While India still carries a reputation for conservatism, the reality is far more nuanced. In recent years, the country has undergone significant changes in how LGBTQ people are viewed and represented.

Understanding this evolving landscape can help travelers approach India with both confidence and cultural awareness.

A Turning Point in 2018

One of the most important moments in India’s modern LGBT history occurred in 2018 when the country’s Supreme Court struck down Section 377, a colonial-era law that criminalized same-sex relationships.

The decision marked a major milestone for LGBTQ rights and opened the door to more visible public discussion around sexuality and identity.

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore now host Pride events, LGBTQ cultural festivals, and growing nightlife scenes.

For travelers, these urban centers tend to feel more open and welcoming.

India’s Historical Gender Diversity

Although modern discussions about LGBTQ rights are relatively new in India, gender diversity has existed in the region for centuries.

One well-known example is the Hijra Community, a traditional social group recognized in parts of South Asia for generations.

The history and role of this community are complex and deeply tied to South Asian culture. Many travelers find that learning about these traditions adds an important layer of understanding when visiting India.

For those interested in deeper context, historians often point to broader discussions of LGBT History to explain how colonial laws shaped modern attitudes toward sexuality in the region.

LGBT Spaces in Modern India

Today, several Indian cities offer vibrant LGBT-friendly spaces.

In Delhi, neighborhoods like Hauz Khas host bars and cafés popular with LGBTQ communities.

In Mumbai, venues such as Kitty Su have become well known for inclusive nightlife events.

Meanwhile, Bangalore’s tech-driven culture has fostered a younger, progressive atmosphere where LGBTQ communities are increasingly visible.

While public displays of affection may still be uncommon, many travelers report feeling comfortable exploring these cities.

Cultural Awareness for Travelers

India remains socially conservative in many regions, particularly outside major cities.

For LGBT travelers, this simply means approaching situations with cultural awareness. In most cases, discretion in public settings is still the norm.

However, hospitality is deeply embedded in Indian culture. Visitors who approach the country with curiosity and respect often find locals welcoming and eager to share their traditions.

Why India Is Worth Experiencing

Travel in India is rarely simple, but that complexity is exactly what makes it unforgettable.

From the chaos of Delhi markets to the quiet temples of Varanasi and the beaches of Goa, every part of the country offers something unique.

For LGBT travelers, India represents an opportunity to see a society navigating the intersection of tradition and modern identity.

With thoughtful planning and cultural awareness, visiting India can be an incredibly rewarding journey.

The post Traveling to India as an LGBT Traveler appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Like I said before, it is the world’s highest bungee jump! It is over 223 meters high, yes, 223 meters high! I was told before I jumped that during my free fall I could reach speeds of unto 200 kilo meters per hour, that certainly didn’t settle my nerves at all. One thing that I should say is that the whole set up was very professional indeed, I didn’t feel unsafe about any of the equipment or anything else that was going on that day. The staff were very well trained and spoke a number of different languages. They did there best to get me through the whole ordeal, but my heart was thumping as if it was a yellow pages in a washing machine. So I suited up took my photos, pretended not be scared and shuffled out on to the deck. Watching people jump off one after another is certainly terrifying, what made it worse was that everyone looked so calm and collected as if the whole experience was like water off a duck’s back.

So it was my turn to jump, I shuffled on the ledge, it felt a little like people making me walk the plank. The guys made me wave for my photos, and then they gave me the 3 count 1,2,3, I though I wasn’t going to be able to jump but these guys are pros, they gave me a little nudge and off I went hurtling towards the ground screaming for my mother! It was such an amazing experience, one that I’ll never forget! Yes, i was scared and very nervous but wow it was amazing! Would I do it again? No. Would I recommend that everyone tries it once? Absolutely!

The post The craziest experience I had overseas appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Travel During Off-Seasons

One of the most common methods to save money during any vacation is to travel during the off-seasons. This can keep more money in your pocket while visiting unique locations. By scheduling travel times and dates when the prices are more ideal, you and the family can have more money to spend while away. Many airlines and hotels will offer discounts during those times of the year in order to entice people to visit. This is how you can turn a $500 a night resort room into $120.

