Africa is a big place and there are lots of parks to choose from. As not all plains are created equal, here are some of the best:

Masai Tribe

Maasai Mara National Reserve

If big cats are your thing, The Mara is packed full of deadly felines. It can also boast sights of the great migration: every year, more than 2.5 million animals make a 2,000 kilometre journey between Tanzania and Kenya. Generally, The Mara is considered Africa’s top safari destination.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Connoisseurs of truly untamed desert wilderness can head to ‘the plains where courage fails.’ San Bushmen have lived in this raw landscape for approximately 30,000 years. If you really want to get away from it all, Kalahari has been separated from the crowds and tour buses that flock to other parks. Usually, you’re about 50 kilometres away from the nearest human being.

Kidepo Valley National Park

One of the most picturesque parks in Africa, Kidepo is fairly exclusive and unexplored. It shares borders with Sudan and Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. You’ll benefit from great wildlife sightings; especially large buffalo herds.

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

The ‘big five’ (buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard) are prolific around the Crater – a lot is packed into a relatively small area. The first glimpse of the crater is heart-stopping; good luck with getting down the inner walls! It’s a good choice for first timers, as it makes safari easy.

Etosha National Park

This safari park has been named ‘Great White Place’ by the locals because of the ivory ground, leftover from a former lake. The trick to Etosha is to just hang out around the waterholes and the animals will come to you. Expect to witness the big five again, as well as gazelle and antelope.

The Gambia

Along the Gambia River you can find as many as six national parks! The Gambia is ideal for bird-watchers (more than 600 species are at the mercy of your binoculars). You can also find plenty of monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees. Beware the crocodile packed waters; you can spot African otters and manatees, but don’t get too close!

Ahaggar National Park

If you’re looking for the kind of physics-defying landscapes that will leave your jaw hanging, Ahaggar is for you. This national park is 40 times the size of Gambia and contains an amazing 3,000 metre mountain range, as well as classic dunes. Enjoy hanging out with the Tuareg nomads.

Kruger National Park

South Africa’s most popular park, Kruger, has a huge diversity of wildlife. It’s one of the best equipped safari parks in Africa; if you’re a creature of comfort, you’ll do best here. It’s also great for self-drivers, as it’s well signposted and maintained. Included in the safari sightings are hikes and mountain-biking trips, for a bit of variety.

This post has been contributed by Hannah, a lifestyle and travel blogger from the UK. She has written this post for Knowsley Safari Park in England.

The Best Safari Parks in Africa is a post from: onestep4ward.com

For a number of years the entertainment scene has been led, by quite some way, by The Benidorm Palace. Offering a whole smorgasbord of entertainment every night of the year, it took the title of the best cabaret theatre and nightclub in Europe for 2012.

Something new

Part of the success of this place is that the main shows are updated on a regular basis. This is excellent, as it means that travellers returning time and again will go back, will tell their friends, and will always find something new.

Through the years, there have also been a number of events hosted at the Palace. These have included such leading lights as Rudolf Nereyev, the globally famous Russian ballet star. Julio Inglesias and most known names in the world of British comedy have turned out also.

As is probably to be expected, it has been used as the setting for scenes shot for the ‘Benidorm’ TV series too. Fans of the show may remember the episode where Madge learned that Mel, her husband, had passed away and that cabaret singer Asa Elliot first appeared on the show.

A typical night

Essentially, there is no typical night. As with any live entertainment, performances change day to day; largely down to the crowd in attendance, it has to be said. However, unforgettable experiences are certainly typical.

Each night can also be a little different in so much that you can attend a pre-show meal. Served in luxuriously decadent surroundings, many guests take the opportunity to dress up. Some don’t, but it is all about what they feel comfortable in.

The main show itself starts around 10:00 pm, with various acts and comperes doing what it is they do. A half hour interval is provided by The Benidorm Palace resident band and that night’s singer, whilst some guests take the opportunity to take to the dance floor. The show then continues, with traditional Spanish offerings often thrown in. It is certainly a nice touch.

