Tag Archives: travel

Paris Museums Review

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Recently, my family and I went on vacation to Paris in France! Over the week we spent there, we went to many attractions, some of the main ones being the museums. There were so many museums available, and because I am under 18 I got in for free for all!

What I think is the most interesting in Paris is the support of the arts by the government. For all citizens of France, the museums were free until you turned 26, and for outside visitors 18! I thought that this was an amazing way to get youth interested in art and the value of it.

Although there were so many museums to visit (and we obviously couldn’t see all of them), here are some of my favorite museums we visited and my reviews (as well as tips):

The Louvre

One museum that I really enjoyed was the Louvre. We got there early in the morning when it first opened and it was still so busy! It was such a large museum with way too much to look at! Some notable things to look at were the Mona Lisa and so many other famous works of art! Personally, my favorite piece was the Winged Victory sculpture, but there were so many other pieces of art that were amazing! I would recommend taking it slow because there is so much to take in and it will be a long walking day because it is so big.

Musee d’Orsay

One of the notable museums in France was the Musee d’Orsay. With its beautiful architecture and its location along the river, it was definitely one notable building! (Fun fact: It was originally built as a train station for the World’s Fair before it was turned into a museum). I thought that this was a good museum especially because it did not require the same amount of walking as the other ones while still showcasing lots of art. While I was there, there was an exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh, which I enjoyed!

Palace of Versaillies

The Palace of Versailles was my favorite museum in Paris. Because it was in the countryside, I had to take a train there since it was farther away than the other attractions. However it was very fun with so much to do! My favorite part was walking around the gardens in the afternoon because all the plants were blooming and there was so much to see. Inside the palace was also huge, with so many rooms to walk through. My favorite room was probably the hall of mirrors because it was filled with gold and had great views of the gardens. One thing to prepare for is to bring a lot of water and wear comfortable shoes because this will be one of the biggest walking grounds because it is so big!

Overall, I think that all the museums in Paris I went to were amazing and what was especially cool about them was that I was able to get into all of them for free. I would recommend everyone to go to these museums whether you like art or not, because I think with the robust art and architecture there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Disneyland Paris Review

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Over spring break, me and my family made a trip to Paris and one of our days we spent at Disneyland Paris. I very much enjoyed my day, but beforehand would have liked some guides, so in case anyone is planning to go there, or just wants to know a little more about Disney Paris, here are some tips and my reviews.

Quick Overview:

Disneyland Paris has 2 parks, the main park (Disneyland Paris) and the Walt Disney Studios Park. The main park is much larger, featuring more of the classic Disney rides, similar to the park in Anaheim, with their own little twists. The Walt Disney Studios has some of the newer developments, like Toy Story Land and Avengers Campus. There are also many hotels near the parks.

My review:

I think that Disney Paris was super fun and a great place to spend a day at and even though I only spent a day at Disneyland Paris, I was still able to get on all the main rides at both parks, even being able to re-ride my favorites.

There were many rides ranging from super thrilling to pretty relaxed, and even though some were the same as the Disneyland Anaheim park, many were changed and different in their own ways. Some of my favorite rides were:

  • Hyperspace mountain: This space mountain was super thrilling and one of my favorite rides of the day! This coaster began with a launch uphill, giving great views of Discoveryland, and went  through many turns and a couple inversions. These exciting elements combined with the star wars graphics created an amazing experience.
  • Big Thunder Mountain: This was possibly my favorite part of the day. Through the whole coaster you got great views of the park because the roller coaster was located on an island, and although what some might consider a “tame” ride, it provided great thrills, and the ride itself was very long. I would recommend going on this at both day and night, because both provided great views of the park during the day, or lit up at night!
  • Avengers Flightforce: Flightforce was the most thrilling ride I went on all day. It was launched coaster themed Avengers where you went through many loops and sharp turns. All along the ride you were greeted with graphics of Captain Marvel and Iron man as you made your way through the indoor coaster. This was a super fun coaster overall, but one of the most surprising things about it was how short the line was. All day this line was under 20 minutes, and it may be because it was at the far end of the park, or it just didn’t have the audience in Disneyland Paris. Either way this was a fun packed coaster that I would recommend for anyone who wants a quick thrill.

