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The Starriest Desert – The Sinai

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Sinai Desert

The peninsula which houses the Sinai desert is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. This place is about sixty thousand square miles.  This place has the Mediterranean sea that lies to the north and the red sea which lies to the south of here.  This apparently is the only part of Egypt that lies in Asia and not Africa.

Apart from its name, Egyptians also used to refer to this place as the land of Fayrouz. This place is based on the Egyptian Dumafkat.  This place has the same meaning, however.

This place used to be a very politically conflicting subject; the political systems here have many factions. This is purely based on the advantage it has in regard to geopolitical positioning.

This region was under the direct rule of the Ottoman Empire along with the rest of Egypt.  Although after eighteen eighty-two, Egypt was ruled by the United Kingdom.

The original people who lived here are the Monitor. Sinai was also called the Majkat or the country of turquoise.

The Egyptians started mining for turquoise at two different locations. One was the  Wadi Maghareh and the Serabit el Khadim.  These mines were operated over a long period which pauses in between certain seasons.  This mining went on for thousands of years.

Over the past thirty years, Sinai has become quite a popular tourist destination, its natural setting and rich coral reefs are affiliated with the bible and this place also gets a fair number of pilgrims who go out of their way to go to most places that they know of.  Lots of Egyptians from the valley of the Nile come here to look for work. This is because this place is famous for its tourism and the market associated with the tourism industry has far better job prospects for these people.

The Bedouins have apparently been robbed of their fishing regions and grazing lands and hence it has become quite difficult for them to survive without moving and finding a job.

The Mkahad trust, along with a battery of Nongovernmental organizations which has come here from different countries and organizations, plays a key role in assisting the Bedouins out with a sustainable income system while they do everything they can to protect the natural environment of the beautiful Sinai desert. The Sinai desert along with the rest of the peninsula is an integral part of Egypt’s rich history, its magnificent heritage, and its culture.

Mount Sinai is also known as mount Horeb and mount Musa and Jabal Musa.  Jabal Musa literally means Moses’s mountain. This mountain is located in Saint Catherine city in the Sinai desert.

The Sinai desert is a beautiful desert that has great potential as a vacation destination. Sinai has been ruled by many different empires. The Egyptians, Israel, and the English have ruled this region. Sinai is also home to many Bedouin tribes. Most of these tribes still live the nomadic lifestyle in the mountainous interior.

This English settlement has a very detailed infrastructure that lies along the coastal strip.  There are many resorts that lie here at the Sinai.  This place gets thousands of visitors every year. And the visitors keep coming here throughout the year.

However, if you want to experience what it is like to live like the Bedouins then you could meet some and talk to them about their lifestyle. These people are very hospitable.  The Bedouins offer many safaris in this region.  These Bedouin tourist companies have many rides that organize trips that quite adventurous and fun.

Planning a Gorilla Trek in Uganda and Rwanda

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Gorilla Trekking

Getting to see gorillas on gorilla trekking safari in Africa is not an easy task. Many travelers from all over the world travel to Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla tracking experience in one of the prime locations that have been habituated for gorilla tourism. Did you know that there are just a few mountain gorilla individuals left in the world? Records from the last known 2012 Gorilla Census, estimate the remaining populations of the mountain gorillas to be about 880 individuals, distributed within 4 national parks in Africa; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Planning a Gorilla trek

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking

Planning a gorilla trek is not easy something easy! It is not easy to spot them in the wild nor are you guaranteed to see them on any gorilla trip to some National Parks along the boarders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

The prime locations for gorilla watching are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and the Volcanoes Park of Rwanda. The world known Bwindi Impenetrable national park hosts about twenty habituated gorilla families while the Volcanoes National park has 12 families habituated for gorilla viewing. Remember, gorilla tourism has a been success in both Uganda and Rwanda for the past 15 years and these parks are open to visitors all year round who would like to go gorilla tracking. The two other national parks where the gorillas can be sighted are; the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a destination that is often disturbed by local conflicts and Mgahinga gorilla National Park which hosts the very unstable gorilla group often moving back and forth between the park and Volcanoes National Park.

Requirements for a Gorilla Trek

Proper planning for a gorilla trek requires an early reservation of gorilla permits. No visitor can visit the gorillas within the park without a gorilla permit. It is advisable to book gorilla permits in a period between 6 months – 1 year before your tracking date for a peak season and at least 3 months for off peak season. A gorilla permit cost USD800 for Uganda, USD1500 for Rwanda and USD500 for Congo. Remember gorilla permits are not transferable from one person to another!