A lot of guests will learn of the venue from Co-op Travel, which seems to have a real handle on how to treat its guests, much like the British owners of the Palace. Finishing at around midnight, there is also time to go on elsewhere if desired.

The right royal appeal of the Benidorm Palace is a post from: onestep4ward.com

Located in Slovakia, the city is an undiscovered gem and lies the southwestern part of the country.

As well as being the capital city, it’s also regarded as a National Council seat of the Slovak Rep. Visiting this city will leave you with plenty of things to keep you occupied while you explore its rich history.

The national museum offers the visitor a unique cultural history of the city, while also showing you the different species of wildlife that can be found.

One of the old cathedrals is St.Martins, and this can be walked to from anywhere in the city. A great way to pass a few hours if one is so inclined.

If you are looking for an artistic fix, then the national gallery would be just the spot for you. It hosts different types of art and has a big collection of pieces that focus on the famous gothic church.

Chatom Sofer was once the spiritual leader of the Jewish congregation and this museum pays tribute to this man. However, if you are looking to visit this place then you will need to arrange it in advance.

One of the most visited locations in the city is the spectacular castle of Bratislava. Here, the Danube river as well as the whole city can be viewed naturally. The Romans, Celts and the Slavs were the first settlers who lived inside the castle. The castle is home to many artifacts and documents that recount it’s diverse history. It’s a must see attraction and the views are definitely worth the steep walk up to it.

The one thing many people comment about when they visit Bratislava is the cleanliness of the city. With many cheap flights coming here from all over Europe, the city has managed to remain a quaint little spot.

There are plenty of fine dining eateries, as well as a banging nightlife to cater for all ages. In recent years, Bratislava has seen an increase in the stags visiting. Locals can see the monetary value of this trend, but hopefully it doesn’t give the city a bad name.

You will be hard pressed not to enjoy a few days here. For the ladies, there’s a big collection of clothes shopping haunts, which make it an ideal way to pass the day.

What To Do In Bratislava? is a post from: onestep4ward.com

The World’s Weirdest Festivals – An infographic by FHR

The World’s Weirdest Festivals is a post from: onestep4ward.com

First of all, I think it’s worth pointing out these monuments don’t literally speak. Instead, their name comes from the fact that they were used as a way for people to publicise their views on local politics anonymously. This practice dates back to the 16th century and, although their popularity began to decline by the end of the 19th century, talking statues are still used to this day.

With the monuments (which are also referred to as the Congregation of Wits) an early precursor of the bulletin board, I think they are a fascinating facet to the city’s history. Talking statues are situated in Rome’s busiest streets and, at night-time, placards were posted on them that featured satirical verses and criticisms targeting the pope and other important public figures.

Also used by local officials for propaganda purposes, the statues were quickly given names, with the Pasquino monument commonly regarded as being the most famous. It is from this statue that the words ‘pasquinade’ and ‘pasquil’ derive, terms that refer to an anonymous satirical verse or a piece of prose.

Situated in Piazza Pasquino, this monument dates back to the third century BC, though it was buried for many years until it was rediscovered in 1501. While this statue is heavily damaged – with its arms and legs missing – and it wasn’t until cardinal Oliviero Carafa draped its torso with a toga and decorated it with Latin epigrams that it was used by the public to express their displeasure with the church and local politicians.

From here, a number of talking statues cropped up over the city. These include Babuino, a monument of Greek mythical creature satyr near the church of St Athanasius, and Madame Lucrezia, which is located on the corner of Piazza San Marco. The latter is badly disfigured, but it’s widely believed to be either the Roman empress Faustina or Egyptian goddess Isis and is the only female talking monument in the capital.

Its name is thought to have derived from a 15th-century woman who had fallen in love with the king of Naples who was married at the time. Arriving in Rome to ask the pope to let the monarch get divorced – a request that was turned down – Lucrezia lived near Piazza San Marco for several years after the king’s death.

Hopefully, I’ve given you some encouragement to discover Rome’s talking statues for yourself and, as the capital has pleasant weather for much of the year, it’s a fantastic destination to visit at pretty much any time.

