Month: February 2019

Africa is one of the most amazing continents you should visit. From 54 countries to choose from, you will have plenty to do and see where ever you go. We have selected a few of the countries that will leave an everlasting impression and help with creating unforgettable memories for you and your family.

The Best Countries to visit in Africa in 2019 will offer breathtaking scenery of nature in the wild, beautiful beaches on the coast, and journeys in the desert. If you are ready to trek through miles of a reservation to see elephants, zebras, or lions, then get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Get Ready For Your Next Best African Vacation

The order of how the countries were selected does not refer to which is first or second to visit. This article provides information on each, and it is up to you to choose which country to visit first.

Morocco

Morocco is located in the northern part of Africa. This country is a melting pot of European, Arabic, and Berber with bustling cities, seaside villages, and snowy mountains.

Morocco is one of many African countries that has plenty to offer a visitor. In the Red City of Marrakesh, you can walk through a lively medina and become amazed by bright stalls and enjoy what is there to offer. You will surely enjoy exploring the city and walking around the old city walls.

Away from the city, you can hike in the Atlas Mountains or the highest mountain in Northern Africa, Mount Toubkal. Or, if you love watersports, there are many wind-related sports to enjoy.

When you visit Djemma al Fna, the main square in Marrakech, you will enjoy street theaters, snake charmers, and delicious street food. For history buffs, you can visit the pre-Saharan life with original houses and their unique structures.

Tanzania

Tanzania has many nature reserves to visit. This country is known for its vast wilderness. The Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to go and get to see the “big five”: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

If you have it in you, you can try and climb the famous Mount Kilimanjaro or walk the sandy beaches of the Zanzibar archipelago. Another fantastic place to visit is the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area to see Lake Victoria.

Lastly, you must go to Arusha and Stone Town Zanzibar to see Tanzania culture and enjoy its delicious foods.

Madagascar

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. The island has desserts, beaches, a vast rainforest. Inside the rainforest of the Baobabs, you will see trees that are over 800 years old.

Isalo National Park will provide wild forms, impressive gorges and canyons, and tiny stalagmite pinnacles. Along the streams, you will see ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, sifakas, and nocturnal lemurs hide in the dense vegetation.

Once in Madagascar, you visit the Canyon of Monkeys. It is a popular hike trail through the dense foliage of the forest. Don’t be surprised to see a ring-tail lemur jumping from branch to branch in the canopy.

The must-see location is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ambohimanga. This place is the most important spiritual and historic site for Malagasy people. It was a fortified political capital and the royal palace in the country’s history.

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most modernized countries in Africa. Even so, there are still plenty to see. You can always visit one of the largest national reservation parks, hike on Table Mountain, or hang out with penguins at Boulders Beach.

In Kruger National Park you will see the “big five” as well. Also, there are a diverse species of bird you will encounter. Birds like vultures, eagles, and storks roam the sky and surrounding waterholes.

If you want some of the best Indian foods away from India, take a trip to Durban and enjoy some fantastic cuisines. For a quiet getaway, then go to Vermaaklikheid for a relaxing boathouse retreat.

Kenya

Kenya is the best to see the great migration. You will see the great migration of over 2 million zebras, wildebeest, and gazelle traveling from Maasai Mara to the Serengeti. You will also see large herds of lions and elephants.

Wildlife is not the only thing Kenya has to offer its visitors. You can meet the Maasai people and get to know their way of life. On your way to Loyangalani, meet the Turkana people along the shores of the Jade Sea.

The most northern part of Kenya also offer some tourist attractions. You can visit the Island of Lamu. You will encounter the busy streets of Lamu Town, one of the oldest towns in the world. The most southern tip of the island has deserted beaches going miles and miles.

There are many amazing places to visit in the world. However, there are some seemingly made just for families. To pick at least one will require time to research. It must also be within a specific price range to afford. When planning for the family, you must consider all the members so that each one has something to do or be entertained. So, we have selected five best family destinations for 2019 that will make you create unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

1. Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a major tourist attraction and one you and your family must see. It is one of just a few famous landmarks displaying its natural wonder for everyone to see. You and your family will have spectacular views from observation decks like Yavapai Station and Lipan Point. From these points, you will see the Colorado River that flow for miles through the Canyon.

The Grand Canyon provides excellent hiking trails for anyone who is willing and ready to walk. If you prefer to be driven around the different areas of the canyon, you can use the handy shuttle service. You can also rent a car and make it a road trip. The well-marked and paved roads make the journey less bumpy.

2.   Florida, USA

Florida is known for its theme parks and beautiful beaches. It is sure a destination for families. There are also many famous cities like Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville to name a few to visit as well.

When you visit a theme park like Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, Magic Kingdom, Legoland, and Epcot to name a few and there are plenty more, it brings the kid out of everyone. There are entertainments and rides to entertain from the youngest to the oldest.

Apart from the theme and water parks, Florida is also known for its beaches. You and your family can spend some time at beaches like Key West, South Beach, Palm Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Naples, to name a few. These locations have white sand beaches and the water temperature is warm enough for you to take a dive.

3.   Thailand

Are you ready for an overseas trip? If you are, Thailand is one of the best countries to visit with your family. Thailand has some amazing water parks and indoor amusement parks. It has many ancient temples with plenty of historical meanings.

One of the many good things about Thailand is the cost of everything. A trip will not be as expensive as other vacation destinations in Europe, for example. The cost of food is very cheap, so as the hotels. There are plenty of places to visit that you can include the family.

Thailand also has beautiful beaches and is filled with explorations the kids will love. It has a rich culture and wildlife is in abundant. You can visit an elephant rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai if you like elephants. Or, take a ferry ride from Krabi to the island of Koh Lanta. In Thailand, you and your family will create everlasting memories for your family to share.

