No visit to the Serengeti would be complete without a day trip down to the Ngorogoro Crater. It is a Mecca of wildlife. Like a magical paradise where almost all animals from the Serengeti come to feed (except Giraffes.. they can't navigate down the steep slopes). One of the animals found here in the most impressive numbers is the pink flamingo, which fill the three soda lakes found within the crater. Truly a spectacle in itself, and one of the few places in the Serengeti you will see them in these numbers.

Varkala is a beautiful seaside city located in India's southern state of Kerala. It has some unique characteristics, such as the towering red-rock cliffs which face the Arabian sea, along the otherwise flat coast of Kerala. In addition to this, there are two distinct areas of the city. The one found inland is primarily hindu, with a large number of temples to be explored, and the other is a small touristy part of town which appears to be run entirely by an impressively large number of Tibetans living here. Being so far removed from Tibet, one may be thrown off at first if not expecting this. It brings a welcome diversity in food, culture and handicrafts available, along with the notoriously friendly Tibetan smiles as you stroll along the coast. 

One of London, England's most iconic land marks, Piccadilly Circus bares a similar significance as Time Square doess to New York City. Not actually a circus, the word is derived from the Latin word, meaning circle. This is common nomenclature for circular wide open spaces in shopping districts (Time 'Square', Piccadilly 'Circus'.... get it?). Dating back to the early 1800's, this junction has played a major role in the city's shopping and entertainment industries for almost 2 centuries now. It has also, in it's own right, become a popular meeting place and tourist attraction - sometimes even a meeting point for tourists! Definitely worth checking out if in the area.

Around the times of dusk and dawn, the shores of Lake Malawi become scattered with farmers, fishermen and other locals strolling along the water's edge, enjoying the beautiful hues the sun casts out. It's a perfect way to unwind after a long day for both locals and visitors alike. This shot was taken on Kandi Beach, which is an area full of campsites and hotels, all found along the waterfront of one of the world's biggest lakes. Definitely worth stop along your journeys. 

One thing I found most delightful about the children in Tanzania, was their enthusiastic effort to come say hello to foreigners. Sometimes it would be as simple as a wave, or smile, other times it would be running and screaming "Hello Mister!! How are you? How are you?". The genuine friendliness that stems from many of these children is something much of the world could take lessons on. It's purity and innocence is unparalleled.

Story and photo's by: Ivona Siniarska

While Brazil is a country that I know is stunning and has many cities to visit, as well as one of the world’s largest waterfalls, there is a lot to see I will have to return for. Last Easter, I simply flew down for the weekend (wouldn’t recommend changing hemisphere’s for three days unless you have to) to see my 7th and final world wonder (Christ Redeemer), and quickly fell in love with Rio De Janeiro, the city, its people, and the lifestyle.

So here are the five things I would recommend you have to do (though I am sure there are hundreds more) if you only have a few days in this beautiful city:

Author: Gregor Snell

The first week of vacation is amazing.  Everything is new and all of the experiences are so different from those at home. I tend to miss the scenes of daily life everywhere around me. Eventually I begin to open my eyes and see the real movement. People are going to work, kids to school, traffic approaching rush hour, routine. Routine is everywhere around me. Do you lose routine when you travel?

When I travel I throw my own routine out the window. I get fat, I don't exercise (other than walking, a lot), I don't necessarily eat well, I drink too much, etc. etc.  Sometimes I think this is the reason most people go on vacation anyway. I love it, but at the same time I feel a little guilty for letting myself slip.

Is being on vacation not meant to be party, sleep, party, party?  This is all fun and games but where are the cultural experiences, the local interaction? People are buying, selling, moving, going about their daily lives while I just sit and observe. I am the passenger.

I think, shit, it's Tuesday, everyone I know back home would be slaving away behind their desks, working. Sometimes I forget that “normal” people go about their lives in a very steady, secure routine. Travel is a chance to let this go and live for the moment, as cheesy at that may sound, sometimes it’s a liberating experience to drop everything in your life and hit the road.

Story and Photos by: Mittie Roger

When I went to Budapest, I (sadly) only had a weekend (wedged between two other trips) to taste the Paris of the East. My hotel room was on the Pest side of the Danube River, a niche in a fortified building, a cockroach riddled, pock-marked veteran of the 1956 revolution. Outside my window, clotheslines hung above city traffic and constructions. I had to get my priorities in order. How would I see so much in so little time? I cursed myself for having the plane ticket to Athens. I was already smitten with Hungary.

First thing is first. I had to eat. Ok, so in this regard I’m biased. I will always choose eating and drinking local fare as my number one unless I’m in England (sorry UK!) It’s a great way to chat with locals and get a genuine taste of the flavors of the culture. I found an underground spot where steamy aromas filled the cheap, dimly-lit eatery, and ate till I nearly exploded.

Port Lockroy is one of the very few outposts we visited, or even saw for that matter, during our 7 day journey along the Antarctic Peninsula. Having but 3 inhabitants for roughly 6 months of the year, it is an interesting lifestyle for those who choose to work there. Granted, they get regular visits from passing expedition ships, the rest of the time it's just them and the penguins. Not a bad sight to wake up to every morning though, is it?

Making tribute to some of the most naturally breathtaking beaches in world, Railay Beach lay here amongst them. This cove opens up to the sea, with sheer pinnacles and mountainous cliffs jutting out from it's soft yellow sands. This particular area is only accessible by boat, approximately 40 mins from Krabi, on the south western coast of Thailand. It has been deemed a rock-climbers haven, as these steep rock faces hold many of the most popular climbing routes in all of Thailand. I had my first stab at Rock Climbing here, doing the popular "Groove Tube" route, and was privileged enough to be perched at the top of the climb in a little cave, as the sun set over the beach and the sea. Truly one of those moments in life that takes your breath away!