Generally speaking, it’s best to head to the city in either the spring or autumn when the temperatures are warm but aren’t unbearably hot (as they can get in the summer). It’s also a good idea to find a centrally-located hotel that enables you to reach the statues easily. Of course, you’ll also need to book a flight to the city, which is something you can learn more about by clicking here.

Are you planning on finding Rome’s talking statues while on holiday? If you are, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

Discover the talking statues of Rome is a post from: onestep4ward.com

Restlessness (def): The ability to rest or relax as a result of boredom

Restlessness is a personality trait I actively encourage.  I’m a restless character and I’m proud of it. Restlessness is our brain letting us know that we can be more, we can do more, we can achieve more. With every business idea flapping through our mind, and every country we dream of visiting, our brain runs at 100mph running all the different scenarios simultaneously. Business models, profit margins, route plans, sights to see. This is my restlessness and long may it continue.

I remember throughout my life my restlessness was frowned upon, teachers and family members would comment on it – “you’re so restless Johnny”. It was seen as a negative emotion, something you had to work through and deal with. Accept your current standing and be ok with your lot. I wasn’t haven’t any of it.

I believe restlessness is our mind telling us to strive for more. Restlessness is the emotion we experience before we make a change. It’s the trigger, the catalyst that we need. The wakeup call that what we have now isn’t enough.

Treat restlessness as a call to action, brought on by boredom, so surely the solution to it is to remove the boredom….

But restlessness isn’t enough to achieve your dreams. It’s simply the first step. We have to act on it. Whether you’re restless about a relationship you wanna stop (or start), restless about your job prospects and how unfulfilling your job is, restless about your yearning to travel, about how big the world is and you wanna see more of it. It’s all positive, don’t repress those worries. Take them, understand them and act on them accordingly.

Be happy you’re restless, pity the ones who are content with less. Your restlessness means you’re not accepting the status quo. You know there’s more to life, so go out and get it.

Motivational Monday; Be Restless is a post from: onestep4ward.com

Europe most visited places like Italy, France and Spain overshadow a very interesting country, and maybe, because it is not that advertised it is as attractive as it is.

Portugal or the most western country in Europe is one of the most exciting places I’ve ever been too. Extremely beautiful nature, rich culture, delicious food and of course the wildest football games made me see what many poets tried to describe. The most interesting of all above mentioned is that there are comparatively few tourists, no jams of people, monuments are still monuments and nature is still nature.

Porto

To start your acquaintance with the ever green land I would recommend visiting Porto first. As you probably guessed, Porto is a home place to the world famous Porto wine. But before you try the drink, stop by at the historical center of the city. Standing on the hills, it goes down with narrow streets, numerous cafes, little colorful buildings where people still hang out the laundry outside and kids play football all the way. When you go down, you will get to the picturesque place every artist would appreciate: lines of boats, yacht and even ships fetch away with every wave, music comes from every corner. It is worth mentioning that this part of the city is UNESCO World Heritage site as it has too many historical monuments like the highest chapel in Europe (98 meters) and countless little churches that are placed next to each other. When you are done exploring make a visit to the world finest museum- museum of wine. You will not only learn everything about famous sorts but try and most likely buy 1or2 bottles.

Lisbon

Visiting Lisbon is a priori. The capital city has many interesting attractions inside and outside the city. First of all, it is the second oldest capital in Europe (after Athens), it was a home to various travellers like Vasco da Gama, it is also the only European capital where you can watch sea sunsets on a golden-sand beaches. The city is believed to be a great combination of Arabic, European architecture with an echo of American spirit. I bet you will appreciate ancient marine architecture and interesting museums ranging from historical to contemporary art.  You will surely recognize the city’s largest bridge that looks just like a Golden Gate in San Francisco and little cable cars that go all the way through the city.

Madeira

Madeira is the most unexpected surprise I had ever had. It is a beautiful archipelago created from a real volcano with tropical forests, high mountains and great wildlife. Madeira is probably the most visited place in Portugal, in the late XIX century it used to be the fanciest resort in the continent where only rich people like Russian royal family could catch a break. Today, the land is boasting with tourist’s attractions that are presented in fine beaches, historical attractions, truly mind-blowing botanical gardens and hundreds of interesting tours that will take you diving, horse-back riding and Jet Ski.

