Mindblown: a blog about travel.

  • 5 Best Books to Read as a Traveller

    5 Best Books to Read as a Traveller

    A great thing about travelling is that you have all the time to read while you are on the road. Probably, the only time you ever get to read as a traveller. Luckily, there are an astounding number of travel books to match the amount of time available. From travel memoirs and comic novels to classic works of fiction, travel books have all it takes to spark your wanderlust as a globetrotter. Here is a list, in no particular order, of the five best books to read as a traveller.


    1. “The Beach” by Alex Garland (This is my removal guy’s favourite book)
    Visiting the land of Smiles is a great adventure, but it can become spicier with imagination from “The Beach.” Visit Thailand for the first time, through the experiences of Richard, a backpacker who seeks to find a hidden beach believed to be an exotic paradise. The Beach perfectly paints a picture of Thai disgusting guesthouses, and the streets full of other backpackers like Richard in the quest to find paradise, with caves and beaches undiscovered, and were probably under the reign of drug kingpins.

    2. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
    Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece, The Alchemist, is one to be devoured. This book tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy, and his quest to find treasure in the pyramids. In his search, he discovers riches way different and far more satisfying than he expected. Most travellers, like you, are in search of something in their expeditions, whether it’s exotic cuisines, fascinating archaeology, or a connection with nature’s finest all over the world. However, while you are busy searching for what is outside, you discover a piece of yourself you never knew existed. This is exactly what happened to Santiago in The Alchemist. Despite this book being an oldie, it sure does spark the spirit of adventure and the quest to discover what is out there and what lies deep within us.


    3. “Blue Highways: A Journey Into America” by William Least Heat-Moon
    Impelled by two devastating losses, his job, and his wife, Least Heat-Moon set out on a road trip across America, sticking to highways marked in blue on his map. He sets out on a voyage of self-discovery. Heat-Moon discovers that the small towns everyone passes en route to big cities have equally as much to offer, in some cases more. According to him, from his experiences, every place is a gem and has much more than meets the eye. Through this book, he paints perfect pictures of unforgettable experiences through average locations.


    4. “Dark Star Safari” by Paul Theroux
    Paul Theroux shares his enthralling experience as he traverses the African continent from Cairo to Cape Town. Here, he paints a vibrant portrait of Africa, his encounter with tourists, locals, and aid workers on his road trip across Africa, and its staggering beauty. He travels by bus, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, canoe, and train and is faced with a couple of dilemmas, all of which make his road trip across Africa worthwhile. If you plan to travel to Africa, this book will get you in the mood for an adventure of a lifetime. 


    5. “Vagabonding” by Rolf Potts
    Closing the list is Vagabonding, a life-changing book for those with a spirit of adventure. Rolf Potts’s work is full of lessons on how to be brave, take some time off life’s routine, and experience the world on different terms over an extended overseas trip. Learn about extended travel, from how to budget while travelling to changing your perception of money. In short, Vagabonding teaches what it takes to build a nomadic life and find peace and satisfaction.


    Conclusion
    Whether planning your next trip or already en-route to your next destination, any of these top books will give you the best company and ignite the spark you need as a traveller. …

  • Joyce’s Australian Adventure: A Journey of Discovery Down Under

    Joyce’s Australian Adventure: A Journey of Discovery Down Under

    Joyce had been meticulously planning her dream trip to Australia for years, pinning photos and articles to her vision board in her cozy Exeter home. As an accountant for a hotel chain, she was no stranger to the travel world, yet her personal adventures had been limited. But now, at 50, freshly divorced and with her children grown and independent, Joyce felt an unquenchable thirst for adventure. The time had finally come to embark on the trip of a lifetime.

    Her Australian adventure began the moment she landed in Sydney. The bustling city greeted her with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sights she had seen countless times in photographs but now beheld with her own awe-struck eyes. Joyce didn’t waste a moment, exploring the vibrant streets, tasting the fusion of cuisines, and soaking in the city’s dynamic culture. She even dared to climb the Harbour Bridge, feeling a rush of exhilaration as she took in the panoramic views of the city and ocean beyond.

    From Sydney, Joyce ventured to the heart of Australia’s natural wonders. She flew to Cairns, where she joined a diving tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Diving into the crystal-clear waters, she was mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors and life beneath the waves. Swimming alongside fish of every conceivable color, she marveled at the delicate coral formations and even spotted a shy sea turtle gliding through the water. It was a magical experience that surpassed her wildest dreams.

    Next on her itinerary was the rugged beauty of Uluru. Standing before the massive sandstone monolith at sunrise, Joyce felt a deep connection to the earth and its ancient history. The colors of the rock changing with the rising sun, from deep purple to glowing red, left her speechless. She spent days hiking around the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, learning about the Aboriginal culture and the land’s spiritual significance, which added a rich layer of understanding and respect to her adventure.

