vacation

Travel: 4 positive transformative power

by
The transformative power of travel

Travel is more than just visiting new places—it’s an experience that shapes how we see the world and ourselves. Whether it’s a short trip to a neighboring town or a journey across continents, traveling opens our eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. It teaches lessons that can’t always be learned in a classroom or from books, making it one of the most enriching experiences anyone can have. 1. Experiencing New Cultures One of the most exciting parts of traveling is stepping into a world that feels completely different from what we’re used to. Each place has its own traditions, customs, and ways of doing things, and seeing them firsthand is both eye-opening and humbling. For example, in some cultures, people take life at a slower pace, prioritizing family and social connections over rigid schedules. In others, time is seen as something to be managed efficiently, with productivity being the main focus. Neither way is right or wrong—it’s just different. And experiencing these differences firsthand helps us understand that the way we’ve always done things isn’t the only way. Food is another great way to experience a new culture. Trying dishes that are completely unfamiliar—whether it’s a spicy street food delicacy or a homemade meal from a local—gives insight into the history and traditions of a place. There’s something special about sharing a meal with strangers and realizing that, no matter where we come from, food brings people together. 2. Learning to Adapt Travel isn’t always smooth. Flights get delayed, language barriers make communication tricky, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But these challenges are part of the experience. They push us to adapt, think on our feet, and stay patient. Over time, we become more resourceful, learning to navigate unfamiliar places with confidence. Travel changes how we see everyday life. It’s easy to assume that our way of doing things is the “normal” way—until we see people living completely differently and thriving. It makes us question things we once took for granted. For example, visiting a place where people have fewer material possessions but seem genuinely happy makes us rethink what’s truly important. Seeing people with strong family bonds despite having little reminds us to appreciate what really matters. 3. The Beauty of Nature Travel isn’t just about people and cultures—it’s also about the natural world. Standing in front of a massive waterfall, walking through an ancient forest, or watching the sunset over an unfamiliar landscape reminds us of how vast and beautiful the world really is. Each environment tells its own story. Coastal towns have a deep connection to the sea, while mountain villages adapt to a completely different way of life. Traveling to different landscapes not only makes us appreciate nature’s beauty but also reminds us of the importance of preserving it. Seeing pollution in a once-pristine location or hearing locals talk about how climate change is affecting their way of life makes environmental issues feel more real and urgent. 4. Connecting with People One of the most memorable parts of any journey is the people we meet along the way. Even brief conversations with strangers can leave lasting impressions. Sometimes, the smallest interactions—a local helping with directions, a shopkeeper sharing a story, or a fellow traveler giving advice—turn into meaningful moments. What’s interesting is that despite cultural differences, human connection remains the same everywhere. A smile, a kind gesture, or shared laughter can break through language barriers. It’s in these moments that we realize we’re not so different after all. Coming Home with a New Perspective Travel changes us, even if we don’t realize it right away. Coming back home after a trip often makes us see familiar things differently. The daily routine that once felt boring might now seem comforting. The food we once took for granted might taste better. And the things we used to complain about might not seem so important anymore. At the end of the day, travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it’s about how those places shape us. It challenges us, teaches us, and reminds us of how much there is to explore and learn. And maybe that’s the greatest thing about it—no matter how many places we go, there will always be more to see, more people to meet, and more experiences waiting for us. Also Read: Mental health: 10 practical steps to help you prioritize your mental health

Traveling with kids: Family Travel Tips for Parents

by
family hike travel alps 4610864

Going on a vacation can be gruelling. Traveling with kids can be even more daunting. Vacationing can be fun for kids. They get to be in a new environment, try new foods and experience new activities. However, the task of preparation and travel with children has proven to be a demanding task for some parents. Not to worry, these tips will put you on the right track and make your family vacation stress-free.   Before You Go Do Research Research is necessary before putting your kids on a plane to a different country. You need to know if where you intend to go to is safe for you and your children. You also need to know if they have activities that children can enjoy. Another thing to find out about is what the weather will be like. You should know the weather your children favour and set your family vacation for that time. Summertime is a very popular vacation period for most families. This is because the weather condition is favourable for fun outdoor activities.   Get All Necessary Documents Children need passports when travelling out of the country, even infants. To get this ready, you should visit an immigration office close to you. If they already have passports, you should check the expiry dates. Some countries have policies about how long your passport must be valid before you travel. You also need to get tickets for your kids – although children under 2 years can sit on your lap on the plane.   Settle Accommodation You cannot land in a new country with children and then start looking for a place to stay. You need to sort this out before you go. You need to decide if you want to stay in a hotel or if you want to rent a house. Whichever is more convenient for you and your family is what you should choose. It is advisable to make payment so your slot will be secured. You might get there and they may be fully booked, leaving you and your family with nowhere to stay. This preparation is very necessary and should be at the top of your list.   Pack Only Necessary Items Many parents want to make a new country as familiar as possible to their kids. This is why they try to pack everything that will make them feel like they are home. This is a smart idea. However, if you find yourself packing what is not necessary, you will have problems. You cannot predict what the space where you will be staying will look like. Having too much luggage in a small space, with children, will not be comfortable.   During the Flight Flight Time = Nap Time Some children find it difficult to settle during flights. Maybe from excitement or nerves, they are restless. To avoid this, align the time for your flight with their nap time. Their body will lull them to sleep. Another thing you can do is provide some distraction, like books or toys. This will calm their nerves and make the flight more relaxing (for you).   Sit in the Right Place Generally, flight attendants will show you where to sit but it is advised that children don’t stay in the aisle seat. This is because of the moving carts along the aisle. They can easily dunk their hands in hot water or hot coffee. That can cause injury and a sour mood for the vacation. You do not want your vacation to be ruined before it begins, do you? Then make sure you sit at the right place.   Prepare for Flight Vibrations Many children have problems when flights are taking off and landing. These vibrations may be uncomfortable for them and may cause tantrums. This may be a good time to feed them. That will distract them from the vibrations. You can also give them gum to chew (if they are old enough to know not to swallow it). You should also note that the air pressure in planes is different and can cause some pain. You should be prepared for this.   When You Land Once you have landed and settled, there are other tips that can make your vacation more fun and safer. Use Public Transportation Using the train or a public bus is good for children. Some children have not been on a train before. It will be good for them to experience something new. It can also be a means for them to see the country. Some form of unplanned sightseeing.   Entertaining Activities If they are old enough, you should let your kids choose the activity they want to do for the day. Of course, you must have a list of all the activities you intend for them to engage in. Just present them with the list and let them make their selection. Remember to include as many activities as you can afford.   Safety You should always look out for your kids, especially in environments you are not familiar with. They might wander off and get lost. Their safety and yours should be the top priority.   Opeyemi Kareem

