Tag Archives: UK

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Plan a Beach Getaway from London

While London may be one of the busiest capitals in the world, you do not have to travel too far to escape city life. From the popular seaside town of Brighton to the Arabian-looking dunes at Camber Sands, here are a few ideas for those looking to plan a beach getaway from London.

Camber Sands, East Sussex
Less than a one and a half hour train ride from Central London, Camber Sands in East Sussex boasts an impressive sand dune system that is reminiscent of those that you would find in the Middle East. With chestnut fences and marram grasses, this is definitely a picturesque spot of the English coastline. The Kit Kat Café located on the sand is perfect for relaxing and soaking up some rare English sun, while horseback riding and kitesurfing are just a couple of the activities available here.

Camber Sands

 

Brighton
While Brighton Beach may be more shingle than sand, this is still one of the most popular seaside towns in the country. Loud, bright and kitsch, the atmosphere in Brighton is always a vibrant one, and the attractions here are unbeatable when compared to other seaside destinations. From the refurbished pier that features an arcade, fun fair and plenty more, to the art galleries and quirky bars that can be found throughout town, this is a destination that promises to be fun for the whole family.

Brighton

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West Wittering, Chichester
The beach at West Wittering is wide, sandy and unspoiled, making it no surprise that this has long since been the go-to beach getaway destination for many in the country. The grassy area on the beach is perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch without having to deal with sand in your food, while the wind and kite surfing club is ideal for those who want to enjoy some action on the water. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach is also famous for its incredible views over Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, so be sure to bring your camera!

Mother and son on beach

 

Botany Bay, Kent
With its towering white cliffs and natural chalk stacks, Botany Bay is a quintessential British beach, and is also one of the most photographed beaches in the country. When the tide is out, this beach is perfect for exploring, as you will find everything from fossils and rock pools to natural wildlife here. However, at high tide, both ends of the beach end up being cut off, so you do need to time your visits carefully. When this happens, there is plenty else to do around town, from a spot of shopping to a game of golf to visiting one of the six other sandy beaches that can be found in Kent.

Kent

 

While many may assume that the beach destinations near London are nothing special, this is definitely not the case. From the quaint and picturesque stretch of sand at West Wittering, to the fun and excitement to be had at Brighton, it is easy to plan a beach getaway from London.

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Kid-Friendly London Itineraries

Child having fun

No matter what age your children may be, London is a great city to take them to. Whether you plan to be spending your time in the sophisticated West End, or the edgy and upcoming East End, here are a few kid-friendly itineraries to consider.

West and North London
If you are staying around the West or North end of London, then start your day off at the ZSL London Zoo. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, having opened its doors in 1828, children of all ages love seeing all the animals that are housed here, from the giraffes to the penguins. Since the zoo is right on the doorstep of Regent’s Park, head to the park for a picnic lunch and a bit of exploration. Once you have eaten and relaxed, walk to the south end of the park, where you will find Madame Tussauds. This is a great activity for children, as they will delight in seeing wax statues of all of their favorite celebrities.

East London
To begin your kid-friendly day out in East London, head to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, which will delight both children and adults with their nostalgic toy collections, as well as the many toys available for children to play with. After the museum, take a stroll around the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, which is a leafy oasis that has been created on the old Eastern Curve railway line. This is a great opportunity to show your children exactly how their food is grown, which is something that kids in London often do not get to experience. This is also a great spot to grab some lunch, while your children play in the large sandpit outside the café. If the weather is pleasant, head back to Bethnal Green, to the Victoria Park Kid’s Fountain Playground, where the gushing fountains in the Splash Playground will keep your children entertained for quite a while. Finally, if your children love animals, the Lee Valley Riding Centre offers one hour pony trekking sessions for families, and this will take you through the area’s stunning nature reserves and patches of woodland.

Central London
There is no shortage of child-friendly activities to take part in in Central London, with one of the most popular being the London Eye. Make your way there as early as possible in order to avoid the crowds, before taking a stroll along the banks of the river. The Natural History Museum should be your next stop, as there are so many interactive activities here that will enable your kids to really learn about natural history in a hands-on way. Nearby is the V&A Museum of Childhood, which again has plenty of child-friendly daily activities, from treasure hunts to storytelling sessions. If your children enjoy museums, Ripleys Believe it or Not is not too far away, and will no doubt delight them, while those who would prefer to spend some time outdoors can spend the rest of the day exploring the famous London landmarks in the area, from Big Ben to Westminster Abbey.

