We have a lot to say about Indonesia and the Philippines, but in this article, we run down the 8 reasons Malaysia should be right at the top of your list of must-visit countries.

1. See Multiculturalism at its best in Kuala Lumpur

Right from its inception, Kuala Lumpur has been a truly multicultural town, where the Malay Muslim population co-exists—and flourishes—alongside large migrant populations from the Indian sub-continent and southern China. Modern Kuala Lumpur, therefore, is an intriguing palimpsest of architectural styles, distinct neighborhoods and cultural influences from all over Asia.

It’s a city that rewards walking, too. In a single day you can easily sample the delicious fusion food of a thriving China Town, marvel at the intricate interior spaces of the National Mosque, or witness a ceremony at Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur’s most revered Hindu Temple which has served as a focal point for Indian migrants to the city for over a century.

I’m not an expert on Malaysian politics, but in this time of many fraught conversations over the efficacy of multiculturalism, it’s certainly encouraging to immerse yourself in a city that seems to do this so well.

2. Marvel at the Petronas Towers

The name Kuala Lumpur translates roughly as something like “muddy convergence between two rivers”, and as late as the mid-nineteenth century Malaysia’s capital city was little more than this—just a small, wooden fishing village where two rivers met.

Look at it now and you’ll be amazed by how quickly it has grown into a global hub of huge significance. The Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004, are testament to Malaysia’s emergence on the world stage. These two towers stand at an impressive 1,500 feet tall and are linked by a navigable bridge on the 42^nd floor.

Time moves on, of course, and the accolade for world’s tallest building now belongs to Dubai, but the impact of the Petronas Towers, as a feat of engineering and a statement of economic power, is still enough to blow you away.

3. Cool off in the Cameron Highlands

For such a huge city Kuala Lumpur actually feels comparatively laid-back and mellow. Still, a few days of exploring the streets in that humidity and you’re going to start dreaming of an escape into the countryside.

Fortunately, the Cameron Highlands in North-Western state of Pahang is the perfect antidote to city life. Here, verdant tea plantations, stunning waterfalls and natural swimming pools nestle alongside fruit orchards and fields bursting with flowers, combining to create a region that feels like one big botanical garden.

Go fruit picking, swim beneath the Thompson Falls or learn about the region’s history in the fabulous Time Tunnel museum. The Cameron Highlands has a hundred ways to help you relax in nature.

4. Hit the beaches

Everyone knows about Thailand’s and Indonesia’s world-famous beaches, but if you think Malaysia can’t compete, then think again.

If you’re in the north of the country then prepare to be amazed by the white sands and coconut trees on the islands of Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

If you’re in the south, then the islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park might be your best beach choice. The national park is home to a great variety of local fauna, including macaques, proboscis monkeys and monitor lizards, as well as diverse and healthy marine life, making it a great spot for hiking or snorkeling.

Camping is permitted on many of the islands, so why not pitch a tent and wake up to take a swim at sunrise in your private paradise.

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5. Sample the best cuisine and nightlife in vibrant Penang

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Penang is rightly renowned as a mecca for travelers seeking the world’s best street food. Beyond its famous, and often very spicy, Penang curry, there’s a whole lot more stuff to stick in your face. There are more options here than I can list, so why not take a walk down the famous Gurney Street and simply follow your nose?

As a port town with a cosmopolitan vibe, Georgetown, the capital of Penang, has a valid claim to be one of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Malaysia. Straits Quay is the place to be if you want to soak up the coastal atmosphere with some drinks.

6. Fill your frame with color in Malacca

Giving access to the important trade route of the Malacca Straits, this is one of Malaysia’s most vital economic hubs and has a complex history to boot.

The home of the first Sultanate, all that changed when the European colonialists came calling, and the city later fell into British, Portuguese and Dutch hands. As a result, there is now a wealth of crumbling forts, churches and museums scattered around that are like a goldmine for photographers and history buffs.

The city is also an explosion of color, especially in the area around the bright pink Anglican Christ Church, a hangover from British colonization that stands in central Malacca.

But Malacca isn’t stuck in the past; both the night markets around Jonker Walk and the street art scene are a testament to the creative buzz that keeps this city feeling lively in the modern age. Go and find out why both Forbes and Lonely Planet have rated Malacca as one of Asia (and indeed even the whole world’s) best travel destinations.

7. Get in touch with nature at Taman Negara NP

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It’s hard to pick a single highlight from all Malaysia’s natural havens, but if we were forced then we’d probably opt for this national park. The deciduous forest—one of the world’s oldest—is a perfect spot for trekkers as it’s possible to climb the mountains of Bukit Teresek (easy) or Gunung Tahan (difficult), or take a gentle stroll through the treetops on the Canopy Walkway.

Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks by shooting the rapids in small wooden boats piloted by local river guides, whereas animal lovers who are willing to be patient may be rewarded with the sight of elephants and even tigers.

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8. Visit wild Orangutans in Borneo

If you’re lucky enough, there really is no substitute for seeing animals in their natural environment. When we’re talking about orangutans that means either Malaysia or Indonesia.

Even within Borneo, there are only a handful of places you can see them, but our pick would be to take a tour of the rainforest at Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah. While you’re there you may even catch a glimpse of rhinoceros, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards or sun bears.

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General reasons to visit Malaysia

Malaysia is a rapidly developing country that embraces its past and looks forward to a bright future. The infrastructure is excellent and there are loads of options for getting around the country to suit each budget. English is widely spoken, meaning you should find it easy to get chatting with the locals, and most visitors do not require a visa to enter.

Malaysia offers all the highlights of South East Asia—from spectacular wildlife, great beaches, booming cities, fascinating culture and amazing food—all in a single country.

Go and discover your own reasons to visit Malaysia…you won’t be disappointed!

Suggested next reading: 10 Of The Very Best Things To Do In Singapore

The post 8 Serious Reasons To Visit Malaysia appeared first on Modern Trekker.

I had always wanted to travel to the Islamic countries, but—to be completely honest—my mental association between Muslims and terrorist attacks didn’t encourage me at all. However, after a short visit to the Arab Emirates, I decided to set aside my assumptions about other Islamic countries too.

Morocco had a good reputation as a tourist country and seemed a safe choice for a woman traveling by herself. I was still afraid and felt uncertain when I started my journey, but I was prepared mentally and had backup plans, which made me feel more comfortable.

Here are my top 11 tips for female solo travel to Morocco. I hope you will find them useful and that my own experience here will show you how to travel as a woman in Morocco.

1. Plan The First Days In Advance

Venturing without plans into the unknown of a foreign country might be a great challenge and a good way to boost your self-confidence—if this is what you’re hoping to get out of travel—but you will have plenty of time to do that and be more flexible after you first get used to the local customs and atmosphere.

Travelers especially enjoy Morocco for the cultural shock they have to face and for the different traditions they’re not used to. During the first days in Morocco, you won’t understand what’s happening around you, so it’s better to plan the first few days of your itinerary beforehand.

When I landed in the city of Fes, a taxi driver waited for me at the airport and drove me directly to the accommodation that I had booked beforehand. This way, I avoided unpleasant incidents at the beginning of my trip and allowed enough time to adapt to the new Moroccan lifestyle.

2. Ask For Advice From The Local Women

The local women will admire your courage to venture by yourself to a new country. Many of them have never traveled, so their traveling experiences are a bit different than ours (in fact, many of them will have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives).

Despite this difference, they will be sincerely willing to help and assist you in any problem you might have.

Ask the local woman how to stay safe in their country. Before I left Fes, the town where I had landed several days before, I asked the landlady of my guesthouse if there were places I should avoid because of the fact I was doing female solo travel to Morocco and, obviously, wanted to remain safe.

She said that I was safe in Morocco and that I could go anywhere—I felt such a sense of relief at that moment.

3. Go With An Official Guide In The Desert

Obviously, you cannot go by yourself everywhere (for example, a camel desert trek!) Search for local trips, always negotiate the price or book a trip on the internet.

For more information, you can read the article I have written about everything you should know about desert tours in Morocco.