Explore Local Areas First

With airline travel being more of a hassle with TSA procedures and checkpoints, exploring your local areas first can be just as rewarding as visiting another country. Most people don’t realize how much is near their location that can offer intrigue and excitement. For instance, various ghost towns across the United States offer a look into western civilization but are not as visited as amusement parks. There may even be entertaining tours within your local city that you don’t know about.

Absorbing Nature

Regardless of where you live, there is usually bound to be nature and wilderness surrounding you in some form. Relaxing in a cabin on a lake or camping in a forest can greatly help your mental state – especially if you’re used to the noise and congestion of the city life. Outdoor excursions can be invigorating as witnessed by people like Lindsey Stone. In many ways, getting back to nature can be more rewarding than standing in line at a ride or doubling down on a bet. Many areas are free to camp in and the entire experience could be vastly inexpensive.

Get on Email Lists

The right email list can send cheap and discounted travel arrangements to your inbox. Many travel agencies and airlines often send these emails that are available for a limited time. Sometimes deals will only be available to those on specific lists. If you’re worried about filling your primary inbox with spam, you can always set up a secondary free email account specifically for collecting these deals.

Compare Pricing

As travel companies become more apparent on the Internet, don’t be afraid to compare pricing. Although you may have a current favorite website, you may actually save more money by using a different organization. In fact, the benefits of other companies may be more ideal for your specific lifestyle. Each of these companies is working to outperform the competition, which allows you to save on everything from flights to room reservations.

It’s good to get away sometimes as everyone needs time to recharge their proverbial batteries. If you don’t get out and relax while exploring the countryside, you could add to your stress levels decreasing your capacity for efficient work and family life. You don’t have to travel to extravagant places in order to regain focus or entertain yourself. Do what you can to add more exploration to your lifestyle.

The post 5 Ways to Travel Cheaper in 2015 appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Win $500 for the Holidays from Enrout.com (a new search engine for alternative lodging)
Prize: $500 to spend however you choose (if you’re here, probably for a vacation, right?)
How to enter: There are six ways to enter, most of which involve Twitter and Facebook. Find the list of ways to enter here.
Dates: Now through 12/16/2011, 11:59pm PST
Eligibility: You must be a US citizen and 18+

“Aloe Can You Go” Twitter contest from Aruba Marriott Resort
Prize: Two free nights at the Aruba Marriott Resort
How to enter: Follow @arubamarriott and figure out which is a true or false statement about the aloe plant, one of Aruba’s top exported products. Re-tweet the statement with an answer of “true” or “false” and use the hashtag https://maiden-voyage-travel.com/ALOE. On December 19, the winner will be randomly selected and announced via Twitter.
Dates: Runs 12/12-16

Win a London Getaway from Anytrip.com
Prize: A two-night stay in a London hotel, a meal with champagne at Grand Imperial Chinese restaurant, a Sandeman’s London tour of your choice, and £300 travel money
How to enter: Like them on Facebook and tell them what you and a friend would do on your perfect day in London as a comment on their wall post. You’ll need to finish this sentence in your comment: “On a perfect day in London, @[your friend’s name] and I would [description of what you would do].” Here’s the important part: you have to tag the Facebook friend you’d bring along.
Dates: Now through 12/16/2011.
Eligibility: 18+
Full contest details here

A message from our partners: Before you travel, make sure you book some backpackers insurance. With over 50 hazardous activities covered as standard, you can enjoy your trip knowing you are protected.

The post Three December Travel Contests You Should Enter! appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

This was the first of a three-part series on destination weddings. As a travel lover who is getting married in four months, I thought it was appropriate! Be sure to read the other posts to learn about the pros and cons of destination weddings and great locations for destination weddings.

There’s no rule that you have to have a traditional wedding at your local church or temple. If you love to travel and want your wedding to be especially unique, why not have a destination wedding?

