Traveling allows you the opportunity to see how other people live and in some cases it allows you to literally look back in time. That’s why I love to travel to ancient cities with rich historical and cultural attractions.   Exploring these awesome destinations not only teaches you history but also lets you see how people lived and thrived. These ancient cities have flourished and somehow stuck around long enough for us to enjoy. Check out these mysterious ancient cities while you still can.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

If you want to see one of the largest and most unique ancient cities, you have to go check out Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Khmer people were Hindu by religion and they created this city for the Hindu Deities as a sign of respect. Stretching over 500 acres is an intricate and detailed city filled with moats, towers and numerous reliefs depicting celestial scenes.

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most traveled to destinations I the world but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this splendid gem. The incredible Roman Empire left tons of cool ruins to check out. Just seeing the immense Colosseum is worth fighting through the crowds, as it’s so awesome it’s hard to explain. Just thinking about all the people that once filled this giant to see people fight each other and wild beasts to the death.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is famous for bridging the gap between Europe and Asia, and literally being between the two continents. Check out architecture from the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire with modern flare. You can even see Moses’ staff, which is in a museum.

Bagan, Myanmar

Myanmar has gone through some serious political turmoil over the past few decades but now that that has all quieted down, people can finally enjoy the awesome Bagan temples. These Buddhist temples are all centrally located along the banks of the Irrawaddy River and create a magical ambiance. You will find much smaller crowds than at Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu. I suggest a boat tour and see as many temples as you can, they are so cool.

Kyoto, Japan

Come to Tokyo for all the modern conveniences and come to Kyoto for a trip back in time. Spend hours touring the ancient city and its magical Zen gardens and tea ceremonies. Feel like you are in Imperial Japan and walk the line between history and technology as tech giants like Nintendo are located in Kyoto.

Machu Picchu. Peru

You can’t have a list on ancient cities without including Machu Picchu; the Incan city perched upon a mountaintop. There is no easy way to reach the summit of these Andes Mountains, so be prepared for a long hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll realize just how impressive this city truly is. It was built over 500 years ago and is still in incredible shape.

Athens, Greece

Athens is a city that is literally overflowing with ancient ruins. If you are a lover of history than Greece is an obvious choice. The creator of democracy and modern civilization, Greece is technically all our homes.

The ancient world is waiting for you to discover it, before it’s wiped away for ever.

Not all hotel rooms are created equal and that goes for rooms in the same hotel. Whether you are staying in a 5-star resort or a fleabag motel, rooms can vary dramatically. It’s important to ask the front desk person these six vital questions if you want the best room possible without paying a cent extra. Follow this simple guide to a more pleasurable experience when staying at a hotel

Elevator/Ice Machine

Room location is a huge factor at any accommodation, no matter how fancy it is. Even the nicest resorts have bargain basement rooms and ones with less than favorable locations. When I’m checking in, I always ask for a room that is far away from the elevator and ice machine, as these can be very noisy spots.   Have you ever stayed in a room near an elevator; it’s the loudest spot second only to the icemaker.

There aren’t locations worse than these two, especially if you need some R & R. You will be amazed at the difference only a few rooms down can make when a loud ice maker is constantly humming and dropping ice.

Large Parties

I always ask if there are any large groups, parties or conventions staying at the hotel during my visit. These are always annoying so I like to stay far away form the groups or parties. I’m not in my early 20s anymore so the sight of a beer bong sends shivers down my spine. If you want a relaxing vacation, steer clear of the large groups or conventions; they tend to get rowdier than your normal guests.

Recently Renovated

Who wants to stay in the wing of the hotel that hasn’t yet been renovated? Nobody wants some uncomfortable bed, an out of date television and the A/C unit that makes more noise than it does cool things down. All you have to do is ask if any of the rooms have been recently renovated and just say you would like one of those rooms. I tend to use my allergies as an excuse, it usually works great and I get the room I desire.

Higher Floor/Away from Street

Street noise can be pretty loud in larger cities and in hotels with cheaper, thinner windows, so I always ask for a higher room. The higher up you go, the quieter it usually gets. If you want the quietest room possible, ask for off street rooms. These are away from the street and offer up your best bet at relaxation. The views are usually worse but the silence is golden.

Adjoining room?

Ask if there are rooms without adjoining rooms. These are the rooms with a door that connects two rooms together for larger parties or groups. The problem is these offer less sound barriers so you can really hear your neighbor and they can hear you.

Best Wi-Fi reception

Simple question and often times you’ll get a complicated answer. All you have to do is say that you have very important business and you need the strongest Wi-Fi signal. They will usually hook you up and if you have a loyalty program with them thy sometimes will give you the password for free!

In life sometimes all you need to do is ask and you can get everything you want.

Summer vacation is around the corner and now is the time to start planning your beach trip. If you are thinking Caribbean then you most likely are looking into Cancun, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, the three most popular destinations. These places are awesome, cheap and beautiful but also the busiest, so maybe a quieter destination ids for you.   Let’s get away from the crowds and find a vacation spot that is just as beautiful and affordable while we visit the quieter side of the Caribbean.

Costa Rica

If surf is your goal then Costa Rica is your paradise. Considered the best surfing in the world, with warm waters and consistent breaks all year long, Costa Rica needs to be on your list if you like water activities. Costa Rica straddles both coasts with the Caribbean side being the calmer side with smaller waves and thicker jungles. The Caribbean side is generally cheaper than the Pacific side and much more laid back.

Honduras

Honduras isn’t on most people’s lists because the city of San Pedro Sula is currently the murder capital of the world but its well over an hour away from the beaches. This beautiful country sits right on the Caribbean Sea and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches around. Check out Roatan, the largest island off the coast and a major vacation hub. You can fly direct from major US cities like Houston, so no need to worry about the crime riddled central cities.

Panama

Nobody thinks of Panama when booking Caribbean vacations but that is their fault. This Central American country boast some of the region’s most secluded private islands and luxurious retreats. Find the above water villas you’ve been searching for with unspoiled marine life just waiting to be explored. Panama has some awesome wildlife and plenty of sanctuaries you can explore and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Panama also has a rich history so you can see some really cool ruins.

Trinidad and Tobago

Tourists still under utilize the only actual Caribbean islands on this list, Trinidad and Tobago.   The country isn’t focused on tourism like the other Caribbean nations so they don’t offer as much variety of resorts as the other islands. Trinidad is the business island and Tobago is the pleasure center of the two, so I advise you stay on Tobago. These islands have those authentic laid back vibes you’ve been searching for.

Belize

If you want the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the region than look no further than the Barrier reef off the coast of Belize. The largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere is full of marine life and intense coral reefs. Belize also has some radical Mayan ruins you can check out that are located deep in the lush rainforests. There are plenty of guided hikes and activities to keep you entertained and more than enough sandy beaches to relax on. Belize is nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, so it’s easy to get to and affordable.

Try one of these less traveled paths and your vacation will be filled with chill Caribbean vibes.