Travel

As soon as mankind learned to melt metal, our souls yearned to create artistic expressions that modeled the beauty of our world’s shape, flow and form. Metal casting offered artists an opportunity to express themselves in three dimensions rather than the two dimensions seen in drawing and painting. As one famous artist shared, sculpture lets us view from 8 angles as we take in the work or art from different perspectives.

One of the earliest bronze statues that still exists is Dancing Girl from the Harappan civilization around 2500 BCE. Almost every civilization used bronze in its art. Bronze is typically a mix of mostly copper with some tin, and the processes for creating the sculpture include sand casting and lost wax casting among others. Artists who want to create bronze castings today can often team up with a local foundry to produce their treasured works of art.

Beautiful bronze sculptures are found throughout the world. They are truly magnificent and the scope and realism of the sculpture can often fill you with awe or move you to tears.

The Brunswick Lion

Standing at nearly six feet tall and over nine feet in length, the Brunswick Lion is a magnificent work of art. You can feel the power, strength and raw energy of the lion in its sculpture form. Created in the 1100s, this is one of the earliest examples of hollow-cast bronze. The statue stands before Dankwarderode Castle in Germany.

Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates to the Florence Baptistry

When you are visiting Florence, Italy there are so many beautiful sights to see. The Renaissance saw the return of bronze sculpture to Europe and the creation of the ‘Gates’ (or doors) of the Florence Baptistry. In all there are 28 gilded bronze panels and each depicts a Bible scene created in relief. The detail is amazing and you can feel the stories that are told in bronze.

Etienne Maurice Falconet’s ‘Bronze Horseman’ in St Petersburg

Standing high atop a 25 foot tall single stone cliff-like pedestal, the Bronze Horseman towers above the world below. At 20 feet tall the monument was commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great in honor of Peter the Great, who preceded her on the throne. The sculpture is an inspiring and powerful public monument.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Located near the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, this bronze statue was created to honor the many women who served during the war. The three women and the wounded soldier in the sculpture are stunningly real. The soldier is being cared for by a one nurse, while another kneels in prayer or exhaustion and the third nurse raises her eyes to the heavens. Seeing this statue will likely bring you to tears.

Rodin’s The Thinker

Rodin’s classic statue, The Thinker, is an internationally recognized work. Many scholars feel that modern sculpture began with Rodin, who lived from 1840 – 1917. Rodin worked mainly in bronze and may have been the inspiration for generations of new artists who followed him. Interestingly Rodin is said to have initially labeled the statue ‘The Poet’, perhaps in honor of Dante.

For over 3,000 years artists have been using bronze to create sculptures that reflect the world around us, with flow and power and beautiful form. As you travel take the time to seek out some of these treasures and you will be experience amazement and awe.

 

Food is the necessity of life and without it, no living being can survive. Some people eat food to satisfy their hunger and some people taste different cuisines to enjoy different foods. People living in different regions of the world have different cuisines that represent their culture and religion. Therefore people have the urge to travel around the world so that they can taste different cuisines.

While talking about traveling one cannot travel without consuming food. It is essential that your tummy is full and you are not having butterflies in your stomach while you are traveling to another state. Have something while you are heading to another country and make yourself energetic before the adventure begins. But what if you can travel in a luxurious vehicle having a fine dining experience? An epicurean tour allows you to travel in a luxurious setting and provides you with a fine dining experience that can never be forgotten. Along with exciting activities, one has several things to do on an epicurean trip. Here there are 7 reasons why you need to have an epicurean tour for a stress-free life.

1. Luxury Accommodations

We never want to leave our houses because of the luxury of our bedrooms. This will not be the case over here. You will get a luxurious room with all the facilities you would not even have imagined of and it will give you the best feeling of a vacation. In an epicurean tour, you will get a spacious room to get yourself relaxed. Whether you are with your spouse or with your friends the luxurious accommodation can never disappoint you with its facilities.

