Tag: journey

by James Adam

Where to Visit on Your Tanzania Safari Journey


Places

The moment you figure out what time of year you’d like to have your safari in Tanzania, it’s time to figure out which parks to include in your trip.

Sights to look forward to

No safari to Tanzania would be complete without visiting two of its major attractions: Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildernesses in the world and plays host to the Wildebeest Migration for the greater part of the year.

Ndutu region home to the annual calving season, however, the Seronera region of Central Serengeti is one of the most visited corners of the park due to its enormous cat population.

The Grumeti Region in the park’s west is home to the often overlooked Grumeti River crossing each year.

From July to August, Northern Serengeti is home to the apex drama of the Mara River crossings. This area of the park is really popular at this time of year.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Descending to the bottom of Ngorongoro Crater is every bit as iconic as a game drive out on the plains of the Serengeti.
This is also home to the largest rhinoceros population in Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater is also an awesome place to gaze upon lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, and so much more.

Although it is Tanzania’s most expensive park, its amazing game viewing and its strategic location between the Serengeti and Arusha makes it a must see in any Tanzania itinerary.

Worth The Price And View

While Ngorongoro and the Serengeti are without question Tanzania’s most popular parks, the twin parks of Lake Manyara and Tarangire are also worthwhile inclusions to your Tanzania Safari.

In summary, nearby Lake Eyasi offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Lake Manyara National Park

Known for its tree-climbing lions and variety of bird life, Lake Manyara National Park is an exceptionally charming park during the rainy season, its waters are home to wallowing hippos and very colourful flamingos.

This is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can actually go on a canoe safari or a night game drive, Lake Manyara is an amazing stop off between Arusha and Ngorongoro.

Tarangire National Park

With its unique baobab trees and unarguably the largest elephant population, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most unique parks.

Especially during the dry season when its population gathers along the banks of the Tarangire River, the park is an amazing place to see lions, elephants, baboons, giraffes, and zebra.

Lake Eyasi

While it is not a national park, Lake Eyasi is nonetheless a popular addition to Tanzanian safari itineraries.

Home to the Hadzabe people, Lake Eyasi offers visitors to Tanzania a unique opportunity to interact with one of Tanzania’s most ancient and fascinating cultures.

The Hadzabe maintain their hunter-gatherer lifestyle despite Tanzania’s rapid development, and visitors can embark on a hunting expedition with the Hadzabe as well as experiencing village life.

It Is Worth Your Time

Many visitors to Tanzania only have 5 – 7 days to spend on safari, but for those with a little extra time, there is certainly plenty to hold your attention.

Arusha National Park

While Arusha National Park cannot boast the large mammals such as elephants or predators such as leopards and lions, the park is nonetheless a popular addition to Tanzania safari tours.

The only place in Tanzania where it is possible to have a game drive, a walking safari, or a canoe safari in the same place – Arusha National Park’s lack of predators makes it a charming prospect.

Bird-watchers and fans of primates are in for a treat, as the park is home to birds and monkeys found nowhere else in Tanzania.

tanzania natron

Lake Natron
Famous for its volcanic landscape, Lake Natron is also a popular option for those wishing to see Africa’s brightly coloured flamingos.

While the area has less wildlife and fewer lodges than other areas of the country, Lake Natron’s proximity to the Serengeti and its unique landscape make it a popular choice.

kilimanjaro Tanzania Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro
Not everybody who visits Tanzania aspires to climb Africa’s highest mountain, but it’s perfectly possible to visit the ‘Roof of Africa’ without having to climb it.

Tours of the nearby town of Marangu offer a nice change of pace for those with an interest in Tanzanian culture, while the more athletic can enjoy a one day guided hike on the mountain.

Cempaka crater Tanzania

Empaakai Crater
For those wishing to get out of the car and stretch their legs, Empaakai Crater within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a popular choice.

Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll wander to the rim of Empaakai Crater before descending to the shores of Lake Empaakai.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird and animal life.

Where Can I See This Animal?
We understand that everyone has their favourite animal that they’re dying to see and we can help make that happen!

большая миграция гну

The Wildebeest Migration
The Wildebeest Migration is an annual movement of more than 1,000,000 Wildebeest and zebras from the Ndutu region of the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara and back.

A hugely popular event each year, the Migration moves across the Serengeti and can be seen throughout the year.

