Wanderlust Mugfords in Hoi An

A stroll through Hoi An’s old town is well worth the time. For five centuries the town served as a trading port and its buildings and streets are extremely well-preserved, allowing today’s travelers a comprehensive vision of a traditional Southeast Asian trading port. Along the riverfront travelers may rest their feet and wet their palette at a local bar, refuel and relax at one of the town’s restaurants, or update their travel blog at an internet cafe! The town also hosts a variety of arts and crafts shop, and is famous for its gifted tailors.

RealTravelers Wanderlust Mungford’s wandered through the ancient streets of Hoi An’s old town, and enjoyed taking in the incredible old architecture. They write:

“Hoi An isn’t a big place but has earned its reputation on being Southeast Asia’s biggest port … and in recent times for having a World Heritage listed old town and the credibility for being able to make anything for anyone to wear.

First impressions of Hoi An were somewhat muted due to the searing 39 degree temperature. However in between ducking inside to grab a piece of shade we got a feel for the European like crumbling facades and well preserved cottages that have made the place famous.” (more…)

For more on Hoi An, see:
Hoi An Travel Guide
Hoi An Travel Photos
Things to Do in Hoi An

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From Elk, Bears, and Helicopters by V&Rob

Summer is quickly approaching, inspiring travelers to jet off to sparkling beaches, national parks, theme parks, and other fun-in-the-sun locations. Some travelers, though, want to feel the swoosh of their skis and snowboards slicing through soft powder one last time before the summer sun melts the white stuff into small choruses of glittering drips. Where to go for such a last hurrah? Alaska!

RealTravelers V&Rob are in the midst of a round-the-world trip, and one of their first stops was Alyeska, Alaska for some heli-skiing. V gave Rob the gift of adventure for his 30th birthday, and he describes the experience as “awesome.” Here’s a bit from his journal, Rob’s Heli Day:

“Kneeling waiting for the “Bird”, there was so much wind generated by the rotors it was unreal - the snowboards had to be held down to prevent them being blown away. After clambering into the back and the guide loading all the gear, we were off, and it was truly awesome - not only the helicopter but also the fact that it was taking me to the top of a huge mountain to ride down.” (more…)

In addition to some great heli-skiing, V&Rob saw bears and elk at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, drove up to Turnagain Pass to see snow machines, and then headed into the small town of Seward “to a warm welcome from the locals and beautiful views of Ressurection Bay inlet.”

In Juneau, the couple hired bikes and road the coastal trail, taking in the crisp, stunning scenery along the way. They even saw the surprisingly strange site of snow dogs in training:

“I thought my eyes weren’t quite working when I saw two people with mountain bikes and husky dogs tie their dogs to the front of their bikes. This is summer training for dog sled dogs apparently - a very interesting if slightly terrifying sight!

After a great trip through the Kenai Peninsula (Homer and Seward) and then Northwards to Talkeetna to try to see Mount McKinley (covered in cloud) we stayed in the deserted Hatcher Pass Cabins. Struggling through snow up to our hips to get to the front door, we were rewarded with the most awesome views and true solitude and quietness. After we had decided that the front door was bear-proof, we had the most amazing time looking at the view and chilling out.”
(more…)

If you’d like to find a gorgeous, exciting, relaxing destination to chill out this summer, Alaska just might be the place! For more help planning a trip there, check out these great sites:

Alaska Travel Guide
Top Spots in Alaska
Alaska Travel Blogs

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