At Don't Forget To Move we help promote and inspire adventurous, authentic and responsible travel around the world. With a lot of crazy stories in between! We show travelers how to see the world authentically through unique stories, engaging photography and videos, honest reviews and practical travel tips.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of megabus.com. The opinions and text are all mine.
How would you like to add $500 to your spending budget this holiday season? Well, thanks to megabus.com you’ve got the chance to do exactly that! Read on for details about the contest and how to enter!
megabus Mega Jingle Contest
If there’s one thing the holidays always remind me of, it’s holiday themed jingles in advertising! Stroll through any department store, tune into the radio or watch the commercials during your favorite TV show, and you’re going to come across them.
These holiday themed jingles are a fun, festive change from the usual monotonous sales pitch and they help spread that little bit of extra holiday cheer around this time of year.
In recognition of these festive jingles, megabus.com wants your help in creating the latest holiday travel related jingle for their next promotional video! And in return they’re offering one lucky winner $500 cash, as well as four return trip tickets on their famous bus service.
That’s right! Whoever comes up with the most catchy and creative holiday travel related jingle not only gets the chance to be featured in their next promotional video, but also gets a whopping $500 to add to their holiday spending this year.
Or maybe you want to save that $500 for some US based travel? Perfect, take the four roundtrip tickets to any United States based location, along with your $500, and get away for the weekend with friends and family this holiday season!
Contest Details
Entering the megabus jingle contest is easy; simply create a holiday travel themed jingle between thirty seconds and one minute thirty (30s – 1:30s). Try to incorporate some of the fun things that the holiday season reminds you of, as well as the excitement of travel and the benefits / advantages of riding with megabus.com. Think $1 fares and super accessible bus services around the country!
Possible themes could be winter travel, holiday activities, weather related, or anything else your creative mind comes up with. We don’t want to give you too much direction, as the possibilities are endless!
Once you’re come up with your jingle, record it and upload it here!
The contest is currently live and running until December 20th, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your holidays with $500 and four roundtrip travel tickets with megabus.com.
Why megabus.com
Not only are megabus.com being super generous around the holiday season, they also offer an incredible service of comfortable and affordable express bus routes to more than 120 cities across North America.
And don’t let the extremely low price tag make you think this isn’t a quality service. These buses are fully equipped with all the amenities you’ll need to make your trip enjoyable. Kick back in your reclining seat and watch a movie thanks to the free onboard WiFi. Or plug your computer into your own personal power outlets to settle in for a productive work session on a cross-country journey (or if you’re like us, a long session of binge watching your favorite Netflix show)!
These double decker buses also come with restrooms onboard, as well as some select reserved seating spots that include small tables, that allow you to have more space to organize your work or relaxation time.
Speaking from personal experience, in late 2017 I took a megabus.com service from San Francisco to Sacramento for the day for just $7! I couldn’t believe the level of comfort and service I got for that price. It was way cheaper than what it’d cost me in gas and parking to drive for the day, plus I got to work on the way up with WiFi and a nice little table.
So what are you waiting for? Get to writing that jingle so you can win $500!
Recently named as Lonely Planet’s number one destination for 2019, Sri Lanka is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Previously, Sri Lanka has been overshadowed by its much larger neighbor to the north, India. Or set of islands to the west, Maldives. But this little country has plenty to offer for tourists.
Sri Lanka’s varied landscape is stunning, with lush mountains in the Central Highlands, to world-class beaches on the coast. The history, dating back from ancient civilizations to more recent colonial times, gives the country a diverse culture that is visible in the many ruins and temples. While you could easily spend months exploring this gorgeous country, here’s what we recommend if you have 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
If you’re coming into Sri Lanka by plane, you’re most likely landing in Colombo. This busy capital city will thrust you right into modern life in Sri Lanka. The city is a mix of old colonial buildings and glitzy new hotels and high rises. On your ride from the airport into town, you’ll pass honking tuk tuks weaving in and out of the traffic, Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques, hole in the wall curry shops, and between gaps in skyscrapers you might spot a glimpse of the ocean.
Colombo has traditionally been viewed as just a jumping off point to Sri Lanka’s more famous attractions, but the city is becoming a tourist hub in its own right. While it might not have quite as much to see as India’s capital, city lovers may enjoy witnessing the hustle and bustle of modern Sri Lanka. Don’t miss the Fort Area to see Colombo’s old colonial architecture, including the Lighthouse, St. Peter’s Church and the Clock Tower.
Accommodation in Colombo
Cinnamon Grand Colombo: This beautiful hotel is in a great location near the water. There’s a plethora of restaurants within the hotel, including a delicious buffet. There’s also a beautiful pool and plenty of bars and cafes on site as well.
Cultural Triangle
Located in Central Sri Lanka, the region known as the Cultural Triangle is filled with UNESCO world heritage sites. No 2 weeks Sri Lanka itinerary is complete without a visit to this historic region. This area was once home to the Sinhalese royalty and is famous for its ruins and temples. There’s a lot to see in the triangle, so if you’re pressed for time, consider choosing just a few of the following:
Anuradhapura
This sacred city is one of the biggest highlights of the triangle. It’s the current capital of the Anuradhapura District, but many kingdoms in the past claimed it as their capital. Anuradhapura is well-known for its archaeological sites and historical relics. Here you’ll also find a sacred Bodhi tree, which is a direct descendant of the same tree Buddha himself sat under to achieve enlightenment.
The biggest highlight is the archaeological park. Entrance costs $25 USD, and it’s a large place that takes some time exploring. If you really want to understand the area’s history, we suggest hiring a tour guide for around $5 USD.
Habarana
The best thing about Habarana is that it has the perfect central location. Almost all of the attractions in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka can be found very nearby. That’s the main reason why Habarana is most often used as a hub of sorts. It’s connected to many different destinations by bus and train, and it’s the perfect place to make your base for exploring. The town itself doesn’t have many attractions, and that’s why it feels like a much more authentic destination that other tourist spots.
Accommodation in Habarana
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana: With a central location in town, Cinnamon Habarana pays homage to its rich historical surroundings while still offering luxury accommodation for its guests. The hotel is budget-friendly without cutting corners on comfort. It’s also a great spot for families with a large outdoor swimming pool.
