Fritzjames Stephen | The Adventure Travel Site

Top Things to Do in Maldives

Island escapes, a world of wonder above and below the water, sublime relaxation; there’s never a dull moment in the Maldives with plenty to see, do and experience.

Water Sports

The ocean which surrounds the Maldives offers water sports enthusiasts lots to look forward to. Those staying at resorts the likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can enjoy snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides and SEABOB experiences to name but a few!

Enjoy Entertainment

Of course, when on holiday, enjoying some entertainment is as good a “thing to do” as any! In the Maldives, celebrations can be experienced at various resorts or inhabited islands. For something different, travellers can look to visit venues such as The Marina @ CROSSROADS which features band performances, special events and live music.

Indulge in Spa Rituals

Resort spas provide holistic healing that will certainly help you unwind and feel revitalised. From traditional Asian therapies with herbs and oils to innovative western treatments featuring sound vibrations, an enriching wellness journey awaits!

Embark on Ocean Voyages

There is much to discover on voyages out to sea be it on a luxury yacht, modern boat or traditional vessel known as a dhoni. Sunset cruises are popular for couples, while dolphin watching excursions and visits to inhabited as well as uninhabited islands provide many adventures too.

Bentota Beach

Located 64km south of Colombo, Bentota beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along the southern coastline. It has long been popular among tourists and locals alike. It is very easy to distinguish the beach by just mentioning its name.

Location

Two of the most popular beaches in the south are located along the same stretch of coastline. The Beruwala beach can be found just before the town of Aluthgama and the Bentota beach is accessed as soon as you pass over the Bentota Bridge.

Water Sports

Bentota Beach is not just very pretty, it is also a great place to get involved in water sports. If you are hoping to catch the best waves, head there around October to April when the waves are calmer and perfect for engaging in water sports.

Luxury Hotels

Bentota is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. You can find 5-star service, delicious international menus and all the comfort you could ask for at places like Saman Villas.

Shopping

It is also quite possible to get your souvenir shopping done in the small boutiques and shops that come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase traditional crafts, gems, batik-wear and other small ornaments that you can take home with you.

Best Ways to Get Around Doha, Qatar

If you are travelling to Doha, Qatar, and wondering how to get around, this brief guide will come in handy! Here are some of the options available to you.

Doha Metro | Image Credit : Asianchamp2, DohaMetroRedLine2019, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxis & Ride-hailing Apps

Transport via taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get around especially when the heat tends to be overwhelming! Those arriving at the Hamad International Airport can use metered Karwa taxis to easily access properties the likes of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli with are only around a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber are also available.

Car Rental & Chauffeur-Driven Options

Alternatively, you can look to rent your own car at the airport which offers great flexibility, though it helps to plan ahead. Of course, you have the option of making use of chauffeur-driven services which are convenient when embarking from hotels in Doha on some extensive sightseeing.

Doha Metro

The newly developed and still expanding Doha Metro is a rapid transit system that came into operation in 2019. This service currently operates three lines (Green, Gold and Red) with the central interchange station located in Msheireb in the downtown area. Amongst the destinations served are the Corniche, Katara, Hamad International Airport and Souq Waqif.

Bus Services

Mowasalat Karwa operates state-owned buses which run along an extensive network that covers many parts of Doha. These air-conditioned buses generally run from five in the morning to midnight, while the main hub is the Al Ghanim Bus Station.

The Best things to do in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan offers everything from beachside bliss to pulsating parties that make for unforgettable adventures day or night! Here are some of the top things to do on a holiday to this Thai island.

Spend Time at the Beaches

There are some amazing beaches to visit on the island including Haad Rin Beach where the famed Full Moon Parties take place each month. Other well-known coastal hotspots include Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, Mae Haad Beach and Leela Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Enjoy Water Sports

Those wanting to do more than just laze on the sand in front of their Koh Phangan resort can try a number of water sports; snorkelling is popular as is diving at nearby Sail Rock. Kayaking is a great way to do some exploring, while activities such as wakeboarding and jet skiing offer more speed-induced thrills.

Explore Ang Thong Marine National Park

Koh Phangan is an ideal base from which to head off on excursions to the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Made up of 42 islands, this nature reserve offers lots to experience; explore secluded beaches and jungles, snorkel above pristine coral reefs and kayak amidst stunning backdrops of limestone cliffs.

Visit the Thong Sala Night Market

A “must visit” for foodies, the daily Thong Sala Night Market is one of the best spots to savour relatively cheap local dishes. Come the weekend, the Thong Sala Saturday Night Market is also worth heading to for not only food but to buy crafts, clothes and more.

A Hiker’s Guide to Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range

The knuckles mountain range lies in central Sri Lanka and is a popular spot for hikers. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the ideal location for those interested in hiking. Here’s more information for you!

Hiking the mountain range

Considered a rather tough hiking trail in the country, it’s best attempted by those who have a history of experience behind them. It’s best if you have a guide when exploring Knuckles Sri Lanka, hotels in the vicinity such as the unique Wild Glamping Knuckles as it’s easy to lose track of where you are!

Mini World’s End

Located south of the mountain range lies ‘Mini World’s End’, as the name suggests, is a 1,192-metre cliff offering the best views of the mountains. The trail begins at the Knuckles Conservation Centre and is roughly 1.5 kilometres in length.

Nitro Caves

Another popular trail is the nature trail leading to the Nitro Caves, a massive cave that hundreds of bats call home. This 11-kilometre trek begins at the Corbett’s Gap and takes roughly five hours to complete.

Tips

Although streams are aplenty, there is a high chance some of them may have dried up. Therefore, it is best to bring enough water bottles and re-fill them at every stream you pass!

