Today we are presenting 2 a two-week itineraries to choose from, for your trip to Tanzania

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 1

• Starting at Dar El Salam (International Airport)
• A day at Dar El Salam
• Bus (e.g. with Dar express bus) to the north
• Stop for a two-day staying and hiking in Lushoto
• Three to four days on safari at the national parks
• A day in Arusha transfer with Dala dala to Moshi
• One to two days in Moshi
• Flight to Zanzibar City (e.g. with Air Tanzania)
• Five days volunteer project in project in the region
• Two days relaxing and touring the island

• 2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 2

  • Starting at Kilimanjaro (International Airport)
  • Five days volunteer project in the region
  • Two days on safari at national parks
  • A one day Stay in Arusha
  • Transportation by Dala dala to Moshi
  • One day stay in Moshi
  • Bus to the south (e.g. Dar express bus)
  • Stop included accommodation in Lushoto (one or two days)
  • Bus to Dar El Salam
  • Accommodation in Dar El Salam
  • Ferry to Zanzibar
  • Relaxation and island tour

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 3

If you are a hiking enthusiast and you aim to climb Kilimanjaro you should be prepared for the below two things, first one is  to spare time to complete the route (7 days) and money (indicatively $5,000). So if you re planning to dedicate the first week at the area you must have Kilimanjaro Airport as your starting point and for the second week you can choose to go with the above itineraries  more or less.

What was our itinerary?

We started from Dar El Salam we flew to Arusha from where we explored the city of Arusha and we tried a safari game drive at the national parks of Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the villages of Masai, then we headed to Moshi overlooking Kilimanjaro africa’s tallest mountain, we explored and hiked in the area around Kilimanjaro, Materuni and Marangu waterfalls, we flew to Zanzibar where we explored the island and the village of Jambiani where we developed some contacts with the village primary school that lists nearly 900 children. We enjoyed the sun at Paje beach and came home with lots of thoughts about new projects!

What is certain is that we are talking about a huge country with unparalleled beauty and natural wealth! Read more about our safari game drive experience and everything you need to know to participate in a voluntary program or just help by all means you could possibly do so and create the ideal travel itinerary for you!

Enjoy!

The post 2 WEEKS TRAVEL ITINERARY IN AFRICA – TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

A few words about Zanzibar island

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site. Zanzibar’s main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism.

What to see and what to do in Zanzibar island

• Stone town (Market, slave memorial etc)
• Dala dala experience (from Stone town to Paje beach costs 2500 Tanzanian shillings or  under 2 euros while by taxi you ll gonna need at least $25)
• Prison island (bargain the price at about 3-5 usd there on site and don’t book prior traveling for $35)
• Paje beach (the most beautiful beach in our opinion)
• Jambiani village and beach
• Jambiani school visit and volunteer
• Jozani forest to see monkeys
• Butterfly forest
• Cuza caves
• Snorkel
• Kite surfing
• Rock restaurant (for a luxurious meal)
• See the tide going up and down (check out the times of the tide so that you get to enjoy the sea)
• Other beaches of the island (move around by Dala dala)
• Visit one of the near Islands

Watch our map on google earth and our video!

Where to eat in Zanzibar island?

1. Stone town Tamu (gelateria Italians for cheap pizza bites by an Italian owner)
2. Paje beach Bausinga (local restaurant with local food and fair prices)
3. Paje beach Chianti (European restaurant with touristic mood)
4. Rock restaurant (one of its kind, very pricey to our opinion)

How to get from Tanzania mainland to Zanzibar island?

There are two ways of getting around in Zanzibar, the one is of course by air via Zanzibar airport which is located just outside Stone town and the second one is by ferry from the beach of the mainland of Tanzania and Dar El Salam! There is no ideal way in terms of money because e.g. the plane ticket can cost $55 and the boat $35, but if you take a taxi to get you to the boat especially in case you are traveling late night, the cost exceeds the cost of the plane. Whenever you travel always  check both options and chose the best one for you!

Where to stay in Zanzibar island?

The options for staying are also many and affordable for all budgets. Luckily for everyone Zanzibar doesn’t even have so many all-inclusive hotels that really would spoil the aesthetics of the island! However, most of the accommodations are owned by European owners. We stayed in bungalows on Paje beach which was an excellent choice. In Stone town you could have plenty of cheap options to stay, we used a hostel, which had a fantastic view and was in the city center. Don’t forget, of course, that it is a poor island that does not have infrastructure even if you decide to stay someplace more expensive. Try understand the way of local living and do not expect it to be a dreamy vacation on a sun lounger (of course this is also available there, but you don’t have to make it all the way to Zanzibar to do that)! Don’t expect air conditioning unless you stay in a classic tourist hotel (which isn’t bad of course) and here comes our objection to the way we treat the exotic Zanzibar… and the way we westerners wanna experience the island!

Is Zanzibar an Exotic destination after all?

Zanzibar island is a wonderful island with blue waters and white sand! With wonderful pure and smiling people who have nothing to do with Western culture. It is not that  ok for all of us to go there and demand services and air conditioning while the average local of the island does not even have access to clean drinking water. We do not intent to judge but we really dont like seeing tourists waiting to live the dream of an exotic beach vacation demanding luxurious sun beds and cocktails (which are there for you of course… after all,  actually you can have anything you wish and require and the local employees are there to satisfy will pleasure the requirements that owners of the lodges mainly Europeans have already trained them to offer to the tourists) while only two meters further, in the village there is no clean water for the children!

