Loro Parque Zoo Tenerife

Last year I visited Tenerife Island. While I was there I visited Loro Parque. This article is to tell you about this place. Loro Parque is a zoo that is located on the Spanish island of Tenerife. This is one of the 7 Canary Islands which are autonomous Spanish communities. The population of Tenerife is far greater than any of the other Canary Islands. With a total land area of 785 square miles, there are an estimated 900,000 inhabitants on the island. This makes up 43% of all the people who live in the Canaries.

Tenerife attracts more than 5 million tourists per year. There is no other location in Spain which attracts this many tourists. Despite being communities of Spain, the Canary Islands are actually positioned closer to the African continent. They sit about 200 miles northwest of Western Sahara and Morocco. But most of the flights and ferries to the Canaries run out of Spain.

Loro Parque is positioned just outside the Tenerife city of Puerto de la Cruz. This zoo has a wide range of plants and animals that you cannot see together anywhere else. One of the zoo’s biggest attractions is their parrots. No matter where you go in the zoo, you are bound to see a group of parrots nearby. But these aren’t just any parrots because a lot of them are endangered species of parrots. Some of these endangered parrots include the Spix macaw and the indigo-winged parrot. In total, there are more than 4,000 parrots at the zoo which include 350 different parrot species.

If you are interested in sea life, the zoo has orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. They even put on a live orca show for the people in attendance. As for the dolphins, their pool of dolphins is the largest one in the entire continent of Europe. In fact, the variety of animals you will see here is unlike any other zoo in Europe. You’ll see sharks, tigers, chimps, gorillas, pelicans, and more.

The magic begins as soon as you step foot into the zoo. You will be greeted by exotic birds as you explore a Thai village and navigate through the Katandra Treetops. It is a true tropical paradise that is relaxing and fun for both couples and families. If you are looking for an exciting tourist destination as you visit Spain, then you don’t want to miss Loro Parque.

To get to Loro Parque, you first must fly to Tenerife since it is an island. Just outside the main city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there is the island’s main airport called “Tenerife Norte Airport.” You can fly into this airport from any major Spanish city, such as Barcelona or Madrid. The airfare is about $150 so it is quite reasonable.

Once you are there, you will go to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and find Reyes Catolicos. This area has an express train which goes to and from Loro Parque about every 20 minutes. This train is free for any visitor of Loro Parque to take. If you are in the south of the island, you can use a bus service to get to Loro Parque instead.

If you do happen to visit Tenerife, do visit Loro Parque.

10 best India travel books

You will often hear people saying; that India is a dirty, filthy place full of beggars with terrible food – why on earth would you want to go there? Don’t let them put you off. India is undoubtedly one of the most colorful countries in the world with friendly people, great food, trek-able mountains, valleys, beaches, deserts, tiger reserves, culture, extremely eccentricity, tribal villages, tropical forests, great history, making India one of the most visited placed on the planet. In fact – it’s a museum.

If you are planning a vacation in India and know little about the country then why not buy a book on India. These books can be quite useful in providing information about India, places to visit, what to eat, where to stay on. Here are some of the best travel books on India.

Rough guide to India: One of the best guides to India. In fact, these Rough Guide Books competes with the Lonely Planet guides. These books are courageously honest about the places. The book every aspect of India from its history, language, politics, culture, food, corruption, bribes, sex, drugs and Bollywood movies and much more. It’s one of the most complete and comprehensive guide to India.

India (Lonely Planet Travel Guides): This is a very popular and a must guide if you are planning a trip to India for the first time. The book contains traveler maps, guide to places to stay and eat for all budgets, great health information for travelling to India, history, about the use of transportation in India and even has a section on India’s religions.

Frommer’s India: This is a classic guide book that plans your journey from the start. It is a useful book if you are looking tips to travelling in India. It does cover a large amount of detail from where to stay, what to eat, driving in India, how to prevent yourself from being ripped off and how to spend your limited time in India.

Enjoying India: This is one of my books! I think this book is a must if you are planning a trip to India. Some people visit India but have no idea what to do and what to eat. In this book I have covered the things to do and things to eat when you are there. This book will give traveler knowledge to navigate this vast land and make the best out of India.

India Bites You Somehow – True-Life Tales: This book contains stories about those westerners who have stayed in India. This book is a collection of interesting true life experiences from 40 people from 19 countries who have travelled to India. It’s not a guide book to India as such but it provides a glimpse into the spiritual lives of Indian people. For those who have not set their foot on India and still considering if to visit or not, then this book will connect you to India like no other. These life experiences of various travelers from around the world will surely open your eyes and heart about India.

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure: when Sarah MacDonald when to India for the first time, she had made her mind up that she hated India. When a beggar at the airport looked at the fate lines on her hand and told her that she would return. However after 12 years she returned with her reporter boyfriend. This is her travelogue about the description of pollution, dirt and chaos of India.

Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling to India: This book has been written taking women travelers in mind. This book highlights the culture of India and suggests travel tips such as how to be safe, what to wear, how to deal with poverty, how to keep personal belongings safe, list of Hindi words and advice from women who have traveled abroad.