Sigiriya
Known in Sri Lanka as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Sigiriya is probably the most visited tourist destination in the country. Also known as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya is an enormous fortress built on top of tall vertical cliffs. It’s without a doubt the spot with the best views in Sri Lanka. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll be greeted by sweeping vistas as the jungle surrounds you. Sigiriya is located in the heart of Sri Lanka, and sits almost perfectly between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana.
It can get crowded, so we recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. Bring water and sunscreen, and prepare for a big climb. Don’t miss the water gardens at the beginning or the beautifully painted frescos along the way. Beware of the local monkeys who have been known to steal things from unsuspecting tourists! Entrance for tourists is $30 USD and also grants you access to the museum.
Minneriya
This quaint town is a sleepy little place in the triangle that is famous for being home to Minneriya National Park. With a large number of elephants in the region, taking a safari in the park has become one of the most popular activities in the region. You’re likely to see dozens of wild elephants roaming the park. While elephants are the main attraction at Minneriya, they’re not the only animals to look out for on your safari. From deer and monkeys to more hard to spot animals like leopards and sloths, there is plenty of wildlife in the park.
You’ll have to pay for the park entrance, as well as a jeep for the safari tour. Different tour operators charge different prices, but a safari tour for a group of four costs about $125.
If you have extra time in Minneriya, check out the Minneriya Tank, one of the oldest man-made reservoirs in the country. It dates back to the 12th century and is a peaceful spot to visit.
Polonnaruwa
This town in the triangle dates back to the 11th century and became the second capital of the country after Anuradhapura was destroyed. Polonnaruwa has always been an important trade and commerce hub, and today it’s no different. It’s an excellent place to base yourself for a day or two, especially considering the large population of elephants in the nearby national park.
However, Polonnaruwa’s biggest attractions come from its archaeological sites. Since it served as a capital to a unified kingdom almost a millennium ago, there are plenty of old and ancient structures. Some highlights include Audience Hall, which has well preserved stone carvings of elephants on the walls, and the Sacred Quadrangle, which houses many sculptures and ruins. The archaeological park costs around $25 USD depending on the season.
Kandy
Kandy is the second largest major city in Sri Lanka, right behind Colombo. It’s one of the largest cultural and religious centers in Sri Lanka. After all, it’s the home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, where one of Buddha’s teeth lays after being stolen from the funeral pyre and smuggled to Sri Lanka. Other highlights include the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens and the Kandy Lake.
As it’s one of the cultural capitals of the country, you can find excellent displays of traditional customs and dances. The Kandyan Dance and Drum show is a must-see. It’s an energetic dance where performers are dressed in unique and colorful outfits, and perform traditional dances.
Accommodation in Kandy
Cinnamon Citadel Kandy: This hotel is nestled in the mountains in Kandy, overlooking the beautiful Mahaweli River. With a gorgeous pool and comfortable rooms, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy provides a perfect serene oasis to rest after a long day sightseeing in the Cultural Triangle.
Ella
This little town is the perfect place for those wanting to isolate themselves from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There’s not much one can do in the town itself, but there are a lot of things to see for those willing to hike a bit. Little Adam’s Peak is an easy hike into the nearby mountains that takes about an hour to reach and offers stunning views.
If you’re a morning person, this is a fantastic peak to take in sunrise. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Ella Rock is another recommended trek in the area. Starting at the Ella Railway Station, the hike is approximately 10 kms roundtrip. It can be a little confusing, so make sure you have your hotel or a trusted local map out a clear route for you. This article has clear directions for hiking up.
If you’re looking for a hike that ends in a refreshing dip, check out Diyaluma Falls, the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Another great attraction around Ella is visiting the local tea fields. There are plenty of black and green tea plantations open to tourists. Lipton’s Seat where they grow (you guessed it!) Lipton tea, is definitely worth visiting. This scenic plantation has some of the best views you’ll find on your trip to Sri Lanka.
Tangalle
One of the most beautiful coastlines in the whole country, Tangelle is breathtaking. A narrow strip of white sand melts into turquoise water with palm trees dotting the shore. With a mix of luxury resorts and more budget friendly beachside cabanas, Tangalle has something for every traveler. Some beaches in Tangalle can be too rough to swim so make sure to ask before taking a dip. But fear not, if you’re craving a refreshing splash there are several bays and beaches like nearby Goyambokka that are swim friendly!
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, also known as Dutch Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich and varied history. The fort was originally built by the Portuguese and then fortified by the Dutch who used it as their headquarters. It was then taken over by the British, and then used as a port by Sri Lanka after their independence.
While the fort is over 400 years old, it has been well preserved through several renovations. Today it’s a chic location with plenty of coffee shops, restaurant, shops, and boutiques. The cobblestone streets and architecture of Galle Fort make the town feel more European than Sri Lankan. Definitely pay a visit to the lighthouse and walk along the wall to watch the sun set over the water.
Best Choices for Transportation in Sri Lanka
WithSri Lankan Airlines, getting into Sri Lanka is easy. They fly to over 60 destinations around the world. The airline also have impeccable customer service and a great selection of inflight entertainment.
However, due to Sri Lanka’s significant size, getting around inside of the country can be difficult. Public transport isn’t in the best possible state, so there are a few things to consider when trying to cross the country.
Bus – almost all places are connected by bus, no matter how remote. Travel time is decent most of the time, but driving itself is not. Bus drivers can drive carelessly, and the timetables can change without any notice.
Train – most of the country is connected by train. The negative side is that it’s not too comfortable, and it can take an excruciatingly long amount of time to get anywhere. But it’s definitely worth taking at least once for the experience.
Renting a car – Renting a car is a good option if you’re willing to brave the roads. There are plenty of hazards when driving. The roads themselves may be decent (although there are an insane amount of speed bumps!) but pedestrians, bikes, and tuk-tuks tend to get in the way unexpectedly.
Hiring a driver – Hiring a driver with a private car is a great way to see the country. It’s surprisingly affordable, with some drivers charging only $30-50 USD for a whole day of transportation.
With plenty of unique landmarks and beautiful scenery, Sri Lanka should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. Those that are on a budget will love that they can enjoy some luxury without breaking the bank. Cultures lovers will appreciate the rich history and well preserved ruins. And beach addicts will fall in love with the gorgeous coastline. What will you fall for? You’ll just have to visit and find out!
