One of the best parts about the summer is enjoying the extra hours of sunlight by hanging out with friends and listening to great music outside. No matter what type of music you enjoy listening to, there is probably a summer music festival out there for you. Festivals happen all over the world and all year long, depending on where they are held. However, summer seems to bring these festivals out in force. So, check out the festivals below, get outside, and enjoy the music.

Wakarusa Music Festival

This music festival in Ozark, Arkansas, will be happening soon, so if you are interested in attending it, you should purchase your tickets soon. Not only will you be able to enjoy live music outside, but you can participate in a costume parade, enjoy yoga every morning of the festival, learn to use a hoola hoop to focus your flow and movement, participate in a disc golf tournament, and enjoy a number of other activities. The festival takes place from May 30^th to June 2^nd. You will be able to see bands like Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, Dispatch, and many others.

Bonnaroo

As one of the most popular summer music festivals in the world, Bonnaroo gets a lot of press, so you might have heard of it before. However, you may not know what else goes on during the four-day festival. Bonnaroo, which takes place from June 13^th to the 16^th, provides festival-goers with a game lounge, chances to try new beers, a festival newspaper, a movie tent, art, a comedy tent, and a lot of other opportunities that are unique to Bonnaroo. This year’s lineup is huge and includes musicians and bands such as: Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Wilco, and a lot of other great music. Chris, a blogger who runs I Love Bonnaroo, offers some advice on staying hydrated: “The 5 gallon jugs at the grocery store are cheap and easy to manage. We brought one for each person and added extra for the camp shower.” Make sure you stay hydrated in Tennessee’s hot summer air.

Rock Werchter

As an older and more established music festival, Rock Werchter takes place every summer in Belgium. This year, the music festival will take place July 4^th through the 6^th. What started as a small rock and blues festival in the 1970s has turned into a huge four-day event that has featured some of the world’s most popular music. While this festival does not offer as many additional activities as Bonnaroo, you will certainly have the opportunity to see some amazing bands and musicians. This year’s music line-up includes artists such as Green Day, The National, Sigur Ros, Vampire Weekend, and Kings of Leon. This festival is really worth the travel.

Snowy Mountains of Music

While this unique festival happens in Australia, it actually takes place in snowy mountain fields, which provides an extremely unique way to enjoy the live music. The festival will take place from June 7^th to June 10^th. At the festival, you will be able to take advantage of intimate acoustic sessions, get up and dance around to some flowing rhythms, and as always, enjoy some late night jam sessions. Some of the artists at this year’s festival include Between the Wars, The Brass Knuckle Brass Band, The Con Artists, and Rapskallion.

Belsonic

Held every year since 2008, Belsonic is an outdoor music festival that takes place is Belfast, Northern Ireland. The concert, while not as large as some others, has seen acts in the past such as The Flaming Lips, David Guetta, Vampire Weekend, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Paramore. The festival will take place from August 16^th to the 28^th this year, and you will be able to enjoy bands like The Lumineers, Bullet for My Valentine, and many others that have not yet been announced.

As you start searching for a music festival this summer, be sure you keep your options open. If you have been going to the same festival for years, then maybe it is time to branch out and try a new one. You never know what music you may discover.

The possible destinations for your summer vacation are almost limitless, and when you start reviewing your options, the choice can be difficult. The best way to begin is by deciding on a region of the country or the world that you want to visit. Have you thought about somewhere in the Caribbean? This region offers a range of vacation experiences, from all-inclusive resorts to activities like hiking and snorkeling. It all comes down to what you want to do, so make a list of the things you are looking for, and consider the following seven Caribbean destinations for your summer vacation.

Take a Cruise

If you end up having trouble deciding on one spot, then taking a cruise may be your best option. Traveling the Caribbean on a cruise ship means you are not tied down to one specific location. You can experience multiple destinations, meet a lot of new people, and take part in some amazing activities. From snorkeling to scuba diving, to playing golf to hiking Mayan ruins, a Caribbean cruise has something to offer everyone.