Other travel guide books for India worthy of note:

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: India
India – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Fodor’s Essential India: with Delhi, Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Mumbai

Remember, travel guide books are for information only. Many of the books go out of date. Not all of them will always be accurate by the time of your visit. In addition, travel is very subjective and they are subject to prejudice. Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Some people just make their own minds through the lens of their own prejudice. So why not take a guide book with you to help you out for the pollution, filth, chaos and the inequality that awaits you.

By the way, I have recently published another book on Indian culture. It will be useful for those wanting to learn about the culture and traditions of India. To find more about this book click here.  Let me know if I have missed anything.

Finally

You might wish to check out my India travel guide book.  Some of this things covered in this book include how to stay safe and healthy, how to communicate effectively, how to avoid cultural blunders, accommodation needs, how to bargain effectively when shopping, how to get a seat on a fully booked train, coping with India and so on.

My visit to Mount Teide Volcano in Tenerife

Mount Teide is a volcano located on the Spanish island of Tenerife. This is one of the seven Canary Islands that are autonomous communities of Spain. The summit of Mount Teide happens to be the highest area in all of Spain, including the mainland. Also, out of all the Atlantic-based islands, the summit of Mount Teide is the highest area that is above sea level. The total height of the summit is 12,198 feet or 3,718 meters. As a volcano, it measures up to 24,600 feet from its base on the ocean floor to its top peak. This makes it the world’s highest volcano that is not in the Hawaiian Islands.

Mount Teide Tenerife

Mount Teide is part of Teide National Park. This is a national park of Spain that is located in the central area of Tenerife. Tourists from all around the world come to the island each year to see the volcano. Do not worry because it has not erupted since the year 1909. In fact, it has mostly icy conditions so there is very little chance of an eruption taking place anytime soon. The seismic activity underground is always being monitored so there is very little risk involved by visiting this site.

Trip to Mount Teide Tenerife

There are two ways you can reach the volcano. You can take a cable car or you can climb up it. If you’re just a casual tourist, then you’d probably prefer the cable car. You will have to travel to the Teide Cable Car Base Station which is on the bottom of the mountain. At the base station, you can eat at the buffet, drink coffee at the cafe, or just rest in the relaxation area. Once you get in the cable car, it will take you 3,555 meters up to the Teide Cable Car Upper Station. In this station, you can enjoy a Wi-Fi internet connection, public telephone service, and public toilets.

Whether you’re on the north side or southern side of Tenerife, you can travel to Mount Teide by taking highway TF-21. From the northern end, you can start driving from La Orotava until you get to Portillo de la Villa. You will see that highway TF-21 travels throughout Teide National Park. From the southern end, you can start from Vilaflor and go until you reach the park. There are public buses available too if you don’t have a rental car.

There is limited access to the peak of the volcano. The workers of the park want to protect the volcano for environment purposes. However, you can obtain a free permit at one of the offices found throughout the park. You can also apply for one online for free. Once you’re at the peak, you will get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the hundreds of acres of land which fills the park.

If you plan to hike up the volcano, the best route starts from an area called Refugio de Altavista. Be prepared to spend between 4 and 5 hours hiking from the bottom up to the summit. Bring plenty of water and energy-based foods with you because the hike requires a lot of physical activity.

Traveling with Children – Top 5 Best Countries to Choose

Choosing a country for traveling with children is not an easy mission? Top countries to choose from – Expert recommendations!

Top 5 Best Countries for Traveling with Children

When choosing a country for traveling with a child, many factors need to be considered. Among the most important criteria to take into consideration is the flight duration, climate, beach quality, cleanliness of the sea, infrastructure, level of medical care, etc. Therefore, before purchasing tickets to a specific place, it is necessary to do profound research on whether the place meets all the above criteria. Of course, checking on 80 easy research paper topics may seem complicated to you, but choosing a perfect country for traveling with children is by far more difficult. In this post, we will provide you with the rating of the TOP-5 most suited countries for traveling with a child.

Cyprus

The sun shines almost all 365 days a year in Cyprus, which is definitely a good bonus. The country is also known for friendly people living there, clean sea, and excellent beaches. In Larnaca and Paphos, you will find small gravel beaches. Limassol and Ayia Napa are well-known for their clean sandy beaches. Protaras will probably be ideal for a family holiday with a child; it is a calm and cozy place. Many beaches in Cyprus boast a blue flag and cover playgrounds, amusement parks, and aquariums on their territory.

Our recommendations

• The best time to travel with a child is June, end of August, September, and the whole October.
• The average air temperature day/ night is + 30 / + 20 “C.
• The average water temperature is approximately +24 “C.

Greece

Greek islands that are the most suited for a family holiday with kids are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Chalkidiki, the peninsula planted with pines and olive trees. In all the above touristy places, you will find clean sandy beaches – all boast a blue flag. Apart from the breathtaking nature and clean beaches, you will definitely enjoy great Greek cuisine. Affordable prices and a quality service should be also mentioned here.

Our recommendations

• The best time to travel with a child is June, August, and September.
• The average air temperature day/ night is + 30 / + 20″C.
• The average water temperature is +23 “C.

