Hottest Vacation Destinations For The Summer

The 10 Hottest Vacation Destinations For The Summer

Summer is a wonderful time. We always associate this season with vacation. Once you’re ready for a vacation – the hardest decision is to choose where exactly you want to travel, because your vacation decision should fit your desires and salary as well. Take a look at the most popular and interesting spots for your next vacation, maybe you’ll choose the one you like.

1. Malibu, USAIf you like to hear the sound of ocean when you wake up – Malibu is just for you. It’s easy to find a place with an excellent view of the ocean, because almost all hotels are along the main coastal road, Pacific Coast Highway. There are twenty four beaches in Malibu! Zuma and Westward Beach are the most popular among tourists. You can rent paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks and explore Malibu. But this travel spot isn’t only about beaches and sun bathing. You can hike in Malibu Canyon or Solstice Canyon, the view is really impressive.

Do you love wine? Take a wine tour! Malibu has several vineyards and wineries. Wine spots offer tours and also have tasting rooms. You can experience the natural beauty of Malibu and enjoy horseback riding with spectacular views of the landscape. Everyone will find what he/she likes to do in Malibu.

2. DubaiDubai is the city of the future. Once you get there, you’ll understand this. The highest building in the world, huge shopping malls, the most expensive cars on the road, futuristic-looking subway, the most extravagant hotels with the best service, and, of course, every person just needs to see how people could build such an incredible city in the desert. The first thing you should visit is Burj Khalifa, it’s the centerpiece of Downtown Dubai.

There are two observation decks – on the 124th floor and 148th floor. The view is mind-blowing, don’t miss your chance to visit the tallest building in the world. Also you can book a room in Burj Khalifa or in the Armani hotel. Or what’s even better – you can stay in one of the hotels with a view of the Burj. All tourists want to see the Dubai fountains, that are popular and known the world over. The fountains are illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors. Performances are synchronized with Arabic music.

Dubai Marina is one of the most popular marina districts in Dubai and luxurious as well. You can book impressive apartments with a view or just take a walk (seven km of pedestrian walkways) and enjoy the unique lifestyle. There are a lot of yachts for rent.

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island and it looks like palm trees from space. There are a lot of luxurious hotels, where you might like to book a room; but at least treat yourself to a walking excursion on the island. Or a good idea is to rent a helicopter and see this island from the sky.

But Dubai isn’t only a desert. There are a lot of public parks with BBQ areas, children’s play areas, where you can relax and you won’t feel that you’re in desert.

3. Barcelona, SpainBarcelona is perfect for two kinds of people: those who love beaches and sunbathing, and those who love architectural wonders. Such attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Architect Antoni Gaudi made 10 fabulous projects in the city including Casa Vicens, La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, Cascada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella and his crowning achievement La Sagrada Familia church. This church is an unfinished work of Antoni Gaudi, but it looks impressive still. It is one of the world’s top attractions by Tripadvisor.

Gaudi’s Modernist Park Guell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is situated on Carmel hill and Park Guell means a long walk if you take the hop-on-hop-off bus or you can take a taxi that will deliver you to the front gate. Gaudi wanted to make a private garden village with 60 houses, but in 1923 the park became a public place.

And, of course, beaches and seafood… Barcelona beaches are famous because you can spot some monuments there. Interesting architecture is everywhere! And Barcelona is the only place where you can try the tastiest paella with the biggest shrimps you’ve ever seen! Be ready to eat a lot of seafood.

4. San Diego, USASan Diego is a great city for your vacation and a good choice for a family rest. The main attractions for the family are SeaWorld, San Diego and the San Diego Zoo. You can see a great sea show with killer whales, dolphins and sea lions at Seaworld. The san Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in United States. It has all kinds of exotic animals.

San Diego, settled in 1542, is the oldest town in California and one of the most beautiful historical attraction there is Balboa Park. It is over a 1400 acre site with museums, historical buildings, natural vegetation zones, gardens and green space. The architecture is Spanish-Mexican style and will impress every lazy traveller. You can spend the whole day there, have a rest and enjoy the ‘green’ life.

If you like great views – San Diego has some of the finest in the world. There are a lot of restaurants and hotels overlooking the ocean on San Diego Bay (more than 70-miles of coastline!) San Diego’s East Country can offer you some outstanding micro-breweries for your drinking pleasure featuring several varieties of beer.

5. Santorini, GreeceBook your Greek fairy-tale tour now and you won’t regret it! There are a lot of great places in Greece, but Santorini will impress even the professional traveler. It is a volcanic island and you can choose one of the most popular places you like: Fira, Oia and Akrotiri. Oia is famous for its stunning sunset view. But it’s not a problem to take a bus or taxi from Fira and Akrotiri and see the best sunset view ever.

