Wild Swimming

Going swimming in the UK usually involves a trip to the leisure centre, making sure you have change for the locker, and a mad dash getting dry in the changing room afterwards.

There are, however, a growing number of swimmers who never come close to a chlorine-infested pool. Wild swimming, which involves taking a dip in Britain’s rivers, lakes and waterfalls, is soaring in popularity. Over the past three years, the number of organised outdoor swimming events has increased dramatically. However, apparently the urge to take the plunge into natural water is nothing new. For many of us, it would have been how our grandparents and great-grandparents learnt to swim. There were many little river swimming clubs where locals would go to teach their children to swim and go to swim in the summer.

Thankfully this phenomenon has been ‘refound’. People are realising more and more that getting back out into nature is a fantastic way to de-stress and also to reconnect with something that feels meaningful and a world away from the usual 9-to-5.

Not only is wild swimming good exercise, the cold water is thought to improve your immune system. It’s been shown that people who swim in cold water regularly through the year get far fewer colds. With so many advantages to wild swimming, there is only one thing standing in its way – the British weather.

However, sometimes it’s good to be brave and take the plunge..

5 of the best spots in Britain for wild swimming

1. River Waveney, Outney Common, Suffolk
2. Faerie Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
3. River Wharfe, Appletreewick, Yorkshire
4. River Test, Houghton, Hampshire
5. Sharrah Pool, River Dart, Dartmoor, Devon

The Best of Eastern Europe: Top 5 Places to Visit

Inter railing across Europe

Backpacking in Europe is a rite of passage for most students and travellers. But due to its size many end up hopping between the most famous cities (London, Paris, Rome…) and never explore what the Eastern fringes has to offer.

If you’re looking for something a little different (and a hell of a lot cheaper!) then backpacking in Eastern Europe is the thing to do. Eastern Europe is full of interesting (and troubled) history, idyllic countryside, buzzing nightlife and unique architecture. Here are my top 5 places to visit…

 

Source: Next Trip Tourism

1. Transylvania, Romania

If you want a feel for real the Romania, Transylvania is the place to go. A visit to Vlad Tepes’ (Dracula’s) haunting hometown of Sighișoara during the winter is a definite must.

 

Szechenyi Baths, Budapest

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s beautiful historic section is Castle Hill on the Buda side of the Danube. Across the river is Pest, the hectic center of the modern city. Budapest is an active city where travellers from all over the world enjoy its many great cafés, bars and clubs.

Market Square

3. Krakow, Poland

Kraków is the most visited city in Poland and for a good reason. Boasting the largest medieval square in all of Europe, the historic old town is a wonderful place to explore. Get a taste for Polish cuisine with borsch (soup made from beetroot) and pierogis, whilst also sampling a homemade bread pretzel from the many street vendours.

4. Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina

On the front line of the conflict during the Balkan War, Mostar was badly damaged by the fighting. Its famous bridge, from which young men traditionally dive, was completely destroyed and the town’s residents were unable to cross the river.

Back to its former glory, the Stari Most Bridge is host to the annual diving competition in July. The beauty of Mostar lies in its turquoise river and shiny white stone buildings. But there are reminders of the city’s brutal past visible in the bombed out buildings nestled within the town making it a remarkable place to visit.

Lake Bled

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Nestled in an alpine valley and straddling the Ljubljana River, Ljubljana is a picture-perfect and very walkable city. The place has a café culture vibe, with the cobbled streets filled with bicycles and laid-back students. A trip to the magnificent Lake Bled with its church island is a must. Here you can try a number of water sports, hiking and biking.

5 Life Changing Travel Experiences

Source: gapyear.com

Spot the Big 5 on safari

This life changing travel experience is one for animal lovers. Countries where you can spot all members of the big five include South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana. Remember to have your camera at the ready!

Source: VisitNorway

Witness the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can be viewed from many countries such as Norway, Finland, Canada and even Alaska. However nothing is guaranteed, which makes catching a glimpse an experience of a lifetime.

Source: onestep4ward

Climb Kilimanjaro

If you’re looking for a challenge of a lifetime climbing the world’s highest walkable peak may be just the thing for you. The best time for climbing Kilimanjaro is between January and mid-March or June through October, and many people choose to take up the challenge whilst raising money towards a good cause.