Tips for Women Travelling in Doha

Thanks to Doha’s dynamic and fast-paced development, it has become a cosmopolitan and multicultural and steeped in so much rich Arabic history it is the perfect place to go for a unique holiday that gives you the best of both worlds. If you are a woman visiting alone here are some general tips to make the trip much more enjoyable.

1. Best Time to Visit

Go in the winter! Between November to March, the mornings would get as hot as 28 degrees Celsius while at night it tends to get quite cold, almost 12 degrees Celsius.

2. Getting Around

Take an Uber or another type of ride app as that would be the safest option. You can also ask your local resort like Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli if they could provide transport for you. It’s highly recommended that you don’t try to drive as traffic can be pretty bad.

3. Outside the City

As mentioned, Doha is a metropolis, but it is also steeped in a lot of culture, and there is a higher chance that you can go out to explore the desert, take a half-day camel safari or go sandboarding.

4. Eating Well

There is plenty of food for all kinds of budgets, but keep in mind that as a Muslim country there will not be any pork available.

5. Dress Specifics

Tourists in Doha don’t have to adhere to a dress code, but women are expected to dress modestly. If you follow the rule of thumb to keep your shoulders and knees covered, you should be okay. Hotels in Doha, however, will allow you to dress as you please while you are inside.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

“Big Cat” diaries in Botswana

Graced with an abundance of Africa’s well-known predators, Botswana is a great year-round destination for wildlife and animal enthusiasts! Here’s a little more information on where you can spot the big cats.

Image credit- Pixabay,EnchantingTravels,CC0

Overview
Animals in Botswana are made up of the majestic big 5, amongst the five you’ll find lions – fascinating animals. There are plenty of reasons to go on a big cat safari in Botswana, as you’ll leave with plenty of gathered knowledge and memories.

Lions
Luckily for you, the largest of the big cat group, the lion and its pride can be found almost everywhere throughout Botswana. If you’re looking to witness the lions and buffalos face each other, the Kwedi Concession is the ideal location. The ultimate Big 5 encounter between the two aggressive animals is not to be missed! In order to spot the black-maned lions, you’ll only find them in the Kalahari Desert.

Leopards
Leopards are as easy to spot as lions in Botswana due to their large numbers! To witness leopards in their natural habitat and in all their glory, the Linyanti Concession in northern Botswana is the best!

Cheetahs
Considered the weakest of the big cats, the cheetah is the fastest and the most difficult to see. You can see them in some areas such as Okavango Delta and Linyanti near Chobe National Park. When staying at hotel chains in Botswana the likes of Minor Hotels, pick a property that isn’t too far from such locations!

A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+

Which Seychelles Island You Must Visit and Why

The archipelago of Seychelles will not leave you disappointed. Here are three islands and some information on them to help make it easier for you to decide!

Praslin

Praslin has a contrast of atmosphere on either end, therefore, if you’re looking for a laid back and calm time then you must stay on the west side. However, if you’re looking for more of a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars, then you must stay in the east. If you’re interested in nature, then you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Praslin National Park.

Mahe

During your stay at any resort in Seychelles, the likes of Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort when in Mahe, you’ll undoubtedly get a feel of the local life of Seychelles. Make sure you visit Victoria, the capital, to buy your own fresh produce and goods. The best thing to do in Mahe is to chill by the beach and take in the gorgeous waters.

Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa), Seychelles 019, CC BY-SA 2.5

La Digue

A small and chilled out island, La Digue is home to a number of pristine beaches. The roads on the island are perfect for strolls and cycling. Due to the number of private beaches dotting the island, you’ll easily find some private time for yourself!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

The World Heritage Town of Laos: Luang Prabang

The colonial architecture seen at the Buddhist temples, which are surrounded by the forested mountains is the main attraction. The Mekong River that borders the west side of the town is another alluring feature.

Temples

There are 34 temples dotting the town of Laos, and why they hold interest for tourists comes down to the amazing architecture. The temples are designed in the Chinese style, and they draw thousands to the town.

Allie Caulfield, Wat Mahathat temple (Laos2009), CC BY 2.0

Artwork

Laos is all about ancient art. The wood carvings, murals and pottery work hold the town above other destinations as a fetching travel destination. The town’s cultural features caused the town to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Accommodation

The town is a magnet for tourists. Thousands of history and cultural enthusiasts visit the town all year round. Finding lodgings at a hotel Luang Prabang will not prove to be challenging, not with the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang at your disposal.

Transport

There are direct routes between Laos and other major cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Vientiane. You can travel by air or opt for boat services; both options are in full availability.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Rising Trend of Co-Living Spaces

The trend of co-living spaces has been quickly embraced by young people and millennials across countries as it is the answer to a lot of problems. Here’s a breakdown for you to understand this concept.

Co Living Concept | Image Credit : Pos arch, POS architekten, CO-living JAspern, Foto © Markus Kaiser, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is co-living?

Simply put, co-living is the trend of living with several other people in one space. This is thought to encourage people to interact and work together. Most of the time, co-living residents have their very own room but have to share common spaces such as living spaces and the kitchen – almost like they are a big family. Several that opt for a shared living space, such as the ones offered by lyf Corporate are open to the concept of sharing and collaboration.

Co-working and co-living

Don’t get the two of these wrong, they are similar but not entirely the same concept. Many co-living establishments will double as a co-working space, but not vice versa. Both environments, however, allow you to meet a lot of like-minded people and form relationships.

Why is it so popular?

The rise of this concept comes from a number of different factors, such as enjoying living with others and sharing similar interests. There are co-living spaces in the United States, Singapore and other multiple locations around the world.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+