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Uluru, Australia
Photo By Tourism Australia

Experience the Indigenous Side of Australia

The Aboriginal peoples of Australia are considered one of the world’s most ancient living cultures. With a history dating back more than 50,000 years, their culture is rich with spirituality and wonder. Their deep connection to the land is showcased through their rituals, art, dance, music and Dreamtime stories - the time when their ancestral spirits created the land and all life. A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without experiencing at least some of the cultural activities of the Indigenous peoples. Sure, Australia has beautiful beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, and so on – but there’s a lot more to offer when you get a more cultural and historical perspective.

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Packing Advice from Expert Travelers

I asked a group of experienced travelers how to go about packing for a trip. When I reached out to this intrepid group of travelers for their advice, one key theme emerged: take only what you really need. Also, I asked them about the common concept of "packing light." I asked these travelers if they pack light, and most said they do, but many still struggle with the concept. So how do we pack light and what does that really mean? What have these expert travelers learned over the years, and how can we benefit from their advice?

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Making Memories at a Dude Ranch

Sometimes you want to get off the beaten track, and sometimes you want comfort. Sometimes you want an adventure to escape “real life”, and sometimes you want a little peace and quiet to relax. Well, on a dude ranch, you can have everything. The noises of construction and sirens (and your boss) are left at home and replaced with the sounds of a gurgling stream, birds chirping, children laughing, and even silence. If you have ever fantasized about leaving your daily commute behind and replacing it with horses on the trail, or natural experiences all around, then a trip to an authentic working dude ranch may be just what you’ve been looking for.

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Read more about the article Our Mongolian Adventure
A typical Mongolian ger

Our Mongolian Adventure

I can't fully explain why we wanted to go to Mongolia. Of all the places in the world, most people would rather visit another country. Many of our family members were amongst those that politely asked why, and our answer was something vague, such as "It just looks interesting." Our trip would take us on a two month journey through China and Mongolia, of which we spent almost three weeks in Mongolia. Most of that time was spent on a 15-day tour of the Mongolian countryside in an old beat-up Russian army van, now re-purposed to carry tourists across the rugged terrain. We would spend most of our journey in this old nearly broken-down van while camping in the countryside, eating very fresh meat, and meeting the locals.

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Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

You might not see your favorite traveler very often due to the very nature of travel - they are probably out in the world somewhere following their dreams. This holiday season, you can help them stock up on the best travel items they want and need to make the rest of their traveling year as adventurous as possible. We've curated our favorite and most used travel items to help you filter through the best new and consistently awesome travel products on the market. We like to travel, and we do it often, so we think this list is more than just fluff. The items here will keep you safe and comfortable while enjoying the amazing places at the far reaches of the globe.

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How to Plan a Destination Wedding

A wedding is a very personalized and special occasion. More and more often, couples are choosing to have their weddings away from their home towns. Destination weddings can range from a few hours away, to an exotic, tropical beach setting that requires guests to travel by plane. Some couples choose to have small destination weddings and invite only a few close family members and friends, while others have extravagantly large weddings with 200 or more guests. Regardless of your chosen location, wedding size, or preferred style, there are some important things to consider with a destination wedding. Remember, guests are traveling great lengths to attend your special day so it is important to keep the details a convenient and affordable as possible.

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Longtail Boat, Thailand
Longtail Boat, Thailand

Planning Your Honeymoon on a Budget

Weddings are an exciting, but expensive time in many couple's lives. Many young couples who are struggling to make ends meet may decide to forego the traditional honeymoon in order to save money. Although this is a perfectly reasonable option for many, a trip, no matter how short and simple, can help a newly married couple escape the stresses of wedding planning and jumpstart their marriage in a fun and exciting way. It's important to realize that honeymoons don't have to be fancy or extravagant to be romantic. Check out our ten tips below to help you have a fun and meaningful honeymoon without starting your marriage in debt.

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Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru

The Many Faces of Peru

In our opinion, if you are going to visit another country to get an authentic experience, you must learn about the country’s culture. And the best way to learn about a country’s culture is to understand their past. If you are interested in learning about history and ancient cultures, Peru is the perfect place for you! Not only do they have a rich history, they also have modern attractions and world class outdoor activities as well.

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Moose Head Ranch, Grand Teton National Park
Moose Head Ranch, Grand Teton National Park

Authentic Dude Ranches in the USA

What sounds better than turning off your phone and rediscovering the beauty in nature around you? Nothing? Then start researching your trip to a mid-west dude ranch immediately. Ecotourism is a growing industry in the midst of the digital revolution because it gives travelers a slice of serenity to ease them of their busy, hectic lives. So, the Dude Rancher’s Association has brought together some of the country’s best dude ranches that offer a variety of activities, so there is something for everyone.

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