Source: theplanetd

Travel to Antarctica

Very few people can say that they have witnessed first-hand the nature and wildlife of Antarctica. If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few, how life changing is that?!

Source: Penguintravel

Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

The 9,288m trek through eight time zones is considered one of the most memorable journeys you can take. So if you’re spontaneous enough to buy a ticket this could be one train ride that could change your life.

5 Free (or Nearly Free) Things To Do in Hong Kong

Many would say Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world and is therefore, not part of the traditional backpacker scene.

But for every 5-star hotel and gourmet restaurant, there are budget dorms and cheap dim sum food stalls waiting to be explored by a more shallow pocketed crowd. In fact, we found that apart from the accommodation costs, Hong Kong is a great city for those travelling on a budget. Even if you’re low on cash, the cheap public transport, delicious street food scene and the many sights and attractions, means there is never a shortage of things to do. Here are five of the best free (or nearly free) ways to enjoy the city on the cheap.

A ride on the Star Ferry

Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.

Although many call it a commute; others see it as a bargain way to cross and view one of the world’s most scenic harbours and skylines. Fares run between HK$2 and HK$3.40 depending on what day you’re travelling, and it’s most popular route connects Central Terminal on Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

Ride the world’s longest covered escalator.

The Central Mid-Levels escalator system is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, connecting the hill-top districts of Hong Kong with the rest of the city. The system acts as free public transportation and tourists can hop on for a ride at any time. Taking a ride on this is also a great way to explore Soho and it’s many bars.

Symphony of Lights

Watch the world’s largest sound and light show.

Hong Kong’s “Symphony of Lights” isn’t just the best attraction in town, it’s also completely free! Head to Tsim Sha Tsui promenade early to get a good a view, and at 8pm watch as 40 buildings from both sides of Victoria Harbour put on a spectacular show of lights, sounds and lasers.

Victoria Park

People watch in Victoria Park.

During our week-long stay in the city, our favourite thing to do was to head to Victoria Park with (cheap) food and drink bought from the supermarket on the rare occasion the sun came out. Enjoy relaxing on the grass alongside the many large Filipino families having picnics and watch as expats walk past with their dogs, and old men and women practice the art of Tai Chi. With a backdrop of the city’s buildings, the park is a great way to watch and learn about Hong Kong’s many inhabitants. Also, if you’re as lucky as us you May be invited to watch some of the locals playing a game of boules.

Temple Street Market

Pick up a bargain at a Hong Kong market.

Markets are a thriving tradition in Hong Kong, and you can pick up anything from the latest piece of electronic gadgetry to dried squid. Even if you’re not interested in splashing your cash, visiting these colourful and bustling markets with their clatter of Cantonese bargaining is a great  way to enjoy your time in he city. My favourite was the unmissable Temple Street night market.

 

Top 5 Unluckiest Places in the World

The Mayans thought the world was going to end in 2012 but according to Viking legend the Apocalypse is actually due in February 2014. So, could 2014 really be our unlucky year? I doubt many of us will believe that. However if you’re superstitious or not, a trip to one of these unlucky destinations may make you start believing.

Source: Paranormal Events

Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India

Considered as a ghost town in India, it is believed in the early 17^th century, Madho Signh, a fierce ruler, sought to construct his capital at Bhangarh. During the time a saint named Baba Balanath warned the king not to raise his buildings to heights that would cast a shadow over his cherished salvation spot. Madho Singh obliged, but years later, Ajab Singh added onto the fort, unleashing a series of peculiar events that swiftly led to the city’s doom.

Source: Wikipedia

Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Legend states that Rose Hall was the abode of White Witch, Annie Palmer who was brought up by a Haitian nanny who practiced voodoo. When it comes to curses nothing seems quite as infamous as a voodoo spell, and it is commonly believed that Annie Palmer was responsible for the murder of three husbands and multiple lovers over the course of a decade. Today she is regularly seen wandering her house with her collection of murdered men stalking the terrified visitors.