Destination weddings don’t have to be a world away. Sandra Aaron, destination wedding planner for Mindless Sophistication Events in Canada, says, “According to the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, a destination wedding is considered any wedding that takes place an hour and a half away from home.”

Wedding photographer Molly Ann of Luminaire Images says destination weddings have become more popular than ever, partly for the desire for a very personal experience. Additionally, “the recent economic recession has also led many couples to consider intimate weddings in exotic destinations instead of hosting large expensive affairs in their hometown,” she says. Plus, she adds, a scenic locale makes very memorable wedding photos.

Unfortunately, destination weddings can be hugely challenging to plan, especially if you get married in a foreign country where you don’t speak the local language. Here is some advice from experts on how to have a smooth experience.

Deciding the Location

When deciding to have a destination wedding, you must take your guests into account if it’s important to you that a decent amount of people attend. “The more remote and off-the-map, the more difficult it is for guests,” says Brettan Bablove, editorial director of WS Publishing, a company that sells many wedding planning books. “For instance, getting married in a small village in Hawaii may mean guests have limited choices for accommodations and will have to pay for a rental car. Or, getting married at an expensive all-inclusive resort means that guest won’t have a choice but to shell out the big bucks since all-inclusives charge a pricey per-day fee for people not staying at the hotel, making finding another hotel futile. Consider a more traditional destination wedding spot, such as Cabo San Lucas or Maui, which offers a variety of accommodation and transportation options,” she says.

It’s also wise to think about where most of your guests will be coming from when choosing a spot to tie the knot. “Great destination wedding choices are any location that is easily accessible by plane from the part of the country the majority of your guests are coming from, such as Mexico and Hawaii from the West Coast, and Jamaica and the Bahamas from the East Coast,” Bablove says. “The best locations are also those with several hotel options for guests, so they can choose the accommodations that best fit their budget.”

Time of Year

Christine Paul, owner and Principal Planner of Christine Paul Events in New York City, says it’s important to research the high and low season for areas you are interested in. “Every destination has its own specific high season and low season.  High season is expensive, low season is less expensive,” Paul says. “There are unique places like Aruba that have gorgeous weather all year round.  However, in Aruba, winter is their high season and summer is low season so prices will reflect accordingly. This is important information to find out to avoid paying too much and also to make sure you are destined for great weather.” Paul adds that even in very sunny destinations, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, you will need a plan B in case rain arrives. Ask the venue what they do (if anything) in the chance of rain.

Who to Invite

One big question mark is how many people will actually be able to attend. Bablove says there are some rules of thumb: “For a local wedding, you can expect 80 to 85 percent to RSVP yes,” she says. “For a destination wedding, you can expect 70 percent for wedding where most guests are from out of town, and that drops to about 50 percent for an international destination wedding.” Because of this, she says,  you have to decide if your priority is to have everyone you love in attendance, or to have a small, intimate wedding in an exotic location. According to the ladies of JOWY Productions, a full-service event and wedding planning and production company, this could be a blessing; they say that destination weddings can be a great excuse to have an intimate wedding and keep your guest list small. Alternatively, if you feel the need to invite everyone, at least you know that the attendance count will be lower than at a local wedding.

Flowers

If you get married at a resort with a wedding planner, they will know which vendors to work with. If you don’t have any recommendations to go on, online florists can come in handy. For example, the online florist 48LongStems has a “wedding in a box” option that comes with six bouquets, six boutonnieres, four corsages, and a box of rose petals. You can’t customize it, but it comes with standard white roses that can match any color scheme. Michael Geiger of 48LongStems says this won’t work for international weddings due to customs regulations, but they are great for weddings in the U.S. You just put them in water when they arrive and use them the following day.

Makeup and Styling

Lisa Deane is a stylist with Urban Darling and works frequently with brides and grooms. She says hair and makeup is always an issue in destination weddings, especially with the potential language barriers. To help, she suggests that brides to bring along props of the look they wants to create. Deane says, “This is especially helpful for up-dos and could be as simple as a magazine cut out, but most often, I’ll go with the bride to a hairstylist and make-up artist locally; we’ll create the look, take pictures from all different angles and then the bride will take this with her to the destination stylists.”

