Mexico: Top 11 Free Things To Do

 

Best Month to visit: March and May

Mexico which is officially called as the United Mexican States is a thirteenth largest independent state in the world. The city is popularly known for its ancient history, visual arts, literature, architecture, cuisine, paintings & sculpture, culture, entertainment, and biodiversity.

Mexico is one of the safest city for the travelers who want to spend one month or more learning about its diverse culture and art. You can find  more than 1500 magnificent and ancient monumental UNESCO World Heritage-listed buildings in Centro Historico. There are a lot of La Ciudad’s museums which offer either free entry on specific days in a week or maybe all the time. But there are a lot more to
experience along with visiting museums.

Let’s check out 11 most amazing Free Things to do on which you can count on once you step into this Beautiful city. So, here is my list:

1) Ancient Monuments with Popular Murals: You will find so many huge buildings in Centra Historico, which also includes country’s most precious government buildings whose passageways and getaways designed by colossal murals by Mexico’s most popular artists.

The most popular artwork include Palacio National by Diego Rivera’s and Supreme Court Building’s mural by Jose Orozco and Rafael Cauduro. Mexican Government has allowed FREE ENTRY to all the visitors.

 

2) The Palace of Fine Arts: The place is popularly known as Palacio de Bellas Artes is a most important and grandest space in Mexico City. It hasinhouse National Museum of Architecture and the National Theatre. The place exhibits murals of Mexico’s most popular artist like Diego Rivera, Jose.C.Orozoco, David Siqueiros, and Roberto Montenegro. The Palace looks stunning in the night.

The Palace organize different events in opera, dance, music, art, and literature. You may enjoy Free historic tour which is preferably conducted on Tuesday to Friday afternoons between 12.30 to 1 pm (Time-schedule may vary) and can accommodate huge people in one go. The Tour is in Spanish only so, if you do not understand Spanish never-mind, you can still have the advantage to admire the interiors of the theatre and its famous ‘glass curtain’.

ENTRY IS FREE (unless for a special event going on).

 

3)La Alameda Park and Plazas: The Mexico city has so much to offer on leafy parks and shady plazas which are scattered around the Centro Historico and adjoining neighborhoods inclusive of Latin America’s Largest park Bosque Chapultepec.

All parks are inclusive of lakes, walking and cycling pathways, museums, and castle on a hilltop which was earlier served as residence to many Presidents of Mexico.

 

The most famous and central is the La Alameda Park which is leafy, shady, medium sized park beside Bellas Artes. There is this Parque Mexico in the southwest of Centro Historico which is larger, manicured and a shady garden located in Condesa. The grandest boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma is located at the end of La Ciudad’s is Bosque Chapultepec. Entire strolling around and visit all museums and castle will take two days to a week.

ENTRY IS FREE!

 

4) Bike Ride Down Avenida Reforma: La Ciudad offers free bicycles for their visitors to see one of the mexico’s most coolest and intriguing areas, Avenida Reforma. You may ramble the huge street any time of the day or night enjoying the sideways monuments beauty, every sunday( except last sunday of every month), feel free to enjoy with other people cycling up and down.

 

5) The Amusement Chapultepec Park: The place regarded as the first place outside China with a set of breeding giant pandas. The well-maintained zoo by the Mexican government located in Chapultepec park and the main attraction besides, Mexican wolf, jaguar, Bengal white tigers, tarantula and more are Giant Pandas, you can see them lying or if they are in the mood, they may even show their cute faces.

ENTRY FREE..except butterfly pavilion.

 

6) La Ciudad’s Free walking tour: If you are looking for free walking city tour then, you may find someone infront of the Municipal cathedral on Zocalo’s north side. The two or two and half hours friendly educational tour is about strolling around colonial and coyoacan neighborhood of Centro Historico knowing about the fascinating history of Mexico city and its customs.

