach wear. So 'forget hiding under sarongs or covering up any imagined flaws. It's all about finding the ideal cut and style that will give you that perfect beach body.'

Check the full infographic here

Cheers! 5 Best Cities for Beer in the United States

If reports are to be believed, the number of local craft breweries is at all time high in the country. And that is for sure is a good news for beer aficionados. These breweries spread from east to west coast and everywhere in between produce brews that are not only delicious but suit every palate as well. The best  part about the breweries that many of them offer wine tasting sessions and wine tours. A few also have on-site restaurants where you can pair your pints with delicious food. 

According to a 'boozy research' here are the 5 Best Cities for Beer in US (in no particular order)

1. Portland, Oregon
 The city has the highest concentration of breweries in the world.  And you'll find both large scale and micro breweries here. Hopworks Urban Brewery, Deschutes Brewery, and Upright Brewing are some of the favorites.

2. San Diego, California
Home to more than 30 beachy breweries, San Diego is gaining popularity among beer drinkers. Some of the well known names here include Stone Brewing, Mission Brewery, Lost Abbey, Karl Strauss, and Green Flash.

3. Austin, Texas
The Sixth Street is where you should head to quench your beer thirst, when in Austin. Many of the city's restaurants and bars are located here.

4. Denver, Colorado
Denver has the long-standing reputation of producing some of the best brews in the country. Coors, the third largest brewer in the US has headquarters in Denver and so has many smaller beer companies. Wynkoop, the Blue Moon Brewing Co., Bull & Bush, and Denver Beer Co. are some of the favorites in Denver.

5. Boston, Massachusetts
Considered America's original beer town, Boston has a come long way.  Some of the popular names here are Sam Adams, Harpoon Brewery and Trillium.

Get Ready for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train this Spring

Walt Disney World's newest roller coaster 'The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train' project that is going for a long time may open later this spring.  The company recently released a sneak peek video of its upcoming Magic Kingdom attraction. It is being reported that it is the first time guests will see the advanced new animatronic characters that will be part of the interior of the ride.

It'll be a musical journey for kids into the dwarfs’ diamond mine, with a new ride system – where not only cars will rock back and forth just like real mine cars but there will animated figures who will  rock-n-roll.

Check the videos below:

Enjoy some more

Top 5 Family Vacation Destinations in US

Family vacations offer just the right opportunity to be with people whom we love and care about. The United States of America has a good number of family vacation spots that tourists can head to. These destinations range from scenic locales to hip and happening cities that provide a good mix of activities and some quiet spots. 

Whenever you get an opportunity to travel with family, make the most of your family time. Have fun and create memories that you'll remember for a long time to come.  Here are some of the top US destinations that make for great family vacations!

1. Arizona
Grand Canyon is the biggest and universally admired family vacation spot here. There are a number of activities that you can enjoy. Some of the popular ones are hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding Grand Canyon Railway.

2. Florida
If there is one state that celebrates childhood like none other is Florida. And the centrepiece of Flordia's attraction is Walt Disney World at Orlando. There is so much to see, do and experience in Orlando that you'll be in  a fix as what to see and what to leave.

3. California
Known for its fun and frolic character, California offers plenty of opportunities for families. It has good mix of places with learnings and entertainment for kids. You can visit Natural History Museum of L.A, California Science Center and the Griffith Observatory. Other popular tourist attractions include Hollywood Wax Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Los Angeles Zoo.

4. Hawaii
If you are looking for some beach fun Hawaii is the place to go!. Honolulu has some child friendly beaches, where you can swim, snorkel or simply have fun on the beach. Other activities include whale watching, swimming with dolphins and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

5. Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a family vacation in the lap of nature, Pennsylvania is the place to visit. Visit Pennsylvania for peace and tranquillity amidst mountains, woods and beautiful lakes.Some of the must visit places include Erie, Harrisburg, Lewisberry and Philadelphia.

Reel vs Real: Iconic spots in Disney Movies inspired by Real Destinations

Sometimes a place in reel life so entices us that we crave to visit it. And if we could, we would take the next flight to this enticing destination. Perhaps now we could, especially, if we are inspired by the following iconic spots shown in Disney movies. These places are either actual spots or inspired by popular places of tourist interest from around the world. So if you love them and long them to visit, book your next flight to your Disney dream destination.

REEL: "Up" - Angel Falls, Canaima, Venezuela

REAL

REEL: "The Emperor's New Groove" - Cusco, Peru

REAL

 REEL: "Peter Pan" - Big Ben, London, England

REAL

REEL: "Jungle Book" - Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

REAL

REEL: "Lilo & Stitch" - Kauai, Hawaii, USA

REAL

REEL: "Aladdin" - Taj Mahal, Agra, India

REAL

Pics courtesy: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ 

Top 10 Pet Friendly Beaches in US

Now this one is for pet lovers who wants to take their pets wherever they can take them err...are allowed to take them. Not sure about other places, but here are some beaches that you can take your sweetheart or the giant, or the beautiful or the cutie pooch to laze around in the sand and for some frolic in the waters. Though all beaches do not allow a canine to roam freely and you must leash  them while others have designated area where you can leave them unleashed and no one will shout...'who lets the dog out'!