2. Exposure to Amazing Views

Who isn’t a fan of beauty? Be it natural or man-made everyone loves to explore breathtaking views. If you want to soothe your mind with awe-inspiring glimpses then this tour will take you to different places where you will be able to explore beautiful landscapes. It gives you a chance to rejuvenate and replenishes your souls with mesmerizing views of nature.

3. Different Regions to Explore

The best part about an epicurean tour with food and wine trails is that you have different options for traveling. There are many regions that you can choose from the list and start your adventure. From historic to adventuresome places you will get a variety of regions to pick according to your needs and taste. All the places you choose will be of your choice and you will have all the right to choose your favorite destinations. This is the best thing about planning a trip because you will be exposed to those places only where you will want to.

4. You will be accompanied by People like you

While traveling on an airplane we always check who is sitting beside us. Some people cannot travel with people having bad eating habits while others cannot travel with snorers. Similarly, people have different problems and so they are quite particular about their neighbors and fellow mates. Here you do not need to worry about your fellow beings because you will be accompanied by a great bunch of people who will be similar to you. All the food and wine lovers will be accompanying you on the journey and you will love their company. It is guaranteed that the best thing that you will take along form this epicurean trip will be the friends that you would have made.

5. Dive into Exotic Cuisines 

Good food, amazing friends and a luxurious yacht, what else do you need to make a trip a memorable one? You indeed get all of these services in one place because all of this is available on the epicurean tours. You will be served with the best dishes of the regions and all you need is to show up and enjoy it. With food, the best thing about this trip is that you will be exposed to exciting activities that will leave you in awe. So dive into exotic cuisines of different regions and let your soul thank you.

6. Away From the City

In the daily hustles of life, we forget to take care of ourselves. In this journey, we are reminded of what we have and we are exposed to the scenic views of nature that are breathtakingly beautiful. We are away from our homeland and we give ourselves some time to relax and unwind. Some people need this therapy once a year to relax their minds and to soothe their souls. These types of journeys do not only make you happy and joyful but you meet new people and explore a lot. Traveling in an airplane is what everyone does but this type of traveling helps you reinvigorate yourselves.

7. Private reserves

If your anniversary is in a few days and you have not yet planned anything for your partner then this can be the perfect gift for him/her. Going on a private trip with your better half can create the best memories of your life. The two of you will get a chance to experience astonishing views while traveling in a luxurious setting without anyone interrupting your privacy. This is one way you can travel to different places and explore different regions of the world and taste their cuisines. If you and your partner are a food lover then an epicurean trip is the best option for you. Just make the arrangements for your next occasion and embark on a journey of love.

Many of us love to travel and explore new places but very few might have experienced an epicurean journey. It does not only let you be on a luxurious yacht but you get the experience of dining with food and wine lovers. You get knowledge about food and wine trails and you are exposed to some of the beautiful wineries. So make your travel experience a memorable one by planning your next trip with the best epicurean tours.

 

Travelling may sound like one of the most relaxing and stress-relieving activities one can do, but let me tell you that, that is not always the case. Some people travel for work and businesses, for doing activities like going for important meetings, increasing their market and audiences, etc. And they do these things regularly, and let me tell you that it gets very hectic and tedious.

Work trips can be one of the worst nightmares and may make you end up tired and exhausted but when you have planned everything perfectly, you can make the most out of your work or business trip and make sure you don’t get exhausted but even enjoy your trip. Just for your ease and to make sure you maximize the enjoyment of your work trip, we have made a list of seven incredible ways that will help you make your business travels less hectic and exhausting, easier and the most important part, more enjoyable.

1. Always Make Sure You Are Using No-fee Bank Cards

One of the most important advice one can give you is that always carry or use a debit or credit card which avoids charging any form of foreign transaction fee or even any ATM fee. It is extremely stupid of someone to give the bank your own hard-earned money, Now I know that even though only a very small amount is charged during one transaction, but during the course of a long travel, it might add up to a lot of money, which won’t be too great for your bank balance.

