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4 Reasons Why Kalu Yala is the Destination for Adventurers

4 Reasons Why Kalu Yala is the Destination for Adventurers

In case you haven’t heard, there exists a village located in the remote areas of Panama that is the brainchild of a visionary who believes in sustainable living. Sounds interesting enough? Wait until you learn more about this special village in Panama.

What is it?

Kalu Yala is a village located in the mountains of Panama. This village creation concept is quite unique because it isn’t just any remote village, it is a place with a purpose and a vision. Jimmy Stice, the CEO and the man behind the idea, created the village in the hopes that people will learn to appreciate the concept of sustainability. All the materials in the area made to build the houses are sourced locally, as well as food, and energy resources. This is a perfect place for adventurers and nature-lovers alike, and here we will discover 4 reasons why it is a great place to travel.

4 Reasons to Visit the Village

  1. It is somewhere remote, but not too far from Panama City

It is interesting to note that although the village is considered remote, it is not too far from the main city. As a traveler who wishes to visit most landmarks of Panama, including their metropolitan area, this is very possible. If you plan to have a camp trip inside the village, you can easily access Panama city in less than an hour for other places to go. This is very convenient and practical for people who plan to do several activities in the country.

  1. Learn about Panama’s indigenous culture

Many people go to countries to be immersed in their culture and to open their minds as to how people go on in their lives. Panama is a country rich with South American culture, and you can be sure to learn some of their indigenous histories through visiting the village. This is where the new meets the old–even if Jimmy Stice’s creation is considered an innovation, it still doesn’t lose touch with its natural roots, where the resources are all found locally.

  1. Discover how sustainability can work in a community

When we hear the word ‘sustainable’, what comes to mind? Perhaps it would be the green arrows referring to the ‘recycle’ sign. However, sustainability is more than that–it is about creating a community where we get resources to live, but at the same time, we give something back to the environment. This creates an atmosphere where there will be less lack, fewer impacts on the environment, and more opportunities for people to have profitable livelihoods. Perhaps this is something you want to practice in your daily life, especially now that the impacts of resource scarcity and environmental problems are ever-so-present. This will hopefully help you make small changes in how you use energy or manage your waste in your own home.

  1. A breath of fresh air

Not just literally, but also in figuratively–how would you like to experience something unique and refreshing? This isn’t just a vacation on the beach or a stroll along landmarks of the past. This is an experience where you will learn something not only for yourself but also for the world. The village and its causes will inspire travelers to be more mindful, to think of the consequences of their actions towards the environment, and to pick up life lesson nuggets that can possibly impact their community.

If you are somebody who wants an adventure of a lifetime, that will help you learn things about sustainable living and culture, then Kalu Yala is something you should definitely consider.

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Travel Photography Ideas To Get You Started

Travel Photography Ideas To Get You Started

Travel photography is an interesting subset of photography that many have always wanted to pursue. If you lack an idea on how to begin, don’t be intimidated by the awesome shots that are frequently uploaded by the photographers you admire on Instagram. This is one of the easiest forms of photography that you could choose to pursue. All you need is to first learn the basics and understand the rules to follow when doing your photos and everything will go as planned. Here are few tips that you might try as a beginner that will shape your career in travel photography.

Wake up early, close late

One of the tricks that photography experts like Summit Shah propose is understanding the factor of timing. This is a crucial aspect that helps to bring out the quality and definition in your photos, and it is also a useful trick that can be used to take dramatic photos. What you need to know is that light is one of the most important ingredients that you need in photography and morning light, which is soft and warm, creates room for taking amazing photos.

This is also the case in the evening when the sun is about to set, so you need to get this timing aspect perfectly. When you wake up early, it also means you will have fewer tourists to distract you, so you are given ample space to exercise the skill. This is the reason photographers refer to the hours before sunset and after sunrise as the golden hours because this is the most opportune time you can do warm, soft and eye-pleasing shots.