So our point of view  is that yes, Zanzibar is an exotic dreamy destination because it is exotic naturally and not because we tourists imagine it as an exotic place! Zanzibar is a very pure place, with quiet and kind muslim people in religion, with their children living below any poverty standards but with a constant smile on their face and it is worth being respecting without any demands for all inclusive situations and demonstration of our western culture. Let’s leave some places evolve at their own pace and their own unique way, the copy paste thing and some dreaming of an exotic honeymoon trip two meters away from reality do not suit Zanzibar.

How much does a trip to Zanzibar island cost?

Assuming that airfares vary and cost about 400€ per person (we flew for 350€ per person from Brussels with Turkish airlines), a budget of 1400€ for two people for a week will offer you more than comfortable living! With food and beer at 20€ a day, cheap dala – dala travel, local restaurants with affordable food and accommodation for every budget we would say Zanzibar is a low budget destination! For lower budget travellers expect to spend 1200€ per two persons for a week with a plane ticket of 350€ per person, accommodation in hostels 250€, food 200€ and some money for transportation and  souvenirs.

So, is Zanzibar island an exotic destination you would like to visit? Of course it is! This goes without saying.. Visit Zanzibar, respect it, help it and love it for  what this place stands! After all, its beauty is so unique that it is generously given to you whether you stay in a hostel or a well-known all inclusive hotel. Its beauty is found in the simplicity of its people which you will get to feel once you visit one of its authentic villages for a real cultural experience!

The post IS ZANZIBAR ISLAND AN EXOTIC TRAVEL DESTINATION? appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Why choose Island hopping?

The reason we love island hopping is the great flexibility along with the countless experiences you can reap on a single trip! Basically what you do is to start a trip to a new island of Cyclades almost every day! The Cyclades have countless islands waiting to be discovered that satisfy every type of traveler and now with Seajets travelling from one island to another has become even faster, comfortable and easy!

seajets island hopping greece

Why Choose Seajets?

Because:

• It covers 260 connections  from Piraeus, Rafina and Crete for the islands of Cyclades, allowing you to discover as much as you can in a single summer!
• It is ideal when your time is limited, but your mood for exploration is limitless, offering you a great variety of choices.
• Because it has ready-made ideas for romantic getaways, nightlife, adventure etc.
• Because it has the largest high-speed fleet in the Aegean (20 ships)!
• A total of 26 islands including Crete are available.

3 Summer proposals for island hopping in the Cyclades with Seajets

Piraeus-Syros-Mykonos-Naxos-Santorini with WorldChampion Jet the fastest speedboat in the world.

The only speedboat with a Guinness record for its speed, travels daily from Piraeus to Syros, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini! Four unique islands that stand out each for a different reason! You enjoy a journey of incomparable speed and luxury in the brand new WorldChampion Jet lounges, reaching islands such as Syros with its unique chora (the main town on the island) and its incredible alleys or picturesque villages in Naxos, or even the cosmopolitan and colourful Mykonos! the words of course are not enough to describe the unparalleled beauty of one of the most popular islands (and rightly so), Santorini. Also worth highlighting is the pioneering concept of WorldChampion Jet, as you can find an authentic Formula 1 car, which has run in the world’s leading institution of motorsports. So until you are photographed and see a genuine Minardi driven by Jos Verstappen, which made its appearance on the track the years 2003-2004, you will already have reached your destination! A colorful and fast itinerary for every type of traveler!

Piraeus-Paros-iOS-Santorini with Tera Jet the world’s biggest speedboat

Our second proposal is a unique 5 star travel experience with Tera Jet! You travel fast, affordably and comfortably with spacious seats! The journey starts with a stop to wonderful Paros.  Once you’re done drinking your coffee in one of the lounges of the ship , you’ll have reached your destination! big Island, with crystal clear beaches, hiking trails, quite lively nightlife and undoubtedly good food! You continue with the cosmopolitan iOS which has a beautiful chora that challenges you for night getaways and then the itinerary ends up in Santorini! The island is world famous for its magnificent sunsets, as well as its geology due to the volcano activity. Easy and luxurious itinerary with Tera Jet.

Piraeus-Santorini-iOS-Milos-Naxos-Koufonisia-Mykonos The Nonstoptravellers route

The choices are really countless so in addition to the ready-made proposals with WorldChampion Jet and Tera Jet that offer you ready-made routes, you can improvise as we did! We traveled with WorldChampion Jet, Tera Jet, Superjet and Naxos Jet. We practically tried every speedboat of Seajets! We started the route romantically, going to our beloved Santorini , which we basically visit every year. Then, we went to Ios and got a taste of its nightlife. We couldn’t help but continue the route by stopping at the number one destination for 2019, Milos. The landscapes, the enchanting beaches, the picturesque alleys are breathtaking and definitely not to be missed. Leaving Milos and as we were heading to Koufonisia we were fortunate enough to stop at the port of Naxos for a few hours. There we found ourselves in the famous Portara of Naxos gazing at the endless blue. Next stop Koufonisia! A paradise on earth that gives you moments of tranquility. Finally, we arrived at the cosmopolitan Mykonos! Little Venice, windmills and a beautiful chora with charming alleys will definitely meet your expectation.

Extra tips for island hopping with Seajets

• Start with the suggested routes you will find here!
• Continue with improvising, choosing your own favorite islands here!
• Invest in a good backpack ideal for island hopping!
• Take only the essentials, summer needs simplicity!

