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Guide to Locating Budget-Friendly Car Rentals
Exploring Angola: Unveiling the Pristine Travel Route from Calai to Dirico
**Overlanding from Namibia to Angola: An Adventure into the Unknown**Overlanding from Namibia to Angola turned out to be an absolute gamble. All we really understood was that this southern African nation had been under Portuguese rule for approximately 400 years and was caught in a prolonged civil conflict that lasted until 2002. To orchestrate our Angola journey, we decided to reach the border town of Rundu, Namibia, and seek some local insights on how to navigate to and around the adjacent town of Calai…but we couldn’t locate anyone who had experience there! Google Maps indicated that one had to detour for eight hours to cross the river, and Booking.com yielded no accommodations…but this only fueled our curiosity and desire to delve into Southern Angola!
**Namibia-Angola Border Crossing at Calai**
As we crossed the footbridge over the Okavango River, we bid farewell to Namibia and greeted Angola with an “ola.” The immigration officer communicated exclusively in Portuguese, so with our best attempt at Portuñol pidgin, we articulated that our four-day Angola adventure was for “ferias” (holiday purposes) and relished the gratifying sound of our passport receiving a stamp. We may have been “in,” but we remained blissfully unaware of what awaited us.
A fleet of moto taxis beckoned us over. With no cars around, our only option was to hop on with a stranger and hope we were heading in the same direction. Vrrrooom, we zipped through the sandy pathways and reached central Calai: two streets lined with shops, an open-air market, a Portuguese bar…and just one guesthouse!
**Where to Stay in Calai**
We opened the expansive gate to the secure Tchingwali Guesthouse, delighted to discover a tropical garden, a full-service restaurant, and lovely rooms complete with AC and private bathrooms for $16. Who would have guessed?! As vegans unable to communicate in Portuguese, it was somewhat challenging to identify the best plant-based dishes. Maize porridge forms the cornerstone of most meals in Southern Africa and carries various names (pap, ugali, funge, etc.) while often being prepared thick enough to scoop up the accompanying vegetables and meats. We ordered funge, enjoying it with wild spinach mixed with peanuts and slowly cooked beans as sides. After our meal, we ordered another round of Cuca beer, simply because we adored the local custom of cerveja paired with a bottle opener delivered in a wicker basket.
**Government Permission to Explore**
We recognized that Calai wasn’t a tourist hotspot, but with the renowned Okavango River, we assumed there might be some water adventures on the horizon. We inquired at our guesthouse about organizing a boat excursion, but they told us, “Nowhere that we know of, maybe ask by the dock.” They left out that the “dock” was indeed a naval station, and they weren’t particularly welcoming to unexpected visitors.
Upon meeting several officers and undergoing extensive questioning (“Are you aiming to cross into Namibia? Why do you wish to canoe if you aren’t fishing? Are you a proficient swimmer? You do realize the river is filled with crocodiles, right?”), they gradually warmed up to our notion of a dugout canoe trip with a local fisherman…and they even requested a selfie to document our journey!
**Dugout Canoeing the Okavango River**
Wearing fire department life vests, we embarked with Segunda on his inaugural river-guiding adventure. He had never hosted passengers in his canoe but was well-acquainted with the river and pointed out fun eddies, charming islands, and hippo hiding spots. We generously tipped him and celebrated with (the best!) malasada donuts, marking what could become a new chapter in his career as a waterman. To ensure this opportunity continued, we connected him with the Tchingwali Guesthouse team so they could send future visitors on an Okavango canoe expedition with the wonderful Segunda!
**Road Tripping Southern Angola**
Next, we aimed to coordinate a road trip to discover more of Angola! There were only a few non-governmental vehicles in town, and fortunately, the best truck was parked at our guesthouse. Taking a leap of faith, we approached the vehicle owner, Peter, to see if he would accompany us around the Southern Angola countryside. This unexpected proposition led to an even grander invitation to ride along with him the next day on his 120km journey to Dirico, with a stop to meet one of the queens of the Cuando-Cubango province! He cautioned us that it would be a long day along a rough road, but it sounded like an incredible chance to us. Off we went on a thrilling adventure down a narrow highway, constructed by the Portuguese a century prior and engulfed in deep sand and dense brush. Amidst the walls of greenery, we occasionally caught sight of the magnificent Okavango River and the sporadic collections of mud-thatch huts.
