Five Reasons You Should Couchsurf

How would you like to stay with like-minded people who will show you the best parts of your destination through the eyes of locals for absolutely FREE? That's just one of the many facets of Couchsurfing. There is so much more to the idea behind the concept of couchsurfing. The website now boasts 3 million users in about 250 cities around the world. It was created with the intent of creating global meaningful connections and has been successfully doing so since its founding in 2003. Here are 5 reasons why you should couchsurf.

1. Free Accommodation: You can spending the night or a couple of nights (don't take advantage of people's hospitality) on someones couch for free. It doesn't have to be a couch. It could very well be a comfortable spare bed.

2. Local Perspective: Even if you're uncomfortable staying with a complete stranger, you could meet up with someone who interests you for coffee or a drink or a meal. They can show some of the best places to eat and drink, away from the touristy spots listed in your travel guide.

3. Safety: Couchsurfers can leave testimonials or vouch for persons they have stayed with in the past, so you can pick people to stay with or spend time accordingly. Additionally, there is an optional verification system that couchsurfers can use through a payment system for added security. I have known a number of friends who have couchsurfed across the world and have had amazing experiences.

4. Local Groups: Thousands of groups exist for various cities where people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, full of wanderlust can gather together. A quick search of the DC group shows that there are around 8000 members and events range from ballroom dancing, camping and hiking excursions to group travels during the holidays and thanksgiving dinner for people away from their families. It's also a great place to find fun events in your city, places for rent and the best places to eat.

5. Gatherings: Couchsurfers have large gatherings aimed at uniting people from all continents to come together to partake in international debauchery. These events often draw more than 1000 people, such as new year eve events in major cities.

The idea is that people create these connections and reciprocate by hosting someone in their city or town. You do not have to have someone stay at your home. You can set your preferences to meet for coffee. There are also options for last minute travel plans such as when you have a long lay-over or missed connections. The best part is that couchsurfers are more likely to be open-minded and knowledgeable people with a keen interest on showing you the best that their home town has to offer! All for free.

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Why You Should Consider An African Safari

The African safari is one holiday that all travelers aspire to. It is on the wish list of most people and those who have gone on safari find themselves being drawn back time and time again.

Go back in time...

Africa is a vast continent of infinite variety and is has some of the most unspoiled wilderness left on the planet. If you have every fancied time travel then this could be the place where you can imagine yourself going back in time and standing on land that has remained virtually unchanged since time began. In South Africa, from the Drakensberg Mountains and their verdant slopes of tea growing terraces to the wild coast of the cape and the towering Table Mountain this is a holiday that truly has something for everyone. The cafe culture of Cape Town and the history of Pretoria make this country as varied as it is lovely. The sultry climate of tropical Durban has won over many a heart. South Africa has many wonderful beaches and everything you could want to enhance your safari holiday.

Mount Kenya rising high

The cheerful welcoming Kenyan guide who is with you when you see your first pride of lions devouring their kill or points out a rare bird at Lake Naivasha will be a firm friend by the time that your safari ends. The animals and the sights and sounds of Kenya will captivate you. Mount Kenya rises high above the earth and the Masai Mara plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Come at the time of the annual migration and you will be captivated by the sheer numbers of animals thundering across the plains.

Awe inspiring Tanzania

In Tanzania, the safari is King and no visit to the country is complete without seeing the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. See hippos and crocs in the river of the Okavango Delta of Botswana and savour the experiences you have as a family that will stay with you forever. After a dusty day on safari you can relax in the most luxurious of environments, maybe take a dip in the plunge pool before you eat a sumptuous evening meal. And then tomorrow it will all be there for you to explore again!

Geologically, the Taita Hills are the northern most outposts of the mountains of Tanzania and Malawi that are more great safari destinations. Arid Bushland flanks the hills, and then near the top you will see cultivated strips and remnant patches of ancient forest. This area is ideal for bird watchers.

Hit the beach

A safari followed by a beach holiday is probably one of the most popular combinations and a week at a stunning beach resort is a great way to relax after a safari trip. One of the best combinations is probably a three week safari and then a week at the beach but one week at each will also be perfect. It is hard to say how long a safari should be, some say it can never be long enough, but much as most of us will hate to drag ourselves away, we will have to. But once you have been to Africa it will be hard to resist the call to return.

Whether it is Kenya, South Africa, Namibia or Botswana, the Victoria falls in Zimbabwe or Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the memories you make on your African holidays will be with you for a life time. A safari is the kind of holiday that truly can cater for everyone from the very young to the older traveler. The usual length of a safari is two weeks but the longer you can take the better, more time to see those unforgettable sights and to immerse yourself in the culture and the fascination of the ancient continent of Africa and her people.