Tips:

Going in, I did not know too much about the park, so here are some helpful tips for someone on their first visit:

  • Go to the rides you want to go on first: If there is a specific ride that you really want to go on, make sure to head there first to avoid long lines. Then, also, maybe later in the day you can be able to ride it again. To do this, you can go on the Disney Paris website, and see their attractions list in search for what you may be interested in
  • Go to Disneyland Paris, then Walt Disney Studios: If you have a park hopper, what I would recommend is starting your day off at Disneyland Paris (the main park), and then heading around halfway through your day to Walt Disney Hollywood Studios, where the lines are generally shorter. Once you have done all the desired rides at that park, then I would recommend going back to the main park to do the nighttime festivities, and ride any rides you want to repeat. For me this looked like getting to the main park at opening, around 2-3 pm going to Hollywood Studios, and then around 6-7 pm going back to the main park. This allows for you to have some time in your day at Hollywood studios, which has significantly less rides.
  • Preplan your day: Although you don’t need to know your exact agenda maybe before your trip look at the Disneyland Paris website for maps and attractions lists. Then remember some certain things that you want to do. But remember to keep it flexible because something will workout and some things might not, and especially do not overpack your schedule so you have time to just relax and enjoy the park

Overall, I think this is an amazing park! I would recommend this to people of all ages because there is so much to do for all ages.

What to Visit in New York City!

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I am lucky to have been to a few different cities in my life so far, but New York City is one of my favorites by far. The busy atmosphere, beautiful art, and crazy buildings are just a few aspects that I love. In this article, I will list a few of my personal favorite locations and things I did when I went. Keep reading if you want to learn more!

The very first place that comes to mind is Central Park. This beautiful urban park about 840 acres and is 2,5 miles long. There is plenty of space to explore. While it is nearly impossible to see the entire park in one day, I would recommend going at least a couple times throughout your stay. Of course, some notable areas inside of Central Park include the Bethesda Fountain, Alice in Wonderland statue, and the Strawberry Gardens. These are truly sights to see and are unique to the city.

Another place I would recommend visiting is the Chelsea Market. The neighborhood of Chelsea itself stands out with its high rise buildings, modern architecture, and artsy feel. The Chelsea Market is a wonderful area with various different restaurants and to-go food. It is always super busy, and the food is delicious! I had some great tacos when I went.

Lastly, I would 100% recommend watching a Broadway play or musical in New York. There are many different theatres located around the city, so pick one and watch a play or musical you are interested in! The actors are truly so talented and make the experience unforgettable. I went to go see Wicked and I still cannot get it off my mind.

I hope that these locations and experiences persuade you into visiting New York City! It is very different from Southern California, but it is nice to switch it up every once in a while. Also, it is very important to buy tickets and tours early. New York City is always booked and busy, so it is key to plan ahead. Safe traveling and hope you enjoyed!

A New Winter Destination?

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Brian Head, Utah is a cozy small mountain town that I recently traveled to for the second time. It is an amazing destination for both winter and summer vacations. There are so many different activities that are filled with fun for the entire family.

Housing: 10/10
There are a LOT of airbnbs up in the mountains as well as hotels. Many opt for housing on the mountain however, another option is staying in the small town of Parowan, a small town that is located next to the mountain. Most housing in the mountains are small apartments that are in small lodges but can comfortably fit up to 4. For larger families, hotels are next to ski resorts that can host more people or larger lodges that are booked per family. They can have up to 6 rooms and house up to 14.

Food: 4/10

There really isn’t a lot of food choices up on the mountain. However down the mountain with in the town, there are fast food options that include IHOP, Mcdonalds, KFC, Jimmy John’s and more. You can grab a quick bite to eat before heading back up the mountain. It really isn’t that convenient but there is a small store on the mountain that has microwavable meals including pizza and such.

Conditions: 8/10

There really wasn’t that much snow this year in december, but there was a lot last year. Powder is really common on the mountains but this year it didn’t snow a lot so the roads got icy really quick. As for the ski resort, the trails were really nice and powdery on the blacks as they were making artificial snow up there. It wasn’t too cold and the views were great.

Activites: 9/10

Activities in the winter time last until late march or early april so there is a lot of time to enjoy your annual ski or snowboarding trips. The snow is really great and there is a lot of diversity as for the trails on the mountains. Lessons are great and I really enjoyed the short wait time for the chairlifts.

Overall: 10/10

This is a must on any ski or snowboarder’s list. It is an 8 hour drive from California and it is worth every minute. Add this to your dream vacation list now!

Fun Places to Visit in Washington D.C.

