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5 Intriguing Travel Destinations You've Never Heard Of

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Did you know  that there is a small village in Norway called Longyearbyen, where dying is actually prohibited? The reason for this is that the permafrost in the area is so cold that bodies buried there do not decompose, and as a result, they can still contain diseases that could potentially spread to the living. Therefore, if someone is terminally ill in Longyearbyen, they are flown out to the mainland to spend their final days. Did you know that there is a remote island off the coast of Brazil called Ilha da Queimada Grande, which is home to one of the world's deadliest snakes, the golden lancehead viper? This venomous snake, which is endemic to the island, is so dangerous that the Brazilian government has made it illegal for anyone to visit the island, except for a few select researchers who have special permission. Did you know that there is a town in Japan called Nagoro, where there are more scarecrows than humans? The town's population has been declining for years, a

Traffic, Toilets, and Tourism: How These Three Factors Determine the Best Places to Visit

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Tourism, traffic, and toilets might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of factors that determine a good country to visit or live in, but they are certainly important. Let's take a closer look at how these three seemingly unrelated things can impact the overall quality of life in a country. First up, tourism. We all know how exciting it is to visit a new country and explore its culture, natural wonders, and attractions. But did you know that a country with a thriving tourism industry can also indicate a healthy economy and a strong commitment to promoting its assets? A good tourism industry can provide jobs and boost the local economy, and it can also reflect a country's ability to offer top-notch services and attractions. Next, traffic. Good traffic infrastructure might not be the most glamorous thing, but it is essential for a well-functioning society. Efficient transportation networks, including well-maintained roads, public transportation, and airport

Flight Myths: The Truth About Finding Affordable Airfare

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Finding cheap flights can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies, it's definitely possible. However, there are some myths about finding cheap flights that need to be busted. Myth #1: Booking on certain days of the week will get you the best deals. Many people believe that booking flights on a certain day of the week will get them the best deals, but this is not always the case. While some studies have shown that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book flights, there is no definitive answer. In fact, prices can fluctuate from day to day and even hour to hour, so it's important to keep an eye on prices over a period of time. Myth #2: Clearing your browser history or using incognito mode will get you lower prices. This is a common myth, but it's not true. Airlines use sophisticated algorithms to set prices, and they don't base them on whether or not you've been searching for flights. Clearing your browser history or using incogni

Traveling for Faith: How Religion and Travel Shape Our World

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Travel and religion go way back. Many religions require or encourage people to go on pilgrimages, which has led to the creation of sacred sites and booming travel industries around them. And, not only do these sites hold spiritual significance, they also bring in a lot of money. Millions of travellers visit religious sites each year, spending money on hotels, food, transportation, and souvenirs, all of which contribute to local economies. Religion and travel have a strong bond that's been around for centuries. It continues to shape the way we explore the world and discover new things about ourselves. Here are some figures on the economic impact of religious tourism in the four sacred places. Makkah, Saudi Arabia: The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah generates billions of dollars for the Saudi Arabian economy each year. According to a 2018 report by Oxford Business Group, the Hajj contributed $12 billion to the Saudi economy in 2017. In addition, the Umrah, a smaller pilgrimage to Makkah

Travel Beyond Yourself: The Global Impact of Tourism and Why It Matters

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Travel isn't just about crossing borders or going from towns to the cities. It's also a major industry, responsible for generating trillions of dollars in economic activity each year. In 2019, the global travel and tourism industry contributed $8.9 trillion to the world's GDP and supported 330 million jobs and more than 1.4 billion people travelled internationally, which is nearly 20% of the world's population. So next time you plan a trip, remember that you're not just embarking on a personal adventure, but you're also part of a larger global community that values the benefits of travel and tourism. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, by taking that step outside, you're making a positive impact on the world. But travel isn't just about creating economic opportunities either - it also has the power to bring people together and foster understanding between different cultures. By experiencing new cultures and ways of life, you'

Discover the Charms of Central Europe: A Guide for Australian Tourists Visiting Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

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Central Europe is a dream destination for many travellers, and for good reason. This region is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultures. If you're an Australian traveller planning to visit Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, here are some international travel tips that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Get off the beaten path: While famous cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich are certainly worth a visit, Central Europe has many hidden gems that are less crowded and just as charming. Consider exploring smaller towns and villages like Rothenberg ob der Tauber in Germany, Hallstatt in Austria, or Gruyeres in Switzerland. You'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and a chance to experience local culture in a more intimate way. Embrace the local cuisine: Central European cuisine is hearty and delicious, with dishes like schnitzel, sausages, and cheese fondue. Don't be afraid to try new foods and flavours. You might discover

Travel Photography and Rule of Thirds

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Travel is an opportunity to discover new places, meet new people, and capture memories that will last a lifetime. As a travel photographer, it's important to create images that not only showcase the beauty of your destination, but also tell a story and capture the essence of the experience. One tool that can help you achieve this is the rule of thirds. In travel photography, the rule of thirds can be especially useful for capturing the essence of a location and telling a story through your images. For example, you might use the rule of thirds to position the horizon of a scenic landscape along one of the horizontal lines, or to align the subject of a portrait along one of the vertical lines. This creates a more dynamic and interesting image, as the eye is naturally drawn to the points of intersection. As you can see in the photo above the subject's shoulders point is at intersecting lines. It doesn't necessarily has to be shoulders at intersecting lines. It can be head or e

Famous Faces and Far-Off Places: The Inspiring Travels of the Rich and Famous

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Travel has always been a source of inspiration and renewal, and this is especially true for some of the world's most famous figures. From actors and musicians to politicians and business leaders, these individuals have all embarked on journeys that have transformed their lives and careers in meaningful ways. Take, for example, the story of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. In the early 1960s, Dylan took a trip to Europe that would change the course of his life and music forever. During his travels, Dylan was exposed to a wealth of new cultures, sounds, and ideas that would influence his writing and performances for years to come. He famously referred to his trip as a "religious experience," and the songs he wrote during this time – including "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" – would go on to become timeless classics. Another famous traveller was former U.S. President Barack Obama. During a trip to Kenya in the 1980s, Obama