JOURNEYS4LIFE TRAVEL

Dear Traveler, If you follow the current travel trends, you might know that Egypt is on the rise- ranked among the leading must-visit destinations for 2019-2020. And they are many reasons why- as one of the cradles of the Ancient World, Egypt is a living open-air museum with so many archaeological sites, that on a classical 7-day itinerary you can only get a glimpse of its magnificent cultural heritage. The delicious Mediterranean cuisine, the exotic bazaars, and the lesser-known for the American traveler Red Sea coast with world-class resorts in Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada are even more reasons to put Egypt on your travel list. Here are a few tips on what to see and do in Egypt and how you can get there:                                                                      The Sphinx with the Great Pyramid...

Dear Traveler, If you have any remote interest in ancient history and culture a trip to Egypt will transform the way you see life. It has transformed my way of seeing it... When you arrive in the country and see the dusty roads, the traffic, and poverty, It is hard to imagine that this land was home to an advanced and thriving civilization, dating back to more than four millennials. Nevertheless, the evidence for it still exists and your first encounter with it will be seeing the Pyramids at Giza. My friend and I spent two weeks in Egypt, and one of the best experiences we had was taking a river cruise from Aswan and Luxor. Here are few reasons to consider why to take a river cruise on the Nile:                                                                                 Royal Princess...

Dear Traveler,  The land of the pharaohs is a destination that has fascinated people since antiquity. Egypt is the " Gift of the Nile " that the Greek historian Herodotus described when he visited in the 5th Century BC.  There are not enough words to describe the magnitude and ingenuity of Ancient Egyptian Engineering and the stunning colorful religious scenes carved in the temples and tombs -- you have to see it for yourself. As a Muslim country, the locals are conservative, but you will soon find that they are also genuine and helpful. The US dollar and the Euro are strong and go a long way. For seamless travel, here are few tips to consider:                                                                     Our guide Youssef was from Aswan Hire a local guide and driver for your entire stay Whi...

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...