The latest economic crisis has touched seems everyone in our country, making people think more about ways of saving money. If you consider travel a luxury that costs much and thus is not for you this time, then just read the following list of top destinations for budget travelers. Travel is a real art and traveling smart is a double pleasure as you come back home with both unforgettable memories and bucks in your pocket.

1. China and Asia in whole Asia is the only place where backpackers no longer need to decide whether they want to exhaust their bank account or experience second-rate service. While worldwide economic crisis and expensive Euro make trips to Europe costly, Asian countries seem to be the right location. Current stats show each year Americans prefer visiting more Asian countries while Europe stats are flat. China remains the most desired Asian destination showing an unbelievable 83% increase in trips comparing to previous year. What makes China so popular? Only in China any traveler can both explore one of the world’s most ancient civilizations and enjoy cheap rates with quality service. Also China is tending to become a shopper’s paradise - it’s hard to find something you cannot buy on Chinese markets. The prices are not just low; they tend to go to zero. Don’t forget to try Chinese food - it’s totally different from something you used to eat. By the way, if you have never been in any Asian country, you can save your money by doing all-in-one trips that have recently become very popular. This includes 14-21 day vacation throughout continent starting from Bangkok to Bali, Taipei and Tokyo.

(more…)

Christmas is getting closer and we start thinking about presents for our friends and family members. Surely, you can wait until December, go to overcrowded shopping malls and get the last pair of socks, gloves or try to find something nice in heaps of unattractive sweaters. If this prospect doesn’t sound good for you, October and November are best months for Christmas shopping. In case you are planning your trip to Europe, this is just a perfect opportunity to buy truly amazing presents.

Europe is called a shopping mecca and it absolutely proves this name. Fashion people know they can get the hottest stuff not only in New York, but also in world’s trend-setting fashion capitals like Paris and Milan. Any conservative person surely knows and values Scandinavian and German designs. In true, you can find presents for all your friends, family, colleagues or boss including the most hard-to-please ones in Europe. Another reason we advise visiting Europe in October and November is you can feel the atmosphere of real holiday. There’s no need to stay in Europe until Christmas as bright, joyful and festive markets are opened months beforehand. You can buy multiple souvenirs, sweets, freshly baked bread and holiday gingerbread or just wander around enjoying colorful sights, lively sounds and hot spiced wine. (more…)

You could see them in movies. You could read fiction books about them, but you’ve never seen them in your real life. Hidden treasures buried in distinct islands are not just imagination; they really exist and every year thousands of people from all over the world try their luck and seek old sunken ships, pirate caches or caves and grottos with jewelry, old coins, gold bullions and other antiques. Do you want to join the army of treasury hunters and make your vacation truly unforgettable?

If the answer is “yes” then check up this list of the most famous treasure islands where you can not only get a wonderful rest, but also feel yourself the main character of adventure blockbuster. (more…)

Many of us prefer to make inland vacations as in most cases they are cheaper, don’t require much preparation and there’s no need to spend money on costly tickets and travel agencies. However, sooner or earlier everyone wants to explore new continents, countries and cultures. If you plan to make your first trip abroad these tips can be very useful and make your trip more enjoyable.

Check your documents
Trips to most foreign counties require international passport. If you still don’t have one, you will have to do it. Note making passport is rather long – in most countries you have to wait up to 6 weeks or pay to get it earlier. You can always find the list of documents at the U.S. State Department website http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. As you see, the list is rather short - you need just two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. (more…)

Hidden Museum in the Desert

A giant sand dune is going to be home to the new Museum of Modern Arab Art in Doha, Qatar. From a distance, it just looks like another pile of sand, like thousands of others in the desert. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the dune isn’t quite what it seems.

Architect Rafael Viñoly designed the museum to blend seamlessly with its environment. In a possible reference to historic Bedouin tents, Viñoly has used a sand-colored stretched canvas-like material to cover the 350,000 square foot space.

This camouflaged building will house Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Al-Thani’s large collection of Arab art dating from the early Qur’anic period to modern times. And, you’ll find plenty of other treasures to explore at the MOMAA. The collection includes 5,000 paintings, 700 antiques, sculptures, metalwork, ceramics, a calligraphy section, photography and more. The museum is scheduled to be finished by 2011.

Via:  Jaunted