Beauty beaches

The Best Cultural & Historical Casinos to Visit

[ad_1] Ever thought about visiting historical casinos while on holiday? If you’d like your travels to be a combination of beautiful experiences, historical marks, and a lot of fun, this might be the perfect fit for you. Even though casinos are associated with gambling and fun, there are also historical and cultural experiences to experience at them. When planning a trip, many people look for the biggest, most popular destinations. But have you ever thought about traveling to one of the great historic casinos around the world? Why should you visit casinos while traveling? In recent years, the commercial gaming revenue has set new records, including gambling. Therefore a visit to the casino might be on a lot of people’s bucket lists. Visiting different casinos around the world is always a lot of fun. While some are more notorious than others, you shouldn’t skip past the lesser-known ones. For beginner gamblers, don’t worry, there are many opportunities to practice your skills before setting foot in a real casino. Start practing on one of the many online casinos – just remember that you will need to be located in one of the states where gambling is legal. For example, you can search for casinos in Pennsylvania, as of 2019, this state has permitted gambling along with 17 other states. As long as you make sure that you are on the right side of the law, you can start preparing for your historical casino trip. Top cultural and historical casinos around the world There are several great casinos to visit around the world, some are enormous and flashing, while others are elegant and historic. And you will most definitely find some cultural history visiting some of these casinos.  Baden-Baden Kurhaus, Germany This is one of the oldest casinos, established around 1820 and has been working as a casino ever since. It has an atmosphere of high class and intellectual spirit as many famous guests have visited this spectacular casino, amongst them are the composers Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann. As well as being a casino, this establishment hosts a spa section that is just as extraordinary and extremely beautiful. Located in this beautiful city with a lot of other great attractions and things to do, you will not regret visiting this spot. Historical casino – Baden-Baden Kurhaus, Germany Monte-Carlo Casino, Monaco This casino has received a revival through its appearance in two Bond movies and for good reason. This is yet another beautiful historic casino worthy of a visit. As with Baden-Baden Kurhaus, it’s one of the older ones, as the casino was opened to guests for the very first time in 1858. Since then, it has been working as an exclusive and extraordinary casino attracting some of the most wealthy casino travelers and visitors around the world. So, when you visit here you will need to spend a bit to get to play. And you should remember to dress up nicely.  See also: Monaco Sightseeing: What Not to Miss Historical casino – Monte-Carlo Casino, Monaco Casino di Venezia, Italy This is the oldest casino in the entire world and just for this reason it’s worth a visit. However, there are plenty of other reasons too. Firstly, it’s located by the waterfront on the Grand Canal in Venice, and you enter the casino by gondola. After this classy and exciting entry, you’ll be met by a beautiful interior that is well-preserved, transforming you back to earlier times. If not for the casino, you should visit Venice no matter what. There are tons of incredible things to do in Venice and the city in itself is indeed worth a visit.  Casino di Venezia, Italy Travel Dudes I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes. [ad_2] Source link

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The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

[ad_1] Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit Get my best stuff sent straight to you! [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [ad_2] Source link

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Is Cancun Safe?

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La Carmina’s Alternative Osaka Travel Guide

