Travel the Whole World!

28 Epic Pictures Prove That A Blizzard Can't Scare Canadians

2020-02-27T04:26:00.002-08:00

Global warming is one of the main reasons why extreme weather conditions across the globe have been increasing lately. Australia is an excellent - and also devastating - example of that, with the catastrophic bushfires being now followed by floods.

Recently, Canada also saw an extreme weather phenomenon, that of an unprecedented blizzard that hit Newfoundland and Labrador, covering the areas in vast amounts of snow.

However, we all know that Canadians are not afraid even of what appears to be the worst blizzard in the past several decades. And if you need more proof of this, here are some epic blizzard pictures shared online by Canadians:

Breathtaking Pictures Of White Horses In Iceland's Magical Landscape

2020-02-23T23:10:00.001-08:00

Based in South Carolina, artist Drew Doggett began his career in fashion photography. Nevertheless, Doggett now travels the world looking for and capturing beautiful landscapes and portraits of people, cultures, and communities by using the techniques he learned during his earlier career. His journeys have taken him to mind-blowing and remote places like the Himalayas, Ethiopia, and recently to Iceland.

Doggett's fascination with the epic Icelandic horses resulted in an expedition to the mystical land where he captured the beauty of these horses and the wonderful landscapes they roam in.

His series, In the Realm of Legends, demonstrates the unique beauty of the horses in their natural element that draws the viewer into an ancient world of fantasy and myth.

The Icelandic Horse is among the world's oldest horse breeds brought to the country by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries. For about 1000 years, no other breed of horse has stepped foot on the country's soil, keeping out diseases and creating the ultimate purebred equine. Also, when a horse is exported from Iceland, it is never allowed to return.

A great part of the life and the history of Iceland is in high demand across the world. Although the Icelandic horse is bred for export, they're primarily used for companionship and riding. People who have experience in riding other breeds will probably agree that Icelandic horses are the best riding horses worldwide.

Called a gaited horse breed, the majority of Icelandic horses have two extra natural gaits called tölt and flying pace along with the walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Most are born five-gaited, though some lack the flying pace and are considered four-gaited.

Icelandic horses range in size from about 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) to more than 150cm on the highest point of withers. They're among the most colorful breeds in the world with more than 40 colors and up to 100 variations.

These unique horses are famous for their amazing character. They're friendly, quick learners, adventurous, and smart. They're usually easy to handle with power and stamina needed for long distances on difficult terrain. Thanks to their versatility, they are used for competitions at the highest level but safely carry a young, inexperienced rider on a ride out.

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Feb 26, 2019 at 8:30am PST

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on May 1, 2019 at 9:03am PDT

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Jun 25, 2019 at 8:30am PDT

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Dec 4, 2019 at 9:01am PST

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Aug 13, 2019 at 8:30am PDT

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Aug 29, 2019 at 8:30am PDT

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Nov 18, 2019 at 9:03am PST

Drew Doggett (@drewdoggettphotography) on Dec 27, 2019 at 9:00am PST

Guy Quits His Promising Career To Travel The World With His Favorite Four-Legged Friend

2020-02-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

2017 was a horrible year for Charlie Hammerton, as he lost his mother, adopted mother, and best friend. Yet, he found a rather revolutionary way to deal with his grief and fight depression by quitting his job, selling his possessions, and traveling around the world with his pet ferret. And it changed his life.

His mother Jan died in March 2017 aged 53 after suffering from motor neurone disease; then, his best friend Will Moss also passed away aged 22 only a few months later from a suspected drug overdose. At the end of that year, his adopted mother, Samantha, passed away from a heart attack.

Living in Arnold, Nottinghamshire at the time, the 25-year-old decided to turn his back on his promising career and put almost all his money into an adventure around the globe with his “best pal”: Bandit, the rescue ferret.

Hammerton quit his job and sold almost all of his possessions—including his three cars. He managed to drum up about £15,000 ($19,500) all together for his dream trip, spending £5,000 of which on a campervan.

Starting their journey in February 2018, Hammerton and Bandit ventured through Germany, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Spain, France, and Italy.

The duo traveled for eight months in total to over 25 towns and cities in 11 countries, which Hammerton documented on their Facebook page.

His funny holiday album is full of snaps of Bandit posing in front of iconic landmarks.

Hammerton rescued the adorable ferret from an animal sanctuary in 2015. Ever since the pair have been inseparable. Bandit even stayed with him at his military digs in Coningsby while Charlie was working for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Along with their cross-continental road-tripping adventures, they have also raised awareness for different charities. The duo has walked across Hadrian’s Wall aiding the motor neurone disease charity MND, and skateboarded forty miles across London in aid of a drug awareness charity as well.

In November 2018, Charlie released a book about his travels titled “Before Our Adventures,” which is now available on Amazon.

Charlie currently works in schools across the country, teaching young people about how to build confidence, self-esteem, as well as outdoor living skills like camping and bushcraft.

Image credits: SWNS

7 Reasons Why You Have To Travel Alone

2020-02-22T09:32:00.003-08:00

If you are juggling work, family, or other commitments, taking a solo vacation may be the last thing on your mind.

Yet, if you can put aside the money and time, traveling alone can be an amazing experience that accelerates your personal growth.

Traveling alone helps you develop independence, sharpens your interpersonal skills, and broadens your perspective on life.

You don't need to travel with somebody else to enjoy themselves.

Here are seven reasons why you need to start traveling alone:

1) You'll learn how to depend on yourself

Traveling alone is an effective way of learning to be self-sufficient and independent.

Even the best-planned trips might go wrong, and proving that you can solve your own problems will do wonders for your personal growth.

It'll spill over into your personal life, growing your confidence at both work and home.

For instance, once you've had to deal with losing your passport in a foreign country or getting help from a doctor who does not speak English, suddenly those difficult presentations at work won't seem like such a big deal.

2) You'll meet new people

Traveling alone forces you to use your social skills.

If you want to chat with fellow travelers or hold conversations with the locals, you'll need to get over your shyness – fast!

3) You'll experience other cultures

And this will help you become more open-minded, as you'll learn more about how people from other cultures live.

Traveling to different countries can also inspire you to try new foods, hobbies, and gives you the opportunity to speak another language.

Don't forget to pack a language guide or download a good language app before you leave home.

4) You can even explore your creative side

Stepping out of your everyday routine stimulates your brain and can help you devise new solutions to old problems.

If you're an artist or writer, traveling can help you break free from your creative rut.

You may also come across new forms of art on your trip. This can provide you with a valuable source of inspiration.

5) You'll take time away from your responsibilities

We all need some time to relax.

Asking someone else to take on your responsibilities for a while is not feckless or self-indulgent – it is your right as a human being.

6) You'll know yourself better

If you've devoted yourself to a career, family, or both for many years, you might have lost sight of your personal identity.

Maybe you no longer feel in touch with your true values or higher purpose, or perhaps you feel that the time has come to re-evaluate the direction you're traveling in life.

Traveling can give you some time and opportunity to reflect on yourself and assess your options.

7) Travel makes anything feel possible

There is something intoxicating to stepping off a plane or boat, knowing that you are about to experience something totally new.

You don't need to spend months traveling in exotic locations.

Booking a fortnight on your own in another country can give you a much-needed rest and a major confidence boost.

Traveling Can Make You Happier Than A Marriage According To Study

2020-02-21T06:37:00.003-08:00

It doesn’t really matter if you travel with nothing but a backpack or stay at a luxurious hotel: every travel experience can positively influence your health and give you a significant endorphin boost. For several people, the joy it brings can outweigh other vital events in their lives, like getting married or having a kid. And research conducted by Booking.com proved that people value traveling so much it even topped the list of things which bring them the most happiness in life!

To get the proper results, Booking.com has interviewed 17,000 people that came from 17 countries so that they could get a more diverse attitude toward traveling. Respondents confirmed that very few things could replace going on vacation when it comes to happiness. For example, 77 percent of the people said that they book a holiday when they need to brighten up their mood immediately.

The most intriguing part of the study is that people claimed they value traveling way more than they do their partner and even happy events in their life. Forty-nine percent of respondents said that they felt a higher level of happiness when they planned and went on holiday than they did on their wedding day!

Almost half of the people interviewed said that going on a date with their significant other does not lift them emotionally as much as traveling does. Forty-five percent claimed that getting engaged didn’t give them as much of an emotional boost as traveling did. Even having a baby doesn’t provide 29 percent of the respondents with enough of an endorphin rush!

It also turned out that people appreciate new experiences more than possessing lots of material things. Seventy percent of respondents said that going on vacation provides them with satisfaction that lasts more than the happiness they get from buying stuff.

It appears that people are ready to sacrifice their comfort for the sake of having new travel experiences. For instance, 56 percent of respondents would instead go on vacation than buy new clothes or gadgets, and 48 percent of them are ready to postpone home improvements to visit new places.

