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4 Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well

So you want a successful career, but you also don’t want to spend the rest of your life in a cubicle without seeing the big amazing world out there?

The good news is that there are many jobs out there that will enable you to travel throughout your career – and will also pay you well. You don’t have to hitchhike your way around and perform cheap labor in order to see the world – you can have your cake and eat it too!

Here are some ideas for careers that will take you around the world.

Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well

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Copywriter

A copywriter crafts promotional content for brands – such as brochures, press releases, website pages, email marketing, newsletters, blogs and more. They are responsible for capturing the right tone of voice, appealing to the company’s target audience and using persuasion techniques to make customers eager to buy.

Being a freelance copywriter can be very lucrative and the best thing is – you can do it remotely from anywhere. So, why not set up your laptop in that cafe in Paris or in a beachside bungalow in Thailand?

What does it pay?

Wages vary considerably, but professional copywriters can make between $50-$120 USD per hour.

Athletic Recruiter

An athletic recruiter is often employed by a professional sports organization or a college and they are responsible for traveling around scouting out new and upcoming talent. You’ll need to know the game inside and out – as well as the specific skills that each athlete will need for their position on the team. Of course, if you are a passionate sports fan this will be easy for you.

What does it pay?

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for an athletic recruiter is $55,860 yr.

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Airline Pilot

Learn to fly a plane and you can spend your career jetting all over the globe. It’s an exciting job that requires a lot of training, but it’s worth it for the thrill you feel during every take-off. Plus, when you’re not working you’ll be able to use the airlines to travel for free – so there’s no limit to the amount of exploring you can do in your career.

What does it pay?

The salary will vary according to the type of aircraft you fly and your experience. However, the typical starting pay is $20,000 – $40,000 per year and the median annual salary for experienced pilots of large jets is $121,408.

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Diplomat

Being a foreign diplomat can be a dream job for you – it can offer you lots of prestige, a decent salary, invites to lots of swanky events and a posting overseas. A diplomat can be any officer posted to one of your country’s many consulates and embassies around the world. Your specific job duties can vary and can be anything from economic related to political or humanitarian.

What does it pay?

The average salary for a diplomat is $93,000 per year. Competition is stiff, but a degree in political science or international relations is a great place to start.

 

Do you have a job that requires travel and pays well?

Let us know about it in the comments below!

What Your Sunscreen Could Be Doing to the Ocean

When you head to a tropical destination to go scuba diving, you might think you’re doing the right thing and being a responsible tourist by slathering yourself in sunscreen throughout the day. After all, it’s important to prevent burns that can increase the risk of skin cancer, right?

However, what you might not realize is the impact your sunscreen is having on the coral reef and the marine life beneath the ocean. The active ingredients that protect your skin from the sun, are also harmful to coral. Not only can these chemicals damage the coral reef, they will also be absorbed by all underwater life.

Dr. Craig A. Downs, Ph.D. told Travel & Leisure magazine about a working visit he took to the Bahamas, where he commented on the coconut flavor of the local fish they were dining on.

However, when he asked the chef about the preparation, he explained that the fish was cooked with only salt. The coconut was a residual chemical fragrance from sunscreen, which had accumulated within the local fish. Yikes!

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What Does Sunscreen Do To Coral and Marine Life?

The harmful ingredient is oxybenzone, which is found in most sunscreen brands. It is toxic to the algae that live within coral reefs and are essential to their health.

According to a 2008 European study, this chemical promotes infections within the coral which can lead to bleaching. Another study, by a group of international scientists, concluded that oxybenzone was “highly toxic” to developing corals and other marine life.

It disrupts reproduction and growth, which leaves young corals fatally deformed. The coral larvae becomes so deformed that it encloses itself in its own skeleton, which becomes its coffin.

While coral reefs all over the world are affected by this, it is the popular travel destination spots that are most at-risk. This includes the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Israel.

