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Air HackThe best travel hack would be doing a proper research & planning a perfect trip that suits your need. Following sites/apps will help you figure out to-do's & not to do's.Trip/Itinerary PlanningTripIt - Travel Itinerary - Trip PlannerTripcipe: The recipe for your perfect tripTripHobo: Free Vacation PlannerGroup Travel Planner - Travel PlanningTrip Planner | TripomaticHellotravel : Get multiple holiday quotesEzRoadTrips : Road Trip Planner, Attractions, HotelsThe Curated Travel | Custom day-by-day travel itinerariesTripAdvisor: Read Reviews, Compare Prices & BookLonely PlanetFodor's Travel Guides - Plan Your Trip OnlineGet cash from ATMs for best ratesCharles Schwab High Yield Checking accounts refund every single ATM fee worldwide, require no minimum balance, and have no monthly feeBring a spare credit card for real emergenciesSplit cash in various places on your person (pockets, shoes) and in your luggageUse a money beltThrow the hotel bar soap into your dirty laundry bag so it doesn’t stink up your suitcase for the rest of your trip. Don’t have any bar soap lying around? Use a dryer sheet.Wear a night moisturizer on long flights because it’s extra hydrating and you’ll have plenty of time to let it sink in and do its job (you know, like fighting wrinkles and brightening skin).Pack items like your laptop in smaller bags so you have options when you’re out and about. You don’t want to have to lug your carry-on bag with you everywhere, do you?Store your power cords in an old sunglass case. It’ll keep you from losing your damn mind. We promise.Bring several pairs of underwear in your carry-on—just in case your luggage winds up lost.Collect travel- and sample-size items (gee, where could you find those?) so you’ll have them when you need them.Pre-pack what you can. Always have a toiletry bag ready, so that you don't need to go crazy the night before you leave.Place a cotton pad in your blush or powder compact to ensure that it won’t break while you’re in transit.Check AirBnB, ZO Rooms , oyorooms, Roomorama, TripVillas - Holiday Homes, Vacation Apartments and More, Homeaway, VRBO, FlipKey, (or an aggregator of all these like AllTheRooms) before making hotel/room reservationsCheck Hotel Tonight for a last minute bookingCheck flash-sale sites (Jetsetter, Vacationist) and sites that reward high-value travelers (Hotelied)Call the hotel directly for rates to compare with online rates.Private rooms in hostels are better deals and more fun than hotels in many 2nd tier citiesAlways ask for a better room or free upgrade when you check into a hotel. About half the time, you get one.Evaluate quality of the source before accepting restaurant recommendations of hotel employeesNeed a charger or adapter? Ask the hotel desk. Almost always, they'll pull a box of chargers abandoned by previous travelers and you can have your pick.Track your miles and points from your smartphone with applications like Superfly and Award Wallet.Follow the locals. If there are locals around you, you're doing it right. If there are only tourists, you're probably being ripped off.SmileLearn a bit of the language, make an effortLook for people already drinking and buy a roundEat with them: Food Experiences With Locals Around The World | EatwithCheck the Spotted by Locals apps or blogs (Europe & North America)Get the local experiences: Triip: The Happiest Way to Enjoy Truly Local Experiences (Triip is now available in 86 countries)Email PDFs of your passport to yourselfTake an unlocked GSM phone with you, you can buy SIM cards almost everywhere cheapIf you need any sort of service and you're outside the U.S., call the 800 US number if there is one. Much faster and friendlier service.Get a YMCA membership. YMCAs are the most pervasive gym in the U.S. and for $5 you get access to showering, hot tub, swimming pool, locker for an entire day etc.Use Thumbtack to get services done by locals, instead of businessesUse Tripoto to see what other travellers did before you.Check Foursquare for free Wi-Fi hotspotsRewards lounges usually have unprotected Wi-Fi networksBuying Internet access from your mobile device rather than your laptop can get you a better rate. Alternatively, you can spoof your browser's User Agent.If flying with someone else on 3-seat arrangements, book the aisle and window. The middle seat is likely to remain free, or the person who gets it will be happy to trade with one of you. If traveling solo, buddy up with another solo traveler.In airports, observe the flight crews. They know which places are best to eat at, what monorail to use etc.The first bathroom in the terminal is the most crowded one. Use the next one.Avoid airport security lines with people who look like they don't travel often (elderly, children, large groups).Ask that your checked bags be marked as "fragile". This will put them on the top of other bags, so they'll often come out of the carousel first.If your flight gets cancelled/delayed or you're likely to miss a connection, pick up the phone and re-book your flight. Don't wait in the long line at the counter.Always search JetBlue and Southwest in addition to meta-search engines like Kayak, because they may not index them.Bring an empty water bottle through security, then fill it from a fountain for free hydration throughout the flight.Acting sleepy/groggy (yawning a lot and looking bored) makes it very easy to breeze through immigration, customs, security.http://boardingarea.com/viewfrom..., but with careBook the discounted 5am flight, then show up later in the day and get re-booked on a flight with available seats. You might need to pay at most a $25 rescheduling fee.Cargo pants and vests with many pockets can act as a 3rd carryonBecome a Travel Wizard: Fly Free, Stay Free, See the WorldExtra Pack of PeanutsFlystein | Genius powered flight search hackers for hireBring an empty water bottle through airport security. Fill it up from a water fountain inside. Drink it on the flight to counteract dehydration.Bring some kind of eye covering and ear plugs to help you sleep -- on flights, in airports, in hostels located next to nightclubs...Bring a vacuum-sealed space saver bag, the kind you can squeeze the air out of by hand, for clothing. You can reduce the volume of clothing by a ridiculous amount.Bring clothes that dry quickly, i.e. not cotton.Get money from the ATM. Avoid moneychangers and their atrocious exchange rates like the plague. If possible, use a bank that doesn't charge you extra fees for withdrawals from outside ATMs on top of the ATMs' fees (my FCU even refunds the ATMs' fees).Learn how to use the waist straps on backpacks if you're going to do a lot of walking. Most of the weight should be on your waist, not your shoulders. (I had been doing it wrong for my entire life.)When getting off a plane and walking through the airport, avoid the first restroom you see. You will certainly come across another one soon that will be much less crowded.3 points per $1 spent at major supermarkets in Australia2 points per $1 spent at major petrol stations in Australia1 point per $1 spent everywhere else0.5 points per $1 spent on utilities, insurance (except insurances offered by American Express), telecommunications providers and government bodies in AustraliaTravel GuideMoneyPackingHotelsFrequent Flyer Miles, Hotel Points and other travel loyalty programsInteracting with localsTravel logisticsInternetFlightsTravel Hacking Courses & Guides:Travel Hacking Services:42 BEST TRAVEL HACKS FOR SAVING MONEYThere are an infinite number of ways you can save money on travel. Here are some of our best travel hacks for finding cheap flights, accommodation, transport, and on the ground travel related costs.Using some of these travel hacks in the past week alone, I’ve saved over $14001.Use your credit card to pay and earn reward pointsUse your Membership Rewards Card to pay for your living expenses + travel expenses. Set up a direct debit from your bank to pay off the balance each month. We recommend paying it off in full! I can’t tell you how much we save on travel + how many perks we get for following this strategy. It’s almost like money for nothing as you’re paying for these expenses anyway!We have a Platinum Edge American Express Card which earns us:It’s the fastest way to gather points you can then use those points to live life well. We put those points towards travel, but you can put them towards other luxury items as outlined in this post.TRAVEL HACKS TO SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHTS2. Clear your cache, enable private browsingAirlines track your behaviour via cookies, which means if you return at a later date to grab that cheap flight you found in your flight search, they’ve noted your interest through the cookies previously and so will, this time, return a slightly higher price for your flight. #cheeky You can get around this by clearing your cache or enabling private browsing.3. Use a VPNFlights can be different prices depending on which country you book from. Use a VPN – a Virtual Private Network – which makes it look like you are in another country.You can select a VPN from the US, UK, Germany, Japan, etc. to find the lowest price and book through that VPN. It may take time, but you could save a substantial amount on flights.4. Use search enginesUse search engines like Skyscanner, Adioso, and Google Flights who will scan the airlines for you and bring you comparative rates. You can purchase the best deal directly from them. OR, after finding the best deal, go direct to the airline’s website to see if you can get a better deal.You can then also check to see if you can reduce the price or get free upgrades with your frequent flyer or membership points. Check your favourite airline first. If the price is right, it’s always best to fly your favourites and stockpile those points each time you fly.