 

 

7) Soumaya and other Free Museums: If you are culture and history fanatic,then you must visit city’s best essential enormous number of museums which are approx over 15o! You may find an entry of a lot of museums free especially on Sundays and Tuesdays or any one day a week or all the time. Museo Soumaya- Polanco’s art gallery is free all 12 months around the year(Tuesday closed; other days-10.30 am to 6.30 pm). Galeria OMR and exhibitions in Museo da la Charreria and Museo Dolores Olmedo are free on Tuesdays.

 

8) Climb Paseo de la Reforma: The 95m victory column of Angel of Independence popularly known as la Angel and officially known as Monumento a la Independencia is located on the roundabout of Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City.

In order to have lifetime experience by climbing this one of the most prestigious monument is a bit tedious but worth doing this paperwork for a fabulous FREE experience, still a great place to stroll too(Best time between 4pm to 7pm).

You need to write a letter explaining your reasons for visiting, confirmed day and time and the number of people (in case of group hiking-Maximum 6); then, submit your letter to the Patrimonio Cultural between 9 am to 2.30 pm (Mon-Fri) and you are done!

 

9) UNAM Campus: The area which is often ignored by the tourist in the Mexico city with reason that the same will be overcrowded with students and university restricted area. But at the same time, the area offers tons of free sites and most famous one is cool Espacio which open Monday to Friday, and also offers great spots to grab a bite to eat, in case you’re hungry and do not forget to take photos of Sculpture park.

 

 

10) Visit Basilica: If you like visiting churches, then Mexico will prove to be paradise for you. You may find churches on every corner with free entry on this Catholic country. In case you are striving for truly blissful experience into Catholic decadence then, head towards central Cathedral Metropolitana whose interior is visibly covered with gold.

You must visit world-famous Basilica de Guadalupe in the north of the Plaza de las Americas which is both for pilgrims and tourists having the fascinating collection of religious art.

 

11) Biking and Climbing at Los Dinamos: If you are feeling tired of hustle and bustle of the city and looking for an adventure trip, you may head to the outskirts of Mexico which is Los Dinamos. You can go for hiking in Ajusco and explore one of  the beautiful national parks.

The place is little isolated but having scenic beauty so better you plan to go in a group especially female solo travelers.

Entry to Place is FREE.

So, have finally reached to end of my Budget place list for Mexico; the city has wonderful things to offer to see and experience. Go visit this Place, choose your favorite spots and learn about the place along with having Fun!

Stay Safe! Travel in Budget!

Naples, Florida- Top 10 Free Things To DO.

Naples, which is situated on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida as one of the pricey travel when it comes to spending a holiday but it still offers some of the affordable places which you can enjoy on this wealthy ground.

 

You can enjoy getting out in nature, Hiking, paddling a kayak, watching birds, spotting dolphin, diving to find seashells and soaking under the sun are one of
the beauties of this place.

The beaches of Naples, Bonita Springs, and Macro Island are all free things you can enjoy as these are open to the public without any fees. YES; Parking fees do apply, but if you prefer to come on your bicycles and walking- YOU PAY NOTHING..(Win-Win situation).

Do not leave the Collier County, Florida, the United States without exploring its four excellent historical museums and walk along Naples City Pier that is free and highly kids and adults friendly.

Let’s get started with the Top 10 Best Budget-Friendly Places in the fishing and dolphin-spotting destination-Naples, Florida(USA).

 

1) Big Cypress National Preserve: If you are looking for spending a peaceful time in nature listening and enjoying the sounds of the frogs, limp-kins, thunder and rain and other Glades sounds. It does not get better than traveling the water trails of Big Cypress National Preserve that too on when you are on Budget. Better to Begin exploring at the new free Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Centre and take loop road for the best wildlife sight-seeings.

 

The preserve neighbor to Everglades National Park which covers more than 7 lakh acres of land and is also home to rare to found and watch animals like Florida panther, Florida Manatee, and all the alligators. Its Free of cost Oasis Visitor Centre offers environment and ranger programs in case you are interested.

 

2) Collier County Museum: It is one of the excellent five-campus empire locations in Naples perseverates about one million years of South-west Florida history. The area is stretched in more than 10 thousand sq-ft space apprise diversified ancient mastodons, ceremonial masks by primitive people. An Ice Age giant corpus ground
sloth hanging from the ceiling welcome visitors.

