If you’re on a tight schedule and budget, it is recommended that you visit some unusual destinations. They’re the ones that are explored by fewer tourists. However, they’re still some of the best destinations worth exploring in the Asian continent. Here, we’ve listed four of such unusual destinations you must visit while touring Asia:

1. Beijing, China

Beijing is one of the world’s most populous cities. It is also among the oldest. This means you’ll have some intriguing historic structures to explore during your visit to China’s capital city. One of these historic places is the narrow alleyways or ‘hutongs’. They’re lined up with fascinating traditional homes and courtyards. 

Beijing is also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include the Imperial Summer Palace and its gardens. You’ll be amazed during your visit to the Forbidden City. It is a palace complex made up of nearly 1,000 different buildings. 

This palace complex has been the home of China’s emperors for 500 years. China’s capital also gives its visitors the chance to see many temples and pagodas. Among them are the Tianning Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

2. Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is a Cambodian resort town, considered as the gateway to the Angkor region. Upon entering this region, you can get to the magnificent temples that were built by the Khmer kings. Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the must-visit attraction of the Angkor region. 

This is the largest religious monument in the world. It was constructed in the early 12th century and covers a vast area of 160 hectares. Besides the ancient marvels, the city also has several French and Chinese buildings from the colonial era.

3. Jaipur, India

Jaipur is considered one of the most beautiful cities in India. It is also known as the ‘pink city’. This is because of the distinct colour of stones that were used to build many of the city’s structures. Jaipur is also home to a vibrant community of artisans. 

Many of the monuments and pink structures are located within 10 kilometres of this city. They include the ancient temple complex of Galtaji. It has been built into the narrow hills and is surrounded by sacred water pools. Other attractions include the world’s largest stone sundial at Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort.

4. Bagan, Myanmar

One of the world’s top heritage sites, Bagan was the capital of a powerful kingdom. The Bagan Archaeological Zone covers an area of 41 square kilometres. It is home to over 3,000 stupas, pagodas, and other structures of religious importance. All of them are tucked away in the midst of dense forests. 

Outside the archaeological zone, this ancient city is popular for its lacquer and sand paintings. They are available at the local markets in most of the villages. You can also buy beautiful gifts and mementoes from Bagan’s night market and the traditional Burmese market.

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You can combine your passion for cycling and your love of adventure to enjoy some memorable tours. To make things easier, we’ve picked a few destinations from different parts of the world for adventurous cyclists:

1. Girona, Spain

Located at a distance of about 60 miles to the northeast of Barcelona, Girona is an enchanting historical city. It is also a favourite among many professional cyclists. You’ll find this place extremely pleasant, as it has a wonderful climate, good roads, and attractive mountain scenery. Besides, it also gives you the chance to savour diverse varieties of food. 

Girona is a part of the Costa Brava region, which falls between the Pyrenees mountain and the coast. You’ll come across an ideal mix of long, flat lanes and rolling terrains. The best trails for cycling enthusiasts include the Rococorba climb, coast road, and Els Angels.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

The stunning roads of Cape Town run through the coastal area. They provide excellent conditions for cyclists to enjoy fabulous views along the way. This South African city offers some healthy lifestyle choices for its people. The Bicycle Cape Town is an organization focused on improving and encouraging cycling facilities, routes, and services. 

In March, the city organizes the ‘LifeCycle Week’. The event honours everything done on two wheels with several events and competitive races. While touring the city, you can enjoy cycling down the coastal roads of the peninsula. You’ll also love riding steep up to the spot that gives you a fantastic view of False Bay. 

The roads and tracks of Cape Town and its surroundings are suitable for any cyclist. It doesn’t matter whether he or she is a leisure cyclist or a professional.

3. Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites are a famous mountain range situated in the northern part of Italy. It is a part of the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain range is worth exploring for all the cyclists. Among the most wonderful parts of this mountain range are the Sella Ronda Loop and the Fedaia climb. 

You’ll not find many flat lanes in this part of Italy. So, you’ll have to deal with a tough uphill climb or a smooth, curvy downhill ride.

2. Morzine, French Alps

This is an excellent spot for road biking as well as mountain biking. Morzine is located close to Switzerland in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. The resort towns of Avoriaz and Morzine cater to outdoor sports. You’ll find some idyllic chalets and hotels in these towns. 

Morzine has hosted the popular Tour de France over 20 times. This resort town is home to the challenging Morzine Vallee d’Aulps. It covers a total distance of more than 150 kilometres with over 3,900 meters of climb.