    Seeking a change of scenery, Joyce headed south to Melbourne. The city’s artistic alleys, packed with stunning street art, and its coffee culture quickly captivated her. She found herself losing track of time in galleries, sipping lattes in quaint cafes, and watching performances by street artists. Melbourne’s charm lay in its blend of the modern and the historical, and Joyce felt a kinship with its vibrant spirit.

    The final leg of her journey took her to the remote wilderness of Tasmania. She was enchanted by its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and the pristine beauty of its national parks. Hiking through the Tasmanian wilderness, she encountered wildlife she had never imagined seeing outside of a zoo, such as the elusive Tasmanian devil and the curious wombats. It was a fitting end to her adventure, a reminder of the wild, untamed beauty that existed in the world.

    Joyce returned to Exeter with more than just souvenirs and photographs. She brought back a renewed sense of self, a wealth of incredible memories, and a heart full of the adventures she had lived. Her Australian adventure had been everything she dreamed of and more, a testament to the beauty of embracing life’s opportunities and the joy of discovering the world’s wonders. It was a trip that transformed her, not just as a traveler, but as a person who had dared to live her dream.…

  • Joyce’s Accidental Odyssey: From Exeter to Argentina

    Joyce’s Accidental Odyssey: From Exeter to Argentina

    Joyce had always been a dreamer, her eyes often wandering to the distant horizons as she scrubbed floors and cleaned rooms at the hotel chain in Exeter. At 50, divorced, and with her children grown up, she felt it was finally time to chase her dreams. She had saved every penny, cut every corner, and finally, the day had come. She was going to Peru, the land of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and endless adventure.

    However, fate had other plans. A mix-up at the travel agency sent her to Argentina instead. Joyce was initially disheartened, but then she thought, “Well, Argentina has its own magic, doesn’t it?” With that spirit, she decided to make the most of her accidental destination.

    Her first stop was Buenos Aires, the capital city, a place of tango, art, and history. She wandered through the colorful streets of La Boca, where every building seemed to be painted in a different hue, each more vibrant than the last. She even took a tango lesson, laughing as she stumbled through the steps. The locals were warm and welcoming, and Joyce felt truly alive for the first time in years.

    Joyce's Accidental Odyssey: From Exeter to Argentina

    Next, she headed to Mendoza, the wine country. She had never been a connoisseur, but the vineyard tours and the wine-tasting sessions were an experience she wouldn’t forget. The landscape was breathtaking, with the Andes mountains providing a majestic backdrop. She thought about the years she had spent cleaning, the monotony of her daily routine, and realized that she had forgotten what it felt like to be amazed by the world.

    She took a bus from Mendoza to Bariloche, a town in the Andean foothills. It had lakes and mountains, chocolate shops, and Swiss-style architecture. She took a boat tour on Lake Nahuel Huapi and felt she was in a different world altogether. The water was so clear that it mirrored the sky, and the mountains seemed to touch the heavens.

    Her final destination was Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. It was a place of windswept landscapes and untamed wilderness. She took a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, where she saw penguins waddling along the shore and sea lions basking in the sun. She even took a small plane ride over the Beagle Channel, looking down at the rugged coastline and the endless ocean. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, a feeling she had never known.

    Sitting in a café in Ushuaia, sipping on a cup of Argentine yerba mate, she thought about her journey. It had been an accident, a twist of fate, but it had given her something invaluable. She had discovered a part of herself that she had forgotten, a part that yearned for adventure and new experiences. She had learned that sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them, in forms you could never imagine.

    Joyce returned to Exeter with a heart full of memories and a soul enriched by her experiences. She returned to her job, to the same floors and rooms, but something had changed. She was no longer just a cleaner; she was an adventurer, a dreamer who had seen a glimpse of the world’s wonders.

    And as she scrubbed and cleaned, her mind would often wander to the distant lands she had visited, the people she had met, and the experiences she had had. She knew that her adventure was not an end but a beginning, a stepping stone to a life of possibilities.

    And so, Joyce, the 50-year-old cleaner from Exeter, became Joyce, the eternal dreamer, forever looking to the horizon, forever ready for the next adventure. Although she never made it to Peru, she found something perhaps even more valuable: the realization that the world is full of unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered by those willing to take a chance.…

  • Joyce Goes To Peru

    Joyce Goes To Peru

    Joyce had spent most of her life cleaning hotel rooms for others, scrubbing floors and making beds for guests who were on their own adventures. Now, at the age of 50, divorced and with her children all grown up and living their own lives, she decided it was time for her own adventure. She had always dreamt of visiting Peru, and she was determined to make that dream a reality.