Surprisingly, for 72 percent of the respondents, it’s enough to start planning a vacation to feel happier. For example, 80 percent feel more excited when they look at a map and choose places they’d like to visit.

Six out of ten respondents feel an emotional boost when they read hotel reviews and imagine their future trips. Nevertheless, nothing can replace shopping: more than half of the respondents said that buying clothes for a vacation was one of their greatest mood-lifters!

Source: Thinking Humanity

Doctors Explain How Hiking Actually Changes Our Brains

2020-02-21T04:38:00.000-08:00

While it may seem obvious that a pleasant hike through a forest or up a mountain can cleanse your mind, body, and soul, science is now discovering that hiking can actually change your brain… for the better!

Hiking In Nature Can Stop Negative, Obsessive Thoughts

Aside from the almost instant feeling of calm and contentment that accompanies time outdoors, hiking in nature can reduce rumination. Many of us often find ourselves consumed by negative thoughts, which takes us out of the enjoyment of the moment at best and leads us down a path to depression and anxiety at worst. But a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that spending time in nature decreases these obsessive, negative thoughts by a significant margin.

To conduct this study, researchers compared the reported rumination of participants who hiked through either an urban or a natural environment. They found those who walked for 90 minutes in a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination, and they also had reduced neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain related to mental illness. Those who walked through the urban environment, however, did not report decreased rumination.

The researchers noted that increased urbanization closely correlates with increased instances of depression and other mental illnesses. Taking the time to regularly remove ourselves from urban settings and spend more time in nature can significantly benefit our psychological (and physical) well-being.

Hiking While Disconnected From Technology Boosts Creative Problem Solving

A study conducted by psychologists Ruth Ann Atchley and David L. Strayer found that creative problem solving can be drastically improved by both disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. Participants in this study went backpacking through nature for about 4 days, during which time they were not allowed to use any technology whatsoever. They were asked to perform tasks that required creative thinking and complex problem solving, and researchers found that performance on problem-solving tasks improved by 50% for those who took part in this tech-free hiking excursion.

The researchers of this study noted that both technology and urban noise are incredibly disruptive, always demanding our attention and preventing us from focusing, all of which can be taxing to our cognitive functions. A beautiful long hike, sans technology, can reduce mental fatigue, soothe the mind, and boost creative thinking.

Hiking Outdoors Can Improve ADHD In Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is becoming more and more common among children. Children who have ADHD have a difficult time with impulse control and staying focused, they get distracted easily, and exhibit excessive hyperactivity.

While raising children who have ADHD can be difficult for parents, the usual solution — opting for prescription medication — may be doing more harm than good, mainly when natural solutions can work just as well. A study conducted by Frances E Kup, Ph.D., and Andrea Faber Taylor, Ph.D., found that exposing children with ADHD to “green outdoor activities” reduces symptoms significantly. The results of this study suggest nature exposure can benefit anyone who has a difficult time paying attention and/or exhibits impulsive behavior.

Hiking In Nature Is Great Exercise And Therefore Boosts Brainpower

We already know that exercising is fantastic for our overall well-being. Hiking is an excellent way to burn between 400 – 700 calories per hour, depending on your size and the hike difficulty, and it is easier on the joints than other activities like running. It has also been proven that people who exercise outside are more likely to keep at it and stick to their programs, making hiking an excellent choice for those wishing to become more active regularly.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia found that aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume — the part of the brain associated with spatial and episodic memory — in women over the age of 70. Such exercise not only improves memory loss but helps prevent it as well. Researchers also found that it can also reduce stress and anxiety, boost self esteem, and release endorphins. Many people take medication to solve each and every one of these issues, but the solution to these ills may be a lot simpler than you think!

How Can You Begin To Start Hiking?

Luckily, hiking is one of the easiest and least expensive sports to get involved in, and it can have significant benefits for the whole family, including grandma! Start out small and test your abilities. Do what works for you — if that means just walking through trails in a park, that’s fine. Any exercise outdoors is better than none. You can easily find maps of trails around your home online, and there are plenty of smartphone apps to map them out, too. I recommend turning off your signal and your phone while hiking though, so you can reap the most benefits of the hike (though it may be wise to at least carry it with you in case of emergency).

Make sure you have some good sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and a water bottle, and be sure to layer your clothing so you can take things on or off easily as you warm-up and cool down. You may want to consider using trekking poles as well, which can increase your speed and take some of the pressure off your knees. Now, can you just do one thing for me?

Go take a hike!

Much Love

Photo Credit: Mike Heller

Source: Collective Evolution

15 Reasons Why Frequent Travelers Are More Likely To Be Successful

2020-02-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Success can be defined differently for everyone, but the fact is some people achieve it, and some people don’t. What is it that successful people do or have to find success that others don’t? There has been a lot written about the skills and habits needed to live a successful life, and I think most of us know the things we could work on like building confidence or overcoming fears to be more successful in areas we want to. Some people have a higher likelihood of success than most. Frequent travelers, people constantly on the move, learn many life skills exploring our world. Here are 15 reasons why frequent travelers are more likely to be successful because of that:

1. They Know how to Thrive Outside their Comfort Zone

Frequent travelers are in unfamiliar situations regularly. They must work through the unknown because of necessity. Faced with countless new experiences, they learn valuable coping strategies that help them shoulder uncertainty and remain calm and effective. This is a key skill for success in both business and leading people.

2. They Welcome and Embrace Change

Travelers invite novelty. People constantly surrounded by new and different things avoid boredom and learn to focus better. This way of thinking inspires innovation and creativity.

3. They Know how to Manage their Emotions

Frequent travelers experience varying levels of stress routinely; tight flight connections, interrogations by border guards, and rude hotel staff can all cause one's nerves to fray. Travelers hone the ability to manage emotions and remain calm under pressure developing keen self-awareness. Being self-aware increases productivity and helps people find what makes them happy in life, the ultimate success.

4. They Trust and don’t Always Need to be in Control

Travelers have to rely on people they don’t know all the time. They deal with language barriers, cab drivers in strange cities and are often dependent on the kindness of strangers. Accepting the fact they can’t always be in control helps them build new relationships. They develop confidence in their ability to choose friends and acquaintances that are genuine and trustworthy.

5. They Manage Fear and move Past it

The key to success is taking action. When you travel a lot, you put yourself in situations where there is no turning back. This makes people face fears head-on and develop coping skills to take action despite the fear.

6. They Recognize and Seize Opportunities

Travelers have a wider breadth of experience and knowledge about the world. They learn new and better ways of doing things being exposed to different customs and cultures. This knowledge helps them recognize opportunities to improve and innovate at home and in the places they visit.

7. They Know how to Negotiate to Get What They Want

Travelers negotiate to avoid being taken advantage of. Good negotiating skills are needed to get what you want or need without becoming pushy or aggressive. This skill is important in influencing others and helping them understand and accept your ideas in business and as a leader.

8. They see Beauty Where Most don’t

Frequent travelers see many different types of things and train their brains to focus on the beautiful. Constant novelty keeps the mind and the eyes sharp. People who travel see beauty where others see the ordinary. This skill belongs to great photographers, poetic writers and fertilizes the garden where inspiration grows.

9. They are More Confident and Know how to Fake Confidence when Vulnerable

People who travel a lot learn to rely on themselves and are confident that they can accomplish what they want to. This belief helps them to be persistent in the face of obstacles and recover better after failure because of that.

10. They Better Understand Differences in People and are More Accepting

Travelers are always meeting new people. They become good at asking questions to learn about the people they meet and what their opinions are on their city and culture. The questions come naturally because of travelers' curiosity and desire to learn about the places they visit. This inspires great conversations that help travelers understand and accept the person and their views on a deeper level. They make friends easily and are loved by many because of this.

11. They Know When to live in the Moment

Learning to live in the moment has many mental and physical benefits. Frequent travelers know their time in a place is fleeting. This helps them think to live in the moment more than average.

12. They Smile More and feel Happiness More Often

Studies show travel makes us happy. Frequent travelers smile more than average because they explore new places regularly. They feel happy because they get to meet different people, see incredible sights, eat new and delicious food. That living in the moment skill helps with happiness too.

13.They Understand the Importance of Listening

This is a life skill that a lot of people struggle with. Learning to focus and really listen to what people tell us is so important to success in life. Achieving success is about building relationships, and you build strong relationships understanding people. People who travel a lot know you really need to listen to have good understanding.

14. They are Less Judgmental and More Empathetic

Great leaders know the ability to relate to others gains loyalty and moves a business forward. Frequent travelers learn to show empathy and avoid being judgmental because of that. Empathy comes from a willingness to understand, people who travel come by that willingness naturally

15. They may not be Rich, but they Know how to Save and Spend Wisely

Frequent travelers know where their money goes farther. Making the world your home, you can choose places based on the cost of living. People who travel and work can make less and live well in a lot of countries.