When I went to the desert, I used a local guide, and out of the huge range of travel companies, I preferred the one recommended to me by a friend. I had the pleasant surprise to discover a humorous, good-hearted Berber, who knew each sand dune of the desert like the back of his hand.

4. Book A Riad (But Read The Reviews Beforehand)

When you book accommodation on the internet, carefully read the reviews from other travelers (e.g. on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or Google Maps) before completing a reservation.

Remember to not miss the local accommodation called riad or dar. The term designates a traditional palace or a house, elaborately decorated with zelij (local colorful mosaics), with a spacious patio, and in most cases, with a rooftop terrace from where you can have terrific views of the surroundings.

5. Stay Only With Local Women Hosts

If you plan to find local hosts on internet platforms (i.e. Couchsurfing, BeWelcome, or even Airbnb, etc.), you should only send requests to women hosts who have positive references from other guests.

VERY IMPORTANT: male hosts have been known in the past to have had sex with women visitors, so it is very important to remember that you are in a country where this subject is viewed differently. So stay only with local women hosts!

Finding the right hosts on internet platforms was a long process for me. I sent all my requests before arriving in Morocco, got several answers back, and had more time to enjoy myself when I arrived instead of searching for ‘safe’ hosts.

6. Wear A Wedding Ring

This one is already a cliché but I will still mention it because it is very useful for female solo travel to Morocco.

When men ask you if you are alone, be quick to mention ‘your husband’ and show them your ‘wedding ring.’ Even if they don’t really believe you, they will still most likely be too concerned about where your husband is and so won’t focus on you. If a man seemed too interested in me or just stared at me, it was enough to make my wedding ring visible.

In the worst-case scenario, a man insistently approached me when I stopped the car at the traffic lights. I had to be a bit aggressive and mention the police. After that, he disappeared right away. Everybody understands the word “police.”

7. Dress Modestly

In the bigger towns like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, you will see women wearing jeans and no scarves covering their heads. However, I didn’t see women wearing shorts or mini skirts, so if you do that, realize that everybody will have a good reason to look at you.

In the more religious towns and in the countryside, women wear long overcoats and cotton headscarves even when outside in over 40℃ / 104°F heat. They hide every aspect of their female figure and they will also hide their face if you take pictures of them. Make sure to respect their culture and religion.

8. Avoid Walking Alone At Night

Don’t go out by yourself at night, especially if your accommodation is situated in a medina (the old part of town) where the winding narrow streets create a real labyrinth.

I always planned to come back ‘home’ before dusk and simply enjoyed my evenings talking with other guests, planning my next days or just thinking about what a beautiful day I’d had.

Like solo travel elsewhere, female solo travel to Morocco comes with a few compromises.

9. Do Not Drink Alcohol In Public

Avoid drinking alcohol in public places unless you are at the restaurant of your hotel where they serve alcoholic drinks for tourists.

For all the Muslims, alcohol is prohibited, and most of them respect this rule very strictly. You won’t find alcohol in the local shops and eateries, so you’ll experience what life is like without this ‘magic liquid.’

During my six-week trip through Morocco, I didn’t drink alcohol at all. I discovered I can have even more fun without drinking beer or wine.

10. Be Aware Of Fake Guides

In the medinas (the old part of the towns), you will often hear young boys pointing to you in the direction that you’re heading while saying, “It’s closed. Don’t go there.” In actual fact, nobody has closed the medina, but the local people know that the Moroccan medinas have a maze of winding, narrow streets where a visitor can easily get lost (even with a GPS).

This is their chance to be your local guide in exchange for a little money.

During my first days in Morocco, I was fooled by some fake guides and had to follow them to ‘save’ me out of the medina. In the evening, my landlord confirmed to me they were just taking advantage of confused visitors and taught me how to turn them down, saying “La, la, shokran” (No, no, thank you).

11. Negotiate Everything You Buy

Negotiate everything, especially all the prices in the medinas (old towns) and souqs (covered markets). Moroccans have a long history and experience in trading goods.

Usually, the prices are not displayed so it is better to ask in several places and figure out what the average price might be. Nobody will push you to buy something but keep in mind that bidding while sipping a glass of mint tea is part of the selling process in Morocco.

If you haven’t traveled there yet, female solo travel to Morocco is a safe and realistic option. In fact, it’s possible you could even start here to gain experience traveling solo. After visiting Morocco on my own for six weeks, I became more confident in myself and many other solo trips soon followed. Nothing is as bad as it seems.

Suggested next reading: 8 Top Sights In Morocco That’ll Make You Want To Visit ASAP

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Here are 7 types of Indian tea to enjoy that tea-lovers will love:

1. Spicy Himalayan Tea

This tea is a tea made from a mixture of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. Of the various components, this tea has many health benefits ranging from helping the digestive process, reducing blood sugar levels, and maintaining cardiovascular fiber health.

2. Assam Tea

The Assam is black tea named after its production region, Assam, India. This tea comes from the Camelia Sinensis plant. This tea has a fresh, malt and bright color. It is a perfect replacement for coffee in the morning or for a treat in the afternoon.

3. Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is a black tea made from tea leaves from tea plantations in the Darjeeling area, West Bengal, India. This tea is high quality and so won the nickname “The Champagne of Teas”. Water steeping Darjeeling tea is bright with an aroma that is more fragrant than other types of black tea.

4. Assam Cardamom Tea

The Cardamom adds a special touch to Assam tea. Cardamom tea is also widely used in Indian food since it adds a spicy-sweet kick to any sweet or savory dish. This tea, when drank by itself, has a cool and refreshing sensation and can be drunk in weight loss diets.

5. Nilgiri Tea

This tea is known for its distinctive aroma and is ideally mixed with other tea variants. This soft Nilgiri tea is perfect to be enjoyed throughout the day. It has a smooth and mellow taste which is great to help one relax.

6. Ceylon Tea

This tea is available in many varieties such as black ceylon, white ceylon and green ceylon tea . Ceylon tea is a good source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids and provides a number of benefits to the body such as strengthening the immune system, good for the cardiovascular system, making skin healthy and good for patients suffering from diabetes.

It is known for having a full and bold taste.

7. Masala Tea

Masala Tea is a typical South Indian drink. This tea is a mixture of milk and spices such as cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. This tea has a sweet and thick flavor.

These are some of the tea variants that are very popular in India. Which tea have you tried? Are you looking for tips on going out in India this week? If so visit here for some tips.

Suggested next reading: 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur For Authentic Cuisine

The post 7 Teas In India That Every Tea Lover Must Try appeared first on Modern Trekker.

There is a never-ending list of tourist spots that everyone will tell you about including Central Park, Time Square, the Empire State and Upper East Side, etc. but that’s just scratching the surface. Every city has some hidden gems not easily discovered by tourists. Even some New Yorkians living in the city for years will be unaware of these secrets of New York.

So, looking for the hidden gems of New York? Or for those quirky things to do in NYC? You’ve come to the right place.

1. Grand Central Station’s Whispering Arch

While walking down towards the lower side of Grand Central Terminal, you will find an open secret spot worth seeing.

If you stand at one corner facing the arches and whisper, the other person standing at the opposite corner of the arch will hear your whispering clearly.

A bit quirky, but can be a cool trick to show a friend. Why not whisper a jokingly ominous threat to your friend amidst the busy crowd and see if they can hear you? (They will still be able to hear you!) Or what about asking a girl out for coffee? Kinda weird, I know, but the possibilities are endless with this one!

More about how the strange acoustics in this terminal work here.

2. Glass Waterfall Tunnel

This is a beautiful waterfall tunnel that is situated on the side of the McGraw Hill building. It is merely a 3-minute walk from Time Square.

If you stand inside this tunnel, you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of falling water over you. However, the water just stays inside the tunnel walls and you won’t get wet. Perfect spot for a photo if you ask me.

3. Pomander Walk

One of the most underrated secret spots in New York City, this place comes in hand if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the modern-day digitalization, crowds and buildings. This hidden gem is your escape.