A Typical Gorilla Trek

The trek to in the dense impenetrable rain forests where the different family gorilla groups live, will take you through very dense and thick vegetation, up steep slopes and can last several hours. The time for  a gorilla trek varies and there is no estimated time you will take to find the gorillas. Experience shows that a gorilla trek normally takes about 1 hour – 3 hours of hiking before locating the gorillas. However rare scenarios have also occurred where travelers hike up the whole day without seeing the mountain gorillas. If unlucky, you will get back to the forest the next day and hike another gorilla group!

Gear for a Gorilla Trek

The dense and thick forest is filled with burning and stinging nettles and therefore you should put on clothes and boots fit for jungle exploration. It is very important to wear gloves due to the chillness and also the dampness. Red ants are also common, so wearing long socks.

Comfortable sports shoes, long sleeved shirts and also long tour trouser and tuck them into your trousers is a very good and appealing idea not forgetting to carry an umbrella or a light rain coat because the weather is very unpredictable and since it’s a rain forest, showers are always running. Since gorillas move around every day from place to place within the forest this has made it  aren’t all that easy to track making the time taken before you get a glimpse of these creatures unpredictable.

Please Note

The gorillas you’ll be tracking are habituated and used to human presence and this is why you are able to get quite close within their range though a maximum distance of 5 meters is maintained since sometimes they can get irritated with human presence and they charge or they can just charge at each other. Upo meeting the mountain gorillas you have up to 1 hour to watch the mountain gorillas, take their photographs, and enjoy their company within the wild.

Would you like to learn about gorilla treks? Visit The Gorilla Trekking Guide for more informative and detailed piece of information about planning a gorilla trek in Africa.

Fun Things to Do in Barcelona

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Barcelona Travel Guide

One of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole world, Barcelona offers a wide range of things to do: architectural walking tours, museum visits, and plenty of opportunities for day trips. If you want to get off the beaten path and have some fun, here are some of the fun things to do in Barcelona:

Take a cooking class

Everyone knows that tapas and paella are an important part of the Spanish gastronomical culture. The first ones have their history connected with different royal figures of the Spanish history. One thing all legends explaining the tapas’ origins have in common is the idea that these small culinary delights go very well with a glass of wine. What is paella’s origin?

It seems this worldwide famous dish’s history goes back to medieval times when it was prepared by men (until women were coming back from church) as a typical Sunday lunch. But, which are the best tapas and paella recipes? What are their secret ingredients? You can find the answers to all these questions with a cooking class in Barcelona.

Attend a flamenco show

A typically Andalusian genre of music and dance, flamenco is one of the best forms of entertainment you can find in Barcelona. The tickets to the most popular flamenco halls in Catalonia’s capital (Tablao Cordobes and Tablao de Carmen) are often sold out. Therefore, it is best you book your seats in advance. Alternatively, you can combine your flamenco experience with another traditional Spanish show – a bullfight. Don’t worry, there will be no blood!

Drive through the city in an electric car

Is there a more entertaining way of exploring Barcelona than behind the wheel of an electric car? Depending on the aspect of the city you are interested in, you will find the tour you need. If you want total flexibility, simply rend the car. You will set the GPS yourself and pick the next destination on the spot.

Ride a balloon

Do you feel like entering one of Jules Verne’s novels during your holiday in Barcelona? If so, take a balloon ride and rise above the city. You will see Sagrada Familia’s profile rising towards the sky, and you will enjoy great views over the Pyrenees Mountains and the Catalonian countryside. The tour will be accompanied by a professional instructor. So, you don’t have to worry about your safety, or about the necessary skills to land the balloon.

Meet Barcelona’s ghosts and gangsters

Barcelona is a fascinating city and each of its districts carries its own history and legends. Take a night walking tour of the city and have an unforgettable experience. Your guide will tell you everything about Barcelona’s friendly ghosts, and, who knows, maybe you will be lucky to meet some of them. Alternatively, you can turn the city into an enormous playground and enter an interactive game across the whole town. You will have to anticipate the gangsters’ move and to chase them through Barcelona.

Join the party

Barcelona’s night life is another great reason to visit the city. Whether you want to crawl the bars and night clubs or you are up for a sailing party, Barcelona is the perfect destination to do just that. Check out the partying passes and tours below and you will have fun in style without having to spend a fortune. The only thing that matters is to have fun and to make the most of your Barcelona holiday.