Mexico is famous for its turquoise blue coastline in the east and rugged beaches in the west, but outdoor lovers might find that the southernmost region of Mexico, the state of Chiapas, is where the real adventure is. Traveling into Chiapas you can start to see the landscape changing, from the dry desert Mexico is known for, to a much more lush, tropical jungle.
We recently visited Chiapas with the team at LifeStraw, the water filtration company that is helping support safe drinking water around the world. The first half of our week was spent installing their LifeStraw Community water filters at rural schools that don’t have access to safe drinking water. It was an incredible project to help document, so be sure to check out our article and video recapping that program!
The rest of our week was spent putting their consumer water filters and bottles to the test around Chiapas! From jungle hikes and river rafting, to scaling ancient Mayan ruins and exploring the contemporary towns. Being able to fill up our bottles at any stream, lake, bathroom sink, and yes, puddle, without the risk of getting sick was so easy!
Here are some of our favorite locations for adventure travel in Chiapas, Mexico:
Adventure Travel in Mexico, watch our video below!
Palenque Mayan Ruins
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the Mayan ruins of Palenque are an absolute cannot miss in Chiapas. These ruins date back to the 7th century and saw the rise and fall of many prolific rulers along the way. While not as big as neighboring ruins like Tikal, there’s still so much to see at Palenque.
Climb the start of the Temple of the Red Queen and wander inside the dark passageways, imagining what it was like for explorers to unearth this for the first time. Next, climb to the top of El Palacio to get an amazing view of the Temple of Inscriptions, which stands over 27 meters high and runs 42 meters deep into the ground!
Around the backside of the archeological site And they believe only 10% has been uncovered, which means over 1000 ruins are likely buried far into the jungle!
We’re not normally tour people, but we really recommend hiring a local guide to take you around the site. These ruins are visually spectacular, but learning about the history of the civilization that ruled here is what really makes it interesting. If you want to do a little homework beforehand, NOVA by PBS has an amazing program on how historians cracked the code of Mayan hieroglyphs and were able to piece together a timeline of the civilization’s history. You can read more about that here: Cracking the Maya Code.
At Palenque, Jules also had a great opportunity to test out the original LifeStraw by taking a drink from one of the muddy puddles on top of the ruins. Needless to say he got some odd looks, but he was also the most hydrated out of the group as Palenque is HOT and doesn’t have many places to fill up safe drinking water.
Agua Azul
Agua Azul is a series of stunning waterfalls about 80 miles from San Cristobal de las Casas. It’s best to visit this site in the dry season, when the water is at its bluest. During this time the high mineral content of the water causes limestone deposits on the rock below, creating a bright shade of blue across the water.
Because of the relatively low slope of the falls, small pools form that you can swim in, or simply laze about for an afternoon. If you’re not looking to get wet, there’s a path you can follow up the side of the waterfall to reach or stunning views.
Misol Ha
This impressive solo waterfall in the Chiapas region is 35 meters high. You can swim in the murky waters below but don’t get to close to the falls, there’s a lifeguard on duty who isn’t afraid to blow his whistle! There’s a cave system behind the waterfall so you can actually walk along the path and feel the spray from just a couple meters away.
If you continue until the end of the rocky path, you’ll find a small cave. Just inside the cave is a man renting flashlights for 10 pesos and beyond him, at the back of the cave are….bats! Lots and lots of bats! If you have any sort of fear of these nocturnal creatures, I would avoid it. But if you’re chill with bats, head back and enjoy the cool, dark cave!
Lacanja River Rafting
Before we went on our river rafting trip, the excursion was described to us as a lazy day floating down the river, with no actual rapids. While it’s true that we didn’t come across any “rapids”, we did have to contend with small waterfalls that sent us bounding down the river. And it was an absolute blast!
We went cruising down the Lacanja River with our local guides who were fearless in navigating the 2-3 meter drops. We ended up with a mouthful of water and I ended up in Jules’ lap at one point, but it was so worth it. During the quiet parts of the river, it was lovely to kick back and feel completely enveloped by the trees and wild plants around us.
After the river we went on a walk through the jungle, stopping by a small ruin that seemingly came out of nowhere. Our guides called it part of la Cuidad Perdida, which means ‘The Lost City’. In the middle of literally nowhere, it’s easy to see how they city was lost. It was an awesome reminder that ruins like these are hidden all over.
After finishing our tour with the guides we had a hilarious exchange where we gifted them a couple of LifeStraw products to try out and keep. They were extremely hesitant to try them out, but after seeing us use them in the river they gave it a shot. They were really surprised that the water tasted just like ‘normal’ water and especially interested in know it was now filtered and safe to drink.
Yaxchilan Ruins
The only way to get to these off-the-beaten track ruins is by boat, which just adds to the adventure. You’ll board the boat at Frontera Corozal and ride along the Usumacinta River, which acts as the border between Mexico and Guatemala. The boat ride takes about half an hour, but try not to sleep, because there’s plenty to see along the way. Aside from the gorgeous tropical landscape, you may get lucky and see a cayman or two lounging on the riverbed.
Once you arrive at the dock, its a short walk past the entrance to get to the ruins. Yaxchilan are some of our favorite ruins in southern Mexico, because you really do feel like Indiana Jones trekking through the jungle and coming across a clearing of incredible stone structures.
There are three main areas of structures, the first of which has a maze-like interior that is full of bats! The entire site is lush and green. At the top of the trees you can watch spider monkeys swing from branch to branch and hear the howler monkeys defending their territory with dinosaur-like screams.
This is just a short list of all the adventure activities in Chiapas you can do. Our guides in the Lancandon region also told us about overnight excursions through the jungle that require machate-ing your way through the brush. We’ll definitely be back!
What to Pack for an Adventure in Mexico
LifeStraw Filter or Bottle– Not only do you help reduce your single-use plastic for the environment, but you can also fill up wherever the adventure takes you. Stopped off at a dirty looking bathroom? Only got a muddy puddle in front of you? You’ll never get caught out without access to safe drinking water when you’ve got your LifeStraw product.
Plus, more importantly, for every LifeStraw product sold, the company donates one year of safe drinking water to a child in need. This program has singlehandedly provided tens of thousands of children in rural areas with safe drinking water, and was the whole reason we were down in Mexico to begin with!