Travel inspires and educates in ways that build character and develop skills naturally. Frequent travelers learn these skills and are more likely to be a success as a result.

Source: LifeHack

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The 18 Different Types Of Travelers

42 Ways You Can Make Money and Travel the World

8 Great Alternative Budget Vacation Ideas

2 Amazing Ways Traveling Increases Your Consciousness

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You’re Broke

3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone At Least Once in Your Life

2020-02-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Traveling alone may be the single best catalyst for personal growth.

My solo traveling experiences have created quantum leaps in various areas of my life. And every person I’ve met who has traveled alone has been among the most interesting and awesome people I’ve encountered.

It may sound paradoxical, but the more you explore the world outside, the more you explore the world within. Solo travel gives you free rein for the exploration of both the external and internal world.

Sure, it can be lonely at times, but you meet a lot of people and get to know yourself when there aren’t familiar faces always around. And yes, it’s hard leaving your friends and family behind for any period of time. But it’s completely worth it and you will come back a better person.

9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone At Least Once in Your Life

1. Self-sufficiency – You learn to be independent, do things on your own, problem solve for yourself, navigate on your own and become your own best friend. Self-sufficiency is an invaluable byproduct of solo travel.

2. You meet more people – When traveling alone, you’re forced to talk to more people (unless you just want to be by yourself 24/7, which would drive anyone insane). I’ve gone out alone plenty of times and I always end up meeting more people than if I went out with a group of friends. Why? If you go to a bar alone, for example, you’re not just going to stand in the corner by yourself. It forces you to leave your comfort zone and talk to anyone near you (which leads to the next reason).

3. You become a better conversationalist – Because you meet so many people when traveling alone, you naturally enhance your conversation skills. There is no one else who you can depend on to carry a conversation; it’s all on you. So naturally, you get better at starting conversations and less hesitant about approaching people.

4. You get comfortable being uncomfortable – During solo travel, you’re almost never in your comfort zone. You get used to the excitement, the adventure and the bold decisions. Though you’ll undoubtedly face inner resistance, push through it. This is where the magic happens. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Growth only happens when you push your boundaries. This is a big reason why traveling alone spurs so much personal growth.

5. Flexibility, freedom and spontaneity – You are in complete control of everything you do during solo travel. If you want to do something, there’s no one else to consult with and no consensus to be made. You just do it. Traveling alone gives you ultimate flexibility, a high degree of freedom and the opportunity to be as spontaneous as you wish.

6. You’re able to put yourself first – This is most applicable to highly empathetic individuals, but still applies to everyone. When you travel alone, you have the rare opportunity to do whatever you want, whenever you want and spontaneously follow your own intuitive desires on a whim. It also allows you to work on any personal projects or develop specific skills you desire while traveling. To use myself as an example, I get much more writing and blog work done when traveling alone compared to when I’m with other people.

Traveling solo creates a situation in which you can put yourself first, without worrying about hurting other people’s feelings and having to come to a mutually beneficial consensus about everything. If you’re at all empathetic, you always make sure that people around you are happy. This is good of course, but sometimes you have to put yourself first in order to really know yourself (which is the next point) and evolve. And don’t view it as selfish; when you do the inner work, you actually expand your capacity to give to others.

7. You get to know yourself – When you have to do things on your own and spend time alone, getting to know yourself better is an inevitable side effect. You become more self-aware (in a good way). You become more in tune with your emotions, tendencies, habits, patterns and the deepest aspects of yourself. “Know thyself” was inscribed on The Temple of Apollo at Delphi for a reason. It’s that important.

8. The lone wolf aura – There’s something beautifully enigmatic about someone who’s confident when they’re alone in a new place. I call this “the lone wolf aura.” People are curious and intrigued by someone who is genuinely self-assured. Solo travel cultivates your own unique lone wolf aura.

Read my poem “The Lone Wolf Aura” for a deeper look at this.

9. It’s a pilgrimage – You’re the hero, the star of your own movie. A key component of any hero’s journey is some form of pilgrimage. And it’s always been a crucial step on the path of life for humans.

Jesus apparently went to Asia for many years to hone his spiritual practices. Buddha supposedly ventured into the woods alone and meditated under a tree for a while. Ash Ketchum traversed Canto and Joto to catch ‘em all (I had to drop a Pokemon reference). The hero archetype is brought to fruition by some form of a pilgrimage.

What’s unfortunate about our society today is that there is no real guidance regarding this stuff anymore. There are no rites of passage in the modern world.

But that missing ingredient is why pilgrimages have been making a resurgence in the form of things like backpacking and world travel. People are exploring the world more now than ever before. So this phenomenon is becoming something like a nondenominational pilgrimage. Not subject to any rigid rules of what you should or shouldn’t do. It’s a personal journey. And the details of it are up to you.

I hope this post inspired you to embark on an adventure of your own. It may take time and effort to line everything up, but it’s totally worth it.

I’m not condemning traveling with others either (I’m doing it right now for this part of my trip). However, I believe that everyone can benefit immensely from solo travel, even if it’s only once in your life. If you feel that inner calling, take heed and make it happen.

It’s all about the journey.

Live each moment to the fullest.

– Stevie P!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen Parato (aka Stevie P) is your friendly, neighborhood Earth traveler. A holistic health & wellness advisor, Reiki master, unorthodox yogi, life coach, explorer of consciousness, philosopher, writer, poet and positivity connoisseur. Stevie P’s internet home base is his blog Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Great.

Website link: http://www.feelingoodfeelingreat.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeelinGoodFeelinGreat

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteviePThatsMe

YouTube: Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Great

Source: Expanded Consciousness

Traveller T-Shirt With 40 Icons Lets You Communicate In Any Country Even If You Don’t Speak Its Language

2020-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

I wish I had this shirt when I was in Afghanistan. In 2009, we were situated in a little Observation Post somewhere in Kandahar for a week or two at a time, with nothing but rations to fill our bellies. After many days and much elaborate drawing, I finally managed to communicate to a local Afghan National Army soldier that we were interested in real food. For the rest of our stay, and for just a few dollars per week, we were treated to hot meals twice per day. But had I had this IconSpeak shirt, weeks of eating cold rations could have been avoided.

IconSpeak is a useful T-shirt printed with 40 universal icons, perfect for those occasions when you don’t speak the local language and have forgotten how to sign “I think there’s a problem with my carburetor.” The shirt was thought up by three Swiss “pen-pushers” over numerous drinks and after an adventure with a broken-down motorcycle, somewhere in Vietnam. Read a little bit of their story below:
“Many times we were confronted with a language barrier that was only to be overcome by drawing signs, symbols or icons on a piece of paper, map, or into the dirt,” explain George, Steven, and Florian. “We thought it would be great to have an essential set of icons with you, permanently, so that you could just point on whatever you need – and people would understand. Soon the notepad was pulled out again and we started listing more or less essential icons that would have been of great help during not just ours, but basically anyone’s trip.”

More info: iconspeak.world (h/t: ufunk)

Source: Bored Panda

Mind-Blowing Pictures Of Light Halos In The Swiss Alps

2020-02-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

On his recent visit to the Swiss Alps, amateur blogger Michael Schneider was looking to have a day of fun and adventure, engaging in skiing and other activities. What he didn't expect, however, was to capture something that would go immediately viral. While he was waiting for his friend on the mountain, he took the chance to test out the camera of his new smartphone. The resulting pictures captured beautiful halos around the sun.

What followed on Twitter was a flurry of explanations about why, and how, those rings appear around the sun. A light halo is an optical phenomenon which occurs when light interacts with ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Although we often think of a halo as exclusively circular, they can actually take many different shapes. From arcs to light pillars, some are more common than others.

Several specialists set about annotating Schneider's photo. Mark McCaughrean, Senior Advisor for Science & Exploration at the European Space Agency, used information gathered from the website Atmospheric Optics to create a wonderful annotation of the different halos visible in Schneider's photo. Looking at his diagram, it's incredible to see how many halo examples were captured in one image.

The complete circle formed closest to the sun is what most people simply call a halo. It is actually known as a 22° halo. There are rarer halos in the image, too, such as a Supralateral arc toward the top of the image.

Schneider's experience is a good reminder that even if you do not have professional equipment on hand, it doesn't mean that you can't capture a meaningful photograph. Read more about Schneider's experience on his blog and see more photographs from his time on the mountain below.

Michael Schneider: Website | Twitter

Nature 'Takes Back' Abandoned Village In China

2020-02-14T10:03:00.003-08:00

Rather than working with nature, we humans keep working against her. As a result, we've done some pretty irreversible damage so far.