Source: mstecker

Drake Passage, Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

Between the southern tip of South America and the icy fringes of Antarctica, lies a grey expanse of crashing waves famously known as the Drake Passage. With torrential winds that like to change direction, this turbulent route between seas is not for the faint hearted. Named after the famous British explorer Sir Francis Drake, this body of water has been the demise of countless vessels, including the San Telmo, the flagship of the Spanish Armada bound for Peru.

Source: built.org.uk

Tower of London, London, UK

The notorious Tower of London is famous for being the last destination for many poor criminals and unlucky nobles who met their death by the executioner’s blade. The grounds are said to be haunted by popular spirits such as Thomas Beckett and Henry VI who miserably walk the cold stone halls. The most famous spirit Countess of Salisbury, who in 1541 was hacked to death by her executioner after trying to escape from the gallows, is regularly seen. Some people have even claimed to have seen her grisly death acted out by other spirits.

Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean

Obviously no unlucky list would be complete without the famous triangle of terror that spans across the Atlantic Ocean from the shores of Florida, over to San Juan, Puerto Rico and up to its namesake island of Bermuda. The legend of the Bermuda Triangle first began during the 1950s when five fighter planes mysteriously disappeared during a training session. Since then, it has grown in notoriety after subsequent tragedies involving additional planes and boats. Whilst sceptics like to blame magnetic fields and hurricane-prone winds, there are still many true believers out there who insist supernatural forces are to blame.

5 Weird Foods From Around The World

Everyone has different tastes and as they say – one man’s meat is another man’s poison Here’s my top 5 weird foods from around the world. Like that old saying goes: every man to his taste. Warning: the content of this blog post is not for those of a weak constitution.

Source: Georama

Deep Fried Tarantula, Cambodia When most sane people are confronted with a large, hairy and venomous tarantula the one thing on their mind is to run away fast. However, in Cambodia many choose to eat it and the fried tarantula is a common and much appreciated delicacy (crazy huh?). The spiders – usually the size of a human hand – are tossed in garlic and salt before being deep fried until nice and crispy. Most people only eat the upper body flesh and legs (dipping them into sauce for extra flavour), but the very bravest choose to also eat the abdomen which contains a brown, runny paste, and sometimes even the eggs. Yummy!

Source: souschef

Century Eggs, China Speaking of eggs, no eggs in the world can top that of China’s infamous Century Eggs. Century Eggs have many names – millennium eggs, thousand-year-old eggs or pidan, but are essentially quail, duck or chicken eggs preserved in a mixture of ashes, clay and salt for several months. During this bizarre process, the egg’s white turns into a jelly-like brown mixture, while the yolk takes a mouldy greenish hue. Century eggs emit a powerful smell of sulphur and ammonia, and its taste is what the polite would say strong and interesting. Definitely not for those with a weak stomach.

Source: 0assf

Casu Marzu, Italy Oh cheese, glorious cheese! Who doesn’t enjoy a good slice of cheese? But if you actually took time to think about it, cheese is pretty weird – essentially just fermented milk, full of germs and all sorts of bacteria. But we can stomach this fact as cheese just tastes so good. However, the Casu Marzu goes way beyond simple fermentation to the point of actual decomposition. This Italian sheep milk cheese is crawling with live fly larvae (AKA maggots to the normal person), and not by accident but on purpose. At the end of the making process, the crust is cut open in order to let flies lay their eggs in the cheese. Once those eggs hatch, the little larvae make their home within the cheese. Some people love to eat their casu marzu with the larvae still alive and wriggling, not-so-brave others prefer to suffocate them with a paper bag prior to tucking in. Live Cobra Heart, Vietnam The act of eating live cobra hearts cannot be considered common place in Vietnam, but some people do eat them. As is the case for most things like this, eating a cobra heart is entirely down to superstition – many people believe that by eating a snake live, they will inherit a part of its power and enhance their strength. The ritual consists of the following: a lucky live cobra is picked out by the customer (the meaner, the better), its head is then unceremoniously cut-off and it’s still beating heart is ripped out and placed on a saucer, and finally garnished with a little blood. The heroic eater is then supposed to tilt their head back and swallow the heart whole. This type of dining is certainly not for the faint hearted.