Here are the top 10 Pet Friendly Beaches in the US

1. Brohard Paw Park and Beach, Venice, Florida
Facilities like leash posts, drinking water and shower for your pooch are available at Brohard Paw Park and Beach. There is a fenced play area for dogs, which leads to the beach. Just make sure that your pooch does not create problem to other beach goers.

2. Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, California
Voted as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the country, it is no wonder that Huntington beach draws large number of beach goers and their pets. Here your pooch gets to roam free and socialize with other canines.

3. Anne's Beach, Islamorada, Florida Keys
Small and secluded that is Anne's Beach for you. It is a good for picnic and swimming. You can let your dog off the leash if you think you can voice control effectively. Poop bags and freshwater bowls are available for your dog at the beach.

4. Nags Head, North Carolina
Great for taking your dog on a long walk, Nags Head is a long stretch of the seaside. However, you are not allowed to enter any area designated for swimming.

5. Carmel Beach City Park, Carmel, California
Once you walk past 10th Avenue, set your dog free as no leash is required. So let your pooch fun and frolic to its heart's content. The best part of visiting Carmel is that it is quite a pet-friendly town and you can easily find accommodation for you and your pet .

6. Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, San Diego, California
One of the most canine friendly beaches, Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, San Diego is located at the end of Voltaire Street. It was among the first official leash-free dog beaches in the United States. This beach has a 24-hour leash-free zone for dogs at the north end of the beach, which also includes an exercise area.

7. Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
The park has some designated areas where you can camp with your leashed dog or can go frolicking on the beach with your pooch. Please note pier and the cabins are off-limit areas for your dog.

8. Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground, Tierra Verde, Florida
To enter Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground, there is an entry fee for $5 but can purchase an annual pass, if you intend to visit more frequently. The area is all fenced and your dog has freedom to bathe or run all around the beach.

9. Longport Dog Beach, Somers Point, New Jersey
Longport Dog Beach in New Jersey is another leash-free beach. Though there are no specific rules to follow but it is expected of you to keep your pooch in control, carry waste disposal bags and clean up after your dog litter the area.

10. Dog Beach, Picnic Island Park, Tampa, Florida
You and your pooch can have all the fun on this beach where a partially fenced section is marked for pets.

10 Most Peaceful Countries to Travel in the World

At a time when various countries around the world are marred by violence, making it extremely dangerous to live in there; on the other hand, there are others, which entice travelers for their peaceful, democratic and high standards of living.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) analyzes data to determine the Global Peace Index and assign a score to each country on the basis of the data collated. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration include:

a. relation with neighboring countries
b. political instability
c. organized crime
d. terrorism
e. military expenditure
f. internal conflicts
g. percentage of jailed citizens

Also, only countries with a population size of one plus million and and at least an area of 7722.04 square miles are taken into consideration.

Here are 10 Most Peaceful Countries to Travel in the World

1. Iceland (Peace Rating : 8.84 out of 10)
2. Denmark (8.79)
3. New Zealand (8.76)
4. Austria (8.75)
5. Switzerland (8.73)
6. Japan (8.71)
7. Finland (8.70)
8. Canada (8.69)
9. Sweden (8.68)
10. Belgium (8.66)

Visa Restriction Index: How Welcoming are You in Other Countries?

Ever thought where do you or your country stands when it comes visa restriction index. There are countries or citizens of a particular nation who are welcomed with open hands and have free access to the countries all around the world and there are others who are frowned upon.

The Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index is a global ranking of countries according to travel freedom their citizens enjoy. The firm analyzes the visa regulations of all the countries and territories in the world and has created an index which ranks countries according to the visa-free access their citizens enjoy to other countries.

While Finland, Sweden and UK rank at the top with easy access to the countries around the world followed by Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. At the bottom of the visa restriction index are Afghanistan (with a score of 28), Iraq (with a score of 31) , Pakistan & Somalia (with a score of 32)  and Nepal (with a score of 37).

Check how countries fare on the Visa Restrictions Index:

5 Things to Consider Before You Travel to India

Incredible India as it is called...incredible it surely is! But before you take a plunge on your next India vacation here are five things you must think about before finalizing your India itinerary.

1. Travel Time: For a large country like India, timing is very important. October to March is the season when India and almost all of it is at its best. Days are pleasant and nights are comfortably cool. May, June, July and August are hot and humid. It is better to avoid traveling in India in these months, unless of course, you are in love with rains!

2. Budget: There are travelers, who survive on $2 a day. It could be little tough in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata but not impossible. In smaller cities you can have a good time with this amount. If you are traveling on shoe-string budget, go for ashrams/guest houses and bed-n-breakfast options. Others with deep pockets hardly need any travel advice!


3. Taj Mahal: This is what fascinates most travelers visiting India. It indeed is fascinating not only for outsiders but for the country's local population as well. Taj Mahal is located in Agra city, which is just 3-4 hrs drive from India's capital Delhi.



4. Safety: India in general is a safe country to travel in. The trick is to blend in, avoid wearing revealing clothes, just respect local people and culture, and you'll be alright!

5. Rajasthan: This is where majority of tourists wanting a feel of royalty go. Rajasthan is a desert state, which is full of forts, palaces and mansions. Go here in winter season to make the best of your royal vacations.