Luckily, Mother Nature is much more powerful than us, and she finds her ways to claim back what is hers. A Chinese fishing village, Houtou Wan, located on Gouqi Island, is a perfect example of it.

After being abandoned, nature has taken it back. Now, it is a magical place that soon may become a top attraction for photographers and tourists. The place was once home to about 3,000 fishers, but in the early 1990s, its residents left to live closer to cities.

As nature has wholly consumed the village, it's converted it into a captivating wonderland. Now, the buildings in the village are covered in ivy and worn down by roots, vines, wind, and rain.

Except for day-trippers and some elderly residents who refuse to leave their birthplace, the village is entirely deserted.

The pictures of the charming place, taken by Nanning-based photographer Tang Yuhong, are mind-blowing:

Bears Kept Stealing Honey From A Man's Bee Farm, So He Turned Them Into Honey Tasters

2020-02-14T09:29:00.002-08:00

Bears love honey, and it isn't surprising that they go to extreme lengths to get some of it. They love it so much that they cannot resist raiding beehives and cause a real headache for many beekeepers. Those adorable apex predators are very common guests at several bee farms, but they're very unwelcome since sometimes the damages they cause are worth thousands. Nevertheless, many beekeepers, such as Ibrahim Sedef, try their best to keep them away from beehives.

As DHA reports, Ibrahim Sedef lives in Trabzon, Turkey. He's an agricultural engineer that works in beekeeping. For some time, he's been struggling to prevent lickerish bears from trashing the hives in an attempt to get that precious honey.

To protect the hives, Sedef tried to secure them by putting metal cages around them. He also tried leaving food such as fruit, bread, and honey in an effort to prevent bears from treating themselves to snacks directly from the hives. Nevertheless, that did not work well and some hives still got damaged.

Therefore, the beekeeper decided to learn more about the bears’ movement and behavior. He did this by installing photo trap cameras to track the bears roaming his bee farm.

While trying to figure out a way to outsmart the greedy animals, Sedef came up with a genius idea: he decided to turn these bears into honey tasters because they have a good taste for honey.

The beekeeper set up a table with four kinds of honey for the bears to feast on. He was not disappointed with the result. It turns out-, and bears have quite an expensive taste.

As Sedef told DHA, bears were drawn by the smell of Anzer honey as they always tasted it first, without even touching the cherry blossom honey sometimes.

Two pounds of the famous Turkish honey, Anzer, sells for more than $300.

More info: dha.com.tr

Source: Thinking Humanity

14 Crazy Hotels That Will Give You Serious Travel Goals

2020-02-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

We'll just start by saying this: These might be hotels, but they're not your typical business suites or budget vacation rentals. These hotels are over-the-top, insanely well-designed, and located in some of the most beautiful locations in the world.

From floating cabanas in Zanzibar to giraffe-occupied properties in Tanzania to igloos in Finland with the Northern Lights as the main event, these hotels will take you well beyond the queen suites and continental breakfasts and into a realm of travel excellence that you never thought possible.

The Floating Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania is exactly what it sounds like, and gives guest some incredible perspectives on sea life.

The Attrap Reves Hotel in France gives guest the chance to sleep outdoors while being fully protected by a well-designed clear bubble -- in other words, all the views with none of the critters.

The Kingston Treehouse in Lion Sands, South Africa is basically a luxury treehouse, keeping guests away from wildlife while giving them spectacular views.

The Amsterdam Zaandam Inntel Hotel in the Netherlands looks like a puzzle and takes its inspiration from historic Dutch architecture: Whimsical, bright, and totally cool.

The Free Spirit Spheres in Canada give guest magnificent views of the forest, along with adorable dome-shaped rooms for two.

Plane Hotel in Costa Rica was created from a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 that made a safe landing in the area. And don't worry: the interior is a lot better than anything you'd find in a regular airplane.

The Mirrorcube Tree House Hotel in Sweden is like a hideout in the trees: The entire thing is camouflaged behind mirrored walls.

Caravan Hotel in Berlin, Germany is like camping for people who aren't really into experiencing the elements: It's camping quarters, but it's all indoors.

Fairy Chimney Hotel in Turkey is right in the middle of Cappadocia, famous for the tufa rock cones. In fact, portions of the hotel are actually carved from the cones themselves.

Giraffe Manor in Kenya is one of the only hotels in the entire world where you can feed giraffes from the window -- in fact, feeding them is encouraged.

Äscher Cliff in Switzerland sits right on the edge of a steep cliff, a perfect getaway for travelers who like a little bit of riskiness (not to mention hiking) with their overnight stay.

Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland gives guests the chance to stay the night in an updated igloo. This hotel is most popular during the Aurora Borealis, where guests get the best seats in the house.

98Acre Teafield Hotel in Sri Lanka is high up in the mountains, right in the middle of Sri Lanka's vast valleys of tea fields.

Glass Floor Udang House in Bali, Indonesia boasts incredible floors to the water, plus luxurious furniture for travelers to rest their weary heads.

Source: Bader292, LideBuzz

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Travel Expectations Vs Reality (20+ Pics)

2020-02-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

These days most people don't wear rose-colored glasses, they opt for an Instagram filter instead. Which is why traveling has become so disappointing—where are those idyllic beaches that you saw online? It was better when we could only read about those exotic places and imagine them; now, ruined by Instagram, your expectations will never match up to reality.

So come, join us—pull back the veil and see the Truth for yourself. Bored Panda has collected this list of Travel Expectation VS Reality. Which false advertising photo has the best let-down photo? Vote, and make your voice heard! Or, you can check out these Famous Landmarks Zoomed Out To Show Their Surroundings.

More info: (h/t: traveltriangle)

Visiting The Great Wall Of China

Zhu Difeng

Taking Photos With Leaning Tower Of Pisa In Italy

Martin Parr

Admiring Mona Lisa In Louvre Museum, Paris, France

sergeymk

Having A Picnic Near The Eiffel Tower In Paris, France

LRD

Learning A New Hobby On A Ski Trip

More Kids Than Suitcases

Sunbathing In The Famous Beach Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

miguelangelpulidoj

Taking A Peaceful Gondola Ride In Venice, Italy

Lumi Toma

Relaxing On The Gorgeous Beaches Of Maldives

Alexander Brown

Walking Around Santorini Island, Greece

paowmagazine

Checking Out The Breathtaking Glory Of The Taj Mahal, India

Marvin Bartels

Enjoying Your Private Moments On The Beaches Of Thailand

Gunter Flegar

Admiring The Trevi Fountain In Rome, Italy

Rilind H

Watching The Stonehenge During Sunset, United Kingdom

Crisher Entertainment

Visiting Pyramids Of Giza In Cairo, Egypt

Edward Ewert

Climbing Mount Everest, Nepal

Barry Bishop

Hanging Out At The Spanish Steps In Italy With Your Sweetheart

PeterJot

Admiring Little Mermaid In Copenhagen, Denmark

wallpaperswiki

Enjoying St. Peter's Square Before Entering The Beautiful Basilica In Vatican City

Erik Gamache

Walking In Sheep Meadow, In New York's Central Park, United States

Ekabhishek

Visiting The Acropolis Of Athens, Greece

imgur

Visiting Hall Of Mirrors In The Palace Of Versailles, France

Wikimedia Commons

Admiring The Glorious Niagara Falls, Which Marks The Border Between Canada And USA

KP Tripathi

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest In Japan

Daniel Peckham

Camping In The Himalayas

Michael Kodas

Walking By The Howrah Bridge In Kolkata, India

soumikdatta09

Exploring Antelope Canyon Arizona, USA

Cebb Photographies

Having Family Fun Time At The Water Park

Admiring Wat Rong Khun Temple In Thailand

Ying Tong Low

Enjoying James Bond Island In Thailand

Joan Gamell

Getting Goosebums In Front Of The Ancient Temple Of Abu Simbel In Egypt

Walter Weinberg

Walking Across The Capilano Suspension Bridge In Vancouver, Canada

Michelle Lee

Visiting The Forbidden City In Beijing, China

panoramio

Swimming With Dolphins

cubawanderer

Visiting The Sydney Opera House, Australia

Neal Mcfarlane

Tasting Thailand’s Exotic Food In Bangkok, Thailand

HellonEarth2006

Anytime You're Admiring The Blooming Sakura Trees

Satoko Kawasaki

Exploring The Amazing Architectural Details Of Gaudi's Casa Mila In Barcelona, Spain

Mike

Admiring The Breathtaking Machu Picchu Scenery, Peru

Ricardo Shuck

Exploring The Pristine Temples Of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Trey Ratcliff

Enjoying A Hike In Yosemite National Park, United States

Mike Oria

Source: Bored Panda

Models Dive 25 Meters To An Underwater Shipwreck In Bali For A Literally Breathtaking Photoshoot

2020-02-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Montreal-based photographer Benjamin Von Wong is known for his elaborate productions and very stunning powerful images. He has a track record of using drama in his photographs, turning models into seemingly otherworldly creatures that can make the viewer's jaw drop in an instant.