If you go that route, Deane recommends you buy your makeup in your home country so the makeup artist at your destination location can easily recreate the look. Stylists such as Lisa can also make arrangements for the bride in her wedding destination if there is extra room in the budget.

Good Communication

Carol Cain, founder and publisher of The Adventures of a NYCity Mama, got married in the Dominican Republic seven years ago. One issue she encountered was communicating with the hotel wedding planner and connecting with her via phone or email. Cain says, “Not that this was difficult to do per se, but when doing any business in another country, it is important to familiarize yourself with the cultural customs and work schedules. For example, is the siesta, which essentially shuts down most business practices for two hours in the middle of each week day, something the country does? What holidays are upcoming that would also shut down businesses? What are standard hours of business? Are their any restrictions and/or difficulties to deliver specialty items from home to the destination for decorations?”

Transporting Your Dress

Your wedding dress is one of the most critical pieces of your wedding ceremony, and it would be a disaster to arrive at your destination only to find out that your dress was lost or ruined on the way there.

Linda Guaida runs Forever in Love, a beach wedding planning company in South Florida. Guaida says 90% of her clients are out-of-towners who are having a destination wedding. She offers the following advice on how brides can wisely travel with their precious gown:

1.  Do not check it in.  It can get lost like any other piece of luggage.
2.  Have the bride carry it with them and ask the flight attendants to hang it for her during the flight.  Check with the airline first on their policy for transporting wedding gowns on the flight.  Some may want you to put it in a carry-on.  If so, check the size limit of the carry-on; you may be able to put the dress in a garment bag, fold it, and put it in a hard carry-on luggage.
3.  It is a big hassle to carry this dress through the airport(s), screening, taxis, etc. With this in mind, get a dress that will be both comfortable to wear and carry.  If the destination wedding is in a tropical climate, then lighter fabric and more flowing dresses are appropriate and a lot lighter than a big puffy dress.
4.  If it does arrive wrinkled, it can be pressed by the hotel (check ahead of time for this service) or just hung in the bathroom with the hot steam shower trick.

Don’t Take it Personally

Andrea Spirov is the writer and editor behind InspiringTravellers.com, and she and her husband had a destination wedding in Australia’s Hamilton Island. “Adopt a thick skin when it comes to the people you are inviting,” Spirov advises. “Some people are bound to have an opinion about your ‘making them travel and spend money.’ These opinions may or may not get back to you and may or may not be packaged very nicely when they come your way.” Nearly everyone at her wedding handled it well and thanked them for giving them an excuse to have a holiday/vacation. “But I remember being really hurt by and angry at some of our friends and family members who told us they were coming and then backed out–especially when I had to be the one to chase them for RSVPs past the due date,” Spirov recounts.  “You just can’t take it personally and have to understand that just because this is your dream holiday, it may not be theirs. And it doesn’t mean that they don’t care about you; everyone just has their own busy lives.”

Consider Using a Planner

Guaida says that using a destination wedding planner can save you tons of time and stress. Brides and grooms don’t know the area, vendors, hotels, etc., and she says planners such as herself can give them guidance and peace of mind. Guaida says wedding planners can actually save the couple money. “If they try to book everything on their own, they will probably end up spending a lot more,” she says. “We offer all-inclusive packages that will help keep costs down. Everything will be taken care of for them, so all they have to do is show up!”

Spirov says if you do hire a planner, you may want to hire an individual planner without tons of clients rather than someone who works at your resort or hotel. “Don’t assume that the ‘wedding coordinator’ the resort or hotel appoints for you is going to be like the one on television who is worrying about every detail of your wedding only,” she says. Spirov found that some are better than others, but that many in-house coordinators manage several hundred clients a year. Speaking from personal experience, she says, “In a very popular place, these people are hard-working, stressed, and often overworked. You will have to do a lot of the work yourself.”