The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

by
The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

There are tons of tourist attraction sites in the world. This makes finding the best ones to visit a little tiresome. If you have been planning a vacation and are at a loss for tourist sites to visit, look no further. Here are six most popular tourist attraction sites in the world. 1. Eiffel Tower, Paris The 1,083-foot-tall tower located in Paris is one of the most popular and most visited tourist sites in the world. It is an iron tower and the tallest structure in Paris. The view from the top of the structure is an amazing sight you would not want to miss. 2. Miracle Garden, Dubai If you love flowers and gardens and parks, this garden in Dubai is a must-see for you. It is a colourful garden open to both children and adults. However, the garden is not open to tourists throughout the year. If you are interested in seeing the Miracle Garden, you should plan your vacation to fall within the time it is open. From April to October, it is usually closed. However, the opening and closing times change. To be sure of when to go, keep an eye on their website. 3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt The sand pyramid is a wonder to gaze upon. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Egypt. It is the largest pyramid in Egypt and was constructed in the 26th century BC. The pyramids house the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. You should add a visit to this site to your bucket list of world wonders to visit. 4. Niagara Falls, Canada The natural attraction, located in Canada, is a waterfall. It is a wonder to look at and to many people’s disappointment, it is not for swimming. If you find yourself in Canada, make sure to visit the Niagara Falls and you will not regret it. 5. The Louvre, Paris The museum is the largest in the world. It houses some of the world’s greatest artefacts including the original painting of Monalisa by Leonardo da Vinci. This is the most visited museum in the world and it is a must-see for art lovers. ALSO READ: 5 Things To Note Before Touring A City 6. Burj Khalifa, Dubai This is the tallest building in the world. Getting tickets to this structure gives you access to the building except for the top-most floor. It has flats, event centres and even outdoor swimming pools that are worth exploring if you find yourself in Dubai.   To add some fun to your vacation, these attraction sites are highly recommended. Therefore, if you find yourself in the country, you should visit these sites and enjoy your holiday.    

5 Things to Note Before Touring a City

by
taj mahal india agra islamic 866692

Many people begin preparing for their vacation a month before touring a city. They plan out their daily outfit, map out the places they will visit and organize a list of all the meals their taste buds are longing to try. But the one thing they forget to do is gather information about the country they are visiting. This mistake can lead to the uprising of many factors that can ruin their holiday. So, if touring a city is in your plan, here is some information you should definitely make research on before you go. Weather Climate is an important influencing factor when planning for a vacation. Climate varies from country to country at different times of the year. Before you plan to tour a city, you must ensure that you know what the weather is like. Imagine you buy a ticket to go sightseeing and then it hails throughout your stay. Except your idea of ‘sightseeing’ is the view from your hotel room, there will not be much of a sight to see. To prevent the weather from raining on your parade (pun intended), be sure that you check if it is appropriate and not too harsh. Most people prefer areas with a bright and sunny climate. Security Going to a country where your life will constantly be in danger goes against every definition of a vacation. There are countries that have insecurity for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Before you buy your ticket, you should find out if the country you intend to go to is safe or not. It is advised not to visit such countries unless you have to. If you must go, find out all the emergency numbers working in the country. Do not put yourself at risk by not doing this research before you embark on your journey. Reviews Looks can be deceiving. A picture will show you the kind of experience you are expected to have. Reviews from people that have actually been there will tell you the kind of experience you will have. Before you get excited to see those giant mountains or clear oceans, check for the reviews written by fellow tourists. Some countries are not as welcoming to tourists as you think they are and that alone can ruin your whole vacation. The only way to fish out the best destinations is to find the reviews of people who have gone on the same tour as you are planning to go to and see if you will truly have a great time. Laws/Norms This does not mean that you should memorize the whole constitution of the country. Familiarize yourself with some of the norms of the country that pertain to tourists. Some things that you may think is normal or legal may be illegal in another country. Surely ‘a night in jail’ is not part of your itinerary. In dressing, speaking or mannerisms, some countries have rules. It is wise to find out what you can or cannot do, to save yourself from any embarrassment or punishment. For example, in some Arab countries, there are places where it is mandatory to have your hair covered and your dress must not be above your knee. Activities This includes holidays, festivals or events. Some holidays/events place restrictions on movement. These restrictions will not be lifted because of tourists. Your movement will also be restricted. Everything you had planned will fall through. Ensure to be aware if there are any upcoming activities that will hinder your tour to save yourself the heartbreak of not doing what you have dreamed of.   Opeyemi Kareem