Travel

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, George Town is a city frozen in time, one that has no shortage of colonial buildings, temples, and mosques. These historic landmarks—seamlessly integrating with the city’s iconic street art and modern buildings—form a diverse and multicultural tapestry that’s truly a sight to behold.

The city’s storied past as a centre of spice production and as an important British trading post in the 19^th century attracted a diverse population that included the Chinese, Malays, Indians, Thais, and other ethnicities. All these groups left a mark on George Town, giving birth to its unique cuisine while setting an early example of how multiculturalism can promote harmony and enrich a country’s identity.

Today, George Town continues to thrive, with attractions and establishments catering to young and old alike. Visitors often leave with a heavy heart, as they fall in love with the city’s authentic charm and youthful vibe. Find out why George Town, the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang, is on everyone’s dream itinerary.

Street Art

No Penang tour is complete without an introduction to George Town’s iconic street murals at Armenian Street and surrounding avenues. After the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the government, through the Penang Public Arts Review Panel (PARP), commissioned artists to cover the city’s walls with murals, sometimes complete with prop installations. And while the panel sanctions most of the art, you may also view the “illegal” street art that are just as beautiful and profound.

Nature

George Town is not just an urban jungle, it has actual jungles, too. In fact, a few of its attractions are set in lush rainforests like the Penang National Park, The Habitat, and the Spice Garden.

Penang National Park is only 23 square kilometres and is Malaysia’s smallest national park, but it’s still a substantial trek amongst the beautiful flora and fauna unique to island. Meanwhile, The Habitat on Penang Hill dates back 130 million years and is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world. The highlights of this nature adventure destination are the Langur Way Canopy Walk and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. Finally, the Spice Garden located at Teluk Bahang gives visitors the opportunity to learn about different spices, with over 500 species of spices having been planted in the garden.

Street Food

Penang is one of the most famous street food destinations in the world. George Town, in particular, has organised food courts like the Medan Renong, Lebuh Kimberley, and Lebuh Chulia—all of which have an array of food stalls selling Penang favourites like Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and more.

Hipster Cafés

For the young coffee-loving crowd who likes to drink their third wave coffee under beautiful ambient lighting, indie coffee shops are the destinations of choice. Make sure to try them yourself, including the China House at Lebuh Pantai, which offers a selection of up to 30 types of cakes, or The Bean Sprout at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, which attracts visitors with its savoury breakfast menu.

Clan Houses

Some of the most beautiful buildings in George Town are the Chinese Kongsi Houses or Clan Houses built by pioneering Hokkien immigrants. Visit the Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim, and Tan kongsi, and learn more about the history of each house through the museums and galleries housed inside them.

If you want to see what a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural design is like, visit the Cheah Kongsi clan house. Built in 1873 it’s the oldest of the 5 Hokkien clan houses in the island. Meanwhile, the most popular house is arguably the Leong San Tong Khoo kongsi, where public performances and events often take place.

Beaches

Since George Town is situated on an island, there are a number of white sand beaches here that you can explore and swim in. Batu Feringghi is the most popular beach destination, attracting the most tourists and serving host to a number of attractions such as a night market, an inflatable island, and a butterfly farm. However, if you want a more secluded hideaway, just head a little further to Gertak Sanggul beach.

Clan Jetties

One of the unique attractions of George Town and a part of the Penang Heritage Trail are the clan jetties. These are houses built on stilts that belong to 7 old Chinese clans. While these are actual residential communities, the families welcome visitors who are curious to learn about their heritage. Among the clan jetties open to visitors, the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly. It is home to shops selling souvenirs, a photogenic walkway, and a small temple.

Whatever kind of tourist you are, George Town’s got something for you. With beaches, urban life, and jungles, you’ll never be bored in this city. After you’ve tried a few of these attractions, maybe you’ll fall in love with George Town like the many visitors before you.

 

You have to be in perfect physical and emotional shape when you’re driving. You’re placing yourself at risk if you drive even if you shouldn’t. Worse, other people’s lives could also be at risk. Therefore, under these circumstances, you need to avoid driving.

Lack of sleep

You can’t drive if you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. If you have to drive at night, you need to sleep throughout the day. Avoid partying or doing other unnecessary things. You don’t want to lose focus because your eyes want to rest.

