1 - How to Experience the Magic of Inis Mor

How to Experience the Magic of Inis Mor

When you think of Ireland, the places that come to mind are most probably all the major tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Guinness Storehouse situated in Dublin. However, a hidden gem that is often overlooked by eager travelers and enthusiastic tourists is the magical isle of Inis Mor. Pronounced ‘Inishmore’, it is the largest of the Aran Islands and happens to be quite close to Galway. The charm of this island remains undiminished despite being sparsely populated, or perhaps because of it. If ever there was an opportunity for time travel, this is it, with the locals freely conversing in their rustic Irish Gaelic and using horse-drawn carriages as a regular mode of conveyance. 

 

Whether you’re taking the island by bicycle, foot, or pony and trap, there are plenty of sights to be explored, a warm welcome to be received and plenty of craic to be had. 

 

Visit the Seven Churches of Aran

The name is a bit of a misnomer as well as an exaggeration, seeing as there are, in actuality, only two churches in all. What is not an exaggeration, however, is the sheer breathtaking beauty of this ancient spiritual destination. In fact, it is actually more of a complex comprising of the old graveyards at Na Seacht d’Teampaill and church ruins. Dedicated to Saint Brecan, and located near the village of Eoghanacht, this site used to be one of the most beloved and popular monastic destinations for devotees all along Ireland’s West Coast.

 

Aran Bike Hire 

The most underrated and fashionable way to take in the picturesque of Inis Mor has got to be by cycling through the island, stopping at your leisure to soak up the peaceful attractiveness. Glide through the countryside and weave through the village with a bicycle from Aran Bike Hire. You can easily find a huge array of bikes for rent for a day or overnight. Whisk yourself out as far as Dun Aonghasa (the oldest of the island’s four large forts) and back to your accommodation to enjoy a calming pint after a busy day of adventure. Each rental comes with a complimentary island map, helmets and roadside assistance is required.  

 

When you come back after enjoying the amazing views and the breath-taking Dun Aonghasa, make sure to enjoy the views of Inis Mor on the walk back to your bicycle. There are some stunning little shops and a café near the bike park for you to peruse and refresh after crossing this amazing spot off your bucket list.  

 

Go Wool Shopping

Aran Islands’ woolen products are famous all around the world. Featuring one of a kind patterns and stitches particular to specific Irish clans, these wonderful warm fuzzies include everything from scarves and mittens to sweaters and cloaks. Honestly, what better way to carry back a little bit of Irish history with you? 

 

Go for A Hike

Sometimes the best way to really discover all the treasures a place has to offer is by wandering around or just taking a hike, quite literally. This is actually one of the best ways to truly experience Inis Mor in all its boundless beauty since the terrain on this island is not very rock and hence, actually quite perfect for walking. So, be sure to carry a pair of sensible walking shoes along! 

 

Check out The Dún Aonghasa

Probably the most famous and well-known tourist attraction in Inis Mor, Dun Aonghasa is a hill fort built really high up on the top of a cliff, presenting a phenomenal view of the entire island and the Atlantic Ocean. This prehistoric structure is believed to go as far back as 100 BC, which means that it has been around since the Bronze and Iron Ages. Wow! Now, isn’t that something?

 

Pay a Visit to The Worm Hole

This place is as interesting as its name suggests. The Worm Hole, as it has come to be fondly called, refers to a square-shaped depression that has been carved out in the rocky bottom part of a cliff. This spot has become extremely popular for cliff diving into the ocean. So, Inis Mor has a lot to offer adventure enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, extreme sports lovers, and adrenaline junkies as well. 

 

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3 - 6 Tips to Travel Responsibly in Ladakh

6 Tips to Travel Responsibly in Ladakh

Ladakh is a victim of its own beauty. Every view there is breath-taking, the snow-capped peaks, the green valleys, and the desert slopes. The type of tourism in Ladakh has changed to suit all types. It caters to trekkers, bikers, and car drivers of sorts and makes sure everyone is included. The pressure of tourism has also increased pollution and depletion of resources and it comes down to us, the travelers, to maintain its beauty.

 

Here are some ways to ensure your trip has a positive impact:

1. Don’t Buy Bottled Water

There is no need to buy bottled water in Ladakh. Filtered water is equally safe to drink. Many hotels and guest houses will offer you this. You can easily fill up on filtered water in the town as well. You can invest in a Steripen which sterilizes the river water to make sure you have something to drink while trekking.

 

2. Stretch Your Legs and Lungs by Trekking

Trekking is one of the main reasons people visit Ladakh but these days the number of people interested in getting sweaty has fallen. Ladakh gives you the opportunity to view the sights which cannot be viewed otherwise. This also provides employment to the local guides and also ensures minimal damage is done on the trekking paths. There are various treks of different distances for you to explore. 

 

3. Give More Business to Simple Family-Run Hotels and Guest Houses

It is worrisome to think that up-market guest houses and hotels are getting more business than the local ones of Ladakh. One will obviously miss out on the Ladakhi culture by staying in high-end hotels as they cannot give the same experience and connection to the place. You learn so much simply by spending time with the locals which is an enriching adventure in itself.

