Visiting the big cats: how to see pumas in Patagonia with your own eyes.

Patagonia is not only one of the most diverse flora and fauna and unique geological phenomena in South America. It is also home to the largest concentration of pumas on our planet, where the chances of seeing them up close in their natural habitat are high.
The puma, aka mountain cat, aka keguar, aka Guaraní in Paraguay, was a sacred animal
to the pre-Columbian civilizations of South America. The puma, along with
along with the condor and the snake, symbolized one of the stages of Inca life.
Inca - earthly life, the “middle world”; the condor symbolized the heavenly world, the snake - the underworld. The Incas even compared the outlines of the Peruvian city of Cuzco with a puma: the lower city - the tail, the fortress of Saxahuaman - the head. The image of a puma is also found in the pottery of the Chavin culture. One of the most important sights of Bolivia is the megalithic ritual complex Puma Punku, “Puma Gate”.

But today, one of the main habitats of mountain cats is Patagonia, a geographic region that covers part of the area of Chile and Argentina. Travelers come here not only to see the dazzling glaciers left over from the Ice Age, pink flamingos and lead-blue mountains, but also for the cougars.
In the Torres del Paine National Park, their population is estimated at around 200 individuals. Therefore, specially organized trekking trips to observe pumas offer a high guarantee of a mountain cat encounter, which is highly prized by wildlife photographers
from around the world.
The puma is the second largest member of the cat family,
but it stands apart from its brethren because it doesn't growl, it rumbles,
like a domestic cat and can retract its claws, unlike, for example,
In addition, pumas are solitary, only mothers with kittens live in small “communities”, and adults do not unite into prides. The best time to see cougars
the best time to observe cougars is at dawn or at evening twilight: during the day this predator rests, and hunts in the dark. Early in the morning, the national park staff - trackers - armed with binoculars go out to track the mountain cats in order to radio the guide with information on where to lead the group. However, when looking for a puma, you can orient yourself not only on guides, but also on guanacos: these wild llamas are the object of the mountain cats' hunt, and when they meet a puma, they make very loud characteristic sounds.
Pumas don't attack humans, but if they come nose to nose with a cat.
nose to nose with a cat, it's important not to panic, make noise or try to run away. It is better to calmly wait for the cougar to go on its way. Because cougars are observed at close,
coupled with the majestic mountain scenery and untamed wilderness, the walk in search of cougars is a meditative experience.
Puma trekking may be said to have saved the mountain cat from extinction: for the past century and a half, the people of Patagonia have treated pumas without any piety, and for good reason. People raised sheep, and pumas actively hunted them. In defense of their flocks, the Patagonians nearly exterminated all the pumas. But since the early 2000s, the flow of travelers, photographers, and researchers wanting to see cougars in their natural habitat has begun to bring tangible economic benefits to the people of Patagonia. And it seems that the sacred mountain cats and the people who have settled in its territory are finally learning to live in harmony.

