Napa Valley - 2 days is enough?

South America is a wonderful place for all types of travelers and Uruguay (together with Argentina and Chile) is a beloved tourist destination. Even though very small, Uruguay is very rich in culture, tradition and natural beauties. Often known as “the Switzerland of South America”, this country hides many gems, from exciting gaucho traditions to gorgeous beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, and lively city tours thought Montevideo’s Old Town—there’s something for everyone! But, before your thoughts wonder off towards Uruguay’s tourist attractions, you need to finish packing, so here are a few practical tips. Choose the right bag This is your first and most important step: choosing the right beg for your trip. If you check online, you’ll see that not everyone agrees on what’s the best bag for your Uruguay adventure. There are purists who insist on carrying only their backpacks, while many think that a wheeled suitcase is the best option. If you choose a bag that’s too small, you’ll never fit your necessities, but a bag that’s too big will cause overweight charges at the airport and be a pain in the neck during your trip. So, before you start packing, make a list of necessities and pick the smallest bag that can accommodate them. Also, keep in mind that you’ll probably want to buy a few things at your destination , so calculate that in as well. Dress with your activities in mind Before you start packing, ask yourself where you’re going and what will you be doing there. Do you plan to go trekking? A light jacket and quick-dry clothing is a must for those rainforest downpours. Do you plan to hit every club and bar in Montevideo? Bring your heels and a nice evening dress. Looking forward to gaucho experience? Don’t forget your boots, jeans and a cowboy hat. No matter where the road takes you, you’ll need at least one “nice” outfit—it’s always better to overdress than underdress. Pack plenty of layers Uruguay has no temperature extremes and the weather always has those pleasant spring vibes during the day. However, nights tend to be a little colder, even in the summer. That means you need layers and layers of clothing in order to stay comfortable from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. Shorts and summer dresses are great for day walks, but make sure to bring a cozy sweater with you wherever you go. Basically, every time you leave your room, think in layers. Also, at least one pair of jeans needs to find its sport in your suitcase. Throw in a few fancy pieces No matter if you’re a hardcore adventurer or a beach junky, you never know when you’ll need something more formal and fancy. Since Uruguay is always sunny and warm, especially during the day, you’ll love a nice spring dress perfect for walks, cocktails and everything in between. If you don’t have anything cute and feminine in your closet, you can always find chic women's pink dresses online and pack one for your trip. Combine it with a light jacket and you’ll look stylish the from moring to evening. Don’t forget about shoes Since Uruguay is a perfect destination for all active travelers, make sure to pack some quality hiking shoes . Something with sturdy soles and a little bit of height around the ankles is always a great choice. For longer walks around town, you’ll need some comfy trainers. However, Uruguay is a great party destination, so bring a pair of elegant shoes for nights out, especially if you’re staying in a big city like Montevideo where there are plenty of party opportunities. And of course, pack some flip-flops for beach and public showers (but these take up very little space, so don’t worry). Keep your things organized Uruguay might be a warm destination, but you’ll still need plenty of clothing and a lot of other necessities. Think toiletries, various miscellaneous things (bathing suit, sarong, sunglasses and medicine) and electronics (chargers, adaptors and batteries). But, you don’t want to have a messy suitcase, especially if you’re always on the go. Grab some packing cubes, color-code them and you’ll always know exactly where to look for your things. The right luggage makes every trip easier and more comfortable. If you pack with these tips in mind, you’ll have a perfect South American adventure and sunny Uruguay will completely steal your heart!