The best place to see this huge herd of animals in the Serengeti, with the herd being in different parts of the park at different times. While it’s impossible to predict exactly where the herd will be on any given day, a rough guideline would be:

December – March: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti
April – May: Grumeti, Western Serengeti
June – July: Seronera, Central Serengeti
July – September/October: Lobo/Kogatende, Northern Serengeti
big 5 Tanzania safari

The Big Five
The Big Five are Africa’s most iconic animals – the elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo.

Named for how difficult they were to hunt, these days people prefer to hunt these majestic animals with their cameras instead.


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by Incredible Planet Staff

Here’s All You Need To Know Before You Plan Your First Solo Trip!


People

It is a commonly observed fact that traveling solo requires a bit of resilience and an open mind. It usually takes a significant amount of determination to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you have not met that particular person in your life or traveling solely for the business purpose, if you are traveling alone, then it is going to be entirely different. On the other side, when you are planning your first solo trip, one of the primary steps is to decide the ideal place to go. Quite interestingly, planning a trip to your dream destination is always a high motivation for your mind. For a majority of travel buffs, traveling solo can be the ultimate self-indulgence that would provide you mind with a breather. You can rest when you want and pour it as per your wish. Moreover, when you are traveling alone, the mistakes are your own, and the triumphs are enticing.

The list of tips in case you are traveling solo

Traveling always has a great list of benefits both for your soul and body. However, you still have to take into account some basic tips which would make your solo traveling experience quite pleasurable. Moreover, the below-mentioned tips would always help you to boost your confidence in a subtle manner.

Stay at a lodging facility that has good stars

It is a widely accepted fact that traveling solo can make you feel a bit vulnerable. This is the reason that your accommodation facility should always be top-notch. You can also opt for the reviews that are mentioned on the website of that particular lodging facility. These reviews would still give you a good idea of what to expect from the host.

Staying safe when you are traveling solo

One of the most concerning issues that are experienced by a solo traveler lies in the safety. On the other side, without a companion to watch for your safety, you are vulnerable to criminals. However, it is not always true as a solo traveler can blend more easily in a group. This is the reason that you should still book a hotel that comes with a 24-hour front desk. It is also important to note that you should again your identification documents with you. This would help you to take care of your safety.

Stay at a place where you can avail free Wi-Fi

Depending on what type of year you are traveling, the weather may play spoilsport. This is the reason that it may get dark quickly and you have to retire to your hotel rooms. To kill time and spend it productively, always opt for a place that comes with Wi-Fi access. On the other side, if you are a busy professional, you can use the Wi-Fi to watch movies as well upload your pictures on a particular site. Many accommodation facilities include the Wi-Fi charge on your rental bill.

Always commence your day early

If you are that kind of an individual who does not like the nightlife of a new place much, then waking up early would always provide you with rich dividends. There exists plenty of opportunities to avail beautiful sightings if you wake up early in the morning. On the other side, getting up soon would also help you to avoid crowds which in different ways are a good idea.

Opt for the right type of gear

The right kind of traveling gear always plays a pivotal role in ensuring that you are still safe. Moreover, when there is no one to watch your back, the right type of gear would even protect you from eventualities. For instance, if you are on a solo trekking trip, then always opt for the Woodland shoes. A proper gear would still go a long way in enriching your traveling experience.

Always take plenty of pictures

Making plenty of views should still be your primary motto when you are traveling solo. With the emergence of smartphones which are equipped with DSLR like cameras, taking pictures of your favorite subjects is quite easy. With the help of the smartphones, you can easily share your view on social media sites. In this manner, you would ensure that your friends and relatives are always with you on your solo trip. By sharing photos in social media instantaneously, you would ensure that you are never lonely. You can also make your peers envious in case you are visiting a new place.

Always make a list of your emergency contact information

Always ensure that a list of emergency contact numbers is still near your reach. This list can include your personal contact information including the address of your residence. You can also add a toll-free number of your credit card number in case it gets stolen. Including a list of appropriate phone numbers is a good idea to eliminate any eventualities.

Let others know about your itinerary

It is always a good idea to let your family and other close friends know about your travel itinerary. It is so because your travel itinerary would still include the name of your flight, hotel and the particular place you are visiting. This is an excellent way to make sure that you are always safe in an unknown location.

