JOURNEYS4LIFE TRAVEL

Dear Traveler,   Where to stay in Bal í ? The majority of accommodations (ranging from hostels to 5-star resorts) are concentrated in the southern part of the island, in near proximity to the Airport. Southwest of the airport,  Kuta  is popular among backpackers,  Seminyak  &  Jimbaran Bay  area are known for its five-star resorts, brand-name shopping, and gourmet dining. On the southeast side of the island, the town of  Sanur  is a low key vacation spot, known for its relaxed vibe, art, and local crafts scene. Settled by the Dutch in the early 1900s, Sanur draws a lot of European families seeking a quiet and relaxing getaway. South of Sanur,  Nusa Dua  area is another alternative for discerning travelers offering luxury resorts and long sandy beaches.  If you scuba dive, the majority of dive resorts are situated on the  East Coast , where one can find world-class dive sites.  Seeking healing and wellness? The cul...

Dear Traveler, What do you know about Bal í ? Growing up in Eastern Europe, I knew almost nothing about the "Island of Gods" besides the fact is an exotic destination and is far, far away. I never even dreamed that l would have the chance to visit one day... Well, when an opportunity presented itself earlier this year, my husband and I embraced it and we were off on our first trip to Southeast Asia. Bal í  was the last stop in our multi-county Asian adventure and delivered an unforgettable experience. Quick Facts You might find it interesting to learn that Balí is part of Indonesia, which is a mostly-Muslim country, but the island itself is home to the Balinese  Hindu minority . Another interesting fact is that most Balinese are bilingual, if not trilingual (Indonesian, Balinese, English). The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah and there is no visa required for US citizens . Travel Tip :    Exchange plenty of $ to local currency at the airport, ...

Dear Traveler, Hopefully, you agree that Paris, The "City of Light" is a destination in itself. As one of the cultural centers in Europe and one of the most romantic cities in the world, the things to see and do are almost endless, but without proper planning, they can become easily overwhelming. However, it doesn't have to be this way. A few minor twists can completely transform your Parisian experience. Here are a few tips to consider before you get there.   The Eiffel Tower Learn a few basic French words  You may know, that France is one of the European countries where English is not widely spoken. If you are not prepared, the language barrier can easily create unpredicted and challenging situations. That being said, there are ways to go around this. Patience and learning a few basic French words like "Bonjour", "merci", "S"il-vous-plait" is a good start! Choose a centrally located hotel Paris is one of the most pedestrian-friendl...

Dear Traveler, Would you like to experience an authentic Greek culture without the tourist crowds and vacation where the locals go? Consider Crete! Arguably, most travelers outside of Europe start planning the first-time vacation to the Greek islands with Santorini and Mykonos in mind. Unfortunately, in the last decade, they have become so popular, that you can rarely enjoy them without the crowds and the high price point of meals and accommodations. It doesn't have to be this way! There are still over 220 inhabited Greek islands to choose from and maybe this blog will help you to consider different options. The Basics Crete is the southernmost island in the Greek Archipelago and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The best way to explore the island is either to rent a car or rely on the well-developed Public Bus Services Ktel. In general, renting a car will cost less than using the Crete bus system. However, using the local buses will save you the stress of naviga...

Dear Traveler, Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Its dimensions change, depending on the monsoon and the dry season. As a rich biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, its vast wetlands are home to more than 300 species of freshwater fishes, turtles, crocodiles, snakes, and other similar reptiles, as well as more than 100 different birds. The lake is also an important commercial resource, providing more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with Tonle Sap's biological diversity, floating villages were established along the edges of the lake, which made fishing their main source of living. A few of them are easy to access from Siem Reap.                   Boats are the only way to get from the mainland to a floating village With only two nights to spend in the city, our time was very limited. From some earlier research, it looked like there were three floating villages which you can explore on a ...

Dear Traveler, Did you know? The Spring  is one of the best seasons to travel to Southeast Asia due to the low cost of the international airfare and the almost optimal weather. This time my husband and I were set on visiting the ancient ruins of  Angkor Wat , in Cambodia, one of the most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Situated in Cambodia's northern province, in the outskirts of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. Stretching over some 400 square kilometers, this religious complex-the largest in the world houses magnificent remains from different capitals of the Khmer Empire that flourished between the 8th-13th centuries.                                                                                    ...

Dear Traveler, The lost city of Angkor Wat, Cambodia was on my travel list for a long time. While it's the largest religious monument in the world, until recently, the Western world knew very little about Angkor. It was believed that the religious complex was discovered in the 19th Century by the French naturalist Henri Mouhot. However, later scholars discovered, that in fact, Angkor Wat was never "lost" for the Khmer people, and the Buddhist monks continuously worshiped the temple complex over the centuries.                                                                                         Angkor Wat complex  Angkor was built by the Khmer Empire -- a powerful state in Southeast Asia which existed between the 9th & 15th Centuries. At its peak, it covered m...