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Last year, I was finally able to visit Washington D.C. with my family. My 8th grade trip was shut down by COVID, so I finally got to take the long-awaited trip that my parents promised me. There are so many things to do in D.C. that you could literally visit for weeks on end and not get bored, so it’s very important to plan your time wisely and know how to get tickets ahead of time if you need to.

Of course, you want to try to do a tour of the White House if you can. You’ll need to email your representative or house member 90 days in advance of your anticipated arrival date. It’s a lottery system, so I’d recommend sending out an email ahead of time to all of them to see who responds and follow their directions closely, which requires submission of passport or other citizenship documents. I was lucky to get a spot and it was a great tour. I even got to see the president’s dog the day I was there.  You’ll also want to visit the nearby White House Visitor Center that has a museum and lots of information about the history of the White House as well as White House Gifts which is very touristy, but a fun place to shop, nonetheless.

A trip to Washington D.C. wouldn’t be complete without visiting the National Monuments. There are a lot of them to see including the ones we all know about like the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, but there are also a lot of other ones like the George Mason Memorial, Signer’s Memorial, D.C. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, MLK Memorial, and US Marine Corps War Memorial and more I probably missed. Be prepared to walk for a long, long time if you want to see most of them. Maybe do what we did and stop at Tidal Basin to rent a paddle boat and paddle around to see the Thomas Jefferson and FDR Memorials from the water. That was a great experience! 

Make sure to leave a few days to see some of the exhibits in the Smithsonians as there is so much to see. I especially liked the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum.

You’ll also want to visit the current government buildings like the U.S. Capitol (stop by the Capitol Café and grab a white chocolate mold that looks like the Capitol building and is filled with whipped cream and berries – one of the most fun snacks I had the entire trip), the National Archives Research Center, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.  Just a little hint on the Library of Congress. If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain your own library card and go into the actual library and look around at all of the books. It was a great experience and much more personal experience than being stuck walking through the regular pathways with everyone else. You have to plan ahead and make sure to show up the hours that are stated on their website and have the appropriate documentation, but it is well worth the extra effort. Also, if you stop by your representative’s office ahead of time, be sure to ask for galley passes which are free and allow you to sit high up above the floor and watch our government in action. I was lucky to catch a briefing on some of the upcoming votes while I was there.

After all of this touring, you’ll be really hungry, so you might also want to try out some cool restaurants like Busboys and Poets, Elephant & Castle, Shake Shack, Old Ebbitt Grill, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips or the original Ben’s Chili Bowl. I didn’t make it to all of these, but Ben’s Chili Bowl was especially good. It was a bit of a long Metro ride there, but was very old and had an original vibe to it. There were lots of famous people’s pictures on the walls and a video loop going showing everyone from famous actors and actresses to singers and musicians, both from a long time ago and more current times enjoying their meal there.

I hope you will find some of these spots to see in Washington D.C. as interesting as I did and that you enjoy your trip. Make sure to check the websites for every place that’s a must do on your list at least a few months before leaving, because you’ll need to make reservations and/or purchase tickets for many of the places listed above well ahead of time. It seems that the guidelines for reservations are always changing since COVID, so I’d recommend checking online for the most up-to-date information.

Happy Travels!

My Favorite Camping Destinations

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Throughout my life, I’ve always loved camping with my family and friends over the summer break. During the school year, I look forward to spending time with my loved ones exploring the beautiful sights of nature. My family and close friends started out with local campsites and beach camping, but over the years, we’ve ventured far and wide to see some of the views of a lifetime with our growing camping family.
Following are some of my favorite camping destinations that I would fully recommend!

Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
During the summers of 2022 and 2023, my family and our friends camped in the Tetons for ten nights, and I would say both trips were the highlight of my summer. We camped by Jackson Lake, a beautiful lake with a beautiful view of the mountains, and the scenery was incredible. There are many beautiful lakes and other views nearby, and Yellowstone National Park is only an hour’s drive away. At Grand Teton and in the nearby town of Jackson Hole, there are many fun activities, like paddle boarding and kayaking on the lakes, hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, river rafting (my favorite!), biking through town, and many more! I also love the unique restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir shops in Jackson Hole. Overall, it makes for an exciting experience!