    For years, Joyce had been putting aside a portion of her meager salary, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and saving every penny she could. She had even started learning a bit of Spanish in her free time, just in case she needed it during her trip. Finally, after years of hard work and determination, she had saved up enough money to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

    With her bags packed and excitement bubbling in her chest, Joyce boarded a plane bound for Peru. The flight was long, but she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as the plane descended towards her destination. The moment she stepped off the plane in Lima, she felt a rush of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment that she had never experienced before.

    Joyce’s adventure began in Lima, where she explored the vibrant neighborhoods, tried the local cuisine, and marveled at the beautiful architecture. She took a guided tour of the historic city center, where she learned about the rich history and culture of Peru. Despite the language barrier, she managed to communicate with the locals using her basic Spanish skills, and they welcomed her with warm smiles and open arms.

    From Lima, Joyce made her way to Cusco, the gateway to the ancient Inca civilization. She was amazed by the breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, and towering mountains that surrounded her. The altitude took some getting used to, but she didn’t let it deter her from her adventure. She explored the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman, marveled at the beauty of the Sacred Valley, and hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a dream she had nurtured for years.

    As she stood atop Machu Picchu, tears welled up in Joyce’s eyes. The sight before her was more beautiful and awe-inspiring than she could have ever imagined. She felt a deep connection to the history and spirit of this ancient place. It was a moment of reflection for Joyce, a reminder that dreams could come true, no matter how long it took to achieve them.

    Throughout her journey, Joyce met fellow travelers from all over the world, and they became her friends and companions. They shared stories, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. Joyce realized that her adventure was not just about the places she visited but also about the people she met along the way.

    After weeks of exploration and adventure, Joyce’s journey through Peru was coming to an end. She returned to Lima, where she sat by the ocean, watching the waves crash against the shore. She knew that this trip had changed her life in ways she could never fully express. It had given her a new perspective, a sense of independence, and a belief in herself that she had never known before.

    Joyce’s trip to Peru was more than just a vacation; it was a testament to her resilience, determination, and the power of following one’s dreams. As she boarded the plane back to England, she knew that she would carry the memories of her Peru adventure with her for the rest of her life. She had proven that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter where life has taken you.…

  • 10 fun things to do in New York

    10 fun things to do in New York

    The City of New York is world famous. You have probably heard and seen some of the iconic features in the city through the media, and you might be itching to go and see them in real life. We have you covered if you are planning to visit this place and don’t know where to start. These are some of the places you need to see and things you should do while in the city to enjoy your visit thoroughly and make beautiful memories. Read on to find out.


    1.    Get on a hop-on-hop-off bus and tour the city

    A hop-on-hop-off bus allows you to tour the city quickly and in a more fun way because you can board and alight whenever you wish. You can see famous attractions, including Empire State, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park. If you want to get the best views, select the seats on the upper deck.


    2.    Shop at the Time Square
    If you love watching American movies, you have definitely seen this place on your screen. It is full of bright and colorful lights. The place is also awash with restaurants and shops. Some famous shops at this location are The Sanrio Store, the Hershey’s Store, and the NHL Store. Whether you want to savour Asian or Italian food, this is the place to go. You can also see MTV Studios and listen to the street musicians entertaining pedestrians at the square.


    3.    Go to the intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
    If you are into submarines and seas, you will definitely enjoy visiting this museum. You will learn about the American military and maritime history since World War II when you visit it. You can also see the supersonic reconnaissance plane, aircraft carrier, and NASA and Marine Corps artifacts.


    4.    Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
    The Statue of Liberty is world-famous. It is one of the features that even strangers can associate with the US. Well, if you visit New York City, you can see it because this is the home of the iconic statue. You can hop on the boat tours that go around the island or the Statue of Liberty ferry and other tours that require you to book in advance. You can climb up the stairs to the statue’s crown when you go on these tours. You will have a thrilling and memorable experience.


    5.    Check out The Madison Square Garden
    Many historical events have taken place in this venue, and it’s also the place where the New York Knicks NBA and New York Rangers NHL teams live. You can tour this place for 75 minutes and learn a lot about it.


    6.    Observe the city’s skyline from the Top of the Rock Observatory
    This place is situated above the Rockefeller Center, an expansive complex of almost twenty separate buildings between 51st and 48th streets in the middle of the city. Viewing the Rockefeller Center on its own is magical, but when you take a trip to the top of the observatory, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of New York. At the top, you can catch a glimpse of attractions like the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building, some of the skyscrapers on the city’s skyline.