Cayman Islands

This island chain provides travelers with a beautiful setting for relaxation and exploration. For those interested in all-inclusive resorts and pre-planned activities, consider staying on Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands. For those that are slightly more free-spirited and looking for less crowded areas in which they can explore and enjoy their time, then consider visiting Cayman Brac or Little Cayman.

Aruba

You might have heard of this majestic island but never really thought you would travel there yourself. However, if you love the beach or any ocean activities, Aruba is the place for you so consider a visit. Once on the island, you will find pristine white beaches and incredibly clear ocean waters. If you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, then you will be able to see some amazing ocean life, be able to get up close and personal with some coral, and have the opportunity to explore shipwrecks. Blogger Chad Bordes has this to say about a trip to Aruba: “Their license plates read ‘One Happy Place’ and I would have to agree.”

Puerto Rico

This United States territory is a great place to go to explore and relax. One of the biggest perks of traveling to Puerto Rico is that U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter the country, and they do not need to exchange currency. Besides these conveniences, Puerto Rico offers beaches with 20-foot waves perfect for surfers and clear waters suited for snorkeling. The island itself is home to some fascinating history and historical places like El Morro, an old fortress, and contemporary ones, like Calle del Cristo, an art district with shopping, galleries, and restaurants.

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Looking for a more culturally minded trip? The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis provide travelers with wonderful cultural experiences and both of the islands are rarely ever crowded. In fact, the island of Nevis does not have even a single traffice light. Depending on the time of year you travel, you will find carnivals and festivals that all have something to do with islands. You will also find grayish-black sand beaches, which is rare for the Caribbean.

Antiqua

While almost every Caribbean island has a beach that everyone can enjoy, some argue that the beaches of Antiqua beat all others. Why? Antigua is home to 365 different beaches. While you may enjoy the food, sights, shopping, and culture that the island has to offer, you will fall in love with the beaches. With so many beach options, you are sure to find the perfect spot for your favorite beach activity.

Guadeloupe

Comprising two islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, the Guadeloupe Islands are diverse and have alot to offer travelers. The bigger island, Grande-Terre, is mostly flat and dry, but has high hills and luscious vegetation in the southern part of the island. Basse-Terre is even flatter and is home to banana plantations. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both huge attractions here, and you will find warm waters and calming trade winds on all of the beaches.

 

Preparing for your wedding can be pretty stressful, and sometimes planning the honeymoon can add even more stress. However, by focusing on the excitement of discovering a new destination and your time away as newlyweds, your planning can turn from stress-filled to stress-free. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, here are seven honeymoon destinations for you to consider.

Thailand

Whether you are looking for a relaxing trip or an adventure, Thailand has a lot to offer. Home to some of best beaches and spas in the world, Thailand can be a great place for the newlywed couple. If you are seeking adventure on your honeymoon, then you can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and trekking though the jungle. There are several different tours that you can participate in, each designed to share the beauty and history of the country and its landscape.

Cook Islands

Composed of fifteen different islands and located between New Zealand and Hawaii, the Cook Islands offer a great place to honeymoon. Choose from twenty different hotels and resorts that all offer unique views and experiences for those that choose to stay here. Along with amazing food, shopping, and plenty of entertainment, you can expect beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to explore the islands by boat, four-wheeler, and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Aruba

Named by Brides Magazine as one of the top honeymoon locations in the world, Aruba is a place where the sun shines almost every day of the year with temperatures in the 80s coupled with wonderful breezes. Choose from eight different beaches, one of which has been named in the top ten beaches in the world. Besides delicious food and fun shopping, you can expect to experience wildlife, go on jeep tours, relax at a spa, or enjoy the island from the water.

Jamaica

One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, Jamaica is home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts. When you choose an all-inclusive resort, everything you could need or want will be easily accessible at hand. However, you also have the option to stay at a hotel or smaller resort. Do not worry, though, you will still have plenty of opportunities to go explore. Blogger Jane at In the Pink & Green had this to say about staying at a smaller resort: “There was a tour company that came to the resort with all different activities that you could sign up for, and although we enjoy just relaxing at the hotel, it was nice to get out and try some new things.”