Traveling solo can be one of the fascinating experiences that is sure to add fun to your memories. You need to be positive so that you can travel solo.

by Incredible Planet Staff

Taking That First Trip After Your Divorce


Lifestyle

Divorce can be an extremely upsetting experience for everyone involved, and it’s natural to find yourself experiencing a variety of conflicting, confusing feelings once your marriage has come to an end. On one hand, you are no longer married, and are without a partner for the first time in a long while. As anyone who has experienced a breakup of a long-term relationship would know, this can leave you with feelings of hurt, anger, sadness or possibly even guilt. You may feel lonely and vulnerable following your divorce, and it is perfectly normal if you do.

On the other hand, perhaps your recent divorce has left you feeling happier, stronger and ready to celebrate your newfound single status. This can be especially true if your marriage was the main source of any emotional pain or stress in your life, or if you were involved in an abusive or dysfunctional marriage.

If this is the case, finalizing your divorce may be a very uplifting and empowering event in your life. You may feel like you are ready to learn new skills, try out new hobbies, and perhaps even begin dating again. This is all normal behavior as well; just as every marriage is different, so is every divorce. Every emotion you have, both positive and negative, is absolutely valid at this time in your life.

Regardless of whether you are mourning the loss of your marriage or brimming with excitement about what lies ahead, taking a trip after finalizing your divorce can act as a means of closure for this chapter. Much like a marriage begins with a honeymoon to commemorate the beginning of a new life together, a post-divorce vacation can act as something of a “solo-moon,” as a way to reconnect with your feelings and manage the stress you have been coping with during the divorce process.

If you have been dealing with feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety or depression, a quiet, self-reflective trip may be what you need to get yourself back on track. An outdoor camping or hiking adventure, sun-filled beach vacation, or one of the more affordable yoga retreats are all good options for a peaceful post-divorce journey to reclaim your spirit. Recently-divorced people who want to clear their minds and restore their inner peace may opt to travel alone, or they may choose to go with a trusted friend or family member to provide support and motivate them to try new experiences.

Then again, maybe finalizing your divorce has left you in the mood to party, and you want to celebrate your newly-divorced status with a fun-filled Caribbean cruise, a beach vacation in Mexico, or a wild Vegas weekend. There’s certainly nothing wrong with wanting to welcome yourself back to the single scene with a bang! We all process life changes in our own ways, and if you’re in the mood to hit the road with a couple of friends, or take a solo trip to a place on your bucket list, you should take the opportunity and go where your heart leads you.

During your first post-divorce trip, you may find yourself experiencing conflicting emotions at times, and that’s a completely normal part of the healing process. For instance, someone who first felt depressed and miserable at the end of their marriage may wake up one morning to that he or she feels excitement or even joy about the day ahead. Conversely, in the midst of celebrating your divorce with a nonstop party weekend, you may suddenly feel alone in a crowd, and find yourself taking a quiet moment to process the pain, loss or sadness from your ordeal. According to Chicago divorce mediation experts SplitSimple, neither of these reactions is wrong or abnormal in any way. We are all individuals and recover from upsetting life events in different ways, at different speeds. There is no prescribed way to feel or act at any given moment- allowing yourself to feel what you need to feel, when you need to feel it, will help expedite your healing process and help you process your post-divorce emotions in a healthy way.

Choosing divorce mediation over a traditional courtroom divorce is one way to get through the divorce process simply, quickly, and relatively painlessly. With divorce mediation, you can have just as satisfactory of an outcome as you can with a traditional courtroom divorce, with a lot less stress, time, and cost. Choosing divorce mediation may be a good solution for dissolving your marriage as quickly and simply as possible, so you can get to a stage where you are ready to travel as a solo act. Whenever you are ready to take that first post-divorce trip, you will be able to begin the next leg of your journey, and hopefully find peace and happiness in your life.

by Incredible Planet Staff

The Hidden Gems of Europe Just a Short Flight Away


Places

You may think that you know Europe well, after all, some of its sights and cities are among the world’s most loved and visited tourist attractions. You’re sure to know the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona and Rome’s Colosseum, and may have visited many of them, but there are hidden gems of Europe that are just as easy to get to. Once seen, they’re never forgotten, and yet many tourists don’t know how close they are to such spectacular places.