Mosquito Repellent– If you’ve got sweet blood, the mosquitos are going to find you! Those buggers are out in the jungle in full force!
NO-AD SPF50 Sunscreen – Most of these adventure activities have you in the sun for hours. When you’re walking up and down the ruins at Palenque, exploring the ground, there is very little shade cover. Avoid getting burnt like toast! We’ve always used NO-AD sunscreen because it’s extremely affordable and works exactly like the expensive sunscreens.
Lightweight Pants – Travel pants may not be the most Instagrammable item of clothing you own, but they’ll save you from bug bites and scratches from brush in the jungle. They’re light, fold up small and also dry quickly. They really are the most practical item of clothing to travel with, even if they can be a bit bland.
Lonely Planet Mexico – Why stop at visiting Chiapas? Mexico is an incredible country with an infinite amount of places to visit. From the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan peninsula to the incredible cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico has it all!
Travel Adapter – Most US based cords will work in Mexico, but sometimes you’ll only find the two prong outlets which won’t work for computer chargers, etc. The all-in-one adapters work particularly well because they also have USB outlets, so you can charge multiple devices at once. We’ve traveled with a few of this brand and have never had any problems.
Travel Insurance! – If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times. You never know what’s going to happen out there, and you don’t want to blow your savings because you weren’t prepared. Get travel insurance! It has saved our butts a number of times over the years! From a lost camera in Indonesia, to Christine being hospitalized with dengue fever in Cuba.
This trip and article was in collaboration with LifeStraw, a company that we’ve always supported and purchased products from, years before we worked with them. All opinions and thoughts are our own.
Growing up in the United States, where getting clean water was as easy as going to the kitchen, I didn’t think a lot about the issue of safe water. Water came from the tap, into a glass and then into my mouth. It wasn’t until I started traveling that I realized how privileged I was, just for the simple fact that I had access to safe water. Around the world, people struggle with access to this most basic human need. I didn’t quite grasp the magnitude of this issue until I started reading some pretty scary statistics.
Let me throw some numbers at you:
844 million people around the world don’t have access to safe drinking water
31% of schools around the world don’t have access to safe water
443 million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths under the age of 5 worldwide is due to a water-related disease. That last statistic is especially heartbreaking considering how preventable a lot of these diseases are, if only the child had access to safe drinking water.
LifeStraw Partnership
It’s pretty apparent that safe drinking water is crucial for the health and education of children around the world. That’s why we’re SO excited to partner with LifeStraw, a water filtration company that is working to give developing communities access to safe water.
For every product sold, they provide one child with safe drinking water for an entire school year. Through their Doing Good program they’ve installed their LifeStraw Community filters in schools in Kenya and are currently expanding their program. With a handful of other bloggers and photographers, we were lucky enough to be invited to document their inaugural school visits in Chiapas, Mexico! The plan was to spend the first half of our trip visiting schools and the second half putting the personal filters to the test while traveling around the region.
We started the week in San Cristobal de las Casas, a city that Jules and I know pretty well. We stayed there for 2 months in 2013, posting up in a one room apartment near the historic city center. At that point our blog was just a baby, and visiting the city again on such a dream work trip really cemented for us just how far we’ve come. After all, our partnership with LifeStraw fit Don’t Forget To Move to a T; perfect mixture of adventure travel and responsible tourism.
LifeStraw in Mexico
Our first day in San Cristobal was spent learning about the filters, their function and how to set them up. Although we were eager to start the school visits, this introduction was very insightful and showed us that LifeStraw takes this process very seriously. The small conference room was filled with the local and international LifeStraw team, members of Chiapas Department of Health, filter distributors and a small group of us bloggers, photographers and videographers.
LifeStraw explained why safe drinking water is such an important issue in this area. Unlike the north of Mexico, which is dry, the south of Mexico has plenty of water. Unfortunately more than 90% of that fresh water is contaminated. Back home it’s common for a small amount of chlorine to be put into drinking water to kill contaminants, but the local indigenous population here is against this because of their traditions. LifeStraw is a great solution for these communities, because most of the water contamination is microbiological (ie. from bacteria and viruses) as opposed to chemical, which is exactly what LifeStraw can filter out!
Coming from a non-profit background, Jules and I can be pretty critical of any type of giving back program. There’s a current trend for companies to add some sort of “giving back” angle to their business model. Whether their intention is to actually make a positive impact or just sell more product, it can be hard to tell. With LifeStraw, there’s absolutely no question, their first priority is to bring safe drinking water to communities around the world!
One of the things that solidified our trust in LifeStraw is the company’s history. To give you a bit of background, LifeStraw started from their parent company, Vestergaard. Vestergaard developed a technology to filter out Guinea worm larvae from water. From over 3 million cases in the 1980s, today, the LifeStraw filter has helped reduced cases of Guinea worm to only 25. In the next few years, this will be only the second disease eradicated in the world, and the first without a vaccine. That’s pretty darn impressive.
So to say that LifeStraw knows what they’re doing in regard to public health is an understatement. By partnering with the local government, LifeStraw also insures the longevity and sustainability of the program. With locals partners it means there are people on the ground for maintenance in case anything breaks. It also means that the local LifeStraw team can work directly with the Department of Health to install new filters around the region. No need for international staff to fly in, no need for voluntourists to come help out. It’s simply the community helping the community.
And that’s what we really loved about this trip. There was no BS. No one from LifeStraw inflating our egos or making us international bloggers feel like we were being flown in to save the day. Our role was simply to document and share with our audiences to spread the word. The real work was done by the local staff of LifeStraw, the government officials and the staff and volunteers at each school.
LifeStraw School Visits
Not that we didn’t stick out like sore thumbs as two fair skinned blondies. The moment we stepped out of the van we were swarmed by dozens of children, all dressed in traditional Mayan clothing. They climbed on Jules and examined my hair, asking me if it was “pintada” (painted). I think they were pretty disappointed when I told them yes, it’s dyed! Despite their enthusiastic and inquisitive questions we tried our best to redirect their attention to the LifeStraw presentation given by Rodrigo, Julio and Jorge – the local staff members of our group.
One of the teachers stepped in to translate from Spanish to the local Tzotzil language. The presenters did an incredible job teaching the kids about the importance of safe water and quizzing them with hygiene questions like “how long should you wash your hands for?” One kid shouted out “2 hours?!” I like your enthusiasm kid, but that’s a little overkill.
