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A guide to navigating the Whistler Valley Trail

Enjoying the Whistler Valley Trail is something that every traveller would do during his/her holiday spent in Vancouver.

Holidaying in Vancouver

If you are visiting Vancouver, a few days at a Whistler ski resort is probably on your itinerary. Whether you chose to stay at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre or any other resort in the area here are a few things to keep in mind.

Know where each trail leads

First light on the Valley trail opposite Nordic |Image via Unsplash

The whistler valley trail consists of over 40 km of road that leads to different beautiful destinations depending on which direction you head to. For example, a hike leading to the North will take you to either Rain Park or one of the two lakes (Green and Lost). Each of these locations comes with unique views and a range of nature-based activities that you can indulge in.

Find out where you can stop and relax on the way

There are stops on the way to these destinations which can be used to rest, eat, or even enjoy a nice drink. Several smaller places on the way also offer snacks and coffee to visitors.

Pick an ideal location for your activities

The Southern stroll that leads to Whistler Creekside provides easy access for skiers to make their way to the mountain. Most of the other destinations provide nice running loops to get in a morning jog or run.

Exploring Enchanting Whistler

Nestled at the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in Canada, Whistler offers plenty of thrilling year-round experiences; here are some of the highlights that await.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Amongst the most popular places for skiing and snowboarding in North America, the two mountains provide action-packed excitement on the slopes with over 200 runs on offer. Those staying at a Whistler hotel can easily access these areas, while the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School offers all the training first-timers will need.

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the area on the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, just a short walk from Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. Linking the two mountains, this famed gondola ride offers incredible vistas of glaciers, rainforests and volcanic peaks as well as provides access to plenty of hiking trails.

Adventure Activities

For some adrenaline-pumping adventures in summer, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park with its downhill trails is not to be missed. Still, craving more? You can also enjoy bobsleighing at the Whistler Sliding Centre, ziplining over Fitzsimmons Valley, white water rafting on the Elaho-Squamish River and bungee jumping over Cheakamus River!
Blackcomb Ascent Trails

The Blackcomb Ascent Trails

When summer comes, you can access the three interconnected Blackcomb Ascent Trails amidst spellbinding natural beauty. Gaining an elevation of 1,200 metres and covering 6.2 km in total, the trails take you through a coastal rainforest, with the last section providing mesmerising vistas near the Blackcomb Mountain summit.

Exploring Nurai Island, Adu Dhabi – A sun-drenched paradise

To the east of the Abu Dhabi coastline, you find the Zaya Nurai Island (known as the Nurai Island commonly). It’s the place you need to visit in the UAE for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Getting to Nurai Island

Where are you from? If you are from Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, you just have to take a 15-min boat ride to come to this hidden paradise. If you are from Dubai, it’s a journey of 1 hour.

Operating hours

This sun-drenched island is open every day from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm. Its restaurants are open to serve you anytime, but make sure you book them in advance. It’ll be easier for you as well as for them.

For whom is this island?

Nurai Island is for everyone. While it offers the best for couples who are on romantic getaways and families who are on family getaways with kids, it’s also great for solo travellers.

What to expect?

The best thing about Nurai Island is its serenity and the uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Everything about the island is great including the garden scapes, beaches, and architectural buildings. Indeed, the best things to do in Abu Dhabi are here!

Best Places to Picnic in Melbourne

As the demand for al fresco dining increases, picnics have become fashionable again! Here are some of the all-time favourite local spots for a picnic.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Nestled on the outskirts of the city on approximately 100-acre land is the popular Royal Botanic Gardens. Throw your blanket next to a historic building – or, even better, on the banks of the Yarra River.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Located within an 11-minute drive from properties like WRAP on Southbank via State Route 3 is St. Kilda Botanical Gardens. These gardens have charming lawns overlooking an ornamental pond. You could even have some fun on their massive chessboard after eating.

Lysterfield Park

Home to a gorgeous lake with striking views, Lysterfield Park is a splendid location for a picnic – there are a plethora of places to settle cosily with your basket of treats.

Werribee Park Formal Garden

During your stay at one of the Melbourne CBD hotels, you could head down to Werribee Park Formal Garden. Here, you could easily find a place to comfortably have your picnic thanks to its well-maintained grounds and shaded spots.

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: Explore the ‘End of the Earth’

One of the loneliest stretches of shorelines in Africa, Skeleton Coast is one of the few untouched wilderness regions in Nambia. If you think you can stomach its evocative atmosphere, it is indeed a must-visit area during a holiday spent at one of the hotels in Namibia the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

Location

Skeleton Coast can be found on the distant northwestern portion of Namibia. It is part of the northern Namib Desert and most of it is protected by the eponymous national park.

Meaning Behind Name

Skeleton Coast most likely received its name due to the number of whale and human skeletons as well as the remains of ships that could be found scattered along its shoreline.

Attractions

Swakopmund is the southern gateway to the Skeleton Coast. It lies toward the south of the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area that runs northward toward the Ugab River Mouth starting from the Swakop River.

Sand Dunes

Wherever you go on the Skeleton Coast, you’ll be met with sand dunes – an integral part of this region’s landscape.

Thai Phrases to Learn Before Your Visit

While those who do not speak Thai can fully enjoy a holiday in Thailand, it always helps to know some local phrases to use with the people you meet.