2. Always Make Sure You Are Carrying Your Own Extra Power Supply

One of the most obvious and self-explanatory tips but the most important one as well is that you should always pack more than one power banks with you on your work trip because you can never tell when you will end up with no charging and will be in dire need for a power bank. Being a businessman, you should always carry more than one power bank with you, because you cannot afford to lose your contacts with your customers, employees, or co-workers at any time. So, now that you know how important power is for you, do make sure you carry more than one power bank with you.

3. Always Make Sure You Know the Basic Sentences in The Language of Your Trip Destination

So, this advice can be very helpful for both work trips and even family vacations, you should always now basic sentences in the native speaking language of where you are going. The local citizens will like it and it will show that you are trying. Just learning phrases like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” and “Thank you!” would help a lot in the long run.

4. Always Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Rest While Sudden Downtimes

While you are traveling you will face a lot of downtimes, it can be caused by canceled flights or even delayed flights. Now, this is all up to you how you make use of this time, we would suggest that rather than doing more work and exhaust yourself, even more, you should get some rest during this free time. It will help you refresh and relax your brain.

5.) Always Make Sure You Try to Hire a Travel Agency

One of the simplest ways to get everything done in a very short period of time is by hiring a corporate travel agency, doing this can be very useful and helpful, all you need to do is inform the travel agency the number of people who are going to be on the trip and the type of staying place required for the trip, and just like that you are done. Now, all the work is going to be done by the corporate traveling agency. The travel agency will work out almost all the things for you from you convince to your accommodation and everything is done in a matter of minutes, it is that simple. So, make sure you do this and save yourself a lot of time and energy.

6. Always Make Sure That You Are Having Fun and Enjoying the Trip Whenever You Can

Even when you are at work and traveling for business you should never let that refrain you from having fun and end up losing an amazing opportunity to get a view at the city’s main attractions. A simple, fun and inexpensive way of doing this is by booking small tours of the place, by doing that you will get to see almost all of the place and it won’t even take that long so you won’t be wasting any time what so ever.

7. Try to Make and Maintain a Good Relationship with Your Usual Hotels

One of the most useful and helpful things you can do if you are traveling to a certain place repeatedly is that you can find the perfect hotel for you and make that your only place on every trip, and when you will do that you will make a friendly relation with that hotel’s management. This will help you to negotiate better rates in advance of your trip. Many hotels are famous for giving their loyal customers special and better rates than the ones which are given to regular customers and they might a few perks as well. Moreover, by doing this you will reduce your stress level during the trip, mainly because you won’t have to worry about finding the right hotel every time, because you will be aware of what you are getting and you know you will like it, plus you will get used to it as well.

A business trip can be very hectic, tiring and exhausting as well, but if you make sure to take these simple advices seriously you won’t have anything to worry about, and you’ll be able to make the most out of your work trips.

 

You would have heard about a road accident for once in your life that would have got your ears up. They are common and millions of people from all over the world die daily because of road accidents. It is not only about rage drivers who drive aggressively but it is about everybody. It is often found that pedestrians are busy looking at their phones and then they get hit by a car or a truck. This has become normal in several countries but some areas are still safer when it comes to driving. There are some rules which everyone needs to follow and once you break a law you can take a life of an innocent person.

Drivers and motorcyclists are often blamed for their driving. Whether they are slow drivers or driving aggressively they are always blamed for their actions. This should not be the case because it is the whole and sole responsibility of the pedestrians to keep their eye on the road and they should take a side when they sense danger. They are also obliged to follow rules and regulations of the road which can minimize road accidents.

Road accidents cannot be completely eliminated but following some simple steps can protect you on the road.