Enjoy your trip!

The post SEAJETS YOUR ISLAND HOPPING PARTNER IN GREECE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington or D.C., is the capital of the United States. Founded after the American Revolution as the seat of government of the newly independent country, Washington was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States and a founding father.

Check out our map with all main Washington’s attractions!

washington dc capitol

washington dc white house

washington dc white house

The capital city of the USA can be described as a huge museum free to the public and open to its visitors. Anywhere you walk Washington reveals its power and amazes its visitors by all means!  The city is devided into seveal districts but we visited only some of them, including the city center where all locals and national authorities are located and  Bethesda a suburb in Washington!

Vibrant and youthful Wahington DC offers a fantastic blend of world class museums top rated restaurants, and endless options! Spend a day exploring the free museums of the Smithsonian institute! If you visit on spring dont miss the National cherry blossom festival!

Having only 2 days available we had to rush a lot in order to make the most of our staying there! Thankfully we had the most amazing cousin and his adorable family over there who made our visit incredible and our experience unforgettable!

So here are the 2 days itinerary we had while visiting Washington

Day 1 in Washington

• Union Station
• White House
• Washington Monument
• Obelisk
• National World War Memorial
• Vietnam Veteran;s memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Dr Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• River Potomac (drive by)
• Drive through Rock Creek Park (ideal dor trekking lovers)
• Mount Vernon

Day 2 in Washington

• US Capitol – the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world.
• Supreme court
• Library of Congress
• United States Botanic Graden
• National Air and Space Museum
• National Museum of Natural History
• The US National Archives (Declaration of Independence)
• National Museum of American history
• National Cathedral
• Great falls

Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Thomas Jefferson

More things to do and see in Washington

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Kennedy Center
• Ford’s theatre
• International Spy Museum
• Smithsonian Institution
• L’ Enfant Plazza

Best way to explore Washington

The best way to explore Wahington is on foot, by bike or scooter! The choice is up to you! It is for sure that the whole area is really huge so 2 days of walking could be exhausting for some, while for others may be the perfect way not to miss a single thing! Try both walking and cycling! Jump bikes and scooters can be found everywhere make it the most convenient way to move around! Last but not least we always use Uber, you know that, just like the americans do!

• Extra tip Book any extra tickets prior arrival  even if its for free (eg. US Capitol free entrance and guided tours are offered throughout the day between 8.40am – 3.20 pm Monday to Saturday, but tour passes are required).
• Extra tip Be in line early or late enough because the queues are really long there.

We hope you enjoyed our travel posts about our east coast adventures in the US! Both New York and Washington DC are amazing and inspiring in a different way and deserve a visit!

We thank our family in Washington for showing us around all city’s highlights and for making our trip unforgettable! Hope to cu soon in Greece!

Check out our map with all main Washington’s attractions!

The post A BEGGINER’S GUIDE TO WASHINGTON DC appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

After reading our travel itinerary check out more useful stuff and more things to know such as the Internet connection or the visa you need before flying to the USA! Also for more inspiration do check our guest post about New York! Keep traveling in USA by reading our blog post about Washington or the West coast roadtripping in California!

Check out our map with all New York’s attractions and top things to do!

After checking the top things to do check how to use Bounce and store your luggage in US cities! Discount 10% Use our link and get a discount

Use this link and get an extra 10% discount on the already super low price of 5, 90 USD per day!

Day 1 – Lower Manhattan

• Ground zero
• 9/11 Memorial – free entrance and open to public 7.30am – 9.30pm
• World Trade center and Freedom tower
• FDNY Memorial Wall
• St Pauls chapel
• NY City hall and Park & Foley square
• Wall street & NY Federal hall
• NY Stock exchange & Financial district
• Charging Bull
• Highline – perfect for a walk among the skyscrapers
• Chelsea market – perfect for a lunch or a drink – look for  happy hours
• Explore Greenwich village a beautiful district of Manhattan
• For more touristic cliche look for Carry Bradshaw’s or Friends’ apartments
• Head towards Washington square park and watch the locals passing by
  
• Cross the Manhattan bridge
• Archway under Manhattan bridge
• Walk down the Pebble beach where you ll meet Jane s carousel
• Enjoy sunset hours under the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan’s big lights
  
• Walk Brooklyn bridge towards Mnahattan(30’ walking)
• Have a drink at Soho
• Enjoy  Times square by night
  

Day 2 – Midtown

• Morning views of Times Square
  
• Walk towards  Top of the rock observatory [( 8.00 am -00.00pm) admission 56 usd for double entering, 41.5 usd per day ticket]
• Rockfeller Building (ticket 32-38 usd)
  
• Radio city music hall
• St Patricks cathedral
• MOMA (25 usd 10:30am–5:30pm open every day of the week)
• Trump tower
• Grand central station
• Chrysler building
• 5^th avenue
• Public library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building 10.00am-18.00pm perfect for some relaxation at one of the worlds greatest libraries
  
• Empire state building
  
• Try to find a ticket offer to watch a performance at Broadway

Day 3- Upper West to east side Manhattan

• Sunrise at Brooklyn Bridge
• Take a big long walkt at  Central park
  
• American museum of natural history (23 usd 10.00am – 17.45 pm begin exploring from up to downstairs)
  
• Visit Harlem district
  
• Shopping time! Get your tickets via groupon at 27 usd to visit Woodbury commons premium outlets (the normal price would be 40usd, you need an hour to get there and buses start from midtown Manhattan) or visit Century 21 in Lower Manhattan
• East village or little Italy for some bar hopping

Day 4 – Battery park – Liberty statue – Ellis island

• Battery park and cruise tickets info.
  