Taking Care of Your Guests

Your guests are flying in from all over the world for your wedding, so it’s important to do what you can to help them. Cheryl Cox, a wedding consultant and wedding show producer, says it’s courteous to send guests a save-the-date card six to eight months in advance so they can make the travel arrangements and request time off from work. It’s also nice if you can let them know what the weather will be like and a list of transportation options, like ferries, trains, or recommended flights.

JOWY Productions says it’s very helpful for you to negotiate good rates for your guests for hotel accommodations and airfare, if possible. You can set up a room block at hotels. Cox suggests giving a selection of several price points (usually three).

“Invite your guests to a rehearsal dinner and brunch,” JOWY Productions says. “It does not have to be anything fancy, but you must host guests who travel to share your special day with you.” They add that it’s polite to let your guests know that no presents are necessary, as your guests are traveling to celebrate with you.

Bablove adds, “Your out-of-town guests will want to be entertained, or at least given an itinerary, while they are on vacation at your destination wedding. Destination wedding couples typically plan activities for their wedding party and guests, such as a boat ride, wine tasting, tour of the area, spa treatments, and more.” She also notes that these costs can add up quickly, so give them a variety. “Plan a few sample itineraries for your guests, including landmarks, museums, tours and festivals, and plan something meaningful for just the wedding party, such as a day of golf or boat trip,” she says.

“We put on a dinner and a post-wedding brunch in addition to our wedding reception,” Spirov says. “People are traveling a long way to be there for you and spending a lot of money. Don’t serve them the cheapest food and alcohol and refuse to plan any activities or help them out with their travel plans (within reason) should they ask you.”

Cox also thinks it’s a great idea to have goody bags waiting for guests in their hotel rooms as a welcome gift. “Tuck inside the wedding weekend itinerary, some snacks, bottled water, wine, area map, lists of restaurants and sight seeing activities,” she recommends. “Sunscreen and flip-flops are great for beach weddings! I’ve even made directories of where the guests were staying so the guests could contact each other.”

A message from our partners: Find great rates on Melbourne hotels on HotelClub.com!

The post Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding Abroad appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Why does the ESTA Visa Waiver Program make our lives so much easier?
Before ESTA and the Visa Waiver program, tourists who wanted to travel to the United States of America had a lengthy and unpleasant procedure before them – just like with any other trip that required them to obtain a visa.
The ESTA Visa Waiver program made things significantly easier. Since 2008, travellers from 38 countries from all over the world (and almost all European countries) can simply fill out the online ESTA online, pay $14, and wait for their travel authorisation. Once your travel has been authorised, you can use the authorisation to travel for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Check out esta.cbp.dhs.gov for more info

Are you eligible to participate in the ESTA Visa Waiver Program?
As long as you’re a citizen or a national of one of the 38 participating countries and you’re travelling to the United States of America for tourism or business for 90 days or less, you are eligible to participate in the ESTA Visa Waiver program. The countries that can participate in the program are Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

How does the ESTA Visa Waiver program work?
The ESTA Visa Waiver program is very simple and straight-forward, so you shouldn’t experience any problems. However, if you do, you can count on 24/7 assistance regarding the procedure. Simply visit http://www.applyesta.com/application/, where you can fill out the form as well as get support with the procedure. If you need further information or travel news, these are also available.
Make sure you apply for your travel authorisation early; even though travel is usually approved in less than a minute, it is still advisable you apply at least 72 hours before your planned trip to the USA.

The post The ESTA Visa Waiver program appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Partaking in a group tour can have a host of benefits – let’s take a look:

Ready-made group of friends

One of the most challenging aspects of travelling abroad on your lonesome is dealing with the fear, and the reality of, being on your own. No matter how adventurous you are, if you’re sat alone in a hotel room in the middle of a huge city with no one to talk to it can be difficult.

There are no such worries on a group tour as you’ll be travelling with like-minded folk of a similar age – meaning that whether you’re having the best time of your life (guaranteed) or feeling a bit homesick (possibly), you’ll have people to share your feelings with.