Check the Condition of Your Vehicle

We often ignore minor problems in our vehicles and don’t get them repaired immediately. This can be unsafe for the next person. Sometimes we don’t check our vehicles till weeks and use it excessively. It is important to check the condition of your vehicle because whatever you are driving on the road needs to be safe.

Motorcyclists should be aware of minor problems of their vehicle and they should keep up with maintenance regularly to avoid hazardous problems on the road.

Choose a vehicle that is best for you.

A stylish motorcycle or a spacious car is what everyone desires. But what if that vehicle is not best for you and you cannot drive it properly on the road. Result: an accident. Don’t go for stylish vehicles until you are not confident about them. Many motorcyclists don’t know how to drive and vice versa, therefore first study about the vehicle and learn how to drive it. Then get your hands on it and use it on the road.

Don’t forget to wear a Seat Belt

You might be wearing a seat belt before you turn on the engine but this is what most people avoid doing. Seat belts are irritating and one can feel uncomfortable wearing it for a long journey, but they are designed for your safety. Most people save their lives because they are wearing a seat belt and in some cases, the car completely gets damaged but the person comes out scratch-less because of the seat belt.

Defensive Driving

People go through several stages in a day and so they are sometimes angry or anxious which is seen in their driving. People who are having a bad day would be more likely driving aggressively compared to those who are having a good day. Therefore never assume about what your fellow drivers would intend to do. Never feel that they will use blinkers or accommodate your decisions on the road. Instead, you drive safely and concentrate on the road to avoid any kind of casualties.

Keep a Safe Distance

It can be understood that you may be getting late for work but it is good if you keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. In the hustle and bustle of life, we make small mistakes that are never forgotten and driving hurriedly may not only cause you danger but it can also create problems for the people traveling with you. Whether you are dropping your child or picking someone from college, just keep one thing in your mind that you have to drive safely.

Avoid Distractions

Do you get distracted by attractive things that come in your sight? While doing some kind of important work we dive into memory or thought that distracts us from doing our actual work. This is acceptable if you are in your drawing room but it is strictly not advised on the road. While riding a motorcycle you may encounter several things that grab your attention towards it and it distracts you from the road. Never let that happen, it will not only create a problem for you but you can go against the traffic rules too. Many people check their phones while driving which is completely dangerous. Many lives have been lost due to this and people have been guilty of their acts. Never let a ring tone or the beep of a message distract you from driving. The phone will be with you after you have completed your journey so check it afterward. While driving just keep your vision on the road to avoid difficulties.

You may be aware of these safety measures mentioned above but not everyone believes in following them. Therefore the number of accidents is increasing day by day. In severe cases of road accidents, auto injury doctors are the best practitioners for consultation and treatment. People having minor accidents ignore their injuries which bothers them in the future. It is best if you get a consultation from experienced doctors because every doctor does not have the knowledge about road accidents. There are millions of road accident cases registered each year and most of them are car accidents. In such cases, a reliable and trusted doctor is needed who can work wonders for the patient. Some hospitals don’t facilitate patients with state-of-the-art equipment which causes their lives at risk. Every patient deserves to be treated well, therefore, check the hospital and its staff before lying in there. Check whether that hospital is offering all kinds of treatment for road accidents because in several cases patients go through neurological injuries. Do It is best to get treated form a trusted place rather than sacrificing life.

 

So, you are thinking about going on a vacation to the incredible city of Atlanta, but you are not sure about what you are going to do when you get there? Well, you do not have to worry any more, as you have come to the right place. Atlanta can be very overwhelming and staggering when, especially for people who are visiting the place for the first time or even when travelling without an experienced guide who can show you around the place. The main reason for this is because the place has so much to offer to the visitors. It can be a bunch of friends having fun on their vacations, families who are on their annual trip or even for the people who are travelling alone and are on their own little adventure. Atlanta is the only place which has something to offer to everyone. There are a lot of things a person can do in the incredible state of Atlanta. So, for your ease we have compiles a list of eight fun things to do in Atlanta.

