10 places to visit before they disappear forever

There are a few places on Earth that may not be around in the next 100 years. It is sad, but true. Some of these places will be lost due to climate change, pollution, changes in the natural environment and changes in man made infrastructure. Science shows that these places will actually disappear for ever.

Below a list of places you have to visit in your Lifetime before they disappear forever.

1.   Dead Sea

The salty lake lies between Israel and Jordan and is 400 meters below sea level.  The tourist love to swim over the mineral-rich water. The tourist believes that water is beneficial for their health.

The water is draining up to 1 meter every year. Therefore, the time is near when the Dead Sea will be gone forever.

Plan a trip to The Dead Sea and enjoy the swim before it disappears forever.

2.   Belize Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef aligns the coast of Belize. It is very popular for snorkeling and diving and has a wide variety of sea life to experience. However, due to coral bleaching, a lot of coral life is dying. Some parts of the coral reef are finding hard to recover due to pollution and from hurricanes and natural disasters in the past.

In addition the rising temperature of the sea is wiping the world largest reef system. Which is killing the coral reef at an alarming rate.

There is no end time on when the Belize Barrier Reef will still be around (as ecosystems can still repair themselves), but try to plan a trip before it disappears.

3.   Maldives

Everyone wishes to enjoy the sunset in the Maldives. However, the reality is that the island is getting vulnerable to rising sea levels.

According to scientists, the island will be submerged in next the 100 years. So now is the best time to  visit Maldives and enjoy the sunshine.

4.   Taj Mahal

India’s famous Mughal building Taj Mahal is turning yellow. Air pollution is staining the white marble of Taj Mahal. The cleaners are using chemical-free scrub to restore 350-year old building. But the increasing air pollution still proves to be a challenge and still staining the building.

However, it is not too late to explore Taj Mahal. There is still a small window of opportunity to experience this wonderful piece of architecture in all its glory.

5.   The Great Wall of China

 The Great Wall of China is getting eroded brick by brick. The original wall was 2100 kilometers in length. Unfortunately, only 10 percent of the original wall is preserved.

Now is the time to visit the place before the wall is completely eroded.

6.   Cambodia

Cambodia is a place to visit before the land vanishes from your feet. The Cambodian government sold the natural resources to expand the landmass.

The sand industry has contaminated the villages and wildlife. It’s not too late to enjoy cheap food, parties and terrific temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

7.   Venice

Italy floating city, Venice is gradually sinking into the Adriatic each year. The biggest risk of the town is flooding. A recent study states that the city will be fully underwater by 2100.

Pay a visit to the city before the city of canals turns into a real-life Atlantis.

8.   Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great pyramids of Giza might not survive in the 21st Century. The construction of restaurants, buildings and sand erosion are responsible for the gradual extinction of pyramids.

Visit the pyramids of Giza before they disappear or lose their original appearance.

9.   Patagonia

The second-largest ice field on the earth lies in Patagonia. The glaciers are melting due to global warming.

Make sure you visit before it’s too late.

10.   Vienna

The baroque architecture of Vienna is being slowly overtaken by rise of skyscrapers. The elegant and classic aesthetic of the city and the skyline is changing very rapidly.

If you want to still capture a sense of the Baroque age. Ensure you visit the historical city today to see the real beauty before it turns to any other artificial city.

11 Hacks To Travel Light

Travelling light gives you extra freedom and flexibility that you just don’t have with heavy luggage. You can move quickly through airports and train stations and it’s so much easier to take public transport with a small bag. You’ll save money by not having to check your bags in on a plane and you can keep your luggage close when you’re on trains and buses. You’re also less likely to lose things when you travel light because it’s easier to keep track of your belongings. Below are 11 Hacks To help you to Travel Light. Hope you enjoy them :-)

1. Carry a lightweight case

Use a small suitcase or backpack so you can’t possibly fit too much in it. Don’t be tempted to get a case that’s slightly too big because you will fill that space with unnecessary stuff.

2. Minimise toiletries

If you’re staying in a hotel you can guarantee you’ll be provided with shampoo and shower gel so leave these at home.

3. Pack just 2 pairs of shoes

Shoes can often be the bulkiest items in our bags so never travel with more than 2 pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and an easy to carry pair in your bag.

4. Use packing cubes

Not only do they keep your bag organised but they help make the most of your space and stop you overpacking. I tend to travel with four packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and one for evening clothes. Once each packing cube is full you can’t possibly squish anything else in so you’re forced into packing light whether you like it or not.

5. Wash your clothes while you are travelling

No matter where in the world you’re travelling, it doesn’t need to be expensive to get your clothes washed. Laundrettes and apartments with washing machines will become your best friend if you’re travelling for a few weeks or more.

6. Audio books

Instead of packing heavy books which you will end up finishing and carrying around with you even though they no longer have any use; download a few audio books on your phone or iPad in order to save space and weight.