(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)5. Use Frequent Flyer or Membership PointsI can’t tell you how many flights we’ve paid for using frequent flyer points. You can collect them each time you fly – as long as you’re a member of that frequent flyer program. Or, you can collect them using our first travel hack – use your credit card to pay for all expenses. You’ll be surprised how quickly they accumulate.Craig just used his frequent flyer points to pay for his flight to South Australia. We get several flights per year, including international, due to our frequent flyer points.American Express Membership Rewards program has over 10 Airline Partners you can transfer your points to. We usually try and consolidate our points to Qantas, but our current Card doesn’t have that option – but we can transfer to Velocity (Virgin), which we use frequently.If there’s a seat available with Webjet, your points can pay for it, or a combination of points plus pay on your American Express Card.6. Free flight with your credit card feeWhen we pay our annual fee each year for our American Express Platinum Edge, we get a free domestic flight on Virgin. Our friend, Mel, has used her one before to visit us on the Goldie – yay!I used mine the other day for my return flight to South Australia. If you’re paying fees, find ways to make them work in your favour.Plus, when you create a new account with American Express you get a bonus 10,000 points. You can use those points in multiple ways as outlined in this post.7. Find hidden airportsSome airlines don’t operate in the same alliance or have a codeshare agreement, which means they might not show up together on flight searches even though the option is available.TripCombi uses an algorithm to search connections from nearby airports or between two airlines to track ‘hidden airports,’ as the team calls them. These flights can often offer better rates and connections.8. Follow Sales DaysSome airlines have certain days of the week where they will release their sale fares. For example, Virgin Australia has its Thursday Happy Hour, which is an exclusive sale for discount flights that you can access only by signing up for their email alert and Jetstar has Friday Frenzy with great sales to domestic and international locations each week.You can also do this through websites like Airfare Watchdog and Cheap Airline Tickets, Airfares & Discount Air Tickets, which both offer fare-track alerts that let you know when prices drop.9. Politely complainDon’t go looking for things to complain about, but if something legitimately goes wrong on a flight, reach out to the airline to express your disappointment and explain the situation. Often you’ll receive credit.I complained to Jetstar once about the rude staff, and I received a $100 credit. It wasn’t why I complained; I didn’t even know that would happen.10 Get bumpedIf you’ve got plenty of time up your sleeves, this is one of my favourite travel hacks.Plenty of airlines overbook their plans with the hopes some people won’t show up. If they’re too full, they ask for bump volunteers. They’ll get you on the next possible flight as well as giving you perks like free flights, credit and accommodation vouchers if the next flight is not until the next day.11. Set flight alertsSearch Kayak for the flight you want, and check the price predictor. If the flight is more than 3-4 months away, set a fare alert, and watch the price.When you find a price that works, try to book it on a Tuesday or Wednesday when prices are typically lower. To make the hack work even more in your favour, head over to American Express Travel and pay the flight with as many points as you have. If there’s a balance left over, use your American Express card to pay for it and collect more points!12. Buy an upgrade with pointsSome seats on each flight are kept aside for frequent flyers to effectively ‘buy’ using points. These can be seven times less than the Points plus pay seats which are available. These are best suited to solo and flexible travellers.Qantas has the option to bid for your upgrade. The last remaining unsold biz class seats are put to auction with the highest bidder wins! Take your chances!13. Work for an airlineCraig worked for Delta in North Carolina for two years. We had standby free flights including flights back to Australia. It was such a shame that they only had space remaining in business class!14. Airline Lounge upgradesFree food, drinks and Wi-Fi plus TV, desks and comfy chairs away from the chaos. I didn’t even notice my flight was delayed by almost three hours on my return from LAX. I was lapping up the luxury in the Qantas Business Lounge. Check your frequent flyer program status to see if lounge access is included.American Express grants eligible Card Members two complimentary airport lounge visits each year to the Sydney International lounge.You can also join an airline membership program like Priority Pass. With Priority Pass you have access to over 950 airport lounges worldwide and a choice of three membership plans to suit your particular traveling needs(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)TRAVEL HACKS TO SAVE MONEY ON ACCOMMODATION15. Use your pointsWe stayed in Denver, Colorado recently using hotel reward points, saving us around $300 a night. It’s beneficial to sign up to hotel chains loyalty programs. Get on their email list as they often have special deals come out for their members such as double points and free upgrades.It doesn’t always have to be direct with that hotel chain. American Express Membership Rewards have two Hotel Guest Partners. You can transfer your points into your preferred program and book directly with the partner.16. Access Club LoungesSome hotel chains, like Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton, have Club Lounges. You may get access to these depending on your program status, or you can purchase a pass with your points.These club lounges have free food and drinks. We saved a lot of money eating out when we stayed at the Ritz in Denver as we could eat in the Club lounge!17. Ask for upgrades and best priceDon’t be shy to ask for an upgrade when you check in. We often get upgrades without even asking. Hotel chains will often upgrade you if they have space as they want their customers to have incredible experiences.Golden Rule – be kind, courteous and friendly. It’s just karma baby!Ask the accommodation what is the best price they can do. They can often reduce the rate for you if you book directly with them. On our road trip around Australia, we often asked the caravan parks/hotels upon check-in if that was their best price. We’d often get the kids thrown in for free! If you don’t ask, you don’t get.18. Use AirbnbAirbnb is my favourite way to book cheap accommodation. Plus, you get to live like a local and have the facilities to cook your food and save more money.Apartment rentals often come with free Wi-Fi, are in good locations, and other perks, like tea and coffee, use of kayaks and bikes, and a local’s guide to the area.I stayed in an Airbnb in LA, and the host even offered transfer services to the airport which were on par with Uber prices. She was also a wealth of inside knowledge, and it was way cheaper than staying in a hotel – by at least $1000 in total.19. Find the dealsTwo for the price of one, discounted rates, kids stay for free – there are multiple ways to find cheap accommodation. Travelling outside of peak times will give you the biggest chance.Stay connected to your favourite hotel chains and search engine providers via email or social media to quickly grab the deals as they come through.20. Book your travels with pointsAs outlined in this post, I used the American Express Travel booking service on their website to book flights, accommodation, car rental and even tours. I found their deals very comparable to other sites, if not better – they had some great discounted deals on accommodation!You can book using points, or a combination of points + pay. If you use up all your points, and still have more to book, you can pay for whatever’s left with your American Express Card and collect more points for travel!With American Express Travel Online there are no restrictions, no blackout dates, and no fees. Simple.For some eligible American Express Cards offer a complimentary Travel Credit, which can be used to book eligible prepaid flights, hotels or car hire when booking with American Express Travel Online.(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)LUXURY TRAVEL HACKS21. Rent a lux houseGrab your mates, your extended family or multiple families and rent out a luxury house. The initial price may seem huge, but when you split it per person, it will often end up cheaper than staying in a cramped hotel.Now you’ll feel like the rich and famous; you can all throw in to share food costs, which means you can go a little more deluxe with your food choices – don’t forget the champers and morning mimosas!We stayed in a luxury house on the waterfront on the Gold Coast with 14 of my friends for my 40th.22. Luxury for lessWe recently shared a new search aggregator by Travelex that helps you find luxury holidays for less and breaks it down into flight, accommodation and currency costs according to your budget. You’ll be surprised by how far your money can go.23. All-inclusive holidaysThere are plenty of travel destinations or experiences (like cruises) that offer all-inclusive deals, which can be a great way get more for your money. You know how much to budget before you go, your food, accommodation, and sometimes alcohol and activities are all included.All inclusive holidays are suited to those type of holidays where you don’t want to do too much but relax and spend time with those you love, rather than exploring, adventuring and tasting the local life.24. Repositioning cruisesCruise ships often have to relocate to start a new itinerary or season. Instead of sailing the ship empty, they sell discounted tickets – on average up to 50% off. Repositioning cruises travelling to and from Australia frequently stop in Tahiti or travel via Hawaiian ports such as Honolulu, Lahaina, Kailua, and Kona. Other repositioning itineraries that journey to and from Asia include ports such as Singapore, Bali, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and Puerto Princessa and Manila in the Philippines.If you’re planning on a one way trip to a destination, this could be a cheap way to get yourself there, making the journey part of the travel adventure. I considered it as an option to get to Hawaii on our America Unplugged road trip, but couldn’t find anything to suit.25. Chauffeur driven transfersTravelling business or first? Top tier airlines such as Qantas and Emirates offer complimentary chauffeur driven transfers to and from the airport on selected major flights.If you have a big travelling party, it might even be worth you investigating the price of this in comparison to other forms of transport. Go lux for less when you can!(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)TRAVEL HACKS TO SAVE MONEY ON TRANSPORTriding a tuk tuk in Laos is cheap!26. Compare your ground transportation optionsCheck the prices of your trip compared to buses, trains, and taxis. Now we almost always grab an Uber from Sydney Airport into the city. It costs around $50, sometimes less. On the train, it costs $17 one way per person and $14 for the kids.Rome2rio is a trip planner that maps out all of the available transportation options between destinations. Enter the name of any address or landmark to see the best available flight, train, bus, ferry, and driving options, with estimated travel times and fares.RideGuru is a online tool that helps compare taxi and rideshare services so you can find the most economical choice for you.27. Use relocation car rentalsI currently have my eye on car relocation rental deals from Brisbane to Sydney. We leave our apartment on the 15th October to begin our new nomadic life with the first stop planned for our hometown.We’re running the numbers on whether to drive down so we can bring our boxes for storage OR send those boxes by mail and fly down. If we can find a relocation deal, we’ll save a lot of money. (UPDATE: We found a deal and saved ourselves around $600)Relocation rentals are when you help out a car rental company by driving back one of their one-way rentals. You get a super cheap rate – some for as little as $1 a day. Some even include fuel and no booking or admin fees.But, you do have to be quick to jag a deal!28. Skip the rental car insuranceA lot of private auto insurance policies and many major credit cards provide coverage for rental cars, particularly when rented for personal use (as opposed to for business).Check their policies just to make sure, but the chances are good that you can skip the expensive insurance coverage offered by the car rental company.29. Look for small rental car companiesCheck out local tourist brochures and sites to find local car rental dealers. After we ditched our car in Burleigh, we found an ad in the local tourist brochure for Jacks Rental. Their prices were lower than any other rental company and online booking site PLUS they drop off and deliver the car to your accommodation. They are the BEST and we use them every time we want to hire a car.Better price + convenience = travel bliss.30. Use travel cardsMany major cities will have travel cards. You buy a card and top it up with money to tap and go on various public transport. They will always be cheaper than buying a direct ticket.Only worth it if you plan on using public transport for several trips31. Check out cheap or free travel daysYou can often find special days or times where cheap or free transport deals happen. Sydney used to have Family Fun Day – $2.50 per person all day for families to ride public transport unlimited. Sunday was our day to explore Sydney from the Central Coast. On any other day, the ticket for one adult return was $16.