• Discover the Magic of Fall Tours in Romania

    Discover the Magic of Fall Tours in Romania

    Romania, the land of legendary vampires, intricate architecture, and timeless landscapes, has more than meets the eye. It’s also home to a dynamic display of colours that sparks life into the countryside. On this side of the world, autumn is a visual feast. A symphony of oranges, reds, and yellows blends against a backdrop of ancient castles, creating an unforgettable experience.

    Every year, thefalltours.org makes it our mission to bring you closer to these stunning transformations. Our well-crafted tours take you across the lush Romanian countryside, immersing you in the country’s rich cultural traditions, fascinating history, and breathtaking autumn landscapes. One of the highlights is the Maramureș region, where traditions are preserved, and the fall season brings about a vibrant tapestry of colours.

    Maramureș – The Heart of Traditions

    Maramureș, nestled in the northern part of Romania, is an area that takes pride in preserving the customs passed down through generations. Wooden churches dot the landscape with their tall, slender towers and intricate carvings. Here, locals still wear traditional clothing, celebrate ancient customs, and carry forward the unique folk art of the area. As autumn approaches, the verdant hills of Maramureș take on a new persona, painting the sky with an array of reds, oranges, and yellows that bring the landscape to life.

    If you’re visiting Maramureș during the Easter holidays, prepare to be entranced by one of Romania’s most vivid traditions – the creation and display of decorated Romanian Easter eggs. Each egg is a work of art adorned with complex patterns that often tell a story or bear a specific meaning. The designs are made using a wax-resist method, and the tradition has been passed down through generations.

    Transylvania – The Land of Legends

    Every visit to Romania is complete with a trip to Transylvania. Known globally as the land of Dracula, this region offers much more than a spooky tale. Transylvania transforms into a stunning tableau of vibrant colours during the fall season. It’s a real-life fairy tale with imposing medieval castles, fortified churches, and quaint villages. The charming town of Sighișoara, with its colourful houses and cobblestone streets, is an absolute must-see.

    Cycling enthusiasts can ride through the serene villages of Viscri and Mălâncrav, where life seems to have stood still. And don’t miss the Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, sitting majestically on a hilltop surrounded by an array of autumn hues. The historic city of Brașov is another gem to explore, with its Gothic-style Black Church, Council Square, and panoramic views from Tâmpa mountain.

    Danube Delta – The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

    The Danube Delta is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved deltas. During fall, flocks of birds seek warmer climes.

    Moreover, the Danube Delta is a haven for over 300 species of birds and 160 species of fish, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Its network of rivers, canals, marshes, and reed islands makes it an ideal spot for boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature. It’s also home to the charming old-world fishing village of Sfântu Gheorghe, where you can savour fresh fish delicacies and witness the locals’ laid-back lifestyle.

    The Fall Experience

    As the fall season approaches, the countryside undergoes a remarkable transformation. The leaves take on vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues, creating a magical panorama that is truly a sight to behold. These colours are not just limited to the trees. Even the wooden houses, churches, and fences, typically painted in bright shades, seem to reflect the spirit of autumn, making the landscape even more enchanting.

    Join us on our autumn tours, and allow us to guide you through this painting-like scenery. Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey, explore the rich cultural heritage, savour local delicacies, and celebrate the vivid traditions that make Romania unique.

    Conclusion

    There’s an indescribable charm about Romania, especially during fall. Its heart-stirring landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and warm people make it a must-visit destination. Romania has something special for you whether you’re a fan of nature, history, art, or just a passionate traveller.

    Discover the magic of Romanian fall with us at thefalltours.org. We guarantee you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a longing to return. Romania is waiting for you. Are you ready?

  • Easy hacks to get rid of jet lag

    Easy hacks to get rid of jet lag

    Once the excitement of your long-haul flight has passed, and you have safely reached your end destination. You mostly likely will settle down to allow your body clock to get into the same rhythm as your new location. Depending on how far and wide you have travelled this could be easy or exceptionally hard.

    Getting over your jet lag as quickly as possible is one way to get some additional value for money from your holiday, or to return to normal as quickly as possible in your home country. Wouldn’t you rather be out enjoying your life, rather than in bed wondering what time it is?

    If you’ve ever found yourself in this position you are in the right place, take a look at some of our favourite techs for helping you fight your jet lag blues.

    Light Therapy

    Conventional light therapy for jet lag requires you to expose yourself to bright light at specific times in the day to reset your body’s sleep clock. Most light therapy solutions revolve around portable light therapy boxes or glasses. However, there are lower-cost options available to you.