London is such a kid-friendly city, and you will never be short of activities to do with your children. From the museums of Central London to the nature and wildlife of East London, these are just a few of the child-friendly activities that you will find in the city.

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The Totally Thames Festival

Boat races in the River Thames

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Each year in London, a 42-mile stretch of the River Thames bursts into a hive of activity, all thanks to the annual Totally Thames festival. Taking place over the entire month of September, this festival celebrates the Thames with an exciting lineup of arts festivals, community events, river races and other fun-filled activities.

The Great River Race
The city’s annual river marathon, the Great River Race is always a spectacle to watch, as 300 teams from around the world will be competing to become the Traditional Boat Champions of the UK. With everyone from serious athletes in Hawaiian war canoes to Viking longboats filled with recreational rowers wearing fancy dress costumes, this race is worth watching, and, if you follow with it along the race route, you will end up in Richmond, greeted with live music and food stalls.

Floating Dreams
Ik-Joong Kang is one of the most revered artists to have come from South Korea, and Floating Dreams is a major installation of his, placed in the center of the Thames. The piece was created with the use of 500 drawings, collected from the generation of those that were forced to flee North Korea, leaving their homes and loved ones behind. The installation serves as a memorial to those that were divided during the Korean War, and is one of the most powerful pieces that the city has seen in a while.

The Singing Bridge
Artist and composer Claudia Molitor has created a one-of-a-kind musical and historic experience on London’s Waterloo Bridge, in honor of the Totally Thames Festival. Inspired by the surprising history of Waterloo Bridge, the artist put together a 40-minute musical experience, that tells the tale of the way in which the bridge was rebuilt by mostly women during the second World War.

Tall Ships Cruise
Many would argue that London is a city best seen from the water, and the tall ships cruise is an unforgettable way in which to do this. This opportunity is only available for four days, and enables visitors to enjoy a two-hour cruise down the Thames from the Royal Arsenal Pier in Woolwich. These tall ships are most definitely impressive, and give you an idea of what the vessels on the river would have looked like not too long ago.

Barnes Film Festival
The Barnes Film Festival is totally new to the Totally Thames Festival this year, but is an event that is highly anticipated by many. Featuring the work of young filmmakers from all across the UK, there will be viewings available that you will not be able to see anywhere else. In addition to the films presented, there will also be several related workshops, discussions and gatherings, featuring some of the country’s most revered cinematic talent.

With over 150 different official events to choose from, the Totally Thames Festival usually attracts at least 2 million Londoners each year, with many more coming from far and wide. With everything from art installations to boat races, this is a festival that highlights the beautiful diversity that the city of London has to offer.

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Five Stars in London

The Savoy

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London’s luxury hotels stand out from those in other cities around the world, and this is because they are each embedded with such a deep sense of history and tradition, with many of them retaining characteristic features that date back to their Victorian and Edwardian days. From the townhouses of Brown’s to the historic Art Deco architecture of The Dorchester, these are some of the finest hotels in London.

Brown’s Hotel
Consisting of 11 townhouses just off Piccadilly, Brown’s Hotel was founded over 175 years ago, and has quite the unique history. Not only was it where Rudyard Kipling completed the Jungle Book, and where Agatha Christie spent many nights, but it was also from here that Alexander Graham Bell made the world’s first ever phone call. The hotel was renovated in 2005, but has retained many of its original features, but updated this with modern amenities, such as the interactive entertainment in each of the guest rooms and the plush marble bathrooms. When it comes to dining, guests have the option of the traditional tea room, or the hotel’s innovative British restaurant, complete with cocktail bar.