• The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol for freedom given to the United States on October 28, 1886 as a gift from the people of France. The statue was designed by Frederick Bartholdi, a French sculptor, and framed by Gustave Eiffel, the same gentleman who designed the Eiffel Tower. Today, the statue is visited by millions of people a year and continues to remain an icon for freedom as well as a welcoming symbol to immigrants arriving to America.
• Ellis Island, also known as the ‘Island of Hope and Tears’, was the largest gateway for millions of immigrants looking for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. Ellis Island was once America’s busiest immigration station that operated for over 62 years (1892 until 1954) and saw millions of people from around the world.Today, Ellis Island Immigration Museum Wall of Honor hosts 700,000 names inscribed on the wall of many who once passed through the island. Million of visitors travel to the island by Statue Cruises to explore one of America’s greatest historical sites. 
• Late in the afternoon visit Flatiron and relax with a nice cup of coffee

Day 5

Today is your day! Once you’ve seen almost all the main sights, highlights and instagrammable spots of New York City now its time to experience New York in a more alternative way, read our blog post about a different idea of New York and get inspired… Choose areas that you liked the most and walk them again and again! Take a walk at the Hudson River Pier, start your day by running at your nearest park, observe the world, get lost among the locals and become a stranger among strangers, enter a museum that you did not get to enter earlier… Generally  speaking do something different than just being a typical tourist! Give New York the time it deserves… feel its vibes and fall in love with its alluring city lights!

The post HOW TO SEE ALL NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS ITINERARY appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

But why is Jordan so famous? Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Amman and Aqaba are the strongest highlights of the country! But let’s go find out our trip in details, information about visa, transportation, cost and sightseeing!

Jordan roadtrip petra

A few words about Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan or simply Jordan is a state of the Middle East. It borders Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel and the West Bank (the Jordan, an area occupied before 1967 and occupied by Israel) to the West. It shares with Israel the coastlines of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. The main religion of Jordan is Islam and the main (official) Arabic language.

Travel itinerary in Jordan

Itinerary in few lines

• Airport Alia Airport – Petra 203 km (2.38 ‘)
• Petra – Wadi Rum 112 km (1.46 ‘)
• Wadi Rum – Dead Sea 295 km (4 hours)
• Dead Sea – Amman 65 km (1 hour)
• Amman – Airport

Jordan roadtrip petra wadi rum

Jordan itinerary

Day One

On first day we landed at Queen Alia Airport in Amman on a low-cost flight (see costs below), the other option is to land at Aqaba Airport so you will follow the opposite program of ours! We had already rented a car so our vehicle was waiting for us outside the airport. After we completed the standard procedures we departed to Petra and to the village of Wadi Musa. The journey time is around 2.40 hours.

At Wadi Musa we found easily our accommodation’s location which was very central and had many restaurants nearby and was only a 4 minute drive away from the entrance of Petra! There is also the option to stay right next to Petra’s entrance and walk just for 4 minutes. There is also the option to stay at the entrance of the village in order to enjoy the view of the whole area but prices are higher there of course! After we ate at Beit Al Barakah and we got some traditional sweets from the bakery we headed to Petra to enjoy the evening show Petra by Night candles show. For our experience there and useful information read more here.

Day two

Second day, waking up and departing towards Petra! In 4 minutes we were in front of the entrance next to the museum. The size of the whole area is huge so get ready for a lot of walking, hiking and even climbing! Overall we stayed there for 9 hours and that is only beacuse we had to depart to the Wadi rum. Read all the information you need to explore Petra with a special map, times and prices in our Petra blog post. Lunch time at Beit Al Barakah and departure to Wadi Rum.

Extra Tip Before leaving the village, stop and enjoy the panoramic view of the area where the # ? Petra sigh is.

After a couple of hours driving and a fantastic ride full of used tires on the roadside, countless trucks, sandstorms and desert views we arrived at Wadi Rum Visitors Center where you have to get tickets and then enter the site either with a guide who you find on the spot or with your vehicle if you have arranged a local driver to be waiting inside for you. Having seen the prices (see below) and from personal experience we can tell you that prices are lower if you pre book eg. Via Internet, as we did, rather that get a guuide over there. Salem, was waiting for us, a Bedouin born in the village of Wadi Rum, owner of Bedouin tents for rent and organizer of experiences and hiking in the desert. We were tranferred to our tents (you cannot go on your own, either ways have to book a tour guide).

Jordan roadtrip petra

Day three

The night before, as well as the morning we experienced in the desert was a magic time for us! We had experienced a similar experience in the Monument Valley desert  in the country of Navajo but the scenery here was also truly unreal, like a storyline from Mars. Morning found us waking up with a flock of camels that were all around our tent!

Read all you need to know about entering, staying and organizing experiences at Wadi Rum here!

We spent half the day exploring the desert, climbing hills of sand, feeding camels, hiking in canyons, sipping tea with Bedouins and eating in the middle of nowhere, lunch!

We said goodbye to Salem and Wadi rum (we will definitely return there though) and started our trip to Amman. The route is just uncomparable as it includes villages, towns, deserts, fields, mountain, countless camels, solar parks and of course the Dead Sea on the Jordan side this time (the side of Israel has been explored on our previous journey). After about 5 hours a stop at the Dead Sea for a  quick dive we arrived in Amman (attention while driving).