Pomander Walk is the sight of old England in New York City. It is a stark contrast to big glass and steel towers which represent New York City, and upon entering in this spot, you feel like you are walking into an English countryside. That’s right, take a deep breath…you can relax now.

4. UN Meditation Room

We told you we’d share some of the quirky things to do in NYC. The meditation room at the UN is open to the general public and is totally free. If you are interested in witnessing a…well, room…with a banal mural and a strange rectangular box in the middle, this is the place for you.

Basically, in this writers opinion, a bit of a hodgepodge and ecumenical mess, this meditation room is supposed to help you “escape into yourself” regardless of creed.

But, to be honest, I think what makes this a “hidden gem” is just how it illustrates how isolated some of the liberal social elites of America are. So stick that in your pipe and meditate on THAT. (Though, seriously, no smoking allowed in the meditation room).

There are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding this room, so it might be fun just to go check it out for that. Maybe you can crack the code?

What’s more, this UN building is basically an international territory, and so if you are in that building, then you cannot claim to be present in any country in the world.

5. Abandoned Smallpox Hospital

The attractive sight of this abandoned hospital is quite provocative. It is located on Roosevelt Island, and after the last inhabitants left this place, no one has ever come back here. It is not opened for the public to visit but you can get close to the outer part of the building, and it’s worth visiting.

If you dig a little into the secrets of New York and its history, you’ll find out that the city was the victim to smallpox a century ago.

6. The New York Earth Room

Picking back up on the theme of quirky, modern artist Walter De Maria, back in 1977, decided to “art” by dumping 280,000 pounds of soil into a 3,600-square-foot room.

The Dia Art Foundation loved the dirt so much that, in 1980, they permanently reinstalled it at 141 Wooster Street, New York. You can see it today. And yes, it’s the same original dirt.

So if you also like to “art” and like roomy Soho lofts filled with dirt, then you’ve found your spiritual home.

7. The Doyers Street Tunnel

In the 17^th Century, this street tunnel located in Chinatown was the escape route for those who wanted to flee from gangsters. Chinatown was a hub for smuggling, gambling, and fighting at the time. SO, this tunnel was a quick getaway for the runners.

This place was called “the bloody angle” back then, but now—rest assured—it is absolutely safe. One of the most recommended places to visit in this area is “Nam Wah tea parlor.”

8. Secret Apartment Of Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a well-known place called “the home of the Rockettes”. The tourists often go there to watch shows, but usually, they are not aware of a special secret of New York hidden inside. A secret chamber. Ok, not really…but kinda. It’s a secret apartment.

This place was built for a famous entrepreneur of the city named Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel who owned theaters in New York. Many famous actor/actresses used to visit him in this beautiful apartment featuring a 20-feet high ceiling. No one lived at this place after Roxy’s heart attack in 1936, and now it is used for events.

9. El Sabroso

In the industrial dock of Midtown, Manhattan there is a signboard with “El Sabroso” written over it. It is a Latin food place where you will find super delicious Latin cuisine. Food is the main part of your visit to any place in the world (or at least it is for me and my hungry stomach).

You can find the latest American cuisines in every corner of the city. However, most of them taste the same and if you want to try something new, visit this secret spot of NYC.

The freshly cooked lamb meat will satisfy your appetite just by looking at it (literally impossible, but I’ve got to make this sound amazing). Some people can’t find this amazing place because it’s tucked away from the main walkways. If you ever go looking for this place, head into the freight entrance at 265 West 37^th Street.

It’s highly rated and, in all honesty, has become more popular in recent years, but it’s still worth the visit.

10. The Cloisters

This might be the best secret spot in New York City. It’s basically a museum situated in Fort Tryon Park that is all about medieval European architecture and arts—with a special focus on the Gothic and Romanesque periods.

It almost feels like a magnificent European castle. Here you’ll get the chance of witnessing over 2,000 works and pieces from ancient Europe. If you are done with the hustle and bustle of city museums, then go to this secret spot. The breathtaking view of Rose Pink Garden and Cuxa Cloister inside the museum are sure to enhance your time here.

11. Sunshine Laundromat

Exploring the secret hidden gems of New York by yourself or with homies? Don’t miss this place. This is a bar located in one of the most hidden places in the city.

When you go to Sunshine Laundromat, don’t be phased if you can’t find anything else other than laundry machines and dirty clothes. Go inside the place and go behind the laundry area. Be confident.

You will see a left-alone dryer fixed at the ending point. Push the door, and here you go. You have entered the best place to do quirky things in NYC. There are many classic games and a limited edition pinball machines to enjoy (such as Medieval Madness). Forget the fancy gaming areas and cocktails and enjoy gaming with beer and wine.

It’s all pretty inexpensive so perfect if you’re visiting New York City on a budget.

If you are planning a visit, why not check out these secret spots in New York City? Let us know if you know of any secret spots or quirky things to do in New York which we should add to this list! Comment section is below.

Suggested next reading: 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

The post 10 Secret Spots In New York City You Need To Check Out appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Being a lot cheaper than Japan, however, this makes Jiufen a no-brainer for anyone wanting to experience Japan on a budget while near Southeast Asia.

About Jiufen, Taiwan

Jiufen is a mountain town in north Taiwan only 2 hours away from Taipei City, which makes it an ideal day trip if you’re in the area.

It was a mining town during the gold rush of the Japanese era up until the 1950s but, far from becoming a ghost town, its stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, tea houses, picturesque winding streets and vintage Japanese feel, made it a popular destination for Taiwanese and travelers.

In fact, the Japanese feel is so strong that its connection with the Japenese film, Spirited Away, cannot be ignored.

But Jiufen Taiwan has more than just one film going for it. The winner of the 1989’s Golden Lion film award, A City of Sadness, was filmed here too.

Jiufen is quite small, with only about 3,000+ inhabitants. Being a mountain town, its roads are narrow, curvy and steep. Some things you might expect to find, such as a bank, you will not find here. So bring essentials with you and don’t rely on finding it within Jiufen.

Why Is Jiufen Cheaper Than Japan?

Japan, as a whole, is quite a bit more expensive than Taiwan.

Transportation Cost

Transportation in Japan is expensive,  with a single train journey alone (e.g. from Tokyo to Osaka) setting you back around $140, whereas in Taiwan the equivalent would only set you back by around $25.

Many of the local trains from Taipei (the capital city) to surrounding areas won’t be much more than $12. Whereas the metro system in Taipei itself is also cheap, with 10 days metro use costing this blogger just $3.60.

To save money traveling around Taiwan use local trains and the metro when in cities like Taipei.

Food Cost

Moreover, food in Japan is generally more expensive than in Taiwan. Not because Japan’s food is particularly expensive, but because Taiwanese street food is so cheap due to the many night markets. We recommend eating Taiwan’s street food over restaurants because, first of all, we find them to be safer (less likely to get food poisoning!), and secondly, because it is SO much cheaper.

Most street food dishes are around $1 or $2, so you can’t go wrong with that price. Best of all, it’s more authentic and what the locals do themselves.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation usually costs a fair amount in Japan and, even if you are lucky enough to find a budget hotel, in comparison to Taiwan, you’ll be forking out more to spend the night.

You can find some great Airbnbs within Taipei for as low as $25 per night.

How Do I Get To Jiufen From Taipei?

1. Train

Go to Taipei Main Station (台北車站) and take the train north to Ruifang Station (瑞芳) for around NT$60 / $2. Then, exit Riufang Station, facing the “wellcome” supermarket, go straight and turn left onto Mingdeng Road.

Walk about 5 minutes/200 meters looking out for a police station, next to it is a bus stop called Local Residents Plaza (區民廣場) with the Keelung Bus 788 and 827 heading toward Jiufen. It’ll cost you about NT$20 / 50¢ to board. Stay on the bus until the last stop since it’ll drop you off near(ish) to Jiufen’s Old Street.