Intoxication

When you already had a lot to drink, you need to avoid the steering wheel. You know what could happen when you drive when drunk. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of deaths around the world. Stop telling yourself that you can still drive even when drunk. You don’t know the impact of alcohol on your body. It’s best to stay away from the truck and wait until you recover.

Emotionally burdened 

When you have too many things to think about as a result of problems at home, you shouldn’t drive a truck. If you have issues with your employer and you feel enraged, you also shouldn’t drive a truck. Your emotional burden might be too much to bear. You won’t think clearly while driving since your mind is elsewhere. You might even start to tear up and it will impact your vision.

Feeling rushed

It’s common for some employers to ask their truck drivers to keep working even when exhausted. They want to get the goods to the destinations quickly. If you feel like you have to rush, you should decline. It is better to drive slowly and arrive at the destination safely than have an accident along the way. Even if it means you will get fired from the job, it’s okay. You can negotiate a longer driving time, and walk away if not allowed.

Too many repair issues

If the truck requires repairs and maintenance, you need to avoid using it. Unless the necessary checks have already been done, you’re risking your life as you drive. You might think that the truck is okay and it suddenly stops in the middle of the road. If there are parts that need replacement, you need to ask a mechanic to check the problem.

Safety is the priority

The reason why you have to avoid driving in certain conditions is that you might get involved in an accident. It will cost your employer even more if this happens. You can always find another job if you know you’re a good truck driver who prioritizes safety.

If you encounter problems while driving, it also feels good to know that you can count on tow truck services. With one phone call, help will be on its way. You don’t have to think about how you will get out of your situation. These service providers know what to do and they will get to you quickly because they understand the situation.

 

 

There are some that think that you cannot possibly enjoy a trip overseas without making a significant investment. However, that could not be farther from the truth. Having fun on an overseas trip is all about enjoying what the locals enjoy – which is not necessarily as expensive as you might think!

Making the most out of your trip is also all about the right kind of preparation. After all, it is vital to expect the unexpected no matter the scenario. Here are just a few ways to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank!

Do a bit of homework regarding the favourite hotspots of the locals

Considering that tourism is naturally one of the best ways a country can make money, it is understandable that some of the most prominent tourist hotspots are also some of the most expensive areas around. However, enjoying your time overseas is not just about doing what all the other tourists are doing. It is about figuring out the favourite spots of the locals.

If you happen to have friends or relatives in the area, you can ask them about places that offer excellent food and other services without necessarily breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are also plenty of travel blogs that provide in-depth information regarding the country you are visiting.

Make use of discounts and promotions when it comes to securing airfares

With ample preparation, you can make the most of your trip before even arriving! For example, there are plenty of discounts available at different times of the year, which means if you play your cards right, you could save a lot of money. Those who are free to make changes and are willing to postpone their trip stand to benefit the most from potential discounts and promotions. When you consider how much airfares can cost during peak times of the year, you could save a substantial amount from just an hour of research.

A bit of preparation goes a long way

For example, there are some people out there who end up with medical emergencies during their trip. While such a scenario is tragic in its own right, it gets even worse as some also neglect to acquire travel insurance before the trip. Without any coverage, you can only imagine how much you would have to pay for emergency treatment in another country. You can help alleviate the situation by getting clearance from your doctor and acquiring anti-allergy medication. It pays to keep in mind that travel insurance from ucompare.ie can help turn the situation around in the event of an emergency.

While it is entirely understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to the prospect of travelling overseas, you can make the most out of your trip without having to make significant investments. By utilising the methods above, you can save money and enjoy your trip without any compromise.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Going on a road trip with your kids is exciting. You used to love going on the road with your friends, but you decided to stop when you started a family. Who says you can’t have one anymore? Yes, it could be more challenging, but it’s possible. As long as you follow these tips and avoid these mistakes, you will have an unforgettable road trip experience.

Taking scenic routes

When you were on a road trip alone or with friends, you intentionally took the roads with scenic spots so you could pause and take photos. Back then, it was a fantastic experience. When you have kids, stopping by these spots could derail the trip. Imagine if you happen to pass by a zoo and your kids decide they want to go inside. It could take the entire day before you finish, and you won’t reach your destination.

Not bringing snacks

When you were travelling without kids, it was possible for you to contain your hunger until you found a store where you could buy something to eat. It’s not the same when you have kids. They get hungry all the time. Therefore, you need to load your vehicle with all sorts of snacks so that your kids will have what they want. There’s no need to rush to the nearest store to buy something to eat.

