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How to Make Game Changing Travel Photo Books

To say that we’re in the age of the traveler would be an understatement. It’s becoming more common than ever before for people to up sticks and venture around the world. The best thing of all is that this doesn’t just apply to young people fresh out of university, but people of all ages.

We’re also in an era where photography has become easier than ever before. A couple of decades ago, it was all about the disposable camera. Now, high-tech phones and swanky compact cameras have made life as the modern-day traveler all the more easier – and those memories are visually there to stay.

However, if you are serious about creating the very best photo books for your travels, you can’t just whip out your iPhone and hope for the best. Instead, there are various tips you can implement to make your photos that extra bit special, as we take a look at some of them here.

Buy into the rule of thirds

This is one of those suggestions which might appear complicated, but once it’s broken down it will quickly become apparent that this isn’t at all the case.

When we talk about the rule of thirds, it’s all about getting the appropriate elements of an image into each area of it. For example, the top third might be the sky, the middle third might be the main object, while the bottom third might be the ground. By doing this, the viewer’s eye will be drawn to the right areas of the image. In other words, the wrong parts won’t be drowned out.

The smart frame

This isn’t some sort of fancy Instagram technique, it’s something that has been around since the beginning of time and can make a monumental difference to the photos you are shooting.

In short, it’s about finding the object that you are looking to snap, and using this as the frame of the image. For example, in the case of a bridge, the upper part of the bridge can act as the top frame. By doing this, it means that the viewer’s eye will be drawn to the center and what lies under it. This is again an excellent way of drawing attention to the correct areas.

Of course, it’s also a technique which doesn’t work with every setting. Some objects just aren’t suitable for framing, but those that are include the likes of trees and doorways which can transform the average photo to something completely out of the ordinary.

Staying on the subject of focal…

A lot of this guide has been based on keeping focused. This next suggestion is one that’s been around for a long time, yet it’s also one that should never be neglected.

Particularly if you are trying to capture a person during your travels, you want them to be the main focus of it. The best way to do this is to blur out all of the other surroundings, so they stand out as the sharpest element. It’s something that’s used on all of the magazines and as such, you should immediately understand the reasoning.

How to keep yourself occupied while traveling

Traveling presents the opportunity to visit other locales, take in the culture or just relax. From planning the trip to actually boarding the plane, train or bus (depending on how adventurous you are), travelers can engage with other worlds. However, the tedious part of travel is the here-to-there part that might take days and run through several time zones. Nevertheless, the best way to get through dull, uncomfortable travel, especially over very long distances, is to get the party started on the way.

Play mind games

Use this time to get to know one another by engaging in the types of games that elicit interesting answers and start conversations. Going on a picnic, 20 questions, and Begins with Ends with are all fun and cheap games that can be played in the car while on a road trip. If those types of conversation games are not interesting, the old favorite Truth or Dare is one of the best ways to occupy hours at a time.

Go online

Perusing the internet via tablets and cell phones is another way to consume a lot of time while journeying. FreeCell, Bejeweled, Mahjong and Sudoku have online communities where players try their hand against some of the best players. If feeling particularly lucky, travelers can up the stakes a notch and participate in any number of online casinos that offer sports betting. Online casinos allow players to place wagers on sports such as soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball and almost any other sport imaginable. Gambling sites, in addition to the numerous gaming sites, can help bored travelers eat up a lot of travel time.

Listen to a podcast

Talk radio can be traveler’s best friend on a long trip. NPR and other stations have a wide array of programming for listeners. In addition to regular news programming, Ask Me Another is a trivia podcast that focuses on cover songs. If not really into talk radio, Maximum Fun, Doug Loves the Movies, and American Life are all comical podcasts that can be enjoyed. If traveling alone in the car, listening to that audiobook your relative gave you can help pass time. Whether listening to a novel or catching up on current events, podcasts can distract travelers en route to any destination.

Take the time to smell the roses

If time permits, check out every oddball dive littered along that expansive highway. Not only is this proof to everyone in your social network that you are indeed the bravest, most adventurous soul on the planet, but it also presents you with the opportunity to visit the quirkiest tourist traps. Afterward, if traveling with companions, raise the stakes by having a wackiest souvenir competition, where those who win the pot are treated to a delight of their own choosing. Also, lovers traveling can stop and star gaze at night, and those with a passion for the stars can use the Star Chart app to discover what lies in the heavens above. Whether visiting a cacti museum in the middle of the Mojave Desert or taking in the roadside diner experience, while the trip takes a little longer, the experience is so much more enriching.