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Train journeys can give you a few doses of thrills and experiences you might’ve never had before. There are some train journeys in the world that allow you to enjoy these wonderful experiences. Here, we’ve listed a few of them:

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

There are some train routes that take you through historic cities. You’ll also come across others that run close to a splendid coastline. A few train routes introduce you to epic traditions. You may also get to travel on a train that has some unique characters onboard. 

What if you get to live all such experiences with a single train journey? Well, this is made possible with The Reunification Express line, also called the North-South Railway. One of the best railways of Southeast Asia, the fortunes of The Reunification Express have seen many ups and downs. 

It covers over a thousand miles from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. This gives you the chance to witness the twin metropolises of Vietnam. You’ll also get an idea about the country’s intriguing past while travelling through the route.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

You’ll be taken through some scenic delights of the North American continent on this train. For three days, Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels close to 2,500 miles. Among the marvels you’ll get to see are the deserts, the prairies, the Sierra Nevada, and the Rocky Mountains. 

You can also choose the 185-mile stretch between Glenwood Springs and Denver. On this route, the train goes through some fantastic landscapes. They include the wilderness of gorges situated near headwaters of the Colorado River.

3. Baikal-Amur Mainline, Russia

This railway line covers over 2,500 miles of Siberian wilderness. It also connects remote areas where temperatures can go below -60 degrees Celsius during winters. The Baikal-Amur Mainline was built long after the Trans-Siberian Railway. When compared to the latter, Baikal-Amur Mainline is much colder and takes you through some spectacular sights. Despite its uniqueness, this route is rarely travelled by tourists.

4. Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru

This railway line covers the route from Lake Titicaca’s shores to the heart of the Inca capital, Cuzco. You’ll get the chance to travel through some awe-inspiring paths, snow-covered peaks, and gorgeous valleys. Besides, you can savour the drinks in the bar and enjoy fine dining and entertainment in the restaurant. 

The train also has an open-air observatory car, from where you can enjoy spectacular views. You’ll also be treated to the delightful sights of Peruvian plains and the remote towns and villages.

5. The Beijing to Lhasa Express, China

You’ll marvel at the futuristic architecture, imperial wonders, charming palaces, and monasteries covered by this train. This train is also called ‘Z21’. It transports its passengers from the urban high-rises of China to the remote land of the red-robed monks. 

As the train moves westwards, it ascends to a height of more than 16,000 feet while travelling to the Tibetan plateau. You’ll be captivated by the sights of grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, and snow-clad mountains.

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There are several cities here that can be visited during any time of the year. Many others can be best explored only during summers. Here we’ve listed some of the best cities you must never forget to visit while holidaying in this continent:

1. Lisbon, Portugal

There are many tourists who feel that a tour of Europe is incomplete without a visit to Lisbon. This city is the capital of Portugal. When you arrive in the Portuguese capital, you’ll be welcomed with hearty meals and warm smiles. In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of direct flights to Lisbon. This has made accessing this city more affordable and easier than ever. 

Once you’re in Lisbon, you can explore some beautiful places on foot. If you wish to give your legs a break, go for the hop-on-hop-off buses. You’ll be in awe when you witness the historical structures in the Portuguese capital. Among the prominent ones are the Santa Justa Lift, Sao Jorge’s Castle, and Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. You can set aside some time to visit the fabulous beaches of the city as well.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This Croatian city is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. It is surrounded by ancient walls of stone and has structures with orange-tiled roofs. Dubrovnik is also considered one of the most amazing cities on the Dalmatian Coast. The city was used as one of the shooting locations for the popular television series, Game of Thrones. It is the old-world charm of this city that attracts many tourists from many countries. 

You can take one of the popular day cruises to the Elafiti Islands. They’re visited by plenty of tourists during the hot season. Another great feature of this city is its local cuisine. It’s almost impossible that you’d come across a bad restaurant. The city experiences its peak tourist season from May to September. Plan your trip to Dubrovnik at the beginning or end of the high season to avoid crowds.

3. Budapest, Hungary

For the history buffs who are conscious about their tight budgets, Budapest would feel like heaven. It is among the best cities of Europe worth exploring. You can access this city using trains or flights. When you’re in Budapest, it seems as if you’ve been transported back in time. You’ll come across some beautiful Gothic cobblestone streets in the Hungarian capital. Budapest has many options in fusion restaurants. 