Assuming that your kids will be alright throughout the trip

Your kids were all okay before the trip, and no one was sick in the past months. You think that a 2-day road trip will pass without any problem. Before you assume the best, you need to understand that you’re in a different situation. Your kids aren’t in the comfort of your house. They might get ill at any time. Therefore, you need to bring their medicines. If your kids have different illnesses, you need to bring all the necessary medicines to avoid having problems along the way.

Putting on your favourite songs

Perhaps, the best part of your road trip before was to sing along to your favourite singers. It’s not going to happen when you have kids. They will want you to play nursery rhymes or songs from their beloved cartoon series. They will cry if you don’t. Therefore, you need to prepare a playlist that contains all the songs they love.

Not taking a break

If you think you can go on a road trip for days without stopping somewhere to rest, you’re wrong. You can’t let your kids suffer those conditions. You need to find a hotel along the way. Better yet, you need to determine your route so you can book a hotel that is on your way. You can check out hotels for family breaks in Oxfordshire if you’re heading in that direction.

It will still be a fun experience to be on a road trip with your children. There might be lots of possible problems along the way, but you can survive them.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/94qZsII4kN8

 

If you’re looking to check out a Chicago nightclub while visiting, you’re in luck. Just continue reading to discover 5 of Chicago’s most popular nightclubs!

Where to go in Chicago for going out dancing at a nightclub:

1. Smart Bar

Smart Bar is an independent nightclub which frequently features guest DJs from around the world. So if you’d love to dance to sets produced by up and coming DJs who are quickly building names for themselves, it’s definitely well worth visiting the Smart Bar. If you’re curious about what type of music you’ll hear, Smart Bar is known for playing techno dance music. That’s easy to dance to.

2. Tao Chicago 

Tao Chicago is owned by the same franchise which owns Tao Chicago and which is frequently visited by A list celebrities, so if you want to dance the night away at a posh, exclusive nightclub, make sure to head straight to Tao Chicago. Which is a massive nightclub which can comfortably accomodate 1,000 guests and which is decorated with intricately painted floor to ceiling murals and a 10 foot tall Japanese bell.

If you’re keen to listen to some of the world’s most famous DJs play a set at Tao Chicago, make sure to keep up to date with Tao Chicago’s events. As in the past DJs such as Deadmau5 and Afrojack have performed at Tao Chicago.

3. East Room 

East Room boasts a 4 am licence, so if you’re keen to dance the night away until the early hours of the morning, it’s well worth grabbing your dancing shoes and spending a night at East Room. Better yet East Room boasts a spacious outdoor area, where you can enjoy a few drinks with your friends, when you need a break from the dance floor. Just remember to have cash on you as the East Room only offers a cash bar.

4. El Hefe Chicago 

El Hefe is an exciting Mexican themed bar and nightclub which offers a large dance floor and regular theme nights. So if you’re the life of the party and enjoy dancing at nightclubs where there’s no one sitting down and the dance floor is always packed, it’s a great idea to test out El Hefe, on your next night out. As El Hefe’s staff members are fun loving and have creative ways to get their patrons up and dancing.

If you get hungry in the early hours of the morning, you’re in luck as El Hefe also offers scrumptious tacos and delicious cheese quesadillas. That will give you the energy that you need to keep dancing till the sun comes up.

5. Spybar

Spybar is a hidden gem and is tucked away in the basement of an unassuming Chicago building and plays electronic dance music and techno music. So if you’re a huge fan of house music, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself on a night out at Spybar. Spybar opens at 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and doesn’t close till 4 or 5 am in the morning. Which is great if you want to stay out dancing as long as possible.

So if you’re overdue for a night out dancing with your friends, it’s well worth visiting at least a few of the five nightclubs and bars that are listed above.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

 

Post-vacation blues is a mood that affects most people occasionally. This happens especially after a long holiday. Post-vacation blues wear off with time but can last for weeks in some cases. This affects our daily activities and work programmes.

Dealing with post-vacation blues requires effort and dedication. Here are some tips that are helpful in getting over the mood.

Eat healthy

During vacation, you are free to enjoy different meals. However, you should resume your planned diet after vacation. During the first few days of work, a nice dinner and light breakfast is encouraged. The dinner helps you adjust to the normal routine while the breakfast gets you ready for work. A fruit bowl at work increases your productivity too.