Important tips: 1) to take a Portuguese phrase book as few people speak English;

2) prepare that people are quite emotional;

3) to take few clothes, as Portugal has the most pleasant climate.

Amazing places: Why you need to go to Portugal is a post from: onestep4ward.com

In order to travel intelligently and smartly, you need to keep your wits about you at all times. Sure you can relax and chill out, but do so knowing that things are under control.

Travellers should always take heed on warnings from foreign governments regarding tourists. You might be informed that visiting a specific country at a certain time is unadvised. Don’t brush this under the carpet as there are specific reasons why a government would say such things.

Know the local customs and laws. Don’t think that the laws are the same as in your country while away. This is a very common mistake that a lot of tourists make when travelling. They end up getting arrested for doing things that they might get way with back home. Having a good solid knowledge in the local traditions will go along way to helping you fully understand what to expect.

Please make sure you have a medical bag with all your pertinent requirements while out on the road. UK first aid kits should have everything you need in order to have some basic medical treatment on hand should you need it.

Get proper travel cover for the trip. Being sick in a country where they don’t speak English or you native language can be a terrifying experience for some. It goes without saying that if you choose not to get travel insurance or some other form of health insurance, then you are taking an unnecessary risk.

Always protect your luggage and your important travel documents. Keep money well hidden at all times and never flash it about. This is definitely the case in poorer countries, where the likelihood of tourist theft is common.

Keeping a watchful eye while out in public may seem tiresome at first, but you will soon start to do it naturally after a while.

Having the correct items for your trip is imperative to being savvy and Seton is a useful resource for safety equipment in the UK.

One last tip is to make sure you dress appropriately for the location you are visiting. Respect the local traditions regarding clothes and don’t go out dressed in expensive clothes if everyone else isn’t. This will only bring unwanted attention your way – in the form of people looking to rob you.

Keeping yourself safe is the first and last priority when it comes to travelling. Don’t skip out on safety when it comes to heading away on your travels.

It’s just not worth the risks involved.

How To Be Travel Savvy In A Foreign Country is a post from: onestep4ward.com

So if you’d rather sit at home on the internet job-searching, head over to Glasses.com website to pick up some bifocals; you’re going to need them!  But if you’re ready for a real adventure in the “real world” here are 7 (of many more) reasons to pack your bags and head to Southeast Asia:

The value

Traveling on a budget is a huge factor for many travelers. You won’t believe how much you can get for so little in SE Asia; in fact, you may never want to leave. In Thailand, for example, a typical meal including pad thai and a smoothie would cost you about $1.50 followed by an hour-long massage for $5. Hostels generally run from $3-15 depending on what you’re looking for. You can get by for about $6-10 a day in most of Southeast Asia; compare that to Paris, where you might spend up to $75 per day, and SE Asia is looking pretty good!

The weather

No matter what time of year you decide to travel, you’re always going to need your shorts and swim gear in SE Asia. The region is tropical with 3 main seasons: wet, dry and hot. So as long as you don’t mind a bit of tropical downpour during that rainy season, you should be good to go. If you do travel during hot season, make sure to stay hydrated! But just make your way down to the beaches and you should be fine. Now you’re on your way to making all your friends at home jealous of your new suntan!

The friendly people

Maybe it’s the warm weather, but the people in Southeast Asia are known as some of the friendliest in the world. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, after all! You’ll be greeted by warm smiles and hospitality when you travel in SE Asia. Tip: if you learn some of the local language before you arrive, be prepared to make friends with the locals! They will love you for putting in the effort to speak with them in their language, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable experience and maybe even lasting friendship.

The landscape

Southeast Asia has some of the most beautiful beaches and jungles in the world, so if you’re into outdoor adventures then look no further. Landlocked Laos is actually the only country in SE Asia without a gorgeous coastline. From the beaches of Malaysia and Indonesia to the jungles of northern Thailand, this is the place to revel in natural beauty. Try an elephant expedition, jungle ziplining or even bungie jumping for some truly unforgettable adventures.

