Travel, Lifestyle Chantal Clarke Travel, Lifestyle Chantal Clarke

Culture - Heartfelt Handicrafts (part 3)

Handicrafts often carry the cultural essence of the country they come from, representing the talent, creativity, and heritage of the people who make them. Whether it's delicate weaving, intricate carvings, or vibrant textiles, each handcrafted item tells a story. If you’re heading to Fiji, Bali, Morocco, Turkey, or Australia, here are some of the most sought-after handicrafts you’ll want to keep an eye out for—both as beautiful mementos and ways to support local artisans.

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Travel, Lifestyle Chantal Clarke Travel, Lifestyle Chantal Clarke

Culture - Heartfelt Handicrafts (Part 2)

Handicrafts are a beautiful way to connect with the culture and traditions of a country. They often reflect the unique artistry and heritage of the people, and buying these items helps support local artisans and their families. When traveling to South Africa, Guatemala, Jamaica, Ireland, and Croatia, you’ll discover a wealth of traditional crafts that make perfect souvenirs or keepsakes. Here’s a closer look at the most sought-after handicrafts from each of these countries, and what makes them so special.

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Travel Chantal Clarke Travel Chantal Clarke

Culture- 5 Unusual Museums Worth Visiting

We scoured the globe - with Prof. Google as our guide - and came up with the following collection of truly odd museums, that relate to each of us in their own small way. From the Museum of Broken Relationships, to the microminiatures within the eye of a needle, you’re sure to discover at least one that’s eyebrow raising amongst this global handful of oddities.

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Travel Chantal Clarke Travel Chantal Clarke

Culture - Heartfelt Handicrafts (Part 1)

In a world where everything seems to have been ‘Made in China’ and plastic is at pandemic levels, it’s nice to know that some places still value the creation of authentic handicrafts. Traveling the world allows us to bring back memories, as well as unique treasures from the places we visit. They tell the story of a region’s history, while helping preserve culture and support artisans. In countries like Mexico, Thailand, Portugal, Russia, Benin and New Zealand, traditional crafts are still alive and thriving. Each of these countries is known for specific types of artisanal work that are highly sought after by tourists and collectors alike. Whether you’re traveling or just curious, here’s a guide to some of the most iconic handicrafts from these diverse countries.

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Travel Chantal Clarke Travel Chantal Clarke

Culture - Fair and Friendly Bartering in Developing Countries

Bartering, or haggling over prices, is a common practice in many developing countries. If you’re not used to it, the idea of negotiating for every purchase might feel a bit intimidating or even uncomfortable. But bartering isn’t about “winning” or driving the price down as low as possible; it’s about finding a fair deal that works for both parties while respecting local customs. More importantly, in many of these countries, a little extra money in your purchase could go a long way in supporting the seller and their extended family.

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Travel, Wellbeing Chantal Clarke Travel, Wellbeing Chantal Clarke

Tips - Travel Clean

Have you ever considered how many people have handled the remote control in your hotel room? Or the safety belt and tray table on your seat? Or how about how many fingers have tapped on the ATM buttons? We have! Following are some basic hygiene tips to reduce the risk of your travel plans being foiled by Bali Belly, Delhi Dunny or Covid Cough.

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Travel Chantal Clarke Travel Chantal Clarke

Tips - Apps and Gadgets

While solo travel can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and ensure your safety. The latest personal safety apps and gadgets offer a range of features designed to help you stay safe, connected, and confident as you explore the world on your own. By integrating these tools into your travel routine, you can focus on enjoying your journey with the peace of mind that you’re prepared for any situation.

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Destinations - Bucket List Moments

Embark on a journey of a lifetime: Swim with whale sharks and trek through the jungle to sit with wild gorillas, or witness the Northern Lights or float above an other-worldly terrain in a hot air balloon. Our readers offer a collection of their best experiences, and encourage you to reflect on your own dreams, while checking off unforgettable bucket list moments. Are you ready for adventure?

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Wellness - 6 Sensational Retreats

A wellness retreat provides an ideal escape for those looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being. We asked our readers to share their favorite wellness retreats, and the following six received the highest recommendations. Let’s indulge!

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Purpose - Ethical Wildlife Volunteering

Volunteering with wildlife rescue organizations is a rewarding way to contribute to the conservation and rehabilitation of endangered and injured animals worldwide. However, it’s crucial to select ethical organizations that prioritize the animals' welfare and adhere to responsible conservation practices.

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