Travel Local

Today we are featuring Katie Boyer, who studied public relations, journalism, and Spanish at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA and now works with Go Overseas in the Bay Area. Follow Katie on Twitter and Google+. 

As our world becomes more connected, more travelers are interested in long-term, meaningful travel opportunities. Teaching abroad is one of the best ways to live like a local in a new town. Whether you’re volunteering, earning a stipend, or teaching as a career, there are plenty of options for those looking to teach internationally. You can teach through a recruiting company, through a school, tutor privately, homeschool, or teach in after-school groups.

English is a popular subject to teach abroad for many reasons. First of all, many foreign governments, especially in Asia, push their citizens to learn English for economic reasons. Secondly, many programs allow anyone who is native speaker to teach English. Teaching English is definitely the most common way to teach abroad but it isn’t the only subject you can teach.

While English is the easiest subject for native-speakers to master, teaching a subject you have an expertise in will increase your impact on the students. For example, if a chemistry teacher from California wants to teach chemistry in Europe, their experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for chemistry will transfer to their lessons.

What skills do you have that you could teach others in another country?

• Teach math and science
• Teach world history
• Teach and coach sports
• Teach art
• Teach primary school

There are plenty of organizations that offer programs around the world that need teachers in a variety of subjects. Some popular organizations include:

1. United Planet

United Planet has teaching programs around the world. You can join a “teaching quest” as a volunteer and teach in primary school or even to older kids. Subjects that need volunteer teachers include Mathematics, Biology, Economics, French, Physics, Geography, History, English, Book keeping and Accounting, Science, French, IT and Social Studies. Popular “teaching quests” take place in Nepal and Tanzania.

2. Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers is a great organization for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Their programs allow you to go beyond teaching basic English and math and also focus on vocational subjects like catering, nutrition and household management.

3. ISV

International Student Volunteers (ISV) lets volunteers choose between teaching English, Math, Geography, Sciences or Health Education to local youth in the Dominican Republic, Australia, and New Zealand.

4. Global Routes

Global Routes offers a variety of teaching options in Kenya and Ecuador among other locations. Volunteer teachers with global routes can teach English, math, science, social studies, or environmental education.

5. Trek to Teach

This adventurous volunteer program allows you to teach whatever subject has the most need at the time. From teaching math and science to geography, Trek to Teach offers all types of programs. Their program in Nepal is great for travelers with all different skills and backgrounds.

Teaching is a great way to immerse yourself in the local community while traveling. Whatever skills you have, there is sure to be a teaching program right for you! So get out there and share your expertise with students around the world.

Today we are featuring Melissa Davis on behalf of Cruise About with the best cruise deals you can find online.

A warm sandy beach vacation in Tel Aviv will surely eliminate your cold weather blues. With its long expanse of pleasant brown sand located next to the city, you’ll have toasty toes in no time. Another benefit to visiting Tel Aviv is the city itself, which features numerous accommodations, delectable restaurants and nightlife.

Tel Aviv beach is one long expanse. However, you’ll find that the site is split into a number of separate beaches with each one offering unique dining, plenty of local residents and an abundance of activities. Several of the best Tel Aviv beaches include:

Tzuk Beach

You will have to pay to visit this beach, but with the first-class amenities on site, it’s definitely worth the cost. However, it is located on the north side of town, and you will need a car to get there.

Gordon-Frishman Beach

With its proximity to the city, Gordon-Frishman Beach is busy. However, you’ll find plenty of warm sand, comfortable ocean waters and sun.

Banana Beach

When you are looking for a fun time, Banana Beach is the place to go. Locals choose to visit Banana Beach for a drink while enjoying the picturesque sunset. Also, residents enjoy meeting travelers and may offer you a few tips regarding the city. You’ll find visitors from all over the world at Banana Beach. Moreover, the café offers tables and chairs for a comfortable evening spent with drinks and friends.

Dolphinarium Beach

If you enjoy listening to the performances of local musicians while vacationing, then Dolphinarium Beach should be your destination. The tone is youth oriented, and you’ll enjoy the weekly Friday music festival. However, the facilities are lacking, so if you prefer a pristine beach, then this is not the place for you.

Alma Beach

When you are in need of a quiet beach experience, Alma Beach will accommodate you. It doesn’t have a life guard, so you will need to be cautious when swimming and look out for the jellyfish. Also, you’ll find a number of locals picnicking on the beach with their grills, which may make you hungry. Moreover, this south side beach is enjoyable, and a delightful place to visit.

