Packing List for Summer Travel

The warm weather and burst of sunshine experienced during summer make it a great time for taking trips. However, packing is one of the most challenging parts of travel. The golden rule is to always travel light and only pack what is necessary. Nevertheless, several travelers still find it hard to pack for summer trips. The following is a detailed packing list for summer travel that can help you when making preparations for the trip. 

Travel Essentials 

In this context, travel essentials refer to the mandatory travel documents for travelers. The travel essentials for summer trips that you should give precedence when packing include valid visa, passport, travel insurance, and some money. If you are planning to hire a car for self-drive, it is important to also pack an international driving permit. 

Travel Gear 

There are various kinds of travel gear that you will also need during summer travels. However, the basic ones that should form part of your luggage include a camera, travel adapters, portable USB charger, water bottle, backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, and cellphone. 

Wardrobe 

A wardrobe is used in this context to refer to the clothes that you will be required to pack for summer trips. The following is a list of the clothes that women should pack when traveling during summer. 

  • One or two maxi dresses and rompers 
  • Brightly colored tops 
  • Denim shorts or maxi skirts 
  • Bathing suit 
  • Flat or boat shoes 
  • One light jacket, sunhat, and sunglasses 

For men, the following clothes are necessary for summer trips. 

  • Light and bright colored t-shirts and shirts 
  • Shorts or chinos 
  • Casual shoes 
  • Bathing suit 
  • One light jacket 
  • Sun hat and sunglasses 

There are several things you may still want to pack for summer trips. But, the ones discussed above are the basic items that you should pack to ensure a fun, safe and inexpensive summer travel. 

Must-See Attractions Every Traveler Should Visit in Japan

Japan is one of the most fascinating travel; destinations with something for every traveler to see and do. From magnificent ancient temples, shrines, early trade routes, spectacular gardens, rich art to modern cafes, Japan is home to a rich history and culture that you will truly love. To experience the best of Japan, the following are some must-see attractions. 

Kumano Kodo 

Kumano Kodo was recognized as UNSESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Less traveled by tourists, Kumano Kodo offers a unique taste of the true Japanese culture. The networks of trails lead to three shrines and other natural sacred sites frequented by monks, emperors, elites and common people. The trails pass through villages, forests, and towns where visitors can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisines, hot springs, and other great attractions. The Kumano Kodo has attracted visitors since the Heian times. 

Naoshima 

Naoshima is a small island that most people use as a getaway from Tokyo. Located in the Seto Inland Sea, the island has iconic modern art museums, sculptures, and architecture. Most of the works are done by the famous architect Ando Tadao. If you are an art lover, check out the Benesse House, Lee Ufan Art Museum and Chichu Art Museum for some great works. The island also has luxurious hotels for accommodations. 

Shibuya 

This is another spectacular attraction that you should never fail to visit when in Japan. Also known as the Scramble Crossing, Shibuya is an iconic intersection found in Tokyo. On average, the crossing usually receives estimated foot traffic levels of 2.8 million people per day. Apart from just the beautiful scenes for travel photography, Shibuya is home to some of the leading clothing and fashion stores and shopping malls. The renowned Shibuya 109 shopping mall is just a few minutes from the Shibuya train station. 

Other must-see attractions in Japan that you should also check out on your next trip include Kyoto, Asakusa, Odaiba, Nagasaki, Karuizawa, Yokohama and Ueno Park. Most of these attractions are very easy to get to by public train, which will also offer you an opportunity to interact with the locals during your trip. 

What Makes Traveling Good for the Soul?

Many travel and health experts, as well as travelers, agree that traveling is a great way to heal the soul. It frees the mind from the regular stressful routines and also lightens the heart, thereby enabling you to reset the body to the state where you feel comfortable, happy and safe.  Here’s more on how traveling benefits the soul. 