The food

Need we mention it? The food in SE Asia is flavorful, fresh, spicy, and mouthwateringly delicious! Not to mention cheaper than the price of a single bottle of water back home! You can eat like a king for pennies, whether it’s pho noodle soup in Vietnam or spicy khao soi curry in Thailand. Try the local specialties at street stalls, or just watch where the locals go eat. Wash down your meal with a cold mango and pineapple shake or freshly cracked coconut (the water inside is nature’s delicious electrolyte!)

The culture

Break out of your comfort zone and come explore a country with a culture exotic to your own. Much of SE Asia is Buddhist, so you will experience majestic temples, serene monks and a very peaceful air about the people. If you venture out into the mountains or jungles, you’ll see elephants just hanging out with some of the locals. Motorbikes zip around at breakneck pace, food markets display everything from chicken heads to cockroaches and the contrast between serene, spiritual waterfalls and random chaos of the city could not be more distinct. This is what makes SE Asia beautiful, and what will make it so unforgettable to visit.

There’s something for everyone

I mean it: whether you’re into checking out the cultural sights, going for a jungle adventure, laying on the beach with a foot massage or partying the night away, you’ll find it in SE Asia. And not only that, but you’ll meet plenty of other friendly backpackers on the traveling path as well. Swap traveling stories over a beer at the guest house, explore night markets, hilltop temples, elephant camps and coral reefs; the choice is yours! Southeast Asia awaits, so pack your bags and buy that ticket because there’s no way you’ll regret it!

7 Reasons to Travel in Southeast Asia is a post from: onestep4ward.com

Sydney is one of those cities you can return to again and again and never really get enough. I always think of it as one of the most exciting places I’ve visited on my travels. In Sydney, the laid-back, friendly Australian atmosphere mixes with the bustling vibes of a cosmopolitan city, dropped right beside one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.I really recommend the Surry Hills hotel as a great place to jumpstart your Sydney holiday, as it’s in a prime location for exploring the city. There are endless things to see and do, but here are 5 of my favourite places to get you started:

Hyde Park

It’s the oldest park in Australia, and yes, it’s named after the original Hyde Park in London. The 40 acre space right in the middle of the central business district is a great way to feel like you’ve left the city without ever really leaving. Bring a picnic and set up in a grassy area for some people watching and relaxation. Strolling along the quaint, tree-lined avenues and watching locals playing cricket and rugby is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon.

Darling Harbour

There’s always something going on down at Darling Harbour; it’s one of my favorite places to go during the evening for restaurants and entertainment. There are tons of places to eat, with everything from street food to classy restaurants and bars. They’ve got the Maritime Museum and Sydney Aquarium, and tons of other attractions. If you’re ever in the mood to get out during the evening and just see what’s happening around town, this is the place to go.

Bondi Beach

Probably the best thing about Sydney in my opinion is its proximity to the beach! And not just any beach, but one of the best beaches in Australia. Bondi Beach is world-famous for its fantastic surfing conditions, so if you’re a surfer you should look no further. But even if you’re just a regular beach-goer, it’s a great spot to enjoy white sand, gorgeous water and endless people-watching.

Eveleigh Farmer’s Market

One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend morning is browsing an outdoor farmer’s market, sampling fresh produce and specialty foods. This Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, has a real community feel to it. They even have special events like wine and cheese tastings. And on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm there is an Artisan’s Market where independent artists and designers come to show their wares.

Balmain Neighborhood

Personally I’m a food lover, and I’ve found the Balmain neighborhood to be an absolute foodie haven. It’s a cute little pocket of the city with shops and boutiques, but the best places to stop are the cafes and restaurants serving up all kind of tasty food. From the rich, freshly ground coffee at Little Marionette to the to-die-for macaroons at Zumbo, you’ll love the edibles in this area as much as you’ll enjoy the gorgeous view of the Harbour from the ferry terminal here.

My Favourite Places to Visit in Sydney is a post from: onestep4ward.com