Discover Ancient Italy In Comiso

Italy is famous for its ancient Roman sites of course, as well as masterpieces of the Renaissance period to be found in beautiful cities like Florence. A flight to Comiso, on the Italian island of Sicily, however allows you to experience treasures that are far, far older. In the scenic hills surrounding the town are fragments of Neolithic settlements that are believed to date from at least the seventh century BC, and which may be all that remains of the legendary city of Kasmenai. Comiso has other gems to explore, including its Roman fountain, and a Gothic castle with an octagonal tower. Sicily as a whole is a beautiful island to see and explore, and much friendlier than you may imagine from certain films.

Beautiful Bratislava

Central Europe is home to many cities of exquisite beauty, with the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Prague attracting huge numbers of visitors every year. If you want somewhere a little less crowded, but no less alluring, you should head to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. It’s a city that is full of history, with much of its architecture unchanged by the centuries. Through its centre runs the mighty River Danube, with an imposing fairytale-like castle nearby, and the Carpathian moments stretching away beyond it. Bratislava is less than two and a half hours from Birmingham Airport, which has a host of free parking facilities including its highly convenient hotel park and fly Birmingham Airport scheme.  For more information, visit birminghamparking.com.

Invigorating Pertisau

A relaxing beach holiday is all well and good, and Europe certainly has lots of great beach destinations to choose from, but sometimes an invigorating holiday is just what you need. If you enjoy walking, outstanding scenery and clean, crisp air, then Pertisau in Austria would be an ideal choice. It’s easy to see why Pertisau is known as ‘the jewel of the Tyrol‘ for few sights across the world are more breath-taking than its mountains reflecting in Lake Achensee. This is also Europe’s biggest nature reserve, so it’s a must-see for nature lovers, but there are also plenty of activities from sailing to climbing available for more adventurous visitors.

Comiso, Bratislava and Pertisau are three very different destinations, but all of them can be the basis of a holiday you’ll never forget. There are regular flights to these destinations, and many more, from Birmingham Airport and other UK and international airports, so reaching them is easy. The only difficulty comes in tearing yourself away from these European hidden gems at the end of your vacation.

by Incredible Planet Staff

How To Get Cheap Train Tickets Online  


Lifestyle

Whether you are a university student or a business commuter, or perhaps you just like the odd weekend away every now and then, train travel can prove to be very costly. When booking your train fare online there are lots of hidden ways to save on your travels and get the best price for your journey.

Before Booking

  1. Get a Railcard

If you haven’t already, make sure to get a Railcard online and save 30% on all train tickets. Whether you travel daily, weekly or monthly it is worth the one off £30 cost to save on your journeys. There are seven types of railcard including those for young people aged 16-30, families travelling with kids (who can enjoy a 50% discount on kids fares) and people aged 60 and over.

  1. Book Early

The early bird gets the worm, and this is certainly true for saving money on your train fare. Online you can book up to 12 weeks in advance, and save up to a massive 80% on your tickets. If you have left it late to book, then booking in advance is can still give you a significant saving. Save up to 30% when you book before 6pm the night before, compared to booking on the day, so bear this in mind whilst finding the best price for your journey.

Getting your Tickets

  1. Use Voucher Codes

Many online promo code companies offer extra savings on train fares, including no booking fees. Websites such a offer discounts on singles, returns, last minute booking and much more. Get discounts at Trainline and save on fares, and you can even save money on your railcard to get a long term discount.

  1. Buy Single Tickets

For many journeys, if you buy two single tickets instead of a return ticket, your fare works out cheaper. For certain trainlines such as Virgin trains, you can get even you can save up to 50% compared to getting a return when you choose two off peak single tickets.

  1. Travel Off Peak

Whether booking in advance or on the day, off peak journeys are always cheaper than travelling on peak. If you can avoid travelling during the early morning and rush hour, then choosing their off peak and super off peak is a great, money saving option. These tickets are less flexible and require you to travel at certain times of the day, but are ideal for weekends away.

  1. Split Ticketing

This technique involves splitting your journey up and getting different tickets for each part of your journey. This doesn’t even involve changing trains in many cases, and is a good way to save if you have left your booking until the last minute. Split your journey into two or more parts, and make saving of up to £80 on your journey!

  1. Compare & Save

Booking your journey online also means that you have the advantage of being able to find the best price. With comparison websites such as MyTrainTicket offering a best fare finder tool, you can look at the price of your journey from many different providers. Choose the best price for your entire journey, and choose the right fare for you.

  1. Book Train & Tube Together

Whilst the Oyster card is great if travelling by tube or bus around central London, booking the Train and Tube together is great is travelling further afield. With Virgin Trains there are a number of inclusive ticket packages available to save you money if you are taking more than one train or mode of transport in the South East.