They combine the western and eastern cuisines to create some mouth-watering treats. The two districts of Buda and Pest are separated by the famous Chain Bridge. You can take the Budapest Eye or a cable car to witness some marvellous views from the top. You can know more about the history of this city by visiting the Budapest History Museum.

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There are many such tours available across different parts of the world. You can choose one of these tours to explore every walkable destination you visit. Here are some of the reasons why you must join a free walking tour:

1. Tour the city better

You can get around in a city with the help of public and private modes of transport. Often, there are many options in them, such as buses, taxis, rickshaws, and bicycles. While each of these modes has its own benefits, a walking tour can be more effective. There are several reasons for it. One of them is that you can tour the city better. 

You no longer have to compete with people for a window seat in a bus or a train. There’s no need to park your bike somewhere to walk through an underground bunker. You can venture out into the narrow alleys where the rickshaws cannot enter. Besides, your body will get a good amount of exercise as you take a walk around the city.

2. Meet new people

When you join a free walking tour, you’ll never be alone. There’s no better opportunity than this to meet some fellow travellers. For many tourists, travelling alone is a wonderful way to enjoy more freedom and adventure. It can also get quite lonely sometimes, no matter how good it feels at the beginning. 

Walking tours help you to get rid of this feeling of being lonely. It connects you with fellow travellers. Now, it is entirely up to you to develop new friendships and initiate some meaningful conversations. If they speak the same language as you, this would be much easier.

3. No need for planning

You just need to make sure that your smartphone is fully charged and you’ve applied your sunscreen. It’s not necessary to plan your trip at all. You have to show up at the meeting point and join the group. Everything else would be taken care of by the local guide. 

The entire route is usually planned out for the group in a highly efficient manner. You’ll rarely miss the major sights. Moreover, you’ll have more time to learn more about the things that only the locals know. Some walking tours also involve taking breaks in between to rest, use the restroom, or enjoy some local food. 

The tour guides are usually natives of the city. They are individuals who have spent a considerable amount of time exploring every nook and corner. So, they’d be in a better position to guide you with regards to getting around in the city. They’ll also have lots of interesting stories to tell during the tour.

4. Value for money

Free walking tours are the best for those who are on a tight budget. You can enjoy the tour without having to pay anything. At the end of the tour, you may feel like paying the tour guide something. This is because such tours give you a lot more without expecting anything in return.

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Motor shows have become one of the most popular events globally. It, therefore, doesn’t come as a surprise that they attract lots of people from various corners of the world. Now, some may wonder what these motorcycle enthusiasts do during their free time. 

Well, playing an online casino is one of the coolest ways to earn some real money. Besides, you also get the satisfaction of not having simply wasted your time. You can find many other casinos with some fabulous themes on Casinos Jungle. 

This casino review website gives you all the information you need about the latest online slot games. It also allows you to play some of the slot games absolutely free! You may check for instance their Slot LV review here.

For now, let’s take a look at some of the best online slot games available with a motorcycle theme:

1. Easy Rider

This is an exciting game that comes from NextGen Gaming. It has been created with a bikers’ theme and has some fantastic graphics and several other features. You’ll certainly benefit from the adjustable 5 reels and 25 paylines of this online slot game. Of course, it may not give you the experience of riding a motorcycle. 

However, the kind of potential wins that Easy Rider offers would delight you. Symbols used in this game include sunglasses, a helmet, and the patch of a devil. One of the best features of the game is ‘Slide a Wild’, which allows you to enjoy some bonuses.

2. Slot Angels

Developed by BetSoft Gaming, this is yet another biker-themed slot game. It is a part of the Slots3 Series. You’ll have a total of 5 reels and 30 paylines in this game. It has been inspired by one of the most popular biking gangs in the world called ‘Hells Angels’. Some of the symbols in this game include that of a biker, a bike, a lighter, and billiard balls. 

The game has many fabulous features for the ones looking forward to earning a bonus. The ‘Party Free Spins’ feature, for example, gives players 10 free spins. They are given when the players land at least 3 scatter symbols on any of the reels.

3. Bikers Gang

If you’re a solo rider who always wanted to join a biker gang, this game is for you. Bikers Gang is a creation of Spinomenal. Although they’re not among the biggest names in the world of online casinos, their games never fail to excite. Starting from the background, this game has everything you might need on a biking track. 

When you spin, the sound of screeching tires can be heard. This game has 5 reels and 9 paylines. You’ll also have some fascinating symbols in this game. They include a motorbike, a helmet, speed limit signage, a gang jacket, and gloves. From two different bonuses, you can get up to 10 free spins.