Lawmakers in Hawaii have already banned the sale of any sunscreens that contain these chemicals. They are on the cutting edge by doing this, but they hope it will make a difference in protecting the reef for years to come.

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How Can You Be a Responsible Tourist When Snorkeling?

If you plan on swimming near coral reefs during your travels, here are some tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid any sunscreens which contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
  • Some brands have started to sell “reef friendly” sunscreen, but there is very little regulation over these claims. Look for sunscreen that bears the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal, which ensures that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that could be harmful environmental pollutants.
  • Clothing is just as effective as sunscreen, so consider wearing a long sleeve shirt when snorkeling rather than using sunscreen.
  • Don’t use aerosol cans, as the spray mostly falls on the sand where it can be washed into sea turtle nests.

 

Just by switching your sunscreen, you can do your part to help protect coral reefs and keep our oceans healthier.

The Responsible Traveler Packing List

Being a responsible traveler starts before you even leave home — with your packing list. 

It’s important to remember how the items you pack affect the destination you are visiting. We’ve put together a responsible traveler packing list that is filled with eco-friendly and socially-conscious products.

The Responsible Traveler Packing List

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Solar Powered Phone Charger

A charger that uses the power of the sun to keep your phone charged, this responsible travel accessory is better for the environment – and super convenient. Plus, it will allow you to charge up your phone even if you are far from the beaten track and don’t have electricity.

Canvas Tote

Plastic bags are terrible for the environment (and basically the enemy of any responsible traveler). When you travel with a canvas shopping tote, you can avoid using a plastic bag whenever you go to the supermarket or pick up any souvenirs on your travels. Canvas totes are small, fold up easily and are very portable. Plus, you can also use them to separate your dirty washing from the rest of your clothes.  

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Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you travel, especially if you are visiting hot climates. However, plastic bottles are terrible for the environment – be a responsible traveler and cut down on waste by using a reusable water bottle and filling it up as you go. For countries where it’s unsafe to drink the local water, you can bring along a water bottle with a built-in filter.

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School Supplies

If you are visiting developing countries and will be interacting with local children living in poverty, whether you are teaching or volunteering, you’ll want to bring along some gifts. Avoid giving the children candy or chocolate, as they won’t likely have access to dental care. Instead, school supplies are a much more worthwhile gift and can give children the tools they need to go to school.

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Coral-Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Did you know that when the chemicals from ordinary sunscreen wash off in the sea, they can cause serious damage to coral reefs? It’s mainly the oxybenzone and octinoxate that are the culprit and they can lead to bleaching of the reef and deformations to juvenile corals.

There are safe sunscreen alternatives which include non-nano titanium dioxide, which is much safer for the environment. Also, responsible travelers can reduce the amount of sunscreen by wearing a sun-protective t-shirt while scuba diving.

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Good Walking Shoes

Getting around your destination on foot as much as possible is not only good for your health, it’s great for the environment and reduces emissions. So, bring along a pair of shoes that will keep you comfortable no matter how much you walk. (Plus, it’s a lot of fun to explore a destination on foot and you’ll see more than you otherwise would.)

Pack For a Purpose

Have extra room in your luggage? Check out Pack for a Purpose. When you select your destination, you can find out about what’s needed in the local community and bring something to donate during your visit – such as books, school supplies, medical supplies, sporting supplies and more.

 

What other items would you add to a responsible travel packing list? Let us know in the comments below.

Positive Impacts of Tourism — Part 3: Culture

Many travelers venture to other countries to immerse themselves in a culture that is intriguingly different to their own.

Sometimes we hear about how tourism is “ruining” the local cultures that we visit – exposing them to outside influences and making them less “authentic.” However, here at TropicsGourmet we don’t think that’s true. We see the positive impacts of tourism and the many beneficial effects it has on local culture.

Also see:
Positive Impacts of Tourism Series — Part 1: Environment

Positive Impacts of Tourism Series — Part 2: Economy

The Responsible Traveler’s Packing List

Here are some of the positive impacts of tourism on culture. 

