Jim's Articles

Luxury yacht charter and vacation destinations Dubai Marina by Dubriani

Excellent vacation destinations and yacht rental Dubai? By incorporating Yacht Management Service to our activity our two main objectives are ensuring charter and private yacht owners the peace of mind around the legal and administrative tasks that correspond to each navigation area and for the use given to the yacht, at the same time as maintaining the technical and aesthetic condition of your boat. Without a professional follow up of these tasks, you take the risk of not being able to enjoy your day of leisure due to some big or small reason; and Charter&Dreams offer to carry this follow up to contribute to the enjoyment of your private yacht or to the profit margin of your charter yacht. Read extra info at luxury yacht Dubai.

Yachting tip of the day: There’s a good reason to run the engine for a while before departing! This is my stern with the engine running slowly in gear against the lines. We all know that when we’re charging batteries this lets the engine warm up thoroughly. However, I have a different reason: I just changed the fuel tanks and return feeds. I once did this and let go my lines straight away only to have the engine stop two minutes later. I’d somehow made a mistake with the valves and was left with a full fuel-bleeding job with empty filters. Most of us with more than one tank change them in harbor. The entrance is exactly where we don’t want to lose power, so I always give the unit a 10-minute run in gear just to make sure that if it does pack it in it’s not for lack of fuel.

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city’s most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside. The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius. There’s also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small. The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine. This theme park, near Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and big kids. With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel’s iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there’s something here for every age. Whether you want to help the Avengers battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Dubai Safari Park is home to 2500 animals replacing Dubai Zoo and its 1,000 animals. It is one of the newest attractions in Dubai, which is sprawled across 119 hectares. The main aim of this attraction is to provide recreational and educational performance to the visitors. You will be transported in a solar-powered vehicle through these “villages,” namely the Arabian, Asian, African, and Safari Village. Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is a haven for animal lovers. The park is eco-friendly that mainly uses solar energy for functioning. Besides, there are live encounters and themed sessions for adventure junkies. Both the tourists and residents admire the Walk and The Beach at JBR due to the neighborhood’s breathtaking sights. It is one of the district’s energetic atmosphere where people come for a walk, exercise, and jogging. The place is always abuzz with a lot of people. It is a one-stop spot for the movie, shopping, food, and beach — an excellent place to relax and rejuvenate. If you are tired of roaming around the city and exploring the touristy spots, you can sit back and relax at this place. However, it is worth checking out!

This article will go into detail of the costs to be expected when planning and booking a yacht charter. From the base charter fee of a yacht, what is covered within the fee and how it may vary in addition to details of contracts and how an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) can be used to manage any expenses. Alternatively, smaller yachts on a Caribbean yacht charter can expect a “mostly all-inclusive” contract known as Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI) sometimes referred to as Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT). The Standard Caribbean Terms greatly differ from Western Mediterranean Terms, as the Caribbean terms include three meals a day in addition to four hours cruising per day which is included in the base charter fee. Whatever the terms of your charter contract, you should understand the Advance Provisioning Allowance. This is an amount of about 20-25 per cent of the charter fee for a “plus all expenses” charter and about five per cent for an “all inclusive” charter. It is sent to the yacht before the charter to provision the yacht according to your preferences.

A manmade island in the shape of a palm tree – there’s a reason why locals say ‘only in Dubai.’ Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest artificial islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the Palm’s vast array of high-end hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and, perhaps most notably, the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. And with a monorail running down the ‘trunk’ that connects to the mainland’s tram system, getting there couldn’t be easier. Read even more details on https://dubriani.com/.

Premium travel attractions Bali 2022

Excellent travel attractions in Bali? This is definitely the most famous out of the three Nusa Islands. In the southwestern coast of Nusa Lembongan lies the Dream Beach, which is a remote 115 meter of a pristine stretch of white sand. But there’s more to enjoy apart from the sand and surf. While here, make sure to check out the low lying cliffs and the rock formations as well. From the beach, you can get beautiful panoramic views of the ocean and it is known for its peacefulness as well since the usual hustle and bustle of tourists isn’t here. Getting ready to explore one of the best places to visit in Bali to soak in all the charming sandy vibes. See more info at Bali places to see.