If you’re curious why so many Australians flock to the USA for vacations and light trips, here’s a text that will not only explain the fascination with the States but also inspire you to pack your bags and fly across the Pacific. The US is cheap More and more airlines are flying from Australia to the US and more competition means lower prices. Additionally, the cost of living in the USA is still cheaper than Oz. Eating out is very affordable, even when you count in tipping. The cost of shopping is also better, particularly when you hit large malls and stores. These almost always offer great discounts and provide huge savings. It offers a break from the weather Since Australia and the US have opposing seasons, it’s really fun to escape horrible heat or boring winter of Oz and enjoy something a bit different for a few days. If you have the chance, try to visit the States in the winter. It’s really a wonderful experience seeing winter in New York when everything is covered in snow yet illuminated with Christmas lights and filled with music, colour and cheer. It’s practical for Aussies While travelling to Europe or Asia offers a great adventure, traveling to the US is just very convenient. Americans speak English, share similar lifestyles and are super friendly and ready to party and share a conversation. Plus, since the States are very tech-forward, you can expect great WiFi (especially in California, Illinois and New York). If you want to stay in touch with your fellow travellers, grab a practical USA SIM card before you hit the road, and you’ll always stay connected during your trip without astronomical phone bills. You can learn about the history While the States don’t really have a long history, it surely is very interesting and dynamic. Most Australians love learning about Natives of North America as well as about famous cities, sites and buildings of the US. One really cute site to visit if you’re a history buff is St. Augustine in Florida—the oldest town in America, founded in 1565 by Spaniards. All in all, there are over 35,000 museums in the States ranging from historical museums and war memories to art galleries and science centers, so you’ll surely find something that tickles your fancy. You’ll get to experience true Halloween and Thanksgiving While more and more people in Australia participate in Halloween, the best way to experience it is in the US. Everything is covered in pumpkins, bats, spiders and other spooky things. If you can, make sure to grab a costume and take your kids trick-or-treating. Another unique holiday in the States is Thanksgiving. You can watch the parade, learn about settlers, and if you meet some friends in the country, you might even be invited to the Thanksgiving feast. The food is great Aside from turkey and mashed potatoes which are a must during Thanksgiving, American cuisine is quite diverse just like its people. Some classics are definitely fried chicken, cheeseburgers, mac and cheese and tuna casserole, but Mexican and Italian cuisines are very widespread. If you get the chance, make sure to try a famous American BBQ . You can see famous sites The USA is full of iconic places, but a few stand out. There’s no better place to live your Disney fantasy than in the States. You can experience all your fave childhood tales and characters and really have the time of your life. Or, if you’re more into live-action movies, you can hit Hollywood. This is probably the most unique and surreal place on Earth, so make sure not to miss it. Nature is gorgeous The States are really blessed with gorgeous and diverse natural wonders. If you’re thirsty of adventure, make sure to go hiking the Appalachian Trail or try to conquer Mount Whitney. On the other hand, you can hit the Grand Canyon and snap some gorgeous photos. If you prefer the south, you can explore the Everglades and learn plenty of interesting things about its diverse flora and fauna. If you’re an Aussie ready to pack their bags and hit the road, make sure to consider travelling across the Pacific and into the States. You’ll not only have a stress-free trip but also get to experience all those iconic things you only see on the telly.

Travelling to the United States of America has been a long-time dream for many, and if you're one of them and finally decided to visit, you'll need to know a few important facts. Not only will flying to America require loads of paperwork, but travelling there can become more of a hassle than enjoyment if you're not prepared for what's waiting across the border. In order to have as pleasant trip as possible, follow the suggestions we've prepared for you. Apply for visa early on It’s not enough for you to have a valid passport and a few thousand dollars in your pocket to go to America. You’ll also need a visa which can take from a few days to even several weeks to become approved, depending on the part of the world you’re visiting from. Worst case scenario, you’ll be denied the entry if you’re from Muslim-majority countries such as Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Canadian citizens are likely to have the least bit of fuss when applying for a visa, but with the United States authorities, you never really know for sure. Make sure you check thoroughly about all the documentation you need to apply for an American visa so that you don't end up being denied entry because you failed to deliver one paper. Prepare for a thorough search Due to concern about terrorist attacks and a (supposedly) increased number of immigrants, the US government has made the rules for entering the country stricter than ever. That’s why you may be asked to show your phone and allow the people on the customs to go through your personal documents, calendars, e-mails, ask about your political leanings and for access to phones and social media. Make sure you don’t lie about the reasons for visiting America, and if you’re travelling for work note that. Lying to the US border official can result in a life-long ban from visiting the country. Think about travelling by bus If you’re a Canadian citizen, travelling by bus can be a much better option than flying. This is especially true if you’re from Montreal and you’d like to visit New York. You can find a bus from Montreal to New York at a very affordable price and instead of spending a few hours on the plane, you'll be able to enjoy a scenic drive on the bus and enjoy all the picturesque areas on your way from Canada to New York. You’ll be able to take a break from the drive and breathe in some fresh air, and you won’t have to spend hours on customs and think about luggage check-ins and pick-ups like you’d do at the airport. In Queens, you’ll taste the best food If you decide to visit New York, be sure to go to Queens for the best food you will ever taste. Considering New York is basically the city of all nations, having so many immigrants live there, you’ll be able to find the best immigrant eats in Queens. Whether you’re craving authentic Chinese or spicy Indian and even Egyptian fare, you’ll be able to feast on everything you want precisely in Queens. Eat your way around the world in this lovely New York borough. When you wish for something more delectable, go to Lower Manhattan, at the second-oldest restaurant in New York dating back from 1762. Don’t talk about politics Politics can be a touchy subject anywhere in the world. But when you’re visiting a foreign country , you’ll want to stay away from talking about the country’s politics and especially its current commander-in-chief. Feel free to observe and listen, but no matter the thought in your mind, do not speak openly about politics because you never know if the words you say will be misinterpreted. Don’t risk being sanctioned just because you wanted to participate in an argument. Final thoughts Travelling to America isn’t as easy as it may seem. Even if you’ve got the money for the ticket, you’ll still need to behave and allow them to do a thorough search of your identity and the reasons behind your visit. Therefore, be sure you’re open to their requests and don’t be surprised if you get asked personal questions that you’re usually never asked by border officials. All in all, expect the unexpected.