The post 3 Best Online Slot Games with a Motorcycle Theme appeared first on Maps Man.

This enhances their knowledge about the activity and gives them a lot of experience. However, there are some simple things that can make cycling an exciting activity. Let’s take a look at them:

1. Take a ride with friends

Well, this is not as easy as it sounds. Often, they’ll hesitate to join you when you tell them you’re planning a bicycle ride with them. They mostly do this because they think they’ll be too slow. Of course, there are other reasons as well. Here, there’s one important point to be kept in mind. When some individuals tell you they want to go on a bicycle ride, they do want to go. 

You must not allow the voices in your mind to arrive at some ridiculous conclusions. If people really want to do something, they’re never worried about the pace. So, if you’re able to find a bunch of such people, plan a bicycle ride with them. 

Only you can tell how much you’ll be able to push yourself. Talk to your friends about this and everyone would be at ease. There’s no need for anyone to feel ashamed of being slow or tired. Just get out, be social, and have loads of fun on the two wheels.

2. Join a riding group

In order to have some thrill, all you need is a healthy competition. Go ahead and join a group that’s going on a bicycle ride. As the hours go by and you’re having some fun cycling, you’ll begin to feel happier. You can also see this as an activity intended purely for fun and not for competition. Let your legs determine when to stop and when to keep moving.

3. Savor the delicacies

Most of the cyclists who go out and have fun while pedalling on the roads are controlled by their appetite. Such folks don’t mind stopping in between and enjoying some delicious treats. This can also be made a part of your motivation to carry on. You may find a simple doughnut shop or a cafe on the way. 

When you do, just stop for a while and enjoy the mid-ride indulgence. This can be a welcome break for you and everyone in the group for some fuel. Not only would you be adding an element of joy but also recharging yourself for the ride ahead.

4. Go somewhere new

In your search for someplace new, you don’t have to venture out too far. You can simply take a different path. For instance, you can turn right instead of turning left on the route you’re accustomed to. This would certainly lead you to a new place. 

Cycling with your friends in such an uncharted territory would be a fabulous experience. Often, such places allow you to escape the busy routes and enter a cycling-friendly environment. This would be your reward for going somewhere new and unusual.

The post 4 Ways to Make Cycling Truly Exciting appeared first on Maps Man.

However, you must ask an experienced rider who embarks on such trips regularly. This is how you’ll improve your rides and have some memorable journeys on the roads. When it’s your first solo road trip on your bike, you’ll certainly feel the need to be prepared. It doesn’t matter whether you have your own motorcycle or you’ve rented one. 

You must take all the essential aspects of a solo bike trip into consideration before setting out. This ensures that your journey is comfortable and free of worries. Here are some of the things you must do before embarking on a motorcycle trip:

1. Pick your ride wisely

Comfort is one of the essential factors to be considered while planning a road trip on your motorbike. A few modifications might be needed for improving the comfort level of your motorcycle. If you’re considering renting a bike, make sure you choose one wisely. A suitable motorcycle is usually the one that can be handled easily. 

Motorbikes with a good handlebar, soft seat, sharp headlights, and guards are the best for off-road trips. A bike must not only look ‘cool’ but also give a smooth ride. This is one of the most important factors that would make your road trip successful.

2. Pack lights for your trip

When looking for luggage carriers, you’ll come across many different varieties. The best among them are saddlebags. They can be fixed quite easily on the back seat or sides of the bike. Other excellent bag choices are tank bags and tail bags. They include magnets that keep them fixed to the bike’s tank. Besides selecting the right bag, you must also choose your luggage carefully. 

Always pack light when going on a road trip using your motorcycle. Having disposable stuff would allow you to discard all those items after use immediately. It’s also a good idea to carry sachets instead of bottles. You must avoid carrying a lot of clothes. Before packing, prepare a list and prioritize all the essential stuff.

3. Wear an appropriate dress

When it comes to road trips taken on a motorbike, it is imperative that you dress appropriately. For road trips on a motorcycle, try wearing riding pants, ankle boots, and a comfortable jacket. Of course, a full-face helmet is also essential. You must definitely pick knee and elbow guards for extra protection if you’re expecting a bumpy ride.

4. Stock some water

Staying hydrated is often missed from the priorities of the ones going for road trips on motorcycles. They need to understand the fact that proper hydration is a must while on such tours. If you don’t like stopping for water, you’ll need to invest in an appropriate hydration pack. 