(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)HACKS TO SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL EXPENSES32. Use ATM’s and credit cards rather than currency exchange99 percent of the time your bank will have the best possible exchange rate. Save time and money by using the bank rather than currency exchanges. Grab money — in the local currency — from ATMs, or pay with a credit card to save time — and your hard earned cash. Withdraw large amounts of money at a time (an amount you feel comfortable carrying) to avoid excess fees.International transaction fees on your credit card can add up so check fees and come up with the best plan to find a balance of withdrawing money to using your credit card. We use both. We like using the credit card, if it makes sense, so that we can accumulate more reward points.My friend just returned from Canada and was stoked with the amount of American Express Membership Reward points she accumulated from using her card as almost all vendors accepted it. I used my Qantas Cash Card while in LA for purchases and collected frequent flyer points each time and no fees.33. Use your points to buy foreign currencySo this is a benefit I’ve just discovered while writing this post. You can step into an American Express Currency Exchange store and redeem your points for over 60 currencies. So cool!!If you are following our travel hack to use your card to pay for all your everyday expenses, you’ll be surprised by how much spending money you are accumulating with those points. 12,000 Membership Rewards points = 100 AUD worth of foreign currency or traveller’s cheques. I currently have $100 in points waiting for me to exchange. Money for nothing – I love it (Well not really nothing, I got it for buying my groceries and supporting my coffee addiction).34. Tourism cards and student IDsIf you’re sightseeing, city passes or tourism cards often give you access to discounted prices and free transportation to a city’s best sites.35. Free guided toursWith all of the apps we have available today, taking overpriced tours can become a thing of the past. Apps like Field Trip notify you when you hit a point of interest while walking. The app also scouts out offers and discounts that happen to be nearby.There are many cities that offer free local walking tours. Just search in Google for them for the destination you are visiting.(CHECK OUT MY CRAZY CHEAP TRIP TO THAILAND)36. International phone callingUse apps like Skype, Viber, Tango, and WhatsApp to phone your loved ones. On my recent solo trip to LA, I loved picking up the phone whenever I wanted to call Craig and the girls on Skype.Be careful of your data allowances as these can’t work without internet connection!A new app revolutionising the international phone calling world is Rebtel. Their calling app allows users to make international calls without the use of Wi-Fi or data by connecting to the company’s connection points in their server.The company also recently launched its Speak Freely campaign, allowing users to make international calls for free for a year, after which they plan to charge $1 per month for the service.37. Turning off data roamingUse free Wi-Fi (don’t forget to protect yourself with VPN) Get local SIM card or services like WiWander and Tep Wireless.38. Free Travel insuranceDon’t travel without travel insurance. It could save you a lot of money. World2Cover Insurance covers children for free.If you purchase your holiday on your credit card, you may be available for free travel insurance. Check with your provider.Some American Express Cards include certain domestic and international travel insurance benefits if you pay for your trip using your Card.39. Go to the suburbsThe suburbs is where you’ll find cheaper food, and accommodation, a more hipster and eclectic vibe and the opportunity to live like the locals. Ask the locals where the best places to go are and TripAdvisor is also a good place to find recommendations.Spotted by Locals is an app full of local recommendations for places to eat and drink and things to see and do. You’ll find some great suggestions a million miles away from any Lonely Planet tourist guide.40. Find deals on eating outCheck coupon books and local advertisements and keep your eye out when out exploring. You are bound to find a special deal somewhere for eating out. We take advantage of these all the time when travelling. Happy hours, eating earlier, kids eat free evenings, free drinks and appetizers. It’s a great way to taste the local flavours and walk away with more in your pocket.Taste, from American Express Invites, brings local favourites from all over the world – specially chosen by their dining experts. Each restaurant offers Card Members something extra on the house: either a discount, complimentary wine or appetizer41. Explore by bikesWhy not get fit, follow your own path, and explore your destination by bike. It is our favourite way to get around and save money on expensive tours and sightseeing costs. We loved using the bike share system in Denver and found it a cheap way to explore. Many cities now have these as an exploring option.If you can, travel with your bikes. Apart from my high-speed blender and UGG boots, our bikes were the BEST thing we took with us on our road trip. It will be one of our first purchases for our US road trip. Forget the saving money aspect, you gain so much joy and create memorable moments when exploring by bike.42. Carry a water bottleI was devastated the other night after forgetting to bring mine to the movies and was charged $6.50 for water. For WATER!!!!! Carry your own water bottle and fill it for free. In countries where tap water is not safe to drink, carry a water filter. It will save you a LOT of moneySource: from my blog

Lets start with World’s most Forbidden Destinations:-Area 51 remains, still, an off-limits mystery.NeuPaddyConsidering the staggering rates of global expansion and technology development, it’s impossible to imagine that there is even a sliver of this planet that remains undiscovered or unexplored. So there’s a certain comfort in knowing that, even today, there are mysteries that remain unexplored.From man-made, guarded structures to natural enigmas protected by environmental science, a slew of spots across the globe are entirely forbidden to outside travelers. Picture islands teeming with vipers, extraterrestrial secrets, locked mysteries of religion, virgin wildlife and entire societies that have never made contact with the outside world. Many of these locations are still shrouded in intrigue, with their goings-on staying behind closed doors. Other locations are better understood, though still off-limits due to a variety of safety, scientific or governmental regulations.While the allure of the taboo and forbidden is undeniable, you’d be hard-pressed to swindle your way into these forbidden places — and in many cases, you probably wouldn’t want to. Still, in a world full of places you can discover, it’s intriguing to consider the places you can’t.Snake Island, BrazilPoisonous snakes keep this aptly named island forbidden. Not that anyone is complaining.World Viewers StopAbout 93 miles off the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil is Ilha da Queimada Granda, also known as Snake Island. To what does it owe this title? Researchers estimate there are between one and five snakes here per 10 square feet. The snakes, specifically golden lanceheads, are known for their poison, which literally disintegrates flesh around their bites.So maybe it’s not such a bad thing that you’re not allowed to visit Snake Island…Lascaux Caves, FranceThe prehistoric paintings at Lascaux Caves are incredible...and off limits. This image is a replica.Pline.In the quest to discover the history of the human race, there is one spectacular place that provides enormous insight. The Lascaux Caves in southwestern France are home to a series of stunning Paleolithic paintings, estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. The paintings, which plaster the walls of the cave, are hauntingly vivid, depicting stags, cattle, bison, cats and more. But the most incredible of all the paintings can be found in the Hall of the Bulls, which is known for its four bull murals, one of which is 17 feet long.Sadly, the caves have been banned to the public since the 1960s, as they have been invaded by fungi and black mold, both detrimental to human health. Plus, human presence is considered destructive to the works of art.Fortunately, though, you can experience the next best thing: Last year, a museum and cave replica right next to the real deal opened to the public.Area 51, United StatesSigns near Area 51 make it abundantly clear: No trespassers allowed.X51A conspiracy theorist's playground, Area 51 has stumped the public for decades. The hidden military base in the Nevada desert has kept its purpose a secret for quite some time, though many like to believe it's kept for alien testing.One thing is for sure — attempting to access the forbidden area would be highly irresponsible, as the grounds are protected by mines and other defenses.North Sentinel Island, IndiaNatives have successfully kept this island to themselves for 60,000 years.NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse AllenOn North Sentinel Island, a small island in the Andaman chain in the Bay of Bengal, natives have long been opposed to the influences of the modern world. In fact, the Sentinelese people who live on the island refuse communication with any outsiders, and are willing to get violent to protect their isolation. Following the 2004 tsunami, when the Indian Coast Guard flew a reconnaissance mission over the island, men reportedly emerged from the forests to shoot arrows at the helicopter, which did not land.The Sentinelese have lived on the island for some 60,000 years, and with the protection of the Indian government — which prohibits visitors of any kind — it has successfully resisted anthropologists, authorities and tourists.Bohemian Grove, United StatesNovelist Jack London captured this rare shot of Bohemian Grove.Public DomainTalk about a boys' club. This 2,700-acre campground in Monte Rio, Calif., is the ultimate playground for men. Each July, the Grove hosts a two-week bacchanalian blowout for VIPs around the world. Past and present members include U.S. presidents, government members, business leaders, artists and musicians. The event comes with a saying, "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here," which