Freedom

However, just because there are other people on tour with you, doesn’t mean you can’t go off exploring on your own, should you so wish. Unlike when you travel with a partner or friends, the other people on the tour won’t be relying on you for anything – that’s what the guides are for.

Helping hand

Speaking of guides, one of the main benefits of a group tour is the chance to take advantage of people with a huge amount of local knowledge, who can show you the most fun things to do that you wouldn’t necessarily discover by yourself.

They can also advise you on what to watch out for, helping you to stay safe and happy – something that can be a concern for people travelling alone (especially women).

No stress

Another benefit of having someone else taking care of your itinerary is that you don’t have to concern yourself with logistics and ideas – you simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Of course, as mentioned above, there’s always the scope to do your own thing and, because you get the chance to read through the itinerary fully beforehand, there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises.

With someone else doing the driving, you also don’t need to worry if you want to drink or are feeling too tired – simply doze off in the back as the miles roll past.

Choice

In terms of itineraries, there are so many different choices in the USA. From visiting enormous cities like New York to lazing on sandy beaches in California and from trekking through sprawling national parks to gambling in Sin City, there are myriad adventures waiting to be had in America.

Small groups

The key to enjoying a successful group tour wherever you choose to visit is to go with a company like Grand American Adventures that focuses on small numbers of people at a time. Only having a dozen people to care for, means reduced waiting times, a more personal experience and increased flexibility over where to go and what to see and do, whether it’s driving along Route 66 or checking out the view from the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunrise.

If you want to see the USA alone, there’s no finer way to do it.

The post More fun, less money on a singles group tour of the USA appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

1. Union Square Holiday Market, New York

Pic by Charley Lhasa

A perfect destination to shop and eat in Manhattan during the holiday season, this internationally acclaimed market is home to more than 150 vendors selling a unique produce of unusual items. Some out-of-the-box gifting options like brew-your-own-beer kits and monogrammed stuffed animals sold at iconic red-white tents in this market make it quite a popular one among shoppers.

2.Christmas Village, Philadelphia

Pic by Opeyemi

Situated in Philadelphia’s iconic ‘Love’ Park (JFK Plaza), the Christmas Village is a holiday market which operates from Christmas to Thanksgiving. A vivacious market decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy-lights, this magical place is the best one to shop for seasonal gifts as well as edible classics. In addition to the huge variety of stalls, the live music performances add to the festive spirit of this market.

3.Christkindlmarkt, Chicago, Illinois

Pic By Max Goldberg

Offering a chance to sample more than 70 types of sausages, the Christkindlmarkt is indeed the best Christmas gift a foodie could have asked for! One of the few Christmas markets in the US which bear a close resemblance to traditional German ones, this market sells goods like cuckoo clocks, glass ornaments and wood carvings. Located in the shadow of the enormous Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, this market is the finest place to shop for souvenirs.

4.Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco

Pic by Quinn Dombrowski

A market which promises to take you back into the Victorian era, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco is a huge open space which has been converted into a miniature London town packed with actors dressed in traditional clothes of that era and shops as well as street vendors selling jewelry and Christmas ornaments. Modeled along the theme of the ‘Christmas Carol’, this market is held for five weekends in the holiday season.

5.Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC

Pic by Elvert Barnes

Regional artisans and craftsmen selling handmade goods like pottery, paintings and textiles treat tourists to a fulfilling holiday shopping experience at the Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC. A perfect blend of traditional and modern worlds, this market sells a humongous variety of food and gift items- from liquid nitrogen ice creams to ethnic jewelry pieces!So, when you visit Dc, add this place to your vacation planner and witness this vibrant market and festivity.

6.Georgetown Christmas Market, Colorado

Pic by Amy Aletheia Cahill

Horse-drawn carriages riding through the streets and carol singers dressed in Victorian costumes welcome visitors to one of the prettiest and the most ancient holiday markets in the US, the Georgetown Christmas Market. Roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and Victorian antiques sold at this place are a must-buy.