Paracas National Park in Peru

Paracas National Park is located on the coast of Peru just three hours from the capital Lima. It is a beautiful desert, notable for its light, almost white sand, which turns orange at sunset. In Paracas you can sail under rocky arches, see the world-famous Andean candelabra from the water, walk along the red beach, and watch large colonies of birds and seals on the Balestas Islands.
Paracas National Park and Culture
Paracas National Park was created in 1975 to preserve the region's unique ecosystem. It includes coastal deserts and an adjacent portion of the ocean. In this seemingly uninhabitable area for permanent life, archaeological finds have been discovered related to the ancient Paracas culture that existed in the area from about 500 to 200 BC. This people lived by agriculture. The people grew corn, pumpkins, beans, and also fished. They developed clay production, as indicated by the parts of pottery that have been found. The Parax lived in small houses made of clay. The culture was discovered in 1925 thanks to the burial grounds they built on the peninsula. In the burials, the remains of skulls show artificial deformities, which may indicate the development of medicine. An Andean candelabra can be seen from the water on the desert slope. It is not known whether it is the work of the Paracas culture, but this geoglyph is undoubtedly a trademark of the national park.
Paracas. The land before the beginning of time
Paracas is the place to learn about the history of our planet. The small uninhabited islands of Isla de Las Ormigas de Afuera are 65 kilometers off the west coast of South America. While exploring them, scientists discovered rocks of the age of the Grenville Formation. The North American Appalachian Mountains, for example, are of the same age.
Industrial drilling in South America has revealed similar rocks off the west coast in Peru. They are closer to the surface because the South American continental plate was uplifted when it slid over the Pacific oceanic plate of Nazca. This geologic area can be seen in the reserve on and north of the Paracas Peninsula. From the same plate movement, it is clear that the lands of Paracas are older than the Andes Mountains.
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas are uninhabited rocky islands, a haven for many birds and harbor seals. Sailing between the rocky arches, penguins, cormorants, auks, and pelicans can be found here. Harbor seals breed on the islands, and dolphins swim in the coastal waters. The animals feed on fish, which are attracted by the surrounding waters due to the plankton-rich Humboldt Current.
Desert
The Paracas Peninsula and Reserve area is a dry and sandy desert where overhanging orange cliffs touch the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The sandy beaches are not suitable for swimming due to the cold waters, and winds often carry sand at speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. There is almost no vegetation here, but the fossil flora of Paracas is of interest to scientists as it is unique to the region. To the south, the Paracas continues into Chile's Atacama Desert. It rains in the winter, and then rarely. It is one of the driest areas of South America. Travelers compare the landscape of the Paracas Desert to the Martian landscape

Inca Trail or Hiking Machu Picchu. The best ways to enjoy the views of the lost city of the Incas

One of the symbols of natural and cultural attractions in South America and Peru in particular, Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas, is one of the most alluring locations for advanced travelers. One of the New Wonders of the World, the ancient Inca city, built in conditions that are difficult to access even by today's standards - and suddenly abandoned at the height of development. The attractiveness of this location is formed from the mystery that shrouds the entire history of the Incas, and from the majesty of nature - cloud-shrouded mountain peaks, emerald dense forests and winding paths.
There are many excursion routes to get acquainted with the mysterious city. The easiest option is to fly to Cusco, go to Poroy station and take a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, the bus takes travelers up into the mountains, to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
But in our opinion, the obligatory component of getting acquainted with Machu Picchu is passing the Inca Trail, one of the trails laid out by the ancient Incas. Once these trails, lined with stone steps, entangled all South America - from Colombia to Argentina and Chile - and played an important role in the socio-economic development of South American civilizations. Inca trails vary in difficulty and duration, and it doesn't always make sense to allocate four days (and a big budget for a permit) to hiking the Inca Trail through Mount Salkantay. We prefer a one-day hike along one of three routes:

Mt. Wayna Picchu

Machu Picchu Mountain

A short Inca Trail through the abandoned citadel of Winya Wainu

Beyond the hiking itself, we always strive to create an entirely deeper and history-rich experience for our travelers. First we drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to immerse ourselves in Inca history and culture through other, less publicized sights. In the evening we arrive by train in the village of Ollantaytambo, transferring to a panoramic train that goes to the foot of Machu Picchu: thanks to the glass roof and large windows, you can admire the sunset on the way. We spend the night in Aguas Calientes and then arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu early in the morning before the crowds of tourists arrive and start hiking.
Why hiking? According to our years of experience, this is the best way not just to see, but to experience Machu Picchu and the stunning nature around it. After spending 1-4 hours on a leisurely walk, you'll find yourself in an incredibly beautiful cloud forest teeming with gorgeous bromeliads, ferns and hummingbirds flitting around. You'll listen to birds chirping and maybe, if you're lucky, see that andina or spectacled bear. Don't worry, the bear is very shy, much smaller than the rest of its relatives and usually prefers to avoid the traveler.
The routes around Machu Picchu are called “circles of honor” - cerquita. Depending on what “circle of honor” you have to pass, you need to order the correct entrance ticket, which is bought strictly on the passport and for a specific time. The rules for visiting Machu Picchu change every year, and it is not easy for travelers to keep track of the latest information
A longer, but also very picturesque route for hiking is the ascent to the mountain of Machu Picchu, Montaña Machu Picchu. It is a neighboring peak to the mountain on which the famous city of the ancient Incas is located, and from it you can get a very special view of the sacred city, allowing you to get a bird's-eye view of the ancient city planners' intentions. The Incas planned their cities in the shape of animals and birds: in the ruins of Pisac you can see the outline of a partridge, Cuzco is a city in the shape of a puma, one of the Inca symbols. And Machu Picchu is a city of a condor, but you can see it only from the height of Montana Machu Picchu. There is a fairly gentle (especially compared to Wayna Picchu) climb to the top.
There is also a short Inca Trail - the same one the Incas used to run on! It requires not only permits, but also the accompaniment of a mountain licensed guide. The Inca Trail takes up to 8 hours to complete. Early in the morning, around 6 o'clock, we board the train and after an hour we start hiking from kilometer 104. After reaching the magnificent ruins of the town of Viña Wainu (means “eternally young” in the Keucha language), we take a break for lunch and rest and go to storm the hundred Inca steps that end at Inti Punku - the Gate of the Sun. It was through this gate that the ancient Incas walked. We descend in comfort by bus.