The children were trained on how the LifeStraw Community water filter works and two kids were chosen to be “Guardian Angels,” helpers to maintain the filter throughout the school year. Then they all lined up, not quite one by one (let’s be honest, it was a mad rush) to taste a glass of the safe, filtered water. The response was incredible. They were so excited to have water that tasted fresh.
And the great part is, LifeStraw doesn’t just drop off filters and hope for the best. The team on the ground schedules regular visits to the schools to ensure everything is working well and that the filters are being used correctly. Within 2 days, the 3 teams on the project reached 16 schools and provided over 2,500 school children with access to clean drinking water.
Reality of Impact
While those are some pretty incredible numbers, it can be hard to really understand the impact on the ground. It wasn’t until our visit to the last school that it really hit me. They had just finished the presentation and the kids were gathering their backpacks to head home for the day. One of the members of our team pulled us aside to show us something.
He held up a cup of unfiltered water from the tap, where the kids normally get their drinking water. Placing the clear cup on the table, we were able to look down and see two tiny squiggles moving around in the water. It took me a second to realize these were living organisms and not my eyes playing tricks on me. Julio explained that these were mosquito larvae and it wasn’t surprising to see them considering the water source was a stagnant underground container.
Although it’s unlikely those larvae wouldn’t cause harm if ingested, mosquito infested water can be a sign of far more harmful organisms like parasites. This shocking visual was a reminder that the project isn’t just some feel good service project, it’s a crucial program for public health.
And it doesn’t stop there. Better public health can lead to higher graduation, especially for girls who are often tasked with staying home from school to take care of sick siblings. Providing access to safe drinking water can have a snowball effect on the community. Better health means more school days for children and more work days for adults, which means a better educated and more economically prosperous community. Not to sound cheesy, but these filters do more than just give safe water, they give people a chance to live healthy, happy lives.
What Can We Do?
So now that you’ve seen what a HUGE impact LifeStraw is having in Mexico and around the world, I bet you want to know how you can help! If you’ve ever felt a calling to help out abroad, this is your chance! Here are some actionable things you can do to spread the word and support the mission:
o Purchase LifeStraw products, so you can help give one child, one school year of safe drinking water! Shop LifeStraw on Amazon or on their site directly.
o Follow LifeStraw social media or sign up for their email list at Lifestraw.com to stay up to date with their progress.
o Like, forward, share the posts to spread the message to friends and family.
This sponsored post was written in collaboration with World Expeditions. As always, all opinions are our own and we would never promote a company, brand or service that we did not fully support or use ourselves.
Although small in size, Costa Rica is teeming with incredible opportunities for outdoor lovers. From the gorgeous Caribbean beaches to lush rainforest, the landscape of Costa Rica is diverse and unparalleled. Costa Rica famously got rid of their army 70 years ago, allowing for part of their defence budget to be transferred to environmental protection. Over 95% of its electricity is now generated from green energy sources.
All of this makes Costa Rica a sustainable travelers paradise and one of our favorite countries! The lush jungle interior is pristine and the beaches are clean, especially when compared to some of those in other Central American countries. On top of all this, it’s also very easy to get around in Costa Rica, which makes traveling to all these beautiful locations even easier.
Because of this, there are a variety of amazing treks available for travelers. If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable tour company, we recommend World Expeditions for your Costa Rica hiking tours. With their team of professional guides, World Expeditions has tours for each of these treks.
Here are our four best Costa Rica hikes and their corresponding tours:
Adventure lovers should be excited to trek Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. Located in the heartland of the country, this area is characterized by its scenic mountain landscape dotted with local farming villages.
Starting in the town of Esquipulas you can begin your trek into the rainforest covered Central Highlands. This incredible tour features adventuring across the highlands region by hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking.
Talk about mixing it up! You’ll also get a taste of the Costa Rican culture by visiting local indigenous villages and coffee plantations. But be warned, this trek is not for the faint of heart. River crossings and steep, slippery trails will get any traveler’s blood pumping. But those that are up to the challenge will be rewarded with incredible views of the Pacific and Caribbean oceans (sometimes at the same time!)
You can’t hike Costa Rica without paying a visit to one of the country’s most famous sights, Arenal Volcano. An active volcano, Arenal was sputtering hot lava up until very recently – 2010! While you can’t climb the volcano itself (you never know when it could erupt!), there are plenty of treks you can take around the volcano in Arenal Volcano National Park.
The park has four trails of varying difficulty where you can see views of Lake Arenal and lava flows from previous eruptions. If you’re not scared of heights, we highly recommend checking out the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a 2 mile series of suspension bridges with views of the lake and volcano.
Up on the bridges you not only feel encompassed by the lush flora of the park, but you have a better chance of spotting local animals that make the treetops their home like sloths, toucans and monkeys. After a long day of hiking, you’ll be happy to know that the park is also home to natural hot springs you can relax your muscles in.
Another well known natural attraction you can’t miss if you’re hiking Costa Rica is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Monteverde is known as one of the most dramatic cloud forests in the world. The forest is almost constantly shrouded in cloud cover (I say almost because when we visited, it was actually sunny!).
Because of this, an incredibly wide variety of plants and animals are able to thrive in this habitat. Over 100 species of mammals call the park home, including sloths, tapir, deer and howler monkeys, infamous for their dinosaur-like roars. Lucky travelers can even spot endangered animals like jaguars, pumas and ocelots.
Unfortunately, the Monteverde Cloud Forest could come under threat by climate change in the coming years. Studies suggest that a reduction in cloud cover could make the temperatures rise, disrupting the hydrological cycle that make the forest so unique. This is just another example of why it’s so important to travel sustainably so we can protect these destinations for future generations.
Last, but certainly not least, you can’t visit Costa Rica without hitting up the beach. Manuel Antonio National Park has some of the best beaches in the country. Located on the Pacific coast, the park is known for its white sand beaches that trail off onto Costa Rica’s iconic lush forest.
There’s plenty to do in the park, whether you’re interested in hiking to waterfalls or just relaxing by the ocean. A variety of trails can lead you to different viewpoints and beaches. Most visitors stay on the Playa Manuel Antonio beach, so if you’re up for something more secluded, don’t miss Playa Gemelas.
