10 Ways To Travel Differently In 2015, And Feeling The Change..!

Like for most of us, you would have woken up one January morning feeling this is going to be the year when everything will change. And like every year, some things will change, some will fall by the wayside and the rest will roll over to the following year. How about resolving, and sticking to, the way you travel? Yes, there are ways to do this. Here are some pointers that have worked for me;

1. No excuses for not travelling: If I got a dollar every time someone told me why they cannot travel, I would be globetrotting in my private jet by now. Ok, I am exaggerating--but I would definitely be going business class everywhere. Work, girlfriend, wife, neighbour's wife, kids, parents, money, time, travel partner... all these excuses can be overcome. There is a trip for every budget. Take people along, or leave them behind if they don't want to travel. You will not get bored if you travel alone. There is always time for short, periodic getaways. Work is just a means to an end. Have the will to travel, and it will happen. Nothing can or should hold you back.

2. Travel local when you can't go beyond: None of us can leave town whenever we want to. Including professional travel writers like me. But hey, have you travelled within the city you live in? If others can travel to our city, why do we ignore it ourselves? Go discover your local history, food, culture, shopping and more. You will be surprised. And trust me--all those hours spent exploring will make you feel like being out of town. Money back if you don't.

3. Maintain a journal: Slow down. Learn more about wherever you are. Make notes. On the go. In longhand. Pen or pencil on paper. When you do this, you will create memories for a lifetime. Your journals will give you happiness when you flip through it in the future. And when you start writing, you will get involved in the subject more--only then will you be able to write beyond a few lines. The knowledge and insights gained will be immensely satisfying. All my books would not have happened but for my notes. My memories would have been a blur otherwise.

4. Talk to locals. Research. Read up. You will find yourself slapping your forehead thinking about all that you would have missed out on had you not done so. Anecdotes, information, opinions--these come up only when you go looking.

5. Stay in touch with those you meet on the way. You will meet many locals and like-minded travellers when out there. Exchange numbers and emails. Stay in touch. They will be the friends you will truly feel connected to. Some of my best friends are those I met on the road.

6. Take lots of photos. Possibly videos too. You will be able to replay your journeys visually any time. That's how I feel transported when I am not able to travel.

7. Put technology away. You can either be looking at your mobile screen, or at what's on offer when out there. Put your gadgets in your bag. Absorb the place. Your friends will not hate you for not sharing photos real time; they can wait till the end of the travelling day, or till even after you are back. I have taken some of my best pictures when observing the world around me. And missed some gems because I was texting.

8. Organise all your notes and photos. Develop a system where everything is stored properly. And indexed for quick reference. Create multiple backups of digital images. And scan your notebooks lest you lose or spoil them. Tip: All my photos are renamed with place, date and serial number. Enabling me to pull out what I want in a jiffy.

9. Share your memories. Post on blogs, social media or as albums, books and e-books. This is how others can be a part of your journeys, and follow your path. Be willing to answer queries. Others will share their stories in this exchange. I pick up some of my best tips when I talk travel to others.

10. Remind yourself: We are all travellers. Passing through life. We are not meant to stay put or stagnate in life. If we are not moving, we are not progressing. Allow travel to change you.

Travel. Almost everything else in life is incidental.

10 of the Most Colorful Places On Earth ....The world is full of beautiful things...!

Weekend is on..well i'm lil tired of writing about europe. so i want to take you at most colorful places on earth...!

These places exist. No, not in dreams or hallucinations or Wes Anderson movies, but right here on this beautiful, mysterious planet. We just thought you should know. 

LAVENDER FIELDS, FRANCE

In the summer months, the rolling lavender fields of Provence teem with bright purple blooms as far as the eye can see.

PROCIDA, ITALY

This tiny island is stacked with charming candy-colored homes set against the brilliant blue backdrop of the Mediterranean.

CAÑO CRISTALES RIVER, COLOMBIA

Also referred to as "the river of five colors," this biological wonder turns a striking red color every fall thanks to a flourishing, rare plant species.

LAKE RETBA, SENEGAL

This bubblegum-colored lake gets it's otherworldly hue from a human-friendly bacteria that thrives in the salty waters. 