Quito, Ecuador!South America's most vibrant cities.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a striking blend of ancient cultures and architecture. The city was founded in 1534 by the Spanish conquistador Sebastian de Benalcazar on the site of an ancient Inca city. The city became an important center of colonial administration and cultural center of the Spanish Empire in South America.

Quito is located 2,850 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has retained the richest and least altered historic center in Latin America. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture and history.

One of Quito's main treasures is the “Baroque School of Quito,” a unique artistic movement that combined elements of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. Fine examples of this style can be seen in the convents of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, as well as in the church and Jesuit college of La Compañía. Their ornate interiors impress with exquisite details, bright colors, and sumptuous gilding.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a striking blend of ancient cultures and architecture. The city was founded in 1534 by the Spanish conquistador Sebastian de Benalcazar on the site of an ancient Inca city. The city became an important center of colonial administration and cultural center of the Spanish Empire in South America.

Quito is located 2,850 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has retained the richest and least altered historic center in Latin America. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture and history.

One of Quito's main treasures is the “Baroque School of Quito,” a unique artistic movement that combined elements of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. Fine examples of this style can be seen in the convents of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, as well as in the church and Jesuit college of La Compañía. Their ornate interiors impress with exquisite details, bright colors, and sumptuous gilding.
The colonial conquerors who arrived in the 16th century demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt their artistic style to local conditions. They built their structures, taking into account the peculiarities of the local topography, while creating architectural ensembles with amazing stylistic and volumetric harmony.

The city center retained a layout based on the original grid pattern typical of many Latin American cities of the colonization period. Main and secondary squares and streets oriented along the cardinal points of the compass create a city structure that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
The colonial conquerors who arrived in the sixteenth century demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt their artistic style to local conditions. They built their structures, taking into account the peculiarities of the local topography, while creating architectural ensembles with remarkable stylistic and volumetric harmony.

The city center retained a layout based on the original grid pattern typical of many Latin American cities of the colonization period. Main and secondary squares and streets oriented along the cardinal points of the compass create a city structure that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Quito's first plan was drawn up in 1734 by Dionisio Alcedo y Herrera, and its street network, neighborhoods and plazas remain largely unchanged to this day. This is unique for Latin American cities, where many historic centers have undergone significant changes.

Quito has experienced numerous earthquakes throughout its history, but thanks to the concerted efforts of the municipal authorities of the Quito Metropolitan District and the Ecuadorian government, the historic center of the city has remained one of the most intact in the region.

Day of the Dead: How to get to one of the most colorful holidays in the world.

The Day of the Dead is one of the key cultural phenomena of Mexico and some neighboring regions. This holiday has been celebrated for over three thousand years and has its roots in Aztec and Mayan traditions and beliefs. Since 2003, it has been included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Dia de los Muertos lasts four days from late October to early November. The holiday of ancestral veneration is celebrated in all regions of Mexico, but you can really feel its authenticity only in provincial towns where the Day of the Dead has not become a tourist show.

