Rwanda: A Nation Renewed

In my African Politics class, we learn about the complex political institutions of several Sub-Saharan African countries. We recently learned about Rwanda and the immense ethnic conflict between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority. The genocide that occurred between April and July 1994 left estimates of up to 1,000,000 Tutsi killed, thousands more displaced and the nation’s infrastructure in utter disarray. Despite these insane obstacles, post-genocide Rwanda has thrived, far over-coming the odds against them.

This video from GOOD.is shows a blossoming nation with breath-taking views of rich, green forests and animals running freely. You never would have guessed from watching this video that these smiling people have overcome years of hardship and sorrow. Just watching makes me want to visit.

Travel to the Top Hotel in the World

According to CNN’s Travelers Choice 2013 the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai located in Historic Ka’upulehu, Hawaii was named the number one hotel in the world. It offers spectacular views of the Kona-Kohala Coast. Rooms are bungalow style and promote open air living spaces with Hawaiian inspired decor. This would be the perfect getaway if you’re in the mood for a relaxing tropical vacation. There are seven pools located around the resort. All with a gorgeous view including the Sea Shell Pool with an infinity edge and the Beach Tree Pool located right next to the Beach Tree restaurant for pool side service.

Fine dining at  Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a must.  There are three restaurants and two ocean side lounges.  All offer great Hawaiian inspired food.  After a peaceful dinner by the shore you can head to the spa for even more relaxation.  You can choose from many different services to fit your needs.  You can spoil yourself with lap pools, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges, all set amidst lush greenery.

The resort features a golf course with over 7,000 yards capturing the beauty of golf on the shore. They offer rentals and private lessons for beginners. Black lava surrounds the greens to provide the ultimate Hawaiian experience.

There are multiple opportunities to go exploring outside of the resort as well. First there is Pololu Valley Lookout and Kamehameha Rock. Rain and wind have eroded the northeastern part of the island, creating the Pololu Valley. This site is great for hiking and you can even take a trail down to the shore. The Pololu Valley also features a zip line if you’re feeling adventurous. On the zip line you can soar over the valley’s beauty.

For more information visit Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/.

Taste the Big Apple in a Whole New Way!

Whether you’ve been to New York City a million times, or you’ve never been there at all, you’re probably missing out on some of the most fun experiences the famous city has to offer. While Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building are important staples that every first timer should see, there’s no reason you can’t make a few stops along the way. New York style pizza is world renowned, the next time you find yourself in the Big Apple instead of simply trying a slice you should visit Pizza a Casa Pizza School. Some of the greatest pizza makers in the city will teach you how to make your very own New York style pizza with simple ingredients and equipment that can be found in any grocery store and home so you can even make the delicious pizza when you’re back in your hometown. Are you an adrenaline junkie? There might not be mountains to climb or cliffs to bungee jump off of in the city, but there is still a way to fly. The Trapeze School New York offers classes of all different levels taught by professional trapeze artists for anyone who wants to give it a try. So you want to see one of New York’s famous Broadway shows? Instead of spending hundreds of dollars for a performance make your way to Upright Citizens Brigade, the Peoples Improv Theater or Magnet Theater and see some of New York’s most talented comics for only $10 a ticket! These are only a few of the items that should be on your New York City bucket list. Checkout http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/01/10-unusual-things-to-do-in-new-york-city/ to view and book classes for the activities talked about above, and to learn more about other unique experiences you should consider doing the next time you’re in the city that never sleeps.

Helpful tips to avoid the nuisances of traveling!

Before going on a trip, we all make checklists of errands we need to accomplish and items we need to pack, but are you sure you’re not forgetting anything? Are you positive? Traveling can be a stressful time for many and you want to make sure you have everything prepared to ensure smooth sailing! Huffington Post wrote an article for you to check out before you go anywhere because they provide “10 Signs You’re a Terrible Traveler.” The first sign they give is that you could have an expired passport and not even know it. Ut oh… passports take at least a couple weeks to renew so make sure you avoid this mistake and check the date before it’s too late!

Check out their other 9 helpful tips at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/terrible-travel_b_2687935.html?utm_hp_ref=travel-blogs

Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My!

Ever thought about going on a Safari trip for vacation? Kelley McMillian, a born and raised New Yorker, decided to spend 4 days in the vast savannah of Kruger National Park, in South Africa. Her very detailed and hilarious description of the mini adventure made me want to book a flight there as soon as possible. Check out Kelley’s blog to read more about her out of the oridnary vacation and get some tips on how to plan your own jungle adventure.
http://fathomaway.com/postcards/thrill/first-safari-londolozi-lodge-south-africa/

Gorgeous leopard photo courtesy of Londolozi Game Reserve

Be the best traveler you can be!

An interesting note a traveler wrote to himself about how he can be a better traveler in the future. Everyone can learn from their mistakes, especially when you are new to travelling! Check out this post by Robert Schrader.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-schrader/india-travel-lessons_b_2620219.html?utm_hp_ref=travel-blogs