“Khap” and “Kha”

Before getting into phrases to use be it in Bangkok or at a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer, you need to differentiate between “Khap” and “Kha”. They are used at the end of sentences and denote a sign of respect; the main thing to keep in mind is that “Khap” is only used by male speakers and “Kha” only by females.

Typical Greeting

From meeting locals to interacting with staff at properties like Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, the greeting you should learn is “Sawasdee”, which is the equivalent of “hello”. As mentioned, depending on the gender, the ending will differ; males will say “Sawasdee Khap” and females, “Sawasdee Kha”.

General Phrases

Also learn phrases such as “Sabai Dee Mai?” which is like asking “how are you?”, “Khop Khun Khap / Kha” the equivalent of “thank you” and “Mai Pen Rai” when you need to say “you’re welcome”. This phrase can also come in handy; say “Haawng Naam Yuu Tee Nai?” when you need to find the bathroom!

Other Phrases

Here are some other phrases that can be useful on your travels in Thailand; keep in mind, a big part of conversing here is to be polite and non-confrontational too.

• Ni Tao Rai? – How much is this?
• Paeng – Too costly
• Mai Khao Jai – I don’t understand
• Aroy – Delicious
• Kor Tot – Excuse me

Guide to Adventure and Do Fun Things in Dubai

Dubai is a highly-sought destination by luxury holidaymakers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the best things to do in Deira Dubai.

Skydive at iFLY Dubai

Skydiving is a thrilling activity, which can be terrifying for some. Why not take it slow by opting to skydive indoors at iFLY Dubai in Mirdif City Centre – the largest indoor adventurous-activity centre in the UAE.

Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the glistening desert of Dubai with the help of a serene hot air balloon ride – witness a glorious bird’s-eye view of these spectacular desertscapes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Enter a World of Illusions

Do you simply love tricks and illusions? Then don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Illusions in Dubai, which is located within a 17-minute driving distance from Avani Deira Dubai Hotel via Tariq Bin Ziyad Road.

Be Part of a Camel Safari

If you want to explore the desert in the most authentic way, Camel Desert Safari would be the way to go! Enjoy a 45-minute journey on these calm, breathing ships of the desert after which you could get entertained with cultural shows such as traditional Emirati dances and drumming sessions.

Diving in Salalah

Salalah is a city of wonders. With many attractions, dining spots, and shopping hubs, Salalah has already won the hearts of many travellers. But what about water adventures? Does Salalah have good diving spots?

The closest diving spot to Salalah

If you have thought of holidaying at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara or any other similar place, Mirbat is just 70km away from where you are. With many Oman attractions including China Wreck, Rocky Beach, and Eagle Bay, it’s indeed a paradise for those who love underwater explorations.

What to pack for the tour

The relevant equipment will be offered by the licensed diving instructor you choose. But make sure you take a hat, sun protection cream, towels, and sunshades with you for the tour.

Diving experience

The total diving experience may go on for around 5 hours. It’s a beautiful experience to meet the underwater creatures and plants during your exploration under the guidance of the instructor.

When to enjoy this experience?

Diving sessions do not function when it’s the high tide. So, make sure you schedule your tour somewhere from January to April or October to December. Happy Diving!

Best adventure experiences in Quy Nhon

Vietnam is always great for adventures as a whole, and Quy Nhon is indeed greater! Water adventures and other outdoor adventures are all possible here, and you just need to have the will to undertake all these experiences.

Go beach hopping

Quy Nhon is a paradise for those who love beaches. It’s not just about the Quy Nhon Beach located right near the city centre. But also, about the Ky Co Beach, Queen Beach and the Bai Xep!

Outdoor adventures to try

Since the coastline is adorable, you may opt for cycling along the coast with your family members. Diving, snorkelling and kayaking are some of the other water adventures that you can try out. If you want to relax some more, you may also say yes to a sunrise yoga session.

Explore the Cham sites

Cham sites include the four Cham Towers and the Thap Doi Towers. They date back to the 11th-13th centuries and reveal exciting stories about ancient Vietnam.

Holidaying in Quy Nhon

Holidays spent in Quy Nhon are sure to be wow if you opt for one of the beach resorts in Vietnam. There are many great options such as Avani Quy Nhon Resort for you to choose from.

Cruise Around the Maldives

There are many ways you can enjoy a cruise around the Maldives – be it from boarding a traditional boat called dhoni to sailing around in a luxury yacht – and you can do so during a holiday spent at a resort on one of the private islands Maldives has to offer such as Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

The Best Times

Between November and April, you’ll find the driest months of the year when there’s plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies; this spectacular weather brings the ideal conditions to go on a Maldives cruise.

Image Credit: Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Why Go on a Cruise?

This is the best way to see the many islands that make up the Maldivian Archipelago while accessing numerous diving sites and accessing some of the most-coveted beaches all in one package.

Boat Options

You may be offered several boat options for your cruise around the Maldives. It is possible to embark on this journey on a dhoni, a sailboat, a yacht, or a ship.

Types of Cruises

From catamaran cruises and multi-day cruises to shore excursions and whale watching tours, there’s a range of cruises out of which you can opt for one depending on your preference.