The tradition of honoring dead ancestors in South America was established by the Mayans and Aztecs: they brought gifts to the goddess Mictlancihuatl, who was depicted as a woman with a skull instead of a head (and sometimes in the form of a skeleton), dressed in a skirt of rattlesnakes.
- inhabitants of the upper and lower worlds (the world of the living and the world of the dead). The image of Mictlancihuatl is reproduced today by the participants of carnivals on the Day of the Dead. The Aztecs and Mayans covered the walls of buildings with skulls - tzompantli - and today skull decorations and treats are an integral part of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Each day of Dia de los Muertos has a different semantic emphasis:
October 31 - Halloween Eve, All Hallows Eve - brings the Mexican holiday closer to the Western tradition of celebrating Halloween, even though they are historically two different holidays. Halloween comes from the pagan Celtic tradition, Day of the Dead from the Aztec tradition. Halloween has a more sinister, darker meaning, while the Mexican Day of the Dead, despite all the scary paraphernalia, is quite a light and joyous holiday. In Mexico it is believed that on this night the gates between the worlds of the living and the dead are opened so that the souls of ancestors can visit their relatives. On this night people (children, first of all) in carnival outfits go door to door and ask for treats.
November 1 - Day of the Innocents, Día de los Inocentes - dedicated to the souls of those who died in childhood or infancy.
November 2 is the main official Day of the Dead. A day of reunion with the souls of ancestors, honoring all departed family members.
November 2 is the official Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls Day.

For the Day of the Dead, altars - “ofrendas” - decorated with candles, flowers and food (private altars are decorated with dishes and foods that were especially loved by the deceased of that family) appear near private homes and public institutions (museums, schools, cemeteries, even hotels and hostels).
Carnival processions take place in the main streets, which travelers can join. Women do elaborate makeup imitating a skull, wear lush wreaths of flowers and long dresses with layered skirts. The colors of the holiday, in addition to black, are yellow and orange as symbols of sun, light and life itself; pink as a symbol of happiness and celebration; and white as the color of purity and hope.
The ubiquitous tourist business offers a lot of ready-made disposable costumes for the Day of the Dead, but they look very alien and artificial.
If you want to truly live this unusual cultural experience, better make your own unique costume or limit yourself to accessories.

Otherwise, clothing for exploring Mexico should be light and comfortable, designed for hot weather and well protected from the sun. But keep in mind that in early November, the region's rainy season ends, the weather is changeable, and evenings can be chilly.

What else to do when traveling to Mexico for the Day of the Dead?

Get inspired by the bright and juicy aesthetics of death as a holiday at a special exhibit at the Dolores Olmedo Museum
Not only does it house a collection of Frida Kahlo's work, but each year an altar is set up for the Day of the Dead, which can claim to be an object of contemporary art.

Learn to tell the difference between mescal and tequilaMescal is an authentic Mexican agave drink that many people confuse with the more globally hyped tequila. To understand the difference, we recommend not just tasting mescal in a Mexico City bar, but traveling to a mescaleria in picturesque colonial Oaxaca to see how the drink is made and listen to its history.Watch the artisans at work
In the same town of Oaxaca it is worth visiting the workshop where they make alebrije toys - traditional crafts made of wood or papier-mâché in the form of bizarre animals and fairy-tale creatures. Oaxaca also creates authentic shawls and blankets.

Ride trachineras
Trachineras are Mexican gondolas topped by arches with colorful patterns. They run along the canals in the colorful Sochimilco neighborhood in Mexico City.

Sample authentic Mexican cuisine and Day of the Dead specialties
Fajitos and tacos, quesadillas and burritos are best enjoyed in their homeland. For connoisseurs of haute cuisine, we'll show you two of the top twenty restaurants in the world (and one of the top 20 bars in the world). And on the Day of the Dead in Mexico they prepare special festive drinks and appetizers. For example, pan de muerto - “bread of death” - sugar skulls, atole - a hot soft drink made of corn, cinnamon and vanilla (there is also a chocolate variety).