Secret Beach, Oregon

2. Brookings, Oregon
I’ve only been to the Oregon coast once, but I’m hoping to go again many more times. The coast is so beautiful and serene, and the hikes are scenic with breathtaking views and greenery. Camping there really puts my mind at peace because it is so calm and picturesque there. For me, the long drive was completely worth it. There is so much to explore, and I would of course recommend traveling there!

Carpinteria State Beach, California

3. Carpinteria State Beach, California
Carpinteria is a place that will always feel like my home away from home, as I’ve camped there almost every year for a long time. The beach is gorgeous, the waves are perfect for swimming, and there are great trails for hiking as well. It’s also really fun to walk or bike through town, where my favorite places are the ice cream shops, thrift stores, record stores, candy shops, antique stores, and coffee shops. All in all, it’s a beautiful beach not too far away with lots of fun things to do.

Rock Creek Lake, Inyo National Forest

4. Inyo National Forest, California
I’ve camped and sightseen at many places in Inyo National Forest, including Rock Creek Lake, Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, and more, all being beautiful places with amazing views and waters great for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. I’ve also biked around and taken the trolley through the town of Mammoth Lakes, where there are excellent restaurants and bakeries. One thing my family loves to do there is hike the trail to Gem Lake from Mosquito Flat. The trail is ten miles, but what I love about it is there are views the whole way there, so you can turn back whenever you want without missing out; there is a lake about every mile on the trail. On the way to Inyo, there is a great bakery in Bishop called Erick Schat’s Bakery, which has amazing breads, jams, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Overall, trips to Inyo National Forest are a great experience.

Hume Lake, Sequoia National Forest

5. Hume Lake, California
Hume Lake is a beautiful lake, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The view is amazing, and there are places all around the lake to sit and relax by the water. Something my friends and I love to do there is jump into the water off of the large rocks; it’s always so much fun. There is also a general store by the lake where you can get icees, milkshakes, ice cream, candy, soda, Hume Lake hoodies, and lots of other snacks and appliances you might need while camping. Hume Lake is beautiful and it is so much fun to camp at!

To conclude, these are my favorite places to camp at that I would absolutely recommend if you like camping, or even just traveling or sightseeing. I promise that you’ll have an amazing experience and see some gorgeous views!

-Lam T.

A Teen’s Guide to Travel Light

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As the excitement of my upcoming three-week trip to the East Coast grows, I am eager to explore its beautiful landscapes and immerse myself in American history. To make the most of my journey, I’ve decided to travel light with just a carry-on bag, inspired by the idea of traveling light and free. Packing efficiently is challenging as I only like to live with many things I’m accustomed to. Determined to conquer this problem, I’ve developed some savvy packing tips for teens like myself to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

The first thing on traveling light without less is choosing the perfect bag to accompany me on this adventure. After careful consideration, I settle on a compact yet durable carry-on bag that’s roomy enough for at least four outfits and two pajamas, with room for undergarments and a compartment for extra shoes. It must also comply with airline size restrictions and comfortably carry my belongings throughout the trip. Its various compartments and pockets promise to keep me organized, which is essential for someone like me who can be a bit messy. 

As I sit down to create my packing list, I realize that being organized is half the battle won. Pen in hand, I carefully jot down all the essentials I’ll need during my three-week stay. From comfortable clothes to versatile accessories and travel-friendly toiletries, my list serves as a roadmap for my packing adventure, ensuring I will notice all crucial items.

Choosing the right clothes is the most critical part of my packing journey. I opt for neutral-colored pieces that I can easily mix and match, allowing me to create various stylish outfits without lugging around an overloaded bag. Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics promise comfort and ease throughout my trip, regardless of the East Coast weather throws my way.

As a technology-loving teenager, I can’t leave home without my gadgets. But carrying multiple devices can add unnecessary weight. Inspired by the idea of traveling smart, I decided to rely on my trusty smartphone, a multi-purpose marvel that serves as my camera, music player, and communication hub all in one, making my bag significantly lighter.

Rolling my clothes instead of folding them becomes a packing revelation for me. It saves space and keeps my clothes wrinkle-free, so I can leave the plane looking fresh and ready for the adventures ahead. The simplicity of this packing technique makes me wonder why I hadn’t adopted it sooner.

Organizing my travel documents has become a top priority. My passport, ID, boarding passes, and reservation confirmations find a secure home in a travel organizer, ensuring they are easily accessible whenever needed. This sense of preparedness brings a comforting peace of mind on my journey.

