The World’s Best Places for Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is an art in its own right. Some people, like Michael Palin and David Attenborough, seem born into it. Others, like Elvis Dzebic, grow into it. All of them have one thing in common, however, which is that they know where to go for the best shots. So if you fancy yourself a bit of a wildlife photographer, and you have some money to travel, where should you go?

  1. Bristol Zoo Gardens

At Bristol Zoo Gardens in the United Kingdom, you can get up close to some 450 different species of animals from all over the world. Additionally, you can learn a lot about the different animals by attending the expert talks. In the summer, there is huge festival and music event, allowing you to take shots of the perhaps this planet’s wildest animal of all: the human.

  1. Ranthambore National Park

This park in India is one of the country’s most famous attraction for tourists interested in wildlife. In fact, thousands of photographers flock here every year. Do make sure you know what the opening times are, as they change depending on the season. Essentially, you can only enter the park when there is daylight.

  1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park in South Africa is perhaps the best known wildlife park in the world. It is absolutely huge and you can see countless animals in their natural environment. Because this park is so big, it is recommended that you go for a few days, and there is plenty of accommodation available for you to do that. Plus, the guides are very well-trained, so they can tell you exactly where to go and at what time to get the best pictures.

  1. Jasper National Park

Canada’s Jasper National Park is the country’s largest rocky mountain park and you will be able to take some truly unique snaps there, focusing specifically on local wildlife in its natural environment. Again, it is a huge park and spending a few days there is the best option. You can travel into the park using a variety of different means, including horse riding. July and August are peak season, but it is open all year long.

  1. Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo in Australia is the second oldest in the country, and it is home to around 1,800 different animals, including many endangered ones. Between 10.30am and 2.30pm, you can tag along with a guided tour, so that you can see it all.

It can be difficult to decide just where you want to go for the best wildlife photography. You need to think about exactly what it is that you want. If you are most interested in knowing for a fact that you will be able to see animals, then a zoo is perfect for you. If you want to risk not seeing anything but, if you do, catch a truly unique shot, then national parks may be the better option. Either way, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

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Reasons Why India is the Perfect Destination for a ‘Coming of Age’ Trip

It’s becoming a common trend for young high school graduates to take some time off before continuing their academic career. Many choose to use this time to see the world and experience different cultures. India is the perfect place to travel to if you want to wow your senses, and potentially make a difference too.

Visas and Other Paperwork

For many gap year travelers, this may be their first solo traveling experience, and the learning begins well before takeoff. Since this is probably the first experience the young adult has with securing his or her own visa India makes a great starter destination that doesn’t ask its visitors to jump through too many hoops. The process for securing a tourist visa for India is simple, and in many cases the application can be processed online. You can easily find all info on the Indian Visa application form.

A Sensory Experience

When I first traveled to India as a seventeen year old, what struck me the most was that India was just so different, and my senses almost couldn’t keep up with all that there was to see, smell, taste and hear. The country has a smell of its own that for me was really hard to ignore or forget, and the cities are just flooded with bright colors, market stalls, fast moving tuk-tuks, rickshaws, motorcycles, cars, busses and even cows. There are people everywhere!

Food in India is just as striking and different as everything else. From teas to curries, flavors are strong and warm and spiced. Each region will have its own delicacies and flavors, but each dish is sure to tingle your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

As a tourist, your ears are wide open, constantly listening to voices of passerby’s, beggars, and stallholders hoping to sell their goods. Horns are honking, cowbells are rattling, music is playing… and through your ears your heart and brain are being filled by this priceless experience.

Even after a train ride into the countryside, your senses are still going wild with all there is to see, smell, hear and taste. The smallest villages are no exception to India’s spirituality, and they feature temples adorned with colorful plants and paint. Communities burn their trash just outside of their villages so a smokey smell seems to linger in most all areas, and the people will approach tourists openly and kindly.

Related: Urban ladders mission: to beautify homes in India

Making a Difference

During my coming of age trip to India, I had the opportunity to work with a local United World College to help build schools in small rural villages, and I also helped collect and dispose of trash. These are just two examples, but there are countless charity programs that are looking for young volunteers to help with tasks big and small.

For young fresh minds hoping to see more of the world, India is an ideal travel destination. Straightforward visa processes, and the potential to make a difference in the lives of the locals are great incentives. And more importantly, I believe that the way in which India explodes the senses and opens the mind is something truly valuable.