Get lost

No really; ignore that GPS and place that map in the glove compartment for a couple of hours. Getting lost makes the trip that much more exciting. Not only does detouring make for interesting sightseeing, but it also is the opportunity to get to know the ins and outs of locales, in addition to the fascinating stories you get to tell friends. Use that inner guide to get you to your destination safely, as you might find a trendy bed and breakfast to settle down in for the night, or better yet, a comfy restaurant that sells down-home food.

Document, document, document

The great part of traveling today is that technology allows travelers not only to take great pictures, but through the many social media sites, travelers can document every part of the trip for their friends. Take the time to create a real-time online album that lets friends and family know how the trip is coming along. Later on, use these pictures to create a hardcopy photo album.

Sometimes the journey to the destination is the best part of the trip. Coming or going can be the opportunity for travelers to see new sites along the way, learn new things about their companions, or be taken in by a new hobby. In this day and age, the journey can be as exciting as the trip itself. Just make sure you are comfortable while travelling, take time to check out your surroundings, and bring a device to play games on to keep yourself occupied during those slower times of travel. You’ll be happy you did!

The best places for a wild holiday in the UK

When people from around the world think of the United Kingdom, they often picture the good old town of London. It is fair after all, as most of us will refer to a country by their capital city, but we all know that a country is more than its most famous city. This is definitely the case for the UK, as there are so many more places you can go to have a great and exciting time.

Cardiff – Wales. Cardiff is considered to be the capital city of Wales, the part of the UK that is famous for its love of Rugby and its rainy weather, along with its high sheep count. The truth is that Wales is a beautiful part of the country, with rich and green valleys and many old castles to visit. There are also beaches, and even though they are not like the sunny Californian coastline, their tranquillity and beauty is still a sight to behold. The people in Wales are friendly and they love a good drink. If you love beer and rugby, Wales is the place for you. Friendly lads, ladies who know how to drink and love to drink, what’s not too like?

Peak District National Park. For a more mountainous experience, the peak district in central England fills a lot of good points. Peak District’s high point Kinder Scout reaches 2,088 feet (636 meters) above sea level, and the whole park is made of beautiful moorland plateaus and gritstone ridges. There are a lot of places for those who love trekking, but for those looking to have fun you will also find the loveliest countryside pubs. It is great to meet people after a long walk, and even perhaps meeting the lovely local ladies. On the worst case if you get really lonely you can always use the no.1 UK dating site Sex With No Strings, it’s pretty popular out there so you could just arrange some hook-up if that’s how you roll.

Brighton – Brighton is situated in the south of London, and is recognised by most as the gay capital of the UK. This coastal town has a great beach and a pier, but where it really stands out is its nightlife scene. The clubs and pubs, along with its eager-to-party population makes Brighton a place worth trying, if not just for the one night. It is difficult to spend a night in Brighton and not enjoy yourself, no matter what your sexual orientation is. Simply put: Brighton is a great time waiting to happen!

Devon and Cornwall. Located in the South West of England, Devon and Cornwall are simply some of the best parts of the UK for those who enjoy surf and having a good time. Lots of beaches and some good waves, but also towns like Plymouth in Devon or Newquay in Cornwall can offer a great night out. Newquay especially has a reputation of being a good party town favoured by Stag dues and Hen nights, and truth be told you probably won’t need to use a dating site or a hook-up app to meet some friendly ladies. But simply reducing Cornwall and Devon to drinking and surfing wouldn’t do them justice, as the countryside simply looks stunning and offers many coastal walks, especially when the weather is good.

So there you go, we made a little list based on not only the beauty of certain places, but mostly on how much fun you are likely to have. All those places make for a balanced choice, so that nature lovers and thrill seekers alike may find what they are looking for. We hope it helps you to think a bit outside the box, for every country is much more than its capital city.

Feeling comfortable while travelling

Staying comfortable while traveling takes some preparation, but it is worth it. Instead of paying first-class rates for a little luxury, you can create your own comfort. Check out the following tips on how you can create a more comfortable and luxurious experience on an economy budget.