Sharing and Celebrating Local Culture

From cooking classes to historic walking tours to traditional dance performances and more, tourism creates a demand for interactive experiences that allow the visitor to learn about the local culture.

When travelers choose these types of tours and activities, they support these traditions being kept alive and passed down from generation to generation. This interest keeps the ancient traditions vibrant and current and it also helps to build a better international understanding.

For example, take a look at this traditional cooking class in Chennai, India. It offers an opportunity to learn traditional South Indian recipes from the host, who learned them from her mother.  Travel experiences like these celebrate traditions (as well as supporting a local family!)

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Preserving Historic Structures

Historic buildings and heritage sites are important physical representations of a nation’s culture. When these buildings become places of interest for tourists, this supports the need to keep them well-maintained and looked after.

For example, Italy gave away more than 100 historic buildings (towers, houses, castles, monasteries, old inns and more) across the country – for free.

The only catch was that those who took ownership had to commit to restoring and transforming the sites to tourist facilities. The interest in historic tourism in a place such as Italy means that these beautiful old buildings will be preserved and cared for, rather than knocked down.

The more people visit (and pay to see) historic buildings, the more resources there will be to maintain these buildings for the future.

Supporting Local Families

A tourist makes a decision to buy a hand-woven scarf in a local marketplace rather than a mass-produced souvenir in a shop. They decide to dine in a small, family-run restaurant rather than in an internationally owned chain. They choose to stay in a guesthouse operated by a local, rather than a branded hotel.

These decisions are made because the traveler wants to have a more authentic and culturally rich travel experience. But also, a result, it means more money goes directly to the local families in the area.

These cultural tourism activities create employment and lead to better overall infrastructure and living environment. For example, check out what Kayak 4 Conservation is doing in Indonesia. They have partnered with a network of locally owned guesthouses and have extended loans for maintenance and management to the families who own them.

(Of course, the key is to avoid commercialization and ensure that the locals actually are being supported by these experiences – rather than being exploited by a third party.)

Tourism Can be Great for Culture

In our modern world, which is often troubled by xenophobia, cultural tourism can be an incredibly powerful positive force. Experiencing the culture of somewhere different can be eye-opening and can inspire empathy and connection.

How do you embrace local culture when you travel? Let us know your stories on the positive impacts of tourism in the comments below.

5 Affordable Tropical Destinations You’ve Never Heard Of

Looking for a tropical getaway that will be beautiful and relaxing – yet won’t cost a fortune? 

The key is to look off the beaten path and find affordable tropical destinations that are not as well known. These affordable tropical destinations may not have been on your radar until now, but they will offer you excellent value on your next getaway.

5 Affordable Tropical Destinations

1. Labuan, Malaysia

This small island, off the northwest coast of Borneo, is a popular stopover for travelers crossing between Brunei and Sabah and can be reached in a few hours by boat from the city of Kota Kinabalu.

However, it’s worth taking a few days to enjoy the Labuan. Why? Because it offers miles of sandy pristine beaches, world-class sports-fishing, excellent wreck diving and lots of beautiful natural wonders to explore. (Plus, it’s a duty-free zone, so an ideal place to do your shopping or stock up on alcohol.)

2. Koh Rong, Cambodia

If you want a break from the busy city vibes of Phnom Penh and the endless party in Sihanoukville, consider heading to the chilled out paradise of Koh Rong. The island is quite undeveloped and there isn’t much more than a few basic guesthouses and dive shops – so it’s the perfect place to go back to basics.

It’s not uncommon to have the entire beach to yourself in this beautiful tropical spot – so enjoy the soft golden sand and clear, warm waters.

3. Mazatlan, Mexico

Known as the “crown jewel” of Sinaloa, Mazatlan is a wonderful budget destination in Mexico. It actually consists of three islands – Isla de Lobos, Isla de Venados and Isla de Pájaros.