Among them is a water bottle bag that comes with a long tube. The bag keeps the water in the bottle cold. The long tube can be used for drinking water without having to stop at a particular place. A hydration pack can be your perfect companion during such trips.

The post 4 Things to Do Before Embarking on a Motorcycle Trip appeared first on Maps Man.

Once you’ve decided to visit a particular destination, you’ll most certainly begin with a travel plan. One of the integral parts of making a travel plan is planning the route. While you’re choosing a certain route, you’ll obviously select a few places you’d like to explore. Then comes all the stuff needed for the journey. Among them are, of course, the maps of places you intend to visit in your chosen destination. 

Maps help you understand the places you would like to explore, their key attractions, and the distance between them. All such things help you in deciding that perfect itinerary, which can make your travel experience a memorable one. You’ll never miss out on some important places that are worth visiting if you’ve got their maps. 

They’ll also help you in narrowing down the region you intend to explore. Once you have the maps and a detailed travel plan, you’ll find several other things to support your journey. Among them are blogs, articles, images, videos, and people. They keep you motivated for the trip and while you’re on your trip. 

However, none of them can take away the importance of maps. Here are some of the amazing benefits of using them for your travels:

1. You’ll have many choices 

Maps give you a variety of choices. When you have maps of the destinations you want to visit before you, it feels like they’re all reachable. This serves as a motivation to go beyond limits and get to all those fascinating places. Once you’re motivated enough, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. Besides, now you have maps available at your fingertips with the help of smartphones. 

Using them, you get an idea of every nook and corner of your chosen destination. Once you know your destination better, deciding where to go would be much easier. There are many places and adventures in the world that are yet to be discovered.

2. You get an idea of what to expect

This is extremely important for those who are thrilled about the idea of taking a road trip. Such journeys are full of surprises. Unless you want to keep them that way, maps can be wonderful guides. They give you an idea of what lies ahead on your journeys. You’ll know which routes to take and the ones that must be avoided. 

As a result, your trip would be more safe and comfortable. You’ll know some alternate routes as well. This would make your road trip faster and free of hassles. You’ll realize there are many things you can understand about your chosen destinations with the help of their maps.

3. Traveling can be made easy and affordable

When you have online maps, you’ll know all the possible ways to reach a particular destination. You’ll have a better idea about the modes of transport to take and the available alternatives. Based on your budget, you’ll be able to choose the best options. You’ll also have an idea about other things, such as where to rest and the best places to eat. 

Often, travellers miss out on options that can make their travels a lot more cost-effective. This happens mainly because they don’t make good use of maps. It’s possible that your maps might help you find something very useful located nearby. It might be a small airport, which could potentially reduce the time and cost of your air travel.

4. Maps help you in difficult situations

Sometimes, a sudden change in weather can bring an entire country to a halt. Extreme snowfall, heavy rains, and storms are some of the examples. Such conditions disrupt the transport systems of cities and towns. It might seem difficult to fly out using the usual route but maps can help you find alternate ways. You need not depend solely on the local transport. 

You might come across a bus stop just a few hundred kilometres away. It’s possible that you might find a train that gets you closer to the airport you could fly from. Maps also help you in finding safe places to stay away from these disasters.

5. They give you valuable information about your destination

Every city or country has places that are extremely popular with tourists. These are the spots that travellers would rarely miss. Usually, such places are crowded and you might want to visit places that have lesser or no crowds. This is where maps can help the most. Using the maps of these places, you can get to know the geography of the region and its surroundings. 

They can help you find some forests, water bodies, mountains, or other natural places. Upon identifying which of them have fewer or no crowds, you can make a trip to those places. This would help you get more out of your trip and make some good memories.

6. Maps help you plan your routes

It’s always a good idea to make a detailed itinerary for your trip. This usually includes places to visit, stay, and eat. Maps can be your reliable guide for planning every aspect of your travel. You can plan your travel route on a paper map or tag it using your smartphone. Both of these ways can be effective in making a complete itinerary. 

Besides, there are features in certain apps with settings for alarms and alerts. They help you stay focused on your travel plan. Even before you begin your travel, you can visualize it. This will certainly give you the necessary motivation to make the journey to your chosen destination.

7. Maps satisfy your curiosity

There is hardly any better companion than a map to help when taking the road less travelled. A map would make the path ahead more exciting and less scary. Maps have this quality of educating the individuals who use them. 

They get to know more about the world around them and the physical features and surroundings of various places. This ultimately helps them know where exactly a place is located and also the ones that they must visit.

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