Transferring money has a surprisingly rich history, dating all the way back to the 19th century. It might seem like a fairly recent phenomenon that resulted from the rise of computers, the Internet, and people traveling and working all over the world, but this is certainly not the case.

In fact, the methods of transferring money haven’t developed as much as you’d expect, given the vast change in volumes of money that is now being transferred.

Western Union pioneered the wire transfer, an electronic way to send money from one person to another. Western Union completed their first transcontinental telegraph line in 1861, almost 160 years ago. It was only ten years later in 1871 when Western Union started its telegraph network based on money transfer services. Continue…

Tuscany is one of those destinations that is so beautiful, so historic, so filled with world-class attractions that some may initially dismiss it as something of a travel cliché. Guess what! It isn’t.

Birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the most magnificent art and architecture on the planet, Tuscany is an obvious choice for culture fans like us. But even if Michaelangelo and Boticelli mean nothing to you, the food, the romantic country hikes, and the sheer beauty of this Italian region will make you want to book a flight to Tuscany immediately. Here is a taste of what you’ll discover when you step off the plane. Continue…

After several decades of serious adventure travel, a lot of people seek out our advice on what to pack for that upcoming round-the-world adventure. Others often ask us what gifts to buy for a dedicate global explorer.  After circling the globe multiple times, it turns out we do have a few ideas on the topic.

Here is a travel list of some of the items and services we have come to love.  And I want to emphasize that we actually use all of the brands and services mentioned here. We’ve also linked to the specific items online, so shop away! Continue…

There is no city in the world quite like Bangkok. The steamy cultural heart of Southeast Asia beats to a rhythm of cool chaos and quirky contradiction that makes it one of the most fascinating and diverse cities on the planet. Where else do veiled Gulf Arabs, Scandinavian sun worshipers, African money changers and local lady boys line up for a dish of sticky rice and mango, all backed by a mishmash of golden temples and steel skyscrapers? Nowhere.

Over the last three decades, we have visited over a dozen times and cumulatively spent more than a year in the metropolis. We have grown to love our crazy home away from home in Asia, but if you are new to the city, it can be hard to know where to begin. There are so many amazing things to do in Thailand’s capital that taking a couple of Bangkok private tours with locals might be a good idea to help you discover some hidden treasures. Here are Continue…

Everybody does it here – it has become somewhat of a touristic cliche. It can range from a luxury tented eco-experience to an off-the-beaten-track adventure. You might find yourself in a sea of tourists waiting to pose for a portrait on a dune, or perhaps like us, you’ll end up sitting out a sandstorm in a herder’s desert wigwam. It is the Rajasthani camel safari, and it is whatever you make it.

Eager to make ours an adventure, we did our homework first. There are endless options in Rajasthan, but we wanted to get Continue…

Traveling is the best way to relax and rejuvenate one’s body and soul. It is like a gateway to the wonders where you get to explore different beautiful places while experiencing their rich cultures. Here are the top 5 must-see places that you can visit from 2018:

Belize

Belize is a Central American country that is situated between Guatemala and Mexico. It has a rich culture blended from Spanish and English influence. Belize is also known for its Mayan ruins such as Lamanai, Caracol, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich.

Planning a trip to Europe can be a very overwhelming and tedious task. Before you start getting excited about exploring the piazzas in Rome or trying out Spanish tapas, it is important that you have a well-planned to-do list, especially for first-timers.

The more prepared you are, the greater the chances of your trip becoming smooth and successful. Here are some of the best ways to explore Europe – from arranging your transportation to creating your itinerary.

Don’t miss the 2018 Krampus run around the Munich Christmas market. It is scheduled for December 9th from 3-5 PM and for December 23rd from 4-5 PM.

Ah, it’s December and the Christmas markets in Bavaria are in full swing. The Alps are shrouded in cool mist and half-timbered houses are decked out in twinkly lights and boughs of mistletoe. Locals are huddled ’round their fires drinking hot glühwein as holiday tunes float through the air.

Suddenly, the sound of synchronized cracking whips break the silence. Groups of Krampus and Perchten, Christmas devils and fur-clad Alpine monsters armed with bundles of twigs, rush into the crowded streets. The fiendish Christmas beasts dance through the crowds chasing rotten children and whipping them with stinging bundles of twigs. Adults laugh and stuff themselves with gingerbread as children run screaming in all directions. Yeah, Christmas in Germany has a bit of an edge. Continue…

Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Almost twice as tall as Niagara Falls and only rivaled by Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls leaves even the most seasoned travelers in awe (and yes, I’m talking about us). The 82-meter-high cascades of foaming water span an incredible width of 2.7 kilometers. At any one time, there are between 150 and 300 falls depending on the water level. Witnessing the power and noise of the falling water shrouded in perpetual mist is an unforgettable experience, an experience made even better by the incredible Continue…

Evolving post – more to come!

We came to Japan for the specific goal of diving into the country’s legendary craziness. We had visions of pouty Lolitas posing in front of multi-story video screens, robots performing the Nutcracker, warehouse-scale electronic sushi emporiums, and Gozilla peeking over a skyscraper down upon the city’s legendary street culture. Did we find it? Absolutely, it’s everything we ever dreamt of and more.

Over time, we have been building the ultimate list of quirky, crazy, weird, wild and wonderful activities, a sort of must-do menu of fun and kitschy Tokyo delights. Hai, dozo! Continue…