Once out of Riufang Station go straight and turn left onto the street in front of you. Cross the street and walk down for about 5 minutes or so until you reach a bus station. We were slightly unsure of which bus to take, so we asked the bus driver before we hopped on (I believe it was Keelung Bus 788, but double check the schedule). Stay on the bus until the last stop, which will drop you off a few minutes away from Jiufen Old Street. The train ticket is around NT$60 and the bus ticket is around NT$20.

2. Bus

A direct bus (the 965) leaves Banqiao Bus Station in the Banqiao district of New Taipei City and takes about 80 minutes to get there. One way, this ticket will cost you about NT$90 / $2.90 and leaves 6AM – 9PM on weekdays and 7AM – 9PM on weekends and holidays.

Alternatively, make your way to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station ((忠孝復興) at the intersection of the Brown and Blue line, and leave Exit 2. From outside the Sogo department store, you’ll be able to take the Keelung Bus 1062 to Jinguashin. (It says Junguashin, but it’ll take you to Jiufen, so no need to worry!)

This bus ticket will cost you NT$100 / $3.30 and the bus journey will take about 60 minutes, so get a good seat to spot the views!

3. Car

Of course, if money is less of a concern, you could just rent a car for the day from either IWS Car Rental or Chailease Auto Rental. The drive will take about 45 to 60 minutes.

What Is There To Do In Jiufen?

1. Jiu Fen Old Street

Be transported back into a different world by visiting the bustling old streets of Jiufen. It’ll feel like old Taiwan and old Japan all at once, and is located near Keelung’s coast with gorgeous sea views.

There are 4 streets of notable significance for you to check out: Jishan Street (particularly packed on weekends or holidays), Jianci Road, Cingbian Road, and Ciche Road.

Slow down, people watch, take it all in, and try and snap that perfect photo of hanging lanterns and Japanese-style decorations. It’ll feel like a different world!

There is also great food here too.

On the packed old streets of Jiufen there are vendors offer all kinds of Taiwanese foods such as hot or cold Taro Balls, Green tea balls, Hongzao meatballs, rice cakes, and much more. Definitely try the Taro Balls, which is popular all over Taiwan but was first created here in Jiufen in the 1940s.

Good places to grab a bite include A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll, Grandma Lai’s Yu Yuan and Ah Gan Yi Yu Yuan.

2. Do A Night Tour

If you’re the sort of person who dislikes crowds then a night tour of Jiufen may be perfect for you. You’ll get to see Jiufen in all its glory during the night and the atmosphere will be different.

Quite a few people think you can complete Jiufen in just one afternoon, but that is a mistake. Sometimes people regret not staying overnight in Jiufen and end up coming back again.

So starting your Jiufen trip with a night tour and then staying at one of the amazing guesthouses (e.g. Shanhaiguan Guesthouse / 九份山海观民宿) overnight so you can wake up bright and early to experience Jiufen in the morning is a fantastic idea!

A night tour with Klook around the night markets of Jiufen, Shifen and Keelung Miaokow would also be a great choice.

3. Visit A Tea House

Throughout the Old Street of Jiufen (though, in turn, its more like an alley) are a scattering of teahouses—squashed, hidden, and delicately placed in the middle of shops and buildings that are well worth the visit.

There is A Mei teahouse decorated with masks reminiscent of Spirited Away. Expect to hear Japenese. The author (Hayao Miyazaki) can deny Jiufen’s inspiration in the Japanese fantasy film all he wants, but this won’t stop the tourists due to the Studio Ghibli memorabilia found throughout the town.

The menu of A Mei teahouse offers a wide selection of beverages, teas and desserts. Pricey but tasty, and worth the experience.

Another teahouse of note is the Skyline teahouse. Offering pristine views of the coast and nearby mountains, this oolong-selling traditional teahouse also sells traditional Taiwanese snacks.

4. Hike Keelung Mountain (基隆山)

If just walking down the twisting, steep roads of Jiufen doesn’t satisfy your hiking needs, then a hike up Keelung Mountain is a must-do. At 588 meters high, it’s quite a challenge for newbies and will take about 2 hours in total for travel times from Jiufen and to complete it.

If you’re looking for how to get to Jiufen from Keelung to do this hike, simply either take a taxi or, alternatively, make your way to Jiu Dao station by taking the 基隆客運 KL bus from Keelung train station, or the 825 bus from Ruifang train station.

5. Check Out Shengping Theater

If movies and Baroque architecture is your thing, you ought to check out Shengping Theater.

Built in the early 1900s the theater is the oldest existing theater in Taiwan. Renovated and reopened in 2011, this theater now gives locals a chance to re-live childhood memories watching classic Taiwanese films and operas.

So go and check out an old Taiwanese movie and connect with the movie-history of Taiwan.

Jiufen Taiwan Map

Here is our interactive map of Jiufen so you can see where some of the most notable places are.

The Best Time To Visit Jiufen

If you’re going just to shop then the best time to visit Jiufen Taiwan is late morning.

If you’re going for the ambiance, experience and mood then this is best in the early morning and evening. (And, like mentioned above, spending the night is highly recommended).

What Should I Buy In Jiufen?

If you’re looking to try Taiwanese delicacies then you definitely should taste the Ah Gan Yee’ Yam Ball (阿甘姨芋圆). A warm soup (which will be nice at this colder mountain altitude anyway). We also recommend asking for the mixed version which is red peppers, yam balls in a green bean soup.

If you’re looking to bring something home with you then good souvenirs include cups, bags, fans, plushy teddies, and lots of silk products—the embroidery on these silks are excellent and will make a great gift.

A recommended tea to order in teahouses would be Jin Xuan Oolong Tea (金宣茶).

A Day Trip To Shifen

Nearby to Jiufen, another day trip worth doing from Taipei is Shifen. You can either spend a few days in Jiufen and go to Shifen as well or do it separately from Jiufen altogether.

Possessing its own Old Street, Shifen also features the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfalls.

A Day Trip To Jinguashi

Another worthy day trip is the mining town of Jinguashi, again not far from Jiufen.

Featuring one of the hardest hikes in Northern Taiwan called Teapot Mountain (茶壺山), Jinguashi also contains the Gold Museum which looks at Taiwan’s fascinating gold mining history, and also the Golden Waterfall which, although not flowing in gold, is an extraordinary scene of nature and definitely worth visiting.

Are you going on a trip to Jiufen soon? Tell us how it goes and share your experience and tips in the comment section below!

Suggested next reading: 7 Nerdy Things To Do In Tokyo That Are SO Much Fun

The post Jiufen, Taiwan: The Budget-Friendly Japan Of Taiwan appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If you love nature, hiking, taking photos, and spontaneous road tripping amongst various and unreal landscapes, then Iceland is perfect for your dream vacay. You’ve likely seen some #icelandroadtrip breathtaking pics on the interwebs, but nothing compares to seeing Iceland’s nature in person. You need to touch it, smell it, drive it, and hike it all for yourself!

Be it solo travel, with friends, or with that random stranger you meet while buying discounted booze at the duty-free shop in the airport, an Iceland road trip will offer an ultimate adventure to remember!

I was fortunate enough to venture solo on an Iceland road trip. I didn’t have much planned besides driving around and winging it. It was a breeze to run into random sights and go to places I had read about all while jamming to 90’s CDs in my cute little blue car. When the sun finally dipped down for a few hours each evening, I snoozed in campground parking lots to refresh myself for the following day’s adventures. It was perfect!

But looking for things to do? Here are 7 reasons to hop out of your car during your Iceland road trip:

1. Walk around Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, will remind you of a 500 piece puzzle you put together at your grandmother’s house as a child. It is an adorable picturesque town where one-third of the 330,000 Icelandic residents live. It’s a perfect place to relax and wander about for a couple of days as you put together the final touches on your Iceland road trip itinerary.

You’ll find the small town of Reykjavik easy to navigate. Even if you don’t stay in the city center, it’s easy to get around by foot or pop into your car for a quick drive.

One of the first things you should do upon arrival is sign up for the free walking tour to learn a bit about Iceland’s history and culture. This tour will be guided by a vibrant local whose name will have too many syllables to remember. Make sure to ask your guide about Icelandic name culture! The tour is also a great way to meet other travelers and snag a new friend who wants to join in and split the cost of fuel on your Iceland road trip.