Religious Beach

The city has earmarked this beach for religious observation. Therefore, certain days are assigned to men and women. However, if you’re visiting on Saturday, then it’s free to all interested beach dwellers. Keep in mind that women may enjoy the quietness of a male excluded beach during their days of the week.

Tel Baruch Beach

Once popular for its unseemly “working girls,” the beach is now mostly free of them. You will need a vehicle to get to Tel Baruch Beach. However, it’s worth locating due to a wide stretch of sand and now family friendly atmosphere.

Metzitzim Beach

Metzitzim Beach shares its name with a well-known Israeli 70s movie, which has increased the beach’s popularity. Furthermore, you’ll find a beach bar, young hip crowd and plenty of sand and water.

Hilton Beach

With its location by the Hilton Hotel, this popular surf beach is beloved by gay visitors, dog walkers and travelers interested in beach activities such as volleyball. In fact, the beach tempts surfers regardless of the weather as long as the waves are plentiful. You’ll also find amenities such as beach chairs and bathrooms.

Miscellaneous Beaches

You’ll find several beaches that share their names with local streets that connect to them like Trumpeldor and Bograshov. Another great place to spend a day lounging in the sand is at Jerusalem Beach.

When you need to worship the sun, Tel Aviv provides plenty of places in which to do so. Furthermore, you’ll find a beach where you can be yourself while spending time with other travelers who share your interests.

Today we are featuring David Wise. Originally from Australia, at last count, David had been to 53 countries. He loves to combine travel and sport. His next stop is Ukraine and Poland for EURO 2012.

Tel Aviv is the social center of Israel. All Israel tour packages will spend considerable time in Israel’s most sophisticated and cosmopolitan city. Here are five activities that will let any visitor get the most out of Tel Aviv.

1. Lazing on the Beach

Today we are featuring Michelle Teillon, an avid traveler and active FlipKey member.

Whenever I travel, I ask “the locals” to recommend their favorite spots. During a recent trip to New Zealand, I met a couple from Auckland who raved about the Waitakere Ranges with rugged beaches, rainforests, and native bush.  Though only a 45-minute drive from Auckland, this area is less frequented by foreigners compared to other Auckland-area attractions. In fact, the only “tourists” I met during my April visit were Auckland day trippers.

Key Attractions:

1. Scenic Drive (Auckland) twists its way 17 miles from the small bohemian town of Titrangi (population ~3,300) to the even smaller Swanson (population ~2,400). The road is engulfed in lush vegetation of several shades of green, with periodic breaks for spectacular views of Auckland, Manuakau Harbour, and valleys dotted with grapevines and farms.

2. The Arataki Visitor Centre presents exhibits for both adults and children about Maori legends as well as local flora, fauna, and geology. There are several short walks from the Centre, and the on-site ranger can recommend tramps along the 150+ miles of trails in the Waitakere Ranges.

3. Stunning beaches on the Tasman Sea,including Karekare and Piha, live up to expectations with their glistening black sand, wild waves, and imposing rock formations and cliffs. Enjoy long beach walks, swimming, and fabulous sunsets. And for the more adventurous, there is surfing.

Karekare Beach was made famous by scenes from the Oscar winning movie The Piano. Another piece of trivia – one of New Zealand’s most popular pop exports, Crowded House, recorded most of Together Alone in Karekare. In its honor, the first song on the soundtrack is entitled Kare Kare.  Despite the notoriety, Karekare Beach still draws nominal crowds. This is probably because it is somewhat isolated; one needs to walk about ¼ mile from the car park, often requiring getting one’s feet wet in a small sea stream. Also, it is probably somewhat by design; the small parking lot maybe accommodates 30 cars. And there is no town center to speak off, just the Surf Patrol and a handful of homes.

Piha Beach is more frequented. It is more accessible than Karekare Beach and is known as one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand. In calmer seas, the surf is good for all levels; but when swells exceed six feet, it is best for experienced surfers only. There are a few surf shops for rentals: Piha Beachstay, Piha Surf, and The Lion Rock Surf Shop.

4. The Hillary Trail is a 40+ mile track named for Sir Edmund Hillary, who frequently visited the area when planning expeditions. Completed in 2010, the track strategically links several trails and campgrounds to offer a four-day, three-night tramp. Day hikes incorporating a section of the Hillary Trail are also possible. Trailheads from Karekare and Piha lead to two-to-four hour loops, and offer breathtaking vistas (ask for the map with Karekare and Piha area tramps at the Arataki Visitor Centre).

5. West Coast Gallery features frequent exhibitions and affordable artwork for sale from Waitakere artists including paintings, photography, and ceramics. My trip “souvenir’ was a piece entitled “Paisley Dreams” by Ruby Oakley, a New Zealand artist specializing in multi-media paintings and printmaking.