1.) Take Your Kids to The Amazing LEGO Land and Discovery Atlanta

While going on a vacation we are supposed to plan in some specific spots in advance which would be fun for both kids and adults, but some spots are only enjoyable for the kids and the others are only enjoyable for the adults. Hence why you should take your kids to the amazing LEGO land. At this place your kids will get to learn and understand about the working of their favorite and most enjoyable building toy “LEGO”. The place even hosts an academy known as “LEGO Master Building Academy” which will unravel all the creativity your kids have and will help your kids to express and portray their creations. LEGO land is an amazing place for your kids so make sure not to miss this place and add this to your bucket list.

2.) Make Sure You Go to The Coca-Cola World

Calling all the Soft Drinks enthusiasts out there, the world of Coca-Cola is an incredible and mesmerizing place to visit especially for the fans of the most considered and well renowned beverage brand in the world. The amazing world of Coca-Cola also has an amazing and interactive process of giving a tour to its guests. After the guests are done with drinking and tasting all the tempting flavors, they are invited to be a part of a very interesting session in which they are given a small sneak peek or the behind the scenes of everyone’s favorite beverage. The tour attendees also get to take sips of over a hundred different beverages from all around the world. They even get to take pictures with their favorite mascot, The Polar Bear. Make sure you do not miss this amazing experience.

3.Make Sure You Go to the Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Olympic Park was originally made as a spectating and relaxing location for the spectators and attendees of the amazing Summer Olympic Games 1996. When the Summer Olympic games were over, the government decided to renovate the place and open it for public to use. The Centennial Olympic Park is known for hosting free of cost community events which include Saturday family fun days and a lot of other community celebrations such as Fourth of July celebrations. The Centennial Olympic Park also hosts many kinds of sponsored events like private conferences and weddings. But the most important and incredible thing about the Centennial Olympic Park is that it does not even costs a cent to enter the park’s premises, the entire place is free for anyone to visit and take a stroll around the water courtyards and all the amazing places. It is one of the most visited places amongst the tourists so you should totally add this to your list of things to do.

4.) Make Sure You Go to The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the most relaxing and peaceful places to visit in the state of Atlanta. The place is filled with all the rare and exotic and even some endangered plants from all over the world. It contains one of the most known conservatories known as the Fuqua Conservatory, it is an organic environment which serves as a home for some of the most important tropical conifers and palms.

5.) Make Sure You Do Visit the Amazing Georgia Aquarium

The amazing city of Atlanta is also home to one of the most mystical and one of the largest aquariums present in the state, which is known as the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium has so much to offer to its beloved guests, activities like animal interactions, behind the sea’s tours and the most important part entertaining shows. Features like 4D Theater also make the Georgia aquarium one of the most renowned aquariums around the whole world.

6.) Make Sure You Do Visit the FOX Theater

The city of Atlanta also contains one of the most exotic theaters of all time which is known as The FOX Theater. Performances like Broadway shows, Atlanta ballets and all the classic feature films. The organization offers complete tours of the magnificent theater so that everyone can take a glimpse of the architectural masterpiece. FOX Theater is so common amongst tourists that it is number two on Trip advisor’s list of things to do in Atlanta. So, if you are a fan of theater and drama then this place is the one for you.

Atlanta is such an incredible place to spend your vacation at. It is the one of the most common attraction amongst a lot of tourists, millions of people visit Atlanta every year to enjoy their time with their family. There are so many things to do with the in Atlanta, the city has so much to offer you will never get bored of it. So, it’s better if you start looking for flights and get ready for your next vacation.

 

This year’s Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019 was once again a roaring success. The West Coast’s largest floating boat show, Seattle Boats Afloat is one of the region’s most eagerly awaited annual events, especially by yacht and seafaring enthusiasts.

Now in its 41st year, this year’s show saw more than 200 stunning vessels on display, including hundreds of new and used yachts, alongside ski boats, wake boats, pontoons, and cruisers.