    Try using a smart bulb to generate red light, which is widely believed to stimulate melatonin production. Low melatonin levels are thought to not only prevent us from falling asleep but also stop us from getting high-quality restful sleep. You can make this hack even cheaper by using lower-cost LED bulbs that produce warm light and can have the same effect. Low-cost bulb retailers like all-lights.co.uk make accessing LED bulb technology faster and easier than ever before.

    Start adopting your new time zone early

    Most of us know well in advance when we are tacking a long-haul flight. So on the run-up to your departure date why not try and get in sync with the new time zone that you will be entering. It may sound hard, but its easily accomplished in a few simple steps:

    • Change the time on your phone to the same time zone as your destination
    • Make sure that you have a fully functional set of black-out blinds or curtains
    • Shift any appointments that you may have to fit your temporary new schedule

    The key to this technique working is to stick to your alarm, hitting snooze will simply mean you stay hardwired to your current time zone and you will have a broken night’s sleep.

    Avoid alcohol and (maybe) caffeine

    Whilst having an alcoholic beverage in the airport or plane might be fun, if you want to cut down on the time you are out of commission with jet lag, we suggest keeping away from the bar. This is because alcohol can disrupt our quality of sleep and cause dehydration.

    Caffeine, on the other hand, is more complicated, in 2015 researchers at the University of Colorado were able to prove the widely accepted idea that drinking coffee in the evening stops you from falling asleep. Or to be more scientific consuming caffeine at night delays human circadian rhythm. Depending on where you are going this could be a help or a hindrance. If you are travelling east drinking coffee could make your jetlag worse, if you travel West, it could make your jetlag better.


    Infographic created by Alpine Limousine, Most Trusted Executive Chauffeur Service in New York City
  • Have a Citi Travel Bonus? Here Are The Best Countries to Visit!

    Have a Citi Travel Bonus? Here Are The Best Countries to Visit!

    Are you looking to get some serious travel bang for your buck? Well, Citibank has got you covered. The bank offers a variety of travel bonuses, so be sure to check out their website for the best deal possible!

    Here are the top countries to visit with a Citibank travel bonus.

    Have a Citi travel bonus? Here are the best countries to visit!

    Europe

    • France: a beautiful country well-known for its art, food, wine, and culture. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations globally.
    • Spain: has something to offer everyone, from stunning coastal cities to picturesque mountain villages.

    Asia

    • China: There is so much to see and do in this country, from its bustling cities to beautiful countryside. Plus, China is an affordable country to visit, making it an excellent option for budget-minded travelers.
    • Japan: There are many great countries to visit globally, but Japan is one of the best. It’s great for everyone with a broad range of bustling cities to peaceful mountains. The people are amicable and welcoming, and there is always something new to discover.

    South America

    • Brazil: Brazil offers something for everyone, from lush rain forests and stunning beaches to vibrant cities and picturesque villages. There are activities and attractions to enjoy, from hiking and wildlife watching to samba dancing and Formula One racing.
    • Argentina: There are many fabulous places to visit globally, but Argentina often ranks near the top of lists of best countries to see. This vast South American country offers something for everyone, from cosmopolitan cities and stunning mountain landscapes to rolling pampas and pristine beaches.
    • Chile: has a very diverse landscape that includes towering mountains, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. In addition, Chile is home to some of the most exciting and welcoming people in South America.

    Africa

    • Tanzania: This country has much to offer visitors, making it one of the best countries. Some of the highlights include Mount Kilimanjaro, safaris through the Serengeti National Park, and spending time on the beaches of Zanzibar.
    • Kenya: Kenya is a country located in East Africa. It has over 48 million people and is known for its wildlife, beaches, and mountains. The Masai Mara National Reserve, Mount Kenya, and Diani Beach are the best places to visit in Kenya. Kenya is also a popular safari destination.

    Types of Citi checking accounts

    Basic checking account

    A checking account allows customers to deposit and withdraw money. The main benefit of a checking account is that it will enable customers to access their money quickly.

    There are various types of Citi checking accounts, so customers can choose the one that best meets their needs. Some of the different Citi checking accounts include the primary checking account, the Student Checking Account, and the Citigold Checking Account.

    Private banking account

    For those who need a private banking account, Citi offers its Citigold account. This account provides customers with personal bankers, access to exclusive investment opportunities, and a higher interest rate on savings. However, there is a monthly fee for this account.

    Bottom Line

    Overall, any of these countries would be an excellent choice for a vacation.