TULIP FIELDS, HOLLAND

Throughout spring's prime months, the immaculately manicured tulip, daffodil and hyacinth fields of Holland bloom into a stunning and precise array of colors.

GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

This wonder of the world is home to more than 400 coral species, 500 seaweed species and 1,500 fish species--and it's got the color palette to prove it

LUOPING, CHINA

The sprawling farmlands of this dramatic, mountainous county in Eastern China become a "golden sea" when canola blooms are in season. 

VALLEY OF FLOWERS NATIONAL PARK, INDIA

This World Heritage Site, set against the wilderness of the Himalayas, is covered in vibrant flowers. Add in a sunset and this view takes the cake.

SHIBAZAKURA HILL, JAPAN

In springtime, the fields at the base of Mount Fuji errupt with hundreds of thousands of moss blooms, or "shibazakura", in varying shades of pink.

LAKE NATRON, TANZANIA

This shallow salt and soda lake is so saline that it's completely inhospitable for most flora and fauna. The trade-off? The amazing red water color and electric orange shores

if i get chance ever..i'll pack my bags and travel this place and wonder myself..!

Prague is like a vertical Venice steps everywhere..!

A prosperous and bustling city, Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past; in its 1,100 years, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires and floods. It's this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating. Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. Even the most jaded traveler would have trouble resisting this city's charms.

Prague was once a hidden gem, overshadowed by its flashier neighbors to the west. But the city couldn't keep its marvels a secret for too long -- now, it's a haven for travelers wanting for an awe-inspiring experience at an affordable price. You can still find all of that today, with many top attractions -- including the famous Charles Bridge and the historic Prague Castle -- offering entry free of charge and many hotels offering rooms at a fraction of the cost of other major European cities.  But this bargain-hunting legacy has a ticking clock on it -- recently prices have been on the rise. If you're hoping to find a fire-sale price, now's the time to do so.

The Charles Bridge connects Old Town (Staré Mesto) and Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It's a marvel to behold, but beware the oppressive afternoon crowds

While the Dancing House is closed to the public, visitors still come by to take a shot of its strange exterior.

 

Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

The Astronomical Clock doesn't display the time of day.but rather phases of the moon. 

Worth a visit if only just because it makes for a nice photo.

Prague Castle from the Charles Bridge

Prague Castle serves as both the official residence of the Czech President and as a popular tourist attraction.

Silhoutte of Prague

St. Vitus is one of the highlights of the Prague Castle complex

National TheaterFans of opera, theater and ballet will be able to get their fix here at a great price.

Monument to Jan Hus

Prague is Ranked...

#1in Best Affordable Destinations in Europe

#6in Best Affordable European Honeymoon Destinations

#8in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

#8in Best Romantic European Getaways

How To Save Money in Prague

• Summer somewhere elseWarm sunny weather draws thousands of tourists. And as the number of visitors rises, so do hotel prices. Plan to visit during the cooler months.
• Breakfast is the most important mealMany Prague hotels offer complimentary breakfasts. Consider this when making reservations.
• Dodge cabsSince price regulations were nixed in the late 1990s, taxi drivers have been known to prey on tourists' unsuspecting wallets. If you need to take a cab, call one in advance and ask your concierge how much you should expect to pay.
  

• Prague Culture & Customs

  The Czech Republic is a Parliamentary Republic that was established in 1993 following the Cold War. But Prague and the Czech state have been important centers of business, government and commerce for centuries. Czech citizens are known for being reserved yet friendly, too. In many Prague bars and restaurants, groups can share tables if there is room, even if they don't know each other. After eating, be sure to place your fork and knife side by side on your plate if you want the waiter to take your plate away.
  Tipping 10 to 15 percent is common practice for good service. Like many European destinations, local Prague citizens respond kindly to travelers who try the local Czech language, so buy a phrase book before traveling. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Prague Dining