Graeme is writing on behalf of Opulent Africa Tanzania Safari & Botswana Safari

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Canadian Travel - 10 Things You Should Experience in Banff, Alberta

1. Hiking Trails (easy) - there are some amazing trails within walking distance from the town of Banff. Some easy and rewarding hikes are to the Vermillion Lakes, the Marsh trail near the Cave and Basin, and to the Bow Falls. These are fun family hikes and great opportunities to see wildlife.

2. Hiking Trails (moderate) - for these trails a little ascent is required. One of the best and most rewarding is the Tunnel Mountain hike. Follow switch backs for about 30 minutes to reach some amazing views of the town of Banff on one side and the Banff Springs Golf Course and Rundle Mountain on the other. A slightly tougher hike is to the Sulphur Mountain lookout. Allow 45-60 minutes to reach the top. There is a gondola to the top which is great for a lot of people, but for those who are adventurous enough to hike up, the ride down the gondola is free.

3. Hiking Trails (difficult) - one of the more difficult trails out of Banff is to the top of Mount Rundle. Allow a full day for this one which can be quite a grueling slog through dense forests that only gets tougher and tougher the higher you go. Once at the top, however, you quickly realize that it was all worth it as the views are indescribable.

4. A night's stay at the Rimrock Resort Hotel - if you're going to do it, you want to do it right. The Rimrock has big rooms filled with all the latest amenities, great facilities like a pool, spa, hot tub and gym. There is also a great selection of restaurants including Eden, a Five Diamond fine dining room (one of only five in Canada) that is renowned for its French cuisine, using local ingredients, and a spectacular selection of wines. The best thing about the Rimrock is that it's set outside of the town of Banff, perched on the side of Sulphur Mountain, surrounded by nature. You can check out the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

5. The best Greek food this side of Greece - Barpa Bill's Souvlaki is a great little hole-in-the-wall located off the main drag on Bear St. You would never find this place unless someone told you about it. Once there indulge yourself with a souvlaki, Greek salad and the best fries in Alberta all at great prices.

6. Take the historic tour of the Banff Springs Hotel - an entertaining 45 minutes led by hotel historian Dave Moberg who has been at the hotel longer than any other current staff member. Besides Dave Moberg's passion for the hotel, the highlight is Mount Stephen Hall. This is a great way to get insight and see the hotel especially if you can't afford to stay in one of their rooms.

7. Try the exotic food at the Grizzly House - this is a Banff landmark situated on Banff Avenue. Famous for its Fondue, the Grizzly House offers everything from steaks and venison to alligator and frogs legs, in a unique setting.

8. Evelyn's Coffee Shop - there are a few different locations around the town to enjoy Evelyn's great coffee and freshly baked goods. This is where the locals drink coffee.

9. Coyotes Southwestern Grill - a great place for lunch and home to amazing veggie burgers. It's a small, cozy place that can get quite busy.

10. Photo along Banff Avenue looking at Cascade Mountain - everyone does it because it really is an amazing sight. Cascade Mountain looks right down on the main street in Banff. No trip to Banff is complete without this photo.

Noal Bram is a freelance writer who travels everywhere. He only submits his work to edgy sources like Canada's Travel Network.

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Volunteer Abroad Motives - Why Should One Go for It?

We all know that the world is a massive place with 'n' number of people, creatures and living lives residing on it. There are so many talented, exciting and astonishing people in the world whom you have never met yet. So, if you are a social animal and have a craving for new hands on experience, wait no more. No matter where you are, you can take your own time and travel anywhere that is absolutely novel and foreign to you.

Volunteer abroad is the best choice to fulfill this wish of any person. It emphasizes on working to offer for the needs of several people like you. These needs may however differ, in terms of educational, environmental and so on, but volunteering focuses in assisting people with such variable needs. While reading or hearing so much about volunteering opportunities, you might wonder why volunteer abroad?

Nevertheless, give a deeper thought to it and you will find a satisfactory answer for yourself. Ok, fine don't stress your brains so much. Read below to get your answer. One can go for volunteer abroad for several reasons such as adventure, excitement, culture, exploration and so on. While others go hunting for a challenging job or their own personal interest drives them there. To volunteer abroad, you need to have some qualities inherited in you like patience, flexibility and respect for the host people to attain a rewarding experience.

There has been a tremendous increase in the number of volunteers going abroad since it provides them with a rewarding as well as challenging personal experience. One's desire to contribute serves as an intense motivation to go abroad. This is also one of the best approaches to understand new culture and get novel experiences from them.

By volunteering abroad, you are benefitted with some of the social benefits. You get an opportunity to make new friends, have fun, develop personal skills, modify your living style and develop your career. Did you ever put light on a simple fact that you are on this earth for a very special purpose. If yes, then it's time to do something like volunteering that gives meaning to your life and make a difference. You get a feeling of contentment as you have served the world. The insight that one gains by such a program is indeed priceless, with all its privileges and advantages. So, now it's time to initiate your journey.

Anish Kumar Singh is a Online Marketing Expert and Writing a Review Article for Volunteer Abroad, volunteer in Nepal and Volunteer in India.

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