Due to great popularity of the city major airlines offers flights to Boston so that the passengers can travel to this destination with comforts.  The city is well connected to the different parts of the world so getting there is quite easy.  And Boston Logan International Airport receives flights from almost every corner of the world.

Getting around in city is quite easy as Boston has a very efficient public transport system. Besides car and taxi the visitors can make use of subway system that connects to most of the destinations.

The capital of Massachusetts has a wealth of tourist attractions that include places of historical and cultural importance. Due to a great sport culture the city is home several museums.  So whether you are an art or culture buff or a sport enthusiast the city never lets you down.  Let us explore its art and culture sides first.

Historical and cultural attractions in Boston

The city has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Museum of fine arts is city’s largest museum.  This museum is the best place to see French Impressionist paintings. This one of the largest museums in America is also a good place for family vacationers. Harvard Museum of Natural History famous for its  “Glass Flowers” collection is also highly admired among tourists.

The list of museums in Boston is very exhaustive as it caters to art aficionado of every sort. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum catches several eyeballs with its European objects and ornate floral displays. It was the venue of stunning painting heist in 1990.  It is not necessary to be an art buff to explore this city as the city also entertains those with an interest in aquatic life. New England Aquarium houses world’s largest fish tank and it has found place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The place is good for family vacationers and your kids will enjoy a great whale watching experience.

In addition to this USS Constitution Museum and Warren Anatomical Museum are other major attractions in the city.

Apart from museums the city is also home to some art galleries and Panopticon Gallery and Axelle Fine Arts Galerie are prominent among them. Panopticon Gallery is dedicated to photography and here you can find photography of 20th Century and contemporary photography. Axelle Fine Arts Galeries houses finest collection of European painters.  On your visit you can see artworks of some of the word renowned artists that include Pietropoli, Albert Hadjiganev, Jivko and Philippe Jacquet among others.

With so much to explore in terms of art and culture the city of Boston attract tourists with its wealth of tourist attractions.

The post Boston Attracts Tourists with its Wealth of Cultural Attractions appeared first on Dzhingarov

This article is designed to assist those that are travelling to South America to decide what to pack. So, is travelling to South America really that different to travelling to the USA, Australia, Asia? Well, it is the little nuances that cause the most frustration, the tiny differences that many guide books won’t even mention but that can actually be the biggest problem when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no shops nearby. South America does have many of these little “nuances”, and the below guide is to (hopefully) assist you in avoiding these kinds of problems.

Clothing

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes”.

Deciding on what clothes to take on holiday is possibly the hardest decision of all – everyone has closets full of clothes, but for some reason deciding how many pairs of shorts to take, and deciding which shirts you can’t live without for 2 weeks suddenly becomes an incredibly important decision!

There are major differences with travel to South America compared to other parts of the world that should impact your decision on what clothing to take. Whereas Europe has “weather”, South America has “climate”, and that can change at a moments notice and also vary considerably if you travel around the continent.

Peru, for example, consists of coastal Pacific desert, high-altitude altiplano and the Andes mountain chain, and hot and humid Amazon Rainforest. The choice of clothing in each climate will vary considerably. Also spring, summer, autumn and winter don’t really exist in South America, with climate being better described in “seasons” – i.e. “wet season” or “dry season”. The climates also contradict each other – for example the rainy season in the highlands (e.g. in and around Cusco) coincides with the hot dry summer months on the coast (e.g. in cities like Lima).

Choosing what to take can therefore be a difficult and daunting task, but this guide will help you not to forget some of the most important:

Suitcase

Choose one that is easy to handle, strong enough to last the journey, lockable, and easily identifiable.

Daysack / Small Backpack

This is a very important item to take and will be invaluable as you journey out on day excursions to see the sights of your holiday destination. Choose one that is light but strong, with many pockets including external pockets for carrying bottles of water. Make sure it is lockable and fitted with a keylock or padlock of some description to stop pickpockets.

Hat and Gloves

At night, particularly in the altiplano and highlands of countries such as Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentine, it can be incredibly cold, so if you are travelling in these areas hat and gloves are a must.

Strong shoes

If you are travelling in South America, it’s a good bet you will be walking a lot, whether it is exploring beautiful cities by foot, or maybe going on long Andean treks like the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Strong, comfortable shoes are essential.

Sunglasses / Shades

Due to the altitude in the highlands regions of the Andes, the light from the sun can appear very harsh and bright. Sunglasses or shades are a must – not just to look good, but to protect your eyes from the damaging light.