There are other outside attractions for exploration like in-house museum gardens, restored cottages, a quintessential swamp buggy that kids can enjoy climb into, a working archaeological lab, a 1910 steam engine from the country’s cypress-logging era and a converted Seminole fort and Calusa Indian camp.

 

3) Paradise Coast Blue-way: If you are looking for more closeup and raw experience in nature; you must take a paddle tour in Naples backyard Everglades. The whole 73-mile long development efforts start with the ten thousand Islands section (Phase 1) all GPS- marked trail routes which cover the wilderness zones in one long trail from Everglades National park to Good land on Macro Island and most challenging adventurous six days short trip trails.

The trail provides you the experience of watching secluded beaches, mangrove-forest islands, and shallow backwater swarming with birds, dolphin, and fishes. There are extended phase 2 covering routes through Rookery Bay from the Gorden Pass area and phase 3 covers a coastal route along the beaches to the northern county line.

For Bookings: www.paradisecoastblueway.com/trip/outfitters.php

 

4) Macro Island Historical Museum: The ancient Calusa Indian civilization which was established in 1896 by archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing, spreads throughout Southwest Florida. The importance of the museum is its remarkable and influential 6-inch wooden effigy named as the Key Marco Cat and a room devoted to Marco Island’s early development and pioneer days.

 

You will find a lot of information about Marco from its original inhabitants to the modern era and two exhibit rooms devoted to Calusa culture. There is this mini gift
shop with cute items which is also affordable from the local artist. There are no entry fees, however, donations are well appreciated.

 

5) Naples City Pier: The place is 1000 ft long stretches out from Naples municipal beach and has been an area landmark for attracting millions of tourists, and the
native people. You also get the opportunity to just stroll on a peaceful place as
other tourists and even natives love to do during sunrise and sunset listening to the sound of the waves and watching the dolphins and fishes.

 

The Pier accentuates with restrooms, showers, a concession stands with a covered eating area, and beach supplies. Parking is a bit tricky so better grab the first spot you find and if you are lucky to be friends with the natives; it will help you to
grab the beach passes. The place is close proximity to the restaurants, ship store, and shop.

 

6) South Marco Beach: A fantastic place to spend the time if you are planning a family outing with kids, while strolling on the beach enjoying feeling your feet on the white sand, watching calm waves, starfish, and dolphins in the clean water, playing water sports, gathering the shells, relaxing sunset view. They also rent chairs and umbrellas; Yoga is also available at very affordable rates.

 

The Beach is little tricky when it comes to restrooms and public parking- they have paid to park for $8 and then a short walk to the beach.

 

7) Ten Thousand Islands: The place famously named as Marsh Trial which is a cluster of mangroves haven which is fed by a flow of fresh rainfall into the Florida bay is one of the world’s most mysterious places where Florida haven breaks
apart into thousands of small tiny pieces. There was a time when this unusual
jigsaw puzzle was only accessible through water by the air boats, canoe, and kayak but now the first quarter mile is paved and wheelchair accessible.

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge added a resource which creates out and back hike into the mangrove mazes and Entry is free.

 

In case you are a birder then, a newly opened observation tower which provides you the opportunity for wildlife photography that too without any charges and viewing
definitely a Bonus!

Best Place for Hikers and who would like to explore the place by bicycles as bikes are allowed on the trail which is in open- no shade.If you are planning for kayaking, assure to have a map with you before heading into the wilds and in case you bring your pet especially a dog, beware of the alligators.

 

8) Naples Depot Museum: The place foretells the history of city’s transformation which was once an ancient village, now with the help of railroads has become a
flourishing tourist destination.

You may find a movie which plays at every seven minutes in the museum’s windows, leaving you with mesmerizing experience of watching the circa 1927 Orange Blossom Special hauling into the station.

 

The cherished site is located in the downtown Naples and listed as Historic Places on the National Register featuring the local history from the Seminoles designed caves to the marshland buggies and the three credible rail cars alongside the depot.