Plan ahead

Book your flight or embark on a road trip after the morning rush. You will want to avoid early morning flights, since this is when the airport is packed with business travelers. Be sure to check traffic apps to see when the roads are less packed with commuters. Booking ahead can also help you save money if you are looking to travel on a budget. Choose a seat on your flight that is on the aisle if you will get up often. When traveling with children, book early enough to sit together and keep them entertained.

Comfortable clothing

One of the best ways to feel relaxed while traveling is to wear comfortable clothes that are not too bulky or too thin. Since you might alternate between cool and warm due to body heat in an enclosed space, warming sunlight, and heating or air conditioning, wearing layers allows you to adjust your temperature throughout the trip.Cramped conditions like economy airline seats can be incredibly uncomfortable even in a short time. Give your body the support it needs by improving back and shoulder posture with a women’s posture shirt. This is sure to keep you comfortable for the duration.

Keep warm

Snuggle up with a comfortable blanket to stay warm when you feel chilly or need to nap. Opt for a travel blanket that comes with a bag or holder to carry it in. If you kick off your shoes as soon as your flight takes off, pack a pair of slipper socks to wear during the flight so you don’t have to force your shoes back on to walk around or go to the bathroom. Make sure that you bring a travel jacket with a hood. This can help your neck and ears stay toasty without having to bring a separate scarf. Putting your hood on can also help you block out noisy or annoying neighbors.

Sleep gear

Block out the light with a plush, high-end, contoured sleep mask that won’t rub on your eyes or make you sweat.Create silence with noise-canceling earbuds, which are as effective as headphones but more compact for traveling. On a road trip, this allows the driver to crank whatever music they want to help them stay alert while you snooze in the passenger seat. Scope out a twisty neck pillow or another modern take on the travel neck pillow. There are cushions that allow you to lean forward, back, or to the side, depending on your travel sleep style.

Tech items

A portable charger should be at the top of your list to bring, since they are compact and can often charge multiple devices at once. You are missing out until you travel with a tablet stand, especially if you are traveling with kids. There are tablet holders that fit onto the back of your airplane tray and others for the back of a car seat headrest.

Stay healthy

Toss a few vitamin C packets or a travel pack of multi-vitamins in your purse, pocket or overnight bag to boost your immune system, because exposure to germs is bound to happen while traveling. Bring wholesome granola bars or individual fruit snacks for healthy energy to sustain you when you get hungry, but avoid nuts that are sometimes restricted on flights due to airborne food allergies of others. Watch out for deep vein thrombosis, which is a greater risk on longer flights. Make sure you walk around frequently to keep your blood circulating.

Refresh yourself

An excellent use for a washrag is to wipe your face to freshen up at the end of a long journey. There’s nothing better during travel than wiping down your face and neck with soothing warm water. Carry a small packet of mini toothbrushes or peppermints to refresh your breath. These awaken your mouth, keep plaque away and typically don’t require water.

Moisturize

It seems that traveling always strips the moisture from our bodies, but it you stay ahead of dryness then your body and skin will look amazing. Remember that the first step to staying hydrated is drinking enough water before, during and after your trip. Bring a reusable mini water bottle to refill every day for affordable water on the go. Pack lip balm and aloe gel as an all-purpose moisturizer for almost any rehydrating purpose.

Hopefully, when you travel, you are able to treat yourself to little luxuries that keep you comfortable. From comfortable clothes to hydration, the little things add up to make you feel more refreshed on your journey.

4 Unique Travel Destinations for the Adventurer

Air travel is, of course, the standard way of reaching some of the most exciting places on Earth. It’s also my preferred mode of transportation that gave me with unique experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. I spent the last half-decade hopping about various locations. Here, I’ll detail a handful of the most memorable ones.

If there’s one thing that’s difficult to look forward to while flying anywhere, is the long airport lines, especially around summer holidays. Once you’ve flown with one commercial flight line, you’ve flown with them all – and the experience doesn’t get better with age. Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of the reasons why renting private jets is becoming a thing as the prices dropped considerably from the days when only CEOs could afford them. They can take you almost anywhere in the world, and give you a lot of options for large groups, family travel and even individual charter flights.

1. The Wonders of Aspen Colorado

The minute we landed in Maroon Bells between the Elk Mountains of Pitkin and the Gunnison county, I understood why Colorado is one of the most popular ski resorts in the nation – maybe the world. The natural beauty is almost overwhelming, as icy blue skies merge into white mountain-tops and verdant green pine before the clear lakes. There’s a touch of golden aspen scattered all about the countryside; which beckons to hikers like a long lost lover. The trail is easy, runs for about a mile, and the payoff is the splendor of Maroon Lake. I cannot wait to go back!