It really shouldn't come as any surprise, then, that he successfully managed an amazing and incredibly tricky underwater photoshoot. Yet the results are entirely out of this world.

On his blog, Von Wong claimed that he had been dreaming of doing another underwater shoot since his first one, but wanted to take it to a completely different level.

Instead of shooting in a pool, he planned to take photos in a shipwreck. He was by no means a trained diver and didn't have a dive certification, but he felt he was a strong enough swimmer and had enough underwater photography experience to make the production work.

So, while on vacation in Bali, he picked out a crew of experienced divers, underwater photographers, and free divers and set up a photoshoot 25 meters under the ocean in an old sunken shipwreck off the coast.

Even before you know about all the intricate and crucial details that went into the shoot, you have to admit that the photos themselves are incredibly impressive.

The gorgeous ocean scenes are whimsical, even haunting, the beautiful models draped in flowery white dresses as they pose in a stunning underwater landscape. The decaying ruins and floating, light-weight poses make the scene look otherworldly, the women like sea goddesses in a craggy, fantastical ocean terrain.

From just a glance at the spectacular photos, you may already be pointing your finger and denouncing Photoshop. However, that's not the case. Aside from the typical post-production retouching, there was no photoshopping involved.

The women really were posing underwater.

The models were required to be experienced freedivers, with plenty of practice and knowledge of diving without oxygen tanks. They weren't just any average models but knew what they were doing under the ocean, able to hold their breath for about 3-4 minutes at a time. They posed on-site, underwater, and within the old shipwreck, donning dresses graciously provided by designer Ali Charisma.

Von Wong made sure to find the perfect team of people to assist him on the photoshoot. He stressed that teamwork was one of the crucial factors, stating, "Assembling a competent team is critical to the success or failure of most shoots and this time was no exception…Normal assistants wouldn't work, specially trained safety divers were going to be necessary to ensure a smooth photo shoot."

He reached out to his many connections in the community and managed to compile a fantastic team of people. Instead of photo assistants, he had trained safety divers who provided the freediver models with breaths of air from oxygen tanks.

Being underwater, he also couldn't use studio luxuries like lighting. Instead, he had to rely on camera strobes and natural light. To produce the fantastic poses, the models were tied down to the shipwreck. This courageous decision meant that any minor miscommunication could have resulted in disaster.

Yet, despite the obstacles and dangers, the shoot seemed to turn out as high as planned. The end results are stunning, and there are several neats behind the scene photos as well. Additionally, Von Wong filmed a video where he goes into detail about his shoot for those who want to learn more about the impressive production.

Source: Earth Porn

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He Walked From Mexico To Canada… The Footage Will Give You REAL Travel Goals.

2020-02-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

Daniel Rodriguez-Granrose did a lot of walking for a good cause. Emily Burns and Henry Friedrich joined their friend for a 2,650 miles hike that took them from Mexico to Canada, through the Pacific Crest Trail.

PCT begins on the Mexico-U.S. border in Campo, California, and ends on the U.S.-Canada border in Manning Park, British Columbia. The trail is no easy feat with high mountain ranges and low point passages. Hikers encounter every type of weather from cold winds, snow, to dry, desert heat. It is prevalent for people to quit from exhaustion, dehydration, and isolation.

Rodriguez-Granrose resigned from his job to complete his five-and-half month journey. The three friends’ goal was to raise money for the Hike for Mental Health organization. Their target was to raise $1 per mile walked. This video chronicles their route passing through 25 forests and seven national parks.

Source: Skoop Boys, LifeBuzz

Here Are 12 Points In The World Where Major Bodies Of Water Join Together… And They’re So Awesome.

2020-02-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

A confluence is a geography term used to describe when two or more bodies of water meet. It usually used to refer to the point where two or more streams flow together, merging and creating a single stream. But it can also be where a tributary joins a more massive river, as is the case in these ten examples below.

These pictures of river confluence really show off the amazing contrast in color as two different rivers meet. In most of these examples, it's due to a wider, slower river that can carry more silt colliding with one that runs quicker, making them carry different types of earth. But in the case of the Jialing River in China, it's due to human pollution.

1) The confluence of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers in Lytton, BC, Canada.

Photo: siacob

2) Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA.

Photo: unknown

3) Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at Cairo, IL, USA.

Photo: NASA

4) Confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers in Devprayag, India.

Photo: unknown

5) Confluence of the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes near Manaus, Brazil.

Photo: Immelman284

6) Confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers in Chongqing, China.

Photo: unknown

7) Confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers in Koblenz, Germany.

Photo: Peter Jansen

8) Confluence of the Drava and Danuve Rivers near Osijek, Croatia.

Photo: WWF: Amazon of Europe

9) Painting of the confluence of the Ilz, Danube, and Inn Rivers in Passau, Germany.

Photo: wikimedia

10) Confluence of the Rhone and Arve Rivers in Geneva, Switzerland.

Photo: reddit

11) Confluence of the Amazon River and the Rio Negro in Brazil.

12) The Gulf of Alaska, where glacial meltwater meets the ocean!

It's not two oceans meeting, its glacial meltwater meeting the offshore waters of the Gulf of Alaska. The reason for this strange phenomenon is due to the difference in water density, temperature, and salinity of the glacial meltwater and offshore waters of the Gulf of Alaska, making it difficult to mix.

Interestingly, the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, was founded in 1857 at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. In English, the name literally means "muddy confluence." Today, the junction there isn't very noticeable.

Share these colliding rivers with your friends below.

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13 Signs That You Were Born To Travel

2020-02-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

Most of us love to visit new places and try new things from time to time, but some of us were born to travel. Are you one of them? Here, thirteen signs you were born a traveler!

1. You can make friends anywhere but are just as happy to sit in silence by yourself.

2. You like planning as much as going. Traveling to a new destination isn’t enough; you take planning to a whole new level. You search for the best deals on flights, read hotel reviews, and rearrange your itinerary. And, when you get back from one trip, you delve immediately into the planning stages of the next one.

3. Your dream job has always been a position that allows you to explore the world. Being a writer for a travel magazine, going on treks with National Geographic, or working as an anthropologist are all things you would seriously LOVE to do.

4. You’ve always been good at Tetris, and understand how to translate those skills into a real-life packing scenario.

5. You know the word for “Cheers” in seventeen languages.

6. There isn’t a country that isn’t on your bucket list. Who doesn’t want to go to Italy, France, and Ireland? As a born traveler, you dream bigger. Places like Tetepare, the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, and the croc-infested Cape York Peninsula in Australia make your list.

7. You’ve always loved studying other cultures and landscapes greatly different than your own. Social studies and/or Geography was your favorite subject in school, and you can still get totally lost reading travel blogs or in travel memoirs.

8. You would rather spend money on experiences. You drive a 2002 gold Ford Taurus and got your couch from your mother-in-law. So what? That means you’ve got a budget to make the trek to Machu Picchu, learn to tango in Buenos Aires and participate in a paleontological excavation in Wyoming. Experiences are always better than material things, in your opinion.

9. You consider your medical history full of exotic diseases to be more like a trophy case.

10. While other people seem to hate airports, you actually love the experience of flying. You seriously love just sitting in an airport and people watching. Everything from observing the different types of people flying to thinking about why they’re traveling and where they’re going – it’s one of your favorite parts of traveling.

11. You’ve never actually finished a checklist because you can’t stop adding things to it.

12. You’re pretty easy going and don’t let negative experiences get you down. When something bad or weird happens to you on a trip, you’re able to shrug it off relatively quickly because you know it will make for a great story to tell your friends and family later on.

13. There’s always another trip. You don’t have a dream trip, you dream of a lifetime of trips. For you, coming back home is just a detour on the way to your next adventure.

Source: The Open Mind

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This Traffic Jam Was Stuck In Belgian Forest For 70 Years

2020-02-12T02:10:00.000-08:00

These spooky apocalyptic images are not a scene from “Walking Dead”, they were actually taken at one of the biggest car cemeteries in the world – the Chatillion Car Graveyard, Belgium.

According to an urban legend these cars were left behind by US soldiers from World War II, who could not ship them back to the US so they decided to hide them in a forest until they could come back and retrieve them. The locals disagree and say that it’s simply an old car dump of vehicles made after WWII.

At one point there were four car graveyards in Chatillon with as many as 500 retro vehicles. Unfortunately, most of the cars were stolen or removed by the locals and due to environmental issues the whole graveyards was cleared in 2010.

