Have you seen the popular TV show “Nashville"? We took a tour around Nashville to discover filming locations from the TV show as well as learn about the city’s fascinating history. Who knew country music could be so much fun?
Read more at our travel blog.
Sunday 31 January 2016
"I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life - all mystery and magic." - Harry Houdini _ #sundaysunset at Aberystwyth, Wales, UK. _ This was my favourite sunset from our 1-month road trip around Wales in November-December 2014. Aberystwyth is a beautiful seaside town during the day, but at sunset it is pure magic. _ This town is also memorable for another reason. We we stayed in a holiday cottage about 45 minutes from here. And on my wife's birthday I wanted to get her a special cake. Unfortunately the bakery in the small town near our house had shut down. _ So I made the 45-minute drive to Aberystwyth in search of cake. After visiting 5 different bakeries I was still empty handed. It appeared no one in this town ever heard of birthday cake, let alone knew where to buy one. About to give up, I tried one last recommendation, a small cafe not much bigger than your kitchen. To my surprise they had 1 cake in their display window, a lemon meringue pie - my wife's favourite! A price tag next to it said £4. I though that was per slice so I enquired about the price for the whole pie. The staff member said that's it. Yep £4 for a whole pie bigger than my head. _ 2.5 hours after leaving our house I returned triumphantly with cake in hand. I had been determined to make this a birthday to remember. And it was definitely that, for the most unexpected reasons. _ #wales #igerswales
Friday 29 January 2016
"If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he's dead, then maybe he was a great man." - James Dean _ We took a walk over the Tower Bridge in London in November 2014. When it was built over 120 years ago it was an engineering marvel. _ But this was not your typical perspective. You'll notice at the top of this photo are 2 sets of glass panels which make up the overpass walkway. We walked over those. If you're scared of heights, it's one way to overcome your fear. _ I won't mention that just days before our visit a tourist dropped a beer bottle which shattered one of the glass panels. Fortunately, everyone was safe (except the bottle). _ But that aside, it's one of the best views of London. I highly recommend it. See our full article at http://ift.tt/1RRttZC _ #london
Thursday 28 January 2016
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi _ Sunset over Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia. I wish it could last forever. _ Shot from Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. @sheratonbali in May 2015. If you're in Bali you have to visit their Sunday brunch. It's one of the best buffets in the world, hands down. Your stomach will thank me later. But maybe not your waistline 😉 _ #sunsetlovers
Wednesday 27 January 2016
"Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed." - Indra Devi _ Pool reflections at Sun Island Suites, Goa Gong in Bali. _ Mount Agung in the background towers majestically over the whole island of Bali. It is widely regarded by Balinese as a very sacred place, and also home to the most important temple, Pura Besakih. _ During 1963 this volcano erupted killing 1900 people. But the lava flow narrowly missed the Mother Temple of Besakih which locals believed was a miraculous sign from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument faithful Balinese had erected. _ @sunislandbali
Monday 25 January 2016
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch _ Breathing fire. _ Art In Paradise in Langkawi, Malaysia. A fabulous 3D interactive art museum which our kids loved. Don't let the words "art" and "museum" turn you off, it's a barrel of laughs. _ Today marks a major milestone for travelwithbender.com - over 100,000 travellers turn to our blog every month for travel tips, destination ideas, tours, hotels, restaurants and family-friendly activities. Thank you to all our readers and for following our journey on Instagram. _ If you'd like to stay up-to-date with our latest articles, please join the weekly email newsletter on our website.
