Published on: 22 November 2018
Last Updated on: 11 February 2023
Do you often fantasize about being on a travel show, or being a traveller witnessing many amazing places? Do you always want to be in that exotic place about which you have been reading for long?
Eventually, you wish to go somewhere and explore everything about the place, but your ‘what if’ moment stops you from even leaving the house. Soon, you start obsessing about what might happen during your trip, making it your worst nightmare.
But why does this discomfort happen? Why you can’t just enjoy a good holiday? This all occurs because of fear!
You Are Caught In Your Own Web Of Thoughts:
If this sounds like you here are some reasons that help you know why your fears stop you from traveling and how you can deal with them:
To control this, this first step is to leave your comfort zone and think of the things that you are worried about that might can occur when you are away. Then think of what you can do to bring yourself out of that situation. Once you have the solution to a stressful situation, you feel more relaxed and will be able to travel to your favorite destination.
Language Fears:
When fear starts overwhelming the mind, it gives rise to many unusual questions, but the language barrier is the first one. Having issues in speaking another language can exacerbate stressful situations. Imagine being unable to speak the same language in the country where more than half of the population communicates in the same language.
Well, the solution to this problem is “preparation.” Practice basic sentences beforehand or keep a dictionary handy. Practicing commands like, “I need this food,” “Where is the Taxi?”, “Where is the toilet?” and so on will help. Don’t forget to learn “ please” and “Thank you”, as this will help you when seeking help from the residents.
Fear Of Flying:
While the fear of flying is quite irrational, some people also develop a phobia from it. If your fear is of flying, first figure out what triggers you, so that you would know how to manage things. Don’t get anxious about situations as anxiety will only feed “what if” catastrophic thoughts that are hard to wipe away. So, step on the airplane with knowledge and anticipate your fears. Find a specialist and undergo the fear of flying therapy or talk to a professional to educate yourself about the flying fear.
Fear of solo traveling:
Traveling solo is amazing! While you might get frightened of it, it can be very exciting. But, make sure you understand that when you are alone, you will not be able to count on anyone for help. To get over this phobia of flying, take someone with you. If not, you can seek help from technology, like you can video chat with friends or can keep your company via Skype or Messenger.
Fear Of Getting Injured On Foreign Land:
Imagine you have traveled to an adventurous location where you fall and get hurt? And the worst, you fall in the language barrier when you need immediate help. While the chance of you being in such a situation is minimized, if this happens, there are doctors and medical help available everywhere. You can also take help from medical insurance that will cover all your medical expenses and will help you deal with such situations.
So don’t let these common fears stop you from traveling. Get over them and travel and see the world.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Say goodbye to your usual city tours and hello to excursions worthy of the travel bucket list! These quirky excursions are some of the most unusual ways to experience the world, be it scuba diving an underwater museum in Mexico or floating above the temples of Myanmar in a hot air balloon. Read on to discover our roundup of the quirkiest excursions on the planet…
1. Dive an Underwater Museum in Cancun :
A visit to Mexico’s glorious Yucatan Peninsula yields many treasures but the chance to dive the MUSA Cancun Underwater Museum is an absolute must. An impressive collection of 475 submerged statues, including an old VW Beetle, act as artificial reefs to stimulate new coral growth and the surrounding sunlit caverns, ancient shipwrecks and fascinating marine life make diving here simply unforgettable. Don’t have your PADI yet? Don’t worry – you can snorkel the museum too!
2. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Myanmar :
If you’ve always wanted to tick a hot air balloon ride at sunrise off your bucket list, then Myanmar is the place to do it. Taking the Telegraph’s number three spot of the best balloon rides in the world, Balloons Over Bagan offers a choice of sunrise and sunset excursions where you’ll gently drift over 3,000 colorful temples and stupas. With a 45 minute flight, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the spellbinding beauty from your enviable bird’s eye vantage point.
3. Underwater Sea Walk in Mauritius :
Have you ever dreamed of being able to take a casual stroll along the seabed to experience life underwater? Well, now you can! The Underwater Sea Walk is one of the unique excursions in Mauritius and it’s highly recommended by Best at Travel if you’re looking to absorb the beauty of the colorful coral and unusual marine life of Grand Bay. Don’t worry if you’re not good at holding your breath – you’ll be fitted with a helmet and special breathing apparatus to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
4. Swim with Pigs, Bahamas :
The beaches and waters of the Bahamas are famously filled with iguanas to stingray and magnificent marine life. But what you may not know is that a small stretch of sand, known as Pig Beach, is filled with wild pink and brown hogs that will swim out to meet you as you paddle the crystal-clear shores. These friendly beasts are tame enough that you can even feed them by hand! Like the sound of swimming with these gentle creatures? The Bahamas Tourist Office offers an excursion for those staying in Nassau or the Exumas that includes a boat tour through the Exuma Cays.
5. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda :
Tracking rare mountain gorilla through the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi in Uganda is nothing short of life-changing. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological uniqueness, the forest is home to half of the world’s gorilla population which means there’s a very high chance you’ll stumble across the fascinating troop sooner rather than later. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll track these magnificent creatures through the forest, passing waterfalls and steamy jungles filled with incredible wildlife.
Which of these quirky excursions is next on your bucket list?
Read Also :
10 Best Tourist Attractions In Dubai
Top 5 Tourist Attractions Within And Around Mumbai
Discover Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos With Private Indochina Tour Packages
Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
Read also: The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017
Red Sea Star
Image source: Pinimg.com
Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
Image source: ravelingisrael.com
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
Image source: igoogledisrael.com
Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
Image source:.deadsea.com
The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
Read also:
Three Amazing Travel Destinations In Africa
7 Travel Tips To Feed Your Wanderlust In Europe
6 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo
Planning a Caribbean beach vacation with your loved ones? Ocho Rios and Negril are two of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers looking for an exotic beach vacation in the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica.
Here are 30 quick facts about the beautiful coastal town of Ocho Rios, which is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and luxury all-star beachfront resorts.
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and is famous for its picturesque beach towns Ocho Rios and Negril.
Ocho Rios is a Spanish phrase that translates to “eight rivers.”
Climate: All of Jamaica, including Ocho Rios, has a tropical and humid climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature is a pleasant 26°C or 79°F.
Local weather: Ocho Rios is the hottest in June (at 29°C/84°F) and the coolest in January (at 26°C/79°F). It sees maximum rain in October.
Best time to visit: December, January, and May are when most tourists visit Ocho Rios. December to February, the winter season, is considered the best time to visit Ocho Rios if you don’t mind the crowds and the high prices. Else, go during fall (September to November) or spring (March to May).
Population: Ocho Rios is a port town located on Jamaica’s north coast and has a population of about 10,000.
Language: English is widely spoken and understood across Jamaica.
Ocho Rios is known for its natural beauty of white sand beaches, waterfalls and, botanical gardens.
Time zone: Ocho Rios follows EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Economy: The economy of this quaint resort town survives and thrives on international tourism.
Port town: The town of Ocho Rios serves as a port for cargo and cruise ships.
Airport: The nearest airport is the Sangster International Airport. Other airports that accept international flights are located in Montego Bay and Kingston.
Currency: Locals transact in Jamaican dollars but USD is readily accepted across Jamaica.
Public library: Ocho Rios has its own town library, open all weekdays and also on Saturday.
Emergency number: 119 is the number to call in case of emergencies such as fire or accident or theft.
Jazz Festival: Ocho Rios is famous for its two-week annual Jazz Festival, held mid-June.
Dunn’s: The stunning Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios’ most popular natural attraction, located about 2.5 miles from the cruise ship port.
Post office: The local post office is located on Main Street and is open all weekdays.
Courier: Use UPS for sending mail or packages faster and to avoid the crowds at the post office. The local office is located in Ocean Village.
Hospital: Ocho Rios does have a clinic on Main Street but it does not have a hospital. The nearest hospital is located about 7 miles away in St. Ann’s Bay.
Medication: There are several pharmacies in town and most are open all days of the week.
ATMs: There are several banks and ATMs located throughout town.
Things to do: Snorkeling, white water rafting, water and land sports, Bobsledding at Mystic Mountain, and exploring local markets and street-side cuisine.
Places to see Sun Valley Plantation, Dunns’ River Falls, Fern Gully, Green Grotto Caves, Coyaba Museum and Gardens, Reggae Explosion Museum, Firefly Museum and Bar, Riverhead Adventure Trail, and more.
Shopping: Shop at the local crafts market, shopping plazas, Ocho Rios Craft Park, and several duty-free shops. Be prepared to be pestered by street vendors to buy something and don’t forget to bargain.
Getting around: The best way to get around Ocho Rios is by renting a taxicab through JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association).
All-inclusive luxury vacations: Ocho Rios is home to some of the Caribbean’s best luxury beach resorts and hotels that offer attractive Jamaica all-inclusive travel deals for families, couples, as well as group travelers.
Safety: Ocho Rios receives a large number of visitors each year and is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to not venture out alone in the dark and to avoid traveling with strangers. Check the US Government’s latest travel advisory on traveling to Jamaica.
National Holidays: Independence Day, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas, New Year's Day, Emancipation Day, Ash Wednesday, National Heroes Day, and Boxing Day.
Water: While filtered tap water at your resort may be safe to drink, carry bottled water when going out and also if you’re prone to falling sick.
Read Also :
10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking The Bank
Planning A Family Vacation As The Kids Grow Up
The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017