Sunhat

It is recommended to have one so after all day walking under the sun you won`t have  sun exposure headache. Don`t forget it because this is also required.

Towel

Seems like an obvious one, but this is often something that many people forget to take with them on holiday. Many hotels in South America may only provide a limited number of towels, and won’t let you take them out of the hotel if you’ve forgotten your own. If you’re planning on swimming – maybe in the Amazon jungle, Lake Titicaca, or even in your own hotel – taking your own towel would be highly recommended.

Long trousers

The Amazon jungle is hot, sweaty and humid. Under normal circumstances shorts would be more than appropriate, but if you are visiting the jungle long trekking trousers (lightweight, but strong) would be needed to protect your legs from scratches from plants and animals you might walk past, and, maybe more importantly, from the billions of insects that come out in the evening.

Documents

Although travel documents are a requirement in every country, here are a few additional tips and hints on what to take.

Passport

It seems like an obvious one, but obviously you won’t be able to travel without a passport or travel document of some description. However it is always a good idea to take a copy of all relevant pages of your travel document – not just the photo page but any visas. Take both a paper photocopy, and, if possible, scan and email a copy to yourself so you have an electronic copy as a back up as well just in case. This way if for whatever reason your passport did get lost or stolen, you have a back up.

Tourist Card

You won’t be able to “pack” this, as it is only given to you upon arrival in South America, but nevertheless it is an important document. When you arrive in any South American country you will be given a tourist card to complete prior to the border control, and when you enter the country the card will be stamped and part of it will be returned to you – you must keep this document with you as you will need to return it at the border when you leave the country. Failure to do so will create an administrative and bureaucratic nightmare!

Guidebook

Even if you’re on a fully inclusive pre-arranged tour, a guide book is always a good idea as it will always contain a little more information or history about the sights you are visiting.

Insurance Documents

Always take copies of both the certificate and policy detail with you, whether you are travelling to South America or anywhere else.

Money

Money is an obvious one to pack – on holiday you are bound to have to spend some money sooner or later! Before travelling remember to inform your credit card companies and banks of your travel destinations and dates of travel, otherwise they may cancel your cards if you try to use them in some strange exotic South American country without telling them!

Here’s a few tips and hints that relate to money specifically in South America:

Cash – ATM machines are available throughout South America, particularly in cities and large towns. However in some of the more rural destinations, particularly in parts of Bolivia and Paraguay or in the middle of the Amazon jungle, ATM machines might be few and far between, so always plan ahead and make sure you have sufficient cash with you. However be aware of how much cash you carry with you at any one time, only carry small amounts on you and leave the rest in a safety deposit box in your hotel. United States dollars (US$) are the national currency in Ecuador, and in other countries where they are not the national currency they can be used to pay for more higher end items such as restaurant bills and hotels in larger cities. However in more rural areas, or for smaller purchases in shops, local currencies are recommended.

Credit Cards – Widely accepted across the continent.

Medical Kit

Medicine and medical care when travelling are vitally important, and you should always seek professional medical advice before travelling. The below information is intended as a guide only.

First Aid Kit – You never know what might happen, wherever you travel. However travel to South American is normally more adventurous than your average Mediterranean holiday! Trekking, jungle trails, waterfalls, deserts, and high altitude, and possibly isolation, come with some of the territory, so a small but appropriately stocked first aid kit is a must.

Anti-Diarrhoea Medicine – New foods frequently can cause a jolting to the digestive system! However it does have to be said that food hygiene standards in South America are not always as good as they could be, so take some anti-diarrhoea tablets with you until your system resets to its new diet.

Malarial Tablets – Always seek professional medical advice before taking any medicine, however it should be noted that parts of South America are in malarial zones and anti-malarial tablets are advised.

Miscellaneous

It’s always the little things that you tend to forget to take with you on holiday – the one thing you always need is the one thing you’ve probably forgotten! Although the main things (clothing, medicine, money) have been detailed above, these final few items might just be amongst the most important!

Camera, Charger and Memory Cards

You’re on the holiday of a lifetime, so make sure you take plenty of photos to remember the occasion! Check before you leave that your charger will work abroad, and consider taking a second battery if you are travelling to rural areas and think you might not be able to recharge it regularly enough. Also take sufficient memory cards, as they may be difficult or expensive to purchase in tourist locations.

Flashlight

You never know when you might need this eternally useful little device.

Insect Repellent

Parts of South America, particularly in the humid jungle regions and flatlands, are mosquito and sand-fly territory, so a good insect repellent is a must.

