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Pure and Natural Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland

on January 4, 2019

Gullfoss Waterfall is the most popular waterfall in Iceland and originates from Hvítá, a glacial river that takes melt water from the Langjökull Glacier! This melt water cascades down in two stages, one 36 feet high, and the other 69 feet, into the 1.6 mile long crevasse below. The fall is located about 1.5 hours outside of Reykjavik on the Golden Circle Drive and is a must see while in this beautiful land of ice.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @jensmith680 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This powerful photo was taken at Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Iceland trips here!

Bonus Fact: Gullfoss Waterfall is unique in that you view the waterfall from above instead of below!

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

Picture Perfect in Cape Town, South Africa

on December 28, 2018

Table Mountain looms over the city of Cape Town, South Africa, keeping a watchful eye over the residents. Table Mountain is a prominent landmark and essential tourist attraction for visitors to the area. Hiking, biking or riding the cable-car give breathtaking views of Cape Town below. Other nearby attractions include Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island and Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden. Take the time to get to know this amazing city by starting at the top!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @bmac2185 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This flawless photo was taken in Cape Town, South Africa. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s South Africa trips here!

Bonus Fact: Did you know there are weddings as often as weekly up on top of Table Mountain?

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

Nature and Architecture Converge at Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

on December 21, 2018

You may recognize Ta Prohm as one of the settings for the Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie. You will understand why this place was chosen as a unique setting upon arrival. This temple is a true marvel of nature marrying architecture and creating something unique and beautiful all on its own, all in the middle of the Cambodian jungle. Come visit Ta Prohm for yourself. Make sure to get your camera charged and have your film ready, because you will want to take a lot of pictures here.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @sgtsmartguy using the hashtag #gate1travel. This natural photo was taken in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Cambodia and Southeast Asia trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

The Quizzical Sphinx of Memphis, Egypt

on December 14, 2018

Join our optional tour while in Cairo, Egypt  to Memphis, the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom, founded by King Menes. Menes was the ruler of the first Egyptian dynasty and united the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt. This ancient city is now an open-air museum highlighted by the great standing statue of Ramses II and this incredible Sphinx statue. Most of the city is in ruin and but it remains known as one of the oldest and most important cities in ancient Egypt. 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @airam94564 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This majestic photo was taken in Memphis, Egypt. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Egypt trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

An Icy Scene at Perito Moreno Glacier

on November 30, 2018

Welcome to Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is located just outside of Antarctica in Santa Cruz Provence, Argentina. This park, created in 1937, is the largest ice cap outside of Antarctica and Greenland with an ice field that controls the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. While here, observe the glacier’s massive ice wall, almost three miles wide and over 240 feet high above the lake’s surface, from a cliff-side promenade that overlooks the constantly shifting ice.  The easy access to this site has crowned Perito Moreno as one of the most visited glaciers in the entire world.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @debrajmccoy using the hashtag #gate1travel. This icy scene was taken in Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Croatia/Montenegro trips here!

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

The Changing Face of the Kibbutz

on November 18, 2018

About 100 years ago, small pockets of Israel lay dormant and unused. The Galilee was a swampy marshland.The Judean Hills were rock-strewn. And the Negev’s desert landscape was largely inhospitable. To waves of Jewish immigrants from Russia,Eastern Europe, and beyond, these seemed the perfect places to start Utopian communities. 

The Jews who came to Israel during the First and Second Aliyahs wanted to be farmers. But they detested the class structures they had seen elsewhere. Instead, they wanted to create a community of equals. Their vision for communal settlements would not come easily: Most of the colonists came without any farming experience, and they learned quickly enough that this was an unwelcoming region that was often the target of hostile nomadic Bedouins.

They had to stick together. Living collectively in a commune-type environment provided the perfect security. Everyone contributed equally—with sweat equity, skills, and financial resources—to ensure the success of the group. Remarkably, these pioneers also received financial support from around the world as the Jewish National Fund, which was founded in 1901, placed “Blue Boxes” in Jewish communities everywhere; proceeds from the boxes helped to purchase land that came to belong to the entire Jewish population.

Settlers reclaimed the marshes and hills and desert, converting much of it for human development. They planted trees, drained swamps, and converted the soil into productive farmland. To encourage continued donations into those Blue Boxes, word got around about a miraculous transformation in Israel: “The desert,” so the gossip went, “was blooming.”

And that’s not all that was blooming. In a society where all were equal and free from exploitation, immense gratification and pride also blossomed. Throughout the 20th century and into this century, the kibbutz movement has grown into a kind of farm co-operative where crops are harvested, chickens are raised, and cows are milked…much of it for shipment throughout Israel and beyond.