You can also head into the gorgeous glass convention center on the water, go for a pricey brew—because you deserve one—at one of the many pubs, and pop into a tourist office if you need any last minute advice for your Iceland road trip.

2. Save $$ and camp

With many campgrounds speckled around Iceland, it’s a breeze to find a place to sleep. You will find camping to be very efficient and affordable compared to snagging a dorm bed or guesthouse.

In Reykjavik you can either rent a tent, camper van, or sleep in your car. Camping across Iceland makes it easy to decide on the spot where you want to get your beauty rest or scout out the northern lights. Although the weather can be unpredictable, camping is a common way for road trippers to see the country. If weather conditions worry you, opt for a camper van rather than a tent to make sure you have a comfortable experience.

Depending on if you are in a national park or not will determine the cost of camping. I stayed for both free and very low prices while sleeping in my car with an extra warm sleeping bag.

3. Bathe in the many hot springs

The natural pools around Iceland, which will warm you up amongst the chilly weather, are perfect for any season. Iceland, being a bit of a colder vacay destination, makes sure to keep everyone happy by offering beautiful warm pools.

Less than an hour from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s worth a look if you’re ok with paying loads of cash and getting the same selfies everyone else already has. Not to say you shouldn’t go; but there are many more options that are actually affordable or free!

Seljavallalaug Pool is located in the south amongst a gorgeous backdrop of mountains. Although it can get busy, it’s a perfect place to relax, soak in the tubs, and wonder if this entire trip is all real life.

Reykjadalur hot springs take you on a mild hour-long hike up into a hillside valley. The hike may take longer as you’ll want to snap pics the whole way. Once you make it to the river, you’ll see pop up decks and changing areas and be able to soak in the mountains.

As we can go on for pages and pages raving about Iceland’s hot springs, you’ll have to check out the best ones for yourself! With over 250 geothermal areas across the country, you’ll have to go out of your way to not stumble upon a few of them.

4. Go hiking

What better way to see the beauty of Iceland by foot? Although your cozy car will give you stellar views, you will need to get out and stretch every now and then. Beware the weather and pack layers!

Whether you’re in areas just off of the ring road such as Skaftafell National Park, weaving your way up through Fjaðrárgljúfur, or completely lost in nature near Westfjords Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, you can find a hike right up your alley. You don’t have to be a pro hiker to enjoy Iceland’s nature by foot.

But make sure to pack correctly, leave no trace, and to get out of the car every now and then to truly immerse yourself into nature.

My favorite hike in Iceland was during a late afternoon near the southern town of Vik. If you look just north of the city, you see towering plateaus and a church on the hillside. Behind the church is a trail that extends vertically onto what seems to be the top of the mountain.

I was interested in seeing where it would take me. I ended up traversing the cliff sides as the sun was setting. There was not a soul in sight for the duration of my five-hour hike.

I spied on the town below and the views from the top were mindblowing. The sea to the south and neverending valleys and glaciers to the north. The serenity and peacefulness on that hike was a feeling that everyone needs to experience while traveling.

5. Snap some photos of the waterfalls

As you’re driving, you’ll be gazing at the hillsides and see waterfalls every few minutes. “Look there! Look there!” You’ll catch yourself saying out loud. Iceland promises gorgeous waterfalls all over the country. In fact, more than 10,000 waterfalls drip from the high mountains—you can’t miss them.

It’s definitely worth stepping out of your car and take advantage of that photo op. There is no selfie shame while in Iceland!

While some of those amazing waterfalls, like Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss are busy with tons of tourists year round, you can also find many others along your trip that are worth a look.

6. Picnic at the beaches

You may not be sunbathing amongst the warm seas, but that doesn’t mean you should pass up Iceland’s beaches. With summer weather peaking at a possible high of 70 degrees (25°C), you may get just a teeny glimpse of possible swimwear weather. However, the array of the unique nature of the beaches makes them perfect for visiting even in the winter. Beaches in the tropics don’t compare to the unique beaches in Iceland.

The Black Sand beach near Vik has columns of basalt rock formations. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon are both Insta-worthy. There’s also the remote Red Sands beach in the Westfjords that will not be overrun with partying tourists. Regardless of your itinerary, beaches will be with you the whole way.

“But I really wanted to surf!” Guess what; you can! Surfing the crisp waters surrounding Iceland may not be everyone’s dream, but if you’ve got the chance, go for it!

7. To top off your Iceland road trip: binge on hot dogs

Iceland is not well known for its delectable cuisine. Honestly, the most efficient way to stay fueled during your Iceland road trip is to BYO-stuff. If you can load up your bag with granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and snacks, you’re set. The food in Iceland is fairly expensive.

If you are on a budget, you should stop at the mini stops where you will fuel up and chomp on Icelandic hot dogs. “Wait what?!” You ask. Well, Iceland’s hot dogs are a thing! Everyone loves them and can afford to buy them. Those cheap, free-range, grass-fed, organic, lamb-meat, delicious hot dogs will sustain you throughout your Iceland road trip.

“Will those sustain you for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner?” you ask. Welp, worked for me! Now give it a shot.

Pack your hiking boots, swimsuit, and jacket because it’s time to book that ticket for your ultimate Iceland road trip! The drive alone will offer various dashboard views of glaciers, sunsets, fjords, and greenery you’ve never seen before. You can read all about it and scroll all of the pics online, but it truly is worth visiting in person and taking it in yourself.

The country is easily accessible if you have a car or are brave enough to hitchhike. It’s safe, fun, friendly, relaxing, and great for those who need some adventure.

Suggested next reading: 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going To Iceland

The post 7 Ways To Make Your Iceland Road Trip A Truly Magical Experience appeared first on Modern Trekker.

In here, I’ve gone for Tavče Gravče, Srpska Salata, Kebapci, Mămăligă, Byrek, Pleskavica, Štruklji, and Mekici. I’ll be explaining more about each one just below! But first…

What Counts As “Balkan”?

The Balkan region itself covers mainly the countries of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia) as well as the post-communist countries of Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. While from a geographic point of view, only parts of Romania, Croatia, or Slovenia are part of the region, many records nonetheless consider these countries as Balkan.

Some records also include Greece and the European part of Turkey (including half of Istanbul) in the Balkan region. From a gastronomic point of view though, Greece’s gastronomy is mostly related to Mediterranean food while Turkey has influences from the Middle East.

This debate of whether somewhere is Balkan or not can be infinitely discussed. For the sake of some common features though, I’ll focus on the traditional Balkan dishes that historically and genuinely represent the essence of the Balkans. This is mainly because, until two hundred years ago, most of the countries in this region were part of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore many traditional dishes in the Balkans have Ottoman influences, use similar types of ingredients, and similar recipes.

The Best Balkan Food

Here are 8 of the most popular and best Balkan foods that you will find throughout the region. Some of them can be found in a variety of forms in multiple countries, whereas some are popular only in a certain region. Make sure you’ve eaten before reading this article!

1. Tavče Gravče

Tavče gravče is oven-cooked white fresh beans, in a sauce flavored with dry red pepper and bay leaves. The dish has a special taste if cooked and served in special earthenware. It’s a classic comfort-food and simply one of the best foods in the Balkans.

Tavče gravče is a national and staple dish in Macedonian cuisine (and popular in the Northern part of Greece too), but it is also a staple of Serbian food and Bosnian cuisine as well.

2. Srpska Salata

Srpska salata is very popular in Serbia and it is made of raw peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed with oil, vinegar and sometimes even hot chili.

A similar, more widespread variant is the Šopska salata, which is made of tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, topped with grated or diced white brine cheese (sir or sirinje). This is the traditional Bulgarian salad and also the national Macedonian salad, so you will find it extensively in these two neighboring countries.

Šopska salata is very similar to the traditional Greek salad, but this last one is served with diced feta cheese which gives a slightly different taste.

3. Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi

Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi are some of the favorite foods in the Balkans. They are spicy minced meatballs of lamb, beef or pork, well grilled. Usually served in groups of five to ten pieces, they can be paired with fried potatoes or simply with bread (in some regions flatbread) and often chopped onions, kajmak (a special type of sour cream), or ajvar (a pepper-based condiment made from red bell peppers and oil).

Kebapci have their origins during the Ottoman period and this is why they are so popular in southeastern Europe (which was under the Turkish rule for quite a long time).

They are easy to find especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, but can also be ordered on menus in Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania…not to mention this is also a Croatian food too. You can’t miss this food in the Balkans!

In Romania, mici are similar to kebapci, but they are bigger in size and the recipe and taste are slightly different, so you should try both of them to accurately experience the difference. Which one is the best Balkan food? We’ll let you decide!

4. Mămăligă Cu Brânză Şi Smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is one of the national Romanian dishes. It is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush served with white sheep cheese and fresh sour cream. Polenta is usually hearty and fills your stomach, but just be on the safe side, you can also order it topped with fried eggs and paired with scallions or chopped red onion.

You can find polenta with cheese as a main dish in many restaurants throughout Romania, but simple polenta is also popular as a side dish for other courses. It is also cooked a lot in family homes and, if you hike in the mountains, stop at a sheepfold and ask for their polenta—it has a special flavor when cooked on a wood fire.

Be curious and read more about different variants of serving polenta and other Romanian foods here.

5. Burek / Byrek

Burek or byrek is a delicious filo-pastry pie stuffed with cheese, spinach, potato, minced meat or even mushrooms. Byrek is traditionally prepared in a large pan, then cut into smaller pieces after baking and served as individual pastries (usually they have the form of a triangle).

This ubiquitous snack is mostly served cold or hot with yogurt for breakfast. It’s so hearty that you can eat it for lunch too if you’re in a hurry.

Byrek is originally from Anatolia (a province in current Turkey) and it is widely found in the cuisines of the Balkan countries. In the former Yugoslavian countries, stop at the shops with pekara (this means “bakery” in Slavic languages) written on the street-front and snack cheaply on a burek or two. If you try a burek of each type, you’d have to be very hungry as they are quite filling and nourishing.

Burek can be also found in Albanian cuisine in different variants. It is usually stuffed with cheese, ground meat, spinach and eggs, as well as with tomato and onions, peppers and beans, potato or pumpkin.

6. Pleskavica

Pleskavica is spiced meat patty made of pork, beef or lamb, which is well grilled on both sides. It is a hearty main course, usually served with chopped onions, a big spoon of kajmak (a type of very tasty, clotted milk cream), French fries or simply with bread (in some regions it is popularly paired with a big flatbread, like a hamburger). When stuffed with cheese it’s called pleskavica sharri, and the melted cheese has a special taste that can’t be compared with anything else.

The origin of this Balkan food is Serbia, but this spicy hamburger is easy to find in one form or another throughout the Balkans. You can find it in all of the former Yugoslavian countries, but it’s popular mostly in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo.

It is big enough to fill your stomach for half a day, and sometimes even for a whole day. So keep that in mind when you order it and don’t choose anything for the dessert until you have eaten the big pleskavica in your plate!

7. Štruklji

Štruklji are rolled pastries that are either baked or cooked and, depending on the filling, can be sweet or savory. Particularly popular in Slovenian cuisine, it was once a Balkan food reserved for special occasions but now is one of the most featured foods in Slovenian homes.

Zagorski Štrukli is its traditional Croatian relative since Štruklji itself goes all the way back to the 16^th Century and probably beyond. However, it is in Austria that it first makes its definitive appearance in history in a recipe left behind by a chef in Graz, Austria’s second largest city, in the year 1589.

Fillings that are typical for Štruklji include tarragon (this was actually used in the aforementioned chef’s original recipe), poppy seeds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and apple.

8. Mekici

Mekici are soft, traditional Bulgarian donuts, with the kneaded dough made with deep fried yogurt. In Serbian cuisine they are called mekike. The best way to describe them is perhaps to compare them to a British Yorkshire pudding, although Mekici are usually eaten in the morning, whereas Yorkshire puddings are eaten for lunch or dinner.

The risen dough is torn into pieces, then fried in oil and, once fully fried, powdered with icing sugar. Jam is usually garnished on the top. If you’re looking for the best Balkan food for dessert or a snack, this is a great contender.

They are quite similar to lángos, which is a deep-fried dough popular in Hungarian cuisine. However, lángos are usually served with ketchup or mayonnaise, whereas mekici are not since they tend to be sweet. Despite this, sometimes mekici are garnished with sirene (brined white cheese).

 best Balkan food comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout the whole region…did we miss any on our list? Comment below if you know of other authentic Balkan foods, or want to share your impression of eating these foods with us!

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 8 Best Balkan Foods That’ll Make Your Mouth Water appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If, like me, you’re unable to watch highly-trained athletes fly head-first down a mountainside on a metal tray without some small, reptilian part of your brain thinking, “I could do that”, well—sorry. You really couldn’t.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t try some adrenaline-pumping, alternative sports this Winter. There are actually loads of ways to enjoy the season beyond the usual sledding, skiing and snowboarding options, many of which require little to no experience to try.

We’ve pulled together a list of our 7 favorite underrated winter sports to help inspire you on your way. They’re not all Olympic sports—at least not yet—but they’re all guaranteed to give you experiences you’ll never forget.

1. Bobsled

For adrenaline-seekers, there can’t be many experiences to compete with the thrill of battling 4g centrifugal forces as you rush down the ice at 90mph, your head clattering around like an egg in a washing machine, the sound of thunder in your ears.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq24iG7HjjS/

It’s amazing to think that couch-potatoes like us could be allowed to try such things, but indeed we are. That doesn’t mean you’ll get to drive or brake, of course, but there are two vacant spots waiting for you and another fearless friend in the middle of the sled, for around $115 per person.

Our European readers can book their experience with Olympiaworld in Innsbruck, Austria; or with the Olympia Bob Run in St. Moritz, Switzerland. North American readers can try the Whistler Blackcomb run near Vancouver, Canada.

2. Wok Racing

The sport the world never knew it needed, Wok Racing, the brainchild of German TV presenter Stefan Raab, is quickly gaining a devoted following. Part of the appeal no doubt comes from the fact that it’s a safer and less bone-rattling alternative to the luge, but I’d wager an even larger part of the appeal is that it makes for an awesome story to share over a festive dinner.

”What did you do over the holidays?“

“Not much. Slid down an Olympic bobsleigh track in a wok. The usual.”

Book here.

3. Ski Jump

Ski jumping is such a niche skill, you have to wonder how people come to learn it. The good news is you don’t have to join a club or practice from an early age to get started. The Skisprungschule, in Austria, provides budding aeronauts with the chance to test their mettle—and their knee joints—on a number of jumps throughout Austria.

Granted, you won’t be jumping from anything like the height you see on the TV, but you will jump from 10 meters to begin with or 20 meters by the end of the day if you pick up the skills. Get it right and you’ll be a hero to your friends; get it wrong and you’ll be a photo opportunity for your friends. Either way, you’ll have a blast.

Details here.

4. Ski Biking

To be totally honest, I’d never even heard of Ski Biking until recently. Now that I’ve seen it I can’t believe it’s not everywhere. As someone whose enjoyment of winter sports is tempered by the fact I can NEVER remain VERTICAL, Ski Biking is a bit of a revelation. It’s kind of hard to describe in words, so I’ll let the experts show you how it’s done.

It’s a relatively new sport but, given that it’s basically possible for anyone who can ride a bike, it’s an easy way to enjoy the slopes if you’re not much good on your own two feet. Many ski resorts rent out bikes for around $30 a day, so search online for a destination near you if you want to be ahead of the next trend.

Four skis good, two skis bad.

5. Ice Driving

Cars are dangerous objects that require us to be responsible adults, but imagine you could get behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 rally car and slide it around on a frozen lake in Scandinavia; all the pressures of adulthood melt away like fresh-fallen snow and you’ll be as giddy as a child again.