How to see the authentic Day of the Dead and the most important sights of Mexico?When traveling to Mexico for Day of the Dead, we aim to focus specifically on the flavor and traditions of this undeniably distinctive and memorable holiday. go beyond the tourist show and immerse yourself in the authenticity of the Day of the Dead in the province. We were able to build a two-week itinerary to touch the traditions, see the key sights, devote time to beach vacations while minimizing long tedious transfers.We start in the capital: in Mexico City we visit the national museum Museo Nacional de Antropología, where a local guide tells us about the history of the country and the region. We admire the magnificent neoclassical Chapultepec Palace, built in the XVIII century at an altitude of more than 2300 meters above sea level.We stroll through the historic center of Mexico City.

The next day, at dawn, fly over the Teotihuacan pyramids in a hot air balloon and then explore the pyramids themselves - the ruins of an ancient city-state of the Mayan civilization, whose name translates as “the place where the gods were born”.We move to Morelia and travel through the picturesque villages around the lake.It is there that you can get acquainted with genuine, authentic traditions of celebrating the Day of the Dead: together with the locals we will visit the cemetery, commemorate ancestors, marvel at the skillful altars and even visit the locals to share the holiday with them - this is the custom here. And also in the streets of small villages you can see a curious sight: callejoneada - a procession of men in traditional costumes playing stringed musical instruments, which lasts about an hour and a half and perfectly creates a Mexican mood.

Then we will go to Guadalajara, a city founded in the 16th century, called the “Pearl of the West” and a beautiful open-air museum of colonial architecture. During the celebration of the Day of the Dead you should definitely visit the Calaverandia theme park, dedicated to this holiday: huge figures in the form of merry dead people, light installations, photo zones and attractions are waiting for you here.

Next we move on to a town with a promising name Tequila: we will definitely visit the tequila production and tasting.

The next day is for beach vacation: we will spend it in the resort of Puerto Vallarta with turquoise ocean water and snow-white sand. You can just relax with a glass of margarita, or you can go on a sea excursion, go fishing, snorkeling or diving.

After a break, we fly to Palenque: we are waiting for the ruins of the ancient Mayan city, which is older than the famous Machu Picchu (and is not inferior to it in complexity and beauty of infrastructure). However, not only ancient civilizations, but also nature here impresses with the greatness of its design: we will convince ourselves of its power at the Roberto Barrios waterfalls. And in the vicinity of Mérida (the next destination) we will see a unique natural phenomenon - cenotes. These are karst cavities, a ceilingless cave flooded with water and overgrown with lush greenery.

In Mayan culture cenotes were not only sources of water, but also ritual objects, “gates to the kingdom of the dead” - how to miss such a location, celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico? Moreover, the cenotes are incredibly picturesque and photogenic.

From Mérida we move to Chichen Itza - another must see location in Mexico, the “well of the Maya”. This is one of the most restored cities of the ancient civilization, which presents the most characteristic features of Mayan architecture and urban planning. We will see the Temple of Kukulkan, Caracol Observatory, skillful bas-reliefs and statues, and other sights.

Then Cancun awaits us: there is still a whole day of beach vacation before the end of the trip - to relax, bask in the sun and let the numerous impressions settle down. We end the trip with a grand party at the chic Rosa Negra restaurant, where every dinner turns into a show.

Want the same unforgettable and fulfilling Mexico trip?

