Blogs

Barry Kent


Value-added taxes (VATs) are consumption taxes applied to goods and services in many countries around the world. They´re charged at each stage of production or distribution but ultimately paid by the end consumer. For travelers, VAT´´s most commonly appear as an added cost on hotel stays, restaurant meals, transportation, shopping, and attractions, and it´s usually included in advertised prices outside North America.

Where VATs Are Levied

VAT´s are used widely across Europe, the Unite

Let’s Be Honest — Not All Souvenirs Deserve Your Luggage Space

You didn’t travel all the way to Japan to come back with boring keychains and cheap magnets. Japan is a shopping paradise with tons of items that are actually worth buying — things that make your friends jealous, taste way better than expected, or become your everyday essentials.

From quirky snacks to luxury skincare and aesthetic artisan crafts, here’s the real list of souvenirs in Japan worth your time and money.

1. Japanese Snacks

Let’s be honest — Bali shopping hits different.
It’s not boring malls and rushed buying. It’s cute markets, beachy streets, handmade stuff, and good prices.

Whether you want souvenirs, boho clothes, local crafts, or just window shopping with coffee in hand — these are the Bali markets and shopping streets you should NOT skip.

1. Ubud Art Market – Classic & Must-Visit

This is the most famous market in Bali and for good reason.

You’ll find handmade bags, wooden items, paintings, scarves, jewelry,

Tungpengmaliu

The territory is home to some of the best markets in the world, and some of its liveliest and entertaining. Whether you are looking for colorful chopsticks, beautifully carved chopsticks or electronic gadgets, the markets have it all. So if you´re booking a Hong Kong tour package, make sure it includes a visit to one or more of these, And remember, bargaining is expected (rule of thumb: start by offering 40 percent of the offering price, aim to settle at 60 percent, and never pay m

Khalid Almasoud

 
This oil-rich little emirate (pop. just under nine million) on the Persian Gulf was last big in the news as the object of invasion by Sadam Hussein´s Iraq just next door. And though its far less touristed than most of its Gulf neighbors, Kuwait does offer a nice selection of travel experiences both traditional and modern, as well as cultural and outdoorsy; many – but far from all – are to be found in the capital, Kuwait City (pop. 3.4 million). Here are its top eight musts:

 Philip Capper

Among the many allures of Argentina´s capital is a vigorous shopping scene, with thousands of options from huge malls like Galerías Pacífico to funky local street markets and international brands to quirky indie offerings. Top shopping areas include the Palermo Soho neighborhood and Avenida Santa Fe, running through Palermo and Recoleta. Visitors especially interested in leather products, jewelry, and of course Malbec and the other superb wines for which the country is famous. An

 PickPik


Winter may now already be on its way out, but if this one’s for anyone already thinking of next season. A couple of months ago, in preparation for a whirl through the winter wonderland above Norway’s Arctic Circle, I realized that the usual winter togs that serve me well enough in Spain just weren’t going to cut it in serious snow, ice, and temperatures forecasted to drop as low as 5⁼ Fahrenheit (-15⁼ Celsius). So I educated myself about what new cold-weather clothes gear I would need

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Kenya is wildlife and safaris. But visitors should also keep in mind this country´s rich artistic and cultural heritage - thanks to its more than 70 ethnic groups such as the Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Maasai, and Kalenjin  - both to witness (such as tribal dances) and to buy as mementos of their trip here (esecially masks, figurines, and other forms of sculpture). This beautiful country keeps the spirit of its ancestors alive through ev

Atcelsius


The city of Jaipur, capital of the state of Rajasthan, is well-known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful architecture that it possesses. In addition to its magnificent palaces and forts, the city of Jaipur is renowned as a shopper's paradise. The city offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind and must-buy items that will delight any visitor, book here a taxi service in Jaipur or a car hire in Jaipur. These items range from fine jewellery and textiles to traditional handi

As Daniel and Martha Everett and their two children enjoyed a trip to Florida's Walt Disney World, their focus was on entertainment and excitement rather than the environment. And when Barbara and Andy Allen checked into a Boston hotel, they wanted to fit as many sights as possible into their two-day visit. They gave little thought to how their stay might impact the ecosystem.

Despite their lack of awareness, these folks were comb

sman_5


Not many countries in Europe can offer you the multitude of attractions of Greece, including sandy beaches with limpid waters; ancient ruins and citadels; lush forests; delicious cuisine; numerous cultural festivals; and relaxed lifestyle, not as fast paced as many developed European countries.  There are simply so many amazing cities and regions in this relatively small country, and choosing among them can be challenging. But here's a quick look at some of its highlights to help you d

Kerala has several beautiful tourist destinations adorned with lush greenery, sweeping hills, meandering rivers and amazing wildlife zones. Munnar is a picturesque hill town- located in the Kannan Devan Hills and Idukki district of Kerala. The backdrop of tea plantations and its mild climate has acted as a tourism booster. It is loved by almost all types of tourists, including honeymooning couples, backpacking lovers, wildlife loving lot and families seeking solace from chaotic city life.

Choosin

Rajasthan is the land of the rulers and is fit for travelers who have unique taste for the traditional elements of the country. One of the most charming things to do in Rajasthan is shopping in the traditional markets of the land. If you are planning to visit the land of Rajasthan, here are the top spots to open your wallet.

Johari bazar of Jaipur

This local market is famous for traditional Rajasthan jewelry like Meenakari, Kundan and others. You will find different styles of jewelries based on th

Hungry for a spicy taste of Budapest? Go no further than Central Market and try to sort out what paprika to buy – mild, hot, hotter? Your choice. Bev Malzard reports.

Ah, Budapest, we had such a short time together. On arrival in the evening and not in top form, the best way we could connect was me looking through the picture window of my hotel room, as the river at the ‘Pest’ side from my ‘Buda’ side of the mighty Danube River. The beautiful buildings high over the bank lit up, sparkly little b