Amongst the many yachts on the show were yachts by Worth Avenue Yachts. A leading yacht broker, Worth Avenue Yachts were the official sponsor of the Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019, along with supporting sponsor YachtWorld.

“Our first Boats Afloat Show in Seattle was a shining success,” Ray Prokorym of Worth Avenue Yachts said. “The Worth Avenue Yachts team represented an array of vessels that were highlighted throughout the show and saw steady, qualified traffic. We are very pleased with the turnout and can’t wait to continue to expand here on the West Coast.”

About the show

Held on the beautiful South Lake Union from September 12-15, the Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019 not only included a plethora of some of the world’s best yachts for sale in Seattle, but also showcased the latest and best yachting technology, gadgets, yachting gear, lending and insurance, accessories, and more. The show also included kid’s sailing lessons, family boat rides, and exhibitor displays, offering a truly fabulous day out for the entire family.

“The 2019 Boats Afloat Show was a grand success,” Kirsten Berg, events and promotions manager of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, said. “The 2019 show saw 7,252 attendees, showcased 203 new and brokerage vessels, had 52 in-water exhibiting companies and 42 shoreside vendors.”

Ms Berg added: “The Boats Afloat Show is a unique show in a number of ways – not only is it the West Coast’s largest floating boat show, it’s also one of the few area events that showcases both new and brokerage product. The Pacific Northwest boasts incredible cruising destinations and the show helps ramp up excitement for using one’s yacht for new adventures.”

Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019 – boats of note

With more than 200 vessels on show, visitors were truly spoilt for choice.

Amongst the Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019’s most noteworthy vessels were the M/Y GOLDEN ROSE, a spacious and comfortable 92-foot yacht, built by Ortona Navi and on the market for $745,000; the Alaskan-built M/Y BLUE EYES, a custom-designed family yacht offering 76- foot of indulgence for $2,295,000; M/Y LADY ANN’s a 74-foot Ocean Alexander yacht which boasts a sleek and stylish interior and sleeps six, with a sale price of $2,435,000; M/Y M&M’s, built by Sabre Yachts in 2009 and offering extraordinary light and space for her $1,295,000 price point; and finally the 54-foot M/Y ALOHA, a fun and speedy vessel offered at just $585,000.

Other charming yachts at the Seattle Boats Afloat show included M/Y TIARA Q44, a 44-foot Tiara boat on the market for $645,000, and the 92-foot M/Y 92 PARAGON COCKPIT, built by Paragon Motor Yachts in 2015 and offering luxurious on-the-water living for $4,395,000.

Visitors to the Seattle Boats Afloat Show 2019 had the opportunity to view these yachts, along with a host of others. Worth Avenue Yacht’s team of industry experts were on hand to show guests around these luxury vessels, while also providing them expert advice on how they could find their dream boat.

“Worth Avenue Yachts’ gorgeous presentation enriched the crowning display of the show’s largest yachts,” Ms Berg said. “By having some of the most impressive boats in the show, they helped earn our event valuable media coverage. Worth Avenue Yachts really led by example by creating an inviting, yet prestigious, environment.”

 

 

 

 

 

No place is like Baltimore. Our beautiful harbor city is historic, exciting, and full of great things to see and do. The food is great, the people are wonderful, and we’re just a short jaunt from wilderness destinations, historic battlefields, and other major cities.

But Baltimore is what you make of it. Plenty of things about Baltimore aren’t so great, and it’s easy to focus on those. The Baltimore area has some beautiful homes and beautiful neighborhoods, and it’s all too easy to stick around your own space and never explore all of the great things that Baltimore has to offer. Don’t let Baltimore pass you by. Here’s how to get the most out of Charm City.

Embrace the local cuisine

Baltimore is great for a lot of things, but one thing it truly excels at it is food.