You’ll love the beautiful beaches, lively street art and murals, friendly local restaurants serving fresh fish tacos and vibrant live music and festivals.    

4. Rosario Islands, Colombia

These laid back and pristine islands, located off the coast of Cartagena, are home to an abundant variety of wildlife. The hotel rates are very affordable and it’s a great place for divers and seafood lovers.

There are 28 small islands in total, all forming a national park together. The park has protected status, in order to preserve one of the most important coral reefs on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Also, be sure to visit the private bird sanctuary on Isla Grande, which is free!

5. Menorca, Spain

Located in a prime spot in the sunny Mediterranean, this island offers lower prices on hotels and food than many other popular Spanish destinations (as well as smaller crowds).

It is a great destination for budget travelers who want to soak up the Spanish sunshine and dine on tapas by the beach, without the party scene of Ibiza. Plus, it’s also a great choice for nature lovers as there are many beautiful hiking trails to explore.

 

These are just a few stunning tropical islands that are off the beaten track and offer an unforgettable yet surprising affordable travel experience. Do you have any other suggestions to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Positive Tourism: Giving Back to the Local Economy

What if you could enjoy visiting a location as a tourist, while also giving back and supporting the local economy there?

The term “tourist” has become a bit of a negative term among certain travel circles — but it’s not entirely fair. Enjoying new cultures can be transformational for both the traveler and the locations they visit — if tourists are socially responsible in their activities.

Feynan Ecolodge, Dana, Jordan

When you stay at Feynan Ecolodge, you’ll get a glimpse into authentic local Jordanian culture. Guests can choose from a range of Bedouin experiences, such as making traditional bread, kohl, or Arabic coffee. You can also spend the day hiking through the wilderness with local shepherds and their goats.

The fees for these experiences go straight to the families and the shepherds, directly supporting the local economy. It’s a great way to learn more about the culture of Jordan and what life is like there, while supporting small businesses

 

Friends The Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

While you are exploring Cambodia’s bustling capital city, take a moment to stop in at this colourful, welcoming restaurant. Not only will you be able to enjoy a delicious meal, you’ll also be helping build a future for teenagers who would otherwise be living on the street.

The restaurant employs young marginalized and at-risk locals and trains them in the culinary arts and hospitality. They learn valuable job skills that they can use to earn a living and all profits from the restaurant are invested back into the students and into social programs to support them on their journey to a secure future.

As well as the Phnom Penh location, there are also other Tree Alliance (the organization who runs Friends) designed in the same model in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia and in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Ashanti African Tours, Ghana

This tour company, based out of Ghana, operates in a few different African countries and is devoted to giving back to the local community with their responsible tourism experiences.

For example, they have built a much needed 8 classroom school in the village of Brenu Akyinim in Ghana and they also donate towards the African Bird Club, an organization that works towards bird conservation in Africa. They also offer occupational training in areas like carpentry, construction, hairdressing, tailoring and other professions for the youth of the community who did not have the opportunity to attend school while growing up.

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

This remote eco-lodge is dedicated to giving back to the local community. Explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of Mongolia while learning first-hand about one of the last truly nomadic people on earth.

During your visit, you’ll be able to ride a camel, meet a nomadic family, and soak in hot springs. The proceeds from the trip support the local people and go to an array of different causes, including building a kindergarten for the hearing impaired and supporting the Arts Council of Mongolia.

These are just a few of the positive tourism programs that allow you to give back to the community while also enjoying an unforgettable travel experience. If you know of any other great programs, please share them with us in the comments below.

 

Volunteer Travel Your Way Around the Globe

Volunteer travel can be an incredibly rewarding way to immerse yourself in a new culture.

When you volunteer travel, you’ll find yourself going beyond what tourists see on the surface and delving deeper into the local culture. You’ll learn about what day-to-day life is like for the locals and you’ll uncover deeper aspects of their living style and philosophy that will help you to understand them more profoundly. Volunteer travel has been embraced by digital nomads, long-term travelers and those who want a different experience than traditional tourism can offer. 