Want an escape from Bali’s urban buzz? Nusa Dua Beach is your answer. Here, you can recline on a comfortable sun lounger, cool drink in hand, and listen to the gentle slosh of surf on silky, white sands. You won’t get that cultural hit you’ll find elsewhere in Bali – this is a gated resort area on its own private peninsula after all, but if it’s peace and relatively pristine sands you seek, you’ll find it here, at one of Bali’s best beaches. Some of Bali’s best luxury beach resorts preside over this sweeping stretch of shore, and resort staff work hard to keep the sand clean and clear of trash. Popular things to do at Nusa Dua include strolling for miles along the shore, swimming, surfing, parasailing, and sunbathing, but you might need to pay a fee or eat at one of the resorts to use their sun loungers. Still, if you’re after a top Bali beach experience, Nua Dua ticks the box. When you tire of the beach, you can sign up for some pampering at a posh resort spa or browse the chic shops at Bali Collection, an open-air shopping mall. A paved promenade skirts the shore for off-sand strolling between the resorts and attractions. With all this relaxation on tap, no wonder Nusa Dua is one of the top places to visit in Bali for a honeymoon.

Kuta is known as the party capital of Bali and it’s very very westernized. When I first visited years ago, there was no beach shopping mall with designer stores, a range of fabulous beachfront restaurants, no no, and when I visited in 2019, I was actually shocked by just how “not Bali” that Kuta is! But saying that, if you’re craving something more Americanized, or you want to go clubbing, then Kuta is a good place to be. Seminyak is one of the great places to visit in Bali for couples. Seminkyak for me has a little more class and sophistication to it and it’s home to a strip of the best beach bars and restaurants in Bali. It’s probably one of my favourite places in Bali to visit. Seminyak has all you need and it caters wonderfully for vegans!

In Balinese, “Ulu” means “tip” or “land’s end,” and “Watu” means rock, a fitting name for the location of the temple on the Bukit Peninsula, along the island’s southwestern tip. Like Pura Tanah Lot, sunset is the best time to visit, when the sky and sea glow in the late afternoon light. Archaeological finds here suggest the temple is of megalithic origin, dating from around the 10th century. The temple is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits, while the monkeys who dwell in the forest near its entrance are thought to guard the temple from bad influences (keep your belongings securely stashed away from their nimble grasp). A scenic pathway snakes from the entrance to the temple, with breathtaking viewpoints along the way. Only Hindu worshippers are allowed to enter the temple, but the beautiful setting and the sunset Kecak dance performances that take place here daily are more than worth the visit.

Among the 7 sea temples each within eyesight of the next, is Tanah Lot Temple tour. Situated on a large rock, it is one of the most iconic Bali tourist attractions for photography and exoticism. Things to do: Stroll along the beach; sunbathe; watch the sunset; dine and experiment with the local cuisine. Cant miss: Surfing and swimming. A small town in the southwestern coast of Bali, Seminyak is famous for its high-end boutiques, and five-star restaurants among Bali tourist attractions. With a treacherous surf, it offers a perfect adventure with a panoramic background. Things to do: Indulge in cheap daily massage; watch the gorgeous sunset; shop; chill out at the pool parties; pose at Bali Trick Art Gallery; surf the seas; feel blessed at the Pura Petitenget temple. Cant miss: Cocktails at a cliff at The Rock Bar; a splash in Waterbom water park. Read more info on https://resurgencetravel.com/.

Best Panama canal tour right now

Panama city tours 2022 with travel tips? This 3-hour tour is ideally suited to the aspiring naturalist and photographer. The tour is ideal for those who may have little or no previous skill with a DSLR camera and would like to have some fun as a ‘Wildlife Photographer’ for the morning. Boarding our unique Rainforest Expedition Photography boat at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Marina, we start the tour by showing you how to use the specialised photography chair, the DSLR camera and the 150-600mm telephoto lens that we provide you with. Discover more details at San Blas Day Tour.

Last on our list of the best things to do in Panama City is another attraction that gets you out of the city without actually leaving. In fact, Metropolitan National Park in Panama City is the only protected national park located within a city’s limits in Central America. The park is filled with great hiking trails and you can see an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and birds. The wildlife isn’t as present as other parks and you do have to spend some time searching for them, but they are there is you’re patient enough. To get to Metropolitan National Park, simply jump in an Uber and get dropped at the visitor center within the park and head off and explore. During my visit, I hiked all the trails and it took just over 3 hours at a steady but enjoyable pace. Be sure to hike the Mirador Cerro Cedro trail, from there you get magnificent views of the city.

At Tao Travel 365 we strongly believe in eco-friendly travel and strive to support the environment as well as the local population where we conduct our tours. Read more on our philosophies in About Us. In line with our eco-friendly travel philosophy we only offer tours in exotic locations, away from mass-tourism and the immense carbon footprint. We are nature enthusiasts and enjoy breathing clean air, swimming in unpolluted waters and observing healthy wildlife in its original setting. We have greatly enjoyed all the adventures we are offering and are excited to share them with you.