 

9) Otter Mound Preserve: The place on Marco Island was once the headquarters for the ancient Calusa Tribe- later owned by Ernest Otter. The Calusa archaeological hidden site and it’s illustrative manured pathway trail which is still full with ancient whelks alongside tells the history of primitive Indians who once lived in this place.

 

The owner has reinvented the place by using the hundreds of whelk shells which they left behind defining their shellfish rich diet to line terraces around the
property in 1940 and above.

 

10) The Naples Preserve: The small yet fabulous flora and fauna place is best called as Tamiami Trail which allows you to stroll into the area and see how the area used to look like before development dating back nearly 10,000 years. You may find black racer snake, turtles, Air plants, red pines, and palmettos. Better to pick easy to use laminated guides as you step into the boardwalk which will guide your kids and you to know which fauna they need to keep watch for.

 

There is also an Eco-system house with gave stress on interactive programs and panorama view featuring the preserve’s flora and fauna.

We are now end of the list, do explore this place in weekends or plan a holiday and share your experiences in the comment section.

Stay Safe Travel in Budget!

 

Singapore: “Top 13 Free Things To Do”

Happy New Year to All!

 

Best Time to visit: February and March

 

Despite, being so expensive still, we manage to find out the list of Top free things to do in Singapore so that you can save that money for shopping this vacation SALE season. Singapore is regarded as one of the expensive countries but it also one of the favorite and popular Holiday destination.

The country is not only popular with Solo traveler but also topped the list of most searched Holiday destination within the Budget.

 

Here we Go.

1) Visit NUS Museum: The National University is located at the Kent Ridge regarded as the oldest university museum in Singapore.

The local university is well worth checking out for its features like historical artifacts and the gorgeous Lee King Chian art gallery that also for free!

 

2) Sri Mariamman Temple: The ancient Hindu temple was built in 1823, then rebuilt in 1843 is the oldest temple in the dynasty of Singapore.

The South Indian Dravidian style crafted temple is located on south bridge road in the Chinatown district showcasing the sacred cow sculptures engraved on the boundary walls enticing idols of all the three supreme powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and the Shiva.

The Thimithi festival is hosts by the temple in October, where devotees queue along South Bridge Road to hotfoot it over burning coals.

 

3) Visit Gardens by the Bay: The Eco parks walkway and to enter the conservatories require few penny but you can stroll through the outdoor garden in bay South which is completely free of cost.

For the best experience, try to reach there before quarter to 7 pm or 8 pm every day for the mesmerizing fifteen minute sound and light shows.

 

4) Visit Baba House: If you have a taste or inclination towards history, then Baba house is a place for you.

This art museum is also known as NUS Baba House showcasing Peranakan heritage and culture through the beautiful sculpted timeless piece of furniture and artifacts used by the Chinese Peranakans of that time.

The museum is located at Neil Road is co-managed by NUS Centre for the Arts and offers a free tour.

Entry is strictly by Appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Limited to 14 people per tour.

For Bookings: babahouse@nus.edu.sg

 

5) Southern Ridge Trail: It is one of the best recreational Spot for walking trails in Singapore. Located in Blangah Hill Park, this 10 km trail linked up the parks between the Kent Ridge Park and Harbor Front along the southern ridge of Singapore.

The trail crosses the Henderson Waves Timber Deck which is regarded as Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Advise you to carry your water bottles, sunscreens, and a Hat.

For more details:  nparks.gov.sg

 

6) Enjoy Musical Events: The Singapore Symphony Orchestra as a part of its outreach program conducts free concerts at the Singapore’s Botanic gardens.

The evenings at the Park sessions at the Botanic Gardens are something not to miss; better come early with your picnic basket for an unforgettable experience.

For Details : https://www.sso.org.sg/free-concerts

7) Treat for free for Art Lovers: There are hotels in Singapore who have made their art collections accessible to non-guests, from the Pan Pacific’s Public Art Space that hosts rotating exhibitions.