You might also enjoy: 10 Underrated Travel Destinations

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5 Breathtaking Mountains in WA You Must Visit Before You Die

Washington State has several amazing mountains that attract and excite visitors all year round. Gaining access to these natural wonders is simple no matter where you live. You can book complete mountain packages in places as far flung as the Cascades in Washington, to Australian Blue Mountains tours with Dingo Travel. To help you decide where to go, here are all of Washington’s mountains you have to visit:

Mt. Rainier

Mount Rainier, at 14,411 is the tallest mountain in the Cascades, the largest mountain range in Washington State. The Cascades extend from British Columbia in Canada, through Washington, Oregon, to Northern California and includes volcanoes (the High Cascades) and non-volcanic mountains (the North Cascades). Mount Rainer has a very recognizable profile as it is in full view from Seattle, providing a magnificent backdrop for the city.

Mount Rainer is part of a national park that was founded in 1899, and is the most reachable glaciated peak in North America. For tourists, Rainier offers a multitude of unique and spectacular visual delights include: ice-blue glaciers, multicolored flowers, and magnificent waterfalls.

For hikers and climbers, there are dozens of trails for different skill levels climbers: amateur (Disappointment Cleaver), climbers (Kautz Glacier Route) and for the very experienced, Liberty Ridge, is one the top 50 climbs in the U.S.  There are a number of guide companies that will happily take you up Rainier for a fee, or you can for a lesser price make the climb unassisted.

Rainier offers lots of amenities for everyone at Mount Rainer including: gift shops, a visitor center, restaurants, and even a classic lodge. Every year nearly 2 million people visit Rainier.

Mt. St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is in the top two of America’s most active volcanoes, with an elevation of 8,365 feet. In 1980, there was a major eruption that caused a mile–wide crater and took 57 lives. This was the most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. It began putting out ash and steam again in 2004 and it continues today.

Mt. St. Helens and the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest, get tens of thousands of volcano seeking visitors each year and just as many who come because of its abundant outdoor leisure activities, including hunting all year round, mountain biking in the spring and summer, and snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. The climb to the crater rim takes 8 hours and you need to bring boots because it’s rocky and there will be some climbing.

There are a bevy of ways to enjoy the mountain that include everything from hiking to climbing, to even a helicopter ride over and into the crater. To hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens, all climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit. There are also plenty of easy to traverse lower trails call for more info at mshinstitute.org. And with tons of activities for the young people, this mountain is definitely aimed at family entertainment. Be sure to check on any planned activities before you go. Finally there are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area that make great accommodations.

Mt. Adams

Mount Adams glaciers are nearly gone, but at 12,281 feet it is second tallest mountain in Washington State. Because of its more gentle slopes, less experienced climbers choose Mount Adams to climb. The most popular route up the mountain is called the South Spur Route, which is gentle and scenic. To reach the peak, most people, get a permit and spend two days climbing with a break for the night about 3,000 meters up where there is a flat landing. A more difficult route to the top which will take crampons, an ice ax, and the skills to use them, is called the Adam’s Glacier route. If you want to really press it, the route can be travelled in about 14 hours. There are campgrounds near and accessible where you can park to get to Mount Adams.

Mt. Olympus  

Mount Olympus is the tallest and most prominent mountain in the Olympic Mountains in the Western part of the state. It was named by an explorer who thought it looked like the home of the Greek Gods. Although at 7,800 feet it does not meet the height of the original Mount Olympus in Greece, with its heavy winter snowfalls and large glaciers, it is just as majestic. It is also the central attraction of Olympic National Park, which features rain forests, mountain goats and elk herds. For climbers, this mountain requires a big time commitment because of the approach via the Hoh River (two days), a climb to the summit (one full day), coming back down (another day). But the amazing views, lush surrounding and of course the peak, makes it worth it. For the non-climber there are various trails including the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature and the very popular Hoh River-Five Mile Island Trail that is more than 10 miles long and parallels the Hoh River.