Adjust your sleep schedule

Your sleeping hours may have not been regulated during vacation. This contributes to the reluctance in resuming normal activities. Once you are back from vacation, focus on readjusting to your sleep schedule. Try sleeping some hours earlier for the first few days. Slowly work your way back to your normal sleep schedule.

Make time for relaxation

Relaxation boosts your mood and makes you more productive. A hot bath in the evening and short breaks at work are some tricks to help you relax. Brief hangouts in the evening help to wean off post-vacation blues too. Taking lunch breaks also helps to overcome post-vacation blues at work.

Put the trip behind you

Post-vacation blues are harder to overcome if the trip was a pleasant one. The memories linger in our mind and we are driven to dwell on that. You stand a better chance to overcome the mood if you put the trip behind you. Find something engaging and keep busy. Work on old tasks you couldn’t finish before embarking on the vacation. Discussing the trip with co-workers also helps.

Prioritize your tasks using a to-do list

Post-vacation blues makes you lazy when you have a lot to do. For increased productivity, do not rush to finish all your tasks. Create a to-do list and arrange the tasks in order of importance. Start with the important tasks and work at your own pace. When you focus on that, you get more tasks done without being overworked. You also pick up the pace and slowly adjust to your normal routine.

Try Some Natural Light Therapy

Natural Light therapy helps to ease off jet lag and post-vacation blues. It is recommended especially if you saw limited amounts of sunlight during vacation. When your body adjusts to natural light, your spirits are lifted. A prescribed medication like melatonin can be taken too to enhance sleep at night. A good night’s sleep improves your mood and the effects of natural light therapy.

Conclusion

It is normal to feel moody after a vacation. Post-vacation blues reduces our productivity and makes us irritable. However, the mood wears off within days or a few weeks. Embrace it, focus on overcoming it, and give it time. Talk to your therapist if it lingers for more than a month.

 

Many people would love to travel and see different places that they only see on television and in books and magazines. Most people focus on their career until they get older and choose to delay their plans instead. Guess what; you do not have to wait until you retire before travelling. You can start saving money for your travels while you still can and here are some valid points as to why travelling is best while you are still young and able.

Get rid of boredom

Many of us hold an 8-5 office job and to be honest things can be a little bit tedious and tiresome. Has anyone asked you how your week is going or how things are in the office? You might have replied by saying “I am fine”. In reality, nobody wants to hear about how bad your boss and your colleagues treated you and other work-related problems. If you are having a difficult time at the office then maybe it is time for you to take a break or a much-needed vacation. When you travel, you get the opportunity to experience exciting stuff all the time. Some things may scare you, but it can never be boring. There are certain things that you can still enjoy doing while you are still young, so do not miss the opportunity to explore different places around the world.

It changes your point of view about different things

Travelling the world gives you so much opportunity to know things that you do not learn inside the classroom. Do not limit yourself when experiencing different cultures that are not in the guide books – Vietnam is a great example of a rich and diverse country full of exciting things to see and do, because you might end up not appreciating and respecting other peoples’ beliefs and way of life if you never actually travel anywhere new. Constant travelling will open your eyes to the different things that the world has to offer. Do not limit yourself and start being more adventurous by getting out of your comfort zone.

Meet different people and make new friends

Not everyone is willing to leave their comfort zone and their security blanket in exchange for experiencing notable things in life. One of the advantages when travelling is you get to meet many people who have the same mindset as you. You meet new friends that are willing to share extraordinary life stories with you.

Enjoy while you can

Travelling is a lot more fun when you are single and have limited responsibilities. Let us not hide the fact that travelling will be more challenging once you decide to get married and settle down. Having kids and starting your own family is a wonderful decision but it also means that your priorities are going to be different from before. With more bills to pay and more significant financial obligations to keep in mind your opportunity to travel might be limited unlike before.

Take the chance to see the world and learn more about life through travelling to places that you have never been to. You have to start living your life to the fullest while you are still young and energetic to appreciate the beautiful things that surround you.

 

Planning to go on a holiday with family and friends but you are worried about your budget? Generally speaking, travelling is fun and exciting, but it can get costly especially if you fail to plan for your trip in advance. If you have no idea how to organise things, there is no need for you to worry because we have prepared some practical budget-friendly travel tips that will help make the most of your experience.