Travel Tips. 50 Fun facts about traveling that will amaze you

1. Traveling makes you smarter
When you take in athe sights, smells, and sensations of a new destination, you're doing more than just creating memories. Traveling is known to encourage your brain to think differently and more creatively!
You're also creating new neural pathways that can help improve your problem-solving and reasoning skills.
2. Traveling can strengthen your heart
When you carry around extra stress, it negatively impacts more than your mental health.
This stress can also take a toll on your heart, making you more prone to cardiovascular disease. In fact, researchers found that men who skip annual vacations are 30% more likely to have a heart attack.
The good news? Taking a vacation can help reduce that risk! One study found that after just a day or two, nearly 90% of people reported lower stress levels.
3- Tourism keeps the economy growing
Did you know that one in 9 American jobs depends on tourism? In the UK alone, the tourism industry offers nearly four million jobs .
Next time you book a trip, keep this fun travel trivia in mind and know that you are contributing to your local economy!
4- Paid vacation varies from country to country
Aside from the U.S., every developed country in the world provides its employees with at least one legally mandated paid vacation or vacation.
The most generous country? Austria, which has a legal minimum of 22 paid days off per year, in addition to 13 paid vacations!
5. Couples who travel together
Studies show that couples who take the time to travel together report an increased sense of intimacy.
While you may bemoan your other half for not asking for directions, there's no denying that an adventure together can reignite that spark!
6. France is the best place to travel
Forget Turks and Caicos, Italy or the California coast. More travelers flock to France each year than any other place on Earth.
To be exact, 81.4 million tourists visit the country every year! One of the most beautiful regions is the southern coast. Check out my tips to plan an unforgettable trip here.
7. The longest flight was about 30 Hours
That last red-eye you made might have seemed like a full day, but records show that the longest commercial flight was actually about 30 hours!
Qantas' Double Sunrise service took travelers from Australia to Sri Lanka. It started in 1943 but ended two years later. Now the longest option-Singapore-New York route provided by Singapore Airlines.
8. The shortest flight can take less than a minute
We'd recommend just walking, but you can't do that when you're traveling from Westray Island to Papa Weary Island.
These two places are part of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, and the flight between them is only 1.5 minutes! It can last less than one minute in good conditions.
9. You won't be rubbing elbows in Greenland
Greenland is considered the least densely populated country in the world! With only 0.03 people per square kilometer, you'll have plenty of privacy.
10. More than 20 million people travel in India by train
Around 23 million passengers use the train every day in India.
Need a point of comparison? That's roughly the entire population of Australia! The country's sophisticated rail network is a powerful and important part of its infrastructure.
11. The most expensive airport cab is $235
Experienced budget travelers know to avoid airport cabs at all costs, but you'll especially want to stay away from cabs at Narita Airport in Tokyo!
According to reports and comparisons, a ride from the airport to the city will set you back about £191 or $235 one-way. Consider trekking around Japan for a much more economical experience.
12. 2014 in Ethiopia
Who says time travel hasn't been invented yet? When you visit Ethiopia, you can step back seven or eight years!
Well, not really, but the country does follow a different calendar than most of the world. The difference is due to the gap that exists between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars.
13. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the busiest in the world
Move over Heathrow. Sit down, DISTANCE. Each year, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport welcomes more than 110 million travelers. This makes it the busiest passenger airport in the world. Even if you don't have a plane to catch, it sounds like a great place to people watch!

14. China has one time zone
Forget about changing time zones! Even if you're traveling from one end of China to the other, you'll still be in the same time zone!
This is true even though the country has five different geographical zones and is similar in size to the continental United States.
15. Flying over the United States, the same thing happens to more than 60,000 other people
Flying may seem like an unusual experience, but the reality is that there are approximately 61,000 people flying over the United States at any given time.