The artwork united into the public areas of Marina Bay Sands, Irregular Bands, Sol Le Witt’s Arcs, and The circle is the names of few which you can’t afford to miss in the lobby section.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia loves to spoil the art lovers as they offer 30-minute iPod tour of its priceless contemporary art and delight collection.

8) Camping Free at East Coast Park: Yes, you read it right, you can camp for free at 15 km beach called East coast Park in crowded Singapore.

But still, this beautiful country managed to provide you with ample space for camping on the serene breezy beach.Perfect place for family outings, picnics, swimming, and cycling.

For camping permit: e-station.axs.com.sg/NParks_Camping

9) Visit oldest and largest Churches: St Andrew’s Cathedral is a largest Anglican church of Singapore with architectural masterpieces offering glorious respite alighting at City Hall station.

You can also visit this 19th century Armenian church which was built in 1836 regarded as the smallest and the oldest Christian church located at Hill Street in the Museum Planning area.

Beautiful and peaceful place; Do not forget to view an image of President Lee Kuan Yew with the Elder Religious leader of Armenian Church.

10) Theme Park Haw Par Villa: Right next to the Haw Par MRT station you can find this amusement park which beautifully has illustrated Chinese myths and virtues with detailed displays; you can find more than 150 dioramas depict scenes from Chinese mythology.

Quite a good place to spend your 1 hour especially not to miss paintwork of ’10 courts of hell’ that too free of cost. Renewal is going on so you can expect more add on’s.

11) MacRitchie Reservoir’s Treetop Walk: Located at Island Club Road, Spot is just a treat in nature for fitness fanatics and adventurers which offers you to walk in a jungle!

Reasonable fitness is required as there is fair climb involved to reach to the treetop swing-bridge roughly you can take 1-2 hour to finish depends on your speed too; paths are little rough so not recommended for kid’s buggy (otherwise your choice).

Advise you to carry your water bottles, sunglasses, Hats, and slip on your best sports shoes.

12) Sultan Mosque at Kampong glam: The Heritage property is also known as Masjid Sultan and is the biggest Mosque located at Muscat street in Singapore.

The Mosque is famous for its Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture and is considered as one of the most prominent mosques in Singapore, with volunteers to provide an insight into the Muslim heritage.

Opening Time: Monday to Sunday –

9.30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm

Friday: 2.30 pm to 4 pm.

13) Free concert and Art: The Esplanade hosts free musical events and short films.The former colonial army base Gillman Barracks houses 16 galleries and consider as Singapore’s greatest free contemporary art space.

For details: https://www.esplanade.com/whats-on/category

Quick Tip: You can download Singapore’s most commonly used Apps for discount coupons for dinning and Beauty are Eatigo, Sugar, Chope, and The Entertainer.

That’s all in my List..Comments are welcome to share your Experiences.

Happy Voyage Travel Safe and Stay in Budget!

 

Top 15 Things Not To Do List While Traveling across the Globe!

 

You all have that Travel freak inside yourself who loves to travel one or the other way but most of you lack information that not only may help you to improve the quality of Travel but also makes your Travel in Budget by avoiding small mistakes.

Here are my Top 15 Things Not To Do List While Traveling across the Globe:

 

1) Do not book your holiday tickets too early: It is very convenient for you to Book flight tickets as soon as possible but you forget that you can save money if you grab the right deals inopportune moment, means we can save on tickets too.

 

Buy your flight tickets 3-4 months before your Holiday at a reasonable price, keep an eye on all discount deals that flight booking companies offer time to time.

Companies do offer last minute offers to fill their last-minute cancellations and they won’t leave with half vacant boats and buses.

 

2) Do not Eat in Restaurants near any tourist spot: The reason for not to dine in tourist places is their food quality and hefty prices.

You may find the quality of Food inferior against the prices those restaurants offer, they just charge extra due to their prime location and the lazy and tiring crowd they attract.

 

3) Do not ignore your Body Language: When you are in foreign country, you must be careful about your body gestures.

People in different countries have their own body language culture which they want others to respect and follow once you are on their land just like their own culture.