Spain

Spain provides holidaymakers with a huge choice of resorts on the Mediterranean Sea. It includes the Balearic Islands and the most renowned islands of the Atlantic Ocean. In this country, you will find golden sandy beaches, hospitable Spaniards, good cuisine, and the European level of service for quite reasonable money. The infrastructure for children recreation is developed there as well!

Our recommendations

• The best time to travel with a child to Spain is different at different resorts, but usually it is the end of June, July, August, and the whole September.
• The average air temperature day/ night is + 27 / + 18″C.
• The average water temperature is +23 “C.

Israel

Israel is a perfect destination for those who adore golden beaches, clean sea, and a variety of medical or SPA treatments. What is more, there is a huge selection of excursions for those who want to see historical places of interest. For recreation with kids, the resorts of Netanya and Haifa are most suitable. There you will not be disappointed either by beaches, sea, nature, or infrastructure for children leisure.

Our recommendations

• The best time to travel with a child is June, September, and October.
• The average air temperature day/ night is + 29 / + 20″C.
• The average water temperature is approximately +26 “C.

The Maldives

The Maldives is a true paradise on Earth, which is gradually disappearing under the water. It is said that these islands may disappear in the ocean just in a few decades. Perhaps your grandchildren will not be able to see the absolutely white coral sand and warm azure sea. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to fly there and bring your children. Most of the hotels in the Maldives are not suitable for active recreation and entertainment, but they are ideal for a romantic trip or a trip with a small child. It is better to choose the islands on the Atolls closer to the Male airport, for example, North and South Male Atolls, North and South Ari Atolls, or Rasdout Atoll. Otherwise, it will take a long time to fly on the seaplane or swim on the boat to get to the destination place.

Our recommendation

• The best time to travel with a child is March and April (in May – November, there’s the so-called rainy season).
• The average air temperature day/ night: + 31 / + 26″C.
• The average water temperature is approximately +29 “C.

Whichever country you choose for recreation with kids, the main thing is to choose a competent tour operator and plan your holiday/ activities in advance. Only in this case, it is possible to organize a cool trip and spend time in the best way!

5 Tips for Business Travellers Visiting India

The thriving business climate in India has made it extremely favourable for companies abroad to set up branches or operations here. We can safely say that businesses are now transcending boundaries. Therefore, if you are a part of a company with a global presence, a visit to India to meet clients, fellow team members, or even training is always in the offing.

India has always been popular among the travellers from the world. The booming business travel sector and growing economy of India have made the country another favourite for corporate travels.

India is a big country and the sights – right from the huge population to the bustle may overwhelm you. Here are some quick tips to ensure your trip remains smooth:

1. Book a comfortable stay

Travelling to India for a business trip usually means you will be heading to the metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru or the capital city of Delhi. Booking the right hotel for your stay matters particularly if you are new to the country. The LaLiT should be your go-to choice; it is among the best business hotels in Delhi with properties in Mumbai and Bengaluru as well. The brand is renowned across the world for its warm hospitality and a wonderful ambiance that mixes the best of Indian traditions with modernity.

They are also located in strategic parts of the cities, making intra-city travel for meetings and leisure much easier for you.

2. Pre-arrange your ride from the airport

It is advised to pre-arrange your cab ride from the airport. It is one of the best ways to avoid disguised unlicensed drivers near the airport who may fleece you by taking you through longer routes. You can reach out to the hotel you are staying for any assistance on the same. Luxury resorts in India, including The LaLiT, provide you with airport shuttle services, ensuring a reliable and comfortable ride for you. The major cities also have global cab aggregators such as Uber so you can book the same.

3. Make the most of the facilities provided by the hotel

Staying at one of the leading hotels during your business trips means an access to a whole world of fantastic amenities. Reach out to the front desk if you need help with laundry, exploring the city or accessing the spa, the swimming pool or the in-house gym. The in-house restaurants also offer you a great fare and eclectic menu to choose from. The LaLiT houses some of the best restaurants in the respective cities. Their 24×7 restaurant, Baluchi has a great breakfast spread and some grand Indian delicacies. There is the Boulangerie to satisfy your pastry cravings and KittySu if you wish to relax in a lounge post your meetings.

4. Stay well hydrated

India is among the world’s warmer countries. The tropical weather can get a bit taxing so be sure to stay hydrated throughout. Your hotel room may even provide you with travel sized bottles of water for convenience; pick them if you can before stepping out for the meeting.

5. Formally address your business associates

It is common practice in India to address fellow colleagues with Mr. or Ms. along with their last name. If you are unable to pronounce or catch the name at the first go, feel free to ask them again and try your best to nail the pronunciation. If your associates request to address by their first name, please do.

6. Remember to unwind

Visiting India and not go sightseeing is a trip incomplete, be it a leisure trip or a business one. Your hotel can assist you with recommended places to visit along with your preferred mode of transport. Soak in the culture when you step out to mingle in the crowd. The crowd is extremely diverse in the major cities so be prepared to spot many cultures and languages around you. Indians are staunch believers in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘the Guest is equivalent to God’. So, don’t be surprised if you see the locals going out of their way to help you out.