Photo: Rosanne de Lange

Photo: Theo van Vliet

Photo: Rosanne de Lange

Photo: Marcel Wiegerinck

Photo: Rosanne de Lange

Photo: Theo van Vliet

Source: Amusing Planet Via Bored Panda

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30 Abandoned Places that Look Truly Beautiful

2020-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Take a tour of the world’s apparently robust supply of statues, buildings, and temples–and witness the surprising grandeur of dilapidation.

1. Christ of the Abyss, San Fruttuoso, Italy

(Italian: “Il Cristo degli Abissi”) is a submerged bronze statue of Jesus, of which the original is located in the Mediterranean Sea off San Fruttuoso between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. It was placed in the water on 22 August 1954 at approximately 17 metres depth, and stands c. 2.5 metres tall. Various other casts of the statue are located in other places worldwide, both underwater and in churches and museums.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_of_the_Abyss

Via: en.www.lensart.ru

2. Kolmanskop, Namib Desert

(Afrikaans for Coleman’s hill, German: Kolmannskuppe) is a ghost town in the Namib desert in southern Namibia, a few kilometres inland from the port town of Lüderitz. It was named after a transport driver named Johnny Coleman who, during a sand storm, abandoned his ox wagon on a small incline opposite the settlement. Once a small but very rich mining village, it is now a popular tourist destination run by the joint firm NamDeb (Namibia-De Beers).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolmanskop

Via: photography.nationalgeographic.com

3. Dome houses, Southwest Florida

Built in Naples in 1981, the futuristic igloos seen above may not be around much longer. Falling into disrepair, one dome home owner seeking to restore the vintage vestibule has encountered nothing but exorbitant fines and bureaucratic hassles in the process.

http://all-that-is-interesting.com/floridas-bizarre-dome-homes

Via: reddit.com

4. SS Ayrfield, Homebush Bay, Australia

SS Ayrfield (originally launched as SS Corrimal) was a steel-hulled, single screw, steam collier of 1140 tonnes and 79.1m in length. It was built in the UK in 1911 and registered at Sydney in 1912. It was purchased by the Commonwealth Government and used to transport supplies to American troops stationed in the Pacific region during WWII.

http://www.afloat.com.au/afloat-magazine/2008/may-2008/The_Wrecks_of_Homebush_Bay

Via: photoree.com

5. Wonderland Amusement Park outside Beijing, China

Wonderland is an abandoned amusement park construction project located in Chenzhuang Village, Nankou Town, Changping District, People’s Republic of China, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) outside of Beijing. Originally proposed by the Thailand based property developer Reignwood Group, and designed to be the largest amusement park in Asia (to have covered 120 acres (49 ha)), construction stopped in 1998 following financial problems with local officials, while a 2008 attempt to start construction again also failed.The site, which features a number of abandoned structures, including the frame work of a castle-like building and medieval-themed outer buildings, is being reclaimed by local farmers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonderland_Amusement_Park_(Beijing)

Image by David Gray / Getty Images

6. Fishing hut, Germany

Fishing Hut in Lake of Berchtesgaden National Park

Via: onebigphoto.com

7. Holland Island, Chesapeake Bay

Holland Island is a marshy, rapidly eroding island in the Chesapeake Bay, in Dorchester County, Maryland, west of Salisbury. The island was once inhabited by watermen and farmers, but has since been abandoned. It is located in the Holland Strait, between Bloodsworth Island and Smith Island, six miles west of Wenona, Maryland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Island

Via: baldeaglebluff

8. The Kerry Way walking path between Sneem and Kenmare in Ireland

The Kerry Way (Irish: Slí Uíbh Ráthaigh) is a long-distance trail in County Kerry, Ireland. It is a 214-kilometre (133-mile) long circular trail that begins and ends in Killarney. It is typically completed in nine days.It is designated as a National Waymarked Trail by the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and is managed by Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership and the Kerry Way Committee. The Way circles the Iveragh Peninsula and forms a walkers’ version of the Ring of Kerry road tour. It is the longest of Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Way

Via: leiraenkai.deviantart.com

9. Pripyat, Ukraine

Pripyat (Ukrainian: При́п’ять, Pryp’yat’; Russian: При́пять, Pripyat’) is a ghost town near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, part of Kiev Oblast (province) of northern Ukraine, near the border with Belarus.The city has a special status within the Kiev Oblast, being the city of oblast-level subordination (see Administrative divisions of Ukraine), although it is located within the limits of Ivankiv Raion. The city also is being supervised by the Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine as part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone jurisdiction.

Via: reddit.com

10. 15th century monastery, Black Forest, Germany

The monastery was founded in 1084–85 in the Black Forest, by the source of the Brigach, against the background of the Investiture Controversy, as a result of the community of interests of the Swabian aristocracy and the church reform party, the founders being Hezelo and Hesso of the family of the Vögte of Reichenau, and the politically influential Abbot William of Hirsau. The intended site was initially to be at Königseggwald in Upper Swabia, but at William’s behest St. Georgen was chosen instead. The settlement, by monks from Hirsau Abbey, took place in the spring and summer of 1084; the chapel was dedicated on 24 June 1085.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George%27s_Abbey_in_the_Black_Forest

Via: abandonedography.com

11. Kalavantin Durg near Panvel, India

Kalavantin durg is situated aside the prabalgad,the pinnacle is in clouds during rains half of the time. The base village for the climb is Prabalmachi. A majestic trek and awesome place to visit during monsoon.

Via: natureknights.net

12. The remains of the Pegasus in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Pegasus Field (ICAO: NZPG) is an airstrip in Antarctica, the southernmost of three airfields serving McMurdo Station. Pegasus is a blue ice runway capable of handling wheeled aircraft year-round, and the principal Ice Runway on the sea-ice available during the summer Antarctic field season. The other two are the snow runways at Williams Field that are limited to ski-equipped aircraft. The field is named after Pegasus, a C-121 Lockheed Constellation, still visible there in the snow after crashing in bad weather on October 8, 1970. No one on board was injured.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_Field

Via: panoramio.com

13. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត) is the largest Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura (Khmer: យសោធរបុរៈ, present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia,appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat

Via: theglobalpanorama.com

14. The Maunsell Sea Forts, England

The Maunsell Forts were small fortified towers built in the Thames and Mersey estuaries during the Second World War to help defend the United Kingdom. They were named after their designer, Guy Maunsell. The forts were decommissioned in the late 1950s and later used for other activities. One became the Principality of Sealand; boats visit the remaining forts occasionally, and a consortium called Project Redsands is planning to conserve the fort situated at Redsand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maunsell_Forts

Via: fivelightsdown.squarespace.com

15. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England

Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. Of quadrangular plan, Bodiam Castle has no keep, having its various chambers built around the outer defensive walls and inner courts. Its corners and entrance are marked by towers, and topped by crenellations. Its structure, details and situation in an artificial watery landscape indicate that display was an important aspect of the castle’s design as well as defence. It was the home of the Dalyngrigge family and the centre of the manor of Bodiam.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodiam_Castle

Via: commons.wikimedia.org

16. Czestochowa, Poland’s abandoned train depot

Via: nedhardy.com

17. Sunken yacht, Antarctica

In April, a 76-foot Brazilian yacht named Mar Sem Fin (Endless Sea) sank off the coast of Antarctica, likely due to ice compression and strong winds. Four crew members were rescued from the yacht, which is owned by Brazilian journalist João Lara Mesquita, who was in the region producing a documentary, according to MercoPress.

http://au.businessinsider.com/photo-of-a-sunken-yacht-in-antarctica-2012-8

Via: ruschili.35photo.ru

18. Abandoned distillery, Barbados

Source: i.imgur.com / via: reddit.com

19. Michigan Central Station, Detroit

Michigan Central Station (also known as Michigan Central Depot or MCS), built in mid-1912 through 1913 for the Michigan Central Railroad, was Detroit, Michigan’s passenger rail depot from its opening in 1913 after the previous Michigan Central Station burned, until the cessation of Amtrak service on January 6, 1988. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest rail station in the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Central_Station

Source: i.imgur.com

20. 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track is bobsleigh and luge track situated on Trebević mountain overlooking the City of Sarajevo, built for 1984 Winter Olympics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo_Olympic_Bobsleigh_and_Luge_Track

Source: flickr.com

21. Craco, Italy

Craco is an abandoned commune and medieval village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera in Italy. About 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto at the instep of the “boot” of Italy. It is typical of the hill towns of the region with mildly undulating shapes and the lands surrounding it sown with wheat. It was abandoned in 1963 due to recurring earthquakes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craco

Source: i.imgur.com / via: reddit.com

22. Russian military rocket factory

These incredible pictures were taken by a young Russian woman after she crept inside a factory belonging to one of the world’s top manufacturers of liquid-fuel rockets. Lana Sator found her way into one of NPO Energomash’s huge factories outside the Russian capital Moscow, without coming across a single security guard – or indeed any other employees at all.
Read more: DailyMail

Source: lana-sator.livejournal.com / via: i.imgur.com

23. Abandoned mill from 1866 in Sorrento, Italy

The Valley of the Mills, “The name Valley of the Mills, derives from the existence of a mill – functioning since the beginning of the ’900′s – used for grinding wheat. Attached to the mill, rose a sawmill which furnished chaff to the Sorrentine cabinet makers. Everything is completed by a public wash-house used by the women. The creation of Tasso Square, since 1866, determined the isolation of the mill area from the sea, provoking a sharp rise of the percentage of humidity, which made the area unbearable and determined its progressive abandon.”