I remind myself to keep my makeup and accessories minimal and versatile. Travel-sized makeup items fit perfectly into my carry-on. I select a few essential accessories that can enhance any outfit I wear, reducing the clutter in my bag to allow me easy travel.

With my carry-on bag carefully packed, I realize ample room for souvenirs and mementos from my adventures to the East Coast. Knowing I won’t have to worry about exceeding weight limits on my way home brings a sense of relief, allowing me to focus on embracing the experiences that await me.

As I eagerly anticipate my carry-on adventure, I feel empowered knowing that I am traveling light and free. With my well-organized backpack and savvy packing choices, I am ready to explore the beauty of the East Coast, create lasting memories, and embrace the joys of travel without the burden of heavy luggage. 

Traveling with a carry-on can be liberating, allowing you to embrace a lighter and more carefree journey. I hope you are inspired to pack light on your next travel. With these packing tips, you can embark on your adventures with ease, organization, and a sense of preparedness, making your trips more enjoyable and enriching. So, pack light, travel smart, and embrace the freedom of carry-on adventures. Here’s to an incredible journey filled with wonder, growth, and traveling light!

Happy travels!

Bella H

Fuel Your Travels with These Delicious and Nutritious Snack Ideas

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Airplane travel can be exciting and tiring, especially for a teen like me. Amidst the anticipation of the journey, hunger pangs can strike unexpectedly. It’s essential to be prepared to ensure a smooth and satisfying trip. Packing the best snacks is crucial-easily accessible, healthy, and delicious snacks that won’t create a mess in the confined space of an airplane cockpit. Here are a few snacks I plan to bring on my upcoming trip. Let’s explore some delectable options that will satisfy my teen’s appetite and energize me throughout my journey.

  1. Fruit Medley: A delightful assortment of fresh fruits is perfect and easy to pack. Wash and cut your favorite fruits, such as apples, grapes, berries, and oranges. Place the cut-up fruits in a resealable container or small zip-lock bags. Not only are fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but they also quench your thirst and provide a refreshing burst of natural sweetness.
  2. Nutty Delights: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. Create a custom mix of your favorite nut, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Add dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a savory and crunchy snack. Portion them into small containers for easy snacking during the flight.
  3. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Cut various veggies into sticks to dip with hummus. Crunchy carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, and bell pepper slices paired with a small container of hummus make for a healthy and delicious snack combo. Vegetables are packed with fiber and vitamins, while hummus adds a creamy and flavorful touch to the snack and provides healthy fat.
  4. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice for teens like me. Individually wrapped cheese sticks or small cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying and balanced snack. I have gluten allergies, so I usually pack rice, lentil crackers, and vegan cheese like Daiya. If you have food allergies, be careful to choose the cheese and crackers you like. 
  5. Granola Bars: Preferably homemade or store-bought, granola bars are a convenient option to keep hunger at bay. These are easy to make. Mix the Nutty Delight on #2 with almond or nut butter, roll them into coconut flakes, and have an excellent granola bar. But there are many options if you prefer to buy them. Look for bars that are low in added sugars and high in fiber, providing a quick energy boost during the journey.
  6. Protein-Packed Sandwiches: Prepare sandwiches with whole-grain bread, lean meats like turkey or chicken, or smoke salmon; if you want to be fancy, add lettuce, tomato, and a light spread like mustard or avocado. These protein-packed sandwiches will you satisfied and provide essential nutrients.
  7. Energy Bites: Create homemade energy bites with oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins like chia seeds, dried fruits, or dark chocolate chips. These bite-sized treats are tasty and provide a great energy source during travel.
  8. Yogurt with Berries: yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, and when paired with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey, it becomes a delectable and nutritious snack.
  9. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Rice cakes are a lightweight, mess-free alternative to regular crackers. Spread nut butter (like almond, Macadamia, or cashew butter) on top, and add dry fruits and chocolate chips for a satisfying and healthy snack.
  10. Dark Chocolate: Satisfy a sweet tooth with a small amount of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is delicious, contains antioxidants, and can boost mood during long flights.

Use reusable containers or eco-friendly bags to pack healthy snacks to minimize waste and be mindful of potential allergies or dietary restrictions. Remember to stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle and avoid excessive sugary beverages or energy drinks. Also, when you pack many high-water content fruits and veggies, such as cucumbers and watermelon, you can easily stay hydrated and need less water. 