Michigan

For those looking for a honeymoon that may be a little less traditional and away from the beach, Michigan provides some great places to visit and stay. Whether you are looking to stay in a city like Grand Rapids, Detroit, something quaint like New Holland, or a cabin out in the middle of nowhere, Michigan really has a lot to offer. Some of the country’s best wineries and breweries are located in Michigan, but that certainly is not all there is to do. If you enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, then this might just be the place for you.

Costa Rica

Rising in popularity for several years now, Costa Rica is a vacation you will never forget. While many locations around the world provide newlyweds with a diverse offering of activities, none of them compare to Costa Rica. With pristine beaches, small towns, and jungles to hike through, Costa Rica is adventure and relaxation all rolled into one. If you decide on Costa Rica for your honeymoon, then you will want to make sure you visit at least one of the three hundred beaches and take a hike through Monteverde’s Cloud Forest.

France

If beaches are not your thing, and you do not care about the outdoors that much, then perhaps you should consider taking a trip to one of Europe’s premier destinations. Whether you make it to Paris or not, France is a diverse country that is home to excellent food, world class shopping, amazing cities, and wonderful people. Take a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower, visit the small towns of Provence, or enjoy a stay at one of the many resorts along the French Riviera.

No matter where you decide to travel for your honeymoon, make sure you plan a trip that you will never forget. This is your time to relax and enjoy time well earned with your new spouse. Bon voyage!

 

In February, when many people are digging themselves out from another snowfall, travelers often dream of someplace tropical. Soaking in the sun on some exotic beach while sipping a drink with a little umbrella in it seems like a great idea after spending an hour or more shoveling your driveway. But there is another sort of traveler, a more adventurous sort, who finishes their driveway and asks themselves, “Where can I go where there’s more snow?” For those people, a Trip to Alaska may be the answer.

Do Your Research

Bill White has spent a lot of time in the 49^th state and knows his way around. “A lot of people don’t realize how vast the state is,” he says. “You’re talking about an area that’s nearly two and half the size of Texas, so there’s a lot to see.” Another way to sum it up is that Rhode Island could fit into Alaska nearly 424 times. If you’re going, you should have a plan.

Nature Travel

Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful scenery the United States has to offer. When looking into a trip to Alaska, the opportunities to experience the state’s natural beauty are seemingly endless. If getting out in nature is your idea of a great vacation, Alaska’s 54 million wild acres, 15 national parks and 6640 miles of coastline has you covered. One of the top sights on the list is the Aurora Borealis, which can be seen very clearly in Alaska.

“When you see it in person for the first time it’s spooky. The way it floats is scary,” White says. “If you’re outside on a cold clear night the movements are surreal. It’s like you’re waiting for something to reach out and grab you.”

White also recommends the Chena Hot Springs Resort about an hour outside of Fairbanks. In addition to the springs, which boast healing mineral waters, the resort offers package deals that include dog sled rides and tours of the Aurora Ice Museum. Imagine soaking in a hot spring while soaking up the view of the Northern Lights above!

“Anyone who goes to Alaska has to try Chena Hot Springs,” says White.

Must See Sights

Another great way to see the state is by rail. The Alaska Railroad and other companies offer tours all year that can expose you to some of Alaska’s best scenery while enjoying the fun of rail travel.

History buffs may enjoy the Golden Circle tour, which takes travelers to old gold rush towns. This is a popular RV trip and encompasses five cities in the Yukon. Some really adventurous travelers do the tour on a bicycle.

Many Alaskan communities are accessible by car, so to really get off the beaten path, consider cruising the Alaska Marine Highway. The highway is celebrating 50 years of service in 2013 and offers multiple tours throughout the state.

Visitors to Anchorage won’t want to miss the Alaska Mint, which has been creating jewelry, commemorative coins and other unique items for years.

For kids of all ages, White recommends a visit to North Pole Alaska. It’s Christmas all year long in this community that features candy cane light poles and Santa Claus Lane. Make sure to visit the Santa Claus House to check in on the reindeer and say hello to St. Nick himself.

Organized Tours

If you prefer to have someone else handle the details for your trip to Alaska, there are many options to choose from. Numerous companies offer tours of Alaska catering to nature lovers.