Glacier Peak

If your hope is to find a remote place to camp, climb or hike, Glacier Park might be your best choice. With an elevation of 10,541 feet and sitting 70 miles from Seattle, in the middle of a remote 500,000 acre forest, Glacier Park takes you off the beaten track and back to nature. But roughing it has its rewards and in this case they are mind blowing views, great trails and a real chance to get directly in touch with nature. There aren’t many amenities this way, except for a few lodges, so come prepared to rough it, if you plan on staying a while. This means little cell phone access by the way. Hiking is available for all level hikers with numerous trails that take you through the park and up the mountain a bit. While climbing is strictly for the experienced.

 

 

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10 Underrated Travel Destinations to Visit

Huangshan is one of the world's Underrated Travel Destinations
Photo by CC user davelau on Flickr

When I hear somebody doesn’t like traveling, I just refuse to understand it. Some people do it because they long for adventures, or because of their business, or because they want to meet a Russian lady for marriage. Doesn’t matter. What I know for sure, certain gateways are famous while others remain unnoticed by most travelers. Let’s have a look at the top 10 unconventional places to see!

1. Huangshan, China

If you are a hiking- camping-addict or just in love with nature, this place is definitely worth the attention of travelers. A picturesque mountain range is found 300 km away from Shanghai, one of the most populous and lively cities of China so you can kill two birds with one stone.

2. Rumbur Valley, Pakistan

It is the smallest of three valleys populated by Kalash people, one of the ethnic minorities of Pakistan. You should prepare for challenges as this area offers almost no tourist amenities but you will be able to immerse in a unique local culture and marvel at wild landscapes instead.

3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, USA

The Sierra Nevada is a stunningly beautiful mountain range famous for its diverse wildlife. So we’ve got two great recreational areas. I genuinely don’t know any person who wouldn’t be excited about seeing giant sequoias; moreover, there are a great many other tree and animal species.

4. Ulan Bator, Mongolia

The capital city of Mongolia is surely not the world’s most romantic gateway nor is it the center of civilization. But is you want to explore the unknown parts of East Asia, why not take such a trip? This area is rich in ancient relics and architectural monuments and, of course, natural attractions.

5. Scottish Highlands

Braveheart (1995) isn’t historically accurate yet it makes you fall in love with the Highlands. Well, the region is too big to outline anything right now. There are rocks, there are old towns, there are lakes and a plenty of other great things. Choose what you want and move out!

6. Pyongyang, North Korea

North Korea seems to be a less popular destination than the neighboring countries. Its capital city has impressively long and eventful history and rapidly develops nowadays. Traditional buildings meet high-rises, new attractions appear, and more and more small restaurants open.

7. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Also called the Spice Island, this is the pearl of East Africa. Everything that other beach resorts have can be found here: snow-white sand, palm trees, turquoise ocean water, and lots of the sunlight. In addition, the island offers all possible kinds of amusements even if your budget is pretty low.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is splendid and Reykjavik provides access to major local attractions. It is also the northernmost capital in the world (if we speak about sovereign states). Whether you are attracted to studying cultures, spa resorts, nightlife, or hanging out in the wild, your expectations will be met.

9. Florence, Italy

I have to confess that it’s my favorite Italian city so I judge it to be unfair that tourists often choose more mainstream routes. Florence doesn’t offer any crazy activities – everything is soaked with sophistication here. If you want to take some Renaissance air, this is where I strongly recommend you going.

10. Kiso Valley, Japan

Japan has gone through westernization but there are still areas where its old aura preserved. The Kiso Valley is one of those: visitors just can’t stay indifferent to its lovely towns, hiking trails, sceneries, and excellent food.

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Top Tips For Business Travelers

If your job or your business calls for you to spend a lot of time on the road then it is important that you stay fully prepared to make your life as easy as possible whilst you are traveling. You are likely to be spending large amounts of time alone, taking many flights or trains and you will need to stay organized and at your best during your travels. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that you can employ during your time on the road to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible and that you will be fully effective during your business dealings.

Bought a travel wallet :(

Keeping Your Itinerary up to Date

Even if you have a secretary organizing things for you, it is still important that you stay on top of your itinerary in order to avoid missing meetings or flights. Another reason for this is that if you are traveling through different time zones, you need to ensure that you are managing your sleeping pattern in accordance with it so that you avoid unnecessary tiredness. There are some great apps on the market that you can download to your smartphone to ensure that you are on top of your plans.