Santorini is famous as well because of its beaches: red, white and black. Choose for yourself! But of course the main advantage of Santorini is their little white houses on the edge of a cliff, it’s the view you’ll never forget. Greek cuisine and tasty homemade wine is easily found in the many tavernas and sidewalk cafes.

6. Positano, ItalyIt’s the next travel destination with colorful buildings on the edge of a cliff. It’s a village on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. It’s considered one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. It’s a perfect place for people who love hiking. If you want to get to the beach you must climb down or you can rent a car or motorbike and get wherever you want and enjoy impressive views at the same time.

Seeing Positano for the first time is breathtaking. You won’t believe the views. Just relax, enjoy Italian food and, of course, the best Italian wine!

7. Santa Barbara, USASanta Barbara is a luxurious travel spot for those who thrive on the night life. State Street Downtown is full of different shops, galleries, restaurants and museums. Stearns Wharf is the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco where you can enjoy seafood and mind-blowing views of Santa Barbara.

If wine tasting and sky-diving are for you, or maybe a top-rated zoo, whale watching, botanic garden then Santa Barbara is your destination. If you want to feel a luxurious life-go to Santa Barbara! BTW for you athletes Santa Barbara is one of the Meccas for beach volleyball – go watch the Spikers in action on East Beach.

8. Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul is a perfect place for coffee lovers. It’s the largest city in Turkey and attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. If you the Golden Gate Bridge in San-Francisco, you need to visit Istanbul and compare its bridge, it’s almost the same.

The Blue Mosque is one of the main attractions in Istanbul. There is a small park nearby where you can have a rest and enjoy a spectacular view. There are a lot of museums you can visit and get to know more about Turkish history.

A lot of travelers visit Istanbul because of the Grand Bazaar where are 5,000 shops (spices, ceramics, jewelry, carpets etc.) And night clubs! If you like dancing till the wee-hours of the morning – then Istanbul is a must place to visit.

9. CambodiaCambodia offers an exotic form of relaxation. It’s been very popular for several years, has well developed facilities and offers the traveler excellent value for the money. It’s a historical destination where you can see enchanting ruins and a blend of cultures.

Angkor Wat is the most exciting travel spot in Cambodia and the largest of all Angkor temples. Bayon Temple is interesting as well. This temple features a sea of over 200 massive stone faces. Even if you see the Egypt Pyramids, Cambodia’s temples and other attractions will impress you even more. Visit Kratie (an extraordinary riverside town) if you want to put yourself in absolutely the best frame of mind. It’s the only place where you can see Irrawaddy dolphins.

Forget the standard hotels, there you can rent a great bungalow and feel like you are in a ‘Tarzan’ movie. Guaranteed Cambodia delivers more adventures than any place you will visit!

10. Lisbon, PortugalLisbon is a great vacation spot for surfers. There are a lot of surf camps and surf lodges. If you wanna meet some professional surfers and get some lessons visit Lisbon. Golden sands, blue waves, local restaurants on the promenade… this is what Lisbon is all about. There are so many beaches it won’t be a problem to find a less crowded one.

If you want to have fun and explore the city, take one of the clanking old trams and reach the top of the steepest hills in the city.

Tourists Don’t Know About Inspiring Secret Places

17 Awe-Inspiring Secret Places That Tourists Don’t Know About

1. Plitvice Lakes, CroatiaThese incredible lakes actually consist of waterfalls composed of 16 different terraced limestone lakes, with gorgeous crystal-clear water flowing from one to the next, making a magnificent structure.

2. Samarkand, UzbekistanSamarkand is as old as Babylon, and houses ancient mosques and the mausoleum of the famous Tamerlane. UNESCO deemed it “Crossroads of Culture”, and this city exemplifies the wondrous Silk Road.

3. Kakslauttanen Hotel, FinlandThese glass domes in the Finnish forest looks like aliens landed there. It makes a warm and vibrant contrast against the stark Arctic background. It is the most romantic place to spend a crisp winter night in a cozy setting.

4. Shoo Cave, ScotlandThis massive seaside cave looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park, but don’t worry, the only thing lurking within its depths is a hidden waterfall that cascades 80 feet into the placid waters below.

5. Green Lake, AustriaIn the winter, this valley is usually a park with a small lake, but when the warmer months come, the valley fills with beautifully clear water to create a surreal and temporary underwater kingdom that feels like a dream

6. Sark, Channel IslandsThis small and rarely visited island in Normandy, France is hard to reach and only has 600 people inhabiting it. The trails are winding and breathtaking – it’s the only place feudalism is alive, and cars are banned.