4.   Myanmar

Myanmar is another country rich with history and plenty to see. This tourist destination is best enjoyed when it is a family trip. It will be an educational trip for everyone. You can visit the temples of Bagan. These temples were once homes to many Buddhist monks. Like Bagan, you will find more Buddhist temples in the city of Yangon.

If you are finished learning Myanmar history, you can relax at Ngapali Beach, one of many, and watch the sunset. If going on the water is a fun thing to do, then riding a long-tail boat around Lake Inle to explore the floating markets and villages on stilts is just for you. If you still have the energy to go on, you can visit the Tomb-Raider-esque ruins of Inwa.

5.   Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Guanacaste Province is located at the northwest corner of the country. This territory was once owned by Nicaragua is now back as part of Costa Rica. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The province is sunny all year round with low humidity. If you love surfing, ATV tours, snorkeling, and zip line, it is the place to go.

The area covers 34,800 acres, and for that, you will find many national parks. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a must-see. You will see active volcanoes and deep black soils. This park is for outdoor or wildlife enthusiasts. Also, you will see a diverse ecosystem along trails that venture up the mountainside of the part volcanoes.

Another well national park in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa contains dense forests and white sandy beaches. It is ideal for camping so you can enjoy nature and sounds. The part is also home to the country’s most famous monument, the Hacienda Santa Rosa.

Conclusion

All in all, Costa Rica has a lot to offer travelers looking for adventure and outdoor activities. From the lush national parks to the beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who loves exploring new places, Costa Rica is definitely worth checking out.

If you love wildlife viewing, then don’t miss out on Corcovado National Park. With the largest remaining area of primary forest in Central America, you can view a variety of endangered species such as sloths, jaguars, and tapirs. And don’t forget to check out the Lake Arenal region, where you can explore the diverse ecosystems, hot springs and engage in activities like biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.

How many times were you so close in missing your flight? We all know that it is best to get to the airport a couple of hours before the scheduled flight departure. However, we have no control over the journey from home to the airport, and it can sometimes become a challenge.

So, if you can eliminate standing in line to get check by security at the airport, wouldn’t you?

Well, this is where TSA PreCheck comes into play. It will take away the time you spend standing in line to go through security. If this is something you are considering, here are some tips that will help you decide whether the TSA PreCheck is for you.

What is the TSA PreCheck?

The TSA Precheck is a program that started in October 2011. It is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The reason for the PreCheck program is to expedite the security checkpoint process for low-risk travelers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection administer four other similar programs. These programs are used for personal and business travelers who enter or leave the U.S. The programs include Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST. Unlike the other four, FAST is used for commercial trucking crossing borders.

How Does TSA PreCheck Works?

To use the TSA Precheck program, you must complete an application and the in-person interview at one of the locations. Once you receive approval, you will get a 5-year membership. After five years, you must renew your membership.

As a member, you will get a Known Traveler Number. The number will give you access to the TSA PreCheck security lanes. Add the number to your reservation when you purchase your ticket online or notify your carrier. Your boarding pass will then have the “TSA PreCheck” on it. Without it, you will not have access to the PreCheck security lanes.

Children 12 and under can accompany their parents in the PreCheck lanes. Older than 12 will require their Known Travel Number.

If the airline you will travel with is not a member of the TSA PreCheck program, you cannot use the PreCheck security line. Verify with your carrier if it is in the program before going to the airport.

How Do You Know If You Qualify To Become A Member Of The TSA PreCheck Program?

The TSA PreCheck program is for any U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who wish to apply. However, TSA has some restrictions that will disqualify you from becoming a member.

If you commit any transportation violations or provide false information on your application, it can disqualify you from gaining membership.

Also, several criminal offenses will disqualify you as well. Look at the link for a list of offenses that will disqualify an applicant.

TSA PreCheck Benefits Are Better Than Standard Screening

Going through the standard screening will take time. You must remove your shoe, belt, jacket, and any electronic devices from your bag. After going through the security checkpoint, you must not gather your possessions and put them on again.

The process alone will take time you may not have if you must board the flight in minutes. All this you will avoid in a PreCheck lane.

A PreCheck lane has its perks. You don’t need to remove your shoe, belt, or any electronics. You can keep your jacket on as you walk throw. However, on some occasions, you may be randomly get selected for extra screening. Even if it was the case, the process is still quicker than the standard screening.

How Much Will You Pay For TSA PreCheck Membership?

The benefits of the program far outweigh the cost. Even so, the cost of membership is $85, and you will have it for five years. However, the price for the application is none refundable. So, if your application gets rejected, you will not get your money back.

You can use any major credit card to pay for the application. Some cards also offer this as a perk to their customers. Check with your credit card to see if you have it available to you.

Applying For TSA PreCheck Membership

You must start the application process online. Visit the TSA website and provide all the information the application requires. Once you complete the application and submit it, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest enrollment center.

At the appointment, you must provide identification, proof of citizenship, and your immigration document if applicable. You must also answer some questions and fingerprint.

The entire process usually takes 2-3 weeks to get a response. During that time, TSA conducts a background check. Upon approval, you will receive your Known Travel Number to start using the TSA PreCheck lanes.

Airlines And Airports That Participate With The TSA PreCheck Program

Plenty of airlines participate in the program. However, there are still many more who are not participating yet. TSA continues to work with and continue to add airlines which are currently not in the program.

Currently, there are over 200 airports that participate in the TSA PreCheck program. You can click on this link to determine the airlines and airports that participate in the program.