The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

The Americas

4 Must-Visit Islands While Touring Mexico

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Are you planning a vacation for the much-needed get away from your busy to reconnect with your family, friends, and inner self? Well, among the top considerations while thinking of a vacation is the destination.  Choosing a destination can break or make your vacation quests, stressing the need to evaluate what it offers before making the final decision. From the goose bumps of spotting incredible scenery, a day with nature, the adrenaline rush from thrilling activities, to relaxed experience as you take in a spectacular sunset/rise, not to mention lazy strolls on sandy beaches, you need to ensure that a destination can cater to your needs. The good news, however, is that with insights from a resourceful travel blog, you find inspirational materials to pick an ideal destination, plan the itinerary, and get the most out of your vacation.

While choosing a vacation destination, Mexico can hardly skip your eye. With breathtaking sceneries, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, your vacation endeavors in Mexico will be nothing short of memorable. With over 5000 mi coastline averaging close to a 100 Islands, your tour in Mexico can’t be complete without touring some of the idyllic islands. While planning your Mexico tour itinerary, here is a look at the top Islands you need to include for a memorable experience.

Isla Holbox

Have you been dying to explore virgin beaches? Well, your dreams are about to come true; Isla Holbox has yet to be fully explored, and with most of its land in Yum Balam Natural Reserve being undeveloped, your exploration will be more than exciting. Don’t, however, wait too long as the word is out and spreading fast, and before long, this haven will be flooding with tourists across the globe. With pleasant weather, soft beaches, and gentle breezes, your two hours drive followed a ferry ride will be more than satisfactory as you sample local cuisine from small boutique hotels, relax in wooden beach bars, or follow the popular hammocks trend stretched over the waters.

Isla Mujeres

Located off Cancun’s coast, the small and quiet island is a low-key destination whose popularity has rapidly grown. Isla Mujeres is a fantastic destination ideal for snorkeling and relaxed beach experience. While the island is home to a small fishing community, its history is inspiring, having been an ancient Maya religious site. While touring the island during summer, your visit will be kicked a notch higher by interacting with whale sharks, the large and tender giants that swim in the warm waters. The unspoiled haven is an excellent destination as you can also taste local cuisines from the local hotels and seaside restaurants as you take in the stunning beaches’ experience.

Isla Marietas

Located off the coast of the state of Nayarit, and known for its “hidden” keyhole crater opening to a majestic white-sand beach with turquoise waters when the tides are low, the uninhabited Islas Marietas is among the must-visit islands while touring Mexico. With active conservation efforts, the islands, ones used as a test site for the Mexican military, prides of rich biodiversity, marine life, and bird population that will quench your tour goals. Among the exciting things, apart from relaxing on the beach, is spotting incredible animals, including dolphins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and whales (mostly during winter months), among others.

Cozumel

The Caribbean island is a haven for divers. With its warm, crystal clear waters, marine life, and stunning white sand beach, Cozumel is surrounded by the world’s second-largest coral reef system, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, providing an excellent diving experience. The island is quite developed, with a range of large resorts to quench your tour needs, including a taste of the local cuisine.

Islands have a unique appeal. While touring Mexico, on a romantic getaway, a family tour, or an all-out thrilling adventure, you can easily find an island packed with amazing features to satisfy your quests. If you need more inspiring travel stories and photographs to plan your next tours, explore apenoni.com for an extensive reach.

The Top 6 US Cities for Live Theater Shows

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If someone mentions live theater in the United States, one of the first suggestions is New York City and Broadway. New York is great. You have Times Square and many other attractions, but it is incredibly expensive. Los Angeles is similar; it has great theater thanks to its proximity to Hollywood, but it is expensive and crowded. However, there are many great destinations that are just as good but come with a lower price tag. Here are the top 7 US cities for live theater shows.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has one of the most culturally significant theaters in the United States. Better yet, it hosts many shows from Broadway. And, most importantly, many shows start in Boston before they get picked up by Broadway. Hit the Boston theater scene, and you might see a play before it becomes a Broadway hit. You could also hit the Williamstown Theater Festival that’s a short drive away.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a history of producing comedy geniuses, and this city is a must-see if you’re into comedy. After all, it is the birthplace of long-form improv. However, its theater scene has much more than comedy. Many tours end here, and the local scene is worth exploring, too. The training programs in DePaul and Northwestern, for instance, will give you the chance to see budding talents before they hit the main stage.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has the most theaters per capita than any city in the U.S. except NYC. The Minneapolis theater scene is a mix of tours and local productions bolstered by the up-and-coming writers at the Playwright’s Center. It is even home to one of the oldest theater companies in the country, and they have a history of great live shows.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s theater scene is notable for its risk-taking. The theaters in Seattle can take on more controversial topics or cater to more niche audiences because they don’t have the same economic burden as Broadway shows. They also deal with lower overheads, so they can host more experimental shows and be more ambitious than Broadway theaters that need to maximize revenue. You can also buy your tickets from an online reseller to save even more money over the cost of Broadway tickets.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco should be first on your list if you’re interested in opera. The city is home to the second largest opera company in the United States as well as dozens of live theaters. These feature a mix of classic and original works. For example, the Berkeley Rep hosts a mix of regional and world premieres.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky, would make this list because of the 30 shows a year held at the Actor’s Theater alone. However, it is also home to the Humana Festival, a new theater festival. If there is a new play that’s creating a storm, there is a fair chance it premiered here first.