 

4. Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations

One of the biggest challenges you will face in Ladakh is the lack of water. Most of the water comes from the glacier melt and in the high altitude, the desert land is pretty dry. There is hardly any rain so surviving becomes difficult during winters when everything is frozen. Water needs to be conserved by those living there. Be a part of that sustainable living and try to avoid overconsumption of water. Local guesthouses will also help you in becoming more aware and friendly about the same.

 

5. Share Transport

Another problem faced by Ladakhi is transport. There is a shortage of public transport and buses are the only option and those run only a few times a week as well. Visitors tend to hire private drivers which leads to a shortage of drivers and more cars with only 2 or 3 people sitting in them. You could share a taxi or book one driver for your whole trip, in fact, if you truly want to experience Ladakh, take a Bolero.

 

6. Buy Souvenirs Locally

There are a various gift and souvenir stores in Leh and they are packed with handicrafts. You can help the local business that is overtaken by big businesses and middlemen. You will find hand-knitted soft toys and lots of other beautiful items!

 

If you liked this article and want more information on how to travel, visit us at www.travelgooru.com. We will help you book cheap flights and find the best hotels at the prices you want. Visit us to plan your perfect holiday!

1 - 6 Reasons You Should Definitely Visit South Dakota

6 Reasons You Should Definitely Visit South Dakota

For your next vacation, if you’re searching for a place that has jaw-dropping natural beauty, iconic national monuments, Wild West Thrills, Native American folklore, American history galore, herds of stampeding buffalos, and freaky natural wonders, then look no further than areas in the South Dakota region. The South Dakota attractions tempt even the most jaded of travelers. From Mount Rushmore to Badlands, it’s a well-rounded vacation destination or an ideal spot for a fun road trip in the United States. 

 

1. Mount Rushmore 

Settled in the Black Hills in the touristy town of Keystone, this iconic National Memorial is definitely the real deal. Giants busts of four US Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt – are carved into the mountainside. It is one of the most iconic sights in the US, and definitely worth a visit, even if you can’t really get up close to the monument. Hike the half-mile Presidential Trail to get as close as you possibly can, but make sure to carry your binoculars.  

 

2. Badlands National Park 

This stunning national park is home to plains with wildlife like prairie dogs, bison, bighorn sheep, and has a spectacular landscape of rocky pinnacles. The park offers the best of both worlds – superb wildlife in America’s popular prairie and hiking through otherworldly rock formations. You can also camp here and experience the insanely dark skies, meaning that you can easily see the stunning Milky Way in all its glory. 

 

3. Mammoth Site & Museum

This is an archaeological site, which is still being excavated, and was once a sinkhole that swallowed up dozens of mammoths. It is a graveyard of at least 61 mammoths, all of which happen to be male. The spot in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is surely considered as one of the coolest places to visit. Tourists can actually get into the sinkhole to see the bones. 

 

4. Custer State Park

This 71,000-acre state park in the Black Hills is regarded as one of South Dakota’s natural gems. Just like the Badlands, Custer is popular for its bison herds but is also famous for its elk, mountain lions, and coyotes. After animal sightseeing, it would be best to head to one of the park’s five stunning scenic lakes, camp in the pine forests, or drive a portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. 

 

5. Deadwood 

We are sure that you recognized the name Deadwood from the critically acclaimed but short-lived HBO TV series. But it is important to know that, Deadwood is a meticulously restored 19th century Wild West mining town and a popular tourist attraction thanks to its Main Street which is a National Historic Landmark District. Not only do its various hotels make Deadwood a great base for exploration, but just wandering in and out of the old-time saloons and soaking up local history is time well spent. 

 

6. Roadside Attractions 

Historical places kept aside, South Dakota is also popular for its roadside attractions. The most well-known is Wall Drug, which began as a small-town drug store and now covers the whole city block with all kinds of craziness. Another roadside option is Al’ Oasis, a rest stop along I-90. The place has everything from a grocery store to souvenir shops inside. 

 

With this list of major places to visit in South Dakota, you now have a small base for an itinerary. South Dakota is a land that will fill you with wonders at every turn and you must definitely go explore it. If you desire to see all of these amazing places in South Dakota, connect with us at Travel Gooru today. We help clients search for cheap hotels and rental cars at their vacation destination. We instantly compare prices and provide precise details to make it easy for our clients.

2 - Everything That Makes It Popular In Summer Is Why You Should Visit Prague In Winter

Everything That Makes It Popular In Summer Is Why You Should Visit Prague In Winter

Prague is a culturally and historically rich city in Central Europe. It is the capital of the Czech Republic and is the 20th most visited city in the world. Tourists flock to this city to view its many historic attractions, most of which survived immense violence and destruction. Prague is home to numerous wonderful theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. The population of Prague is approximately 1.2 million and the number of tourists that visit the city annually is 7 times that number. You get the whole tourist experience when you visit this great overcrowded city with the hundreds of others who come for the same view. 