You’ll get to test your driving skills to the limit and pick up some tips from the professionals while you’re at it. However, it’s not cheap. At around $1000 for a day’s driving you’ll need to dig deep, but it’s a truly bucketlist worthy experience that you’ll never stop talking about afterward.

There are a few operators working in Norway and Sweden, but we’d suggest booking with Ice Driver.

If money really is no object, then you can even pay for the privilege of putting the McLaren 570S supercar through its paces, deep in the Arctic circle. It’s quite literally one of the coolest driving experiences ever.  

6. Dog Sledding

If you prefer your alpine thrills a little more organic, dog-sledding is the obvious choice. The relationship between people and dogs have been tested in these harsh climates for hundreds of years and the fact that dogs are still used in many parts of the world, even in this technological age, is a testament to the bond we share with our furry friends.

Dog sledding is a serene and mindful way of experiencing the world around us, and lucky riders may even have their patience rewarded with the glimpse of a wolf, moose or even an arctic fox. European readers can try short or multi-day opportunities in Kiruna, Sweden, whereas North American readers can head to Winterlake Lodge, Alaska, or Whitehorse, Canada, for the best experiences.

7. Biathlon

Most of the winter sports we’ve mentioned so far have been pretty high-octane, but that doesn’t mean they all have to be. If you’re looking for an activity that will get you some exercise in the great outdoors whilst testing your endurance, patience and mental strength, why not consider having a go at the biathlon?

Even if you consider yourself a bit of a sharp shot, you’ll find it’s a whole different challenge keeping a steady hand in icy conditions after skiing several miles.

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A post shared by Thierry Langer (@thierry_langer)

Whether you hit the targets or not, next time you settle down in front of the Winter Olympics you’re sure to have a whole new level of appreciation for the athletes you’re watching. There are loads of places to try your hand in Europe, from Scotland down to Austria. North Americans are equally well provided for.

Which other underrated winter sports should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Suggested next reading: 5 Best Ski Resorts In Austria That Are Perfect For This Winter

The post 7 Underrated Winter Sports You Need To Try This Year appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The northern lights are a phenomenon visible only during the winter every year and this show occurs when particles from the sun crash into particles in our atmosphere, giving off energy as colored light. They are unpredictable and can be easily missed.

If you want to see this stunning spectacle this year or next, here are 15 things you need to consider when planning a trip to see the northern lights.

1. Timing

It is incredibly important to time your trip right if you plan to see the northern lights, and there are certain times of the year where the lights won’t show up like they do in others.

The winter season from November to February has to be the best time to see Aurora Borealis because the nights are much longer. This gives you more time to see the lights dancing in the sky before the sun comes up.

Despite common belief, coldness has nothing to do with seeing the Aurora Borealis. People only suggest winter because that is when it is darker longer.

2. Choose The Right Countries

Deciding where to see the northern lights could be a make or break decision in successfully seeing them. This is because some locations are better than others for seeing the northern lights. Some simply have more dramatic light displays while also being in areas where they happen more frequently.

These best places include Iceland (e.g.  Reykjavik), Greenland (e.g. Kangerlussuaq), Russia (e.g. Murmansk), Norway (e.g. Tromsø), Finland (e.g. Rovaniemi), Sweden (e.g. Abisko), Alaska (e.g. Elim), and many parts of Canada (e.g. Yellowknife, Northern Saskatchewan, Torngat Mountains National Park, etc.)

More on this topic here.

3. Check The Forecast

Like other activities such as surfing, there is a northern lights forecast available which predicts how active the northern lights will be each and every day. Before you head out it is a good idea for you to have a look at this forecast to see if you will be in for a good show or not.

Ideally, you will want the number on the scale to be Kp=3 or higher for the best chance of a great light show when the sun goes down.

4. Stay Around 5 Days

If you really want to see the northern lights, it’d be a good idea to stay in the area for around 5 days to increase your chances of seeing them.

Often the northern lights will appear for up to 3 nights in a row and then not show for a number of days, thus staying around 5 days increases your chances of seeing them in case you happen to arrive on an off-day.

5. Plan For Winter

Because the northern lights are much more visible during the winter months of the year, it is important to take the time to plan your trip and be ready for the cold weather.

It is always a good idea to check the sunrise and sunset times if you are planning a self-drive tour of the lights because driving at night in a snowy country can be pretty dangerous.

6. Self-drive?

One of the decisions you will want to make for yourself when you choose to go and see the northern lights is whether you will find a dedicated Northern Lights tour operator to join for the trip, or if you will instead simply drive yourself to the spot where you think you’ll be able to see the lights best.

It is totally a matter of personal preference and you can always think of different ways to make the most of your own northern lights trip. Of course, if you do choose a tour guide they will know the best spot to see the lights, but it is still up to you if you would rather go it alone.

If you do choose a northern lights tour, Bubble Tour and Blue Lagoon can be a good place to stay.

7. Book Ahead Of Time

If you’re traveling with someone else, then you’ll want to make sure that you get the best chance to see the northern lights together by booking your stay ahead of time.

It is always super important for you to take the time to book your holiday ahead since it will allow you to take more time to prepare for the trip, as well as ensure that you can save yourself some money on the tickets.

8. Check The Weather

The weather when you are about to go away will have a massive impact on the trip you have and your ability to see the northern lights. It stands to reason that if the sky is covered in cloud or it is raining that you won’t be able to see the lights very well, if at all, and this can be a huge annoyance.

Try to pick a day which will be clear and this will give you the best opportunity to enjoy the lights in all of their glory.

9. Expect Different Colors

The northern lights can appear in a spectrum of colors, including grays. Which means that if there are clouds in the sky, it may be hard to spot the lights if they show up as gray.

Although green is the common color, don’t be surprised to see a few others too. Now you know what to look out for!

10. Face North

Ok, so you’re already in the northern part of the world, so why bother facing north? Can’t the lights just start anywhere if you’re already north? Not necessarily.

You’re more likely to see the northern lights if you’re facing north. So, since you’ve already traveled a long way north to get there, why not just face north too?

11. Bring Snacks, Lots Of Snacks

The day will be long for you if you decide to take a walking tour of the lights through the mountains. Because of this, it is super important for you to bring along some food and some drinks to keep you healthy and energized for the hike.

When you set off for a hike you can always think about something which is high in sugar such as a Kendal mint cake or something which has a lot of protein such as a nutbar. Also, make sure you drink water in small increments to keep you hydrated but to stop you needing the restroom every few minutes.

12. Layer Up

The day and nights are going to be incredibly cold for you when you head off for your trip, and because of this, you’ll need to make sure that you bring lots of layers with you for the trip. It is a good idea for you to visit an outdoor clothing store to gather up things such as sturdy boots and socks, thermal under layers and thick pants and coats for the walk.

Don’t forget to bring items to cover your eyes and face because it can get pretty freezing in these northern countries.

13. Prepare For Walking

It is always a good idea to get away from light pollution when seeing the northern lights, and so you may need to trek a few miles away from cities to best see them.

If you haven’t walked for a while and you want to go and see the northern lights, it’d be best to practice a little bit before going. Walking in your local area and in the mountains in your own home country is a good way to get used to the idea of walking and to build up your stamina a little too.

14. Take A Camera

This one should be a no-brainer when planning a trip to see the northern lights, but don’t forget to bring a camera and a tripod! You’ll want to capture and treasure this sight forever.

Be sure to set your camera to long exposure capture to take the best shots.

15. Go For The Destination As Well As The Lights

The northern lights can be unpredictable, sometimes the aurora forecast can be at a Kp=4, but you’ll still not see anything. Moreover, sometimes you won’t even see the northern lights at all. If you were to just plan a trip to see the northern lights and that was all, this would be a huge disappointment!

To lower the potential disappointment factor, make sure the country you’re visiting to see the lights is also one you’re interested in.

Without sounding too pessimistic, plan a bulletproof holiday itinerary that doesn’t include seeing the northern lights so that, if the worst were to happen, you’d still have a good time and wouldn’t feel too short-changed.