  The typical Czech meal is pork, cabbage and dumplings and is almost always accompanied by a finely brewed pilsner. Most meals are fairly mild and meat-based, and oftentimes the best -- and cheapest -- meals can be found in the local pubs during lunchtime. Prague also has several cafés and small eateries that are perfect for a small breakfast or a quick snack, especially in Staré Mesto (Old Town) and Lesser Town (Malá Strana).
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  Prague's historic district is reason enough to visit the city. Its towering steeples, charming old square and antiquated bridges make the city seem like a fairy tale landscape. But if you're done sightseeing, Prague still has a lot more to offer. Some of the best nightclubs and bars in Europe are here, and the city's arts and culture scene is one of the most extensive and affordable in Europe. Prague is loaded with several musical venues, opera houses and concert halls, which provide extraordinary glimpses into the city's rich culture. There are so many interesting and random sites in Prague that you may even want to consider opting for a walking tour.  
  • Old Town and New Town Prague are connected by Charles Bridge. You can shop for traditional Czech souvenirs in Old Town Prague (think garnets, puppets, and antiques) and cross Charles Bridge into New Town. New Town contains many modern shopping malls and department stores that offer fashionable clothing, electronics, shoes, cosmetics, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment." --About.com
  • For sightseeing, must-sees include the famous Astronomical Clock escape the huge crowd and watch it from a table at the Grand Cafe Praha right across the street and the Prague Castle. Although it isn't well-advertised, you can see several of the castles for free. The kids will enjoy the Toy Museum, the world's second-largest exhibition of toys, located within the Prague Castle complex." -- AOL Travel

  Nightlife

  Prague has an array of nightlife options, from a host of pubs and bars to many clubs and music venues. The beer in Prague is among the best and cheapest in Europe, so be sure to enjoy a pint at a crowded local pub before hitting the streets for a night of club-hopping.
  • Prague has a vibrant nightlife with many clubs and dance halls both in its center and in the suburbs. It has now become a regular spot on the pop/rock concert circuit, with most major artists having performed in Prague at one time or another. The area around Wenceslas Square is the hub of club entertainment including places like the extremely popular Lucerna on Vodickova." -- Travel Channel
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Sightseeing

  Prague's fine arts and culture is among the most affordable and accessible in Europe. In Prague you can attend operas and symphonies for reasonable prices, and many of the museums, including the arts collection in Prague Castle, are among the finest in the world. 
  • Prague is rich with cultural activity. Art fans delight in the Mucha Museum and the fine arts collections at Prague Castle, while theatre-goers head to the ballet or opera at one of the city's old-fashioned performing arts venues. Prague's cathedrals, Jewish quarter, Communist Museum, and ample green spaces draw crowds all year round." -- Sherman's Travel

  Historic Attractions

  Among Prague's rich historic sites are the sprawling Prague Castle, which is known for its artistry and its excellent views of the city, and the Charles Bridge, a 14th century bridge covered in religious statues. You'll also enjoy touring Old Town Prague's square narrow streets, as well as the old Astronomical Clock, a tourist's favorite.
  • Prague's most important historical sights are almost all in Prague 1, the historical center that includes Old Town (or Staré Mesto) and Malá Strana (sometimes referred to as the Lesser Quarter). The tourist trail runs from Prague Castle and St. Vitus's Cathedral, across the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square, then on to Wenceslas Square and the old Jewish ghetto of Josefov." -- Concierge.com
  • On a sunny summer weekend, Old Town Square will be so packed with revelers you might think a rock concert was coming up. The 15th-century astronomical clock, which is on one side of the town hall, has a procession of 12 apostles that make their rounds when certain hours strike." -- Fodor's

  Beer

  Prague is proud of its beer, and with good reason. Some of the best beers in the world were first created here, including the legendary pilsner draft. Prague's many pubs and beer halls offer visitors a chance to taste local culture at its finest. Because beer is so abundant, drinking in Prague is very affordable. Be sure to try local Prague drafts like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen.
• ­­As well as its cultural treasures, Prague offers another precious commodity -- the liquid gold of Bohemian beer. The Czechs have been brewing since at least the 9th century -- they invented Pilsner, the world's first clear, golden lager, in 1842 -- and Czech breweries still produce some of the world's finest beers." -- Lonely Planet
• While some Czech pubs do serve a hearty plate of food alongside the suds, it's the brew, uncommonly cheap at usually less than 30Kc ($1.45/70p) a pint, that keeps people sitting for hours." -- Frommer's
• Street art