For fans of surfing, beaches like El Borrego, Matanchen Bay, Los Cocos, and Las Islitas are ideal for surfing, especially during the summer when the waves reach great heights. At the famous Ramadas (small restaurants) located at the edge of the beach you can find instructors and rent surfboards. Do not miss this opportunity!

Prepare yourself for adventure to the max with our Tulum cenote and Yal Ku snorkeling tour! Start by marveling at the crumbling architecture of the ruins of Tulum. This pre-Columbian Mayan walled city is situated on tall cliffs that back up to the ocean for an incredible view! Continue your journey to a fresh-water Mayan cenote (or natural sinkhole) and jump in the brisk waters for a guided eco-tour. Navigate through breathtaking caverns as you explore the ancient rock formations up close. Go on a snorkeling discovery at the gorgeous Yal Ku where saltwater meets freshwater to create a habitat brimming with aquatic life, and finish your day relaxing on the beach with a delicious lunch at the Punta Venado beach club.

Panama’s most famous attraction is by far the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watching a massive ship, piled high with colorful containers, gliding quietly into the locks reveals the true enormity of this great feat of engineering. Taking a boat tour through the canal gives you even more perspective. If you want to simply see the Panama Canal, the best place to do this is at the Miraflores Locks, about 25 minutes from downtown Panama City. You can see the canal from the five-story visitor center, complete with a small museum, a restaurant, and an IMAX theater in a separate building.

The archipelago has 365 islands picturesque and palm tree covered, uninhabited and set in indescribably beautiful aqua waters. When famous author John Le Carre of The Tailor of Panama stayed in San Blas his comment upon taking in an island view was, “This is not paradise, this is heaven.” This is the place to go if you truly want to “get away from it all” to be seeped in and surrounded by nature. Owned by the Guna indians, they’ve kept everything natural and authentic. What a pleasure to spend a few days where there’s no concrete, glass or steel. The second major attraction is the Guna people- a beautiful ancient people, largely unspoiled by modern life. See even more info at https://www.taotravel365.com/.

Climate and travel information 2022

History and tourism guides right now? The Temple of Hercules sits within the historic Citadel on the top of the highest hill in Jordan’s capital Amman, and dates back to the time of the city’s Roman Theatre. Two tall pillars and parts of the podium are all that remain of the temple now, although the site also displays a hand carved from stone. This is thought to be the hand of Hercules from a statue that would have stood over 12m (39ft) tall before it was destroyed, possibly in an earthquake. Discover additional details on https://www.defineplaces.com/.

For shoppers, this city is famous as a frenzied hub for bargain hunting. For history-loving tourists, the many museums and monuments are some of the country’s sightseeing must-dos. And for those who just want to dive into local culture, the medina offers Moroccan life in all its hectic glory. Marrakesh is also the gateway to Morocco’s High Atlas region, where you can relish the scenic mountain beauty after your Marrakesh metropolis adventures. For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions in Marrakesh.

Sitting slap-bang between Dubai’s older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city’s modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai’s latest sights. Inside, a series of galleries whisk you through the city’s history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms. Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like. Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai’s modern downtown business district. This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises along its entire length. It’s one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai’s famed skyscraper views.

Drop the diet. Sicily sits at the culinary crossroads of the most gluttonous nations on earth. Arabs, Spanish, Normans and Greeks deposited a foodie fusion. Like pasta con le sarde, an Italo-Arabian blend of fennel, almonds, sardines and saffron. Then there’s sfincione, from the Latin word for sponge, which is half pizza, half bun, with an anchovy-cheese-tomato flavour. In Palermo, posh nosh means A’Cumcuma. Here street food and fisherman’s catches are raised into photogenic bites like red shrimps with oyster emulsion. For Sicilian cuisine as it used to be near Portorosa, try Agavos Agriturismo. Stuffed anchovies and chargrilled swordfish rolls served with a sea view.

How many days to visit Santorini? Ideally, you should spend at least 3 days in Santorini. You can visit Fira and Oia on your 1st day, then explore the rest of the island, go on a tour, or relax at the beach during the next 2 days. Here are my recommended Santorini itineraries depending on the duration of your stay. If you don’t feel like walking too much, you can take a guided bus tour. You need to book it in advance here. During the day, you will visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, then stop at the Red Beach and discover the village of Emporio. You will also swim in Perissa, taste wines and admire the sunset in Oia. This excursion is a great way to discover the best of Santorini in only 1 day!