Location scouting

If the destination you are going to is new in your list, you need some information to help you understand what to expect once you arrive. Read as many guidebooks as possible and ensure you get valuable information about key spots where you can take your photography to the next level once you arrive at the destination. Browse through the internet to get articles and posts that describe the destination and also attempt to look at some photos that could help you get a picture of how the place looks.

Why this is necessary is because you are able to know what to prepare when you get to the destination. Knowing about the location will also help you understand when it the best time to do photos. Get clear details about the weather and general information about the terrain.

The rule of thirds

This is one of the most common photography rules, which many might think is nothing unique or deserving of any attention. But if you ask established photographers like Summit Shah, the rule of thirds is an important component of photography that every photographer should get right. In this rule, your focus is to ensure you place the most important parts of the image at places that the eye will capture more easily. To do this, you need to turn the grid feature on your camera on and divide the screen in three parts on both sides. Place the most important features of the photo at the intersections of these points and you will have created a photo whose composition is balanced.

Background, midground, and foreground

While taking your photos, take into consideration these three aspects. You need to ensure you have included an interesting background, the foreground should be clearly represented and most importantly the middle ground should unify the two. Look at the different elements that can be added to the foreground, background and middleground to make the photo more appealing.

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5 Tips For Easier Business Travel

Business travel can be just as fun as adventure travel with a little planning. Bleisure travel, the art of fusing your business trips with leisure travel is quickly catching on. The unique difference is that travel is a means of getting your business done. It is therefore essential to keep strict timelines to avoid losing time in transit.

Similarly, it is crucial to stay fresh and rejuvenated to focus on the business matters that await you at the end of the journey. Let us look at a few tips to enable you to make the trip enjoyable and profitable.

1. Leverage technology

There are numerous tools including travel apps and sites to help you plan your travel itinerary. Utilize technology to enable you to plan your trip and get more done within the timeframe you have. Apps such as Tripit, Expensify, and Camcard can help you achieve particular objectives on your journey.

You can quickly create and manage an itinerary, keep an accurate record of business contacts as well as tabs on your expenditure. Additionally, websites such as seatguru.com can help you secure a comfortable seat on the plane.

2. Dress for the role

Business people will tell you that first impressions and presentation are important. Frequent travelers also know that you appear more affluent and get better service when you are well-dressed. It also enables you to get to your meetings looking dapper even if your luggage is delayed or inaccessible. If your business trip is planned to go on for extended periods such as a week, you can pack a few leisure items such as sportswear.

3. Keep a ready bag with essentials

Pack smart and light when on business. Include essentials such as clothing, shoes, and accessories as well as personal hygiene items. Have a semi-packed bag ready. This enables you to get out the door faster by reducing your packing time. It ensures you don’t forget critical items such as medications.

4. Register for loyalty programs with airlines and hotels

You are more likely to get support from service staff when they notice you are a frequent traveler using their services. It gives you access to loyalty rewards such as priority boarding, hotel room choice and rental car delivery services among others. It is also a brilliant way to keep your travel costs in check as you can redeem your reward points for service discounts.

5. Charge your essential devices in advance

Business means staying updated on the latest developments. You want to be able to get communications from your associates and clients at all times. This means keeping your gadgets juiced up and ready to go including your cell phone, laptop, iPad, and GPS devices. Similarly, have a compatible portable charger or a power bank to refill the juice when it inadvertently runs out.

6. Fly non-stop

This means the plane does not make any stops along the way. It might cost you a little bit more on the fare. On the other hand, it adds you the convenience of getting to your destination in one flight. It also saves you crucial time, which would have been spent at layovers and connecting flights.

Conclusion

It is important to plan for your business trips to ensure you focus on the primary objective of your travel. The business settles typically the travel bill. A few travel tips can help you save on the travel budget. According to Narin Charan, the CEO of Capital Alliance, this can be crucial especially for startups and businesses struggling with capitalization and looking to stretch the bang for every buck.

Bleisure travel means planning to combine planned leisure travel with business. For example, a friend or associate may be having a wedding on the weekend in the same location you have traveled for business. Having some fun on your business trip is also an excellent way to rejuvenate and stay creative.