Into the 21st Century

Our Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture trip features a two-night stay at the Pastoral Kfar Blum Kibbutz, founded in 1943. Like those before it, this kibbutz sits on land that was once barren, waterlogged, and inaccessible. Its original settlers were from the Baltic, England, the U.S., and Canada.

To stay in tune with the 21st century, the 600-member community has recently privatized. Its farm spreads out over 1,225 acres, where 1,200 tons of fruit are harvested every year, including the famous red grapefruit beloved throughout Israel. Prize-winning cotton is also grown here, as are peaches and nectarines. Each year, the kibbutz ships 3.5 million liters of milk throughout the country.

Pastoral Kfar Blum also supports itself through Israel’s thriving travel industry. Its intimately styled hotel boasts everything from a restaurant and spa, convention hall and Olympic-sized swimming pool to a synagogue, schools, and a center for music and dance. One visit is all it takes to see the community spirit of the kibbutz is still very much alive here.

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Ornate Temple of Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand

on November 16, 2018

Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is located in Chiang Rai, Thailand and is one of the most unique destinations in Southeast Asia. The temple is a place of worship and is covered in ornate designs. The pure white color of the building is meant to symbolize the purity of the Buddha and nearly everything about the temple depicts a religious or symbolic meeting. The building was completely restored around 1997 and was designed by the same man who funded it.

chiangrai

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @jingle_dancer_ using the hashtag #gate1travel. This dreamy scene was taken at Way Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Thailand trips here!

Dead Sea Jordan
MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Israel’s Astonishing Natural Beauty

on November 6, 2018

When you think of Israel, a vast treasure trove of historic and religious sights undoubtedly comes to mind. But this small country is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty, the likes of which you won’t see anywhere else.

Here, quiet villages are tucked away in fertile valleys. Mountains rise from plains and rocky cliffs soar to the heavens. Starkly beautiful deserts are dotted with Bedouin tents. And serene lakes stretch out like small seas. Throughout Discovery Tours’ Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture trip, you can witness this magnificence firsthand.

The Road to Galilee

The rocky terrain of Galilee seems to stretch into eternity. Dappled in wide swathes of green and soaring to summits of up to 3,800 feet, it’s a breathtaking canvas adorned with streams and flower-laden fields. The climate of this fertile region supports a large variety of flora and wildlife. The Hula Valley Nature Reserve especially thrives with life, including many birds that stop here to rest from their migration between Africa and cooler climates to the north. In one of nature’s most spectacular displays, tens of thousands of cranes pass through here as they make their way from Finland to Ethiopia every winter.

In the west of Galilee on the Mediterranean Coast, white chalk cliffs spill into the sea. Over millennia, the crashing surf has carved a network of spectacular grottoes dimly lit by the sparkle of azure waters. These Rosh HaNikra caves, Hebrew for “head of the grottoes,” are a mysterious and magical place, a maze of subterranean passageways untouched by humankind for ages until divers began exploring them. Today, a cable car lowers you to the grotto entrance, and it is well worth a visit.

From sea level to mountaintop, Mount Bental rises in the eastern region of the Golan Heights. In Arabic, it is sometimes known as the “Mountain of Lust,” so it might not surprise you that it was once an active volcano. Now dormant—as are the other peaks of this mountain chain—it provides incredible views of the Golan Heights and the surrounding region. The volcanic soils have made this a fertile pocket of Israel. Farming communities, kibbutzim, and wineries dot the landscape, and Discovery Tours visits one of them—the delightfully welcoming Golan Heights Winery—to sample some of the local vintages.

The tranquil Sea of Galilee is the focal point of this beautiful region. Contrary to its name, it is a freshwater lake fed by underground springs and by the Jordan River from the north. Aside from its beauty, it has a lot to boast about. It is Israel’s largest and the world’s lowest freshwater lake. What’s more, it is the site of several miracles of Jesus. He is said to have walked on these fabled waters, and to have transformed five loaves and fishes into a feast for thousands here on these shores.

A Sea Full of Salt and a Massive Mesa

Unlike the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea is very much full of salt. So much salt, in fact, that it is impossible to sink in its waters. This is the lowest point of land on earth—1,315 feet below sea. This fascinating body of water is more than nine times as salty as the ocean, creating an environment that cannot support animals, hence its name.