Enter the aquatic wonderland Illa Fantasia

Are you visiting Barcelona during the summer? Then, spend a day in Illa Fantasia Water Park. With so many exciting rides and top notch facilities, Illa Fantasia is the perfect place to have fun, cool out and regain some forces for your next explorations. The ticket includes transportation by shuttle bus so that you don’t have to worry about ordering cabs.

Go to a football match

Isn’t Barcelona the home of the champions? Of course, it is. So, go watch the champs playing in their Camp Nou Stadium. Purchase your tickets in advance so that you don’t stress out right before the game. You can combine your football match attendance with a tour of the stadium and adjacent museum.

Join the race

Are you in love with speed and racing cars? Why wouldn’t you use this opportunity to go out exploring the city in such a car? Or, even better, what do you say about watching the Spanish F1 Grand Prix? This way, you will certainly not forget the holiday you spent in Catalonia’s capital. I’m sure you will want to come back next year for another round.

5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

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Travel Agents

When it comes to planning your vacation, it’s tempting to go the do-it-yourself route. After all, it’s easy enough to book an airline flight reservation. Why shouldn’t you also do your own booking for a car rental, hotel, or even a cruise? Here are five reasons why you should leave your vacation planning to a professional, full service online travel agent:

1. Terrific Deals

You can do your own booking, but you won’t necessarily get a low far or the best deal. Airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise ships count on people to make their own reservations and charge higher rates to those who do. Yet they don’t really make a profit until they’re completely booked.

Think of hotel rooms, airplane seats, and cruise ship cabins as perishable commodities. Just like an expired carton of milk has to be pulled off the grocery store shelf, on any given night, an empty hotel room is lost revenue that will never be regained. Similarly, an airplane is going to fly and a cruise ship will embark whether or not the seats and cabins are full. It’s in the best interest of hotels, airlines, and cruise ships to be fully booked. That’s why they offer discounted fares to an online travel agent, who can then pass along the savings to you.

2. Full Packages

A full service online travel agent can put together package vacations to destinations and hotel properties to which you might not otherwise have access. Perhaps you’re a golfer, and want a dream golf vacation. Maybe a Caribbean vacation is on the horizon. Or maybe you are looking for the perfect cruise package. Although it’s sometimes possible to book travel packages with the destination, you often don’t get the options that best meet your needs. An online travel agent can put together packages that work best for you and your family.

3. Great Service

When you go the do-it-yourself route, it’s often difficult to coordinate all aspects of your travel. Making sure that your flights depart and arrive at optimal times, that your hotel reservation is in order, that your car rental will be available, and that you’ll have everything in order to board a cruise ship is no walk in the park. An online travel agent can do all the legwork for you so you can concentrate on preparing for your trip. And, if you have a change in plans, the great service that an online travel agent provides can make the transition a smooth one.

4. Group Travel

Extended families often travel together, and businesses have group travel requirements from time to time. In either case, a full service online travel agent can easily book trips for people who have the same destination but who are traveling from different places. Having a group travel coordinator gives everyone peace of mind and ensures that the group’s needs are met.

5. Honeymoon Registry

If you’re planning your honeymoon, an online travel agent can provide you with the latest trend in wedding gifts: the honeymoon registry. When you register with a full service online travel agent, your guests can contribute funds to your honeymoon, or they can buy specific services (such as a spa treatment or a romantic breakfast in bed) that you have on your wish list.

While it’s possible to book travel yourself, why would you want to? After all, the advantages in using a full service online travel agent are limitless.

7 Ways to Travel Cheap

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Travel Cheaply

Everybody loves travelling but sometimes the reason why people can’t afford to travel is lack of money. So, I hope this article will help you to save money on your next trips.

1. Travel alone

If you want to save some money, don’t use a travel agent. Planning a trip by yourself is cheaper than buying it. But you should keep in mind that traveling alone requires more responsibility and organization. You have to consider every detail like where you will live, what you will eat and how much money you will need. Setting your travel budget is the most important thing. It’s worth to remember about extraordinary situations, e.g. when your car suddenly breaks down or you need to buy new tickets because you missed the flight. Don’t afraid to travel alone, it’s easier and cheaper.

2. Book flights in advance

The earlier you start planning , the cheaper your trip will be. Using a flight comparison sites will help you to find low cost flights. Being flexible will help you to lower the costs of your trip. It means that using the ‘everywhere’ search function you can find out where it’s cheapest to travel to. Try to adjust the date of cheap flights to you. Don’t afraid connecting flights, usually it’s not so expensive. It’s worth considering buying flights from a neighboring city. Sometimes you can find really good propositions.