means there is to be no business wheeling-and-dealing while on the grounds. Most infamously, there are rumors that Bohemian Grove hosted a Manhattan Project planning meeting in 1942 which resulted in the atomic bomb, though this cannot be proven.Membership is highly exclusive. Translation: You won't be accepted. (Assuming you’d even want to be.) And the goings-on are highly top secret.Ise Grand Shrine, JapanThis ancient shrine is a cultural wonder...that only the Japanese imperial family can access.N yotarouJapan has shrine culture down pat. There is estimated to be upwards of 80,000 shrines in the island nation. But none is more important than the Ise Grand Shrine, an intricate temple that happens to be one of the most expensive in the country due to the detail of its architecture.The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years (at a million-dollar price tag), in order to symbolize the Shinto tradition of death and renewal of nature. The current iteration was build in 2013. And unless you're a member of the Japanese imperial family, there's no chance you'll be entering the hallowed halls of this ancient, significant representation of Japanese culture.Heard Island, AustraliaSatellites capture volcanic activity on remote Heard Island.NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterThere's the ends of the earth, and then there's Heard Island. One of the most remote islands in the world, Heard Island technically belongs to Australia but can be found somewhere between Madagascar and Antarctica.The island is known for its two active volcanoes, but for the most part it's thoroughly blanketed in ice. Inhabitants include seals, birds and four types of penguins. Humans, however, are not permitted to visit, though landings to the nearby McDonald Islands are allowed solely for "compelling scientific reasons."Poveglia, ItalyA haunting history defines this small Italian island.Twisted doesn't begin to describe the history of Poveglia Island, a small island between Venice and Lido in Northern Italy. For centuries the small island has been prime real estate for, well, dumping of the dead. The island became a quarantine colony in the 14th century for victims of the Bubonic Plague. In the 19th century, Poveglia became an asylum for the area's mentally ill, where it was rumored that a cruel doctor performed experiments on the patients.Today the island is abandoned, save for the ghosts of the tortured souls that once lived there. Tourists and locals are banned from visiting, unless you want to undergo a lengthy paperwork process. But as this is considered the most haunted place in Italy, that’s likely for the best.Vatican Secret Archives, Vatican CityWhat church secrets like in these archives? Only a select few can ever know.EskifyThe secrets of religion are some of the most heavily guarded in the world...and none more so than the Vatican Archives. Centuries of secrets remain a mystery within the vaults of the Vatican, from state papers to accounting to letters. Speculation on what lies beneath include evidence of demons, extraterrestrials and even the Church's alleged contribution to the fascism of the mid-20th century.Today only the highest qualified scholars and educators are allowed in the vault, and only after stringent review. Those looking to simply take a peek will sadly never know what sits between these storied pages.Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, ChinaSome Terra-Cotta warriors are visible to the public — but the vast majority remain off limits.Kevin PohThe Terra-Cotta Warriors at Xi'an is one of the most important discoveries of all time. Thousands of unique, one-of-a-kind lifelike statues depicting ancient Chinese warriors filled underground caverns of the burial complex of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. But while the site is one of China's most prominent tourist attractions, the tomb itself still remains a guarded mystery.The tomb will likely remain sealed for the foreseeable future, as it is rumored that there are booby traps protecting it from invaders. There is also a high concentration of mercury within the tomb that would be deadly to anyone who entered without the proper precautions. The only glimpse we have into this treasure are the 2,000 warriors that are exposed to the public. Still, it is said another 6,000 remain within the tomb, along with a myriad of other treasures.Surtsey Island, IcelandSurtsey Island is a natural wonder (mostly) untouched by human activity.CanonS2When ticking UNESCO World Heritage Sites off your bucket list, Surtsey Island is one that might have to go unchecked. This volcanic island lies about 20 miles off the coast of Iceland, and has existed as a natural laboratory since its inception in the 1960s. Scientists have explored the island as a microcosm of natural development, gathering information on plant and animal life, tracking the arrival of seeds, and monitoring the appearance of molds, bacteria and fungi.Today the island is home to a variety of species of lichen, fungi and birds, as well as 335 species of invertebrates. But in order to minimize human disruption, only a select few vetted scientists are allowed on the island to behold its natural wonder.North Brother Island, United StatesRiverside Hospital sits abandoned on North Brother Island.reivaxTragically beautiful North Brother Island is one of the many mysteries of New York City. Located on the East River between the Bronx and Riker's Island, this abandoned island used to be the home of Riverside Hospital in the 19th century, where patients suffering from diseases like tuberculosis, yellow fever and small pox were quarantined. Later the hospital was used after World War II to house veterans, and then as a treatment facility for heroin addicts. In the early 1960s the hospital closed its doors, and it has since been left to crumble by the forces of nature.Today, the island is closed to the public, as it serves as a nesting colony for black-crowned night herons.Mezhgorye, RussiaThis sign in Mezhgorye translates, ironically, to "Welcome."PesotskyExclusive communities are one thing; in Russia there exists an entire town that is closed to the public.Mezhgorye sits in the Ural Mountains, about 120 miles from Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Founded in 1979, this small town is said to be home to a nuclear missile site. Though unconfirmed, it is believed that the site contains automatic missiles that can be activated remotely. The town is guarded by two battalions that prevent any outsider from visiting. The only information we have on Mezhgorye is taken from satellite images, and The Kremlin claims that the site is used for mining, an emergency bunker for Russian leaders and a vault for the nation's treasures.The world may never know, and if it is a nuclear site, let's hope we don't have the opportunity to find out.The Dome of the Rock, JerusalemThe Dome of the Rock is not completely off-limits; Muslims are allowed into the holy site.Andrew ShivaOne of the holiest sites in the world is, without a doubt, the Temple Mount. The holiest site for Jewish believers, this temple dates back to the first century BC. It is also the third holiest site for Sunni Muslims after Mecca and Medina. But within the Temple Mount is an even more holy and exclusive site — The Dome of the Rock.This gold-topped Islamic shrine is iconic in the city of Jerusalem. There are already stringent rules in place for visits to the Temple Mount, but the Dome of the Rock's entry is reserved strictly for those who practice Islam. Non-Muslims are not permitted within the holy walls.Niihau, United StatesThis stunning Hawaiian island is enjoyed exclusively by residents.PolihaleHawaiian island-hopping is a beloved pastime for travelers. But if you think you’ve hit all of the islands, think again.One mysterious island, Niihau, is nicknamed “The Forbidden Island,” and that is not an exaggeration. Even its visibility remains elusive, as the only way to catch a glimpse of it is as the sun sets over Kauai’s Kekaha Beach, when its silhouette emerges. The island has been owned by a single family for more than 150 years, and has been kept off limits to the outside world.The only people who can enjoy the island's splendor are its residents, all of whom are descendants of those who lived there before the island was purchased in the 1860s.The Queen’s Bedroom, U.K.Only one civilian has managed to sneak into the Queen's Bedroom..and it involved a massive security breach.Buckingham Palace is one of the top attractions in not only the U.K., but the world. The palace is the Queen's official London residence, and has been the home of Britain's monarchy since 1837. But while there are public tours available of many of the rooms and grounds of the palace, one room remains strictly forbidden: The Queen's Bedroom, where her Majesty often stays.That is, of course, unless your name is Michael Fagan, who was able to break into the Queen's Bedroom in the 1980s in one of the greatest security breaches of all time. The act involved him scaling a 20-foot wall and hoisting himself up a drainpipe — all so he could win a bet with some friends.Coca-Cola Recipe Vault, United StatesWant to find out the recipe for Coke? Good luck.mx -&nbspThis website is for sale! -&nbspluck Resources and Information.. GrangerJimmy Hoffa or who killed JFK. The real great American secret can be found in a can of Coca-Cola. The legendary mystery formula is secured under lock and key in a purpose-built vault in Atlanta. The map to the world-famous elixir is kept in a metal box inside a 6.6-foot-high step vault, which is in turn protected by a barrier. The area has surveillance with armed guards, and the door can only be opened via keypad with hand scanner.Getting your hands on the Declaration of Independence might be easier than finding out what makes Coke taste so good.U.N. Buffer Zone, CyprusAn old Toyota advertisement is one of many decaying relics at this demilitarized zone in Cyprus.DickelbersIn 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus, escalating a civil war between the split Greek and Turkish residents. The U.N. took control of a "Buffer Zone" in the capital, Nicosia, after the fighting ended in a ceasefire.This historic no-man's land is surrounded by walls separating the Turkish community from the Greek community. Inside the walls are abandoned homes, businesses and a small airport that, as The Atlantic put it, have remained “frozen in time” for decades.Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, EthiopiaThis building supposedly contains the legendary Ark of the Covenant.JensiS65Though some scholars are dubious, this church is allegedly the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, also known as the ornate chest that houses the Ten Commandments. And there is only one person allowed to view the Ark: a special guardian monk anointed by a predecessor.The church dates back to the 4th century AD, and the grounds also include the remains of Tekle Giyorgis I, former Emperor of Ethiopia.Svalbard Global Seed Vault, NorwayThis off-limits vault is ready to save civilization should catastrophe strike.MiksuLocated on the remote island of Spitsbergen, this subterranean seed storagefacility was carefully built 400 feet into a mountainside. The complex houses approximately 840,000 samples of 4,000 different species of seeds from all over the world. The bank operates like a safety deposit box, allowing governments to leave seed samples for safekeeping in the event of a major global or regional event that would wipe out major food supplies.Only official “depositers” are allowed inside what is ominously described as “the final back up.”Robins Island, United StatesOnly one lucky man has access to this turtle-filled island.The Moore Charitable FoundationThis privately owned, 435-acre island off the coast of New Suffolk, New York has been the subject of controversy throughout its history. Transfers of ownership over the years led to it becoming a nature preserve and sanctuary, created by current owner Louis Bacon. It is also home to one of the largest populations of turtles in the state.Other than Mr. Bacon and the turtles, however, it is off limits to the public. He has spent quite a bit of money rebuilding the ecosystem and believes that commercialization will lead to the destruction of what he has been trying to build.Moscow Metro-2, RussiaU.S. military intelligence supposedly drafted this map of Moscow http://Metro-2.metro.ru/metro2A world of secret tunnels and phantom trains sounds like something out of Harry Potter — unless, of course, you've heard of the Moscow Metro-2.In preparation for a nuclear catastrophe, the KGB built a secret metro system that mirrored the public Moscow metro, except that it’s larger and buried about 600 feet underground. Four lines connect government buildings like the Kremlin with the Federal Security Service headquarters, the government airport and several other important locations.Next time you see a manhole in Moscow, you might want to give it a second thought.Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, United StatesThanks to this center, government officials will be protected in the case of an apocalypse. Civilians, you're on your own.Karen NutiniNot to be alarmists, but what do you have planned in the event of an apocalypse? Washington, D.C. is certainly prepared. Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia — designed to be the safest place in the world in the event of global destruction — is the escape plan for U.S. government officials. Built during the Cold War and now operated by FEMA, the center is designed to protect not only American government members but treasures of the nation, like the art in the National Gallery.Without the shiny seal of approval from the United States government, this souped-up bomb shelter is strictly off limits.Fort Knox, United StatesThe sign for Fort Knox says "Welcome," but in reality you're not."Harder to get into than Fort Knox" is a saying for a reason. Impossible to get into, this Kentucky military base has served many purposes throughout history, but today it is known as the safeguard for America's gold.The fort has been opened once for news media and Congress in 1974, and never again since. Obstacles you'd have to overcome to get your hands on America's gold include minefields, barbed wire, electric fences, armed guards and cameras. Oh, and all of the army units based there have Apache helicopters ready for the “Go” signal.Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone, UkraineA blocked road makes it clear visitors are not welcome inside the accurately named Exclusion Zone.Nick Rush-CooperThirty years ago, disaster struck nuclear reactor number 4 in Chernobyl, sending radioactive clouds billowing into the air. Evacuations began immediately, but as the extent of the damage became clear, Soviet military officials declared an Exclusion Zone within a roughly 18-mile radius of the plant, turning the city into a veritable ghost town. Today much of the Zone still remains completely off limits.Tourists can get special permission to go, but it's near impossible to do so. With a radiation level that is still highly dangerous, it might be a better use of time to scratch other destinations off your bucket list anyways.Pine Gap, AustraliaThis Cold War-era base makes its top-secret nature known.SchutzHidden somewhere in the Australian Outback is a top-secret military base operated by the U.S. government. Known as the Joint Defense Facility Pine Gap, it is used to control satellites that collect intel on airstrikes around the world.The facility was opened during the Cold War in 1966 under the guise of a space research facility, but was actually operated by the CIA. There is no way to access Pine Gap without clearance — unless, of course, you are flying over it or hiking the MacDonnell Ranges that surround it.Mormon Church Secret Vault, United StatesThis formidable fortress conceals mysterious church secrets.Very few things are as mysterious as a vault inside of a granite mountain. But that’s exactly what the Mormon Church’s Secret Vault is — mysterious, and inside Granite Mountain.In Little Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City sits this sprawling, ironclad vault. Built in 1965, the vault was created to preserve records of importance to the church. Today it holds more than 3.5 billion images on microfilm and digital media. For security reasons, there is no public access to the vault.Disney Club 33, United StatesIf you want access to this private club, you'll need a special VIP invite.Josh HallettIt might be the happiest place on earth for the masses, but Disney also has a secret that is reserved for only the elite.Disney Club 33 is by far the most exclusive place in the Disney empire. Walt Disney himself created the club as a lounge to entertain business associates but never actually got to enjoy it, as he passed away before it could open. But open it did (with a liquor license, to boot — the only place in the parks that serves alcohol).Access is invitation only, but an invite doesn't necessarily guarantee entry. You also need to fork over about $100,000 to solidify your membership, and then annual dues are about $30,000 per year. Or you could just stick to the It's A Small World ride and learn to find joy in that.Menwith Hill Royal Air Force Station, UKThis secretive compound is ripe for conspiracy-theorizing.Matt CryptoIts ultimate modern day purpose still remains a mystery to the public, but thissecretive piece of land was originally used for espionage and intelligence gathering during the Cold War. It sits on 550 acres and as far as we know, is only used by ECHELON spies and NSA.The site was opened in 1954 and over the years conspiracy theorists have gone crazy trying to figure out what goes on behind the barbed wire inside the Epcot-esque spheres that make up the base.Diego Garcia, Indian OceanMilitary personnel only are allowed onto this island.NASAThis island in the Indian Ocean, which used to be part of the United Kingdom, was used as a pawn to settle a $14 million debt owed to the United States. Today it is used as a U.S. military base, but no one is allowed to visit.According to reports, there are 654 buildings on the island and about 4,000 military personnel, but their activity is strictly top secret. There are theories, of course, as there always are with all things secret. Some people believe that there is a secret military prison.The only thing that is known for sure is that Diego Garcia was the launch place for military flights into Afghanistan and Iraq.Woomera Test Range, AustraliaOnly those okay with extreme danger would be comfortable visiting this forbidden site http://anyways.Kr.afolImagine if the entire country of Portugal was a test-firing range. Well, that's the size of the Woomera Test Range in Australia. The massive (47,100-square-mile) range site is used for testing weapons, like bombs and missiles.Because of this, visitors are understandably not permitted on the site. It wouldn't exactly make for a stress-free vacation.Mariana Trench, Pacific OceanThe deepest spot on Earth is, as you'd guess, not easy to access.wallaceNear Japan, just east of the 14 Mariana Islands archipelago, lies a sea canyonconsidered to be the deepest site in the entire world. The trench is more than seven miles deep and has vents that bubble up liquid sulfur and carbon dioxide; the pressure on the floor is more than eight tons per square inch, which is equivalent to having 50 jumbo jets sitting on top of you.So it's probably a good thing that you can't actually go there. (There have, however, been four successful submarine descents into its depths, including one led by director James Cameron.)White’s Gentlemens Club, UKThis club takes exclusivity to (obnoxious?) new levels.Paul FarmerTechnically this club isn’t forbidden, but getting in will cost you more than you probably make in a year. The exclusive society was founded in the 17th century as a hot chocolate shop, but its sweet side quickly deteriorated into seedy as patrons preferred it become a gambling gentleman's club.Today it boasts the reputation as the most private and expensive club in the world — and it has to be to guard the secrets of what goes on behind closed doors. Membership costs $112,000 per year. Not only do you have to have deep pockets, you also have to have gone to school at Eton followed by Cambridge or Oxford. And even then applications still might take years to be approved.Most Remarkable Train Journeys in EuropeBy Andrew Thompson on April 9, 2018There was a brief moment on the train journey between Lucerne and Lake Geneva in Switzerland when I found myself peering at my reflection in the spotless window wondering if this experience was real.Just beyond my reflection, a lush green valley, dotted with Swiss chalets, the odd one puffing little plumes of smoke into the cool spring air, washed silently past. A narrow river fueled by melting snow flowed rapidly between the chalets, filtering into a pristine turquoise lake further up the valley. And towering up all around this living tourism brochure were the giant Swiss Alps. The highest peaks, visible through windows in the ceiling of the carriage, escaped the warming sun and still had light dustings of snow.For many inside the train, this was little more than their daily commute — but for at least one wide-eyed tourist lucky enough to spontaneously stumble into a seat on the GoldenPass Express, it was nothing short of spectacular.Scenic train rides like the one I lucked into abound in Europe, and though it’s true that many of the continent’s most remarkable journeys are confined to the Alps, there are also dozens further afield well worth seeking out. Here, we’ve rounded up the most awe-inspiring.Jacobite Train, ScotlandThe Jacobite Train served as inspiration for the Hogwarts Express.miroslav_1Jacobite Train is commonly described as “the world’s greatest railway journey”— and that's not an over-exaggeration.This incredible Scottish rail route and steam train served as inspiration for the Hogwarts Express, and though this has caused a flurry of excitement from Harry Potter fans around the world, it’s an unmissable excursion even for those not au fait with the novels. That’s because the journey takes you close to some of Great Britain’s most breathtaking extremes — from the country’s highest mountain, to its deepest sea and freshwater lochs, to its shortest river.Beautiful nature aside, you’ll also chug through a handful of quaint Scottish villages before arriving in the coastal town of Mallaig — a busy fishing port in the Highlands dating back to the mid-1800s.The train runs according to a seasonal service, so it’s important to double check departure times ahead of time and book well in advance. But given the views, the