6. Piha Café is just what a beach café should be. The vibe is laid-back (bare feet encouraged!) and the food outstanding – sumptuous breakfasts and coffee in the a.m., and gourmet pizzas (like Moroccan pizza with spicy lamb and olives) in the p.m. Plus they have great take-away if you want to picnic on the beach.

7. Home rentals give you the chance to settle in and feel like a local. I stayed at the stunning “Treehouse”, aptly named as the 3 mod buildings (kitchen/living/dining, bedroom, and bath) are nestled on a hill amongst the trees. Here is another beautiful Karekare home.

Now that the secret is out, add the Waitakere Ranges to your itinerary if planning a trip to New Zealand!

Today we are featuring Drew C., a writer for an insurance website. It’s a great place to look if you need family care travel insurance. When he isn’t working, Drew loves to read, travel with friends, play soccer and spend time with his family.

Greece is a country rich in ancient history. Visiting Greece can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. The culture and landscapes of Greece consistently draw in visitors from around the world. There are numerous historical sites to visit, but these are the top seven that will make your trip memorable.

Athens

Athens is a major historical site with an urban vibe. All of the top tourist spots are located in Athens.

In this city travelers can find:

-The Acropolis
-The Parthenon
-The Agora
-National Archeological Museum
-Sntagma Square
-The Plaka
-Cape Souniou
-The Temple of Poseidon

The Parthenon is the one of the most significant locations in the world. It was built in 440 BC and is recognized around the world. The architecture and sheer size of this ancient temple is a must-see for anyone.

Olympia

If the name sounds familiar, that is because the Olympics started here. The archeological sites here are all full of the ancient Greek history. Ilia is home to Mt. Kronion, the most sacred spot in all of Olympia. The Olympics are an important part of world history, and visiting here will allow to see just how it all began.

Meteora

Many people come here and claim that being in Meteora is like being on another planet entirely. Rock pillars shoot up into the sky from the otherwise flat landscape. Monasteries here are perched delicately atop high cliffs where monks and nuns worship. Architecture here compliments the dramatic landscapes. Meteora is a massive historical site. The summer months can be brutally hot, while winter months are very cold. Visit here in the early summer, spring or late summer as temperatures drop.

Rhodes Island

This is an island in Greece that is known for it’s beautiful shores that are part of the Aegean Sea. Historically relevant sites are scattered throughout this island including Temple of Apollo, Acropolis of Rhodes, and Acropolis of Lindos. Additionally, Rhodes has a vibrant nightlife with clubs and restaurants. You can museum stroll by day and go clubbing at night.

Corfu Museums

Crystal clear azure ocean waters are famous in Corfu. Unique architecture here is a star point of visiting. Much of the architecture takes cues from Venetian-Roman styling.

In Corfu you can:

-Visit the historically significant City Hall
-Visit Mon Repos palace
-Visit crafter shops that sell traditional goods
-Attend a dance ceremony

Corinth the Ancient City

Visiting Corinth is a short 48 mile trip from Athens. Corinth was an ancient city in Greece. Apostle Paul was known to live here. It holds religious and spiritual significance. Temples of Apollo, Aphrodite and Octavia are also located in Corinth.

Cave of the Apocalypse

This sacred grotto in Patmos, Greece is the ancient place where St. John had visions. These visions led to the Book of Revelation. The cave entrance is decorated with a mosaic. There are also writings about the visions in the cave area. This is a Greek Orthodox Biblical site.

Visiting Greece is a historical journey through early human history. There are dozens of important sites to see. Spend your time at each one, but be sure to balance your schedule to include as many as possible. A longer vacation may be beneficial to enjoy more of the historical places in Greece.

This week we are featuring, Rob Toledo, a world traveler who hopes to one day get a foot on every continent. He is working along TravelEx currency exchange creating guides of various places in the world. Follow him on Twitter @stentontoledo

Every May, Cannes becomes the darling of the international spotlight. We see the biggest stars of the screen posing in their finery in front of the gorgeous Palais des Festivals for the yearly Cannes Film Festival. Not only does the festival serve as a showcase for the best of upcoming films, but it also highlights the beauty intrinsic to the French Riviera. Yet Cannes is really so much more than the annual film festival. In fact, Cannes can be a destination spot for a vacation that includes it all: art, nature, and cultural.

Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique 

Every July and August, Cannes hosts this festival that features international teams showing off their firework shows. When the evening falls, a different team is highlighted for some of the most impressive half-hour displays of pyrotechnics. Travelers can find a spot on the beach and sit back for the festivities.  The festival is also a competition, so the participants try to outshine one another with cutting-edge programs set to music. It’s an all-around win for families traveling with children or for those of us who are really just big-kids at heart.

Château de la Castre and Fort Royale 

Located at the top of the Susquet hill, this castle was built in the 11th century. Travelers can explore this ancient castle whose original purpose was to guard against pirates on the open sea. Today, the castle houses an impressive collection of pre-Colonial artifacts and art. The largest component of the collection is Mediterranean artifacts from Iran, parts of Africa, and Greece. Art buffs interested in primitive arts, such as those from Asia, will also find a large of assortment of pieces to ogle.

Across the sound, sits Fort Royal. Historically, the fort was used as an important military base by both the French and Spanish monarchies. Upon being recaptured by the French in the 17th century, the site then became a state prison. Those familiar with the tale of The Man in the Iron Mask will recognize this as its setting. Visitors can expect to learn a lot about the French Rivera’s storied past and the historical aspects of Cannes.

And Who Can Forget The Beaches 

Of course, Cannes earned its reputation as a travel hotspot because of its miles of beaches. While most of the beaches are private and require a fee for day use, there are public beaches located on both ends of the city. However, they tend to be crowded and pebblier than the private beaches. If you like to see and be seen, a private beach attached to one of the major shore hotels might be just right for you. For their rather hefty entrance fees of up to $30, they offer day use of parasols and beach recliners as well as access to world-class restaurants that cater to folks in their swimsuits. For something more off the beaten path, a quick ferry ride out to the Illes de Lerins might be in order. Not only can you explore castle ruins and a monastery and sample their homemade foods and wines, but the islands are full of quiet coves for swimming, snorkeling, finding shade beneath the palm trees, and finding a moment of solace from the bustling shops and beaches of downtown Cannes.

Today we are featuring Aileen Pablo, part of the team behind Open Colleges, one of Australia’s leading providers of online TAFE courses equivalent and TESOL courses. When not working, Aileen blogs about travel, lifestyle, and beauty tips.

Bodega Bay, on the coast of Northern California, is known as the place where Alfred Hitchcock shot his movie “The Birds”. It is a shallow rocky inlet of the Pacific Ocean about an hour drive north of San Francisco and straddles Sonoma County to the north and Marin County on the south. The location of the bay is what makes it such an interesting place to visit. Bodega Bay has been known for being a vacation spot for families, a couple’s retreat, or for an individual escape from it all. But no matter how you are traveling to Bodega Bay, here are 10 activities to enjoy during your stay:

Today we are featuring Daniel, a wine enthusiast who loves to blog on LetsTalkWine.com. Some of the topics he enjoys talking about are sparkling wines and how to store champagne.

Located in Sonoma County, with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the romantic Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay offers you a chance for a quiet evening surrounded by the beautiful landscape.

Bodega Bay Lodge is nestled on the hillside of Sonoma Coast and is the only Four-Diamond hotel in it’s area. It is well-accustomed even to the most prestigious clients and has a list of premium services you will be more than happy to enjoy. FlipKey also offers 19 Bodega Bay Vacation Rentals that will offer you the comforts of your own home.

Getting there is short and easy as it’s located only one hour north of San Francisco by Coast Highway One. The exact address, taken from the Bodega Bay Lodge main site is 103 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, CA 94923. There is more, apart from the ocean-view and excellent hotel services, let’s have a look.

Today we are featuring Jessica Benavides Canepa, a travel and luxury lifestyle writer currently preparing for her new adventures in Shanghai, China this fall. Learn more about her travels at: www.jbcanepa.com

First time visitors to Spain often hope to see the country they’ve seen in movies; colorful mosaic architecture, flamenco dancers commanding center stage, movie star matadors, regal white horses and tapas bars featuring sangria being poured from bottomless pitchers. The good news for these traveling dreamers is that should they visit Seville, that wouldn’t be too far off from the truth.  Indeed, this enchanting Andalusian capital offers plenty in terms of entertaining tourist attractions and rich history. But once you have had your fill of monuments and bought enough souvenirs for everyone back home, why not get a new perspective (and some interesting photos) by taking a detour into the authentic lives of the natives. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

The capital of Andalucía, Seville is a city steeped in more than 2500 years of fascinating history. No matter which season, sightseers flock to Seville for its intriguing monuments, museums and historical landmarks. However, it is during the springtime, from March through May, that Seville really transforms into a paradise of culinary delights, social events, flamenco spectacles and more.