Staying in Touch Back Home

Staying in touch with family or friends can be particularly difficult if you are traveling a lot and you should take advantage of the many ways in which you can stay in touch with loved ones back home. Many services like Skype and Facebook offer video, audio calling options as well as instant messaging services, this will allow you to easily stay in touch providing you have an internet connection. It has never been cheaper to make calls abroad and you can often call direct from your cell to your family for just a little extra money than a normal call back home. Should you run out of credit abroad, your family can easily top you up again with www.recharge.com, a great service that will ensure you never run out of credit.

Filling in the Time

If you have a lot of time to fill in whilst you are in the hotel and want to avoid spending too much money then try to utilize the hotel’s gym and spa facilities if they have them. Prior to your trip you should also try to download any films or games to your computer or tablet to keep you occupied during the quiet times. It can be easy to simply hit a bar or a restaurant but if you want to stay at your best then you should use the downtime that you have to relax and prepare yourself for that upcoming meeting or presentation.

Flying Through Airports

If you are traveling for just a short amount of time then ditch the suitcase and just take a carry-on, you’d be surprised at the size of bag which you are now allowed in the plane and you can fit at least 3 or 4 days worth of clothing in your carry-on. This will cut down your waiting time and check-in time at the airport and allow you to breeze through the airport once you leave the plane.

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Tips to save big on your next trip

Eating big meals at lunch is one way to save big on your next trip
Photo by CC user tetrapak on Flickr

Planning your next holiday soon, but want to keep your costs under control? These tips will help you save big on your next trip.

1) Make use of coupon codes

While there are deals available on flights, accommodations, rental cars, and activities, there are ways to save even more money on these travel costs.

Before you book anything online, be sure to search for a coupon code for whichever site you are using. For example, if you are reserving a room in a resort, checking for Hotels.com Coupons is strongly advised, as any codes that you might find there will save you more money than you ever thought possible.

2) Fly during the middle of the week

The heaviest travel times during the week are on Fridays and Mondays, when business travelers and weekend warriors set out to their respective destinations.

As such, airlines elevate their fares on these days, as it makes sense for them to make hay while the sun shines. The mid-week period is much quieter, leading them to slash fares in a bid to attract more passengers.

Plan your holidays in order to capture these savings, and you will find yourself saving hundreds of dollars in airfare costs.

3) Splurge during lunch, be frugal at dinner

Restaurants make the most of their money at dinner. As such, they charge higher prices to diners for the final meal of the day. However, many of the same entrees served at dinner are also available at lunch, and they are priced economically in order to attract more business at this time of day.

As such, you should plan most of your extravagant meals then. By doing that and ordering more modestly priced mains at dinner, you’ll be able to make the most of the money that you spend on food.

4) Opt for a walking tour

Instead of enlisting the services of a guided tour while on holiday, you should seriously consider seeing the sights with a guidebook and your own two feet.

With plenty of background information available from tourism boards at most destinations, you can read up on the sights as you see them, allowing you to save money on what you would have paid for a tour bus and a guide.

Walking around is also a great way to get exercise, but if the thought of this makes your feet hurt, renting a bike to get around town will still allow you to see the area under your own power without placing undue pressure on your feet and joints.

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Five quick tips on how to prepare for worry free travel abroad

Worry free travel can be realized by thinking about a crucial few aspects beforehand
Photo by CC user Hiljon on Pixabay

Just the thought of going abroad for a vacation is exciting enough, but it’s the actual journey and destination where the fun is. However, to ensure a worry free travel experience, you need to follow some pre-travel tips and guidelines. Read on!

Familiarize yourself with your destination. Start by researching the norms, customs, rules and regulations of the country where you’re going. You can do this by simply surfing the web for information. Travel blogs (like this), buying good travel books and visiting online forums will help you get a feel of the local culture.

Make a list of landmarks and popular tourist locations, and make sure to visit some of these sites. Do not limit yourself to the web. Approach other tourists you know who have recently visited the place, and ask them to give you some tricks for a smooth trip.

Carry your camera and binoculars. Camera is a must, regardless if you own an SLR, a compact one, a sports cam, or even just your trusty smartphone. You are visiting a new locale and have a unique chance to capture the unforgettable moments for keeps. Binoculars may seem like an unnecessary accessory, but its benefit shines through when you really want to see a particular area without having to actually travel there.