7. Style properly

Pack clothes that are interchangeable. Ensure you are able to mix and match all pieces of clothing you bring. This is in order to be able to wear ALL clothing as often as you need. This will save you from bringing unnecessary clothing.

8. Dry laundry bar

If you have no access to a washing machine, by bringing a dry laundry bar, you are able to hand wash any pieces of clothing such as socks and underwear and maintain clean and fresh throughout your trip.

9. Roll Roll roll

Roll all your clothes up into burritos in order to save space. By doing this you will able to fit much more in your case that you would if you folded them normally. You will also be able to see everything you packed at a glance by stacking them next to each other, saving you time and frustration.

10. Limit those “just in case” items

We all like to bring items we MIGHT need on our trips, but most of the time will not end up using them. Try to limit those items in order to save space; if you really need an item such as an umbrella, you can always purchase it when you need it.

11. Bottoms at the bottom

Pack your trousers, shorts, etc at the bottom of your case as they are more bulky and can be squashed down by the rest of your items.

By Nicole Fernandez Medina

10 Tips to Overcome the Fear of Flying

Many of us enjoy the idea of travelling in order to experience new cultures. However, there’s one part of travel that isn’t so fun for a lot of people: that is flying. For some, flying is simply a hassle due to high fares, potential flight delays, as well as lost luggage. For others, flying is simply terrifying.

It is important to know the reason for your fear of flying. In addition, there are certain steps you can take to help alleviate your fears. For those of you who are determined not to let this fear stop you from seeing the World, below are a few tips to help you overcome your fear of flying.

1. Familiarise yourself with the plane

Getting to know what your plane looks like can make it seem a little less scary. Research what type of aircraft it is. Is it an Airbus or a Boeing plane? Research how many passengers it carries, as well as the on-board benefits such as a café for those travelling on long flights.

2. Choose an aisle seat

Most airlines and booking engines allow you to request a seat assignment when you book your flight. Request an aisle seat, particularly if you’re prone to claustrophobia as you’ll feel less surrounded by other people. You will also be able to get up and move around the cabin more easily allowing you to avoid looking out the window if those sky-high views make you nervous.

Check out Seat Guru. This site enables you to view the position of your seat so you can make an informed decision on booking your seat online.

3. Avoid watching or reading anything plane/flight related

Avoid airplane disaster movies, news coverage of plane crashes, or other scary media images. Remember that the vast majority of flights arrive safely, but only the problem flights make the news. Don’t let that make you have a negative outlook on flying.

4. Don’t rush at the airport

Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport before your flight is scheduled to depart. Racing to the gate and worrying about missing your plane will only add to your fear and anxiety. Make sure to have everything prepared the night before including your passport and your boarding pass; so that it will be smooth sailing on the actual day.

5. Stay Entertained

Make sure your phone or tablet is stocked with relaxing music to help get you into a peaceful frame of mind. Remember to pack a magazine or a good book to take your mind off what is happening. Select a comedy on your plane’s in-flight entertainment system, or pre-load a few of your favourite movies and documentaries onto your laptop.

6. Avoid caffeine

This and other stimulants can make you even more jittery, adding to your anxiety. Opt for water as it contains no sugar, which could tamper with your nerves.

7. Breathe

Breathing is by far the best way to calm yourself down if you feel yourself starting to panic or become anxious on a flight. There are various techniques you can use, but the main goal is to slow your breathing down and focus on the exhale rather than inhale, because as you panic, your breathing gets shallow and fast, making the state of panic even worse. One trick is to breathe out fully first before inhaling. Then breathe in deeply, hold it for a couple of seconds and breathe out completely. Keep doing this until the panic passes.

8. Use earplugs and eye masks

Some nervous fliers find overnight flights very daunting, but if you can try to get some rest it’s the best way to make the time fly by. Bring an eye mask and a pair of earplugs with you to help you sleep. The earplugs are especially useful as they block out the loud noise of the plane. The eye mask will also signal to the flight attendants not to disturb you while you nap.

9. Tell a flight attendant

Flight attendants deal with nervous fliers on a daily basis. Next time you’re boarding a plane, tell your nearest steward that you’re feeling anxious. There is no need to be embarrassed; their job is to help you and make you feel comfortable. They can check in that you’re doing okay. They also might have some tips to share with you from their experience.

10. Take a Fear of Flying course

If your fear of flying is preventing you from traveling or making you so anxious it’s impacting your health or enjoyment of your time away, consider seeking professional help. Some airlines, including British Airways, Virgin and EasyJet, as well as some airports, offer fear of flying courses. These courses are led by pilots, crew, and psychologists with intent to address all aspects of flying fears and how to overcome them. Trained professionals will answer all your questions and give you pointers for addressing your fears.

Nicole Fernandez Medina