Here are some examples of volunteer opportunities that offer you a chance to immerse yourself in another culture while giving something back.

Volunteer Travel Opportunities

Rustic Pathways, Peru

On this journey through Peru, you’ll live in rural village communities and volunteer in many capacities, including at local schools or even at an animal rehabilitation center in the Amazon Jungle.

Rustic Pathways has been traveling to Peru since 2008 and the program is for young students, making it an incredibly valuable learning opportunity. Also, participants in the program will have the opportunity to learn Spanish with the locals, or even pick up a few words of the indigenous dialect of the region.

Rustic Pathways also organizes many other volunteering projects in nations such as the Dominican Republic, Fiji, and Costa Rica.

Projects Abroad, Ethiopia

Although Ethiopia is a recovering nation, this region of Africa has been deeply affected by famine and it still is in need of volunteer help. The Projects Abroad volunteer program will allow you to take part in a wide range of projects, including sports, journalism, medicine, healthcare, and more. Volunteers are needed to teach English, spend time with children in an orphanage, and generally be a positive part of the community.

Global Service Corps Buddhist Immersion Program, Cambodia

This fascinating program allows volunteers to be both the teacher and the student, interacting with the Buddhist Khmer culture in Cambodia. Participants meditate with the monks and experience daily rituals like chanting and giving alms.

You’ll provide English training to the Khmer community, work at a youth center for children affected by HIV/AIDS or conduct public health workshops. Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia and by supporting these projects — as well as living there and spending money on local products — participants contribute to the economic growth of local communities.

Mayan Cultural Immersion Program, Guatemala

On this volunteer abroad program, you’ll be able to experience what life is like in a small Mayan farming community in rural Guatemala. The village is approximately 30 minutes from the city of Antigua by bus and life for the Kakchiquel-speaking families here is simple and traditional.

During your stay you will work and live with the family, assist with agricultural work, learn how to weave textiles, care for animals and livestock, help with construction projects and work with children at the local school.

These are just a few examples of fully immersive volunteer experiences where you’ll feel like you are a part of the community you are visiting, rather than just being a visitor.

Secret Getaways to Add to Your Scuba Diving Bucket List

There’s something truly magical about plunging below the surface of the water and entering secret getaways teeming with life. Scuba diving gives you a chance to see vibrant coral, schools of shimmering fish, and even graceful creatures such as manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks.

If you love to scuba dive, these are some of the coolest destinations and secret getaways around the world that should be on your diving bucket list.

Secret Getaways for Scuba Divers

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Cozumel, Mexico

Diving on the west coast of Cozumel, Mexico makes for an exciting adventure. The strong flowing current means that you can drift along while spotting turtles, parrotfish, blue tangs, moray eels and more incredible underwater creatures.

One of the best places to dive is Horseshoe on Palancar Reef. You’ll drop down approximately 35 feet into an amphitheater of coral where turtles and eagle rays glide. At the end of a fantastic dive, you can relax on the beach with a cold cerveza in hand.

The Isle of Man, UK

If you associate the UK with cold and murky waters, think again. The Isle of Man is actually one of the top diving destinations in the world, known for its abundance of dolphins, porpoises, and migrating basking sharks. Also, you are likely to see orcas and whales passing through these waters as well.

One of the most interesting scuba diving attractions here is the Sugarloaf Caves. They are accessible only via boat, from either Port St. Mary or Port Erin. Bring your torches with you and you will be able to see the walls covered in anemones, sponges, and hydroids. The covering is so thick that the sponges and barnacles often sit on top of each other, fighting for room.

If you head towards the Cave of the Birds you are likely to spot a few friendly seals who are often spotted around there and are known for following divers all the way back to their boat.

Ras Mohammed National Park, Red Sea, Egypt

The best kept national park in Egypt, Ras Mohammed is home to an incredible number of fish species. You’ll have a chance to see almost every type of fish that lives within the Red Sea, swirling around you in a dazzling cloud.