For a whirlwind tour, consider The Alaskan Experience Tour offered by Alaska-travel.net. This is an eight day, seven night tour that will be sure to provide you with amazing experiences. The tour is highlighted by a kayak tour of Resurrection Bay, a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park to do some whale watching, bear viewing in the Cook Inlet, a “flight-seeing” tour of Mt. McKinley, a ride on the Alaska Railroad and two days in Denali National Park.

Weather

First time travelers to Alaska may be intimidated by the weather, but in reality, the climate is not much different from many other northern cities. Winters can be cold of course, but average temperatures in places like Fairbanks, Juneau and Anchorage range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit from May through September.

Alaska offers options for any traveler and provides some of the most amazing scenery in the world. Bring a sweatshirt, your camera and a sense of adventure and you won’t be disappointed.

This blog post is intended as an informational tool, not an endorsement of the companies or products mentioned.

Phil Golobish is an adventure traveler. He’s not an adventure traveler in the sense that he hits the road to go skydiving or swimming with sharks. He’s an adventure traveler in the sense that when he goes on a trip he doesn’t really do a lot of planning aside from where he’s going and when he’s coming back. Last year, Phil headed to Europe. The plan was to visit friends in Italy, then head to Bulgaria and end up in Istanbul, Turkey. Along the way, he wanted to stop in Slovenia to experience some family history.

“I don’t plan on being in Slovenia very often during my life. I was in Italy, on my way to Bulgaria, and I figured I’d do Slovenia really quick just so I can say that I touched foot in my ancestors’ homeland once in my life.”

Phil ended up in Koper, a small port town in the southwest of Slovenia. Koper is the oldest city in Slovenia and was part of Italy and Yugoslavia before gaining independence in 1991. But none of that was on Phil’s mind as he walked the streets of the city.

“I was looking around thinking, ‘I wonder if I’m related to him.’ If I said my name the way they would understand it, would they say, Oh yeah, they live up the hill.”

“It only recently came out that we were from Slovenia. We had always thought that we were from Croatia. I’m operating right now that it’s true that we’re from Slovenia. When I was there, people looked like me.”

Phil said his family doesn’t have extensive records of who begat whom which made tracing his history difficult.

Still, there was a certain sense of fulfillment in knowing he may have been walking in the footsteps of distant relatives. After experiencing Slovakia, Phil made his way to Sophia, the capital city of Bulgaria, to visit a friend working with the Peace Corps. She’s currently stationed in the town of Karnobat, which is on the east coast of the country near the Black Sea. During the 5 hour train ride, Phil unexpectedly experienced a bit of Bulgarian culture.

“I was on a train Sophia to Karnobat and I’m in a car with two elderly Bulgarian women. The way they command everything around them is not something I’m used to. I’ve never met these women before and they’re basically telling me how to sit and how to act and then midway through the train ride, they change clothes right in the middle of the train.”

“They call elderly Bulgarian woman Babas and everyone has their own Baba story. So mine is these super rigid, ‘kinda mean and strict Babas in this train car are telling me what to do and then thinking it’s ok to just change clothes right in front of me.”

Eastern Europe is home to lot of myths and legends, most notable among them are vampires. But Phil’s train ride was further hampered by fears of another sort. “Older Bulgarians have this legend that there is a wind spirit that takes your life away. It’s called Techeniye. So you’ll be on a train and there’s no air conditioning and everybody’s afraid of Techeniye. It’s wind that comes in through a window. The Babas won’t open the window because they’re afraid that Techeniye is going to come in and steal their soul.” But despite battling the heat on the train and fear of Techeniye, the trip was extremely rewarding, in large part because of the people Phil met along the way.

“The amount of weird serendipitous stuff that happens when you’re trying to get places is really kind of cool. You’ll meet a bunch of cool people like the Babas on the train. Then you’ll also meet somebody who has absolutely no business helping you. They’ll say, ‘OK, you don’t speak Bulgarian and I don’t speak English. Let’s make this work.’”