Assessment of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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Best Airbnb Activities to Experience in Paris
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Highly Rated Airbnb Experiences to Delight in New York City
There are numerous tours available in New York City, but one aspect that people often overlook is Airbnb experiences. Most are familiar with Airbnb primarily for their accommodation options, yet they also offer a wide range of experiences where locals can guide you. Personally, I prefer these experiences to conventional tours because they feature locals passionately sharing their knowledge, involve smaller groups, and tend to be less mainstream.I feel that not enough people take advantage of these experiences, and they always rank among my top activities to seek out whenever I travel globally. New York City presents a plethora of choices. Here are my top picks:
Discover Brooklyn’s Pizza Culture
Pizza and NYC are an iconic pair, akin to bread and butter, and this Brooklyn pizza tour led by travel writer Dani Hienrich takes you to some of the city’s finest locations while providing an in-depth history of pizza (who knew slices weren’t popular until the 1940s!). I’ve participated in numerous pizza tours in the city, and I believe Dani offers the best one, as she details the history, is incredibly enjoyable, and the tour is less conventional, avoiding large groups of twenty.
Sketch Masterpieces at the Met Museum
In this enjoyable experience, you’ll visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and meet X, an experienced artist who will guide you on a sketching adventure. You’ll start with a warm introduction and sketching exercises, then stroll through selected galleries, taking breaks to draw iconic sculptures and artworks you choose. Along the way, he’ll share insights into the history of sculpting and painting techniques and the stories behind some exhibits. It’s certainly a fun and interactive way to explore the MET.
Explore African American History
During this walking tour in Lower Manhattan, you’ll meet your host Larry at the National Museum of the American Indian before traversing a tapestry of hidden Black New York: from Bowling Green (where enslaved Africans contributed to the city’s construction), to remnants of Fort Amsterdam, and to the sites of 17th-century enslaved houses. You’ll walk past Wall Street to hear about its slave-market history, visit Federal Hall and a former free-African oyster house, stroll through Foley Square (historically the site of executions), and finish at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Larry ranks among the best tour guides I’ve ever encountered. He’s entertaining, engaging, humorous, and brimming with knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and learned so much. It’s a fascinating and unique method to experience lower Manhattan. He also conducts an amazing Harlem tour as well!
Create and Relish a New York Pizza
If you want to engage beyond merely eating pizza, head to Paulie Gee’s, where your host Logan will guide you through the history of New York-style pizza before you shape your own dough, select from an array of sauces and toppings, and bake your masterpiece in a wood-fired oven. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creation along with other famous dishes from the restaurant. It’s highly interactive, and Logan is a captivating and personable host. Located in Greenpoint, it’s an area most tourists overlook, so be sure to explore this local hotspot afterward.
Next time you find yourself in NYC and want to partake in something fun and distinctive, please consider checking out Airbnb Experiences as they are genuinely enjoyable and engaging. I’ve experienced about a dozen of these, and I believe these are the very best of the bunch. However, if you discover one that you adore, do send me an email so I can check it out!
An In-Depth Manual for Organizing Your Journey to Bangladesh
Reaching Bangladesh can be somewhat puzzling as much of the information available online regarding visas, safety, and culture is often contradictory. For those seeking a concise, clear guide to visiting Bangladesh, this is it.
Visas
If you are entering through one of the international airports, Bangladesh provides a visa on arrival for many citizens from Western nations, various Asian countries, and some from the Middle East. This is the simplest method to obtain a visa, and you can verify if your country is included on the list here. The fee, which must be paid in cash, is approximately $50. However, the process at the airport is extremely slow, taking about 30-45 minutes if you are at the front of the line.
I suggest you arrive as swiftly as possible (power walk!) to minimize your waiting time. Additionally, having a printed copy of your travel itinerary in and out of the country will save you some time; otherwise, you might spend time emailing it to the desk, waiting for it to be received, reviewed, and finally approved.
For everyone else, it is possible to apply for a visa to Bangladesh in advance.
Where To Stay
Bangladesh boasts a range of hotels catering to various budgets, so securing decent accommodation shouldn’t be overly challenging. There are not many tourists traveling to Bangladesh, allowing you to discover attractive rates on nice hotels that are often better than those in neighboring countries. In Dhaka, the Intercontinental represents a luxury choice, but there are numerous alternatives as well as home-stays in small villages and towns throughout Bangladesh.