It has been protected since 1983 and it is one of the few tourist diving areas in the world that doesn’t have any effluent discharge into the waters – so the sea is wonderfully clean and clear. This pristine area can only be reached via a resort or a liveaboard diving cruise.

Divers can glide overtop some truly remarkable wreck dives, including Yolanda Reef and the SS Thistlegorm – watching the brightly hued fish weaving in and out of the ship’s skeletons.

The Bahamas

A country of 3,000 islands, the Bahamas is one of the most idyllic secret getaways for scuba divers. Head to the Out Islands, where you will find walls packed with colorful reefs. In Nassau you will be able to dive with sharks and explore several fascinating wrecks, or even take an expedition farther into the sea to spot oceanic whitetips.

If you visit Tiger Beach on Grand Bahama, you’ll be able to dive with tiger sharks – one of the top predators in the ocean. Plus, you’ll get to see many other shark species, including nurse sharks, lemon sharks and even hammerheads.

Slovakia

“Slovakia? But it’s a landlocked country in central Europe?”

Yes, that may be true. However, Slovakia is one of the best secret getaways for scuba diving and it is home to one of the most fascinating dive sites you will visit on your travels – a 1000-year-old opal mine.

An underwater museum, the Slovak Opal Mine in Dubnik is a truly spectacular place for a dive. The first mining of opals here dates back to the 11th century.

At this location, many miles of tunnels were excavated for opal mining and you will have to hike downstairs and into the tunnel to access the entry points. Make sure that you have special training in cave diving before you venture into this labyrinthine mine and that you have the guidance of an experienced dive master.

When you are making your way through the underwater tunnels you’ll see the opals in the walls refracting the light and shimmering with all of the colors of the rainbow – blue, pink, red, orange, purple.

Where’s your ideal diving destination? We would love to hear about your favorite secret getaways for scuba divers, so let us know in the comments!

Cultural Immersion: Coolest Street Art Cities in the World

Street art is more than just a graffiti tag on a wall – it’s an exciting art form that brings life and passion to the bare surfaces of a city.

After all, as human beings we have had the instinct to paint on the walls ever since the early days of cave paintings. Murals along underpasses, splashed across the sides of buildings or down alleyways turn the urban space into an outdoor museum. They are not only beautiful to look at, they can have powerful cultural and political messages.

There are some cities around the world that have embraced street art more than others. In these places the experience of admiring the murals is an important part of cultural immersion and it helps visitors to understand what life is like in the location. Here are some examples of amazing street art cities from around the world:

 

Cultural Immersion Through Street Art

Valparaiso, Chile

A laid-back, hip port city only 1.5 hours from Santiago, Valparaiso has an effortlessly cool vibe. It’s a mix of the artsy bohemian residents, the unique coffee shops and the live-music-fueled nightlife that goes on until dawn – as well as the brightly-hued paintings that adorn almost every public wall.

The colourful buildings here cascade down the steep hills, with views of the vast blue Pacific that once inspired Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. The local government here doesn’t just allow street art, it promotes it. Many local cafes, bars, and restaurants are eager to have the talented local artists paint their buildings and during your visit you can take a street art tour to discover some of the best large-scale paintings within the winding, steep streets.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo has embraced and cultivated an incredible street art scene. However, if you want to see it you had better book your trip soon. The new mayor of the city has been threatening to “beautify” the city by painting over the street art, as he calls it “visual pollution.”

To see the best street art in Sao Paulo, you can first head to the Vila Madalena, which is known for the street “Beco de Batman.” It is a narrow laneway filled with colorful artwork. Each of the walls is owned by a different artist and it’s fascinating to see the different styles.

Istanbul, Turkey

The street art scene in Istanbul has grown considerably in the last several years. The city hosted the Mural Istanbul festival, which was an opportunity for local and international artists to show off their artwork on the sides of buildings all over Kadikoy. This vibrant district is packed with local bazaars, vintage shops and pubs and is covered in bright murals.