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5 Best Packing Tips For Your Next Vacation

When you pack for a vacation, do you open a suitcase, start thinking about what you will need off the top of your head, and then start tossing it in? Many of us have been in that boat. But as with other seemingly non-technical activities, there are certain hacks that will allow you to vastly improve your packing abilities. After researching the information out there, certain tips rose to the top as the most effective, worth-while, awesome tips out there. Here are the top 5.

1. Make A List

Yes, it sounds annoyingly obvious! But this is a step that so many people forget to do. Ten minutes of preparation can save you time in the packing process, can ensure that you don’t forget a vital item, and can help you pack things in an order that optimizes your suit-case capacity. In order to make your list, get your vacation itinerary out. With this as a resource, think about what clothing and gear you will need for each item. If you will be away for more than a week, plan on doing laundry at your destination. For each unique item on your itinerary, jot down the items that you will need.

2. Roll Your Clothing

Roll your clothing items instead of folding them. This minimizes creasing and wrinkles, and also uses your space very efficiently. When you roll items, try to make them as small as possible. Some people even vacuum seal the items once they are packed!

3. Keep Size and Weight Limits In Mind

The airline limits on baggage has changed recently, and many airlines have reduced their limits to account for fuller flights. Instead of assuming that you will be allowed one personal bag to put under your seat, and one “small-ish” suitcase that will be stored in an overhead compartment, check your airlines website to be sure that you know the latest policy. If your airline states a specific measurement requirement for carry on items, be sure to measure your bag and purchase a new one that meets the specifications if needed. Airlines are becoming more strict about this rule. If you plan on sending some of your bags straight to your destination, be aware that you might be charged for this by weight, and plan accordingly.

4. Organize Small Items

Store travel sized toiletry items in one zip lock bag. Keep electronic items in their own, separate bags. Wrap chords (like phone charger chords or headphone chords) into a tight, organized singular unit within each bag. Instead of searching through a tangle of chords and lotion bottles when you arrive at your vacation destination, you will have everything separated and organized. Clear zip lock bags also make the security check smooth, as agents can easily view what kinds of bottles and electronic items you have.

5. Keep It Clean

Packing sneakers or sandals? Make sure that the soles of your shoes are covered with something disposable, such as a spare plastic bag. This cuts down on any scuff marks or stains that your shoes would produce against other clothing items. If you pack food, make sure that it is also separated and contained. You can flip light clothing inside out so that it does not get marked up by dark items next to it. You can pack a good smelling item in with your main clothing compartment (like a drier sheet or small satchel of potpourri) so that your clothes still smell fresh and clean even after a long journey.

These tips can also help you pack for a business trip! If you are a small business owner, you might find that you are on the road quite a bit. Learning how to pack correctly makes a big difference! Capital Alliance offers many resources to small business owners, including a free guide about marketing strategies. Capital Alliance is a company that works to empower small business owners. Whether it is for business or pleasure, learning the little tips that make a big difference can be a game changer. Try these packing tips out and see what you think!

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9 Great Locations to See Local Concerts

9 Great Locations to See Local Concerts

Nothing would feel great than watching your favorite band perform live on stage. Live performance is so therapeutic than listening on radio or phone. The atmosphere is incredible upon meeting people with the same interest as yours in a concert hall. It is invigorating.

Happiness is healthy, and concerts bring people much excitement. The memories are just amazing with photos and videos for remembrance. It is also time to meet and interact with your favorite musician on stage, giving a chance in expanding your music career. A live performance, platforms are also the greatest places for networking. Marty Stallone discusses the most impressive places to see local concerts:

1] THE MINT

Mint’s capacity is 200, but with just 100 attendees, the place always is illuminating. Located at Los Angele’s, best described as a landmark intimate. It has operated since 1937 and has, over the years played host to major luminaries such as Stevie Wonder.

2] SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

It is a multi-venue performing concert venue located in Australia. It is the busiest arts center with estimated 1,500 performances per year. The greatest iconic masterpiece which has hosted great artists around the globe.

3] TOKYO OPERA CITY CONCERT HALL

It is the seventh-tallest building in Tokyo and houses the National Theater. It was completed in 1996 holding a capacity of 54 floors.

4] THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

It is in London and was opened by Queen Victoria. It holds a capacity of 5,272 seats. Many leading artists have performed genres on its stage. Was previously known as Central Hall of Arts and Sciences but was named later after upon Queen Victoria laying its foundation stone.

5] RED ROCKS

It is a stone structure located near Morrison in Colorado and one of the best avenues to visit during summer. The leading performance is reggae music, and the performance gets held up in open air. Not only is it a concert ground but also a park owned by Denver city.

6]  NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Its location is Beijing, China. Commonly compared to an egg due to its glass ovule shape that appears to be floating on water. Amazingly, it sits on a human-made lake having an underwater entryway. Probably the amazing theater you will ever visit in the world. It is a twin performance venue.

7] GORGE AMPHITHEATRE

With the right weather, an outdoor concert during warmer season brings joy beyond measure. Entertainment in the open air is therapeutic, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes while listening to your best music. Gorge Amphitheater give nothing less but excitement.

8] THE BEACON THEATRE

It is considered one of the oldest historical center in New York. Among the greatest music icons such as Michael Jackson and Rolling Stones have graced the hall. Despite many renovations in the past, it still maintains its old school look.

9] BERLIN PHILHARMONIC

The best place to attend a music concert, with its beautiful tent-like exterior, it gives a gist of a masterpiece. Despite being a historical building, it still maintains its iconic structural feature.

It is notably that most of the concert hall are way old but attending a concert is a thrilling experience. Anticipation is always high, and performance goes beyond the artist. The excitement when your song finally gets played is breathtaking. The experience is always unforgettable.

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Planning to Travel for Leisure? Consider these Tips

Planning to Travel for Leisure? Consider these Tips

There are thousands of destinations to visit. Are you planning to take your family or spouse to a record-breaking trip? Then invest your time in preparing for it. It is embarrassing to travel thousands of kilometres to your destination only to find out that it is not operational. Such inconveniences are avoided by getting the right tips and working on a proper plan. This article has tips that will help you have memorable moments outside your busy environment.

Destination

Going out without a specific destination can be a crazy idea. A trip to a mountain needs a different approach from the one to the coast. Identifying a geographical location to visit will help you have the proper clothing and settle on the right time to make the trip. Have an idea of the map of the place that you are to visit. The other important factors to consider are accommodation, food, and the number of days that you need to tour the area.

The security of the place in question is also a major factor to consider. Remember that you will carry some of your valuables like cameras, phones, cash, computer, and so many other items.

Time

When are you planning to go for the trip? Answering the question when will on the other side answer several related questions. A trip to a place without proper roads during the rainy season will make you desperate and unsatisfied.

Time will help you to know the seasons and climate and how to prepare for it adequately. I guess you hate a crowded place, then avoid going to public places during holidays when everyone is heading there.

Transport

Which means of transport are you planning to use? Are the services available where you are heading? The modes of transport will also determine the time of the day that you will travel.

There are some places with particular means of transport that cannot be changed due to the nature of the place. Research and know which transport is used where and why.

Cost

Calculate the cost in the currency that you understand best; you can talk to someone to help you do the calculations in a difference currency if there is a need to do so. Knowing the cost will help you know how much money to carry and rough value of items, food and services in the place or places that you intend to visit. If you are going abroad, then you should plan on how to have enough cash for the time that you will be away.

Trip times are moments that you do not want things that crisscross your mind. The only way to achieve the objectives of your trip is by having proper planning.

You should answer these questions accordingly, where are you visiting? When is the visit? Which means of transport to use? Moreover, what is the cost of the whole trip? If you answer those questions well, then you are on the right track. Go ahead and enjoy your trip.