But it is a geographic curiosity for a host of other reasons. With the Jordan River its only significant source of water and with no outlet, tiny springs have formed underneath its shore, resulting in pools and quicksand pits. Further, with so much salt and relatively little water, intriguingly shaped salt deposits form on the shores as water evaporates, from thick multi-layered blankets to tiny pearl-like pebbles, all of them sculpted over millennia. If you’re not completely smitten with the geology of the Dead Sea, then its buoyancy is sure to put a smile on your face. Merely step in, lie back, and relax to enjoy nature’s only flotation device.

Nearby, a giant rocky plateau rises from the Judean Desert. This is Masada, and its magnificent setting helped to shape history. So commanding are the views from atop this mesa—some of its cliffs are 1,300 feet high—Herod the Great built his fortress here just a few decades before Christ. Who can blame him? The vistas of the Dead Sea and the Negev Desert are spectacular. But not everything was serene and beautiful in Herod’s day. When the Roman Empire attacked at the end of the first Jewish-Roman War, 960 Jewish rebels are said to have thrown themselves off the cliffs rather than surrender to Rome.

We invite you to surrender to the natural beauty and irresistible allure of Israel.

Click here for trip details!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Ancient Findings in Petra, Jordan

on November 2, 2018

Ad Deir is the famous monastery of Petra, Jordan that is carved completely out of rock. The structure was built by the Nabateans in the 1st century in their classical style. The “monastery” was actually not a monastery at all but a temple dedicated to the king Obodas I of the Nabatean people. It became known as a monastery when the European explorers falsely identified it as such. The Ad Deir is a bit of a hike and contains around 800 steps to get to, but as you can, it is worth it.

petra

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @benandbethblog using the hashtag #gate1travel. This magnificent scene was taken in Petra, Jordan of the Ad Deir. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Jordan trips here!

Travel Tips

Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World

on November 1, 2018
Pictured: Queenstown, New Zealand

Hello and warmest welcomes to our list of the friendliest cities in the world. Let’s be honest, sometimes travel can be a little uncomfortable and stressful, especially in a new location. A helpful culture, friendly people and beautiful sights all help make you feel at home in a new city and may even help contribute to making it your new favorite vacation spot! Follow us around the world as we bring you to some of our friendliest spots due to their authenticity and unashamed personality.

10. Thimphu, Bhutan
Welcome to the tiny, magical kingdom of Bhutan, located in-between India and China. Tradition and independence reign supreme in Bhutan and you will see that instantly in the people who live here. The capital city of Thimphu gives you the perfect taste of what Bhutan is all about. This city is located in the Himalayas and is extremely isolated from outside cultures, meaning it has largely kept its authenticity. Thimphu is the most modern in the entire country and boosts a great amount of sights to see. A great thing to do here is to surround yourself with temples and courtyards that will make you feel just like a local. Top attractions here include the Dochula, a mountain pass through the Himalayas and Simtokha Dzong, an important historic building and former Buddhist monastery, Do not forget to be on the lookout for the rare national animal; the Tazin.

9. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Travel along the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to alluring Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada. This town is a true homage to Victorian charm, through the architecture and genuine nature of the locals. It is also the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, which means its has a lot of history stretching back thousands of years. British and Asian traditions are also prominent here thanks to the cities past involvements with trading and British rule. While in Victoria, you will want to visit Beacon Hill Park, Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum. Perhaps stop in Canada’s oldest Chinatown and indulge in a delicious snack! Perhaps you’ll enjoy a stroll or have a meal along the Victoria Harbor and take in the view of the Parliament Building along the water. Victoria, British Columbia welcomes you and you will be greeted with a warm embrace!

8. Hoi An, Vietnam
The ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam will give you a feel for the culture as soon as you get here. Many of the people in this city still wear the “ao dais” or cultural dress of the Vietnamese. Hoi An is bursting with tradition, given its past as an important Asian training port. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an impressive collection of canals, pagodas, temples, bridges and shops in the Old Quarter. While in Hoi An, be sure to visit the Organic Village where you can enjoy vegetables and herbs grown in the area to support the local community. This town has no airport or train station so you will oftentimes land in the airport of Da Nang and drive to Hoi An, but it is worth it! Warm weather, happy people and a city with much to do will make Hoi An a new favorite of yours.

7. Savannah, Georgia, United States
Welcome to the “Belle of the South” Savannah, Georgia, and what a beauty this city is. A storied past and numerous landmarks give this city a heart all its own. Historic landmarks you must see in Savannah include Forsyth Park, River Street, the Waving Girl statue and the Cotton Exchange. While here, be sure to keep an eye out for the manicured gardens, historic district, antebellum architecture and horse-drawn carriages, that will transport you to another era. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets at night and get a real feel for the city; breathe in the warm weather and magnificent sights of the South in Savannah.