The Dorchester
The Dorchester’s Art-Deco building dates all the way back to 1931 and is situated on Park Lane, one of the most prestigious addresses in London. Each guest room is tastefully luxurious, filled with fabrics that have been specially commissioned, one-of-a-kind antique furniture pieces and the most comfortable of beds. When it comes to their dining options, the Dorchester is home to the only restaurant in the country that holds three Michelin stars, with its French cuisine promising to be some of the best you have ever tasted. The Dorchester Spa is another highlight of the hotel, and their range of treatments are beautifully rounded off with a visit to the Spatisserie for a glass of vintage champagne.

The Savoy
A world famous hotel, the Savoy has had a variety of influences over time, from English Edwardian touches to Art Deco flare, and it has managed to retain and combine these in a truly unique way. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer views out across some of the most famous of London landmarks, but it is the dining options that really set The Savoy apart from its competition. The hotel has always placed an emphasis on fine dining, ever since world-class chef Auguste Escoffier first set this standard in 1889. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is one of the most popular restaurants at the Savoy, featuring a British grill menu with some French influences. Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill is where guests go when they are after something slightly more informal, while those who want a sense of tradition, as well as one of the best roast dinners they will have ever tasted, head to Simpson’s in the Strand and the Knight’s Bar. The Savoy is also home to the American Bar, the oldest cocktail bar in the city, and is constantly pushing boundaries when it comes to innovations in mixology.

London is home to hotels that are not only some of the finest in the country, but also in the world, offering a level of high-class luxury that simply cannot be experienced elsewhere. With their history, tradition and thoughtful personal touches, you definitely will not go wrong by choosing one of these five-star hotels to stay at.

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London’s Spring Art Exhibits

Exhibit in London

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London’s art scene is always thrilling, and this spring sees some truly exciting exhibits hitting the capital. From pieces by an underground cartoonist to historic Dutch paintings, these are some of the hottest art exhibitions in London this spring.

R Crumb: Art and Beauty
Robert Crumb was considered to be the most famous underground cartoonist in the world, although his underground status has been slowly diminishing over recent years as the artist has begun the transition into the world of art galleries. Crumb’s latest exhibit, held at the David Zwirner gallery in West London, features 54 pieces of work that the artist has been creating since the mid 90’s, many of which put Crumb’s erotic imagination on display. Women are the focal point of many of his pieces, and a number of recognizable sports stars are on display, as well as snapshots and drawings of everyday inspiring women on the streets of London.

Dutch Flowers
Flowers are not just visually pleasing, but are in fact symbols for everything from passion to love to sympathy to celebrations, and the Dutch Flowers exhibit is all about these beautiful botanicals. Located at London’s National Gallery, the display of paintings dates back to the seventeenth and eighteenth century, and while the exhibition may be small, with just 22 paintings in an intimate setting, the talent on display is extraordinary. From microscopically accurate representations of plant life to vases overflowing with blooms, Dutch Flowers mirrors the inspiring balance between nature and art, while also depicting the many different concepts that flowers symbolize.

Royal Academy of Arts

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Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse
Gardens have always served as immense forms of inspiration for artists all over the world, and this is especially true for the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant Garde movements. Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse can be found at the Royal Academy of Arts, and features a collection of work from world-famous artists. Dating from the 1860’s to the 1920’s, pieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne and more are on display, depicting exactly how the modern garden has shaped the work of these master artists. Many of the pieces here are classics, and, when displayed with others that also focus on the same subject matter, the overall effect is most definitely powerful.

Conceptual Art in Britain
There is plenty of debate about conceptual art, and while many may only associate it with the past decade, conceptual art actually arose over forty years ago. British artists played a huge role in the development and evolution of conceptual art, and this exhibit depicts this impact in a clear and concise manner. Key pieces of British conceptual art are on display, with the overall exhibition aiming to make conceptual art more intelligible and appreciated by the general public.

London has long since been an epicenter for art and culture, and the city is constantly home to some of the most exciting art exhibitions around. From classic pieces by world-famous master painters to modern British conceptual art, these exhibits are the highlight of London’s art scene this spring.

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Local Eateries in London

Savoy, London

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Each of London’s neighborhoods is packed with amazing restaurants, and recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of the more local joints. From Michelin-quality dishes created from seasonal British ingredients to a historic chophouse that has been around since the 1800’s, these are some of London’s best local eateries.