Sunday 24 January 2016
"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton _ Spanish Moss reflections in Florida. _ Visited the Tallahassee Museum yesterday in Florida which includes a wildlife park, high ropes & zip line course. Probably the most white-knuckle action I've had in a "museum". And with scenery like this, it's no surprise we stayed past closing time. _ #ilovetally @tallahasseemuseum
Saturday 23 January 2016
"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." - Samuel Smiles _ 4-wheel-driving in the Arabian Desert in Dubai. _ A night to remember - endless sand dunes, traditional music & dancing, an epic feast and... I almost lost my phone to the desert. _ But the spectacular sunset will live forever in my mind. _ #sunset_specialist
Friday 22 January 2016
"Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." - Buddha _ Cow in front of Sri Lanka's famed Sigiriya Rock. _ This ancient rock column towering 200m (660ft) was originally designed to be the palace and capital of the devious King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE). After his death it was abandoned and then used as Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. _ Today it is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka. _ #srilanka @CinnamonHotels
Thursday 21 January 2016
The world's focus is on Davos, Switzerland at the moment with the World Economic Forum hosting the world's most influential people. _ Bit it's not all serious... This is the Schatzalp summer sledge run in Davos that we experienced during the summer of 2014. A 500-metre long steel slide that not only gave a thrill ride down the mountain, but conveniently took us up as well. _ This mountain was immortalised in a popular novel, “The Magic Mountain” by Thomas Mann. It also was the birthplace of modern tourism in Switzerland 152 years ago. Fascinating and beautiful! _ #switzerland #davosklosters
Wednesday 20 January 2016
"Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the delight of life, which they are thenceforth to rule." - Thomas Carlyle _ Dramatic clouds skirting over mountains near Skagway, Alaska. _ We took a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver in September 2015. The scenery is some of the most breathtaking you'll find anywhere in the world. This shot was taken on a photography tour through the northern mountain pass all the way to the Canadian border. _ As I stood on the side of the road admiring this landscape, snow and ice whipping up off the rockface, the utter silence was resounding. We were in the middle of nowhere and temperatures dropped below freezing. I couldn't feel my fingers gripping the camera. And in the shadow of such majestic mountains the only appropriate response was a humbled quiet. The mountain spoke for itself. _ #alaska
"People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure." - David Attenborough _ Isn't this so true? _ Visited @georgiaaquarium in Atlanta today - the 2nd largest aquarium in the world! _ Watching the massive Whale Sharks getting fed was incredible. Highly recommended if you're near Atlanta. _ What's your favourite aquarium?
Tuesday 19 January 2016
"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson _ Balinese temple located in Ubud, Bali called Parhyangan Jagat Payogan Agung Gunung Lebah. _ Situated near a river at the southern end of the Tjampuhan Ridge walk and surrounded by dense jungle, it is beautiful from any angle. _ #bali
Where To Stay In Downtown Chicago (Hint: There’s Free Drinks)
We were on our #motherofallroadtrips across the United States and heading towards New York, but knew we just had to stop in Chicago again. In addition to our 4 family members, my 20-something sister was joining us but would would a hotel room fit all 5 of us? I was a bit nervous...
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Where To Stay In Chelsea, New York – Plus Best Hotel Rooftop Views
If you’ve been to New York City before, you’ll know that sensibly priced mid-town accommodation can be a challenge to find during peak seasons – especially in a convenient location. So here’s where we stayed plus 7 things to look for in a hotel in Chelsea, New York.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Monday 18 January 2016
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." - Desmond Tutu _ Little wooden chapel in Transylvania, Romania. _ Nestled amongst these scenic mountains is the nearby Libearty Bear Sanctuary. _ We walked through this refuge, during Christmas 2014, which takes abused and unwanted bears from around the country and cares for them. Each creature has its own heart-wrenching story. _ The one which brought a tear to my eye was a huge brown bear that was cruelly blinded by its owners and used as a entertainment at a restaurant. After being rescued the bear made friends with a rescued wolf and now the two are inseparable. The wolf keeps the bear calm and they make an unlikely pair. _ The only thing more powerful than the devastating background they came from is the hope given to the animals by the kind, generous volunteers and supporters. _ Hope is powerful. Give it freely to someone near you who needs it most, and hope will never run out.
Sunday 17 January 2016
Watching the sunset over Jimbaran Bay in Bali, Indonesia. _ Beach views from Intercontinental Bali are gorgeous day after day. Come for the buffet... stay for the sunset. _ What would you be drinking if you were sitting here? _ If you're interested in this resort for your next vacation to Bali check out the link in my bio @travelwithbender. _ We're currently exploring Nashville, Tennessee, the hallowed home of country music. I love using our @tepwireless for unlimited Internet access on our US road trip. Check out our full review on travelwithbender.com and click on "product reviews".