Day four

Awakening in the capital of Jordan, Amman, and waiting for the friend and old classmate in Thessaloniki city, Sofian, who offered to meet and take us around in his city! Those of you who don’t have Sofian can easily move around with Uber, almost all routes cost about 1.5 dollars, while going to the airport depending on where you are, of course, will cost you about $20 (price from West Amman to the Alia airport). After seeing the points of interest that we outlined below our friend, transferred us to the airport for our departure.

Things to do in Amman

First of all, you cannot imagine how many hills this city has! For food and coffee visit Rainbow Street and Jabal Al Lweibdeh. Amman is the capital of Jordan, and its a quite modern and prosperous city!

Tourist attractions in Amman:

• King Abdullah Mosque
• Amman Citadel
• King Hussein Mosque
• Jordanian Museum
• The Royal Automobile Museum
• Jordan Archaeological Museum
• Jordan Museum of Popular traditions
• Jordan river  and baptism site (few miles from Amman)

How much does a trip to Jordan cost? Prices per person

• Air Tickets €10 Roundtrip
• Car Rental €70 (3 days)
• Food €30
• Accommodation €50 (3 days)
• Visa Jordan Pass 75 JOD
• Candle Show 17 JOD
• Souvenirs €5

Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

Having traveled to various countries that may not be considered as safe ones as others, and except the fact that special attention must be payed during driving (it has many roundabouts) we can confidently say that especially in tourist places there is no sense or even suspicion of fear. The residents are completely familiar with the tourists!

Jordan roadtrip petra

Transports in Jordan

For the transportation we rented a car but there are certainly other options such as public transportation or taxis or organized tours. You can find more information here, but for example taking a taxi from the airport to Petra costs over 80 dollars per vehicle.

Do you need a visa for Jordan?

Yes! The first option is to get a visa at the airport (40 jod) while the other option is to pre buy a Jordan pass with which you have free entry to various attractions including Petra, comes out in 3 editions and is issued online (does not replace the visa just comes out cheaper and waves your visa fees). For the Jordan Pass click here, and for the sights included click here!

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The post ROADTRIP IN JORDAN – A TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Did you know that Egypt is called a gift of the Nile thanks to Herodotus?

egypt pyramids gkiza cairo

Itinerary for travelling to Egypt

Find below the 8 day itinerary we created and finally followed including all costs in Egyptian pounds per person (Egyptian pounds EGP), Euro and dollars! We followed the Nile route from the south to the north, but those of you who have more time or have been before at the Nile once before you can visit El Almaine, the White Desert, the oasis of Shiva, the Sina Peninsula, the Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, the Red Sea, etc.

1 DAY 
Flight to Cairo-flight from Cairo to Aswan
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or watch our video here)!
Tour in Abu Simbel (200 EGP-photo pass 300 EGP), you can go only with an organized tour which either have to be pre-booked, or arranged at your accommodation. Keep in mind that the car starts at 4.30 in the morning so arrange your stay and transfer in advance (12 USD).

2 DAY

Excursion to Abu Simbel (starting 4.30 am, 3 hours way, return to Aswan at about 13.00 pm)
On the return take a motor Boat (150EGP) to the islet of Philae Temple (140EGP).
Nubian Village (enjoy a walk at the beautiful coloured villages, if you stay at Kato Dool congrats coz you are right in the village itself, if you stay eg. on Elephantine Island you have to get a motorboat to the Nubian villages).
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
A Felluca ride to Elephantine Island (70EGP) and sunset. You can go to Unfinished Obelisk (80 EGP), Nubia Museum (100 EGP), Aswan Museum (70 EGP) as well.
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or view video here)!

3 DAY

We say goodbye to Aswan and either we take a car to Luxor (that’s what we did 15 USD) or join a three-day cruise at the Nile to Luxor (more relaxed and restful program for 40USD)

Pay a visit to the temple of Horus in Edfu, explore the temple of Kom Ombo.
By car to Kom Ombo and to the Temple of Crocodile (100 EGP) and the Edfu temple (140 EGP).
You can also stop at the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan on the way to Luxor.
Drop off at Luxor (15 USD total transfer)! A train is more economical choice if you have more time!
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

4 DAY

Wander through the royal burial sites the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the west bank of Luxor. Tour in Kings Valley (200EGP + 300EGP photo pass) where you can see 3 tombs of  Pharaohs (Ramses IV-IX-Meremtah (to Toutaghamon and Seti the cost is  €50 for each one) – (photo ticket = 15 € We think it is not worth it just enjoy the visit).
Memnon Colossi, Queens Valley & Hatsepsut Temple (100 EGP).
Food at Al Sahaby Lane (Rooftop with a view to the Luxor Temple and a cool evening breeze).
Sound and Light Show Karnak Temple (15 USD booking online capability, there are shows at almost every temple but from what we have read and tried if you are about to try one at least try this one at Karnak as it is not static, but do not expect much, its overpriced anyway..).
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

5 DAY

At sunrise you can ride an Air balloon over the Nile (60 USD)
Luxor Temple (140EGP) – Located in the city center so you can just go on foot.
Karnak Temple (150 EGP) you can go there either on foot parallel to the river banks (30 ‘), either by horse cart (40EGP) or by taxi (50EGP)
Visit the market of Luxor, small but strong in terms of bargaining!
Visit the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum.
Food at Sofra.
Night Train to Cairo 10.55 pm – 9.00 am (80 USD) Day train (10 USD). For more information about trains in Egypt read here! You will definetely  need some help and you will find the links for the itineraries too!