    Get your Citi checking bonus in the link provided and book the best vacation you can.

  • 5 Awesome Ways to Spend Time in Komodo Island

    5 Awesome Ways to Spend Time in Komodo Island

    Komodo Island has earned its place among the world’s leading destinations. It is not just because of its magnificent scenery, alluring sunsets, calming serenity, or breathtaking wildlife. It is more a matter of the combination of varied activities, unique wildlife, world-class amenities, and its favorable location — a combination that makes it irresistible to explorers and vacationers.

    However, the fact that you have a lot of options is not always a great thing. It can be overwhelming. And this can ruin your overall experience.

    Therefore, right after checking yourself into any one of the good Komodo island hotels, it is always a good idea to have a list of activities that you may want to take part in. Here are some of the activities that you should consider including in your list.

    Diving

    If you’ve never swum with manta rays, or if you’ve never experienced what it feels like to dive at night, then you should definitely consider going diving.

    Areas like Batubalong, Manta Alley, Tatawa Kecil, Taka Makassar, and Castle Rock, offer fantastic diving opportunities. And it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an expert diver. Provided you are interested in seeing marine life up close, you won’t be disappointed.

    On dives on the island, you can get the opportunity to experience what it is to swim next to majestic manta rays. You will also be able to see pygmy seahorses, giant trevallies, white tip sharks, corals, and turtles.

    And if taking a dive during the day isn’t awe-inspiring enough, you can always try out night diving. For this, the best spot in Komodo is Gili Lawa.

    Watching and participating in local dances

    The inhabitants of the area surrounding Komodo Island have a strong cultural identity. They take part in interesting traditional dances and songs. Therefore, if you are interested in soaking up a little bit of the local culture, visiting Melo Village is something that you should definitely consider.

    You will get the chance to unwind by cheering “Caci” fights, supporting traditional performances by locals, and chatting with the locals. All in all, visiting local villages will give you perfect opportunities to create memorable moments and capture great photos.

    Watching bat migration

    If you’ve never seen thousands of bats flying all at once in the night sky, then you definitely have to make a stop at Kalong Island.

    On the island, you will be able to see the daily migration of bats as they move from the mangroves. The experience, which lasts for about 15 minutes, is unique enough to make it worth your time. And given that it happens in the evening, at around 6 pm, you can always stop by when you are on your way back to your hotel — after visiting other attractions in the area.

    See and learn more about Komodo dragons

    If you’ve never seen a Komodo dragon, Komodo Island will offer you plenty of opportunities to see them. You can see them in their natural habitat when you visit Rinca Island. You can also opt to have a closer look at them at Komodo National Park.

    Whether you encounter them when taking a hike on Rinca Island or at the park, you will have the opportunity to learn more about these majestic creatures. What you won’t be able to learn from observing them, you can always learn by asking your guide questions.

    Taking a hike to the top of Padar Island

    The Komodo Island scenery is breathtaking. However, very few spots offer the magnificence that Padar Island offers. Therefore, if you are in the vicinity, taking the hike is something that you should definitely do.

    While the hike will take you anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, it is totally worth it. The combination of colored beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and incredible landscapes, make for one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

    While this list is definitely not exhaustive, it offers great pointers as to where you can start on your journey to experiencing what Komodo Island has to offer.

  • Simple Ways to Safely Book Your Trip

    Simple Ways to Safely Book Your Trip

    If you are an inexperienced traveler or want some extra security for a family vacation, be aware of common traps that could end up costing you. You’ll improve your chances of staying safe by avoiding community websites such as Craigslist when buying your tickets. Scammers often promise excellent seats at great prices but require an up-front payment which could leave you ticket-less and out a couple hundred bucks.

    When browsing various websites on a public server, unsolicited pages may try to get your attention. While legitimate travel businesses do use marketing tools like pop-ups, specials and limited time offers to encourage booking, be aware that enticing links and pop-up pages that offer better deals and bargains may not be as good as they sound. Also, don’t book or edit your trip through public Internet. Public Wi-Fi networks are often a gold mine for hackers and fraudsters. Connect with caution and try using a VPN instead of the airport, hotel or restaurant Wi-Fi.

    For more ways to keep yourself safe when booking online travel, continue reading.

  • Best Places to Raft In Colorado

    Best Places to Raft In Colorado

    At 52,100 acres, Strada Verona Resort and Spa sits about a mile outside of Leadville, Colorado on the shores of Middle River, a swift river surrounded by mountains and thick forests. You can embark on the 56-mile Colorado High Country Rafting Co. Trail or join a private rafting tour led by master raft guide Aaron Wells.