history and the fantastical undertones, there are few rail journeys worthier of your advanced planning than this.Bergen Line, NorwayIn winter, a journey with Bergen Railway is particularly stunning.MariusLtuIf you’re looking to tick off the most iconic train ride in Norway, and ride one of Europe’s most celebrated scenic routes, then book your ticket for the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen.It’s a 310-mile, seven-hour extravaganza past some of Norway’s most varied scenery and dramatic mountaintops. Much of the journey wends through beautifully stark and desolate terrain. But it’s also an important means of transport for residents and visitors alike — during winter months it fills with skiers heading to the famous slopes along the way.This is the highest mainline railway in Scandinavia, and its completion in the early 1900s was an impressive achievement. Though it’s celebrating its 110th year since the first train left Bergen, the modern trains that now service this line are anything but dated.Rauma Line, NorwayFor a quick trip packed with beauty, Rauma is a must-book.johnny_ratroIf you’re looking for a Scandinavian journey with diversity and action, then head for Norway’s Rauma Railway line between the town of Åndalsnes and the mountain village of Dombås. The journey between the two takes less than two hours, but the train carries you past Trollveggen wall and Kylling Bridge, and right through Reinheimen National Park, famous for the reindeer who call it home.Given the relatively short journey time, this train ride makes for an incredible return day trip from Åndalsnes.Rhine Valley Line, GermanyGermany's vineyards are the key attraction on the Rhine Valley Line.Matthias LindnerGermany’s Rhine Valley Line is the stuff of fairytale and legend. Unlike many thrilling scenic train journeys in Europe, this one is somewhat more sedate — which is exactly what makes it so appealing.The Rhine Railway runs through the heart of German wine country between the towns of Mainz and Koblenz, at times just a few feet from the famous river after which it’s named. The route is not short on scenic beauty, thanks to views of the river and Rhine Valley's towering peaks, but it's the numerous castles and quaint small towns along the way that give this route an intriguing edge.The journey isn’t a long one — if you choose one of the numerous high-speed trains you can complete it in under an hour. But most travelers choose the slower regional trains and stop off along the way to sample world-famous Rhine Valley wine as close to the source as possible.'Over the Top' Line, Germany and AustriaThe striking peak of Zugspietz is often visible on the little-known 'Over the Top' line.DieterMeyrlThe somewhat inconspicuous rail route between Innsbruck and Munich, via Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald, delivers a range of scenic surprises. It’s operated by Deutsche Bahn and Austrian Federal Railways, and includes a stint on the Mittenwald Railway, but because it’s not the quickest route between the two cities, many overlook it.Online maps and automatic route finders will tend to push you towards the faster but less interesting InterCity line between the two cities. But the most memorable journey traverses via Seefeld, and is dubbed "Over the Top." On a clear day it delivers views of Zugspitz, the highest mountain in Germany, and the remainder of the route serves up remarkable Alpine views. The arrival into the Innsbruck Valley is truly something — particularly during winter months when thick layers of snow line the trackside and mountains.And because the route is not a branded scenic line, it costs a fraction of the other better-marketed attractions, and you’ll alight with a sense of in-the-know satisfaction.Semmering Bahn, AustriaAgainst such a staggering backdrop, the Semmering Bahn line looks miniscule.hajesAustria’s 41-kilometer Semmering Bahn line may be relatively short, but it passes through Alpine terrain so dramatic, it has earned the entire route UNESCO World Heritage Status (not to mention the UNESCO label of “one of the greatest feats of civil engineering”).Though it dates back to the 1850s, this line passing between Gloggnitz and Murzzuschlag is still in impeccable condition, and it offers plenty of thrills via the striking stone bridges and 15 tunnels it encompasses.Of course, true to the Austrian way, trains run efficiently here, and the scenery is everything you’d expect for a route that cuts its way through the incredible Alps.Cinque Terre Train, ItalyThis train ride is all about taking in coastal beauty.LatsalomaoThe steep slopes and colorful seaside villages of Cinque Terre are among Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Many flock there simply to bask on one of the iconic beaches or hike the rugged cliffs — but the area also features an incredible train journey to include in your itinerary.The Cinque Terre train, operated by TrenItalia, runs between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at various points along the way. It’s not a long journey; if you ride the train start to finish it will take you just 30 minutes. But most choose to stop off at iconic towns along the way and meander along the cliffs. And thanks to panoramic sea views and a coastal atmosphere, this is a truly unique European rail experience.GoldenPass Express, SwitzerlandThe GoldenPass Express train passes bucolic landscapes to remember.Courtesy of authorSwitzerland’s GoldenPass train connects Lucerne to Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. In just five hours it serves up a condensed Swiss highlights package, complete with jaw-dropping views of picturesque villages, vast mountains, fertile valleys, and pristine rivers and lakes.The trains are slick and ultra-modern, but if you switch to the GoldenPass Classic carriages at the halfway mark, you’ll be able to experience what it was like to journey during the golden age of rail travel. These retro trains that run between Zweisimmen to Montreux have gold-trimmed luggage racks, wood finishes, carpeted aisles, plush armchair-like seating, and waiters who’ll take your food or drink order at your seat.Many take the journey from start to finish simply to explore the scenic beauty along the way. But most break their journey en-route to Lake Geneva with a stop in the popular tourist city of Interlaken, which boasts dramatic alpine and lake views and all the amenities of a premier resort town. Or they hop aboard another train and venture up the valley to the painfully quaint town of Lauterbrunnen, just 20 minutes from Interlaken.Bernina Express, SwitzerlandThe Bernina line is an engineering marvel recognized by UNESCO.sculpies\While you’re in St. Moritz, you may as well hop aboard the Glacier Express’ biggest rival, the Bernina Express. Technically beginning in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, but connecting at several small towns along the way, the route runs over the Alps — at times improbably — and into Italy.Though shorter than its glacial competitor, this line is no less dramatic. At its highest point you’ll traverse the Bernina Mountain Pass and rattle past three pristine lakes and a large glacier, before dipping down toward Tirano on a scintillating set of tracks.UNESCO recognizes this railway line for bringing together two historic railways and several isolated mountain villages, once separated by the massive Alps. In order to achieve this, engineers built dozens of tunnels and viaducts on precarious mountain passes, and as such, for many passengers the journey isn’t actually about the scenery. Two structures in particular get the engineering fans out of their seats — the 213-foot high Landwasser Viaduct and the circular Brusio loop viaduct.The Bernina Express terminates in Tirano, but if you’re eager to return to Swiss soil there are official Bernina busses that skirt Lake Como and deliver you back to another Swiss lakeside haven in Lugano.Glacier Express, SwitzerlandThe Glacier Express is slow...but with views like this, who cares?Courtesy of authorThe Glacier Express is perhaps the most iconic scenic train ride in Switzerland, if not the world. Over the course of eight hours it carves a line through the Alps between two of the country’s most exclusive destinations — the car-free ski resort town of Zermatt, famous for its jagged Matterhorn, and the exquisite ritzy lakeside village of St. Moritz.In spite of its name, the journey is anything but rapid. Instead, the Glacier Express chugs along at a sedate pace that allows you to take it all in. That many hours on a train might sound like too much, but considering the remarkable scenery you’ll glimpse via over-sized windows along the way, you’ll hardly be complaining.In winter the train ride lives up to its name and delivers views of a frozen Swiss wonderland dotted with cross-country skiers, frozen rivers and thick white snow several feet deep. In summer the snow thaws to reveal lush green fields, waving hikers and rapidly flowing rivers, with the highest peaks still sporting a dusting of white.The Glacier Express trains are the epitome of modern; they feature at-seat service, real plates and silverware in first class, careful climate control and the requisite panoramic windows that allow you to crane your neck up to see the very top of the Alps. All of this comes at a price, particularly if you’re shelling out for first class, but for many this journey occupies a spot atop ultimate travel bucket lists.Gotthard Panorama Express, SwitzerlandThe Gotthard Panorama Express showcases a diverse array of landscapes.Courtesy of authorThere are several efficient ways to travel between Zurich and Lugano, and the recently rebranded Gotthard Panorama Express isn’t one of them. That’s because this train, previously called the Wilhelm Tell Express, does everything in its power to showcase the best of Swiss scenery between these two cities, even if that comes at the expense of speed.Not only does the route take you over 205 bridges, through seven loop tunnels and deep into the Alps via the 15-kilometer long Gotthard Tunnel — at the time of construction, the longest in the world — but it also gives you the opportunity to depart the train and complete part of your journey via historic steamboat.The scenery changes constantly, and if you travel from north to south you’ll go from beautiful alpine surroundings to almost balmy lakeside cities boasting palm trees and stone houses in the south of the country.Though there are easy rail connections throughout the year that deliver elements of these attractions, this seasonal line’s unique combination of boat, Gotthard Tunnel and scenery make it a must-book.Montenegro Express, Montenegro and SerbiaBrilliant fall foliage leaves an impression on the Montenegro Express.Courtesy of authorUnlike the famous, carefully branded train journeys of Western and Central Europe, the line that connects Montenegro’s Bar and Serbia’s Belgrade doesn’t have a carefully considered name, a flashy website or a slew of catchy hashtags following it around. In the absence of these, or any real official online presence for that matter, most travelers have dubbed it either the Montenegro Express or the Balkan Express.These trains also lack climate control, dining carts, first-class compartments and any real commitment to a schedule. But what Montenegro Express lacks in branding it more than makes up for in charm.The line dates back to the days