  1. Holiday Packages

Going on a short break or a weekend away? Booking hotel and train fare at the same time offers great savings on your entire break. Although these packages can often have an added cost due to their convenience, if you find daily deals and added discounts often available such as those discussed in the Save Money on Vacation article, you can find a great deal on your entire break.

Before Checking Out

  1. Avoid Booking Fees

When you have secured your train tickets, the booking fees are the one thing which can trip you up and have you spending more. Search for providers who don’t have booking fees such as Cross Country Trains, or check out the voucher code websites to see that they don’t have any of the regular “free booking fee” deals on offer.

Extra Money Saving Tips

– Students can also get 12% off the 16-25 Railcard when they use their NUS card

– Look out for train-lines which have group bookings as some offer a 20% discount

– Don’t forget the refunds – some providers such as crosscountrytrains.,co.uk provide cashback for customers if their train is delayed.

For frequent travellers, some of these tips will no doubt already be saving you a fortune such as a railcard and booking your tickets early. However, there are many secret savings to be had every time you book train travel, no matter what trainline you book with. From browsing voucher codes to find savings on your specific journey, to comparing deals and ensuring you get the best one, there is no need to overspend in order to get from A to B. Save time and money on your train travel by keeping these top tips under your belt!

by Incredible Planet Staff

Why Preparation is the Key to Enjoying Your Vacation


Homes

For some people, a vacation might be a weekend getaway. For others, a vacation could be a month-long trip out of the country. No matter where on this spectrum you fall, there are always steps to be done to keep your home safe, in addition to other preparations, so that everything from departure to coming home goes smoothly and without a hiccup.

Preparation is the key to so many things in our lives, it is a wonder we spend so little time preparing ourselves and our homes before taking off on a vacation. Lack of preparation before a vacation can lead to missed flights, forgotten luggage, and general stress. Understanding why you should prepare yourself and your home before vacation might seem to be easy, but you would be surprised what other people (probably including you!) forget to do.

Start with a List

Speaking of forgetfulness, the first thing you need to do to prepare for a getaway is to make a checklist. If you do not write out exactly what needs to be done before you leave, it is likely that you will forget something, or at least feel like you have forgotten something. Studies have shown that people who make checklists are significantly less likely to do something that they are supposed to have done.

Do Not Forget the Pets

Make sure that you have made arrangements for your pets, either with a sitter or with a pet-boarding company. If you are leaving your pet with a sitter, make sure that you give them plenty of pet food, some toys, and any medicines that your pet might require. If you are leaving your pet at home and having someone check in with them several times a day, do not forget to leave your house key for them, and make sure that anything valuable or dangerous that your pet might get into is put safely out of reach.

Some people may have plants instead of (or in addition to) pets. These require care too. Make sure to get a friend to water your plants as necessary, or purchase self-watering plant stakes.

Secure Your Home

If you are taking a short trip (a couple of days) leave a lamp on in a few different rooms. This will deter thieves from attempting to break into your home. If you are going on a lengthier vacation, you should purchase light timers that can turn your lights on and off at specified intervals. You should also let any alarm system companies that you might use that you are going on vacation so that they can keep a closer eye on your home.

Something that many people do not think of when it comes to securing their home before a vacation is having their mail held at the post office. If a potential burglar sees your mail piling up, they may realize that you are not home. That makes you an easy target.

Tidying Up

Nobody wants to come home from a relaxing vacation just to realize that they left their house a mess. Make sure to clean out your refrigerator before you leave, and toss any food that will expire in your absence. Take care of any laundry you have laying around before you leave, and spray insecticide in any areas of frequent bug activity.

Coming Home

Just like with the chores, there are some things you can do to make your transition back into everyday life easier. Try to purchase some non-perishable goods before you leave that you can have for your first meal back. Make sure that you do not leave any dishes in the sink, and wipe down all of the surfaces in your home. Give your bathroom and kitchen a quick clean, and sweep or vacuum all of your floors. The day of your departure, put clean sheets on your bed so that you can unwind in comfort after a long day of travelling.

Preparing for a vacation does not need to be stressful. If you start your preparations early enough, they almost seem like the chores you do on a daily basis anyway. When you leave, you will feel much more comfortable knowing that your home is in good shape, and secured against criminals.