JourneyEtc

Who doesn’t enjoy shopping? Even if one doesn’t derive complete enjoyment from this activity, it is still a necessary and unavoidable part of life. Perhaps catering to these kinds of people, several places in the world have created weird shopping centers that will not only entice you to purchase items, but also entertain you as you gaze upon the strangeness of their architecture.

Because shopping centers have existed for a long time, architects are now more challenged to create a different style that will appeal to buyers, or simply to those who just want a change of style.

Khan Shatyr in Astana, Kazakhstan

Travel destinations and great food come together like how we need air to breathe. When you go to different places, there will be a culinary experience that will make a mark in your soul and make that holiday memorable. Here are some of the best food destinations across the globe:

India

If you will be crossing states and towns in India, expect a burst of different flavors to be served on the dining table. The main staple when your in the north is roti and rice when you are in the south. They usually come with chutney, vegetables, and dhal. The meal may come with some meat or fish. Your taste buds will love the range of exotic spices that come with every dish in India.

Japan

Whether you do it to pamper yourself or for wellness, spa treatments, public baths, and saunas are  essential parts of some cultures. It is something which can be enjoyed by the heads of states as much as it is soothing to manual workers. There are certain norms when we go to these places, and knowing the proper etiquette is a must if you do not want to be smirked at, frowned at, or kicked out. Not knowing how to act properly in these public baths may upset the locals, and in a foreign land, we do not want to do that.

One rule of thumb when you enter a communal pool is to make sure you soap and scrub properly. Some bathhouses will even have instructions and teach you how to properly wash with focus on your armpits, feet, head, and genitalia. If you are not used to it, there are also cultures which have no problem at all with nudity.

Flowers tickle not only the imagination, the heart, but touches one soul. A bouquet is nice but fields of flowers are just overwhelming. These flower farms are not travel destinations on their own but the colors of tulips, lavender, roses, daisies and other flowers will just make anyone take the turn. Here are some of the best places to see the loveliest flowers in the world:

The Netherlands

Going to the Netherlands during spring time makes it a capital sin not to see the tulips and daffodils. After all, after the good life in Amsterdam, they are most famous for their flowers. They grow it and export it all over the globe. The fields of flowers in the Netherlands resemble the colors of the rainbow. If you are going between April thru September, you might just be in time for the fabulous flower parades. Visit Alkmaar in the northern portion of Holland where aside from the flowers you will learn a lot about the history and try their best samples of cheese. . Another great flower destination will be Keukenhoff known to be the biggest garden of flowers.

Amid all the bad news after the big earthquake and monstrous tsunami that hit Japan recently, the country is slowly trying to get up from the biggest tragedy it has faced since World War II.

Narita Airport now resumes its operations with flights going as scheduled after being affected by the tsunami that hit parts of the country half an hour after the magnitude 8.9 earthquake last Friday.

A number of countries though have advised their peoples to avoid going to parts of Japan at the moment especially when aftershocks are still being felt and are still expected. Experts in Japan have announced that there is a probability of an aftershock as strong as magnitude 7.0 to occur in the next few days. An earthquake as strong as this may trigger another tsunami and more aftershocks. Authorities have also warned everyone to stay away from coastal areas.

Language is fascinating and when you are in a different country, it is the wall which can help you make connections with other people or it is a barrier which can be a big hurdle to close a deal. We all sound differently when we talk when we all mean the same thing and trying to say the same thing.

It is priceless though how you can make locals smile when you try a few words of their native tongue. Knowing common phrases will help you find directions, bargain for a good price, win new friends or business partners, and save your life during unfortunate situations.

Those in Asia are very fascinated with how people in the west talk and act. Likewise, those from Europe, the Americas and other parts of the globe are mystified with the language, culture, practices, and traditions of the peoples frome the East.

Despite the paranoia caused by terrorist threats around the globe, there are still places that you can visit and feel safe. There are still countries where you can stay for a few days or a few weeks and do not hear of anything about serious crimes and petty offenses. If you are planning for a family vacation, you may want to consider the following places which have the lowest crime rates according to some surveys:

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is considered as the safest destination in the globe.  The small country serves home to only 500,000 individuals and somehow explains why it is very easy to keep a good watch. The safest city attributes its near perfect peace and order to its very happy citizens who are very rule-oriented.

Singapore

Lots of travelers today are on the look-out for destinations that are off the beaten track. You know what we mean: far flung places that you’ve never heard of before, communities that haven’t made it yet in travel magazines, etcetera. And yet despite the increasing urge to go out and explore someplace new, countries that have long been popular with tourists are still getting a lot of attention today. One such example is the intriguing country of Japan, which has a fantastic mix of a modern, futuristic vibe and ancient traditions.

There are so many attractions in this country that it’s no wonder tourists keep flocking in to get a taste of that unique Japanese experience. However, it’s easy to get caught up in all the hype especially if you’re a first time visitor and get all your travel tips from movies and commercial advertisements. Here are the top five rookie mistakes often made by travelers making their way to Japan, and the ways you can make it up to yourself.