of Josip Tito, the first president of Yugoslavia. He opened it in 1976 to run his Blue Train, which ferried him and several famous guests across the Balkans in style. Though the luxurious train now languishes in a shed outside the Serbian capital, a ramshackle collection of carriages continue on the path it set, winding through hundreds of tunnels and across thrilling bridges — including Mala Rijeka Viaduct, the highest in Europe.In spite of the lack of creature comforts, this no-frills all-day adventure costs just a handful of coins, and far surpasses anything you’ll find in a slick panoramic carriage out west. That’s because you’ll struggle to find any rail journey on the continent that offers a tale like that of Josip Tito’s, combined with engineering marvels in the form of 254 tunnels and 435 bridges that you whip through and over as you ascend and descend at times frankly terrifying aerial mountain terrain.World’s most mystical, Imaginary places :-CamelotCamelot is the castle and court of Arthurian legend. It first appeared in a 12th-century romance by French writer Chretien de Troyes. Countless writers and artists have found a muse in the stories that take place in the realm of Camelot, such as Lord Alfred Tennyson in "Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere," and Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Though Camelotis in ruins now if it ever existed, Arthurian legend is still told and retold today.XanaduThe most popular depiction of Xanadu was dreamed up by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his 1797 poem "Kubla Khan" under the influence of opiates, where he describes Xanadu as "a stately pleasure-dome." This famous poem was inspired by Marco Polo's reported visit to Xanadu, the summer residence of Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. Xanadu has surfaced in 20th-century film, making an appearance as the grand estate in Orson Welles' 1941 film Citizen Kane, as well as being featured as the title of a cult fantasy musical in 1980.El DoradoEl Dorado (which literally means "the golden one") is the name of a mythical lost city thought to be located in South America on the Amazon. This term first appeared in English in the late 16th century; as legends of the city of gold spread, explorers including Sir Walter Raleigh made expeditions in hopes of returning to their home countries with riches beyond imagination. All expeditions failed to locate the gilded city. The term El Dorado can be used metaphorically today to refer to any place promising great wealth.OzL. Frank Baum's beloved children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz gained so much immediate popularity that within two years of its publication in 1900, it was adapted into a Broadway musical. In 1939 the musical was made into the classic film, which not only solidified the career of the then-teenaged Judy Garland, but also brought the term Oz into widespread usage. From that point on, Oz took on the more general sense of a fantastical place. Ironically, in 1903 Baum wrote that the name Oz came to him while looking at an "O-Z" label on a file cabinet.Vanity FairVanity Fair first appeared in John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress in 1678. In this Christian allegory, Vanity Fair is an ongoing fair in the town of Vanity where worldly ostentation and frivolity are valued above all else. William Makepeace Thackeray titled his 1848 novel Vanity Fair in a nod to Bunyan, highlighting the selfishness of Victorian society. He even used the construction Vanity-Fairian to describe characters in his novel. Today the concept endures on newsstands all over the world with Vanity Fair magazine.AtlantisFirst written about by Plato around 360 BCE, Atlantis is the mythical island that is believed to have existed in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar before it sank deep into the sea. The name Atlantis comes from the Greek literally meaning "daughter of Atlas." Atlas was the Greek Titan condemned by Zeus to hold the celestial spheres on his shoulders. While many locations have been proposed as the historical site of Atlantis, to this day the legendary lost city remains lost.UtopiaSir Thomas More coined the term utopia in his 1516 book of the same title. Utopia is a New Latin construction meaning "nowhere," which ultimately comes from the Greek roots meaning "not" and "place." More's Utopia depicts an invented island society that enjoys perfection in law, politics, and all social interactions. Within 100 years of its publication, Utopia, in addition to referring to More's vision of the perfect society, became metaphorically applied to any perfect place. Three centuries after utopia entered English, dystopia entered the language as a word describing the opposing concept.Shangri-LaShangri-La is a fictional Tibetan land of eternal youth in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. The term la means "mountain pass" in Tibetan, and the imaginary land of Shangri-La was inspired by National Geographic articles describing isolated Tibetan mountain communities. One county in the Yunnan Province even officially renamed itself to Shangri-La County in 2001 in an effort to promote tourism, claiming that the imaginary paradise that Hilton wrote of is in fact real.

I have sourced this answer from YtravelBlog and I do not claim any credit for this answer whatsoever. The purpose is to provide accurate information.1. Make Travel a PriorityIf you want to travel more, you’ve got to make it a priority!Seriously, if you don’t have enough money for travel yet you have a wardrobe full of designer clothes that you never wear, or a garage full of expensive toys collecting dust, then you’re not clear on your priorities and purpose.We’ve been able to travel overseas consistently over the past 20 years because we made travel one of our top priorities.2. Spend More Time in Fewer PlacesWhen you’re planning a trip, don’t try and go everywhere and do everything – that’s a recipe for burnout and blowing your budget!Instead of racing from one end of a country to another, or tearing through 6 countries in 6 weeks, get to know a region well.Constantly having to pack and unpack, spend time searching for cheap flights, deal with different time zones, currency changes, and even visa issues can lead to burn out.And moving around to too many travel destinations can really eat into your finances.Slow down and take more in. This way, you’ll get a better feel for a place.3. Don’t Expect Things to Be Like They Are at HomeIf you want everything like it is at home, then what’s the point of going anywhere?Keep an open mind to learning and experiencing new things when you travel abroad, that includes trying new foods which can tell you a lot about a culture – and don’t be scared to eat the street food!We travel abroad to experience different cultures, environments, and ways of thinking. So don’t shut yourself off to experiencing all a country has to offer.4. Travel Does Not Have to Stop Once You Have KidsWe often get emails or have conversations with people we meet on the road who express that once they have kids their travel days are over!Family travel is possible and need not be a hassle. In fact, it can be one of the best experiences you have as a family!Yes, family travel has its challenges and there are pros and cons of travelling with kids, but creating priceless memories is something to cherish!There are valuable benefits to travelling with kids. They force you to evolve your style of travel, and in my opinion, usually for the better.5. Plan it TogetherSit down with all members of your family and talk about your trip.The best way to get your kids interested and excited is to have them involved in the travel planning process.Talk about:How many days will your trip be?What types of places will you visit: beaches, mountains, big cities, small towns?Do you want relaxation or adventure?When will the trip start?Memorable trips are those where each member of your family gets to experience something they love.Grab a few brochures or travel magazines and flick through the colorful pages. Everyone gets to choose a destination and activity they’d like to see and do.Go through the list as a family, discuss the pros and cons of each and vote.Next, jump online or on the floor with a big paper map and plot out your basic route with a highlighter, leaving room for flexibility.When you plan a trip it’s important you choose a destination and activities that suit the interests of all family members. If your kids (or you) are bored or dislike a place it’s not the recipe for a memorable vacation.6. Talk to the LocalsOne of our best travel tips and what we always do is talk to the locals!They usually have the best travel advice and insider knowledge on what to see, do and eat in their own town.It’s truly amazing what you will learn by striking up a casual conversation.We ask simple questions like:Where can we get the best coffee?Where is the best spot to see the sunrise?What are the top three things you would show a friend from out of town?You’ll find that the locals love sharing travel info and stories about their town and are more than happy to help you have a memorable visit!Some of the best locals to talk to are those working behind the front desk in your hotel, or the bell boy. We always ask them for tips on where to eat, drink and explore.7. Learn the Basics of the Local LanguageDo not shout at the locals, they are not deaf, they probably just can’t understand you!And NEVER complain that the people of the country you are visiting do not speak fluent English. Remember where you are!Learning the basics of the local language is a great way to show respect and break down barriers. Plus a smile, a wave, and a friendly attitude can break down any barrier where language isn’t understood.Get a phrase book, or an app, and make the effort to learn at least a few basic phrases.It can make life easier for you, you’ll immerse yourself more in the culture, and the locals will respect you more.8. Travel In Your Own BackyardIf you can’t afford to travel overseas or out of state, if you don’t have the time to go away for more than a few days or the thought of traveling makes you nervous, start off by traveling in your own backyard.You don’t have to be rich to travel and it doesn’t have to involve long flights.A great way to bring more travel into your life is simply by exploring new areas in your home city or state.Start off by taking a day trip to a nearby town or a weekend getaway to the coast or mountains. Or simply explore your own town with new eyes.Visit a new cafe or marketGo kayaking in a nearby riverClimb a new mountainVisit a different park or beach.Grab a drink at a different barWalk around a different neigborhoodAfter a while, you’ll be looking for bigger and longer adventures.This strategy is one of the most overlooked and cheapest ways of bringing more travel into your life.The benefits of local travel include:Less planningLess packingLes time awayNo jet lag or burnoutUsually cheaper9. Do the FREE StuffIf saving money when you travel is a focus for you, then one of our best budget travel tips is to seek out all the free things to do.Most of the time the best experiences in life are free, or extremely low cost.There is absolute joy in the simplest of moments, such as swinging in a hammock while watching the sunset over the horizon.Other free things:Take a walk or bike rideSwim at the