2. Safari In Cape Town

No one could ever again doubt your claim as an adventurer if you go on safari. There’s simply nothing like the Kruger National Park experience, where the most sublime denizens of Nature are but a stone’s throw away from you in all their uninhibited glory.

You’ve never truly seen a pride of lions until you’ve seen them roaming the amber grasslands and woodland bush plains of the African continent. I found it breathtaking, in its own special way, as Aspen, Colorado – despite the 180 degree difference in environment.

While you’re there, take a break from the adrenaline-pumping visits by caravan to the Reserve, and take a hiking or biking tour on the Cape Peninsula, overlooking the bluest part of the Atlantic you’ll ever see. The tours are always available, and they include scenic picnics and even a cruise ride around Duiker Island. With such amazing experiences such as these, why wouldn’t you choose adventure travels? 

3. Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas

This lovely vacation spot sits in the Andes Mountains in the South American country of Peru. The ruins of the long-dead Incan civilization are preserved for posterity and you get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery that has drawn tourists since the early 1900s, when it was rediscovered and opened to the world. This recent discovery is great for tourists, as this 600 hundred year old place is included on their lists of must-see destinations.

As for the glorious ruins, you will understand why they’re so exquisite when you read about the history of the place: Machu Picchu was reserved for Incan royalty – particularly, kings and chiefs. It was a like a resort in its time, with hundreds of symmetrical structures displaying the architectural abilities of the artisans of that time. There are multiple hiking trails available on the tours, and various temples to visit. Don’t miss a chance to ride the luxury train that gives a splendid view of the Andes during your trip to the ruins.

4. The West Indies – Nevis and Saint Kitts

Dormant volcanoes and beautiful beaches all around awaited us as we jetted into Nevis and Saint Kitts. I’d never seen golden, black and pure white sands – such an amazing variety on Pinney’s Beach and near Nevis Peak volcano, where we went hiking. The extremely well-maintained Nevis Botanical Gardens was worth every minute we spent there, and the Thai food at the Oasis (Gardens Restaurant) was a welcome difference from some of the overly-processed Thai I’ve eaten in the States.

You wouldn’t regret a visit here on vacation – especially with a significant other, where the romantic vibes are very strong amid the bonfires, karaoke and dancing on frigate Beach.

I’ve enjoyed these travels as much as any others, even more so with the splendor that private jets offer and without all that airport scramble. I look forward to finding more unique adventure spots. Don’t worry, I’ll share them all with you!

Why is the Dominican Republic Such a Popular Tourist Destination?

 

What does the name Dominican Republic mean to you? Most would answer a tropical paradise, with beautiful beaches and being the perfect spot for a vacation. Several all-inclusive hotels and some of the best Dominican Republic villa rentals attract over four million tourists each year. But what makes this nation covering eastern Hispaniola Island such an appealing spot for a holiday? Keep reading and find out all about traveling in the Dominican Republic.

Diversity

There are beaches and incredible accommodation choices around the Dominican Republic, especially along the northern and eastern coast. But head a little further inland, and you’ll find mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, rivers and the Caribbean’s tallest peak: Pico Duarte at 3087 metres. Expect an abundance of wildlife, birds and marine creatures as you explore the island. When you combine everything, you have much more than a beach holiday in the sun.

Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, has several Spanish colonial buildings, churches and a cobblestoned historical centre. Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean founded in 1496 by Bartolome Colombus, Christopher Columbus’s brother. As you walk around, you’ll enjoy the façades and historical charm.

Damajaqua Waterfalls

If you’re into natural beauty, check out Damajaqua Waterfalls a short drive from Puerto Plato. A total of 27 waterfalls cascade over the rocky cliffs making it one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous attractions. Tourists and locals come to swim in one of the many pools to cool off in the afternoon heat while the braver ones climb up the rocks and dive down. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty for longer, follow the trails which will take you through the forests and along the canyons. Most people typically spend a few hours or more at Damajaqua Falls.