Baltimore’s delicious crab dishes and other seafood treats are must-eat meals for any self-respecting Baltimore resident. And with so many great restaurants in the area, you’re sure to find a favorite place or two as well as plenty of new spots to try.

You should try your hand at making your own, too. It’s part of the culture here. So crack open a cookbook and whip up some crab legs — whether you choose to steam, grill, or roast your crabs is up to you. Grab some fresh fish on the way home from work. And, above all, make sure that you have plenty of Old Bay in the cupboard. This is Maryland, after all.

Play tourist

Baltimore has lots of great tourist attractions, which is why Inner Harbor is always swamped with crowds on nice days during tourist season. Locals don’t always have time for this stuff — we have work to do and lives to lead, and we take our own vacation time elsewhere.

But if you really want to get the most out of Baltimore, don’t wait until your family or friends visit to go to these tourist hot spots. Pick a weekend day or play hooky from work and go explore your own city as if you were a tourist! There’s a reason that our city is such a hit with the vacation set, and there’s no reason to deprive yourself of the city’s charms. So grab your fanny pack and sunscreen and go play tourist. Head to the top local spots for sightseeing and tourist attractions. Visit Fort McHenry and check out the Walters Art Gallery. We’ll see you at the National Aquarium.

Care for your mental health

Urban life can be uniquely stressful, experts tell us. And the Baltimore area is home to a lot of competitive professionals who work long hours in tough jobs — something that experts agree can be very tough on mental health. All of this means that mental health should be a priority for any Baltimore resident.

In fact, mental health should be a priority for everyone everywhere. Despite harmful and misguided assumptions that many of us make about mental health and mental health care, we should all be thinking about our minds and visiting professionals for care. Therapy is great for folks with mental illnesses to treat, explain the experts at Baltimore Therapy Group, but it’s also a wonderful choice for those who feel fine. Talk therapy will give you insights into your own thought patterns and will help you take control of your behaviors and your reactions to external stresses.

Great mental health will help you get more out of life. It will help you get more out of Baltimore, too.

 

The travel industry is continually changing. Trends come and go as consumer tastes and needs evolve. In the past, luxury travel meant staying at a 5-star hotel. Nowadays, many travellers prefer the overall experience and better privacy of personalised accommodation. In line with this, luxury villa rentals are undoubtedly becoming the perfect solution if you are looking for exclusive access to private beaches and exotic locations.

If you are the kind of traveller who does not want to stay in crowded hotels and tourist destinations, here are five reasons that may convince you a private villa such as https://thewowhousecompany.com offers is precisely what you need on your next vacation.

Privacy unlike any other

One of the main selling points for luxury villas is unmatched privacy. Not even the most prestigious 5-star hotel can beat what a villa has to offer. Renting a villa means you have access to an entire property. There are no annoying tourists and chatty neighbours to worry about. You can use all the amenities to your heart’s content. You also have the freedom to do anything you want and not feel self-conscious about it.

Astounding rates

Some people think that a luxury villa is more expensive than booking a hotel. On the contrary, villas offer better value for money if you are travelling with a big group. Villas as perfect for families, group retreats, and a vacation with friends.

Villas have all the convenient amenities you need for your stay. There is a fully functioning kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry area. If you want, you can also book a villa with a swimming pool and gym. These amenities can help you save money on food and other activities.

The best locations

Luxury villas are often built in some of the best spots in known destinations around the world. Whether you want a vineyard villa in Tuscany, a beachfront property in Bali, or a quaint historic villa in Spain, there is one that caters to your travel fantasy. Not only will you get access to the best views, but you also have it all to yourself!

You have more space

Villas have a more relaxed and homier feel than hotels because four walls do not constrict you. You can make the most out the space available and explore the property. Depending on the style, villas have modern or rustic interiors with impeccably landscaped gardens. There are lounge areas by the pool, big dining rooms, and several bathrooms. Even a suite in a hotel cannot beat that!