Just a half hour walk from the main entrance on the Playa Gemelas trail, this quiet beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic. Just watch out for the local monkeys who may want a nibble of your food! The rock formations can make swimming a bit difficult here, so be extra careful.
Ever dreamt of waking up on the Tanzanian plains, looking out towards the rising sun, to see wild African animals walking across the horizon? Now, ever wanted to experience this trip for FREE?
Well you’re in luck! This October we’re teaming up with Yellow Zebra Safaris as their official ambassadors, to offer a lucky influencer the chance to experience a luxury safari in Tanzania for two, for FREE!
And just because the peeps at Yellow Zebra Safaris are feeling extra generous, they’re going to include round trip airfares and accommodation for you both! (UK and Ireland based bloggers will be fully covered, everywhere else around the world you’ll get up to $1500 towards flights, with everything else all-inclusive!)
That’s right, they’re giving away a trip worth well over $12,000 to two lucky people! And you could be in the running for a once in a lifetime opportunity to be amongst Earth’s most majestic animals on your very own Tanzania safari.
Yellow Zebra Safaris, voted Europe’s Leading Safari Tour Operator four years running, have been designing premium safaris and trips across Africa since 2012. The team is not only passionate about offering an incredible safari, but also conservation and education for the protection of the region, animals and local communities. And now they want you to experience it on them!
To enter, all you have to do is write a blog post about your favorite travel trip and tell us why you’d love to experience a Tanzania safari with Yellow Zebra Safaris. The competition runs from October 1st until October 31st, with the winner being announced on November 28th.
Throughout the month of October we’re going to be encouraging you all to enter, as well as reposting and sharing some of our favorite stories to our expansive audience.
Here are the official details on how to enter!
Step 1: Write!
Write a blog post about thebest trip you’ve ever been on! This could be a trip you’ve recently come back from, or something you did back in your heyday. All you have to do is write about one of your all time favorite travel experiences. Pretty simple yeah?
In the same post, include a paragraph or two on why you’d love to experience a Tanzanian safari with Yellow Zebra Safaris. Maybe you’ve always dreamt of watching a herd of gazelles stride across an African plain, or a pride of lions stalk their next victim. Or maybe you’ve got your eye on that infinity pool that looks overlooks the Serengeti. In your post, be sure to include a link back to the Yellow Zebra Safaris Tanzania page at https://yellowzebrasafaris.com/tanzania/
Step 2: Share It!
Share your entry on an Instagram post, telling us about your best holiday using the hashtag #TanzaniaWithYZS
Step 3: Share it With Us
Let our amazing friends at Yellow Zebra Safaris know you’ve entered the competition by emailing them a link to your article and Instagram post at yz@yellowzebratravel.com.
And while you’re at it, be sure to tag us in any stories you share. It’s not an entry requirement, but we’d love to choose some of our favorites to share across our network of over 250,000 followers! You can tag us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @dontforget2move.
For more information, as well as terms and conditions, be sure to visit the official Yellow Zebra Safari competition entry page on their website.
Five Reasons You’ll Love a Tanzania Safari with Yellow Zebra Safaris
And now, just in case you need any more convincing to enter this incredible competition, here’s four more reasons why you’ll love a luxury safari experience with Yellow Zebra Safaris.
1. Along with phenomenal reviews, these guys have been seriously accredited and backed by the travel community. For the last four years running they’ve won Europe’s Leading Safari Tour Operator at the World Travel Awards. They’ve also been featured and recommended in National Geographic and countless other publications.
2. Yellow Zebra Safaris don’t just run amazing safaris, they also help support communities and conservation efforts in Africa, by donating directly to local charities and community development groups. They’re deeply passionate about charity projects, and it shows from the amount of money they’ve helped raise since they were formed.
3. The specialists at Yellow Zebra Safaris are serious experts. They are recognized as some of the leading experts in the industry. They are all ex-professional guides, camp managers or were born and raised in Africa. Their vast knowledge will mean you are in safe hands when booking a safari.
4. There are so many different times of year that you can experience a Tanzania safari! (If you’re the competition winner you’ll visit Tanzania in October, which is a fantastic time to experience a safari in Tanzania). For everyone else, we know that finding some time to travel can be tough. You might not get holiday time during the peak travel season when everything’s on offer, but with Yellow Zebra Safaris you don’t have to worry, as they will help you find amazing experiences there all throughout the year.
5. The accommodation! Ok so I know you’re there to see wild animals, but hey, you’ve got to stay somewhere, so you might as well make it luxurious. Beautifully decorated rooms lead out onto balconies overlooking stunning views of the diverse landscape. After a long day exploring the safaris, rest easy knowing you’re coming back to an incredible place to spend the night.
At every stage in a travelers life they should experience group travel. While solo backpacking, or couple travel, can be rewarding in its own right, there’s nothing quite like exploring a new destination or activity with a group of friends.
Whether you arrange a trip with your closest friends, or join a tour company, traveling with other people helps create new friendships and solidify old ones. The new experiences help create lifelong memories and bonds between people that extend well beyond your trip. No matter what type of traveler you are, here are a few top reasons you should travel in a group.
Benefits of Group Travel with Friends
One of the best things about traveling as a group is being able to share all the wonderful new experiences with some of your closest friends. Back home you’ve got your everyday memories together from school or work or social events, but now you’re off gallivanting around the world making stories that you’ll never forget.
Move over hilarious story about the time Susan slipped over at work, let’s replace that with something slightly more interesting. How about an exciting trip to the party island of Thailand for a half moon party in Koh Phangan?
Forget about the time Will threw his school books off the library roof, now Will is legendary for doing a backflip off the second story guesthouse into the pool… responsibly of course. Traveling as a group will not only solidify your friendship, but you’ll be reminiscing about those memories for years to come.
Making New Friends when Traveling as a Group
A lot of people don’t have a group of friends that are willing to pack up and take off on a three month trip around Southeast Asia. Some of them might not even want to pop over to Bali for a week long holiday, so you have to branch out and find a group to travel with.
Organizing a group tour can be an easy way to find a likeminded group of people to travel with. It takes the pressure off having to go out and find travel buddies. And it also allows you to be social and share experiences with people while you’re traveling.