Chicago CityPASS For Families: 3 More Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
Chicago had us hooked. We just had to return after our 5-day visit in August barely scratched the city’s surface. This time it was chilly December so we explored 3 winter-friendly attractions: Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Saturday 16 January 2016
"My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time." - Steve Jobs _ The world's most famous time piece, Big Ben in London, UK. _ Officially named Elizabeth Tower, after the reigning Queen Elizabeth, the actual bell within the tower is "Big Ben". It's only the 2nd largest four-faced chiming clock in the world... after Minneapolis City Hall. _ The tower was completed in 1858 which makes it over 150 years old. Still looking good after all these years. _ Did you know: the original 16-ton bell designed for the tower cracked beyond repair before installation and has to be recreated at 13.5 tons. Soon after being finished and installed the new bell cracked again because the hammer used was too heavy. A hack-job repair was made and the bell has rung with a different tone ever since then... Still with the same crack to this day. _ #bigben
Living The Dream: Full Freedom Of Choice
Lola was born to travel. Before she was one she was off travelling the world. Based in Sweden Lola is a National Geographic Creative who has made travel a lifestyle for her family, not a novelty. Now that’s Living The Dream.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Friday 15 January 2016
Thursday 14 January 2016
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world." - Buddha _ Lines and reflections. _ Walking through Manhattan, New York is a treat for the eyes and mind. _ If you're a fan of my photography, take a look at the link in my bio @travelwithbender for my 69 best photos of 2015.
Wednesday 13 January 2016
One World Trade in the distance across Manhattan's rooftops. _ The water tanks in the foreground are an oft-misunderstood NYC icon. Most buildings 6 storeys or taller require a pump and water tank (plus a bit of gravity) to deliver a decent water pressure to the building below. The wooden tank exterior is not treated as to avoid water contamination but quickly gives it an aged appearance. _ More than 20,000 tanks dot the city's skyline. Next time you turn on the tap in NYC chances are the water is coming from one of these. _ Shot taken from rooftop lounge at @cambriachelsea. _ #newyorkcity
One World Trade in the distance across Manhattan's rooftops. _ The water tanks in the foreground are an oft-misunderstood NYC icon. Most buildings 6 storeys or taller require a pump and water tank (plus a bit of gravity) to deliver a decent water pressure to the building below. The wooden tank exterior is not treated as to avoid water contamination but quickly gives it an aged appearance. _ More than 20,000 tanks dot the city's skyline. Next time you turn on the tap in NYC chances are the water is coming from one of these. _ Shot taken from rooftop lounge at @cambriachelsea. _ #newyorkcity
Tuesday 12 January 2016
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker _ 🌟 69 best travel photos of 2015 🌟 _ I've gone through over 36,000 photos taken in 2015 and came up with my favourites that I know you'll love. ❤ _ Many of these weren't shared on Instagram before. So check it out on travelwithbender.com or follow the link in my bio @travelwithbender. I'm sure you'll feel inspired. _ Which photo on there is your favourite? Mine is #1 👆
Top 69 Photos Of 2015
2015 was an epic year for Travel With Bender. In a 365-day window we explored dozens of cities and experienced hundreds of unforgettable highlights. I undertook the mammoth task to whittle down over 36,000 photos to a mere 69. Hopefully it will give you a taste of our year that was. And also a flickering glimpse into the wonderful, majestic, breathtaking world we share.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Monday 11 January 2016
RoutePerfect Review: Simplify Your European Vacation
Your travel agent does not want you to read this. A new user-friendly DIY online trip planning tool designed by travellers for travellers... and it made me angry. Find out why.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
My Kids Learned To Ski At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (And Why I’m Sad)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in North America, so it seemed like a great place to try skiing for the first time. Find out how we went.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake." - Henry David Thoreau _ Beautiful sunset view over Chelsea, Manhattan, New York City from the rooftop lounge at @cambriachelsea. _ The last few weeks in New York City have been incredible. On top of spending quality time with family, celebrating Christmas and New Years, we've also: gone on walking, driving and photography tours, scaled the tallest towers, got up close with Lady Liberty, savoured delicious food, explored museums, and even received a private tour of the @yelpNYC office. Erin delivered a fantastic presentation at New York Times Travel Show. And once we left the city yesterday, the first stop was Hershey's Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. _ What's your travel dream? _
Saturday 9 January 2016