Source: streetgormetla

Escamoles, Mexico

A word of warning – please be careful next time you’re in Mexico and are ordering food. Next time you tuck into Mexico’s famous bean selection, those charming little white ones might just as well be escamoles. Escamoles, also known as giant black Lipometum ants’ eggs, are considered an ‘insect caviar’ and apparently have a nice buttery taste. A good way of detecting these ‘bad eggs’ is to keep in mind that they have a consistency very similar to cottage cheese. No need to thank me!

5 Retro Posters to Inspire You to Travel

 

Mindful Wanderlust

Store Vintage

Strange Line

Flickr

Flickr

 

5 of the World’s Wackiest Restaurants

Source: DailyNews

Magic Restroom Café, Los Angeles

The idea of sitting on a toilet in public is a horrifying concept for some, but not for those dining at the Magic Restroom, where loos are the focus of the new restaurant in LA. Inspired by God knows what, Magic Restroom owner YoYo Li has introduced toilets as seats and a mix of yummy Asian and western food – like zha jiang mian, named ‘constipation’ on the menu and braised port over rice, (‘smells-like-poop’). If you really feel like treating yourself why not try one of the sundaes, choose from chocolate ‘black poop’ or the vanilla-strawberry sundae ‘bloody number two’, all served in miniature toilet bowls (of course!). Revolting and hysterical in equal measure.

Source: The Guardian

Twin Stars Diner, Moscow

Just as the name suggests, at the Twin Stars diner all the staff – from waiters to bartenders and even the chefs – are identically-dressed twins. The almost fetish concept was brought to life by Alexei Khodorkovsky who says it’s been hard to find suitably qualified twins but the concept is paying off and is a hit with the locals. Plus if you’re a twin living in Moscow you know where to go for a part-time job.

Source: DailyNews

Barbie restaurant, Taipei, Tawain

The Far East’s love of all things cute and fluffy is a well-known fact, so Taipei’s popular Barbie restaurant comes as no surprise. It is staffed by waitresses in sickly bright pink tops, tutus and tiaras, and there’s enough pink food to make you think someone has slipped something funny in your drink.

Source: The Age

Draculas and Witches in Britches, Melbourne, Australia

Due to the Twilight phenomenon and the current obsession with vampires, horror-themed theatre restaurants have become popular haunts of the city. Dracluas offers a camp cabaret during a three-course dinner that begins with drinks in the Graveyard cocktail lounge and a ghost-train ride.

Alternatively, if 40-year-old witches float your boat head to Witches in Britches for a kitschy interactive pop show and a five-course meal that starts with pumpkin soup ladled from a cauldron.

Source: The Telegraph

The Heart Attack Grill, Las Vegas

It’s a common cliché that Americans love big portions, and to embrace this head to the Heart Attack Grill in Vegas (obviously!) for a serving of obscenely huge burgers with sides of fries deep-fried in lard. For purely comical purposes, diners are given hospital style gowns before tucking into a towering heart attack on a plate made with four beef burgers and 20 slices of bacon. However, there is no need to worry that your health is in danger, waitresses dressed as nurses are on stand-by to help you out of the restaurant in a wheelchair if necessary.

5 Best Places to Catch the Sunrise

1. Stonehenge, England

Sun worshipers gather here annually to watch the sun rise on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Stonehenge is a mysterious destination that continues to hold deep spiritual value for travellers.

2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat at any time of the day is an impressive sight, but arriving early enough to watch the sunrise provides something a little more special for visitors.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tansania

What better way to celebrate climbing to Kili’s summit (19,341 feet above sea level) then to witness on of it’s glorious sunrises. If you’re one of the dedicated souls who are attempting the climb make sure you don’t miss out.

4. Svalbard, Norway

Situated north of the Arcitc Circle, the northernmost inhabited spot of the planet features the midnight sun. This is the phenomenon where the sun stays continously in the sky for 24 hours a day.

5. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon hosts the most impressive sunrises in the United States. The enchanting shades of bronze and orange against the stunning scenery is well worth getting up early for.

Top 5 Toilets With A View

1. Boston Bay high camp, Wshington State

2. Mount Sinai, Egypt

3. Alcatraz Island, San Fransisco

4. Mount McKinley, Alaska

5. Tasman Glacier, New Zealand