Safety In Bangladesh
Despite the recent headlines regarding mass protests in Bangladesh, it might be difficult to envision that the country is relatively safe and welcoming for tourists. Aside from standard advice such as keeping an eye on your bags in crowded areas and being cautious about traffic as crossing the street can be quite chaotic, Bangladesh is a bustling yet friendly destination to explore. It may not appeal to everyone, and those who are more seasoned travelers may feel more comfortable, but it is not chaotic enough to detract from the travel experience.
It’s also important to note that the locals are warm and curious; indeed, Bangladesh may have the most camera-friendly people I have encountered. Many individuals wanted to take pictures or be featured in my videos, making me feel more like a guest than just a tourist. Bangladesh is progressing towards becoming a destination ripe for travelers, so if you’re looking for a bit of adventure and wish to discover the best day trips, now is the perfect time to visit.
Evaluation of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Conditions apply to American Express perks and offers. Enrollment may be necessary for certain American Express perks and offers. Visit americanexpress.com for further information.
For devoted Delta travelers seeking a VIP experience, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is your top choice. I’m an avid Delta supporter and tend to fly with them almost exclusively while traveling within the United States. I consider them to offer the finest in-flight experience, meals, entertainment, and seating.
If you’re a fan of Delta and frequently travel with them, I genuinely believe that the Reserve card is essential. Although it comes with the highest annual fee, it also presents the most extensive range of benefits, such as Sky Club access, priority for upgrades, and quicker accumulation of elite status. The cost is more than justified, and I have gained significantly more value from it than what the fee entails.
Here’s my assessment of the card!
Contents
Overview of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is Delta’s elite card that provides frequent flyers with a multitude of benefits and privileges, designed for those who travel often with the airline and desire additional perks as well as expedited elite status accumulation. The annual fee is $650 (See Rates and Fees.) but I believe that the advantages of the card surpass the expense.
This card includes:
- Acquire 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 on qualifying purchases using your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Expires 10/29/2025.
- 3x miles on Delta expenditures
- 1x miles on all other purchases
- 15 visits annually to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta, with unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on your Card in a calendar year.
- Receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Complimentary checked bag on Delta flights
- Earn 1 MQD for every $10 charged to the card
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year
- Benefit from a Companion Certificate on a round-trip Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main flight to select locations each year following Card renewal. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government fees and taxes ranging from $22 to $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage fees and other limitations apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Fee reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Up to $240 Resy credit (up to $20 per month in statement credits)
- Up to $120 Rideshare credit (up to $10 per month in statement credits)
- Up to $200 Delta Stays credit
- 15% off Award Flight redemption through delta.com and the Fly Delta app
- 20% back on qualifying in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit
In summary, this card offers a wealth of benefits, and I find that, unlike many other premium cards, these benefits are truly valuable! I appreciate the MQD enhancement, the hotel credit, the 15% back on award redemptions, and especially the lounge access. I tend to utilize most of the benefits associated with this card, making its value significantly outweigh the fee.
Utilizing Your Delta Points
Delta employs dynamic pricing for its rewards. This means that the quantity of points required to book a flight isn’t fixed. Rather, the rate fluctuates with the cash price of a flight. Additionally, you can redeem your points as cash during checkout at a rate of 1 cent per mile, but I seldom consider that a favorable redemption and rarely take that option. I only do this if I am short on
Examination of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
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What’s Inside My Minimalist Travel Bag
**Traveling Light: Key Items for Your Bag**Mastering the art of traveling light takes time, and with an effective plan, you can relish the ease of transitioning smoothly between locations. Here’s a manual for packing smartly for your upcoming adventure:
**1. Multi-Functional Clothing:**
– **Quick-Drying Materials:** Select attire that dries fast, enabling you to wash and re-wear them multiple times. Brands such as prAna and Columbia provide great choices.
– **Mix and Match:** Opt for tops and bottoms that can be combined in various ways. This minimizes the quantity of garments you have to take.
– **Layering:** For chillier regions, include merino wool layers that offer warmth without extra weight. Icebreaker and Smartwool are top recommendations.**2. Footwear:**
– **Dual-Function Shoes:** Limit yourself to a pair of shoes. Choose ones that are adaptable for both urban wandering and light hiking.