3. Find cheap accommodation

Hostel dormitory rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. Such places like hostels can help you to struck up acquaintances with new neighbors. You have to share a room with a lot of people, but if you are on a budget, it is your best way to save money. Sometimes you can find good options even for free. There’re a lot of services that offer accommodation available at no costs. Stay with a local who will give you a free place to rest and give local information. On the Internet there’re lots of websites that make this happen.

4. Cook for yourself

One more tip is cooking for yourself instead of eating out. Trust me that it’s really helps you to save money. Food is one of the most expensive thing on the road. That why I recommend you to bring it with you. If you have no this opportunity to take food with you, a good solution it’s to cook in hostel kitchen. Visit supermarket and cook ahead. It’s help you save not only your money but also your time. Ask the locals for advice, maybe they know where you can taste good local cuisine and don’t pay a lot.

5. Travel light

Don’t lug with you unnecessary things, take only essentials. Make a list of thing that you really need. When you buy cheap flight tickets usually you can take with you only one small bag for free. That why you should remember the more your luggage is the more fees you pay. Check the weather in place where you go. Take with you several articles of clothing that correspond to various weather conditions When traveling in cold weather or across multiple climates, dress in layers. Clothes should be comfortable It will help you save place in your suitcase.

6. Visit museums for free

Usually the admission to museums or other local attractions like zoos, exhibitions and arts institutions is rather expensive. But some days you can go there for free. Lots of museums open their doors free of charge once a month, or sometimes more often. If you couldn’t find the way how to visit a museum without paying full ask about discount for and students and families with children. Use all possible opportunities to pay less.

7. Walk instead of drive

Everybody knows that walking is better than driving. It’s not only good for your health but also cheaper. By living without a car, you can do your bit to help the environment. It might even be quicker than driving. You don’t need to get stuck in traffic jam for hours. You save money on petrol and car rental. Avoid taxi and public transport. Walking on foot is the way to improve your health and well-being. So, just take a camera with you and enjoy sightseeing and beautiful views of the place you go.

As you can see, travelling is not expensive and lack of money is not a problem. Everyone can afford to travel even if you’re on budget. You just need to plan and organize your trip well.

Travelers Guide to Renting a Car in Kenya

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Kenya Car Travel

Renting a car abroad can be a daunting task, especially when you have never done it before and have no idea where to start. As avid travellers ourselves, we’ve put together all our past experiences with a car rental company in Kenya abroad to provide you with a comprehensive checklist to avoid your next rental car scam.

Before booking your rental car

  1. Book as soon as you have confirmed your flight tickets. Booking in advance will save you significant costs and not having to worry about transport during your holiday. Remember to always compare the final cost of your ideal rental car across different companies. The cost of adding extra drivers, young drivers, and hiring child seats can be high and varies widely so shop around.
  2. Make sure you have enough cash on your debit/credit card to stand a hefty deposit. Most car rental companies require a security deposit on the rental car. The deposit itself isn’t taken from the card, but blocked out until you return the car. The credit card will usually need to be in the name of the primary driver.

At the rentals counter

At the rental counter, the key is making sure you’re getting the price you expect and that you know whom to call for help if the rental car breaks down.

  1. Ask the representative when the car last received vehicle maintenance. If the clerk can’t answer this question, start to get suspicious.
  2. As the representative who you should call if the car breaks down or you lose your rental car keys. Note this number on your rental agreement or store it in your phone.

Before driving your rental car

  1. Avoid being conned into a hard sell, especially if you’ve taken out adequate insurance beforehand. The same goes for GPS systems, car seats or any other extras you might be offered. If you don’t need them, don’t take them (or bring your own).
  2. Remember to note all damage(including minor scratches, dents, etc.) on the car before leaving. This can be done by taking videos or photographs of the car. This applies to the interior as well. Check the spare wheel is there, inflated and undamaged. Check the car is full of fuel if it supposed to be, and record the mileage, if it’s restricted. Ensure that there will be no reason for disputes with the rental company upon returning the car by pre-empting with proof of its original condition.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the car. Adjust the seat and mirrors (rear-view and side mirrors), turn on the hazard lights, check the window controls, try the windshield wipers, the turn signals, the headlights, etc.
  4. When you’re ready, take the car for a quick spin around the lot: turning, braking, and listening. If there’s a problem or a strange sound, it’s best to find out now before you get on the road.
  5. Check that your payment includes all necessary and relevant highway vignettes or toll stickers before driving away. If you enter a toll zone without the necessary vignette, you might end up incurring a larger amount than if you had just paid for one.
  6. Check the fuel type (which should be noted on the agreement). Putting in the wrong fuel and driving off can terminally damage the engine and is regarded as negligence and all Collision Damage Waiver cover is withdrawn.
  7. If you’ve paid for additional products such as GPS systems, ensure that it is working properly before driving off or you could be responsible for its damage. Minor details such as language and location sensitivity should be toggled before driving.