Last on our list of the best things to do in Panama City is another attraction that gets you out of the city without actually leaving. In fact, Metropolitan National Park in Panama City is the only protected national park located within a city’s limits in Central America. The park is filled with great hiking trails and you can see an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and birds. The wildlife isn’t as present as other parks and you do have to spend some time searching for them, but they are there is you’re patient enough. To get to Metropolitan National Park, simply jump in an Uber and get dropped at the visitor center within the park and head off and explore. During my visit, I hiked all the trails and it took just over 3 hours at a steady but enjoyable pace. Be sure to hike the Mirador Cerro Cedro trail, from there you get magnificent views of the city.

Panama city tours right now with travel guides

Premium Panama canal tour 2022? An amazing aerial view of Panama City on a brief helicopter tour. Soar over the Panama Canal, the Americas Bridge, Centennial bridge, Amador Causeway, Biomuseum and City Sky line. As you go, your guide will provide important information about the most iconic attractions. We offer the best possible view from the air inside our helicopter with panoramic view, no doors to feel all the adrenaline of the ride. Excellent Service, The called us the night before to confirm and picked us up at our Panama Hotel. The staff was very friendly. I enjoyed the service and they were very welcoming. The Helicopter ride was fun and exciting. They tailored a bit of the ride to suit your preferences which is always nice. I would definitely recommend this to people wanting something fun and interesting to do in Panama. See more info on San Lorenzo Fort.

The most iconic thing to do in Panama City, and something everyone should do, is to visit the Panama Canal! The Panama Canal is well known around the world and it’s vital to world trade. The canal stretches over 82 kilometers (51 miles) and is made up of artificial lakes, and of course, those thin canals you’ve likely seen in photos. The French began construction of the Panama Canal in 1881 but had to stop construction dues to high worker death rates and construction problems. The United States took over the project in 1904 and finished it in 1914. Of course, there are so many more interesting facts about the canal but, you’ll learn about them more when you go. There are a few different tours to the Panama Canal you can do with the easiest and most popular a guided tour to the Miraflores Locks with a city tour.

Everyone of our team members is passionate about traveling and ready to offer you exceptional service. Whether answering your questions, helping you with your booking or providing you with personal recommendations on restaurants or local events, we are happy to assist you in any way possible to make your travel experience exceptional. We’re available to assist you via online chat, phone or email. Working from 3 different countries, our Travel Experts are committed to ensuring you receive outstanding and timely support. We speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and German hoping to make it easy for you to communicate with us.

Tourists from around the world come to San Blas exclusively for this important ride, La Tovara and Camalota Lagoon, where the crocodile sanctuary is located within the estuary area of the municipality of San Blas. Its ecological environment remains untouched, allowing direct contact with nature and to feel the thrill of entering a special habitat of flora and fauna.

Anyone who visits this area of Mexico should visit the unique ruins of Tulum, perched over the Caribbean Sea – no ruins can boast such an incredible view! But if you’re staying in Tulum, you really have no excuses. I like this 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour because you get to explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature all in one day. The tour starts with a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins; after that, you’ll go on a boat tour to the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea where you’ll get the chance to snorkel. The Tulum and cenote tour ends with a swim at Cenote Caracol, a beautiful cave cenote.

Although it’s not on most travelers’ itineraries, Punta Chame is home to one of the nicest beaches in Panama and it’s also the best place for kiteboarding in the country. Set on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, this area is literally all about the beach. The endless stretch of beach here is wide, and the water is warm and shallow, giving kiters who are learning the distinct advantage of being able to stand up in the water to collect themselves as they work with their kite. The winds are side on shore and quite consistent from December to April, which is Panama’s dry season. Several kite schools offer lessons, including Machete Kite and Kitesurf Panama, located at opposite ends of the beach.

Have you ever wanted to spend a day and a night on your own beautiful island? An island paradise smack-bang in the middle of gorgeous clear blue seas where there’s no one else around?A place where all you have to do is jump in the water when it gets too hot? Well, the island you see in the image above is one of those. We stayed there on our second night. Well that’s San Blas. It gets even better. We had a Kuna Native visit us. An hour after he left he dropped off some ice cold beers we could enjoy around the fire on our own island. I guess Robinson Crusoe wouldn’t have minded that service! Read even more information on https://www.taotravel365.com/.