"To succeed it is necessary to accept the world as it is and rise above it." - Michael Korda _ Above it all... _ Relaxing on the rooftop lounge at @cambriachelsea in New York City. A beautiful, quiet view of this sparkling city. _ On the far right is the radiant One World Trade, and to the left is Metropolitan Life Tower. _ Which friend or loved one would you love to chill up here with? Tag them in your comment below. 🍀 _ Shot taken on my @vanguard_world Alta Pro 254CT tripod. _ #newyorkcity
View of the Flatiron Building from the top of the Empire State Building at night. _ The Flatiron Building was a ground breaking construction when completed in 1902. As one of New York's first skyscrapers, it is still easily recognisable amongst the sea of concrete and bricks that surround it. _ This wedge-shaped building is one of my favourite architectural icons in NYC. _ We've been staying at @cambriachelsea for the last 2 nights. Really great business hotel and the view from the rooftop lounge is gorgeous. I'll share a couple pics of that view tomorrow. #newyorkcity
Friday 8 January 2016
"Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity." - Khalil Gibran _ Arguably the most famous billboards in the world at One Times Square, New York City. _ Built in 1904 it was the headquarters for The New York Times newspaper. Less than 10 years later they moved out to a larger premises but the name stuck. On December 31, 1903 the first new years eve event was held in what would be later named Times Square, attracting 200,000 people. The ball drop was introduced in 1908. And now over 1 million people flood into the square to watch the ball drop at the stroke of midnight each year. _ Did you know: apart from the Walgreens drug store at the bottom, most of this building is am empty shell. The owners make more money from the billboard advertising (about US$23 million per year) than if it were rented commercial property. _ 🔺 Travel tip: if you want to find out how we get unlimited Internet access anywhere in the world, check out the banner on the right side of our blog, travelwithbender.com. 🔺 _ #timessquare @tepwireless
Thursday 7 January 2016
"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller _ My favourite view of the Statue of Liberty. It's less common to see her from behind, but I like the dynamic feel of her walking. _ Did you know: the gold flame atop her torch is coated in 24K pure gold? And access to it (for the public at least) has been closed since 1916 after a nearby bomb explosion which killed hundreds of people damaged Lady Liberty's arm. Later it was discovered the sabotage was caused by German spies. The explosion was so strong that windows as far as Times Square were blown out. _ What's your favourite part of New York City? _ #newyorkcity
5 Worst Things To Do In Anguilla + 5 Best Places To Eat
Powdery smooth white sand. Crystal turquoise waters. Swaying palm trees. How could there be anything wrong with this island? What could possibly inspire me to write a post about bad things in nirvana? You will see.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Wednesday 6 January 2016
21 Things You May Not Know About Anguilla
I spent 3 days in Anguilla, the world’s leading luxury island destination (as voted by the World Travel Awards). Come and discover why it’s laid back vibe and hypnotic sapphire blue sea beckons holiday makers from all corners of the globe.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
Tuesday 5 January 2016
Monday 4 January 2016
Sunday 3 January 2016
Where To Eat In Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole’s food scene gathers inspiration from Wyoming’s natural abundance, pioneering origins and cowboy flair. Weather you’re coming here for a skiing vacation or exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, you can find a feed that will satisfy.
Read more at our travel blog.
Read more at our travel blog.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein _ Up close with the Statue of Liberty. _ Spent the day yesterday walking around Liberty Island and capturing some awesome shots of one of the world's most famous statues. In fact there's so many shots for me to choose from, it's an impossible decision... So I'll share a couple angles. _ I love the gentle art of international politics that Lady Liberty represents... _ America doesn't like Britain. France doesn't like Britain. So France gives America a giant statue representing liberty as a gift to celebrate 100 years of independence from Britain. Very smooth. _ Did you know: the Statue of Liberty is made of copper so when it was first constructed in 1886 it was completely brown (like a penny). It took about 30 years to completely oxidize to create the green colour we're familiar with. And at the time it was constructed it was the tallest building in New York, standing at 305 feet (the same as a 22-storey building). _ #statueofliberty #newyorkcity
"Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today." - James Dean _ Looking up in Times Square, New York City. _ Took a @ViatorTravel photography tour last night around New York. Picked up a few handy tips, and it was fun to get out and explore the city with a tripod and like-minded folks. _ I'll be writing a more detailed review this month on travelwithbender.com in case you'd like to take the tour when you're in New York. _ I receive questions regularly about my camera gear. So feel free to check out a new page on travelwithbender.com dedicated to my comprehensive list of camera gear I use. Or try the link in the bio and follow it from there. _ #newyorkcity #travelwithaninsider @vanguard_world
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