    The path takes you through the scenic Crystal River Valley and beautiful rocky river. Among the rafting locations is Hawk Creek, which can be described as a creek filled with islands and rocky outcroppings. With the guidance of Wells, you can cruise the river along the river banks and hop out at small waterfalls and waterfalls to hike.

    The river runs from 10-15 feet in depth at most spots, so the fastest experience will be in a four-person raft. The experience is family friendly, with a daily rental fee for adults and a discounted rental fee for children under 10.

    The Northern Vermont Rafting Company offers similar excursions for a similar price. This is a great option for families that want a shorter trip, however, each trip takes about four hours and lasts about eight to ten minutes with four to five hours of total time in the rafting water.

    Dedication and knowledge to paddle at high speed are required, so sign up for a rafting class if you are unsure of how to handle the thrill of the water. The best thing about this outdoor adventure is that if the conditions are poor, no one is left out.

    Canyoning is a highly respected method of rafting. You can get into this specialty of rafting by going to West Mountain Recreation, which is located outside of Windham, Vermont and provides beautiful scenery and a decent amount of excitement for the budget traveler.

    Once you get on the tour, you will begin at the suspension bridge and travel along scenic trails. Along the way, you will see scenic waterfalls and see a glimpse of some gorgeous woodlands. It will be an adventure full of exhilarating water and rock slides.

    Rafting near the Royal Gorge

    If you want to stay on top of the action, you can set up an itinerary with the expert tour guides and have a full day. The charge for a day is about $139 per person, but you can get much better deals on Colorado white water rafting trips near the Royal Gorge. So it’s not exclusively a matter of having to pay top-dollar for the best experience, but rather about finding the right service provider.

    With many options, there is a rafting trip for every budget and this is a popular sport with many groups. Whether you want to ride the river or spend a day trekking through the mountains, there are plenty of locations for a quality rafting experience in Vermont.

    Pro-tip: Buy a map for the region when you reach the area and have it with you at all times. Each trail comes with a detailed description of the route with information on how to prepare for the hike.

  • Top Colorado Destinations for Glamping

    Top Colorado Destinations for Glamping

    The glamping lifestyle shouldn’t be approached in isolation, because it’s a lifestyle element which falls into the regular lifestyle any of us aspire to live. It should be thought of more as a form of accommodation, so the theme itself wouldn’t necessarily be glamping, but rather exploring some destination with your accommodation of choice being glamping.

    Colorado

    Start the trip off with a visit to the Pioneers Museum, where you can learn about Colorado’s history and surrounding area, as well as the city of Denver. This way you can map a way forward to enjoy some of the top glamping spots with some background information.

    This living history museum is fun, educational and entertaining, and has been named the “Best Places for Children in Colorado.” If you’re looking for more Colorado inspiration, read the Steamboat Springs Review or check out our list of Colorado Springs activities. Visit our section “If you have more time” to spend some time in some areas and find some of the best places to eat and things in color.

    This charming mountain town also offers many opportunities to visit local restaurants, breweries and shops. If you are here for only a few days to discover something, it is a great way to discover various activities in Denver. The Downtown Denver Aquarium is definitely one of the funniest things you can do with kids in Colorado. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, right next to the Colorado Museum of Natural History, this hotel offers a variety of activities for children and adults, as well as some of Denver’s most popular attractions.

    If you’re traveling with kids

    Take your kids on a trip to the Great High Prairie, take a guide to get to know the area and discover some of the more relaxed activities you’ve never seen before. Colorado Springs has so many great things to do, whether you’re a local or just drop by, get out there and start ticking some epic items off your Colorado Springs bucket list. One of my favorite things about doing cheap or free stuff is knowing how to find the best deals.

    Manitou Springs

    Discovering some of the best things to do with your kids in Colorado is fun while visiting this incredible state, with Manitou Springs coming into focus as top locale. There are a lot of things to do in Colorado with children or with any other glamping gang, offering all kinds of historical and educational experiences. Royal Gorge Cabins offers things to do in Manitou springs as well. Get off – on your way to the Great High Prairie, Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado River Valley, but don’t stop there – in the action – the adventures around Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Boulder are not stopped.

    The whole glamping movement is set to continue on its rise in popularity, but in all honesty it’s still somewhat of a niche activity. Therefore the most seasoned of glampers are the ones who essentially shape the glamping scene with some of their own glamping gear instead of seeking to show up at a glamping location and find everything catered to them.