6 DAY

Citadel of Saladin Cairo, Mohamed Ali Mosque (140 EGP), attention because on Fridays the Islamic mosques are closed due to praying, on other days women must have their heads covered (taxi 20 EGP = 1 euro).
Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (80 EGP)
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Mit Rahina Museum (60 EGP), there lies a huge statue of Ramses 2.
Cairo Tower (Opening Hours: From 8 am to Midnight) (300 EGP).
Market KhanAl Khalili (with taxi or Uber 25-30 EGP) and El Gamaleya
Food in Abu Tarek for Kosharu Special (30 EGP)
Felluca Ride at the Nile, coffee  by the river (50 EGP).
Café Eish and Malh
Sweets Mandarine Koueider (Kiounefes and Basbousa (Samali))
Sweets in
Overnight Cairo to Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb (30 USD/3 days).

egypt cairo

7 DAY

Tour with Egypt Day Tours in Giza Plateau – Pyramids – Sphinx – Egyptian museum the only one of the seven wonders of anscient world  that still exist (160 EGP-360 EGP Khufu’s’s Pyramid-100 EGP Khafre’s Pyramid) (read our detailed blog post with all the information you might before for your visit to the pyramids of Giza.
Camel Ride (Optional, we did not tried this one but if you choose to do so you can ride a camel for some money and find yourself on the spot that gives you a view to all the pyramids together).

As a special offer to anyone that comes through our blog, Egypt Day Tours will offer a 10% discount on any tour / activity  plus a free camel ride in case you are in the pyramids area. 

Tour the Egyptian Museum  to view the worlds largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. (located next to Tahrir square) (160 EGP + 50 EGP photo pass + 300EGP inclusive tickets with Royal Mummies Hall) at 17.00 closes for half an hour and reopens with other prices (read our detailed post with all the information).
Dinner Cruise €13 (Optional) on the Nile or Felluca sunset (you can find a cruise at the marina Dok Dok close to the Four seasons hotel)
If you have one more day we suggest you to visit the other Saqqara pyramids, which are less famous but also less crowded. They are just around 30-40 km away from Cairo so it means an extra day for you, Bent pyramid- Dashur and Step Pyramid.
Overnight Cairo in Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb.

8 DAY

One day excursion to Alexandria by train (53 EGP). For our tour we chose Egypt Day Tours while on our adventure with the train read more here!
Alexandria Library (70EGP)
Kavafis Museum (30 EGP + Photo Pass 25 EGP)
Kom El Dekka Roman Amphitheater (80 EGP)
Pompeys Pillar and Temple of Serapeum (80 EGP)
Saint Sava Church
Evangelismos Church
Catacombs of Kom Ash Suqqafa (80 EGP)
Fort Qaitbay (Lighthouse Faros of Alexandria once stood there)
Corniche
Return by train to Cairo (53 EGP).
For information about the tour and surprise gift for you who will choose it you will find here!

Visa

You can claim your visa at the airport! Do have 25 usd with you for the visa fees and proceed to passport control.

Taxis in Cairo and Alexandria

Taxis in general are very cheap with prices not exceeding 1 euro per race, in Cairo they are white while in Alexandria they are black and yellow. There are taxis with taximeter and taxis without one. Always ask before you enter if there is a taximeter and make sure the meter is switched on (at 6 EGP). If there isnt any taximeter just negotiat the price before you enter! Finally there is Uber as long as you have Internet connection!

From Cairo to Airport

The best solution is a negotiated taxi, around 120 EGP.

• SOUND AND LIGHTS SHOWS
• DAY TRAINS
• NIGHT TRAINS

Extra tip: Have cash everywhere except hotels and any fine restaurants!

 

Extra advice: You will be asked to gine baktsisi (tips) eg at the toilets of monuments and temples, be sure to keep some pounds on you.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

We have not experienced any danger and even until late  night there are people everywhere, people of all ages, genders and religions! Security checks are occuring at all points of interest.

Read more abut Egypt in our blog posts about Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza Plateau, Alexandria the city of Alexander the Great and our train adventure.

How much does a trip to Egypt cost?

For the above itinerary we spent in euro:

€400 movements (air, trains, taxis)
€170 for entry to points of interest
€65 Food
€49 Accommodation
€22 Miscellaneous
€4 Souvenirs
Total: €710 person

Combining the magic and mystery of life and death and the secrets of Pharaohs Egypt’s histrory is one of the most extraordinary and significant for the human kind! We wish that you soon find yourself travelling in this enchanting and mystical country and those of you who are about to do so, use the discount offer that we have for you in collab with Egypt day Tours!