    7.    Tour the Hudson River
    Organize a boat tour of this famous river. This is the river where the famous pilot Sandy landed an airplane and saved all the passengers’ lives. A boat tour through the river will enable you to see the city from the water. Some sights you will see are Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.


    8.    Go to the Bronx Zoo and see a variety of animals

    This zoo is a fantastic place to go and see a wide range of animals. It is one of the most prominent zoos since it has more than 700 animal species. If you enjoy seeing and learning about various animals, you will be glad you visited this place. You can walk through the New York Botanical Garden when you are still in the Bronx. You will see numerous exhibits and gardens. This garden is an incredible place to appreciate the beauty of nature.


    9.    Learn about the culture in Little Italy and Chinatown
    Culture is one of the things that distinguish people from different parts of the world and make us special. Learning about a people’s culture helps us know them and understand them better. You can visit little Italy and immerse yourself in Italian culture. The area is packed with Italian shops, cafes, and restaurants. Chinatown is also another place to learn about a different culture. Chinese temples, shops, and restaurants dot the location.


    10.  See creative photographs at Fotografiska
    Fotografiska is a museum in New York that exhibits interesting photos by modern photographers and artists. It contains galleries on three floors that showcase a variety of pictures, including abstract work, documentary exhibits, intimate portraits, and landscapes. Once you are done looking at the photos, pop into the bar and café at the museum and sample the foods and drinks.


    Final Thoughts
    New York is a busy and exciting place. It is full of people from different parts of the world and varying cultures. There are many fun, creative and artistic things to do in New York City. As a traveller, you should make it one of your destinations because you won’t be disappointed. Visit this beautiful city and see all the iconic places for yourself.…

  • 11 Great Tourist Attractions In Venice

    Venice is a city that is known all over the world. The city is located in Italy, and it was built on more than 100 islands near the Adriatic Sea. Venice has always been a popular tourist spot, attracting travelers from all around the globe to its unique setting of canals and gondolas.

    It is one of the top destinations in Italy. If you’re planning a tour of Venice, there are plenty of great tourist attractions that will make your trip even more memorable.

    1. The Grand Canal – This is the largest canal in Venice, and it runs right through the center of the city. It’s lined with stunning palaces and churches on either side, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit while touring Venice.

    2. St Mark’s Basilica – This iconic church is located near St Mark’s Square, which was once the city’s main marketplace during medieval times. Not only is this church a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, but it also houses numerous works of art by some of history’s most famous artists.

    3. St Mark’s Square – This is one of the main tourist attractions in Venice, and it’s where you’ll find St Mark’s Basilica as well as numerous other historical buildings and monuments. The square has been a gathering place for centuries, and it’s simply a must-visit spot during your trip to this iconic city.

    4. Doge’s Palace – This stunning palace was once home to the doges, or rulers, of Venice during medieval times. It sits on St Mark’s Square just like the Basilica does, and it features a beautiful gothic façade that is sure to leave you in awe.

    5. Rialto Bridge – This bridge allows pedestrians to cross the Grand Canal in style, and it’s one of the oldest bridges in Venice. It was originally built in 1180, and it still stands today as a testament to the beauty and history of this unique city.

    6. The Bridge of Sighs – This is another iconic attraction in Venice that you won’t want to miss. It was named for the sighs expressed by prisoners being taken from their cells to face trial and sentencing, but today it’s known more for its stunning architecture than anything else.

    7. Murano Glass Museum – If you’re interested in learning more about Venetian glass-making artistry, then be sure to stop by this museum on your tour of Venice. You’ll find an extensive collection of beautiful glass works here, including vases, sculptures, and other items that showcase the skill of local artisans.

    8. The Rialto Market – This is one of the biggest markets in Venice, selling everything from fresh produce to delicate Venetian lace. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or simply want to see what a traditional Italian market looks like, this is certainly a must-visit destination during your trip to Venice.

    9. Dorsoduro – If you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood in Venice that still offers plenty of charming attractions, then be sure to check out Dorsoduro. Its narrow streets are lined with quaint cafés and boutiques, making it the perfect place to stop for a leisurely lunch or browse for souvenirs.

    10. Grand Canal by Night – You certainly shouldn’t go home from Venice without seeing its famous canals once the sun goes down. Take a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal at night, and watch as the buildings light up on either side of you, creating an unforgettable experience.

    11. The Lido – If you want to spend some time on the beach during your visit to Venice, then be sure to head over to The Lido. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Italy, offering a wide range of activities like swimming, playing volleyball on the sand, or simply relaxing in a lounge chair with a good book. No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s something to do at The Lido that everyone will enjoy.

Got any book recommendations?