Delicious Food

The variety and styles of food combine the very best of Spanish, African and Creole flavours, which are available in all towns and cities at affordable prices. Many of the regional dishes have a staple of rice, meat and beans with various spices to give a mouth-wateringly good meal. Regardless of your budget, you’ll find everything from street food costing a few dollars all the way up the gourmet food served by the island’s best chefs. And it’s not just about the food. If you’re thirsty, grab a fresh coconut from one of the street side vendors for a refreshing drink that suits the tropical paradise you’re standing in.

Whale Watching

Península de Samaná on the eastern part of Dominican Republic hosts a special annual event captivating both tourists and locals alike. Migrating Humpback Whales, totalling around 2000, make their way to the warmer waters for reproduction between December and March. If you’re lucky, you may see the whales from the coastline. It’s also common to witness the gigantic creatures jumping out of the water. Males often sing hypnotic songs to attract mates that can you can hear on the land.  

An Active Nightlife

The locals love to party, and holidaying tourists like to let their hair down and have a good time. Everything from beachside pubs to cocktail bars and nightclubs that stay open until dawn are all around the island. You can find anything from a relaxing place with an excellent view to an affordable place to drink with the locals. You might not find the best beers in the world, but they are still pretty delicious and refreshing after a long, hot day. Santa Domingo is the perfect spot for a night of entertainment and partying boasting hundreds of different pubs, bars and lounges. There are casinos and international standard restaurants around the city too.

Puerto Plata, the tourist hotspot, has a very active nightlife. The hotels and resorts often have bars with an adjoining nightclub and live entertainment for guests. If you don’t want to leave the resort, drinks and fun await inside the walls of the compound.

Paradise

Apart from the natural beauty, there’s another kind of splendour that attracts tourists and keeps them coming back to the Dominican Republic. And that’s the luxury and high standard of holidays. Some of the Caribbean’s best resorts, beachside vacation rentals along with great restaurants and romantic spots to watch the sunset are just a few of the highlights. The island caters to the wealthy who demand the very best. Tourists looking to have a luxury and unforgettable experience can find what they’re looking for here. Whether you want to spend your days lounging around your private pool or sipping cocktails on the beach, the Dominican Republic will have it.

The Locals

You’ll find friendly and smiling locals around the Dominican Republic from the waiter and hotel receptionist to the people relaxing on the beaches. Dominicans, both living in the tourist areas and rural parts of the island, tend to welcome visitors and have an infectious happy go lucky approach to life. It’s never too difficult to strike up a conversation with someone who’s usually more than glad to offer you tips, suggestions and listen to your stories.

The only downside is that not everyone speaks English. Most will talk decent English in the tourist parts. But when you venture further inland, the number is much less. Learn a few phrases in Spanish if you don’t already know some and make a smiling local smile even more when you make an effort with their language.

People Love the Dominican Republic

After reading this article, you should now know why so many people around the world want to take a holiday in the Dominican Republic. Natural beauty, beaches and hospitable locals combine with the excellent food, active nightlife and luxurious resorts to make the perfect travel destination. So why not join the millions of satisfied tourists and head here on your next family holiday?

The Top 4 Places in India to Celebrate New Year 2018

New Year is a much awaited time of the year. The festive mood starts from the Christmas itself and people enter into this party or celebration mood which reaches its epitome on the New Year’s Eve. So, how have you planned to celebrate the last day of the year? First of all, make a list of all the people, you have to send a gift and select some Happy New Year flower bouquet for them and then plan your party. Here are some places where you can visit to hug the New Year 2018.

New Delhi:

When you want to embrace a New Year with your best friend, New Delhi is definitely your kind of place because of its immense number of pubs. This place is full of life and all the pubs offer some kind of special offers to ring in the New Year. From songs, dance, drinks, lights, and food – there are too many things to enjoy here. The best DJ’s of the country plays their tunes here during New Year and you just cannot afford to miss that. You may spend the New Year’s Eve here, so, start contacting your pals who stays in Delhi.

Pondicherry:

If you have never ever been to this place, book your tickets now if you’re all about travel and spend the last leg of the year 2017. Anyone may mistake Pondicherry as a foreign land for its clean and colorful streets and the French style architecture. There are beautiful beachside parties organized by pubs or influential people and witnessing such an awesome New Year party is a must. Firecrackers and bonfire at the beach would give you a breath-taking view.