[ad_1] If you’re looking for an alternative Osaka travel guide, you’ve just landed on the right page. Japan expert, La Carmina, shares her best tips and advice for exploring the more underground side of Osaka. Only three hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Osaka is a turbo-charged setting for a long weekend getaway. Although it’s worth seeing historic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, travelers shouldn’t miss out on exploring the underground culture for an alternative perspective of the city. For instance, Osaka is home to a gritty and raucous music scene that’s matched only by its drinking holes — where the staff has feathered and dyed hair, the speakers blast Def Leppard, and the walls are decorated with grinning skulls. I’ve been writing about Japan and visiting Osaka for well over a decade on my La Carmina travel blog. Here are some of my favorite subculture hangouts in the city, which I hope you’ll get to check out on your next trip. See also: A day in Osaka, Japan La Carmina, Japan travel and fashion blogger of LaCarmina.com Osaka shopping guide Let’s start off this alternative Osaka travel guide with a few vintage, indie and unique shopping spots in Osaka. Shinsaibashi Shinsaibashi’s Shopping Arcade is a bustling treasure hunt: look for indie and vintage boutiques, such as Dangerous Nude, amidst the mass retailers. Nearby Amerikamura is the cultural equivalent of Tokyo’s Harajuku, with Goths, punks and rockers hanging out in Triangle Park (here’s a map of the best stores). Poke your head through the beaded curtains for cyber fashion, tarot cards and 1980s toys. A Satanic-themed 666 clothing shop in the Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. EST Center A stone’s throw from Umeda Station, EST is a young women’s “shopping town with dream and excitement.” The boutiques lure you in with frantic J-pop music and the chic outfits seen in Cutie and ViVi magazines. If the hundred-plus indie and alternative shops aren’t enough, across the street is Hep Five, a shopping and entertainment megalopolis with a red Ferris wheel. Pokemon Center, Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. Sightseeing in Osaka Here are a few more unique sights to visit in Osaka. Pokemon Center Believe it or not, the Pokemon Center is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Japan. The gargantuan Umeda, Osaka store is stocked with every character imaginable. Children in Pikachu hats will remind you that the brand’s motto is “gotta catch em all,” so bring your wallet. Kaiyukan Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world and a family favorite. Young Osaka resident Takumi Tanaka reminisces on his childhood visits. “It’s always fun to see the penguins and dolphins playing, but my favorite thing to do is visit the Floating Jellyfish tanks. It’s so relaxing to watch the intertwining tendrils,” he says. “Also I love to watch the staff feed the sea otters, who play like children.” Osaka Castle Tanaka also encourages first-timers to visit the historic Osaka Castle, especially during the cherry blossom season. “There are always festivals and gatherings in the beautiful park, and little stalls that sell traditional foods like takoyaki. It’s fun to just sit on the benches and watch people go by,” says Tanaka. Related tour: Guided Walking Tour around Osaka Castle Fu-Ki pours a devilish drink at hard rock Bar Midian, Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. Bars and Nightlife in Osaka What’s an Osaka travel guide without a list of the best bars and nightlife? Related tour: Osaka: Nightlife Experience Bar Midian Fans of Visual Kei/J-rockers Blood were heartbroken when the group disbanded. But like a Goth Elvis, vocalist Fu-ki is alive and ominously wielding an ice pick behind the counter of his Bar Midian. The Umeda dive is near-impossible to find, so I suggest studying these detailed directions on my La Carmina Blog. Midian’s decor is a heavy metal wet-dream: a dripping candle sits in a Dracula wine bottle; an axe rests in the umbrella stand. That night, we sat with tattooed rockers who headbanged to Black Sabbath videos and scandalized us with their boy-on-boy antics. Drinks are 500 yen and have names such as Black Rose and Satan. Fu-ki mixes a strong cocktail and will gladly make you a special one, or pour you a Belgian Satan Beer. He’s also known to pick up the tab for newcomers, especially if you bond over music — so don’t forget to ask him about his Motley Crue cover band. Bar Moonwalk When metal and rock bands tour Osaka, they frequently stop by Moonwalk, a bar that pumps Marilyn Manson and Japanese glam metal to a young, heavily-pierced crowd. My travel comrade and I had an instant crush on our eyeliner-smeared server Kouta, who plays bass in a new Visual Kei band. The fantasy faded a little when he went into the kitchen to cook our orders: tasty 315 yen plates of Korean fried rice and lotus pork cakes. There’s a 400 yen cover charge, but the drink menu — which has over 300 offerings for 200 yen each – more than makes up for it. Got a sweet tooth? Try the raspberry yogurt cocktail. More of a hardcore type? Go for the brandy ginger mixer. And don’t be surprised if the charming bartender brings over free shots. Bar Rock Rock Alice Cooper. Bad Religion. Motley Crue. Metallica. They are among the hundreds of famed faces who have raised hell at Rock Rock since the bar opened in 1995, leaving behind autographed photos and tales of destruction. The atmosphere reminds me of a really chill jazz club, only with screamo vocals. The bar plays anything from punk to metal and has events throughout the year that bring in throngs of rock fans. These include special DJ nights such as Hell’s Bells (AC/DC), Emotion is Dead (emo) and the self-explanatory Loud & Heavy. The menu is a typical selection of pizzas, pastas and salads (600-800 yen). The drinks are standards, plus a selection of

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Kenya eVisa: Everything you Need to Know