Be prepared. Let’s start with a simple advice. Traveling abroad almost always come with a long and tiring flight. Ensure that you embark on your journey prepared with some kind of entertainment, so that you won’t get bored during the trip. Bring along your gaming device or your favorite collection of music to listen to or a great book to read on the flight.

Put your safety first. It wouldn’t be much of a holiday vacation if you get sick or got into an accident, would it? Therefore, your health is of utmost importance. Keep these tips in mind before you fly:

  • If you’re traveling to sunny regions (Australia) for example, then pack a LOT of sunscreen. 15-30 SPF is the current recommended amount. If you suffer from food or environmental allergies, then be sure to pack the necessary prescriptions in your carry bag.

  • Next is food. There’s no doubt that you’ll want to try out most local cuisine you’ll get your hands on, but remember that many ingredients may not agree with your stomach and may end up falling ill. Find out the list of popular foods beforehand and check their ingredients. See if you’re allergic to anything and avoid it.

  • Always stay in a safe and secure location to avoid the risks of burglary or theft. There are many ideal guesthouses, hotels, and holiday apartments available, which will enhance the quality of your stay.

Choosing a travel insurance. Many people, even frequent travelers ask if it’s really necessary. Quick answer: Yes.

With a relatively small fee, you’ll benefit from a safer and insured travel. To know its initial cost, simply get an instant quote online with travel insurance Singapore. Travel insurance, for example covers medical evacuation, which means you won’t need to pay any medical emergency transportation. It also protects you against trip cancellation, interruption, etc.

Following the tips above will give you a worry-free travel regardless of your destination. Have fun!

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Confessions of a Solo Traveller!

The average Solo Traveller has much wisdom to impart to first timers...
Photo by CC user ktoine on Flickr

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.

To the ones that arrive at it, travelling is contagious! Once you’ve made friends with your inner globe trotter, there’s no saying “No” to travel – which even includes discovering a lost structure in your own city! I have often seen people that don’t travel or travel less wonder what’s the fuel that keeps every traveller moving? There are great travel offers that tempt one to travel a little more now a days. We seem not to stop. At all. I say, it’s “Curiosity” – The curiosity to stretch the vision and discover what lies beyond that big old oak tree that is stationed at the backyard. Not many would be interested, but the traveller. I love travelling and exploring!

So when did I touch base with my inner voyageur? Back during my school days when I used to come back home alone! My school bus used to drop me to a nearby by juncture. From there to my house, it was a solo walk that I had. And on my way sometimes I would traverse to the narrow lanes of my locality and sit beside a rivulet. And on other times I would wander about in a temple shrine, tea stall and even an old English watch shop that was located in an extreme corner of a lane. In retrospect I realize, that was the time when I had made a secret pact with the Universe that someday I would travel alone.

On My Travelling Alone

Sometimes I see people coming up with an eyebrow raising reaction on the aspect of travelling alone! Most are scared or I should say inhibited to take that leap! But when you travel alone an entire new world opens up for you. I can say this with confidence today, because I have been on a solo tour to Istanbul and explored places like Marrakesh and Morocco. That first trip as a solo traveller was one to remember.

There’s no denying that I love to travel and experience new cultures! That’s the reason I chose Istanbul. The oriental world that throws images of “Arabian Nights” with its streets selling the Moroccan lamps, Turkish rugs and jewelleries and other accessories stirs the soul. I always felt that maybe walking into a vast ancient building or monument whilst travelling alone might make me feel really isolated and lonely. To my surprise it was quite the opposite. On my solo tour to Istanbul and Turkey as I walked into the great, grand hall of Hagia Sophia, I felt connected to the whole space around me. I recalled a quote by my favourite poet Rumi that says “Wherever you stand, be the soul of the place”. It was here in Hagia Sophia that I could feel the real essence of the line. The overwhelming ceiling and golden vault of this basilica, mosque and museum atop me made feel that I am not alone. I never was, even when I used to wander on the streets of my locality.

To travel alone means to travel with freedom! You seem to break free from your inner confinements of letting society judge you. Travelling gives perspective, pleasure and confidence to finally become the real version of who you are! It made me carefree and a wanderer – that’s what I am.

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3 London experiences for the culturally minded

England has been a favorite tourist destination for years, especially with those inclined towards discovering its historical riches, from treasures of the monarchy to some of the best European and world art that has found its home here. It would be worthwhile to visit London if you’re planning a trip to Europe anytime soon.