Returning your rental car

  1. Ensure that you abide by your rental car fuel policy and top up fuel if necessary.
  2. Take photos the car on return and keep the paperwork. Assuming you have done no damage, and have filled the paperwork up (if required), park it up and then take digital photos of each panel of the car, the wheels, the mileage, and other detailed shots before handing the keys back to the person at the desk.
  3. Check your credit card statement regularly for a few days after returning your car to make sure promised fuel payments and excess charges are returned and keep an eye out in later statements that no extra payments have mysteriously materialized.
  4. If necessary, fight any wrongful additional charges incurred. If you have bought excess protection, simply claim from the firm in question. If the claim is spurious, pass this on to them and let them sort it out. If you don’t get anywhere and know you are innocent, raise the dispute with your credit card provider.

In conclusion, we hope that this guide has been useful in bringing you through the necessary steps to take when renting a car abroad. Remember to abide by the driving laws overseas and always be safe on the roads. Have a good holiday.

Tips to Finding and Staying at Right Accommodation

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Budget Accommodation

BEFORE YOU GO

Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower weekend rates.

As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases.

WHEN CHECKING-IN

Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel’s name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost.

Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it:

– laundry service,
– hair dryers,
– voltage converters/ adaptors,
– newspaper service,
– complementary meals,
– access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection,
– cable TV, rental movies, video games,
– portable beds, baby cribs,
– complementary shuttle service to airport,
– rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents,
– telephone access charges,
– fees for using mini-bar,
– guided tours, excursions.

AT THE HOTEL

Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at night and you’re expected to keep the key if you stay out late.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL

Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the hotel may charge you an additional night.

Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!

How to Get the Best Accommodation

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Lodging

There are lots of things you should remember when planning a vacation. You have to choose a destination and figure out how you will get around. You also have to consider where you are on vacation. The following paragraphs have ideas and information that can help.

Check online hotel reviews before making any reservations. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are planning on staying at. What people say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.

Use websites like Orbitz and Expedia for great deal. If you have a hotel loyalty program your a part of, make note of that. You may also be able to get good discounts through any memberships you have with organizations such as AAA or AARP membership.

Check with the organizations that you belong to. Many organizations provide hotel discounts to members. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which can often be 10% and higher. It can add up to equal a free hotel night!

There are many different things to think about when choosing a hotel. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, a convenient location, free long distance or a nice pool or gym. Try locating a tip that offers as many of your wish list as possible.

Use online hotel search tools for hotels. These sites allow you get good deals.

Always look for online deals before booking your hotel room. This is why it’s up to you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Check out websites like SniqueAway, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.

Check your room prior to unpacking. Is the room mildew-free and mold? Are there enough linens and towels that you’re going to need? If any issues are immediately prevalent, immediately notify the hotel staff so they can fix it or move you to another room.

Free Stays

It is wise to look into loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer. They have benefits for those who stay with them often. You can often earn free upgrades, free stays, and even free stays when you get enough points.

The price you are charged for your hotel room is often a mix of many factors. Rooms prices are often priced in accordance with availability. This gives you the best rate on your hotel rooms.

Be sure to avoid hotel transfers when booking a room. If the room is the bargain, it is especially important that you ask about any hidden fees that might be tacked onto your bill. Asking about this ahead of time helps you arrive can really increase your savings.

Join a membership program if you frequently stay there on business trips. These points that can be applied toward further travels.

Choosing a good hotel is easy, once you know what to do. You are ready to begin, now that you are aware of things to avoid. The right room can make or break a vacation or trip away. It will surely be a memorable trip!

Travel Hopes Take Off with Rick Steves

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Rick Steves

Rick Steves, travel host and best-selling guidebook author, inspired Houstonians to dust off their passports and broaden their perspectives through travel during the 5th annual Beyond the Page event. Rick imparted travel wisdom and encouraged cross-cultural appreciation and exploration through travel.