Quality Chop House, Farringdon
First opened in 1869, the Quality Chop House is not only a much-loved local restaurant, but also has a wine bar, a shop and a butcher on site. The restaurant still retains certain features from when it was first opened, including the classic polished wooden booths that line the dining room. Each day, the restaurant receives their order of fresh produce before writing up the daily menus, with each dish inspired by their latest ingredients. From the Wild Garlic Soup to the Hereford Mince on Dripping Toast to the Devon Crab, each of the dishes makes full use of seasonal ingredients, resulting in a truly British culinary experience.

Lardo, Hackney
Lardo is a must-visit for any pork aficionados, as the restaurant only uses native breed pigs that have been bred specifically for their signature dishes. While this industrial-chic pizzeria may produce Italian-inspired dishes, the majority of ingredients used are quintessentially British, from the fennel pollen to the English asparagus to the rabbit. Of course, ordering their Lardo pizza is essential, as these melt-in-your-mouth strips of meat are what you will return to the restaurant for time and time again.

Claude’s Kitchen, Parsons Green
A stylish, modern British eatery, Claude’s Kitchen first opened its doors in 2013, and it did not take long for the restaurant to quickly become a local favorite. Again, this is a restaurant that creates menus inspired by British ingredients, with innovative dishes of Michelin standard. With fresh fish brought in daily from the south of Cornwall, and all meat being free-range and organic, the freshness of the ingredients plays a huge part in the final outcome. Whether you opt for the Octopus and Bream served with blood orange, Campari and seaweed, or the Guinea Fowl served with morels, popcorn grits and wild garlic, Claude’s Kitchen gives you the opportunity to taste some of the very best of the new wave of conceptual and creative British cooking.

Marianne, Notting Hill
Small and intimate with seating for just fourteen, Marianne is considered to be more of a micro-restaurant, and is run by one of the best female chefs in the city. The menu features classic, fine dining dishes, each with an elegant and feminine touch, and only uses the freshest of seasonal ingredients to guarantee the utmost quality. With dishes such as the Hebridean Scallop Ceviche with Blood Orange, the Highland Wagyu Fillet, and the Mille-Feuille of Wild Mushrooms, Truffles and Hollandaise, this is a great restaurant to visit if you want to sample classic British fare.

London is filled with restaurants from every corner of the globe, but it is the local British restaurants that really stand out. With thoughtful dishes, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and talented chefs, these eateries are a must-visit the next time you find yourself in the city.

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London Nightlife

Woman dancing in a nightclub

London is known for having some of the best nightlife in the world, and a large part of its reputation comes from the way in which its nightlife options are so wonderfully diverse. From classic British pubs to sleek cocktail bars to high-end nightclubs, London‘s nightlife is one-of-a-kind, just like the city itself.

Sophisticated Cocktail Bars
London is home to some innovative cocktail bars, each serving up incredible drinks that guarantee to dazzle each of your senses. White Lyan in Hoxton focuses on unusual ingredients, from their blackcurrant paint to their electric stonefruit brandy, resulting in cocktails unlike anything you have ever tasted. The Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown is a hidden speakeasy-style bar, and uses a variety of vintage spirits in their concoctions, while the Beaufort Bar at the Savoy specializes in bubbly champagne cocktails. The Connaught Bar is a classic London icon and features an extensive martini menu, as well as drinks made tableside, while Oskar’s Bar in Fitzrovia is another that focuses on innovative drinks, using beer and cider as a base for many of their creations.

Dance the Night Away
Some of the most iconic and notorious nightclubs in the world can be found in London, ideal for when you just want to let loose and enjoy a wild night on the town. Fabric is one of the city’s landmark clubs, as is the Ministry of Sound, with both of them being an absolute must for any dance music fans out there. Egg London is another one of the larger clubs in the city and now has a 24-hour license, striking a great balance between a style and warehouse raving. For a tropically upscale club, head to Mahiki, which is a known favorite amongst British royalty, while Funky Buddha is a central London club that oozes Eastern charm. Chakana in Marylebone is a favorite with celebrities, with everyone from the likes of David Beckham to Pixie Geldoff being spotted here, as is Boujis, which is an extremely exclusive private members club that always has a line of paparazzi waiting outside.