Jaipur:

India is a fun-filled country with many diversities. On one hand, you have the electrifying New Year celebration in New Delhi, a subtle one in Pondicherry and in the West of our country in Jaipur, you would meet the rich cultural welcome to a New Year. Eat royal Rajasthani food and enjoy the cultural performances at Choki Dhani or any royal heritage site and embrace the New Year. The organizers work every bit to make you feel like a Maharaja or Maharani and this cannot be missed.

Bangalore:

This place is the IT hub of our country and many outstation people work here for an earning. This is the place that truly believes in working hard and partying harder. The all-time charming weather is the plus point of this city. When most of the country is witnessing chilling winter season, Bengaluru still relaxes at the moderate temperature. Have dinner at a fine restaurant, go for some traditional beers, rock the party matching your steps to the beats of the DJ’s. The New Year celebration at the Leela Kempinski, Dugout Rooftop Restaurant and Sports Bar, New Year party at F Bar & Kitchen, and The Last Party at Sutra – The Lalit Ashok are very famous ones.

An enjoyable and memorable New Year party would pump up the spirit for the coming 365 days for sure. For those friends and relatives who couldn’t be there with you for these grand parties, don’t forget to wish them a Happy New Year with flowers.

Why is the Dead Sea so Popular as a Tourist Destination?

It’s a very interesting place that a lot of people are really curious about. Given its unique properties and rich history, the Dead Sea is one of the most visited places in the world. It does not matter how difficult it is to reach the area, still a lot of people travel the distance just to see its majestic beauty and have some adventurous travels. Here are some more reasons why tourists are attracted to the Dead Sea.

It is one of the saltiest bodies of water

Given its salinity of 33.7%, this place is among the bodies of water with the highest salt content in the entire world. Although there are other places that are reported to have higher salinities, nothing compares with the popularity of the Dead Sea. It contains almost 9 times more salt than typically found in the oceans, hence floating in the Dead Sea is a really popular activity

No animals can flourish

In case you are interested in what a body of water without any animals in it would look like, visit the Dead Sea. Due to the really harsh environment, animals can’t flourish. The saline content stops the marine organisms from surviving. Recent studies though have shown that microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi can survive.

It is a health research centre

Given the unique qualities of the Dead Sea, it is considered a perfect place for doing health related research. Other qualities that make it even more interesting are the mineral content, low pollen content, reduced ultraviolet components and higher atmospheric pressure. All of them have specific health benefits that are continuously being explored. Several published studies have revealed that around 80% to 90% of the patients visiting the Dead Sea have displayed significant improvement in their skin condition.

The place is really rich in history

The Dead Sea was said to be King David’s refuge. It was also named as one of the world’s earliest health resorts. Various products were obtained from this place. Even Cleopatra was said to have seen the benefits of the mud in the area and started using it as a beauty product. True enough, the mud in the Dead Sea is really perfect for the skin and it has been turned into a component of cosmetics; Ahava being the most popular cosmetics factory located in Israel. There is also a tour of the factory that you might want to try.

You can enjoy the Dead Sea in many ways and there are also a lot of stunning sites around the area for you to visit. Start planning your trip now and you will understand just why people are totally fascinated by the Dead Sea.

 

Image: Pixabay.com

The Best Gastropubs in New York City

Being a beer connoisseur can be extremely challenging. Well, maybe not extremely, but there are definitely some various factors to work around when finding the perfect pint. Finding beer at the right temperature, bars with new and exciting concoctions on tap, and bartenders who know their brews is like hunting for treasure in a world of mass-production.

Not to mention, trying to find amazing food to pair your brew with.

A gastropub is a pub that adds an element of fine dining to their cuisine. They don’t just drop everything into a deep fryer and call it a day. No, a gastropub wants your dining experience to rival–or perhaps, enhance– your drinking experience. We’ve talked about the best beers and bars in New York City. Now it’s time to look at the best gastropubs to get the best of both worlds.

Dirty Pierre’s

While the name might give you pause over the cleanliness of this gastropub, Dirty Pierre’s is an absolute gem. Boasting dishes inspired by not only the United States but also France, Canada, Mexico, Dirty Pierre’s takes a gourmet approach to pub food.

At Dirty Pierre’s, there is quite literally something for everyone. Various salads, vegetarian dishes, appetizers galore, and even a brunch menu make for a well-rounded approach to drinking and dining. The servings are huge, the staff is friendly, and the beer is flowing. Note, that this little spot in Forest Hills has limited room and does not take reservations. Plan ahead or avoid busy times to get the best experience.