San Blas travel tours today with travel tricks

Best Tulum Cenote tour right now? Explore rowing on a kayak the beautiful Chagres River before it merges at the Gatun lake where the huge vessels and boats transit from Ocean to Ocean. The Chagres river is the main tributary of water of the Canal. A quite waterway, enjoying the sound of the wild life of this dense tropical forest. You might get the opportunity to see a sloth in a tree, a colorful bird peacefully living in the jungle or at the top the water plants, caimans, turtles among many others species of the local fauna. After a short hike to the small port used by the Embera indigenous at Gamboa, the tour last about 1 hour and 20 minutes (in the kayak) always accompanied by our bilingual guide and probably also by an Embera guide from the area who knows the place better than anyone. Find extra details on San Blas sailing charters.

When people think of Panama City they think of tall skyscrapers and large casinos. However, the area of Casco Viejo (aka San Felipe) is the old part of the city and where much of the city’s charm lies. Here you can find that stunning colonial architecture, beautiful churches, quaint restaurants, and much of Panama’s history. There are a few ways to explore this old part of the city. You can either just walk around on your own and admire the architecture and many coffee shops. This would still be a great experience and perfect for those on a tight budget (Panama isn’t exactly cheap.) However, if you’re like me and love learning about the history of important cities, then a Casco Viejo guided tour is a must! As mentioned above, I did a full-day guided tour that visited many attractions and included an in-depth walk of Casco Viejo, a visit to Ancon Hill, and a short stop at the Amador Causeway. On the old city part of the tour, we dove deep into the history, visited a famous coffee show, and learned so much that we were actually very impressed. Without a doubt, I think that a guided tour is the way to go.

At Tao Travel 365 we strongly believe in eco-friendly travel and strive to support the environment as well as the local population where we conduct our tours. Read more on our philosophies in About Us. In line with our eco-friendly travel philosophy we only offer tours in exotic locations, away from mass-tourism and the immense carbon footprint. We are nature enthusiasts and enjoy breathing clean air, swimming in unpolluted waters and observing healthy wildlife in its original setting. We have greatly enjoyed all the adventures we are offering and are excited to share them with you.

The Guna Yala (also known as Kuna Indians) are the indigenous people of the San Blas Islands. Originally occupying the border of Panama and Colombia, (when Panama was part of Colombia), the Kuna Indians began settling in the San Blas Archipelago around 1800. No tourists were allowed to the region until the 1940s, as the Kuna Indians operated an autonomous state separate from Panama. The Kuna have kept many of their cultural traditions intact, which are still thriving today. They originally wore few clothes and decorated their bodies with bright, colorful designs, but after Europeans arrived, the Kuna began making and wearing intricately woven molas, which are still present today. Travelers are now allowed to visit, and each island family works with local operators and each other to ensure guests have the best experience on a visit to the islands.

While there are many snorkeling options in the greater Cancun area, few are more unique or more breathtaking than snorkeling in Tulum in the waters of Yal Ku as well as the cenotes in the area. These beautiful, naturally-occurring bodies of water are found inland, tucked away from the currents of the sea. Unique in their geology and dazzling in their array of marine life, Yal Ku Lagoon and the cenotes near Tulum offer a truly one-of-a-kind swimming experience. On our Cenotes Tulum tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the popular cenotes near Tulum firsthand with state-of-the-art safety equipment and the expert guidance of our tour leaders. We’ll show you some of the most incredible and easily-navigable Cancun underwater caves while ensuring your safety at every step. We’ll also visit Yal Ku Lagoon, a large, shallow cenote famous for its marine inhabitants—including sea turtles, tropical fish, and more!

Although it’s not on most travelers’ itineraries, Punta Chame is home to one of the nicest beaches in Panama and it’s also the best place for kiteboarding in the country. Set on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, this area is literally all about the beach. The endless stretch of beach here is wide, and the water is warm and shallow, giving kiters who are learning the distinct advantage of being able to stand up in the water to collect themselves as they work with their kite. The winds are side on shore and quite consistent from December to April, which is Panama’s dry season. Several kite schools offer lessons, including Machete Kite and Kitesurf Panama, located at opposite ends of the beach.

Coral Lodge, featured in Conde Nast’s Hot Hotel list, on the coast near San Blas, is the upscale lodging option with handsomely appointed individual water villas each with a jacuzzi, gorgeous views and excellent cuisine. It was rated by Conde Nast as having the “best view from the tub”. Coral lodge has Tahiti-style cabins over the sea with wrap around decks, an indoor jacuzzis and an excellent onsite restaurant. From there you can take day trips to the islands. Nearby trips include boat rides to a pristine island to sunbath and snorkel (which you’ll most probably have all to yourself) a boat trip to snorkel at the famous sunken ship site and a tour of an island Guna indian village. In Guna Yala, lunch and dinner will be freshly caught seafood- lobsters and delectable fish- bring something else if you’re not a seafood fan. Read more information at https://www.taotravel365.com/.