Pub in London

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Classy Pubs
Pubs are a strong part of British culture, and London definitely has no shortage of them. In central London, Counting House, which is an old Victorian bank that has been converted into a pub, is always popular due to its elegance and ornateness, while the Ape & Bird is a gorgeous stripped down drinking den that is well stocked with Italian liqueur. Bradley’s Spanish Bar is more pub than bar, and while it may seem unassuming, their Spanish wines really stand out, while Harp, situated in vibrant Covent Garden, is an award-winning pub that remains open well into the night.

Whether you are looking for a quiet pub to enjoy some local beers, a stylish bar to try out some exciting cocktails, or a sprawling nightclub to lose yourself in as you dance the night away, London will definitely not disappoint. No matter what you may be after, each of the city’s neighborhoods will be able to provide this in their own way, and it will not be long before you too fall in love with the nightlife scene that this historic city has to offer.

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Great Urban Green Spaces

Hampstead Heath, London

Studies have shown that not only do green spaces in urban environments go a long way in helping to reduce crime, but they also provide a major boost to the mental health of those around it, leading to safer and happier communities. From self-seeded wilderness that overlooks the streets of New York to a restored public park in the heart of Seoul, these are some of the most inspiring green urban spaces out there.

High Line, New York, USA
Just about every city has areas that are derelict and run down, quickly becoming abandoned spaces, and this was exactly the case with the unused railway lines that run high above the streets of Manhattan. Originally built in 1929 and then completely abandoned by the 80’s, the High Line Park was officially unveiled in 2009, giving the area a fresh breath of life that it had not seen in a while. Stretching for over a mile, the High Line is lined with a variety of plants, making it the longest green roof in the world. With the strategic location of drainage systems, nutrient-rich soil layers and the intense heat reflected off of the city’s buildings, the High Line’s unique environment encourages existing plants to self-seed and spread, resulting in a vibrant green space that is relatively self-maintaining.

Hampstead Heath, London, UK
Situated just six kms. from London’s busy Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath consists of 800 acres of woodland, meadows, grassland and ponds, bringing a rich biodiversity to the crowded streets of the city. Thanks to its vast size, there are many pockets of the Heath that are a haven for wildlife, and for those who want to take in some nature, there are many different areas to visit. The grounds of Kenwood House is where you will find exotic trees and shrubs, as well as giant rhododendrons, while the Pergola and Hill Garden features wisteria-lined pathways and picturesque views. One of the most popular activities in Hampstead Heath is outdoor swimming, with two swimming ponds available, one for men and one for women, as well as a mixed sex pond that is only open during the summer months. While London might experience more than its fair share of cold weather, the swimming ponds are popular year-round, even when there is ice floating on the surface of the water.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg, Germany
Situated on the 570-acre site of a former steel plant, the Landschaftspark in Duisburg, Germany, was created in 1991, with the goal of integrating the existing fragments that were left behind by the area’s industrial era into a green urban space that the residents of the city can enjoy. Existing structures were re-purposed, with a number of different amenities included in order to ensure that the park appealed to a wide variety of people. From hiking trails to a deep diving pool to a rock climbing wall, this abandoned area quickly became one of Duisburg’s hottest spots, paying homage to the city’s industrial past while taking steps towards building a greener and healthier future.

Urban green spaces are of the utmost importance, and cities all over the world are now recognizing just how much of an impact a space like this can have. With the increase in urbanization becoming all-too-common, individuals all over the world are losing touch with nature, making green urban spaces more important than ever, providing the community with positive effects that are sustained over a long period of time.

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Plan a Sleep Vacation

Woman sleeping in a spa

Sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly problematic, which is why hotels, resorts and spas around the world have begun to create custom sleep packages for travelers who desperately need some quality shut-eye. From packages that involve a medical component to rooms that contain special sleep-inducing facilities, the ultimate goal is to help you to maintain beneficial sleep patterns, significantly improving your quality of life in the long term.

