Business travelers as their name implies, travel to get business transactions done. Hotels for business travelers must be situated near business or economic centers of the place they will visit to minimize wasted time spent from getting to one meeting place to another. This is the reason why hotels where business travelers stay are more expensive than where leisure travelers do.

On the other hand, a leisure traveler wants to enjoy his stay and visit in the place he will go to, experience the activities and get a glimpse of the bests of the place. There is a long list of expenses that a business traveler has to make sure he’d get a memorable vacation. With this, leisure travelers must choose a more budget-friendly hotel such as backpacker hostels and other affordable accommodations.

So, what accommodation is for you?

International Academy of Design & Technology in Schaumburg offers different programs such as fashion and interior design as well as visual communication programs. IADT is committed to academic excellence and lets you gain the training you need to get to the top of your career. They have experienced and knowledgeable instructors and complete facilities to ensure you get only the best education experience.

Students enrolled at IADT Schaumburg can let them be near the different wonderful spots in the place. Among them are the Sears Tower, Schaumburg’s landmark, Chicago Botanic Garden, Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Athenaeum. Schaumburg is really a perfect place for picturesque view and art lovers.

Anyone who has seen the movie would definitely remember the ‘fooza’, the uncanny resemblance of the feisty tribesmen to the real animals is unmistakable. It is such a shame that the connection ends there because in direct contrast to the aggressive cartoon characters, these ring-tailed lemurs are normally displaced by other primates like monkeys. The bright side of things is that these creatures have found a haven in the forests of Madagascar.

The island also boasts of a rich variety of plants like the octopus tree and the bottle tree. These plants have the ability to store up water and survive the arid weather of Madagascar. Those who have read The Little Prince would probably get a kick out of seeing not just one but six different species of the Baobab tree, a type of tree found in Africa. A trip to Madagascar may not exactly be a leisure trip, the weather is dry and the life of the locals is pretty simple but what it holds out in its untouched hands is well preserved beauty and a diversity of plant and animal life waiting to be discovered.

Madagascar. Any nature lover would appreciate the untouched beauty of the world’s fourth largest island. The thousand mile long island has an expansive wilderness that is home to countless living treasures- flora and fauna that are found only in the country. Having a nature trek of the island would surely prove to be a challenge. The Bemaraha Tsingy National Reserve located at the western part of Madagascar is densely dotted with hundred-foot limestone needles that keep most people off and provide a sanctuary for animals that abound in the island. Fascinating creatures are also an attraction; half of the Earth’s species of chameleon are found in Madagascar, including the smallest of all- the Brookesia. A trip to Madagascar may not exactly be a leisure trip, the weather is dry and the life of the locals is pretty simple but what it offers is well preserved beauty and an amazing biodiversity waiting to be discovered.

Prized primarily because of the breathtaking, 2.5 km jewel-blue crater lake of the mountain in Botolan, Zambales via Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac; no tourist would ever pass the chance to take a dive in this swimming paradise. Especially now that this haven of peace is highlighted by an hour long drive on an all-weather expedition vehicle through a vast landscape of sand dunes followed later by a lush mountainous terrain and sprawling forests.

After the drive, the tour does not yet take you to the summit but to a trek that is worth every step you take. Breath-taking views and vivid sceneries of nature will surely mask your quickening breath as the blood now rushes through your body. This interplay of ambiance, nature’s pulchritude, and of course some good company will guarantee absolute enjoyment on the way to the top. And when one finally takes the last step to ultimately take ganders at the majestic crater; most can only do one thing at this first sight: pause and admire in awe at the beauty of nature.

No one really has to point out that it is certainly news that something that had wrought fear and destruction could turn into a tourist attraction. But what one has to note from the lesson this mountain now shares is that there should always be a second chance for beauty, peace or merely appreciation even just on the second look.

While some have accused the Emiratis of “buying culture” the effect of this gargantuan and extremely ambitious project on the country’s tourism is undeniable- whether the move was all about money or not. The supporters, the skeptics and the downright curious would no doubt be flocking into the country soon to satisfy whatever their fancies. Abu Dhabi will definitely find itself at the top of the list of the hottest destinations.

It would certainly be interesting to see certain western ‘pillars’ of art presented in a different light because despite the expected strict European clutch on these future establishments, a whiff of Asian culture is sure to seep into them.

Looking beyond the issues with money (although this proves to be quite difficult as money and art are hopelessly intertwined), the project may be considered a victory for culture. Art is for all to be seen and appreciated after all.

A week after my retirement, I decided to fly to Tuscany on a small plane that carried me, nine of my friends and the pilot. Everything was going well until a bird decided to fly towards our left wing, one thing lead to another forcing us to crash land. I could not remember any details of the crash, probably because everything that followed after was all that mattered in the end. Fortunately, not much damage was done and no one got seriously hurt; aside from almost peeing our pants from fear, we were far from dead.

After making sure all our limbs were still connected to our bodies, we started looking around. This was when we realized that we were completely surrounded by sunflowers! We were in Tuscany and everything was beautiful. The sun was setting amidst an ocean of flowers. The radiant light mixed perfectly with the bright golden color of the flowers. Even the scar caused by our crash landing on the field looked different. Everything was glowing like gold. Everyone knew that after the crash, we were supposed to get all shook up and worried but surprisingly, we all felt the opposite. All we experienced was a nostalgic moment. We were almost disappointed when ‘help’ arrived. Of all the journeys I’ve been on, the Tuscany accident was the most rewarding.

The whole point of traveling is not merely to get from one point to another but to have a chance to enjoy the uniqueness of each place you visit. Expect new adventures at every new turn; another fresh experience as you pass through the “Thank you” arch of one place right into the “Welcome” arch of another.

How can this be done if you keep rushing from one place to the next? Slow down, take a long, appreciative look around, give a smile to the faces that you meet and stop to smell the flowers (figuratively or otherwise). When you find yourself in a foreign land, absorb as much culture as you can, broaden your understanding. Be adventurous enough to try out their native food; make friends and try to learn a word or two of their language. The same way your destination changes you, try to make your mark in the most pleasant yet memorable way.

Also, learn to appreciate the pleasure that may be had in the journey itself. Do not miss out on the beautiful scenery floating right outside your window or in the beautiful conversation your travel mates may offer. Take your time… 80 day? Might as well multiply it with a hundred.

1. Turning off the electricity, gas tanks and other utilities that may cause accidents especially when left unattended. Not only would it lessen the possibility of your house burning down, it would also eliminate paranoia and ensure that you enjoy a more worry-free vacation.
2. Having at least basic information about your destination. These basics include – government provided travel advisories, health issues particular to the environment you will be going to as well as social and political conditions of the place.
3. Leaving contact information of your destination to your family and friends. Unless you plan to make a disappearing act, it is a must to tell concerned persons about your travel plans complete with the travel route, mode of transportation, flight schedules and such.
4. Giving your neighbors a heads-up. Your friendly neighbors would probably be friendly enough to keep an eye on your place and even look after your dog.
5. Deciding to leave your problems behind. A vacation should be relaxing and it should be your chance to recharge. Remember, It‘s your getaway.