Schedule your visit

Most tourists prefer to travel during peak seasons because of the local festivals and other events that most people also look forward to attending. However, the problem is that the prices are almost twice as high compared to standard rates. Travelling during off-peak months will save you money on airfares and accommodation. Better check out your destination and check out their off-peak months before booking anything online.

Take the local transport

It is fun to explore new places by commuting just like any normal local person would do. You may also opt to take a train or cab instead of renting a car which will cost you more money. Another option is to walk if the distance is not that far to your destination. You won’t mind the additional exercise especially if you are having fun with your surroundings.

Download local applications to your smartphone

Load up on data credits and download helpful apps for your trip. Search for the nearest tourist destination, book a taxi ride or look for a favourite restaurant using your smartphone. You can also download local maps instead of buying them. Maximise the use of your gadgets, and you will be surprised by how much money you will be able to save by the end of your holiday.

Buy some groceries

Eating out all the time can affect your holiday budget. Since you won’t be staying for a long time, you can buy some groceries and easy to prepare food that you can eat at your hotel. Choose foods that can last you for a few days without spoiling such as loaves of bread, spreads, crackers and fruits. You should also bring some snacks and bottled water for roaming around instead of eating at pricey food joints.

Choose affordable accommodation

One of the most significant expenses for your vacation is your hotel rooms. Aside from booking during off-peak seasons, you can also consider sharing your room with your friends. There are also a lot of cheaper hotels like aparthotels in Glasgow that cater to budget-friendly travellers and backpackers in the area. All you need to do is spend more time researching cheap deals and promotions, and you will get your money’s worth.

Travelling to different places should be treated as a free investment. You should visit and explore while you are still young and capable of doing many things in life. You do not need much money to travel the world. Your creativity and ability to make things happen can take you to many places.

If you love exploring unexpected travel destinations, read on to find out about 3 underrated travel destinations which you’ll want to visit this year!

3 Surprising Travel destinations

1. The Seychelles

The Seychelles are a group of 115 remote islands which are located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. If your dream vacation consists of exploring tranquil, beaches that boast white sand beaches for as far as your eyes can see, you’ll instantly fall in love with the Seychelles.

Examples of some of the picturesque beaches which you should add to your trip itinerary include Anse Lazio which is the perfect beach for snorkeling as it’s sheltered and protected and Anse Source d’Argent, which is famed for its calm waters and the oddly shaped boulders.

One island which you should visit on a sun-filled Seychelles vacation is Curieuse Island, which is a small yet stunning island which boasts plenty of tropical palm trees and is home to groups of sea turtles.

2. Oslo, Norway

If you’ve never visited Scandinavia, it’s well worth spending a week in Oslo, the cosmopolitan coastal capital of Norway. If you have an interest in learning about Norway’s Viking ancestors, make sure to head to the Viking Ship Museum, where you’ll be able to view the remnants of a couple of real 9th-century Viking ships.

If you want to witness a popular Norweigan activity also head to the Holmenkollbakken, which is a ski-jumping hill, where you’ll be able to watch professional ski-jumpers push their limits and soar through the sky. As added bonuses, Holmenkollbakken boasts a ski museum and remarkable views of a nearby fjord.

As Olso is also known for being an incredibly artistic city, you’ll also be able to view dozens of beautifully carved sculptures, which are dotted around some of Oslo’s most popular public parks. Examples of which include the Vigeland Park and Frogner Park.

3. Mumbai, India

If you’re interested in visiting India, you’re likely to enjoy spending time in Mumbai which is also known by its previous name, Bombay and is home to Bollywood. India’s film center.

If you visit Mumbai, it’s well worth booking a day trip to the Elephanta Islands, which can only be visited by boat and which boasts ancient caves which are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Although there are also endless historical sites and temples to visit in Mumbai itself.

You may want to start of by visiting the Gateway of Mumbai, which is massive arch which was built in the 20th century in order to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and his wife Queen Mary. Next up head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, which was originally known as the Victoria Terminus. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station was opened in 1888 and is a world heritage site.

As Mumbai also boasts plenty of beaches, you’ll also be able to spend time jet-skiing, para-sailing and swimming in order to cool off from Mumbai’s hot sun.

So if you’re looking for new travel destinations to visit this year, it’s well worth visiting all 3 of the surprising destinations listed above!