7.Arlington Christkindlmarkt, Texas

Pic by  Enchant Christmas Facebook page

Sweaters made from alpaca wool, exquisite pottery and fascinating decoration items are few things that you ought to buy when you visit the Arlington Christkindlmarkt, Texas. One of the largest open-air markets in the US, this place is a family-friendly destination that is buzzing with activities throughout the holiday season.

So, this Christmas season, be your own Santa and add these lively marketplaces to your trip plan for a splendid time! Merry Christmas!

The post 7 Best Christmas Markets in the US appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

I took these photos at the legendary Notre Dame de Paris, a gorgeous Catholic church in Paris, France. It was one of the first Gothic cathedrals to be built and has unbelievably intricate design, both inside and outside.  It is well known for its frightening gargoyles and flying buttresses (it was one of the first buildings in the world to use the latter). Construction on the cathedral began in 1163. Several different architects worked on it and many design changes were made; it wasn’t completely finished until 1345.  The ceilings inside are unbelievably tall, and its massive stained glass windows are breathtaking.

The post Photos of the Week: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

But of course, traveling alone also has its downs, especially if you’re off to a place you’ve never been, it can bring jitters and possibly a lonesome experience being in a place you have no one to talk to. I’ve never thought I will travel alone, but also never thought that it could bring just pure fun.

Me in one of my solo travels

Traveling does not necessarily mean you have to spend a lot. Take advantage of early research for the place you are going to, this includes hotel accommodation and the expected budget for the activities you are to do.

Be geared with everything you will need. This may include maps, safety parafernalias, clothing for the type of travel you are plunging into — if you are hiking, diving,  etc. You want to make sure that you have such plans for your trips so you can have everything ready.

There are travels that you have to really plan before leaving, especially if you’re off to an adventure. But likewise, there are some trips that you can just be spontaneous. Wake up in the morning, get out of the hotel, find good food, travel by foot and explore what the city has to offer. I did this on my first solo trip in Singapore, I got lost, found my way back, explored, and hey, I found it fun!

It is also important to know the culture of the country you are going to so you know how to act accordingly. But if something goes wrong there are locals hat can surely help you, so be friendly to them. Or maybe you can meet new friends in the form of locals or other tourists like you!

me with newly found friends in a Phuket trip

Being alone does not mean you cannot enjoy. make the most out of it. Eat unique and one-of-a-kind foods that you do not have way back home, take pictures (or bring a tripod to make it better), take the train and other what-nots. One key I have managed to bring along with me and not being afraid and just savor the moment.

The post Tips for first time solo travelers appeared first on Maiden Voyage.

Even if you’re not a surfer you’d be forgiven for getting over excited. Just watching the Pros hurl themselves into the death-defying whitecaps is a mind-blowing experience in itself. Though if you’ve come this far then you may as well surf ­– it’s an awfully long way to come just to sit on a beach and sip a cocktail. Luckily, there is invariably something for surfers of all levels on Hawaii. So cough up, buckle up, check in to your Hawaii vacation rental and grab a board. Things are going to get rather damp…

Big Island

The chief island of the scattered archipelago is probably the most tame in comparison, so is ideal for absolute beginners. The top spots are Pine Trees, a laid-back breaker just south of Nelha, and Ke’ei Beach, a secluded and small swelling ride that is often overlooked.

Maui

As the windiest island of the archipelago, Maui, and in particular the aptly named Jaws and Hookipa surf spots to the north, can whip up the most jaw-dropping groundswells when conditions are right. Some reach heights so staggering that surfers have to be towed into them by jet-ski. This, needless to say, is not an ideal environment for a beginner, though is definitely worth a watch. Head over to West or South Maui instead, where Kaanapali, Lahaina and Kihei provide less intimidating surges.

Oahu

This is where it all started. ‘Duke Kahanamoku’, whose bronze statue welcomes surfers to Waikiki Beach today, introduced the sport to the world in the early 20^th century. Since then, surfing has become the most popular watersport in the world, and Oahu, is the jewel in the crown. One glance at the colossal rollers on the north shore during winter will reveal why. Banzai Pipeline, Sunset and Waimea Bay, for example, sometimes see waves of up to 100ft and are tackled by only the most harebrained aficionados.