[ad_1] Kenya is a unique African country, famous for its safaris and epic coastline. You can expect to find fantastic wildlife like lions, elephants and giraffes – and many more!  If you’re looking to travel to Kenya, you might be eligible for a Kenya eVisa. The Republic of Kenya has launched a Kenya eVisa system which allows visitors to get a Kenya visa online without visiting the Kenyan authorities.  Read on if you want to find out exactly how to get Kenya eVisa for your next trip to this great country in East Africa. See also: Reasons to Visit Kenya Nairobi National Park, Kenya Can I get a tourist visa on arrival in Kenya? Since 2021, the visa on arrival in Kenya was discontinued, meaning that all foreign visitors who require a visa to visit Kenya need to apply for it online. Travelers who were previously eligible for a visa on arrival must now get an eVisa. All visitors must get an eVisa whether they are traveling to Kenya by air, sea, or land. Who is eligible for a Kenya eVisa? Residents of any country listed as a Category 2 can apply for a Kenya eVisa online. Visitors under Category 1 do not require a visa to visit Kenya. This is mainly reserved for some nearby African countries, select South American regions, some Caribbean islands and islands in Australasia, not including Australia or New Zealand.  Category 2 is reserved for visitors that can get a Kenya visa online. This includes African countries not listed under Category 1 and most other countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Most countries are eligible to apply for a Kenya eVisa under this Kenyan visa system. The countries under Category 3 require a referred visa, meaning they’ll need to apply in advance. This includes Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya and other Middle Eastern countries.  How long does the Kenya eVisa take to process? They are typically processed 48 hours after application and can be valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue. Therefore, it’s advised not to apply too far ahead for your trip.  If you are worried about processing time, remember to apply at least 1 week before your intended departure date.  What documents do you need for a visa for Kenya? To submit a successful online application for a Kenya eVisa, you must prepare some documents beforehand. Travelers wanting to apply for a Kenya eVisa must have: A scanned coloured copy of their biographical page within their current, valid passport Passport-style photographs for Kenya, to be attached to the eVisa. You may be required to show evidence of your accommodation reservations, a travel itinerary and a return air ticket for a tourist visa.  For a business visa, you must establish a business invitation or valid company registration letter and return an air ticket. For a family visa, you may be required to show a letter of invitation from your relative, a passport or other identity documents from your host in Kenya, and a return air ticket.   Suppose you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is a health risk. In that case, you must show your Yellow Fever certificate to border officials upon arrival in Kenya to prove your vaccination status.  You might be required to complete a Kenyan Travelers Health Surveillance form as a result of COVID-19 regulations for air travelers.  Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya – depositphotos.com How much does a Kenya eVisa cost? The average Kenya eVisa cost for a single entry visa is around $51, which includes a $1 service charge and card handling fee. This will allow the visa holder to visit Kenya once. If you decide to opt for a multiple entry visa, it costs $101 and can be valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. A 5-year multiple entry visa costs $161. For a transit visa, the Kenya eVisa cost is $21, which includes a $1 service charge and card handling fee. This is valid for anyone needing to connect to another destination through Kenya for up to 72 hours and does not apply to anyone with a connecting flight who won’t leave the airport.  Kenya also has a joint East African tourist visa, explicitly dedicated to tourists traveling to or from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda solely for tourism purposes. This unique Kenya eVisa cost is $101, including service charges.  Are you ready to visit Kenya? If you’re looking for an East African adventure, Kenya better be on your bucket list. With so many incredible attractions in Kenya, including Nairobi, Wasini Island, the many beautiful beaches and, of course the main highlight, the Masai Mara National Reserve, you have many reasons to visit. Remember to send in your Kenya eVisa application in advance to make the most of your next vacation to Kenya!  Travel Dudes I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes. [ad_2] Source link

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20 Best Things to Do in KOTA KINABALU