7. Mons Klint, DenmarkThere are more famous cliffs in Denmark, but this incredible chalk one is a white god in nature. The chalk exists because of the remains of shells from microscopic creatures who lived on the seabed over 70 million years ago. The view from the top must feel like a dream.

8. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Para Valley, BhutanMonasteries are magical places of calm and meditation. This one is parched on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley precariously, but would probably be the most memorable experience of your life.

9. Aescher Hotel, SwitzerlandThis is also a risky hotel to visit, because it’s cut into the side of a cliff. You can only get there by hiking or cable car, and it’s located on the edge of a mountain. The views are amazing – perfect for the more adventurous traveler.

10. Haiku Stairs, HawaiiThis steep hiking trail is more commonly referred to as the Stairway To Heaven, and for good reason. It leads to a stunning view, made easier with the help of wooden stairs, but is still a grueling journey.

11. Lord Howe Island, AustraliaOnly 400 tourists are allowed to visit this beauty per year, preserving its ethereal nature. It’s an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant between Australia and New Zealand, in the Tasman Sea. It’s paradise, with all the flora and fauna imaginable.

12. Alter do Chao, Brazil This town straddles the Amazon rainforest and has an incredible beach which that is a channel of white sand surrounded by water, known as the “Island of Love”, and a huge lagoon called Lagos Verde. You can only get here by canoe, but there’s a plethora of unique animals waiting for you.

13. Deception Island, AntarcticaThere’s a range of activities you can do on this remote island, from exploring the active volcano, to the glorious hot springs. It’s ring shaped, houses hundred of penguins, and can actually help you escape the cold environment with the volcano and hot springs!

4. Meghalaya, IndiaThis is a remote forest in tribal territory that transforms into rivers due to annual 40 feet of rain, but a series of sky bridges help you navigate the flowing environment. Feels like you’re in ‘Avatar’.

15. Antelope Canyon, ArizonaThe brilliant red-orange rocks of this slot canyon in the American southwest is so stunning, it’s hard to believe it’s a natural wonder and not a massive art exhibit. This Navajo paradise will leave you breathless.

16. Oneonta Gorge, OregonThe second slot canyon on our list isn’t even accessible by trail – you have to spend a day walking to winding creek bed with a difficult log jam you have to climb. It’s a hidden waterfall oasis that is the perfect isolated bathing or swimming spot, and it’s a reward for the fit and adventurous.

17. Ijen Volcano, East Java, IndonesiaA volcano that produces molten sulphur which spews blue lava. which become more visible during night time. The atmosphere is otherworldly, but also dangerous. The look of the blue lava at night makes it look like another planet, and one of the most unique locations on this list.

Things to Stop Doing and Start Doing for Yourself

5 Things to Stop Doing and Start Doing for Yourself

Being is a sense of feeling about who you are rather than making changes because you perceive yourself as imperfect

There is a madness in men and women today and it's spilling over to our children too. This madness is our constant need for change — with our relationships, our jobs, our possessions, our education, and our status in life. Striving for something better and never resting until that something is achieved is a modern disease. Competitiveness causes anxiety and stress, ensuring we constantly perceive a state of lack within ourselves and are never satisfied. We are constantly doing, but what if instead we chose to be?

Being vs. Doing
Being is a sense of feeling present to exactly who you are in this moment, rather than doing something to try and make improvements because you perceive yourself or your life as imperfect. It may seem hard at first to make the switch, but the rewards will far outweigh the effort required.

Here are seven ways that you can start being today

1. Decide what is most important to you: Do you live life according to the plans or expectations of others? It might be your parents who decided what path your life should take, or it may be your culture's expectations that you feel obligated to live up to. In order to truly live your being-ness, you need to decide what is most important to you in life and take steps to honour those things. Along with that comes no longer doing the things you think you should do. In this way, you are acting more in alignment with who you are, with your being-ness and not doing what conflicts with your highest values.

2. Choose to be happy in each moment: Many people believe happiness is something that comes from external sources — a job or career, upbringing, finances or partner. I disagree. Happiness is a choice that comes from within. It is a decision you can make from moment to moment. This is living truly from a sense of being. If you expect happiness to be delivered to you by others or an act of serendipity, you'll find yourself pretty unhappy when those expectations are not met. What can you find in this moment to be happy about?

3. Honour your strengths: When you are living your life focusing on your strengths, you are living in being. What you are good at — your strengths — comes naturally to you. The activities you struggle to grasp or never really achieve mastery of are examples of doing that just don't work. Stop telling yourself that you need to be good at everything and focus instead on what lights you up.