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
Kamalaya, in stunning Koh Samui, offers a fantastic Sleep Enhancement Wellness Program to their guests, aiming to re-establish healthy sleep patterns while addressing any sleep issues and imbalances. Their treatments and therapies incorporate everything from Chinese herbal medicine to massage therapy to preventative programs to acupuncture. Guests are also encouraged to make use of the plunge pools, steam cavern and fitness center, and enjoy complimentary access to the wide range of scheduled daily holistic fitness activities. The sleep package can be booked as a stand-alone, or it can also be incorporated into a 5, 7 or 9 night stay, the latter of which is usually the most popular option after guests first witness the spectacular natural beauty of Koh Samui.

The Milestone Hotel, London, UK
The Milestone Hotel in Kensington has teamed up with an internationally recognized sleep and stress therapist to come up with a Sleep Experience Package for sleep-deprived guests. To begin with, guests enjoy an hour-long consultation with a deep sleep coach, who will then create a customized sleep plan based on everything that they have learned about you. The package also includes a relaxing massage session, an Alpha Sleep pod, aromatherapy oils, a pillow menu and a detox breakfast in the morning.

The Benjamin, New York, USA
Headed up by a highly esteemed sleep medicine expert, the Rest and Renew package at The Benjamin in New York promises to provide guests with all of the tools and solutions that they may need in order to experience a deep sleep. The boutique hotel’s 24/7 sleep team is available whenever you may need them, and they have each been trained in sleep medicine, as well as the promotion of healthy sleeping habits. The package also includes in-room pampering and spa treatments, sleep-inducing bedtime snacks, a top ten curated pillow menu, a lullaby music library and, if guests desire, a special breakfast created by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. This $10 million hotel has won an impressive array of awards and accolades, and, with a primary aim of personally caring for the individual needs of each guest, you can’t really go wrong by choosing The Benjamin as your sleep vacation destination.

There are many studies that have proven a connection between poor sleep and a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, weight gain and diabetes. It has also been shown that an adequate amount of sleep will not only improve alertness and productivity, but also memory and overall mood. If you frequently suffer from insomnia, or are eager to develop healthier sleeping patterns, then a sleep vacation may be just what you need.

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Best Cities for Lovers of Culture

While some cities around the world may seem slightly one-dimensional, there are others that are absolutely packed with culture, and are known around the world for being a cultural hot spot. When it comes to a city’s culture, its heritage, diversity, and involvement in the arts are all taken into account, and, if you are hoping to soak up plenty of culture on your next city break, these are the cities that you should consider visiting.

Paris.

Paris, France
The City of Lights can almost overwhelm visitors with the amount of culture that surrounds you wherever in Paris you go. With 24 national museums, and various other private ones, museum lovers will be in their element in Paris. The city also has a number of world-famous landmarks, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame, and many of its chic boutiques could easily double as landmarks themselves! Paris is also the city with the largest number of public libraries, as well as cinemas, and has an impressive 353 performing arts theaters that support artistic talent and urban culture. Parisian culture is charming and intriguing, and needs to be experienced first-hand in order to be fully appreciated.

London

London, UK
You will never be short of cultural activities to fill your days with while in London, a city that is truly cosmopolitan yet has a strong sense of heritage. From visiting Buckingham Palace to taking a tour of the Tower of London to taking in a Shakespeare production at the Globe Theatre, the city is overflowing with culture. London’s culture is made even richer by the diversity that can be found around the city. Brick Lane is where you can enjoy the best Indian food outside of India, while Borough Market brings together food culture from all over the region. In addition to all of its national museums, London also has a massive 162 other museums, as well as an impressive range of music and art performances.

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan
With great importance placed on history, tradition and art, Kyoto is a fantastic destination to visit for those who want to experience authentic Japanese culture. Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, most of which date back to many centuries ago, are dotted throughout the city, and there is definitely a noticeable lack of the looming skyscrapers and flashy advertising campaigns that usually take over a developed city. Kyoto has managed to progress forward whilst retaining a strong grip on its heritage, and this applies to everything from its ponds and gardens to traditional cuisine. To fully immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Kyoto, spend a night at a local ryokan inn, sampling some traditional dishes and getting to know the locals.

Spending time soaking up the culture in a new city is a great way to open up your mind and learn about different parts of the world, and you will also end up feeling much more attached to a destination that you would have otherwise felt.