Some on my closest friends over the last few years are people I’ve met while traveling as a group. Back in 2015, when we were traveling with a group of people in Thailand for two weeks, we became so close that we all decided to get matching tattoos (true story!). To this day we still stay in touch and we may or may not have added to our matching tattoos (spoiler alert, we did!).
Traveling with new friends gives you the chance to get really close to them, really quick. You spend more time with these new friends in a week than you probably do with people back home for months. Plus the memories and stories you make together will now bond you for life. Everything is accelerated when you’re traveling and spending 24/7 with someone, so friendships become deep really fast.
Imagine spending a week with someone traveling the Nusa Islands in Bali, everyday more exciting and adventurous than the last. During the day you swim through waterfalls, zip around on scooters, relax on beaches and explore local temples together. While each night you sip on Bintang beers and share stories from other travels or back home. Adventures + cheap beer = best buds for life!
Group Travel as a Couple
Just because you’re in a relationship, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of traveling with a group. In fact, sometimes connecting with a group tour is the perfect way to branch out and for you and your partner to meet new people.
When you’re traveling as a couple, it can be a bit more difficult to meet new travel friends naturally. When you’re solo, you’re generally a lot more open to meeting other people on the road. Because you’re alone you put more effort into being social and it’s easier to meet and spend time with other solo travelers.
However, when you’re traveling as a couple, sometimes its hard to find new travel friends. Other solo travelers see you and your significant other as unapproachable. They might think you would prefer to spend time with your partner, even though you’re hanging around a bar waiting to make new friends.
Both Christine and I are extremely social people, so we enjoy meeting new travel buddies. We love the fact that travel brings you closer to people and lets you connect with others from different walks of life. When we travel we sometimes found it hard to meet people in hostels and guesthouses or while going out. We often find ourselves connecting with other couples, but even that can be challenging at times.
Traveling in a group, even as a couple, gives you the added bonus of being with your partner, but also being able to hang out with a bunch of new potential friends. It also stops you from having to spend 24/7 with your partner, which can cause problems on its own. Not that Christine and I ever want to kill each while traveling of course….
Managing Group Travel Expectations
One of the hardest things about traveling in a group is trying to manage everyone’s different expectations and needs. Some people are early risers, some party until the break of dawn. Some like history and culture, others are more into lazing about on the beach and sipping cheap cocktails.
No matter how hard you try, it’s always going to be difficult to travel as a group and please everyone. That’s why it’s important to manage group expectations and learn to compromise.
The best way to avoid any potential problems is to have open and honest discussions within your group about the activities they want to do. Let people voice their expectations and try to either work out a compromise or an easy way to split up for the day.
You might find it’s as easy as half the group spending the day at a museum or temple, and half the group going to explore the local market. You can coordinate a time to meet up later in the day and everyone wins. That keeps the group happy and your friendships intact!
Regardless of how you approach group travel, with friends, solo or as a couple, you’re bound to have an amazing time! Having people to share your travel experiences with helps you relive them for years to come. It also means you’ve got some travel buddies that are ready for the next group trip when it comes around!
Being in a relationship is an incredible experience, but with the territory comes some hard conversations. One of the least enjoyable, but most important conversations, is the money talk. Debt, savings, financial goals, all of these can be awkward to discuss, especially early on in a relationship. So when Intuit Turbo challenged us to break the taboo about money conversations by going on Facebook Live to share how we handle finances as a couple, we were a little hesitant.
You’re always taught as a child that it’s rude to talk about money in public. But that mentality just increases the shame and stigma surrounding financial health. It leaves most of us with questions about whether we’re making the right money moves or if we’re potentially putting ourselves in a worse financial situation. Opening up the conversation allows us to gain some insight into how we’re really doing.
Breaking the Money Talk Stigma… LIVE!
So while we weren’t ready to post our tax returns on Facebook for all to see, we were happy to pull back the curtain a tad to help reduce the stigma of talking about money openly. Before we reveal how it felt to go on Facebook live and answer questions like “how are you paying for your wedding,” we’ll give you a little background on ourselves.
Our Background
Jules and I have been together since 2012. Our relationship is anything but typical. We met while volunteering in Peru and began traveling full time together. Because of this, our first “real” money talk was pretty early on in our relationship. Because we were traveling together, we had to be open and honest about our savings and spending budget. We couldn’t have one of us ready to splurge on fancy hotels and meals, while the other was down for cooking rice and beans at a hostel. Luckily in those days we were both broke budget travelers, so we were on the same page for budget!
Although we had our own savings, we were spending a lot of our money on the same accommodation, meals and travel. Instead of keeping track of who was spending what, we decided to combine a portion of our money. We marked this milestone in the most adult way possible- we bought a coin purse shaped like a duck and each put in an equal amount of money. Whenever we bought something together it came out of the duck. This made spending much easier and took the guesswork out of who owed who. Plus it was fun carrying around a bright yellow duck.
Eventually we started the blog together, which became our full time business. So not only were we traveling as a couple full time, but we were also working together full time. In a way, this made our finances easier because we opened a joint bank account and put all of our shared income in it. We each still have individual savings, but most of our bills come from our joint account. Of course, most couples don’t work together so this wouldn’t make sense for everyone. But since we both work full time on our business, we don’t stress about who is contributing more money, it’s all equal.
Now that we’re engaged it makes even more sense that our finances are combined. While we love traveling, we’re starting to plan to be more settled in the future. Eventually we’d like to own a house and start a family. Of course travel will always be a priority for us, so we’ll have to keep money aside to continue that passion.
The Facebook Live
During the Facebook Live we sat down with financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and Jamie Belsky from Intuit Turbo. We started the chat with some rapid fire questions and Farnoosh did not hold back! We found out that Jules and I both think the other is the bigger spender (him on big items, me on small impulse buys). I had to admit that I’m more likely to be late on a bill! Jules had to admit to being tempted to buy each new drone that hits the market!
Then we got into some deeper questions about how we approach our finances as a couple, how we split expenses and our strategy for tackling debt and saving for the future. We’re not gonna lie, it was a bit nerve-wracking talking about our finances in front of a live audience. Personally, I’ve always felt intimidated by finances. Even now that we’re making a good living from our blog, the idea of saving for retirement or making investments has me wanting to stick my head in the sand. Thinking about finances just makes me wish I was a kid again. Why is adulting so confusing?!