beach or lakeClimb a mountainCatch a magnificent sunriseAttend museums or tourist sites on free days or when they are discountedPlay in the parkVisit a marketSee a street fair or cultural eventWhen you walk around you have time to stop and marvel at all the nooks and crannies.You are better able to soak up the atmosphere and feel the energy. And walking is FREE and good for your health!And walking is FREE and good for your health!10. Stay in Apartments or Airbnb (and share the costs)This is one of our favorite vacation tips!Depending on the length of our trip and the destination, we tend to chop and change between accommodation styles.If we are planning a trip that is longer than a weekend getaway, we prefer to stay in apartments or an Airbnb.They offer several benefits:Access to a full kitchen (saves money on eating out)Separate bedrooms from the living room (easier to get the kids to sleep)You have your own laundry.You can book a 3 or 4-bed apartment and split the costs with another family or friends.These extra facilities on a long stay can make your trip so much more enjoyable.Apartments and Airbnb are also typically cheaper and more practical than a hotel – especially for families or small groups.11. Fly Where the Deals AreThis is one of our best travel tips on how to find cheap flights!Instead of choosing a destination and then spending days or weeks looking for a deal, considering flying to where the deals already are.Skyscanner is one of the best travel websites, a flight search engine that lets you type in your departure city and search for a list of cheap flights to anywhere in the world.Simply go to Skyscanner and click in the “To” box and a drop down menu will appear allowing you to search for flights to everywhere from your departure point. This is a fun tool to plan a vacation.Kayak Explore is another one of the best travel sites to search for flights to anywhere by simply typing in your departure city.After you have used these flight search engines and found your cheapest airfare, go directly to that airline’s own site to see if you can get it cheaper.Many airlines have lower fares only available on their own website.12. Blow Your BudgetEvery now and then, don’t be afraid to blow your travel budget on those once-in-a-lifetime-experiences.We go away to experience things and create lifelong memories. Don’t limit yourself to just traveling for the sake of traveling.Go splurge on a famous restaurant, see a big concert, attend a mega sporting event, go on a safari, learn to scuba dive, take that hot air balloon flight, do something incredible you’ve always wanted to do!Even if you have to go under budget for a few days or a week to compensate for your splurge, it’s worth it.13. Be FlexibleOne of our best travel tips, especially if you travel with kids like us, is to leave room for flexibility in your itinerary.If you’re on an extended trip, don’t pre-book everything. You’ll meet people along the way who will recommend great places you’ve never heard of.You’ll discover interesting cultural activities and tours, and activities you thought you only needed 2 hours at you’ll need all day! And places that sound great from your pre-trip research can turn out to be horrible!If all your flights, tours and accommodation are pre-booked it can be costly to change. Go with the flow a little and don’t over plan.Of course, if you are on a short trip with limited time and there are popular attractions you want to visit, it pays to book ahead.14. Don’t Travel Without Travel InsuranceProbably our most important trip advice. I’ve said this over and over…“If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel”.It’s that simple. Especially if it’s an overseas trip!No, I don’t like paying for it either, but buying travel insurance can be so cheap it’s a no-brainer and the peace of mind is priceless!I would rather spend an extra $100 or so for our trip and most likely never use the insurance than wipe out my bank account if something did go wrong.Why do you need travel insurance?What happens if:You need to cancel your trip unexpectedlyA hurricane damages your destinationThere is a terrorist eventYou get sick or injured on your tripYour luggage is lost or stolenYou lose your passportIf you are an American, or someone visiting the USA, you should definitely NOT skimp on travel medical insurance.Health care costs in the U.S. are ridiculous, so large that people go bankrupt.15. Working Holidays Are a Great Way to Experience the WorldIf you desire to live in another country and travel abroad, we recommend making it a working holiday!Most of us have to work for a living and we need money to travel. Why not combine the two?Why we love the working holiday visa strategy:You don’t have to save up as much money before leaving home.You’ll be earning local currency.You experience a culture deeply by working, living, traveling within it.Weekends and days off become adventures.You’ll travel more like the locals, which usually makes it cheaper.You form deeper friendships and connections with people.You’ll learn new career skills and processes.You may get perks such as free accommodation, meals or even flights.16. Pack SmartJust thinking about packing can be stressful when you are planning a trip, but the best thing to do is pack the bare minimum because you can always buy it once there!Our top travel packing tips are to select versatile, comfortable and loose fitting clothes and neutral colors that can be worn in multiple combinations so if something gets dirty you only have to change part of the outfit.If you travel with kids, encourage them to choose and pack their own clothes to minimize complaints and to teach them travel planning skills.And with toddlers, pack a change of clothes for dinner, pajamas, or what is needed during the day in case of accidents.Packing cells have been a life saver for us – in each cell we roll up each item and arrange clothes based on type and season.You can even stuff your underwear into your shoes to save space.Worried about the weight of your suitcase? Wear your heaviest clothes on the flight, including your big hiking boots!And don’t forget to bring a sarong!A sarong doesn’t weigh anything and can be useful for so many things like covering yourself in holy places, a bed sheet, a towel, a picnic blanket, a scarf, a sweater, wind protection, a privacy screen, shade – they are amazing!Top 5 Travel Packing Tips:Know the weather of the destination you are visiting, which helps reduce over-packing.When flying take a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your checked-in luggage doesn’t arrive with you.Know the activities you will be doing so you can pack appropriately.Know the types of accommodation you will be staying at. If you are staying in hotels you won’t need to take things like towels, hair dryers or linen.Charge your electronics and load up all your tablets and portable devices with things to read, play, watch.Take it from us, dragging heavy suitcases around airports and onto public transportation becomes stressful real quick!As they say, “halve your clothes and double your budget”.17. Have More Than One Way To Access Your MoneyWe all want ease and convenience when travelling, especially when it comes to accessing our money.One thing to know is should you have a checking or savings account when travelling? Well, it can depend on the country you’re visiting.On a previous trip to Thailand, we had an issue accessing our money using our ATM card because our card was a checking account. For it to work in Thailand it had to be a savings account.We did not know this at the time. Check with your specific bank regarding this.It’s best to have more than one option. When we travel, especially overseas, we use a combination of:Debit CardsCredit CardsCashTravel Money CardsIf traveling with a partner split up the locations of your credit cards and cash in case of theft.IMPORTANT:Notify your bank and credit card company where you will be travelling to and the dates, this is to stop them putting a freeze on your card if they see unusual transactions from overseas.We recently discovered this amazing way to transfer money overseas. It gives us a fantastic exchange rate and no fees. It’s saved me about $1000 this past month transferring money to the US.18. Use Credit Card Reward PointsOne of our favorite travel hacks we’ve used in the past is accumulating reward points from our credit card that we can redeem for free flights or accommodation.One of our friends here in North Carolina is an expert at this and has inspired us to become better.Get the best rewards credit card you can and use it to pay all your bills, groceries, fuel, eating out and earn reward points.You have to pay your bills anyway so why not use your Rewards Card.BUT, you have to display self-discipline and be smart with your spending and pay off the balance!Which is easy to do by setting up a direct debit from your checking account to pay off the balance each month.This strategy is one of the fastest ways to gather points you can put towards travel, and they can add up fast.Since our recent move to the US, we got ourselves the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card which gave us 50,000 sign on bonus points.This Chase card has been helpful for us in setting up our new apartment in Raleigh and after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months we can redeem $625 towards travel.We are still on the lookout in the US for the best rewards credit card that we can accumulate points on to be used on any airline or hotel. Can you recommend one?Check the program and benefits for your current credit cards, you might be able to use your points for travel.And for expert tips on this topic check out The Points Guy.19. Get Up EarlySunrise in Knoxville, TennesseeI know, waking up early can be tough when you’re on vacation and especially if you have to drag kids out of bed.But it can be the best time of day.Early in the morning you can take a peaceful walk and see a city coming to life or catch a beautiful sunrise, like the one above from our morning river walk in Knoxville.If you’re driving you can beat the rush hour of traffic, and you can avoid the heavy crowds at popular tourist destinations – like we did at The Twelve Apostles and Wineglass Bay.When you get out of bed early it’s amazing how much more you can get done in a day, and the light is nice and soft too making it a great time for taking photos.20. Put Down Your Phone and CameraWe are guilty of this as much as anyone, considering we are full-time family travel bloggers and spend a lot of our time taking photos, putting out updates on Facebook and Instagram, and creating YouTube videos.But it’s important for us to remember to step away from behind the camera, to put our phones down, and simply be present in the moment.Sure, it’s nice to look back on your photos and videos, and social media is addictive, but the only time we have is right NOW in the present moment.The past has past and the future never arrives – so take the time to just sit and be fully aware of where you are with all your senses!If you spend your whole vacation looking at it through the confines of a lens, or keep jumping on Facebook every 5 minutes to see what everyone is up to at home, you are not fully present and can miss so much going on all around you!You’ve spent valuable money and time to be there in the first place, don’t let the moment pass you by!Source: YTravelBlog