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The post TRAVEL TO EGYPT – THE LAND OF MYSTERIES PHARAOHS AND NILE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

You can start your travelling in Vietnam from Hanoi its capital city! You ll arrive at Noi Bai International. We suggest that you choose a central hotel, which is quite cheap and in walkable distance to the city’s highlights. First day take a rest guys and explore the city by yourself! Discover the market area Dong Xuan Market or the night market Hang Dao. There are a lot of trully cheap hostels centrally located but it wasnt an option for us since we didnt like the district where they are located.

vietnam hanoi

Day 2

On the second day you can visit the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his former residence, the one Pillar Pagoda and the Quan Thanh Temple. Before travelling make sure you have checked the opening hours and days. You can also visit other sites on the same day such us the Temple of literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake. Between those visits you can try having a cyclo tour and in the evening you can watch a Water Pupper Show for some Vietnamese folklore art.

vietnam hanoi

Day 3

Third day must be spent at Hallong Bay and enjoy a cruise discovering this amazing  natural beauty! The name Hạ Long means “descending dragon”. Administratively, the bay belongs to Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, and is a part of Van Don District. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes.

vietnam hanoi

Day 4

Book a fight to Danang airport and arrive at Hoi An. Start exploring this colourful place, its quite small and more touristic that Hanoi. You ll see the difference immediately. Visit old markets, old houses, silk factories and get some info about the floods! If you are visiting Hoi An on full moon you ll get the chance to enjoy a beautiful festival thta takes place. On that noght people put some candles into the river and make wishes!

vietnam hanoi

vietnam hoi an

Day 5

You cant leave Hoi An without visiting a traditional house of a close village. Visit the countryside ask for the families that use to accommodate and take around tourists and spend half day with them. Ask them if you could eat with them and feel like a local!

Day 6

Last city visited must be Ho Chi Minh or Saigon! Again our first day advise is to walk around the city on your own without any planning. This is a big city with too much noise and scooters all over the place! We liked a lot the flea market Ben Than Market where you ll definetely get lost! Watch out for your stuff, its really overcrowded over there! Yu can also visit Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. Later explore the bay area!

vietnam hoi an

Day 7

One of the most unique experiences in Vietnam is visiting the Cu chi tunnels the iconic area of whole Vietnam. Stay awake while driving to the tunnels and look at the spectacular rise fields! The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968. he tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

Day 8

Last but not least you can visiti the Mekong Delta this peaceful place and a small town called Ben Tre.You will get lost into jungles, rivers, canals. You will meet local people who are really hospitable, share theri stories and even have some lunch with them. Try local flavours, they are really great! A great fact about Mekong river is that it is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world’s twelfth longest riverand the seventh longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km, and it drains an area of 795,000 km² , discharging 475 km³  of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China’s Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Food ideas at Hanoi (proposed by a local to us):

• Street food (Pho, Cha lua, Cha gio, Cha ca)
• Madame Hien Restaurant
• Lý Club Hanoi
• Wild rice

Useful info:

• Vietnam’s currency is Dong (VND) and Credit cards are generally accepted.
• Carry small money on you.
• Tipping is a common thing to do when in Vietnam, everyone expects you to tip them!
• Watch out when it comes to street food.
• Only drink bottled water and stay hydrated.
• Bargain at the markets! Everyone expects you to do so!
• Always respect the locals.
• Transportation: rickshaw rides or cyclo (always negotiate first) and taxis (prefer the green ones).

The post TRAVEL IN VIETNAM FOR 8 DAYS appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1.Los Angeles – Santa Monica

• 06.00 Wake up at Hollywood
• 06.30 Uber to Downtown LA – Breakfast accross the Bradburry Building – Bradburry Building – Open Market – Walt Disney Concert Hall – Skypace – The last bookstore – Grab some coffee
• 10.00 Uber to Hollywood – Walk of fame – Highland Mall – Dolby Theater – Hollywood sign – Chinese Theater
• 12.00 Ride Proper Sightseeing (Hop on – off bus) see the whole itinerary here
• 14.00 Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive – LACMA
• 15.30 Uber to Santa Monica
• 16.00 Bike Center Santa Monica for more info click here – Santa Monica beach – Santa Monica Pier – Little Venice – Muscle beach – Boardwalk
• 20.30 Uber to Hollywood

2.Los Angeles – Malibu – San Barbara –  San Simeon- Bixby bridge – Big Sur – Karmel

• 06.00 Wake up at Hollywood
• 06.30 To Griffith Observatory  – Donuts for breakfast & black coffee
• 08.30 Universal Studios – grab a light lunch at Universal park
• 13.00 Maibu – Lululemon – Farm deck – Pier – Lighhouse – Pacific Ocean view
• 14.00 Santa Barbara – San Simeon – Elephants seals view – Piedras blancas light station – – Bixby bridge – Big Sur – Rocky point
• 22.00 Carmel by the sea

california roadtrip

3.Karmel- Silicon Valley – San Francisco

• 06.00 Wake up at Karmel – Donuts for breakfast & black coffee
• 06.30 Carmel by the sea –  Lone Cypress (or just other trees… free of charge) – Mission
• 10.00 To Silicon Valley
• 14.00 To Premium Outlets San Francisco – Lunch
• 20.30 San Francisco

california roadtrip

4.San Francisco

• 06.00 Wake up in San Francisco (Guerrero street)
• 06.30 Uber to Painted Ladies – Uber to SF Downtown – Civic Center city hall – Powel Station – Cable car turnaround –  Financial District – Ferry Building
• 12.00 Uber  to Fisherman’s Wharf – Pier 39 – Sea lions – Lunch at Bubba Gump
• 14.00 Jump Bikes to Ghirardeli chocolate factory – Golden Gate Bridge – Lombard Street
• 18.00 Cable car towards Powel Station – Try both 3 lines – Dinner