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/photo-contest/2012/entries/167692/view/

Source: logicalrealist / via: i.imgur.com

24. Cooling tower of an abandoned power plant

Photographer Richard Gubbels out of Utrecht, Netherlands shot these amazing photos inside the cooling tower of an abandoned power plant.

Source: flickr.com / via: i.imgur.com

25. House of the Bulgarian Communist Party

The House of the Bulgarian Communist Party was built in another era, however, one that long ago crumbled along with the way of life it embodied. After the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Bulgaria moved into a new age of parliamentary democracy.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117506/Monument-troubled-past-Inside-crumbling-communist-HQ-Bulgaria-afford-maintain-demolish.html

Image by Dimitar Kilkoff / Getty Images

26. Abandoned city of Keelung, Taiwan

Source: flickr.com / via: i.imgur.com

27. Lawndale Theater, Chicago

When the Lawndale Theater of North Lawndale, IL closed permanently in the mid 2000s, it had been in use primarily as a church. The balcony was sealed off from the main level when the theater was converted into a church.

http://afterthefinalcurtain.net/2011/07/19/lawndale-theatre/

Source: ebow.org

28. North Brother Island near New York City, New York

North Brother Island is an island in the East River situated between the Bronx and Riker’s Island. Its companion, South Brother Island, is a short distance away. Together, the two Brother Islands, North and South, have a land area of 20.12 acres (81,400 m2).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Brother_Island,_East_River

Source: ny.curbed.com

29. El Hotel del Salto, Colombia

Tequendama Falls (or Salto del Tequendama) is a major tourist attraction about 30 km southwest of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. The thousands of tourists who visit the area to admire the 157 metre (515 feet) tall waterfall and the surrounding nature, make a stop at another nearby landmark as well, the abandoned Hotel del Salto. The luxurious Hotel del Salto opened in 1928 to welcome wealthy travelers visiting the Tequendama Falls area. Situated just opposite to the waterfall and on the edge of the cliff, it provided a breathtaking view to its guests. During the next decades though, Bogotá river was contaminated and tourists gradually lost their interest to the area. The hotel finally closed down in the early 90′s and was left abandoned ever since. The fact that many people in the past chose that spot to commit suicide, made others believe that the hotel is haunted.

http://desertedplaces.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-haunted-hotel-at-tequendama-falls.html

Source: alveart

30. Nara Dreamland, Japan

Nara Dreamland (奈良ドリームランド Nara Dorīmurando) was a theme park near Nara, Japan which was built in 1961 and inspired by Disneyland in California. On August 31, 2006, Nara Dreamland closed permanently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_Dreamland

Source: steampunkopera.files.wordpress.com

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17 Flowers That Look Like Something Else

2020-02-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

The flower, as a reproductive organ, evolved with one primary purpose in mind – to attract pollinators like insects or birds. This function has driven their astounding evolutionary explosion of distinct colors and shapes, some of which have even come to resemble various recognizable figures, plants or animals.

Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula Simia)

Photo: avaxnews.net

Photo: tree-nation.com

Photo: gringosabroad.com

Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Photo: Christian Kneidinger

Photo: José Roberto Rodrigues Araújo

Photo: thefeaturedcreature.com

Naked Man Orchid (Orchis Italica)

Photo: Ana Retamero

Photo: vladimr.livejournal.com

Photo: vladimr.livejournal.com

Hooker’s Lips (Psychotria Elata)

Photo: unknown

Dancing Girls (Impatiens Bequaertii)

Photo: unknown

Laughing Bumble Bee Orchid (Ophrys bomybliflora)

Photo: arastiralim.net

Photo: glaucus.org.uk

Photo: thefeaturedcreature.com

Swaddled Babies (Anguloa Uniflora)

Photo: unknown

Parrot Flower (Impatiens Psittacina)

Photo: unknown

Photo: jittinflowers.blogspot.com

Photo: Bruce Kekule

Snap Dragon Seed Pod (Antirrhinum)

Photo: unknown

Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major)

Photo: Michael Prideaux

Photo: Robert Andrew Price

Orchid That Looks Like A Tiger

Photo: funniestmemes.com

Happy Alien (Calceolaria Uniflora)

Photo: Butterfly voyages

Photo: Julio Martinich

Angel Orchid (Habenaria Grandifloriformis)

Photo: gardenofeaden.blogspot.com

Photo: gardenofeaden.blogspot.com

Dove Orchid Or Holy Ghost Orchid (Peristeria Elata)

Photo: Saji Antony

Photo: Reji

Photo: M.a.h.S

Orchid That Looks Like A Ballerina

Photo: Tere Montero

White Egret Orchid (Habenaria Radiata)

Photo: Rachel Scott-Renouf

Photo: ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com

Photo: Torisan3500

Darth Vader (Aristolochia Salvadorensis)

Photo: hortus.leidenuniv.nl

Photo: unknown

Photo: mondocarnivoro.it

P.S. We always try our best to credit each and every photographer, but sometimes it’s impossible to track some of them. Please contact us if you know the missing authors.

Source: Bored Panda

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31 Things You Can Do Instead Of Spending Money

2020-02-10T00:23:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, there are still fun, interesting, and inspiring things to do in every corner of the country that cost absolutely nothing, which is good since prices are rising to historic rates. The average cost for a movie ticket is an all-time high at $8.38 nationally, making a simple night at the movies too costly for many families. Finding activities that you can do without spending money has become a top priority.

No matter where you live, there are plenty of things to do without spending money. From amazing places with breathtaking views, to sports and activities that can keep you entertained, to the joy of learning, building, and exploring new things, here’s a list of 31 meaningful things you can do instead of spending money.

1. Find the most beautiful place within 100 miles and go there. Explore it. Or just find a bench and take in the view.

2. Read a book. Start with a classic like Catch 22 or Great Gatsby.

3. Visit a local museum. Art museums often have amazing grounds to explore.

4. Go to a park. Play on the playground or dip your toes in the stream.

5. Clean your house. There’s never a bad time to check it off the list.

6. Write. Anything. It doesn’t have to be the next American novel, and no one else has to read it. But putting your thoughts on paper can change your life.

7. Visit the library. They still exist. And they are better than you remember.

8. Ride your bike. Just make sure to wear a helmet.

9. Take a walk. And not with iTunes blaring. Get to know your area.

10. Volunteer. There are hundreds of opportunities daily to make a difference. Today’s the day.

11. Exercise. You’ll feel better and get healthy. Skip the gym and find somewhere outdoors.

12. Spend time with a friend, in-person. The only reason for a phone is to take a selfie to remember the good times.

13. Call your grandparents. They miss you.

14. Update your resume, even when you’re not looking for a new job. You never know when an opportunity will present itself.

15. Spend time in the garden. Your plants will thank you.

16. Play tennis. Or basketball. Or soccer. Any sport really.

17. Take a nap. A hammock, back yard, or beach are the ideal spots.

18. Learn a new language. Practice with native speakers.

19. Learn how to code. No matter what your profession, learning new computer skills can help you stand out.

20. Clean out your email box. It’s time to get organized.

21. Learn to play guitar. Or go fishing. Find your next hobby.

22. Make time for romance. Channel your inner high school-self and have some fun with your spouse.

23. Build something. If you’re handy, use old wood to create a table. If you’re not, find a project on Pinterest that anyone can do.

24. Experiment in the kitchen. Use all those ingredients that got shoved to the back of the pantry and experiment. You may discover your inner Bobby Flay.

25. Groom and bathe your pets. Fido and socks will thank you. Your family will too.

26. Find a heavily traffic spot and people watch. Reality TV has nothing on an hour of people watching.

27. Have a bonfire. Invite your friends or enjoy the time with your family.

28. Sit on your porch or deck. Your favorite spirits optional.

29. Host a game night. Play cards and board games. Make it a pot luck to save money.

30. Go to a high school sporting event. You may have to pay for football and basketball, but many sports don’t cost a dime.

31. Get a second job. The only thing better than saving money is making money. Find a part-time job you enjoy with people you enjoy.