4. Reside in the present with an open heart: When you are present to each moment in your waking life with an open heart, you notice the colours, smells, textures and other nuances of life that you would otherwise miss if you were busy worrying about the future. When you move your focus from your head to your heart, you open up a whole new way of being that is centered in love, enjoyment, forgiveness and understanding.

5. Stop beating yourself up over past mistakes: The past is in the past and that's where it needs to remain. There is no value in regret, guilt or shame. Acknowledge that whatever happened is over. Reliving past events and beating yourself up does nothing but bring those problems into the present, keeping the energy of them alive. Similarly, if you believe your best times were in the past, you need to let that belief go. Give yourself permission to create new adventures and achievements from a sense of being vital and alive.

How You Can Get Glowing Skin By Just Eating Healthy

How You Can Get Glowing Skin By Just Eating Healthy

So here is the truth! We spend a lot of time and money to look beautiful. Investing in the latest facials for our skin, which we meticulously plan during the weekend to pamper ourselves. But skin care regimes alone cannot solve the underlying skin issues. "If one really yearns for a spotless glowing skin, then you need to focus your attention on what is on your plate. What is that you consumed throughout the day", informs Fitness Consultant and Nutritionist, Shirin Kapadia who talks about dietary changes one should make to get that glowing skin naturally.

Consume Good Fats

To start off, one usually avoids fats, with the fear that it would lead to weight gain. But that is only the half-truth. So let’s start with understanding a bit about the various fats, saturated fats and unsaturated fats and trans fat (this one, is known on food labels for baked and fried goodies sold over the counter). This is the worst kind of fat that you need to completely avoid by all means. This type of fat, known as hydrogenated fat, is usually used for frying, or as an ingredient in processed foods. 
Trans fats are particularly harmful because they lower the levels of good cholesterol and raise levels of bad cholesterol. Trans fats can be formed when oil goes through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil more solid (known as hardening). They can be found in some processed foods such as biscuits and cakes, where they are sometimes used to help give products a longer shelf life.

Transfat – Completely avoid

•    Baked foods such as cookies, cakes, Pizza ,pie crusts 
•    Snacks such as tortilla chips etc bought off the shelves
•    Fried foods (French fries, vada pav, fried chicken etc)  
•    Margarine

Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature e.g. your butter, margarine and ghee falls into this category (Ghee being an exception and I never recommend eliminating this from your diet for its advantages). Usually fries, cakes, biscuits are made from these fats and are the ones you want to avoid. Simply because these won’t leave you with a wonderful skin, but may result in pimples and acne, not to mention excess weight gain due to high intake with the wrong kind of fat.

Saturated fats  - Restricted intake recommended

•    Animal sources: Coconut, palm and palm kernel oils  
•    Plant sources: Beef, poultry, whole-fat milk, cheese and butter

Unsaturated fats are of two types: the monounsaturated and the polyunsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation. Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood, which can lower your risk of heart diseases and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in monounsaturated fats also contribute Vitamin E to the diet. Olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil fall under this category. In addition to these other sources include avocados, peanut butter, and many nuts and seeds. So if you’re looking at achieving an afterglow on your face, and shine in your hair, then good fats is definitely the way to go.

Healthy fats to be consumed in moderation

•    Handful of almonds, walnuts, macadamia
•    Avocados
•    Cheese
•    Fatty fish
•    Virgin olive oil 
•    Chia seeds
•    Coconut and Coconut Oil
•    Full fat yogurt

Drink plenty of water

Another simple and extremely effective manta for achieving a glowing skin is to drinking plenty of water throughout the day.an average of 2 liters to 2.5 liters is sufficient for an each individual on an average but there is no set rule to follow this number. Also, it’s a good idea to replace all non-water beverages (tea/coffee/alcohol/aerated drinks etc.With water into two times the quantity consumed. Introduce more liquids such as nimboo pani without the sugar of course and very limited salt and coconut water, which are very low in calories and can be very beneficial, especially for those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, also moisturizes the skin from within and contains essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium.so drink up and your skin will thank you for it.

Get that body moving

It's a known fact that exercise is great for your heart, lungs, and mind. But there’s another reason to get moving. Regular exercise is one of the keys to healthy skin. Most of the times we tend to focus on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity, but leave out the fact that anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the working cells throughout the body, including the skin. And it’s also a fact that the skin is indeed the largest organ in our body.

Exercises as per your choice (at least 150 minutes a week or half hour for 3 days a week)

•    Yoga  
•    Zumba
•    Pilates  
•    Aerobics
•    Cardiovascular activity and weight training
•    Playing a sport you enjoy,such as (tennis,cricket,badminton,football etc)