Bierocracy

Located in Queens, Bierocracy is known not only for its beer but for its epic trivia nights. The staff at Bierocracy is dedicated to ensuring that each beer tastes as fantastic as possible, and each night spent with them is fun and memorable.

Notable dishes at Bierocracy include the Slow Smoked Beer Chili Brisket Nachos, the Beer Brined Buffalo Chicken Wings, and the Bierocracy Burger served with beer Chimay cheese. See a common theme here? Polish it all off with an alcoholic tribute to your childhood with a Boozy Root Beer Float for dessert. If you plan on stopping by, be sure to check out their special event schedule as they often bring in different craft beers for one night only.

Bricolage

Let’s take a moment to think outside the box. When you think of a gastropub, high-end versions of traditional pub fare comes to mind. With Bricolage, that’s not the case. Located in Brooklyn, Bricolage is a Vietnamese gastropub. Not only do they offer an assortment of craft beer by the tap and bottle, but Bricolage also has an extensive cocktail list for the non-beer drinkers in your party.

If you didn’t consider summer rolls as pub food before, you would think again after visiting Bricolage. With both vegetarian and meat options, this is the place to go if you want an exotic twist on your usual pub night. If you really can’t get past the lack of traditional pub fare, you can always order the Sriracha Butter Chicken Wings.

YN

Beer and brunch go together like two peas in a pod. YN is a chic gastropub in Lower Manhattan. While they also offer a dinner menu, YN’s brunch selection is unforgettable. With traditional brunch options like Eggs & Salmon and the Farmer’s Omelet or new favorites like Avocado Toast and Eggs & Prosciutto di Parma, YN is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.

In addition to a few different beer and cider options, YN offers the Sour Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, which is an eclectic blend of sour can, gose-style, prickly pear, and cactus. If you’re feeling thirsty and adventurous, give it a try.

Gastropubs Galore

You’ll find that the options for gastropubs in New York City are endless. You could spend a year there and probably never find them all. Whether you decide to take a cab, a subway or Liberty Cruise NYC, try to at least get to the ones listed above. Your stomach and your passion for a great glass of beer will thank you.

Online Games to Play While Traveling

Travel and the online world go hand in hand. There are many hours of your trip where you will be unable to do anything but be on your computer or phone. Whether you’re road tripping around Canada or drinking beer in Ireland, entertainment is required and some apps just don’t cut it. You can choose to play some boring games or take your chances to try and win some real money while traveling!

Slots are a classic casino game. They have been around for some time and they remain popular even now. And with online casinos, slots have become more popular than ever. The ease of playing the game coupled with the cash prizes at stake make slots a perfect choice.

Check the paylines

It is advised that you play using the maximum bets possible so that your pay odds will increase. For instance, if the machine can pay 2 lines, you could have a jackpot of 1000 coins for the first coin used, but it goes up to 2500 for the next coin. If you play using the maximum coins allowed, you also get a 500-coin bonus. Just be careful when choosing slots where you are required to pay only £0.25 but it has 10 paylines. This is a huge risk as you could end up losing more. Read casino deal’s review of mobile slots in the UK to lessen the risk and find out more information about the best online slots.

Understand the payout rule

The basic rule is that if the slot has a higher payout, you will not get smaller payouts. Therefore, you need to decide what your priority is. If you want to just play over a shorter period of time, but are hoping to hit the jackpot, choose those with higher payouts. On the other hand, if you intend to play on a budget but you want to play over a longer period, choose slots with smaller payouts. The amount might not be that big, but you will at least get more of your money back. This helps prevent you losing so much.

Choose progressive slots

Progressive slots offer higher jackpot prizes because they share the jackpot with other slots as long as they operate in the same network. The sharing can even be both for regular slot machines and online slots. This is great in the sense that for every bet that does not hit the jackpot, a small percentage is added to the jackpot, until it gets really big. In some cases, the amount could even hit £1 million. As the jackpot increases, more people are motivated to play. This speeds up the increase in the total amount that could be won. Just remember though that hitting the jackpot is extremely rare.

Online slots can be very fun as long as you choose the right site to partner with. With the increasing popularity of online slots, jackpot prizes at stake have also increased. This should motivate you to try playing this game even more. Besides, playing slots online is easy and a whole lot of fun!