Sun Protection Lotion

Many parts of the South American continent are very hot and sunny, and the harsh sun, particularly in the high Andean regions in Peru, Bolivia and Chile, or in the beach regions of the Brazilian coast, can be very damaging to the skin, so always pack a good sun protection lotion.

Electricity Adaptor

You’ll find it difficult to locate these in South America, so buy before you leave home and don’t forget to pack it.

Toilet Paper

This might seem like a strange one, but in many hotels, restaurants and public toilets in South America toilet paper is not provided as standard. This seems strange to tourists, but for South Americans it is the norm. Take a few rolls with you, or buy one or two when you arrive so you’re never without.

Earplugs

South America is a massive continent, so unless your staying in one area your trip will inevitably require some long distance bus travel. Take some ear plugs to help you sleep on these long journeys.

South America

The continent of South America is a fascinating travel destination, featuring jungles, mountains, deserts, glaciers, and a fantastic array of geographical climates. It also has probably the greatest collection of archaeological splendours on the planet, with ruins from an array of cultures including the Nazca, Inca, Chachapoyas, Maya, Aztec, Moche, amongst countless others. Some of the greatest cities on the planet also adorn the continent, from Rio de Janeiro’s beauty, to Buenos Aires European-esque majesty, to Cusco and its fascinating Inca ruins, Quito and its old-colonial heart… and many more.

It really is a fascinating destination – enjoy it all the more, by not forgetting to pack correctly!

The article was written by Jonathan Lillie. Jonathan lived in South America throughout 2008 and 2009, still visits the continent regularly, and has travelled throughout most of the continent – so the above packing guide is based on his experiences, having learned the hard way! 

The post South America Travel Tips – What To Pack appeared first on Dzhingarov

The Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley 

Most people who visit Machu Picchu just take the train there from the city of Cusco. However, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, then why not trek the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu instead? This four-day trek through the Andes Mountains takes you up to 4500m above sea level and gives you some fantastic views before you finally end up with the best view of all: the sun rising over this lost Inca city, perched high in the cloud forest. It’s a fantastic experience and if you like trekking then it’s a fantastic experience and a much more adventurous way to get to Machu Picchu.

High Altitude Trekking in the Huayhuash

However, if you’re a real hard-core trekker, then you may want to head a little further north in Peru, into the Central Andes and the stunning Cordillera Huayhuash. To begin with, you’ll fly into the small town of Huaraz to begin your acclimatization – probably with a couple of day treks from the town as you stretch your legs and get used to the thinner air. After a few days you’ll be ready to begin your trek in earnest, as you head out into some of the most beautiful scenery in South America. How long you spend trekking in the Huayhuash depends on how long you have available for your holidays in Peru but you need to allow at least six days to get the most from this dramatic destination. A longer expedition of eight or nine days will give you even more time to enjoy what is probably the best high-altitude trekking in the world.

Peru’s Amazon Rainforest 

For a complete change of scene, why not head down from the Andes to the wilds of the Amazon rainforest? The largest jungle on earth offers a huge array of adventure holidays in Peru, from kayaking and rafting on the thousands of rivers and lagoons, to zip-lining and abseiling through the tree canopies. The best way to experience the Amazon is to stay in one of the specialist jungle lodges, from where you can enjoy a wide variety of activities and adventures, usually in the company of expert indigenous guides, who can help you to understand the rainforest, its perils and its possibilities…

Surfing in Peru

If you like a good slice of relaxation time along with your adventures, then perhaps a trip up to the far north of Peru, to the beach towns of Punta Sal and Mancora might be in order. This far north, you’re very close to the equator so you can be sure of year-round good weather, and the water’s always warm too! As well as fantastic white-sand beaches, the north of Peru is one of the best places in South America for surfing, with world-beating waves that make it a favorite for surfing pros from all over the world. If you like the waves but surfing’s not your thing, then jet-skiing, para-gliding and a host of other adventure sports are all possible too.

White-water Rafting in Colca Canyon 

Heading back into the mountains, no adventure holiday in Peru would be complete without some white-water rafting thrills and spills! You can enjoy rafting in a variety of places throughout Peru, from the Amazon to the rivers around Machu Picchu, but arguably the best rafting experience is in the immense Colca Canyon, just near to the beautiful city of Arequipa. Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US, and the swift Rio Colca offers some superb rapids. Many people visit Colca Canyon on their Peru holidays anyway, as it’s a favorite spot for seeing the giant Andean Condors, so why not fit in some rafting at the same time?