If you’re in the middle of planning a trip to see the northern lights, we hope these 15 tips were helpful for you. Let us know how you get on and share more tips below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Best Places In The World To See The Northern Lights

The post 15 Expert Tips For Planning A Trip To See The Northern Lights appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Bustling or isolated? Loud or quiet? Big or small? Expensive or modest? Fancy or casual? There are so many different parameters for one to consider that depends on your temperament and style.

Since we don’t want to overwhelm you with an almost endless list of the best spots in romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, we decided to break it down for you—minimize it to just 15—of our top cities that all come with variety and style, and are sure to be the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.

The Most Romantic Cities For Valentine’s Day Are:

1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Santa Barbara, California
3. Quebec City, Canada
4. Cape Town, South Africa
5. Charleston, United States
6. New York City, USA
7. Venice, Italy
8. Paris, France
9. Prague, Czech Republic
10. Florence, Italy
11. Buenos Aires, Argentina
12. Kyoto, Japan
13. Rome, Italy
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Budapest, Hungary

1. Barcelona, Spain

One of the major criteria used in picking out the cities that made this list is their beauty. When it comes to the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, the beauty of Barcelona sets it apart from other cities. Trust me; nothing guarantees romance and passion like the blissful moments shared in its numerous seaside cafés, and rooftop restaurants eating tapas for two.

And with loads of attractions to see such as Sagrada Familia and the famous street, Las Ramblas, you won’t get bored exploring.

2. Santa Barbara, California

This city is called America’s Riviera for a reason—it is a city that offers the best weather for romance all year long. If you are looking for the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner, while enjoying the view as the evening sun kisses the top of the mountains, then Santa Barbara is the perfect place for you.

Santa Barbara is also renowned for its restaurants (e.g. Stella Mare’s and Zaytoon), great sights (e.g. Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Santa Barbara Harbor, etc.), and beaches (e.g. Summerland Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, Butterfly Beach, etc.).

3. Quebec City, Canada

Your Valentine’s Day celebrations here will be well spent and will leave you amazed at this beautiful city. Quebec City watches over the beautiful St. Lawrence River and, with the beautiful music from its numerous jazz bars, you can rest assured that you and your partner will have a good time.

The romance in this city is not limited to its streets; there’s a lot of fun to be had in its luxurious hotels and boutiques. Take a stroll along Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, go skating in Place D’Youville, pass the aforementioned St, Lawrence River on your way to the Château Frontenac terrace, one of the best cheese and wine bars.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

The Table Mountains, dinners, resorts and relaxing spas of Cape Town has earned it this spot as one of the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day. You can spend the whole day doing different things, yet you won’t run out of sites to see, things to do and eat in this romantic city.

Enjoy the wildlife, go horse riding on Noordhoek Beach, take a sunset boat cruise or helicopter ride with your partner to complete your experience here in one of the best cities for Valentine’s Day.

5. Charleston, United States

Talk about a city that has received lots of recognition in the US for being one of the most romantic cities for lovers! Seriously, two Nicholas Sparks films were made here. The beautiful architectural designs of the pastel-colored houses that line its streets offer the best opportunity to those that want to stoke the flame on Valentine’s Day.

This city is packed with lots of fun activities for couples such as speedboat adventures, minor league games, ice rinks, live theater, aquariums, and cooking classes. Find out more about these here,

6. New York City, USA

New York City, the city of sparkling lights. Because of its limitless opportunities, we simply couldn’t pass over New York City for our list of 15 most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day.

You could visit one of the many incredible jazz bars, picnic in Central Park, escape the busyness of the streets and see the stars at the Hayden Planetarium, check out and experience the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or even going ring shopping with your special someone at the Diamond District (if you’ve not yet popped the question).

7. Venice, Italy

You can’t list the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day around the world, without thinking about the city of the Casanova. Everything in this amazing city is designed to make you fall a hundred times over in love. A great many people have found love in this city, and more do every day.

Are you looking for memorable experiences with your special someone? The gondola rides through Venice’s many canals, the many quaint places you could share gelato or pizza, places to watch opera, places to dine such as Cantina Do Spade, or simply getting lost in the many winding streets of Venice—you won’t be short of options!

8. Paris, France

I’m fairly certain that you’ve been waiting with patience to see if this city will feature as one of our most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day. The fact that most people travel from different countries to pop the “will you marry me” question in this city, should tell you something. And so, here it is.

Paris is certainly one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day in Europe, not just for its Eiffel Tower that offers an amazing view at night, but for numerous neighborhoods each with their own charm.

Romantic ideas include picnicking at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, taking a cruise during the sunset on the river Seine, eating somewhere fancy like Hôtel Plaza Athénée, or watching a classic movie at Le Champo.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

This amazing city is home to many castles, cathedrals and amazing structures that make the light bounce of their roofs at night—which is when the city truly comes alive. This city is one of the perfect places to go if you fancy a magical stroll at night.

You and your partner can have a good time by taking a walk through its romantic old town and winding cobblestoned streets, or better yet, by being pulled by a horse and carriage. Going to the symphony at Municipal House or seeing the opera are also great choices.

10. Florence, Italy

Florence is a city overflowing with the magnificent architecture and stunning works of art. If a thousand lists were made for the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, I am fairly certain that Florence will make the cut on each of them.

Be sure to check out Florence’s romantic gardens: Giardino Bardini, Giardino delle Rose, or Giardino di Boboli. All are beautiful. And the places to eat are boundless—seriously, most places will be quaint and special.

11. Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you’re looking for Valentine Day weekend getaways, Buenos Aires is a great option for anyone in America. From fantastic romantic eateries like Aramburu, Toro 777, and i Latina, to places to visit like the magnificent Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, to and escaping the noise at the beautiful Paseo El Rosedal gardens, this city is the embodiment of a romantic Valentine’s Day retreat.

12. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is packed with beautiful gardens and mesmerizing verdant spaces that will help you spend some quality time with your special someone, while also experiencing something different and exotic.

There are also great temples and shrines in Kyoto that will cure your wanderlust. Seriously, history nerds will love Kyoto. And not to mention, the Japanese people around Kyoto are compassionate, somewhat reserved, detail-oriented, and a joy to meet.

13. Rome, Italy

Needless to say, Rome is the place where lovers go to stoke the flame of their romance. This is a city overflowing with old-world glamour. Everything in this city inspires romance—walking on the pavements of its historical streets, eating in the luxurious sidestreet restaurants, sipping a drink with your partner in the open-air bars—everything in the city exudes romance.

From connecting with the ancient past of Catholicism and the Roman Empire, to eating gelato and pizza (the wine is also very good and cheap!), to marveling at all the architecture, you’ll love it here even if it is a bit crowded at times.

The city is so dripping with culture and history that you won’t know where to begin, so plan ahead what you’ll do in advance before visiting, perhaps, the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

14. Istanbul, Turkey

Alternatively, what better place can you pick to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a city where the setting of the sun literally changes the color of the sky?

Istanbul is not just popular for its incredible sunset; there are additionally numerous romantic spots to see. Take a ferry out to the Prince Islands, sit along the shore of the Bosphorus, be absorbed in culture and history at Hagia Sofia and the Grand Bazaar, or go underground at the Basilica Cistern.

15. Budapest, Hungary

The streets of this city are filled to the brim with gorgeous 19^th Century structures and architecture that exude romance. It is well renowned as one of the best cities in the world to enjoy music and food. This city is home to many luxurious hotels and cafés such as Corinthia Hotel Budapest and Walzer Café or Asztalka.

Regardless of whether you are taking a dip in the thermally heated pool, Szechenyi Bath,  or taking a walk with your partner, you’ll have a great time going here this Valentines Day.

What has been your experience of these cities? Or are there any more romantic cities for Valentine’s Day that you feel that we missed out? Comment and share your experiences/tips below!

Suggested next reading: 3 Romantic Paradises You Need to Try

The post 15 Most Romantic Cities That Are Perfect For Valentine’s Day appeared first on Modern Trekker.