And many, many more. Just remember that the simple things in that matter. And oftentimes, those simple things are free.

Source: Higher Perspective

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The Wanderlust Gene: Why Some People Are Born To Travel

2020-02-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

There are some people who never feel the urge to leave the house. They’re content to stay in the city they came from, the couch they sit on, and the 360 degrees that immediately surround them.

Then there’s the rest of us: the people who can’t sit still, perhaps meditate to Anthony Bourdain, and always keep their passports on them – just in case.

Whether you call it wanderlust, a love of travel or regular old curiosity – the fact remains the same: Your hunger to explore simply cannot be quenched, no matter how many vacations or journeys you take.

For you, there’s always something new to see, something different than you’re used to. You enjoy day trips, but you also realize there’s only so much you can see in 24 hours. You’re into one-way flights and trips without a destination.

Destinations require plans, and you’re not into the whole planning thing. Plans insinuate an underlying purpose, and from your experience, traveling without one always leads to more excitement.

You’ve been this way for as long as you can remember – which probably dates back to your first few trips growing up, boarding that plane to Disney World every few winters, as a child.

According to recent scientific claims, it may have been embedded in your DNA, even before that.

As told on one psychology blog, the inherent urge to travel can be traced back to one gene, which is a genetic derivative of the gene DRD4, which is associated with the dopamine levels in the brain.

The gene itself, which is identified as DRD4-7R, has been dubbed the “wanderlust gene,” because of its correlation with increased levels of curiosity and restlessness, for the most part.

In reality, however, those who carry this genetic information typically share one common theme, a history of traveling.

The gene is not all too common; in fact, it’s only possessed by about 20 percent of the population. Having said that, there is a much higher prevalence of this gene in regions of the globe where travel has been encouraged in its past.

Assuming that all forms of human life originated in Africa, Chaunsheng Chen, who conducted a study in 1999, supported the premise that “the DRD4-7r form of the gene [is] more likely to occur in modern day societies where people migrated longer differences from where we first originated in Africa many thousands of years ago.”

In short, here, Chen implies that civilizations that have diverged further from Africa, the theoretical origin of mankind, are allegedly more susceptible to being carriers of this mutant DRD4-7r gene that is linked to “curiosity and restless.”

A separate study done by David Dobbs of National Geographic supported these findings – and provided reason not to just draw the link to curiosity and restlessness, but specifically a passion for travel.

According to Dobbs, the mutant form of the DRD4 gene, 7r, results in people who are “more likely to take risks; explore new places, ideas, foods, relationships, drugs, or sexual opportunities,” he went on to say that bearers of this gene, “generally embrace movement, change, and adventure.”

In line with Chan, Dobbs also linked the 7r mutation of the DRD4 gene to human migration.

When compared to sedentary populations, or those who have stayed in the same region for most of their existence, members of present-day migratory populations – those with a history of relocating, over time – tend to carry the 7r gene much more commonly.

Dobbs goes on to highlight a more statistically sound study, conducted a little over a decade later, which supports the notion that 7r, in conjunction with a second genetic variant (2r), “tends to be found more frequently than you would expect by chance in populations whose ancestors migrated longer distances after they moved out of Africa.”

With that said, there still is reason to doubt this “travel gene,” at least in the mind of Kenneth Kidd of Yale University.

According to Kidd, it’s a little bit more complicated than others might be alluding to. “Genetics doesn’t work that way,” Kidd suggests, “You just can’t reduce something as complex as human exploration to a single gene.”

In response, Dobbs consulted with evolutionary geneticist Jim Noonan to gain a better understanding of the matter.

In the most simplistic form, Dobbs quotes Noonan stating how the human ability to explore rests within the function of two systems: limbs and brains.

Noonan explains how each species has a different, unique set of variances within these two systems, which allows them to be predisposed to different behaviors.

With regard to humans, there are a few differences within our limbs and brains that can be distinguished from our most common ancestors, the apes – “such as legs and hips that let us walk long distances; clever, clever hands; and an even cleverer brain that grows far more slowly but much larger than other ape brains,” explains Dobbs.

While these differences allow us, as a species, to be better suited to travel long distances and explore creatively – our genetic makeup is still almost identical to that of apes, despite the visual differences in our anatomy.

Dobbs notes that these differences arise from a divergence in feedback cues, relayed by the developmental genes.

Following this logic, those who carry the 7r gene will also likely follow a slightly variant schedule, with regard to developmental genetics, in comparison to those who carry the regular DRD4 gene.

These differences could also, theoretically, result in a slightly different – or more curiously-suited – limb and brain composition, which could be the reason these people feel a greater urge to travel.

At the same time, it’s definitely important to consider this study done by Garret LoPorto of Huffington Post.

While this mutant gene DRD4-7r might carry a ton of positive, exploratory, character traits with it – it also might be linked with general Neanderthalic behavior.

According to LoPorto, while carriers of this genetic variant might be “incredibly resourceful, pioneering, creative,” and more predisposed for wanderlust, they also might be “utterly out of control.”

So, while you might have the urge to quit work and travel for the next few months – stop and make sure you’re thinking rationally. Although, like I said, traveling is always more fun without a plan.

Source: Elite Daily

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He Visited All 201 Countries In The World... WITHOUT Using A Plane.

2020-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Photo: The Odyssey Expedition

Graham Hughes, a 33-year-old adventurer from Liverpool, England, has become the first person to visit all 201 countries in the world - WITHOUT using a plane.

Hughes used buses, taxis, trains and his own two feet to travel 160,000 miles in exactly 1,426 days - all on a shoestring of just $100 a week. And it was no easy task.

He spent four days crossing the open ocean in a leaky boat to reach Cape Verde.

He was jailed for a week in the Congo for being a spy.

He was arrested trying to "sneak into" Russia and had to be rescued from Muslim fundamentalists by a Filipino transsexual named Jenn.

Photo: The Odyssey Expedition

"I love travel, and I guess my reason for doing it was I wanted to see if this could be done, by one person traveling on a shoestring," he told the Christian Science Monitor. "I think I also wanted to show that the world is not some big, scary place, but in fact is full of people who want to help you even if you are a stranger."

He has traversed the borders of all 193 members of the United Nations plus Taiwan, Vatican City, Palestine, Kosovo, Western Sahara and the four home nations of The United Kingdom - all without flying.

Guinness World Records has now confirmed that Hughes, who filmed the expedition for a documentary and raised money for charity WaterAid, has achieved the world record for the "Most countries visited in one year by scheduled ground transport".

While all land transport had to have either wheels, hooves or sturdy rubber soles, he made the longer-haul voyages mostly by hitching lifts on cargo ships.

He even managed to get a lift on a friendly cruise ship to the Dominican Republic.

Photo: The Odyssey Expedition

Other highlights include dancing with the Highlanders of Papua New Guinea, befriending orangutans in Borneo, riding through the badlands of Kenya on an 18-wheel truck, meeting the Prime Minister of Tuvalu - and "warning schoolchildren in Afghanistan about the dangers of men with beards".

He says people tend to wonder how he got into the further-out countries like North Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, but he says they were the easy ones.

Far tougher was negotiating routes into tiny island nations like Nauru, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Maldives and the Seychelles "where there were sometimes pirate threats".

He says there were low points on the trip such as "sitting in a bus station in Cambodia at one in the morning or riding some awful truck over bad roads" when he thought: "Why am I doing this?"

The lowest point came when his sister, Nicole, died of cancer at just 39 years old. He broke the trip to hurry home to see her.

"I’d done 184 countries and had only 17 to go and I thought why not leave it there? (...but) she told me not to stop," he added.

Now having finished his journey, he has no intention of buying a plane ticket any time soon and says he plans to "keep in the spirit of the adventure."

Here is the list of countries visited in order:

Source: The Odyssey Expedition - Daily Mail Via EndoRiot

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10+ Differences Between Tourists And Travellers

2020-02-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between a tourist and a traveler? Holidify, a company catering to people wishing to visit India, just released a series of simple images illustrating their interpretation of this question. Spoiler alert! If you like to stay in hotels and own a selfie stick, you're probably a tourist!

What do you think of this comparison? Do you agree? Vote on the best image below, or add your opinion in the comments section!

#1 Tourist Vs Traveller

#2 Tourist Vs Traveller

#3 Tourist Vs Traveller

#4 Tourist Vs Traveller

#5 Tourist Vs Traveller

#6 Tourist Vs Traveller

#7 Tourist Vs Traveller

#8 Tourist Vs Traveller

#9 Tourist Vs Traveller

#10 Tourist Vs Traveller

#11 Tourist Vs Traveller

#12 Tourist Vs Traveller

#13 Tourist Vs Traveller

Source: Bored Panda

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Thinking About Traveling? This Inspiring Video Will Give You The Push You Need!