So if museums and art galleries are your thing, London is most definitely a city that will fulfill your hunger for these things and some. Here are 3 things that you can and should do if you want to get the best out of your stay in London:

Theatres:

 

As London experiences go, seeing a play at the Globe is among the most sought after

Photo: David Stanley

Theatre culture is big in England. Hang on, Theatre culture is VERY, very big in England, and it is probably more present in London than anywhere else. Perhaps the quintessential representation of this would in fact be the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Shakespeare’s life and works are presented here in different formats from modern renditions of his plays to symposiums and talks for all ages to discover and enjoy. You can also delve back to the Elizabethan period and try out a bit of what life was like in the most famous Bard’s times.

 

Art Galleries:

Ever since the Renaissance period, England has garnered some fame in possessing some of the best artwork from all around. London’s art galleries are some of the better curated ones in Europe and display a vast range of historical masterpieces as well as contemporary works. The National Gallery is one of the most popular displaying works from between 13th to 19th century, covering some of the most important artists from various major movements including Renaissance and Victorian. You can also visit Royal Academy of Arts, which houses the only marble sculpture made by Michelangelo in all of England, the ‘Taddei Tondo’ or The Virgin and Child with the Infant St John as it is better known.

 

stoneart

If you have a more contemporary taste and want to check out some more modern work, make sure to visit the Saatchi Gallery, which albeit a much smaller one, it always has some of the best up and coming artists the circuit has to offer.

 

Photo: Michael Summers

Royal Sites:

When you think of England, you can help but imagine kings and queens in their glamorous gowns and fancy palaces. London is the place where you can walk into your imagination by witnessing some great royal sites that will leave you wonderstruck. Kensington Palace is one of the historical places which are open for tourists and you can enjoy the cultural and historical vibe there. Hampton Court Palace, Household Cavalry Museum and many other royal sites are open for tourists and you can enjoy such sites while you are visiting London.

No matter the London experiences that you have, a long list of memories will be attributed to each of these places and you will feel the beauty and cultural abundance in each of the sites that you visit.

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Things to do in Berlin with locals

There are many Things to do in Berlin with locals ... photo by CC user Belappetit on wikimedia commons

Heading to Germany’s most culturally adept city, but have no idea what to do beyond the typical tourist attractions? In this article, we will go over the many things to do in Berlin with locals that will have you appreciating this city in a way that the casual traveler simply cannot comprehend.

Check out an authentic market hall

Although there are only two market halls left in all of Berlin (down from the original 13), Markthalle 9 has benefited largely because of the recent move towards local food production. Open since 1891, It is now home to a farmers market, craft sales, and plenty of hot food stalls.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for sales of local craft beers, as the these ales, pilsners, and lagers represent the leading edge of German beer making in the present day.

Explore neighborhoods with a local

Berlin is a very eclectic city when it comes to its neighborhoods, and the best way to discover their hidden secrets is to hire a local guide. Websites like Withlocals.com give you a chance to hire knowledgeable and professional guides that will help you uncover parts of this metropolis that you would never think to explore on your own.

From food tours that help you discover the best Wienerschnitzel in the city, to a flea market crawl that will have you finding some of the most eccentric but interesting knick-knacks that you have ever seen in your life, signing up for a tour with a local is one of the best decisions you’ll make while traveling.

Spend a beautiful day outside at Tempelhof Park

When the Tempelhof airport was closed to make way for a bigger and more modern airport facility for the city of Berlin, the airfield left a big gaping hole in Berlin’s cityscape.

After careful deliberation, it was decided that this giant parcel of land would be converted into a park, part of which would be set aside for wildlife, but also with a part that would allow for recreational use by city residents.

To that end, avid kiteboarders use the old runways to reach untold speeds on windy days, while others use the grassy infield as a perfect place to have a picnic lunch on a beautiful day in the city.

Pay your respects at the Berlin Wall Memorial

If there’s one thing that you should do here that is not off the beaten track, it should be to head to the Berlin Wall Memorial and pay your respects to those that lost their lives in an attempt to reach the freedom that West Germany represented during the days of division in this city.

While most of the wall was dismantled in the days following its fall in 1989, this section was left intact for the purposes of remembering the social and human cost of the construction of this barrier. Guides will relay their personal stories of suffering and hardship that was caused due to this wall’s construction, which divided families for decades.

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