[ad_1] My heart was heavy when I told my friends that I couldn’t come with them. It was our long-awaited barkada trip to Kota Kinabalu, but I needed some adulting to take care. That was 2016. Fast forward to 2022: my heart skipped a beat when I realized my Sabah adventure was finally going to happen. As the saying goes, “There’s a time for everything.” Time I promised myself I would make the most of. And how Kota Kinabalu surprised me! In a good way, of course. KK, as it is fondly called, offers a variety of sustainable tours — natour, cultour, adventour! Conquer its national parks — both terrestrial and marine. Immerse in the Sabahan culture while you roam around the cultural villages and museums. Get swept away (not literally) by the rapids of its wild rivers. Dive into the colorful underwater world. Kota Kinabalu might not be on your bucket list, but give it a chance to take your breath away. If you’re wondering what’s in store for you in this part of Borneo, here’s a list of the things to do and places to visit in and near Kota Kinabalu. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Sticking out imposingly from the forested grounds at an elevation of 4,095 meters (or 13,435 feet), Mt. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo and one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. The most famous tourist attraction in Sabah, it magnets local and international hikers to its lush surroundings and jagged mountainscape. As for me, and many others like me who missed the chance of climbing it the first visit, it’s one of the main reasons to come back. Cradled within the dense expanse of Kinabalu Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ranau District, it nurtures hundreds of species of flora and fauna spread across different zones. Low’s Peak (the highest point) and the textured rocky area leading to it are a geological wonder. Is reaching Mt. Kinabalu’s Low’s Peak one of your bucket list items? You need to take note of the following: Mount Kinabalu is managed by Sabah Parks, under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment. Yes, they have just one unified body overseeing all the projects regarding environment, culture, and tourism Sabah Parks climb permits must be secured in advance through licensed and accredited climb operators. Here’s the list provided by the Sabah Tourism Board: Accredited Tour Operators Only 150 hikers are allowed per day, so you need to secure a slot in advance. All hikers must book accommodations at Panalaban Base Camp in advance (2D1N), too. Here are the current accommodation options: Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Lemaing Hut, Mokodou and Kinotoki. Heated dormitories and rooms are offered by Laban Rata Resthouse. Note that One-Day Mount Kinabalu Climb permits are currently NOT available. Climbers must be fully vaccinated and must present proof of vaccination via MySejahtera App (Digital Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate) Hikers must be accompanied by accredited mountain guides. The number of guides will depend on the size of the group and the age of the climbers. Children below 12 years old must be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/guardians. The jump-off point for all hikers is the Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park. Currently, there are two open summit trails, both starting from Panalaban: the Ranau Summit Trail and the Kota Belud Summit Trail. Choose your package type: Non-Ferrata or Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata (Iron Road) is recommended only for seasoned mountaineers and rock climbers. All hikers must follow the Covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines. Check if you still need to submit a negative result (self-test RTK Antigen) a day before your arrival. For more info about booking Mount Kinabalu hike to the summit, visit the this website. Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, West Coast Division, SabahKinabalu Park Conservation Fee: RM 15 (Adult); RM 10 (Child)Climb Permit: RM 200 (Adult); RM 80 (Child)Mountain Guide Fee: RM 230 (16 y/o and above, 1 per 5 pax); RM 230 (below 16 y/o, 1 per 2 pax)Porter Rate: RM 65 – RM 80 (10KG, one-way, depending on the route). Routes: Timpohon – Panalaban / Panalaban – Timpohon / Timpohon – Sayat-Sayat / Sayat-Sayat – Timpohon / Timpohon – Summit / Summit – TimpohonSabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / sabahparks@gmail.com / admin@sabahparks.org.my Covering a total land area of 75,370 hectares, the sprawling Kinabalu Park is a hotspot for terrestrial biodiversity, sheltering over 100 species of mammals, more than 350 species of birds, about 100 species of reptiles, around 80 species of amphibians, more or less 1,000 species of insects (others are yet to be specified), and more. All these fauna thriving in various green habitats encompassing 5,000-6,000 species of vascular plants in different climactic zones — lowland forest, lower mountain forest, upper mountain forest, ultrabasic rock forest, granitic boulder vegetation, and sub alpine forest. The most prominent feature is the magnificent Mount Kinabalu, a major tourist and hiking destination in Southeast Asia. Officially declared a national park in January 1964, Kinabalu Park is the first in Sabah. It covers three districts: Ranau, Kota Belud, and Kota Marudu. The national park was established to protect, preserve, and conserve the natural habitat and feature, the water catchment area, and its cultural and historical heritage. Aside from Mount Kinabalu, other features are the following: Mount Tambayukon Mount Kinabal Botanical Garden Poring Butterfly Farm Poring Orchid Conservation Center Rafflesia Conservation Center Poring Bamboo Garden Poring Ethnobotanical Garden bird watching activity paragliding Canopy Walkway Natural Hot Sulfur Spring Water Into forest bathing? Here are eight nature trail options: Kiau View Trail Bundu Tuhan View Trail Liwagu River Trail Silau Silau Trail Bukit Burung Trail Mempening Trail Pandamus Trail Bukit Ular Trail Each trail has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your preference and interest. Or take all the trails if you want and you have time to spare. The park is managed by Sabah Parks, which is under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

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How to Set Goals (When You’ve Come up Short in the Past)

[ad_1] TNN: How to Set Goals (When You’ve Come up Short in the Past) Get my best stuff sent straight to you! [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [ad_2] Source link

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