Why Travelling is More Than Just a Summer Vacation;

Many of you have heard the saying

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer"

and it's true.

Why?
Here are 5 reasons:

1- Travel is a lifetime experience.
How many times will you sip champagne at Cannes or dive with sharks? It doesn't happen everyday (unless you are a diver and you swim with sharks for a living.) That's what makes it so special. You cherish every single moment because you know it might never happen again and those moments will stay with you for a lifetime. you will always think back to that one time in South Africa or LA and it will leave an imprint on you forever.

2- You learn A LOT!
Through traveling and experiencing the way of life for many different people, you come to learn a lot about different cultures and different heritages. Not only that, you also learn about people themselves, how they think and how a certain country perceives other nationalities and countries.

3- You meet a lot of great people!
I was once in a village in Cyprus and I met a man who had served in Egypt during the second world war and even before it till around 1946! He must've been in his late 90s and was so kind and genuinely great. You also meet people who tell you stories and give you advice that you will remember for as long as you live. So many extraordinary people in an ordinary world!

4- You get to try SO MANY new things!
Oh don't even get me started on food! Whether its your first time eating flowers or salt oven chicken, there's nothing more fun than trying new food from around the world. You might hate it or you might love it but you will always remember it! Other than food, there are a ton of other physically fun activities; sky diving, paragliding, bungee jumping, riding a helicopter, cruising, the options are endless really. You just have to put yourself out there!

5- You bring a lot back home.
Not just souvenirs, but stories and adventures and new mindsets. One characteristic of a traveler is their open mind. They are open to new adventures and experiences and this changes who they are as a person , making them more lively and adventurous. You get to tell your kids and grandkids too about how you climbed that mountain and how you went on your longest hike and encountered a snake or got chased by a lovely dog that you were too terrified of like I did.


Sure, travel is costly sometimes but the experience you get are simply priceless. So save up, pqck your bags and get a one way ticket to nowhere!

Five Arabic Foods You Need To Try Atleast Once!

Food is a great way to connect with other cultures and to truly experience their constituent flavors and techniques. It is a symbol of a nation, a delicacy of diversity and a luxury of a civilization.

Five Arab Foods You Need To Try Atleast Once:

1. Baklava

One of the most famous arabic sweets. They are made in so many different ways with so many different fillings and nuts but one thing always remains; their sweet crispy taste.

[It is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. It is characteristic of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, and is also found in Central and West Asia]

2. Kunafa/Knafeh
Like Baklava, you will find Kunafa in every corner in every Arab country, whether its at the mall or a whole restaurant made exclusively for Knafeh.
They have a variety of fillings from Napolsi or Halloumi Cheese to Fresh cream and drenched in sweet syrup. It can be eaten hot or cold but I prefer it hot, fresh out of the oven!

3. Falafel

For the vegan lovers!! Wherever you may be, you must've heard of falafel at least once. It is a very loved and famous food especially among the Egyptians. It is completely vegan, gluten free and dairy free and that's because it is mainly made out of broad green beans. You can eat them dipped in hummus or in a sandwich with tahini and salad; either ways you will absolutely love them!

4. Zalabyieh

They literally mean 'bites' in arabic. Also known as Louqmet el qadi. They are basically deep fried dough soaked in syrup, chocolate sauce or honey, with cinnamon and sometimes sprinkled with sesame.

Yes, I know it sounds weird but they are so good! Especially sprinkled with powered sugar!

It is usually made as a sphere but it can be made any shape and filled with Nutella, icecream or just plain.

5. Kibbeh

The most delicious starter you will ever have! Especially in Turkey! They are usually

torpedo-shaped fried croquette stuffed with cooked minced beef or lamb with onion and sautéed pine nuts. Best served and eaten while still hot, these savories are simply a work of art.

That's all for Part 1! If you have ever made one of these send us your recipe or picture to get featured!

Till next time, adventurers!

France; the land of love, magic and beauty. (Part 1)

History

Art

Love

Baguettes

Museums

Mona Lisa

Statues

Eiffel

Versailles

All these words represent the true, beautiful essence of France. It is truly a one-of-a-kind place. Where else can you sit with some French onion soup with the view of the Eiffel Tower and have a soft breeze blow your scarf away?

France . France . France . France . France .

You can't have a perfect Instagram without a little French afterall; whether its Disneyland or the Champs Elysees.

The European, or metropolitan, area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. Overseas France include French Guiana on the South American continent and several island territories in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. France spans 643,801 square kilometers (248,573 sq. mi) and has a total population of 66.7 million. It is a unitary semi-presidential republic with the capital in Paris, the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial center.

TOP 5 PICTURES YOU NEED TO TAKE IN FRANCE:

(part 1)

1- The Eiffel Tower:

If you go to France and don't take a picture with Tour Eiffel,, have you really been to France?

2- The Louvre Museum/The Mona Lisa:

Nothing says art more than a picture with some of the greatest paintings of all time.

3- A French Cuisine:

Your Instagram just isn't complete without a French Baguette or a croissant snap.

4- A Disney Character:

Walter would be so disappointed...

5- The Notre Dame Cathedral:

The hunchback of Notre Dame wouldn't be too pleased if you don't stop by!

.

stay tuned for an exciting part 2!

email us your French shots to be featured on our blog!

Austria; Kaprun

Kaprun; Zell's sister.

Some of the top attractions are;


1. Familienberg Maiskogel
It is basically a huge slide or a roller coaster which you control speed-wise and time-wise. It is great fun especially for kids and is priced quite fairly.

There are also these small slides next to it which are tons of fun!

2-Hochgebirgsstauseen Kaprun

Through endless tunnels and pretty mountains, you finally reach a high point where you have a clear view of huge dams that keep lakes of water trapped for various reasons and uses. There is a lovely restaurant too where you can enjoy a fine meal and a coffee shop for a warm drink. It gets cold! make sure you have something warm on you.

Travel Photography!

Share your travel photography with us on our Instagram (@mydestinations_)

Here are some of our exceptional shots.




    Taken by us in Salzburg



    Taken by us in Kitzsteinhorn, Austria



    Taken by us in Kaprun, Austria



    Taken by us in Vienna, Austria




   Taken by us in Kritou Terra, Cyprus

Austria; Zell Am See

Villages are back in style!

The beautiful rural touristic towns of Zell am See and Kaprun in Austria, are simply breathtaking!

The following two are some of the main attractions of one of the two sister towns:

ZELL AM SEE:-

1. The Zell am See Lake (Lake Zell):

The lake is 4 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers  wide. It is up to 69 meters deep and at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zell)  In winter the lake completely freezes and is used for winter sports. In summer the lake is used for pleasure boating. It is surrounded by many little ice cream shops and famous hotels (like the Grand Hotel) Along the lake many people go for a stroll to enjoy the breathtaking scenes and weather.

2. Kitzsteinhorn

The Kitzsteinhorn is a mountain in the High Tauern range of the Central Eastern Alps in Austria. After taking a series of cable cars, you finally reach the top at a height of 3029 meters. There is snow every day and in summer there are snow games that both children and adults can enjoy. Make sure to pack everything from gloves to scarves because it does get quite cold! There are 5 cable cars in total and free wifi is provided in every cable car station. There is a 360 degrees cinema in the glacier and a panorama restaurant where you can warm up and relax.