The post Top Sites for Adventure Holidays in Peru appeared first on Dzhingarov

Dream destination for mountain biking enthusiasts

Mountain biking enthusiasts find Yungas as the best biking destination since it is beautified with 64 kilometers stretch of downhill riding area just only with a single uphill section. Its narrow hairpin curves, striking downhill routes, awe-striking dreadful ditches are just ready to give cold shivers at sight and horrible dreams.

Attraction leading to my experience…

If Amazon is known for its dark forest ranges and unknown fears, Yungas Road is a terrible competition for its dense ditches that are terrifying yet attractive enough to draw numerous visitors in the pretext of holidays. Its beauty has often defeated the terrifying monster of deadly ditches, which are restricted by Bolivian Government. It runs in the Bolivian Andes (70 km towards Coroico) and connects to the capital La Paz, along with the 3600m & 800m gulfs in the deep regions of Yungas in Amazonian Rain forests.

Fatal accidents at Yungas …

El Camino de la Muerte (Spanish meaning “Road of Death”): Visible reminders in this road can also make you memorize the wrecked cadavers of Lorries, trucks and bus perishing several lives with deadly accidental strokes. In this deadly valley, accidental incidents are recurring and some memorable ones are:

1)     The Bus tragedy in July 1983, C. P. Inde, the tourist bus driver accidentally drove his bus to the edge killing almost 200 people at the highway.

2)     The famous biker’s tragedy in 1983 took 2 lives while they were chasing the hurdles of Yungas road to win the competition.

3)     In 1994, about 26 vehicles slipped from the narrow roads of Yungas Road and several were died.

Yungas (Photo credit: Attraction Voyages Pérou & Bolivie)

4)     In 2006, a bus plunged off from the mountain roads killing 29 people while making road to another vehicle at its way. And many more…

Bolivian Government has typically tried their best to improve the road condition in order to respect the attraction which pulls several tourists to this place.

Best time to go

The Yungas Road is open for all but at own risk. May-July serves as best time to visit this place for security reasons as settled by the Bolivian Government.

Bragging Rights:

La Paz Bolivia: Hairpin curves and striking downhill roads are known for their attractive wisdom to pull thousands of visitors every year.

Cost: Bolivia Travel costs vary from operator to operator but initially it stands around US$20 for the ultra-budget travelers whereas mostly it takes about US$30 to US$50 per day. Car rentals and private accommodation can increase the costs up to US$200 per day.

Insider tips:

1)     Apt place for the mountain bikers, adventure lovers and trekkers but highly available with permission (by Bolivian Gov.). Often these roads are not apt and so Government denies the permission for the safety of its tourists.

2)     You will have to carry luggage bags while journeying to this place as it’s quite a low-temperature area to chill your bones.

3)     According to reputed tour travel operators, May-July is the best time to visit La Paz, Bolivia, South America.

The post Adventure travel tips for deadly Yungas valleys appeared first on Dzhingarov

Made famous by Charles Darwin who sailed to the islands in 1835, it was the extraordinary flora and fauna that inspired his development of the Theory of Evolution and there have been barely any changes since this time.

• The highlights of any trip include:
• The Galapagos fur seals of Santiago Island
• The views from the peak atop of Bartolome Island
• The amazing snorkelling off the coast of Rabida Island
• Blue footed boobies and rare Galapagos Penguin found in the largest island, Isabella Island
• The lava fields of Fernandina Island, home to the prehistoric marine iguana
• The friendly Sea lions of Espanola Island
• Charles Darwin’s Research Station on the only populated part of the Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island.

Cruising the Galapagos Islands is by far and away the best way to not only see the unique islands, but also be immersed in the water to see the remarkable marine life that lives within these rich seas.  There are a range of options from the rough and ready to the luxurious…all of which will give you access to one of the most amazing natural shows on earth.

You can fly from Ecuador, where it is well worth spending a few days before you embark your voyage.  A ‘must see’ is Mitad del Mundo which marks the line which divides the southern and northern hemispheres.  If you wish to journey a little further afield the Indian markets of Otavalo well known for their colour and diversity is well worth a visit.

As a year round destination the Galapagos is always popular.  Luckily quotas on the number of visitors mean you will not be part of a throng of tourists.  With David Attenborough’s recent series on the islands, 2013 is likely to be a very popular time for cruising the Galapagos Islands.

The post The must see sights of the Galapagos appeared first on Dzhingarov