“It was cool and it’s a way to begin 50% of the conversations I have until I go on my next trip.”

“When I was in Bulgaria…”

The United States offers thousands of travel destinations for families. A trip to Disney is almost a rite of passage for many children. Throw in New York, Washington D.C., Yellowstone and other natural wonders and the obligatory beach vacation and you could spend the rest of your life touring the U.S. and not see everything. But many parents long to expose their kids to the wonders the rest of the world has to offer. Unfortunately, that can get expensive in a hurry. Finding Cheap International Family Vacations can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Where to go

When searching for cheap International family vacations, destination is one of the biggest considerations. Lots of parents would love to take their kids to Rome, but Italy, like most of Western Europe, can be costly. When budget is a concern, think tropical.

Beach resorts often offer package deals which can save families a lot of money. Search for all-inclusive deals that cover your flight and hotel. Depending on your destination, some of these packages will also include meals and activities as well. Whether your choice is Cancun, The Bahamas, or Central America, package deals are easy to come by. Do your homework and you can save a lot of money.

Cruises are another great way for families to save money while traveling internationally. Cruise costs vary depending on your destination and which cruise line you take, but there are many things that are usually included with your ticket. As a general rule, all meals are included on a cruise, along with use of the facilities like workout rooms and most of the on-board entertainment like shows and kids programs.

You will pay extra for internet access, tips, photographs taken by cruise staffers and a host of other smaller items. Most cruise lines will offer complimentary coffee, tea, milk and juice, but soft drinks and alcohol will cost extra and can add up quickly. You may be able to purchase daily soft drink passes at the beginning of the trip which can add up to big savings.

Search for the best deals and make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t included with your ticket to avoid a costly mistake.

If you have your heart set on Europe, it can still be an option. Places like Ireland and many Eastern European countries are a lot less expensive than traditional destinations like France, Italy or England.

Where to Stay

If a cruise or all-inclusive beach locale isn’t your choice, you’re going to need to find accommodations once you reach your destination. If you’re traveling to Europe, check out Eurapart, which lists budget options for hotels, train and rail passes, and even information about long-term rentals. Another great option is Airbnb, which allows travelers to rent rooms, apartments, or even entire houses from private individuals at greatly reduced rates. The site offers rentals from Paris, Texas (really) to Paris, France.

The other big advantage of renting an apartment or house is the ability to prepare your own meals which can mean big savings and also allow you to become a temporary resident of your destination.

What to Pack

Believe it or not, packing correctly can save you money. According to the fee schedule on Delta Airlines website on January 7, 2013, a family of four each checking two bags each could pay as much as $650 in baggage fees alone on a round trip to Europe. PACK LIGHT! Once you know where you’re staying, check to see if you can rent or borrow things like irons, hair dryers, curling irons, etc. In some instances, it may be less expensive to purchase items like small appliances and even clothing once you reach your destination than to bring them with you. In addition, if you purchase a hair dryer abroad you won’t have to worry about a power converter and you can simply leave it behind when it’s time to go home.

Cheap international family vacations are still possible and the experiences you share with your family can last a lifetime.

One of the best parts of travel is experiencing the collision of the modern and ancient worlds. The ability to seemingly travel backwards in time by walking a few blocks is something that can only be experienced in certain places in the world. One of those places is Bangkok. The capital city of Thailand dates back to the fifteenth century, but didn’t really experience rapid growth until the 1960s. As a result, the list of Bangkok Thailand Travel Destinations is a great mixture of old and new.

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Many people dread the onset of winter. Shorter days, frigid temperatures and frosty windshields can cause people to long for spring. Then there are those who relish winter and all that comes with it. For those people, winter means snow, and snow means hitting the slopes. Winter Sports enthusiast Robbie Williams recently shared with us some of his best tips to finding cheap skiing deals.

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The decision to study abroad can be a life-altering one. Spending an extended period of time on your own in a foreign country changes your outlook on life and exposes you to things you would never see had you stayed home. If you have made that decision and are looking for a destination, consider Japan. The research required to learn How to Study Abroad in Japan can be more difficult than other countries, but the experience gained can make you glad you did the extra work.

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