No matter where you want to visit in the United States, the odds are that there is a great theater center that you can hit. Or you could visit one of these cities, which we think are the best incubators for theater and the arts, to see shows not available anywhere else in the world.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Going to Disney World

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Known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World welcomes millions upon millions of tourists from across the globe every year. Whether you’re travelling with friends or as a family, there are tons of exciting activities and excursions to check out, helping to create fun-filled memories no matter your age. Before you head off and enjoy all the theme parks, characters, and parades, here are five things you need to know before going to Disney World.

When to Visit

Understandably, the time of year you plan your Disney World trip will have an impact on the cost. For example, if you’re looking to book your adventure in the summer holidays, you can expect to see prices increase, especially as children will be off school. Thankfully, Orlando experiences moderate temperatures all year round, meaning whenever you go, you can expect to take in some sunshine, especially when out and about exploring the theme parks.

Where to Stay

Orlando has a ton of accommodation options available. No matter your budget, you can pick from a list of hotels situated on and off Disney property. Ideally, you will want to pick a hotel that’s located within reach of the theme parks. There are many shuttle buses that you can take which provide a door to door transfer too. You may also benefit from hiring a car whilst you’re away, allowing you to do as you please.

Buying the Right Tickets

One of the main stresses you will experience when booking your Disney World trip is what sorts of tickets are right for you and your party. With dozens of admission ticket options to pick from, trying to find the cheapest combination will take time and effort. To make things easier, you may want to check out companies like Orlando Ticket Deals where you can find offers for Disney World tickets. There are several factors that you will need to consider, such as how many people are going with you, and how many children you have.

Where to Eat

Food is a huge part of everyone’s Disney World adventure, and with so many choices to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start. Before you book your trip, you should have a look at a range of restaurants located at Disney World and other theme parks where you can get an idea of menus, reviews, and prices. There are also dining plans that you can choose which could save you money.

What to Pack

Knowing what to pack for your Disney World holiday can be challenging. If you’re going in a large group, it’s best to pack as light as you can. It’s only natural that you will want to pick up some souvenirs and toys to bring back with you, so it’s best to only pack the essentials. If you’re heading to Orlando in the summer months, it’s advised to pack light and airy clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable when exploring the theme parks.

No matter your age, Disney World is sure to bring out your inner child. Before booking your trip of a lifetime, make sure to check out when is best to visit, where to stay, what types of tickets are right for you, as well as what to pack for your holiday.

3 Most Welcoming Countries for Students

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The market for international studies is getting bigger day by day. More students across the globe are looking for the best quality education, and they are willing to travel thousands of miles to acquire it. Certain countries boast of better international education systems than others; these are the countries that international students flock to.

Top tutors at IBuyEssay have vast experience with international studies, and they recommend the following three countries as the most welcoming for international students.

1. The United States

The international studies market in the US is estimated to be worth over $50 billion. Therefore, the US is the top choice for international students.

The US boasts of some of the leading international universities. These include Harvard, Princeton, and MIT. It is also home to lesser-known international universities such as Illinois State University and Pace University. All these universities have the most advanced systems of international studies, and the knowledge obtained here is easily marketable.

The US is welcoming to international students in a variety of ways:

  • Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity

The US is the boiling pot of the world with a population that comprises people from all walks of life. The cultures here are diverse, and your peers will make you feel at home.

  • Student Financial Aid

While the US is not the cheapest place to study, there are lots of organizations that offer financial aid to international students. There are also other organizations that help international students settle down and even get citizenship.

  • Enlightening Experiences

The US student lifestyle is under-rated. It is not all about partying. Smart students take advantage of their time in the campus to network, gain new skills and exciting ideas. You will meet thousands of international students like yourself. You will also interact with young minds seeking to change the world with innovative, progressive ideas.

2. United Kingdom

The UK takes in over 500,000 international students every year. Most of the UK’s international students come from China, The United States, Germany, Ireland, and India. It is estimated that the UK’s international studies market is worth about $5 billion.