– **Comfort and Longevity:** Brands like Oboz and Lowa create shoes that blend comfort with durability.**3. Key Gadgets:**
– **Smartphone:** Serves as a substitute for several gadgets like a flashlight, clock, and music player.
– **Camera:** A slim superzoom camera such as the Panasonic Lumix for preserving memories.
– **Cords and Earbuds:** Bring along both Bluetooth and wired earbuds for flexibility.**4. Toiletries:**
– **Compact Kits:** Utilize a hanging toiletry bag with TSA-friendly containers. Sea to Summit provides handy dry items like laundry and shaving sheets.
– **Minimalist Strategy:** Keep in mind that you can buy basic toiletries at your destination if necessary.**5. Travel Items:**
– **Water Purification Device:** A Steripen or similar tool to eliminate the need for bottled water and help decrease plastic waste.
– **Packing Cubes:** Implement these to arrange your bag, although rolling clothes can create even more space.**6. Extras:**
– **Notebook and Pen:** For recording travel notes and thoughts.
– **Compact Tripod:** For steady photography and video capturing.**7. Further Suggestions:**
– **Activity Planning:** If partaking in specific pursuits like rafting, pack suitably but aim for minimalism.
– **Promotions and Deals:** Shop during sales to acquire quality equipment at lower prices.By adhering to these suggestions, you can experience a seamless travel journey, concentrating on the adventure rather than the baggage. Safe travels!
Residing in Portugal: Visa Prerequisites and Living Expenses
**Portugal: A Growing Hub for Expats and Digital Nomads**Portugal, formerly a concealed treasure for expats, has surfaced as a premier spot for those desiring a European lifestyle without the steep costs associated with neighboring countries like the UK or France. Although not as inexpensive as it used to be, particularly in sought-after regions such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, Portugal continues to provide a competitive living cost compared to numerous Western European nations.
**The Charm of Portugal**
The attractiveness of Portugal stems from its pleasant climate, breathtaking coastlines, vibrant culture, and leisurely lifestyle. The nation boasts a high standard of living with abundant sunshine, making it a desirable choice for those wishing to flee chillier environments. Featuring its scenic towns, fine wines, and welcoming people, it’s easy to see why Portugal has become a preferred choice among expats and digital nomads.
**Visa Options**
For individuals aspiring to call Portugal home, the country presents various visa choices. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, launched in October 2022, permits remote workers to reside in Portugal for as long as five years while employed by companies based outside the nation. This visa is part of Portugal’s extensive immigration reforms designed to draw international professionals.
For those pursuing permanent residency, the procedure can be more intricate, particularly for non-EU nationals. Nevertheless, with the appropriate paperwork and potentially the help of a local lawyer, securing a residency visa is attainable.
**Living Expenses**
Despite the increase in prices in recent years, especially in Lisbon, Portugal still stands as a budget-friendly locale. Rental rates fluctuate, with Lisbon and Porto being pricier than rural regions. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon may cost between €735 and €925, while a three-bedroom unit might range from €1,162 to €1,580. In Porto, the rates are slightly more affordable.
Utilities and transportation fees are sensible, with a monthly public transit ticket priced around €40 in larger cities. The healthcare system in Portugal is highly esteemed, with the World Health Organization placing it 12th globally. Residents can access economical healthcare services, making it a compelling choice for expats.
**Culture and Lifestyle**
Portugal presents a dynamic lifestyle centered around savoring life rather than hoarding riches. The nation is well-known for its superb wines, scrumptious cuisine, and a relaxed life approach. Expats can partake in an array of outdoor pursuits, from surfing to hiking, thanks to Portugal’s varied terrain.
**Obstacles and Considerations**
While Portugal boasts numerous advantages, there are factors to take into account. The language barrier may pose difficulties, and the visa application procedure can be intricate. Moreover, although living costs are lower than in many Western European nations, they are not as low as in certain Eastern European locations.
**Final Thoughts**
Portugal’s emergence as a favored destination for expats and digital nomads is truly merited. With its inviting climate, rich cultural heritage, and reasonable cost of living, it provides an appealing alternative to pricier European nations. Whether you aim to retire, work remotely, or simply relish a more relaxed lifestyle, Portugal has plenty to offer.