“Rick Steves was such an uplifting and encouraging speaker. He created a hopeful outlook of positive things to come,” said Sally Swanson, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, the host and creator of Beyond the Page. “His conversation with our emcee, Melanie Lawson, just flowed so naturally. Rick’s sincere appreciation of foreign cultures fit perfectly with the Houston Public Library’s mission of linking you to the world.” Swanson continued, “After the event, I went online to look for upcoming travel opportunities. I love to travel, just for the reasons that Rick shared, to embrace other cultures, learn new customs, and appreciate the world for its many blessings.”

Special guest speakers included Melanie Lawson, KTRK-TV ABC Channel 13 Eyewitness News Anchor; Dr. Rhea Lawson, Director of the Houston Public Library; and Licia Green-Ellis, Chairperson of the Houston Public Library Foundation. The event was 100% virtual, yet the hosted platform added personal interaction and vendor opportunities, providing guests with an expanded virtual experience.

During the brief program, Licia Green-Ellis thanked the event’s sponsors, “Phillips 66 has shared the vision of Beyond the Page from our very first event in 2017. To Claudia Kreisle and all of our friends at Phillips 66, thank you so very much for making Beyond the Page possible. Phillips 66’s focus on literacy makes a strong partnership, and a literate Houston is a strong Houston. Special thanks to Comcast and HEB for their continuing their sponsorships at a leadership ‘Editor’ level. Your commitment to Beyond the Page strengthens the Houston Public Library Foundation’s ability to fulfill our mission and serve our diverse community with impactful Houston Public Library programs.”

During Rick’s presentation, he shared how he is an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. But above all else, Rick considers himself a teacher. He taught his first travel class at his college campus in the mid-1970s — and now, more than 40 years later, he still measures his success not by dollars earned but by trips impacted. Rick is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe, a travel business with a tour program that brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually.

Rick shared his positive business philosophy. During Covid, he has kept his employees engaged with the company, so they are ready to resume travel plans as soon as the pandemic permits. Rick also explained how each year, the company contributes to a portfolio of climate-smart nonprofits, essentially paying a self-imposed carbon tax to offset the impact his tours could potentially be making on the environment.

About Beyond the Page is the annual fundraising event in support of the Houston Public Library Foundation, whose mission is to unite partners who value lifelong learning. Library programs enhance social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development. Advancing personal skills improve self-sustainability as well as competitiveness and employability. The exceptional programs offered through the Houston Public Library remain free to the public because of your philanthropy.

4 Things to Always Pack for Africa Holiday

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Dr. Frank Gunderson is a professor and educator in the field of music. In his free time, he loves traveling to Africa to study African music. He has also written many award-winning papers and books and even created a documentary showcasing African music and the culture surrounding it. He has a love for African music and African culture, and as such, he recommends people travel to Africa if they are able to do so. If you are planning on visiting Africa, listen in as Dr. Gunderson provides you with some tips on things you should always pack and bring with you.

Bring a LifeStraw or Water Filtration Device

Many places in Africa have drinking water available. However, there are some places where the water can be questionable. If you are ever in doubt, it is always recommended that you use a water filtration device or bring a LifeStraw with you. This allows you to safely drink water without being fearful of drinking bacteria and possibly getting sick.

Universal Power Adapter Is a Must

Different parts of Africa have different types of outlets. If you are visiting one area in Africa, you can find out what specific type of adapter you may need for that specific area. However, if you are visiting multiple parts of Africa, you should play it safe and get a universal power adapter. This allows you to use any type of outlet you come across to charge your electrical devices during your visit to Africa.

First Aid Kit Should Be Packed

Medication in Africa differs, and getting access to things such as band-aids or wound care creams is not easy. As such, Dr. Gunderson strongly recommends that you pack a first aid kit with you and keep it with you as you explore different parts of Africa. This can come in handy if you or someone else is not feeling well or experiences a minor injury.

Closed-Toe Shoes Are Strongly Recommended

Dr. Frank Gunderson says the final thing that he recommends packing and bringing with you to Africa is closed-toe shoes. Whether you are going on a hike, touring an animal sanctuary, or visiting a village, closed-toe shows can come in handy while also protecting your feet from insects. While it may be hot some days, protecting your feet with closed-toe shoes is important.

Dr. Frank Gunderson encourages everyone who is able to visit Africa. He loves the culture and the music. However, the culture is quite different, and as such, there are a few things you should bring with you if you are planning a trip. Dr. Gunderson recommends having a way to drink clean water, bringing your own universal power adapter, having a first aid kit with you and packing closed-toe shoes if you are traveling to Africa.