It is advisable for you to go through Body language guide for different countries to avoid any kind of chaos which land you in any messed up situation.

 

4) Do not strike of Hostel option from your accommodation list: Do consider Hostel accommodation options also.

They are incredibly pocket-friendly and clean with services like free wifi, laundry services, game and dorm rooms, pools, kitchen spaces, and nice gardens.

 

5) Do not Save Money on the cost of time: There is a saying that Time is money but do not waste your time proving it. Any mismanagement of time and money will lose your wonderful experiences.

Here, while traveling you must prepare your list of places where time plays big role like if you are planning to visit any historical place who adhere to their opening and closing time then, there is no such way in saving bucks instead consider your time management skills and quick options.

 

 

6) Do not limit yourself only to the tourist places: When you travel go off Beat and enjoy maximum and do not just hide in the hotel rooms and strolling on tourist places like others. Explore other promising places like nearby villages, a town, or small cafes down the street.

Before heading to any offbeat option, have a small talk to natives to have full knowledge about the places for the safety purpose.

Just Explore the unexplored side of that place if you want to enjoy to the fullest, make yourself fully aware of the directions so that you do not get lost.

 

7) Do not limit your knowledge to one and Big name travel search portals: Explore is the right word here. Just do research on various travel portals but do not caught in traps of deals by the biggies in the market who charge more on the name the brand for hotel, and flight bookings and tour packages, go for pocket-friendly and safe travel portal option.

The only need is your awareness about the place you are plan to visit and the prevailing offers for the same in the market with the similar deals.

 

8) Do not overindulge on smart phones: Here, I am reminding you that you are on vacation. Leave that urge to answer each and every email, or phone call, or any text until and unless someone is dying 🙂

The only technology you need on your vacation is travel gadgets, like camera or Handycam with adapter and charger as these you can’t afford to miss to capture your memories.

 

9) Do not forget your Basic Etiquettes: Do not get me wrong here that you lack etiquette.My point here is that sometimes we play ignorant that registers yourself as a reverse case for other people.

For e.g: if you take any candid photo and videos of people and tag it under any of your photos album invading other’s personal space without their information or permission.

By doing so, you have already touched their sensitive nerve where you must respect the privacy of other people even if you are back to your countries after your vacation, always seek permission while taking and tagging any pictures and videos.

 

10) Do not trick by Cab drivers: While traveling and visiting places, prefer using public transportation as much as you can.

In case if you need to hire a taxi, get their tariff card in advance or go for meter taxi’s and also see if the meter is properly working.

 

11) Do not take your safety for granted: Be very careful about your Safety while traveling especially solo travelers and that too females.

Be aware of all the dark sides of the traveling places well in advance so that you can avoid it so that you do not land in any unguarded situation.

Tip: Be handy with all the emergency numbers including your hotel reception number of that place in case you need any help.

 

12) Avoid any foreign transaction fees: Always use plastic money like credit or ATM cards that do not charge any fees for foreign transactions and other surcharges when you are overseas, hence carefree shopping 🙂

 

 

13) Do not dress inappropriately: Always dress modest and respectful while you are in those countries and places where they follow strict laws for dressing like if you are visiting middle east, the South East Asian countries and Islamic countries.

Always be aware of the dress code while visiting any sacred place in any country, Carry scarf and stole with you.

 

14) Do not forget to get your Travel insurance: While traveling to any country, there might be chances of injuries to thefts to natural disasters or anything that can bring your worst nightmares come true.

Just to protect you and your family from any such unfruitful experience, getting you and yourself insured helps you to overcome such crises, otherwise
results in super high costs.

 

15) Do not exchange your currency at the airport: The currency exchange at the airports levy very high exchange rates.

 

The currency exchange shops in the markets offer you more affordable rates and also you can consider your credit or an ATM card for the same purpose.

 

Motivated anything to add to this ‘Don’t’ travel list? Pop them in the comments column and share this with different travel freaks to enable them to organize and execute their trip excursions in a more better way.

Stay Safe! Travel Smart!