5. San Francisco – Wine country – Mendocino Country – Redwood Valley – Fair Oaks

• 07.00 Wake up – Cereal Bars for breakfast & black coffee
• 08.00 Uber to Dylan’s tours
• 09.00 Dylan’s tours – Original 6 hours City Loop Electric Bikes – For the whole itinerary check here (Golden gate park, Height – Ashburry, Golden Gate Bridge etc.)
• 15.00 Lunch – San Francisco to Wine country – Stop at Sausalito – Battery Spencer – Bonita Light house – Muir Woods
• 16.00 Wineries

california roadtrip

6.Wine country – Mendocino Country – Redwood Valley – Fair Oaks

• 09.00 Wake up – Breakfast
• 12.00 Wineries

7.Fair Oaks – Sacramento – Amador city – Sutter creek – Columbia State Park – Sonora – Jamestown

• 07.00 Wake up – Brunch by the Lake
• 12.00 Placerville – Shutter Creek
• 17.00 Columbia State Historic Park
• 18.30 James Town – Dinner

8.Yosemite National Park – Tunnel view – Bridalveil fall viewing point – El capitan meadow – Lower Yosemite Fall -Vista Point – Mirror lake – Tuolumne Grove Trailhead – Olmsted point – Whoa Nellie Deli – Mono Lake – South Tufa Area 

• 06.00 Wake up – Donuts again for breakfast
• 07.00 Yosemite Entrance
• 08.5 Yosemite Valley – Tunnel view – Bridal veil fall – El Capitan Weadow – Vernal falls – Mirror lakes – Lower Yosemite Fall – Tuolumne grove trailhead – Tenaya lake – Whoa Nellie Deli – Mono lake South Tufa Area
• 19.30 Mammoth lake – Dinner

california roadtrip

9 Mammoth lakes – Devil’s Postpile National Monument – Bishop – Lone Pine – Death Valley National Park (Devils Golf Course, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point) – Las Vegas

• 06.00 Wake up at Mammoth lake
• 06.50 Devil’s Postpile
• 9.10 Bishop for gas and breakfast at Schats Bakery
• 10.25 Lone Pine – Badwater – Artist’s pallete – Devils golf course
• 14.15 Zabriskie Point
• 17.00 Las Vegas – Dinner

california roadtrip

10.Las Vegas – Route 66 California Highway – Hooover Dam – Grand Canyon – Grand Canyon Village and Navajo Point – Page

• 06.00 Wake up – Breakfast at Motel (oh yeah)
• 06.30 Welcome to fabulous las Vegas sign
• 07.50 Hoover Dam
• 08.20 Route 66 entrance
• 12.40 Grand canyon village – Bright Angel Lodge parking – Shuttle bus to Mojave – Maricopa – Powell – Hop – By car to Yavapai point – Mother point- Pipe creek vista – Yaki point – Grandview, Moran, Lipan, Navajo, Desert view watch
• 19.30 Page – Dinner

11.Horseshoe Bend – Antelope Canyon – Gooseneck’s state park – Glen Canyon Dam Overlook – Mexican Hat – Monument Valley

• 06.00 Wake up – breakfast
• 06.45 Horse shoe bend – Sunrise
• 07.45 Antelope Canyon Upper
• 12.45 Goosenecks state park – Mexican hat
• 15.00 Forrest Gump poin – Monument Valley
• Camping Night at Monument Valley – booked through airbnb platform

california roadtrip

12. Monument Valley – Monument Valley Safari – Las Vegas

• 07.00 Wake up
• 08.00 Monument Valley Safari
• 12.00 Glen Canyon Dam overlook – If theres is time see Toadstool Hoodoos – Kanab – Valley of state park
• 19.20 Las Vegas Airport

We hope you enjoyed our detailed itinerary and we would be very happy to know that you tried it yourself! The final total cost of airtickets, accommodation, transportation, Internet, water, food etc… was approximately  €3,700, not bad ha??? If some of you would like to send you an even more detailed itinerary with miles, the exact times etc. Send us an email via our contact form and we will be happy to share it with you!

Finally, we will be glad to have you in our travel company! You can subscribe to our newsletter here:

The post USA – 12 DAYS ROADTRIP ITINERARY appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Let the journey begin…

The steps are very simple:

• Take the decision to travel to India!
• Sign up (subscribe in our newsletter) on our blog to receive travel news, tips and freebies! Just fill in your name and email here and click SUBSCRIBE:

• Send us an email stating that you are interested in our detailed itineraries for India!
• That’s it! Have a nice trip.

Here are the steps to help you plan the perfect itinerary and save some time instead of searching on your own!

1. Check the 4 sample itineraries we prepared for you, so that you get an idea of what to expect.
2. Decide which tour suits you most from 1 to 4 (decide when & where & how many persons).
3. E-mail the tour agency we recommend by our personal experience (it is important that you share your first email with us ).
4. Mention “NonstopTravellers” in your Email to enjoy a discount on your tour!!!
5. From now on, you customize your trip with the tour agency we recommended and there’s not any commitment to us!

Please feel free to leave us some feedback using #nonstop_travellers in your social media & @nonstop_travellers on your instagram account and let us know whether you enjoyed the trip!

Send us a message via our contact form, by clicking here!!!

Our new project aims to promote traveling, we want all of you to travel and experience India like we did.

We have no personal gain and we have devoted many hours of personal working to prepare you this itineraries so please contact us if you are interested in ttravelling to India and enjoy our help!

* We do not substitute the services of a travel agency!

Find out more about India in our previous blog posts:

• INDIA TRAVEL FOR BEGINNERS

• INDIA THE COUNTRY OF COLOURS TASTES AND RELIGIONS

• INDIA… THROUGH A SHORT VIDEO

The post INDIA TRAVEL ITINERARY appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.