Preparing various easy-to-pack, healthy, and delicious snacks for airplane travel can ensure a satisfying journey without feeling sluggish or hungry. The key is to balance taste and nutrition, making the travel experience enjoyable and stress-free. 

Bon voyage!

Bella H.

Boracay Summer Vacation

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This may be a little late, but I wanted to share a place that I went to during summer vacation! For those who don’t know, Boracay is a famous island in the Philippines with many smaller islands to visit. There are plenty of fun activities to see and do and one of the most unique beaches because of the beautiful white sand and super clear water. 

During my trip, I went with my family for three days and by the end of it, I was exhausted. We did plenty of things. On the first day, we arrived by a small plane and checked into our hotel after weaving through narrow, busy streets. Our hotel was very nice, with four stories, a pool, a restaurant and a quick way to the beach. Our room was on the third floor and it provided a nice view of the floors underneath. For the most part, the first day, we just swam in the pool and the ocean and ate dinner. Every dinner, we could see a fire dance show, which was really cool to see. It was hard to take my eyes off of the performers and their tricks and it’s something that you should definitely see for yourself.

The second day was the most action-packed day of our trip. With a guide, we planned a day full of activities, starting off with visiting a different island and snorkeling. It was my first time snorkeling and it was very interesting. But we did have a little bit of a scare. If you’re aware of sea snakes, you should also be aware that they are extremely venomous (specifically the black and white striped ones). Unluckily for us, our snorkeling spot happened to have one of those snakes and at some point, we must have startled it as it left its resting spot and began to rise up to where we were snorkeling. Safe to say we left quickly onto our next destination, lunch.

After lunch, we had planned to go back to the hotel and save more activities for tomorrow, but after some convincing, we ended up doing the rest on that day. We changed boats and headed to a floating facility in the ocean that had the rest of our activities for the day. The first one was banana boating. A banana boat is a floating tube with handles on it and is pulled by a motor boat. On a banana boat, the goal is to hold on for the entire ride, but  as easy as it sounds, once you lose your grip, it’s difficult to get back up. My family managed to get through the ride without falling in (even though I almost fell in).

The last thing we did that day was parasailing. Most of my family were not on board with the idea, but I managed to convince my cousin to go with me. When I had first seen other people do it, they didn’t look like they were super high up, but then I got on it and looked down, it was a lot higher than I thought it was. Despite the elevation, the view was spectacular and definitely worth it. My cousin and I got nice and comfortable in the air, taking in the peaceful silence and the view of the ocean and land. 

The third day was much more peaceful. A calm walk down the beach, nice swim in the ocean and pool, and lively night walks on the beach, looking at various vendors to buy from. After that, it was time to go home (being where we stayed with our cousins in the main island of the Philippines). We knocked Boracay out early on the two month trip, but it was definitely a highlight.

I definitely recommend going to Boracay if you ever get the chance. Whether it’s to experience the beautiful beaches morning, midday, or night; or to participate in the various water activities they have, or to look at the culture, it’s undoubtedly a place you’d want to miss going to. 

-Nicole R.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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In mid-July, I had the opportunity to fly across the world to the Middle East and visit Dubai. It was a fascinating experience. In the early 60’s, Dubai was a complete desert with no buildings in sight. Now, just over 50 years later, there are many skyscrapers and towers, making it a beautiful city.

The most famous and well-known building in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa. With its 163 floors, it happens to be the tallest building in the world at a staggering 2716.5 feet (or 828m). Visitors are able to go to the top and see the city from above. The sandy origins of Dubai are still visible from the top, but the added buildings make for a fantastic view. Underneath the skyscraper, there is a giant area of water that somewhat resembles a pool. This place contains what is known as the Dubai Fountain. Each day, from 6pm-11pm, the Dubai Fountain show takes place every 30 minutes. It is a spectacular event with its bright lights and unique water movements.

Right beside the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, which is the largest mall in the world. In fact, the only entrance to the Burj Khalifa is through the Dubai Mall, which is why construction for both places began around the same time. The way the mall was built from the inside and outside is outstanding. The architecture was unlike any other mall I had ever seen. There are over 1200 retail stores and 200+ food and beverage outlets, making the mall worth approximately $20 million. Unfortunately, this also causes the item prices to be far higher than just shopping at Amazon.

All in all, Dubai is a wonderful city and I would highly recommend visiting it. It is a very tourist-friendly place and has some magnificent locations for families to visit. I greatly enjoyed my 9-day stay and would hope for other travelers to do so as well.