 

There are certain things that make cities popular enough for visiting; Prague falls in the same category of being a noteworthy city. There are few things you should keep in mind before making your travel plans and, the season is one definitely of them. Here is a list of why Prague is a city best enjoyed during winter:

 

Fewer tourists

Prague’s tourism board observed that May is the most popular month for visiting and the least popular in January. The number of visitors in January is nearly half of that in May.  Prague is an overpopulated city with its own citizens and becomes more crowded with tourists. This place can be a paradise for you to view without human traffic. The city is still crowded during the winter season but it is much better than the crowd you would face in June. Charles Bridge is exquisite to witness when you can actually visit it in peace.

 

Easier on the pocket

Off-season travel always saves you money. Fewer visitors mean that airlines and hotels reduce their prices by an average of 20-40%. Prague is a rather costly city to stay in and accommodation there is very expensive. A city that gets most of its income by tourism has high prices on everything, so visiting during winter will save you that extra cash to spend elsewhere. Food and beer are not so highly-priced but hotels can really burn a deep hole in the pocket. Airbnb is a good option to help you save on apartment rentals or costly hotel rooms and even those are priced lower during the winter seasons.

 

Weather conditions

Prague is a cold city. The average temperature even during summer is only 16 Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) so it is not exactly a tropical climate. During winters, the sun stays hidden most of the time, and the temperature drops to 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit).  This goes to say that Prague is not a city you visit to enjoy its amazing weather. You will be facing cold temperatures even if you visit during the summer. It also rains twice as much during the summer season which is quite the party pooper on any vacation. You will also be saved from the millions of other people who flock there during summer. You will just have to pack more woolens and carry warmer things to help with the cold. Take this as an excuse to invest in some solid woolen wear and buy the trendiest coats, caps, gloves, and boots!

 

Obvious advice

It goes without saying that fewer demands mean better deals in literally any part of the world. With Prague, you can almost never escape the crowd. Winter tourists increased by 9% in 2016-2017 and these numbers are very important. Keeping your sanity in mind it is best to travel to Prague during winter. A warm jacket in exchange for shorter lines and cheaper hotels is definitely worth considering. Make sure you are committed to the idea of summer travel if you choose to do it because it can be very exhausting and taxing to explore the city during that season with a thousand other people. 

 

If you liked this article and want help with planning your travel and stay, visit us at www.travelgooru.com. Our goal is to help you save money when you make your hotel reservations and while booking your flight tickets. You can search and compare prices and pick the best one for you. Find the best flight, hotel, or car rental from different websites with no additional fees. Visit us today!

40 - The Ultimate Guide to Berlin: What to Do, See and Eat!

The Ultimate Guide to Berlin: What to Do, See and Eat!

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, we at TravelGooru have curated this post just for you. Berlin is an extremely affordable place if one knows the right places to be. It has something to offer for whatever kind of traveler you are. Here is a list of a few things that you can do while you are at Berlin:

 

 

1. What can you do in Berlin?

There are plenty of lovely things that one can explore in Berlin. However, if you want to experience most of them you will have to make sure that you make some tough decisions and make a list of things that you would like to see and ones that you can miss. Here is a list of things that you can do in Berlin, hopefully, they help you make a good decision:

 

a. Free stuff and places

If you wish to see the city without spending a fortune, here are some places that you can go to:

Reichstag Dome

This is the parliament building. The dome is absolutely magnificent to look at. And is open for people to walk in even during the night. It is a little crowded during the summer. To visit it, you must register first, though. 

The East Side Gallery

This part of Berlin has been painted by various artists and muralists and is completely free if you wish to see the talent the city offers. 

Tempelhof Fed

This is an old repurposed airport where you can go to do simple things like flying kites or for a barbeque with friends and family. 

 

b. When the weather is beautiful, you must visit the following places

Sunday Flea Markets

The street markets of Berlin are absolutely delightful. They are fun and quirky and you’ll find things here that you might not find anywhere else. Old books, records, and jewelry lovers must go to this Mecca of shopping.

Tempelhof Inside

The inside of this airport offers English tours every Monday and Wednesday. It seems like this place was frozen in time and we recommend that you take one of these tours especially if it is raining outside. 

The Memorial to the Jews

If you are a history buff and want to visit someplace where you can almost feel it, you must visit the memorial as it immortalizes the atrocities that took place in Europe. It serves as a reminder that man is better and we strongly recommend that you visit this place. 

 

 

2. Where to eat in Berlin? 

Coming to the next part of this post, here is a list of places that you can try when you wish to eat a wholesome meal. 

  1. Rosa Caleta for a meal that brings the flavors of Jamaica to your plate. 
  2. Angry Chicken, if you prefer Korean food. 
  3. Sigiriya, a restaurant that brings the cuisine of Sri Lanka to your plate. 
  4. Tibet Haus, if you are looking for Tibetan food. 
  5. Hirsch, if you have an appetite for Schnitzel. 

 

We at TravelGooru want to make sure that your travel is hassle-free. We understand the pains that travel planning can give and this is why we are here to help you plan and strategize. We will look for the best tickets and help you out with your itinerary too. Contact us now to know more!