16. Pilots and navigators should eat differently
Before a flight, you won't find the pilot devouring the same cuisine as the co-pilot. In fact, it's standard protocol for these two-consume different foods before taking their positions.
Why? If one of them has food poisoning or can't get out of the bathroom, the other should be able to take over.
17. You can't see the Great Wall of China from space
Despite what you may have seen in movies, you cannot see the Great Wall of China from space.
Even if you get close to Low Earth Orbit, you'll still need extra magnification to see it with the naked eye. Just another reason to reconsider your SpaceX pass!
18. Great Ocean Road War Memorial.
Is a visit to the famous Great Ocean Road along the coast of Victoria, Australia on your bucket list?
One of the most sought-after attractions in the world, this stretch is actually the largest permanent war memorial in the world. Built by soldiers, it was created to honor those who lost their lives during World War II.
19. You'll find the longest recognized country name in the UK.
Talk about a gulp! If you're planning a trip across the pond anytime soon, you need to know the official name of the UK.
The longest in the world, it is: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland!
20. Traveling makes you happier than Money or Gifts
It may sound cliché, but the money you spend on traveling actually does more good than any material goods you can buy.
Researchers from Cornell University proved this fact in a recent study. Use interesting travel facts like this one to encourage your next adventure!
21. Sudan surpasses Egypt in Ancient Pyramids
You may associate Egypt with these majestic wonders, but while you'll find around 100 wonders there, in Sudan you can experience over 250!
Built by ancient Cushite rulers, they evolved between 2500-300 BC.
22. Bangkok-the most visited city
Move over, London and Paris. Bangkok is consistently recognized as the most visited city in the world!
Nearly 23 million tourists travel there every year to experience its unique and vibrant culture.
23. Monaco is smaller than the central park
The entire Principality of Monaco covers an area of just 0.78 square miles. That's about three-quarters the size of New York City's Central Park!
Nevertheless, it packs a powerful punch with its diminutive footprint. Here you'll find some of the most stunning beaches, gardens and museums in the world.

Travel Tips. 20+ secrets for a perfect flight that most passengers don't know about  

Did you know there are ways to avoid waiting in line?
Arriving at flight check-in early, getting in line, waiting a bit and avoiding the pandemonium is the easiest and most obvious solution.

There is another option - to arrive, on the contrary, among the last ones. Being late is certainly bad, but you can arrive at the airport shortly before the end of check-in if you have checked in online and know your seats in advance. In this case, you can drop off your luggage without waiting in line and be one of the first to receive it on arrival. This method works in those airports where they check in each individual flight, not all departures of the airline (it is better to clarify this in advance).

Checking in online is also good because then one of the family members can check in the luggage while the rest of the family is quietly eating at a restaurant nearby. You may then be asked to come up and show yourself to the whole company.

If your boarding time is less than 40 minutes away, you are entitled to check-in without waiting in line. Don't forget a polite smile and explanation.

There is no point in standing in line to board the plane. No one will take your seats in the cabin. It is better to wait near the gate to go through when the crowd is gone.

It is not necessary or even harmful to hurry at the airport. But sometimes it is better to add a step. When getting off the plane on the way to passport control, do not delay: it will help to be an hour earlier where you were going to get to.

If you don't want to stand in line with everyone else, turn left before any control. People prefer to go in the direction of the dominant hand, which means most will go to the right. But you move against the flow: statistics suggest that the queue will be shorter there.

Tips for travelers. Traveling light: how to choose a travel bag for a trip or flight

A travel bag is an accessory for transporting things. It looks like a sports bag, but it is made of more durable materials. A soft lightweight bag is easier to place on the top shelf of an airplane or in the trunk. In addition, many bags can be taken directly into the cabin as hand luggage. And that's a saving - you won't have to pay for luggage.
Thanks to the soft body of the bag you can put a lot of things in the bag. In addition, the bags themselves weigh a little. Therefore, if you are limited by the weight of luggage, and you want to take everything and more, the bag is what you need.
The choice of a bag also falls in the case of active traveling. If you plan to move between points in one city or between cities, it will be more convenient to do it with a light bag. Such an accessory will also come in handy for those whose path lies off-road. In addition, there are bags on wheels and with a handle. They are very similar to suitcases with all the advantages of a travel bag.
With a travel bag on an airplane

A travel bag is only good as hand luggage. Checking a bag without a rigid frame into the luggage is not the best idea: on arrival you risk getting a hodgepodge of broken cosmetics, accessories and clothes. And to carry a bag into the cabin, you need to pay attention to its dimensions.
Each airline sets its own requirements for hand luggage. According to the rules of air transportation, the size of hand luggage can be no more than 55x40x20 cm or 115 cm in total. The values may vary from airline to airline. Therefore, be sure to study the information on the website of the selected airlines.

It is worth paying attention - if you plan to bring evening dresses or business suits with you, they will be crumpled in the bag. In this case you should additionally take a portapod. It can also be taken in the cabin as additional hand luggage.