There are several reasons why international students are drawn to the UK:

  • Globally Recognized International Universities

The UK is home to some of the leading international universities. These include Oxford, Cambridge, the University of London, Newcastle University, and Cardiff University. These universities offer over 50,000 courses spread across more than 25 subject areas.

  • Financial Support

Scholarship programs in the UK are offered on a merit basis. That means that outstanding international students have better chances of qualifying for financial aid. There are also other organizations that help international students settle down in the country.

  • Law Requirements of Entry

The UK student visa is easy to get as the process is transparent and straightforward. International students can also obtain a work permit that allows them to work while studying, and even after graduating.

3. Australia

 

Australia’s international studies market generates about $3 billion of annual revenues. Most international students studying here are from India, Canada, China, South Korea, and Indonesia. Some of the incentives they find here include:

  • Notable International Universities

Australia is home to several global universities that include Macquarie University and The University of Western Australia. Certifications from these universities are coveted and easily marketable. Courses taken by the international students in Australia are fully covered by the Australian Qualification Framework.

  • Inclusive Society

Australia has a diverse population of people from all over the world. The sheer number of international students also means that you will interact with different cultures and gain new perspectives on life in general.

  • Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Australia is significantly lower compared to the US and the UK. It is also easier to get a student visa here, as there is less bureaucracy involved.

With competition in the job market heating up, students with highly esteemed certifications are at an advantage. International learning at the leading universities in the above-mentioned countries is the way to go. They have some of the best global learning institutions, and you will find them extremely friendly.

Unusual Tourist Attractions in New York

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New York is one of the world’s most iconic cities and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Everyone who heads to New York will tick the usual items off the list in terms of attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building, The World Trade Center memorial and Times Square, but what about the slightly weirder attractions that New York has to offer?

If you are looking at booking flights to New York and you want to visit something a little more strange during your time in the Big Apple, here are some of the coolest and most unusual attractions which you should consider.

Bank Vault Cocktails

Right in the heart of New York city’s financial district you will find an old bank vault which is hidden below the surface. The bank vault was built in 1904 by the Mosler Safe Company for the New York Realty bank, and when it was built it had to be sailed down the Hudson River such was its sheer magnitude. The bank vault is no longer in action and it has been turned into a Swiss bar and restaurant called Trinity Place Vault Bar. The bar still features all of the vaults details and monstrous steel doors weighing in at 35 tonnes each! If you like the idea of dining out or heading for a cocktail in a bank vault then head to 115 Broadway for a unique experience.

Feature in Lewis Carroll’s Masterpiece

If you love Alice in Wonderland then you can have the chance to star in it yourself as part of a project by a theater group called Third Rail Projects. This is an experience which you must immerse yourself in entirely and it offers a unique style of storytelling. The play is called ‘And Then She Fell’ and to add even more weirdness to proceedings it takes place in an old mental hospital. You will attend the play in groups of 15 and move from room to room as the plot takes twists and turns which you won’t be expecting. You can find this awesome artistic experience in Brooklyn at Kingsland Ward, St Johns.

The Doyers Street Tunnel

In the early 20th Century Chinatown in New York was a collection of secret allies and back passages which were the ideal spots for talks of smuggling, illegal gambling and all manner of interesting practices. Between the streets of Pell and Mott you will find a place on Doyers Street which is named the Bloody Angle because this is where the gangs used to wait for people as they came around the corner. During that time there were two Chinese gangs vying for control of Chinatown and this street bore witness to some of the most bloody battles of the time. The walls here were stained red with the blood of victims for many years. A section of the tunnel has been since removed but you can still head to the Bloody Angle and walk in the footsteps of the madness which took place here.

The Earth Room

If you are looking for a kooky art exhibition then the Earth Room in Soho is the perfect place to go. Artist Walter De Maria put this installation here in 1977 which features a 23-inch layer of Earth spread out across a 3,500 square foot gallery. This display was only supposed to be here for 3 months but ended up staying for 42 years! You can find this mad art exhibition at 131 Wooster Street, why not check it out and see just what 280,000 lbs of dirt looks like?

Track 61

Track 61 exists underneath Grand Central station and it was once used by presidents and public officials looking to escape the public. This private railway was built in 1938 and it has direct access to the Waldorf Astoria hotel, offering the perfect getaway for an important person. Famously Franklin D Roosevelt used this access point to arrive in his bulletproof train and limo, and when he arrived the limo and the president were whisked upstairs by the freight elevator. The track ceased operations in the late 70s and became something of a squatter’s paradise. No tours are available to track 61 but if you  know what you are looking for then you can head down and check it out for yourself.

New York is not only packed with amazing world-famous attractions, but this is also an old city which hides a great deal behind the facade of a bridge, a home, a train track or a doorway. Next  time you hit the Big Apple, do a little bit of digging and you can discover all kinds of incredible places to visit.