Better Mental Strength 

A healthy soul is determined by the strength of the mind. And, the best way to achieving proper mental strength is through taking part in constructive and fun activities. Traveling will enable you to visit different attractions and also engage in multiple activities. Besides, it also offers opportunities for meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. All these can help you shed away the stress of the past and achieve better mental strength, which will no doubt warm your soul. 

Warms the Heart 

One of the benefits of traveling is that you can always visit places and do the things that interest you. Traveling can also challenge you into trying out some scary or seemingly impossible tasks. The freedom of doing the things that you like or have been dreaming of will surely lighten your heart and bring a sense of happiness. You will feel much happier after accomplishing tasks that seemed more challenging or risky in the past. That could do great magic on your soul. 

Self Discovery 

Visiting different destinations around the world also gives you an ample opportunity to discover more about yourself. The simple act of living outside your comfort zone has a lot of lessons that will enable you to properly understand your personal strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Traveling teaches you to appreciate yourself, others and the world around you, which is critical to a healthy soul. 

The above discussion is sufficient proof that traveling is good for your soul. However, you can only experience the benefits if you dare to travel the world. Check out http://travelcostaricanow.com to visit one of my personal favorites.

Canada’s Most Beautiful Islands: 5 Incredible Islands to Visit

Many travelers associate a perfect island vacation with spending days in quaint fishing villages by the ocean and relaxing on a palm-tree lined beach. What if you had a chance to experience even much more? The islands off of both of Canada’s impressive coastlines provide travelers with some of the most rewarding experiences. Travelers get to explore quiet fishing towns by the sea while experiencing a natural charm paired with diverse culture and rich history that can’t be found anywhere else around the world. Here are some of the best islands to visit in Canada. 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

If you’re an outdoor traveler, Canada’s Vancouver Island is a must-visit place. The island is known for its moderate climate, and beautiful landscape, and unhurried way of life. It’s Canada’s most conspicuous island. The impressive snowy mountainous terrain on Vancouver Island makes it an ideal place for snowboarding and skiing. There are hot spring coves waiting for travelers looking to unwind. Travelers looking to reconnect with nature will find the marshes, iconic mountains, rainforests, amazing wildlife, and diverse ecosystem here quite fulfilling. Beach lovers are welcome at Tofino where they’ll find stretches of pristine beaches. Other activities to enjoy at Vancouver Island include canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and more. 

Prince Edward Island

One of Canada’s older settlements, Prince Edward Island features a slow-paced way of life that’s perfect for anyone looking to have a vacation full of relaxing on its beaches, wandering outdoors, and experiencing its towns. The island is the only provide with no land boundary in Canada. The sea food cuisines, gorgeous beaches, and lush green mountains will make you completely fall in love with the Island. Perhaps you should come and see why it’s often referred to as Canada’s food island. 

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is a paradise for hikers and anyone looking to explore nature, culture, and history. Famed for its Celtic heritage, the island is home to the Cape Breton Highland National Park and one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives- the Cabot Trail. There are about twenty six trails offering amazing opportunities for drive tours and scenic walks on the island. Cape Breton Island is truly a hiker’s paradise. Be sure to explore the Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site.

Baffin Island

Home to about eleven thousand people, the Baffin Island is the world’s fifth largest island and Canada’s largest island. The island’s strategic location allows travelers to experience an impressive assortment of nature, wildlife, and culture. From building an igloo and staying overnight in it at Iqaluit to exploring wildlife to stepping on a floe edge at Arctic Bay, there’s so much you can do here. Head to the Auyuittuq and Sirmilik National Parks and enjoy a range of activities. 

Sable Island

Located 190 miles southeast of Halifax, Sable Island is one of the few places that have witnessed hundreds of shipwrecks, dangerous waves, and deaths of brave sailors. That explains why it’s often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. That shouldn’t scare you anyway. The island is uninhabited and can only be accessed by boat of plane. Visitors are, however, required to seek permission from Parks Canada before getting on the island. Sable island is home to wild horses, pristine sandy beaches, offshore shipwrecks, grey seals, and a few macho souls.