The South shore is more beginner-friendly. Waikiki Beach itself and in particular, Canoes, where the Duke allegedly reached the end of his legendary mile-long ride, offer swells of a much more agreeable nature during the winter months (in the summer it is less forgiving). However, these spots are rarely without crowds in owing to this.

Kauai 

If you’re looking to escape the hordes, then perhaps Kauai wouldn’t be a bad idea. Most of the island’s surf tends to happen on the pristine and phlegmatic Hanalei Bay. Here, surfers can expect to ride swells of all sizes, though again, as a northern shore spot, learning conditions are better during the Summer months. Poipu is a tamer choice if you’re over during the winter, and Kalapaki and Shipwreck Beach are also worth checking out.

Lessons are generally costly at around $90 for a two-hour session, but whether you’ve come on a whim, a honeymoon, an all-expenses paid trip or a raft made of sticks, surfing in Hawaii is just something that you absolutely have to do. It’s basically the law.

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Last year my mum and dad visited us in Ireland. Of course, a driving tour around the countryside was on the agenda. Back then, it was maps and Google print-outs of routes! I think we spent as much time in turn offs shuffling papers to figure out where we were as we did actually looking at the scenery.

How much things change in a year. You don’t even need a laptop anymore. For this summer’s tour of Ireland, I used an iPad and apps.

The trouble for most tourists, and I admit it, the trouble even we natives have – the roads don’t make any sense. Roads in Ireland have a habit of changing names between markers and signs tend to drift a bit, pointing every way but where they should. They seem to be heading the right way and the next thing you know, you are in the middle of a pasture with one tire slowly sinking into a bog. The first time is funny. The sheep and cows give you a puzzled stare and wander over to see if your car is edible. The next few times aren’t so pleasant.

Added to this is the possibility of rain, nightfall, and the wonderful signs we have in the country. The landscape has changed–pun intended. But seriously, with the apps I have on my iPad, I finally look like I actually know my way around. The best, in my opinion, of all the route guides in the UK and Ireland is the RAC Planner App. They keep it updated, which is nice, but even better is the type of directions you get. Most apps give you north, south, turn right and so on… RAC tells you what to look for–much more human-friendly: “…take the Broughshane road, at the Cullybackey roundabout take the first exit, drive four hundred yards, take left turn signposted Aghohill…”

You touch the screen and you can change the display to search by town, street, or Irish guesthouse! We made Ballycastle at noon for a hearty lunch, a sit down and a pint. We looked over the selection from the National Trust App. If you visit Ireland, you must download this–it shows parks, nature reserves and historic places. We ended up at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. This is a historic foot bridge that connects the mainland with an island. After that success, I started using other apps just for getting around.

Our tour with iPad apps
We headed out from Ballycastle along the North Antrim Coast where the Irish Sea battles the Atlantic Ocean. We had beautiful weather, even with the cool mists off the rocks. My parents got some great shots between wiping mist off their camera lens.
In Ireland, you plan your day based on the weather. “There’s an app for that.” The Met Office App. A look at the weather to see when (not if!) the rain might hit.

Dinner was at the Bushmills Inn, one of the most famous Irish distilleries in the same town. The inn used to be a mill and they’ve kept the old look – huge beams and antiques everywhere you turn. This is a pub worth the drive if you are anywhere close. The live music and singing add to a great meal. We had a traditional stew, thick enough to stand your spoon upright in.

One app I didn’t use with the parents, but will next time is the Petrol Prices App. While petrol isn’t hard to find in most places, you have no idea where to find a good price unless you drive past every one and check. With this app, you get the current prices in any area. That way, you can decide whether to fill up now or drive on to the next village! The Irish need one of these apps for Guinness on tap at the pubs!

Alex Papa is a business and IT graduate and currently works for Business Opportunities Expo. He sponsors his travel from his blog where he offers the latest Norton 360 coupon code.

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