6. Galway, Ireland
You’ve arrived in the Emerald Isle and we have an excellent spot for you to visit! Galway is a seafaring town in this country that deeply honors tradition. The Gaelic language is alive here and can be observed in the people of this area. When in this city, be on the lookout for folk music, traditional pubs and fun shops. These are all a must to truly understand the character of this city and those who live here. Must see sights in this city include the Eyre Square, River Corrib, Latin Quarter and Galway Cathedral. If you love a city that marches to the beat of its own drum and has a truly unique nature, Galway is a must for you.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is located in the mountainous Himalayas in the region of Northern Thailand. Northern Thailand is said to have a persona and food scene all its own and cannot be compared with the cities in the south. This is due to its close border to Myanmar and Laos and the Lanna inspiration that exists here. This area is rich in character and is very fond of festivals and celebrations! Chiang Mai is a perfect example of the culture of the north and has temples and wats that you will not believe. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh are just a few of the must see attractions. Some things to try and do here that are authentic include sampling local dishes, perhaps Larb, a spicy salad, or Khao Soim, coconut curry soup, enjoying a Thai massage, venturing through Sankampang Street for handicrafts and exploring the temples. Experience for yourself, the spirit and beliefs of Northern Thailand, with a visit to the genuine Chiang Mai.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand was named for Queen Victoria and is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island of this Pacific nation. Queenstown has a rich Maori culture and history of gold-mining that helped shape what this area is today. This city is considered the adventure sports capital of the country and is a perfect place to live like the locals. Bungy-jumping, skydiving, paragliding and zip-lining are all available here. For more natural scenes, Milford Sound, Elington Valley, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls are some of the few in Queenstown. See excellent views of the city below at Bob’s Peak and view some of the Lord of the Rings filming locations. Be sure to also get acquainted with the downtown of this resort area and perhaps visit a relaxing spa, find a good restaurant or do some exploring! Getting yourself into some adventures in Queenstown is sure to make you feel like a kiwi and meet kiwi friends as well.

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is your gateway to the Angkor temples and a unique city all it’s own. It is very probable that the Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat masterpieces brought you here, and that’s an excellent reason. These amazing temples were built by Khmer Kings and were once home to over a million people! These temples are truly a must see for your travel bucket list and are unlike anything you have seen. This city is very popular and safe and has adapted to accommodate travelers. Hotels, restaurants and shopping are all prevalent and excellent in this city. Many of the people of Cambodia are grateful and happy to meet travelers and people from all over the world so do not be afraid to interact! The Cambodians have had a fascinating and sometimes horrific history but they are more than happy to share their country, as well as ancient sights, with the world.

2. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland is one of those cities that is always a good idea and will always provide travelers with a good time. Whether you are walking around, exploring sights or having a drink in the pub at night, this city is full of excitement, singing and people enjoying themselves. Some of the must see sights in Dublin include Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a drink, eat Irish fare or do a little shopping, head down to the Temple Bar area. This area can get a bit touristy and crowded, so do not be afraid to spend a little time here and move on to another area. If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, this is one of the best places in the country to find it! Have a bowl of Irish Stew with a local or listen to an Irish folk band at the pub and you are sure to feel more green.

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Hola! Welcome to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. This location tops the list thanks to its impressive history, friendly people, tasty restaurants and easy exploration of the city by foot. San Miguel de Allende also has a large ex-pat community that can make you feel more at home. The city itself is best known for it’s Colonial-era and Spanish architecture and intertwining history with Mexico’s Independence. Cobblestone streets, majestic churches and plentiful parks and gardens help add to the perfection of this story-book city. Here, you will feel safe, enjoy a friendly and exciting place and have a stress-free time exploring the sights. While in this city, be sure to visit Parroquia de San Migual Arcangel, Juarez Park and the Artisan Market to get a feel for this area. Do not be afraid to walk in this city, it is very safe and effortless to explore on foot.

Bonus: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
We couldn’t end a friendliest cities list without mentioned the warm and charming city of Charleston, South Carolina in the United States! Cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and multi-colored homes are all the norm for this city in the South. This city has so much to offer with its historic charm, excellent food scene and shopping. If you are a big shopper or want a bite to eat, head down to King Street or the Historic Charleston City Market. Both of these areas have great shopping and have restaurants and stands for wonderful food. If history is more your style, visit Fort Sumter, a Civil War fort, or the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a historic house with tours and a lush garden to explore. Feel the Southern hospitality of South Carolina while in this gem of the South.

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