But the thing is, if we don’t talk about this important things, they’ll continue to be scary concepts that we’ll never understand. When we open up the dialogue and aren’t afraid to ask questions, that’s when we can break down these fears and start to feel more confident about our finances. About 15 minutes into the chat, Jules and I started to feel more comfortable having our money talk and, dare I say, even had fun! Having access to a financial expert like Farnoosh was such a gift (seriously, this lady knows her stuff!).
Takeways from the Live
Farnoosh gave us some great tips and advice, including how important it is to have money that is “yours,” “mine” and “ours.” At the moment Jules and I pool almost all of our money together. Separating a bit each month for our individual personal spending would be a great way to regain some financial independence and eliminate any guilt for spending “our” money. Farnoosh also expanded on the importance of knowing our household income, which can be a bit of a confusing to figure out, especially if you have multiple income streams.
That’s where Turbo’s free app on income, credit score and debt to income comes in. This app allows you to collate all your financial information (household income, credit score and your debt to income ratio) in one place. You can upload your tax returns, as well as input any extra income manually (shout out to all those side hustlers out there!). Taking these three markers of financial health into account, the app then provides you with custom advice on any improvements. It’ll also provide insight into how you’re doing financially compared to other users like you. Because who doesn’t like some healthy competition?
Check out the Facebook live below!
The biggest takeaway for us was the importance of staying on top of your finances. Talking about money can lead to a lot of different emotions. But as a couple, if we’re not open and honest about our financial status, it can become an even greater source of shame and frustration. Farnoosh advises checking your finances everyday. This may seem excessive to some, but the more you familiarize yourself with your financial status with tools like the new Turbo app, the more confident you’ll be to make those important decisions!
America might be best known for its thriving cities, but its environmental side offers some of the most dazzling sights of natural diversity in the Western world. The country contains every type of landscape you can think of. From mountains and canyons to swamps, beaches and deserts, each of are which beautiful and staggering in their own way.
Getting a US Visa
Anyone who wants to explore the United States needs to apply for a US tourist visa. For many nations this is a fairly simple process and can be done via the official ESTA application form. The US visa application is relatively quick and straightforward.
Once that’s out of the way, the United States is sprawling with thousands of national, state, and local parks, and an overall natural beauty to be found everywhere you turn. The question is, with such a massive country, where to begin? One way of covering many of the best spots is by going to any number of UNESCO sites, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
The Everglades
The Southern region of the United States is best known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, thirty miles south of Miami lies the Everglades, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. With thousands of different species of birds, amphibians and reptiles (most notably alligators, which are not your friends), the biology lover will find a vast array of animal life to watch out for.
If you come during the winter months, the morning fog is so thick, and the trees are so lush that it truly creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the States. The landline is so flat that without buildings and billboards in the way, a horizon can appear many miles away, like an ocean on land. This gives off a surreal impression when combined with the mist of the fog and the sounds of hundreds of birds chirping.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smoky Mountains are located near the south end of the Appalachian Trial. This storied, 2,000-mile mountain range stretches from Georgia to Maine contains breathtaking peaks throughout the trial. While it would be difficult to find a part of the Appalachian Trail which is not stunning, walking the entire trail takes hikers several months to go from one side to the other. Thus, the Smokey Mountain Park receives special recognition for its location, its beauty, and its relative ease to reach.
It’s found bordering North Carolina and Tennessee, which is not quite in the actual Appalachia region, so there are a larger number of airports, highways, and city hubs that will allow you to have an easier time traveling there. Once you get there, it’s important in the summer months to carry at least a liter of water with you at all times. In fact, you can be ticketed for being on the trail without water. Due to its high altitude, the winter months are also challenging.
If you plan to camp there, make sure you or someone you are with is experienced and prepared. Otherwise, dozens of activities are available in and around the UNESCO site; dozens of outdoor activities, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and of course, the luscious mountain peaks that await those determined enough to make it to the top.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park can be found not far away from either the Smokey mountains or the Everglades. All of these locations, despite their respective massive sizes, all exist within a 10 hour drive of each other, yet provide the outdoorsy type an incredible variance of sights and outdoor experiences. Located in Brownsville, Kentucky, the cave spans so many thousands of miles that its true length is still being uncovered by geologists today. Estimated to be around 390 miles long, the cave can be explored with trained guides to avoid any incidents in which adventurers get in too far over their head.
This is a destination to avoid during the summer months because the heat mixed with the humidity equates to an uncomfortable outdoor experience regardless of the ruggedness of the tourists. However, during the fall and spring months in particular, caves offer a unique sense of natural beauty that is easy to avoid but difficult to find unless you are seeking it out. Picture the senses overwhelmed by the sound of hundreds of thousands of bats soaring around a naturally echoing inner chamber alongside the enigmatic-looking stalagmites and stalactites. Maybe this vision isn’t for everybody, but to many, it’s alluring and enticing.
As the next section highlights as well, there is an entire ecosystem found exclusively within networks of caves. Only specific environments enable such long spans of caves to even formulate, and the USA’s Rocky Mountain region provides one of the select few instances of these circumstances. Curious adventurers usually begin their journey in Kentucky, the largest and primary entrance to the network of caves. It is advised to never explore these caves without astute advice and accompaniment of a tour guide who is familiar with the biome and blueprint of the caves. The task of exploring even a large portion of this cave network is daunting, if not impossible; this is the largest known cave network in the world, found right on the Southeastern coast of the United States.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
This one compares to Mammoth Cave, paralleled by the natural beauty to be found in caves. The primary difference between this entry and the other three is that Carlsbad Caverns is located across middle America and closer to the West Coast. These caves are resplendent with similar features as the Mammoth Cave, but with a Southwestern aesthetic. In nature, this can be considered something distinctly picturesque; less arborous, less mountainous, with smoother and flatter landscape features. This scenery is considerably different from all of the natural landmarks stretching the East and Southeast. Relative to the East Coast attractions, this site may be a more immaculate spectacle. The flat landscape places a much larger span of the scenery into view, which makes it appear more vast, more daunting.
If each of these profiles of UNESCO sites demonstrate anything, it’s that there is no lack of natural beauty to be found while traveling in the United States. Regardless of which region you decide to explore, there’s always something incredible to witness.