Another one of the best neighborhoods in the city to look for cultural immersion into the street art scene is Tünel, where almost all of the shops are decked out with colourful shutters.  

Bangkok, Thailand

BBC Culture recently published a feature about the thriving street art scene in Bangkok. This form of expression was once discouraged, but it is now a way to share beauty, communicate humour and identify social issues.

Street art has been embraced all over Bangkok – even the Beat Hotel Bangkok now features rooms painted by some of Bangkok’s best loved urban artists. The city also hosted BUKRUK, which translates to “invasion” and is a cultural immersion festival of street art featuring artists from around the world.

Where is your favorite street art around the world?

5 Great Off the Beaten Path New Year’s Destinations

Sure, Times Square and the fireworks displays in the Sydney Harbour are impressive – but what if you want to go somewhere a little different for New Year’s Eve? Do you want to ring in the New Year at a place that is a little bit further off the beaten path and will offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience? Here are some of the most interesting spots around the world to spend December 31st.

5 Off the Beaten Path New Year’s Destinations

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  1. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso is one of the coolest cities in South America and this street-art covered, quirky seaport really knows how to ring in the New Year. It hosts one of the most mind-blowing fireworks shows in South America, as well as a three day long “New Year’s Eve by the Sea” celebration.

 

The best way to see the fireworks in this off the beaten path destination might be to climb up to the top of one of the steep hills around the city, or charter a boat and watch them from the sea. During your visit, you can also check out the home of poet Pablo Neruda and take a tour of the winding, quirky streets to learn more about the colorful street art that adorns nearly every public wall in this funky city.

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2. Scheveningen, Netherlands

This community is home to the largest New Year’s Eve bonfire in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In fact, this bonfire has been officially recognized as part of the Dutch cultural heritage. This enormous conflagration of wooden pallets will light up the night, while the festivities will also include live music, fireworks and much more.

Another tradition is the New Year’s Dive, which involves taking a freezing cold plunge into the sea – followed by warming up with some yummy hot chocolate or Dutch pea soup.

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3. Vienna, Austria

If you are looking for a swanky and sophisticated New Year’s Eve, the Austrian capital promises an elegant celebration. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket to the New Year’s Eve Grand Ball at Hofburg Palace, you will be rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of Europe.

If not, you can sip mulled wine and be dazzled by the beautiful artisan crafts at Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz and the Spittelberg Christmas Market. Or, go for a stroll along the New Year’s Trail, where dozens of local restaurants will be serving up yummy treats.

Want something inspirational to wake up to the next day? A crowd will gather at the City Hall on New Year’s day to start off the year with a concert by the world renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

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4. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scots call New Year’s Eve “Hogmanay” and they celebrate it with a fiery passion. The origins of the celebrations go all the way back to the Viking winter solstice celebrations and they begin with wild and crazy parties in late December.

The cold dark Scottish nights are lit up with torchlight processions, street parties and live music. Princes Street in Edinburgh will be filled with revelers, with the spectacular Edinburgh Castle in the background. You can dance, drink and eat all night, with outdoor bars, food trucks, DJs and giant screens.

When the clock ticks down to midnight, a spectacular fireworks display will burst forth from the ramparts of the historic castle and everyone will hold hands with the person nearest to them and sing Auld Lang Syne.

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5. Nuku’alofa, Tonga

The tiny Pacific Island of Tonga is the first place in the world to celebrate New Years – you’ll be counting down to midnight three hours before anyone in Australia. So, if you are the type who likes to do things first – you’ll want to make New Year’s plans here. The local celebrations will include brass bands, the ringing of church bells and midnight mass.

 

The capital city, Nuku’alofa, on the island of Tongatapu, has a laid back atmosphere and some great snorkeling beaches. Also, build some time into your trip for an off the beaten path trekking adventure on nearby Eua Island, home to the largest tropical rainforest in Tonga.