Personalise your stay

You are not restricted by rules when you stay at a villa. You can customise the experience however you like. If you are travelling to relax and de-stress from your hectic lifestyle, book a villa on a secluded island. Do you plan to experience a new culture through food? How about a villa in Italy where you can immerse yourself in the local scene and learn about authentic Italian cooking? Most importantly, since you are renting the property, you can adjust your schedule however you like.

 

Forty-eight hours isn’t nearly enough time to explore all of Bangkok. Thailand’s capital city is chock-full of contrasting pleasures, a vibrant metropolis that still retains much of its distinctive cultural identity. If you only have a couple of days to spare though, curating your itinerary carefully means that you can experience the best of what it has to offer. Below, we help you narrow down your choices and list the attractions we think are essential for a weekend visit:

Ratchada Train Market

One of the reasons why this night market is so popular is its sheer accessibility. While staying at a Ratchada area hotel is a great idea when in Bangkok, you can still access the Ratchada Train Market without having to check in; it’s a short walk from the Cultural Center MRT Underground station.

Also known as Talad Rot Fai Ratchada, the Ratchada Train Night Market is an offshoot of the hugely successful first train night market on Srinagarindra Road. Why are they called train markets when there aren’t any railroads in sight, you ask? These colorful hubs of activity used to occupy an area that was part of the railway system before being relocated—the name has since stuck. Young people come here for the vintage aesthetics that millennials and Gen-Zers have come to love, and stay for beer by the bucket and cheap grilled seafood.

The central area of the market is dedicated to vintage items and antiques for sale, as well as various sundries and souvenirs at bargain prices. No visit to Bangkok is complete without a night market experience, so do as the locals do and head on down—the market opens daily at 5 in the afternoon and doesn’t close until 1 in the morning.

Chao Phraya River

This river flows right through Bangkok and has the esteemed distinction of having been named by King Rama I as the River of Kings. An estimated 50,000 people traverse its waters daily to get around the city—tourists mainly come for a placid river or dinner cruise for a different perspective on oft-visited sites and architectural landmarks. The banks of the river are lined with much to see: Rattanakosin Island is home to some of Bangkok’s most well-known attractions such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Asiatique the Riverfront is a shopping and entertainment complex that takes advantage of the cool breeze coming up from the water to offer a wide variety of al fresco dining and shopping options. Getting around is as easy as walking up to a passenger pier and hopping on an express boat or river taxi.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

They say that you haven’t been to Bangkok unless you’ve seen the Grand Palace, and droves of tourists seem to agree, given how busy it is on any given day. The palace complex occupies an astounding 2.35 million square feet and is an opulent vision of Thai style architecture. It was built not only as a residence but also to house a number of administrative offices and temples, as well as throne and royal halls. There’s no shortage of sights to marvel at, but most head to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew to admire the statue enshrined there: the Emerald Buddha is the most important Buddha image in the country and was carved from a single block of jasper. Dressed in real gold and jewelry, its costume changes thrice a year at the beginning of each season: summer, rainy season, and winter.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This popular floating market is located on the straightest and longest canal in the country and is a hit with visitors looking for a taste of the old world. Traditional Thai food and fresh exotic tropical fruits and vegetables are hawked out of boats and served as you drift by, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “eat and run”. You can enjoy a lazy cruise along the canal having a bite of whatever strikes your fancy and come up on the other end with a full stomach and a unique cultural experience under your belt. Try boat noodles or kuaitiao ruea, served in small bowls in an intensely flavored broth topped with pork or beef and a variety of herbs and spices. There’s also the novelty of being handed a bag of piping hot spring rolls or dumplings fresh out of the fryer from a long pole as you float past.

While a weekend may seem like a short time to spend in Bangkok, it can be an eventful one if you know where to go. By carefully choosing the attractions you want to see, you’ll have an easy time making the most out of your forty-eight hours in this colorful city.

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