Monday, February 27, 2017

South Africa, Tenikwa - Walking With the Big Cats

Thandie was in total control of our walk. When she wanted to rest, we did.

This white lion was the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. His color makes it difficult for him to blend in with the bush surroundings, in other words he’s easily hunted and it’s difficult for him to hunt because his prey can see him easily.

Want to walk with big cats?
At the Tenikwa Animal Rehab Center, which specializes in big cats such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, maracals, wild cats, they have them all. You have a chance to literally walk side by side with them. Visit http://ow.ly/VVSd309qtH5 for Maya's review.  #blackfemaletravel #expatliving #expt travelblogger 


Trekking Bukit Lawang, Indonesia - Expat Travel





Interested in seeing orangutan and hiking in beautiful surroundings? Check Maya's review on jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang, Indonesia ow.ly/HmNg309oc3y. #expatlife #solotraveller #blackfemaletravel #indonesia #bukitlawang #mayatheexplorer #solotravel
Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Visit Sri Lanka - Maya The Explorer










Sri Lanka is a destination that often gets overlooked. Check out why it should be your next vacation @ http://ow.ly/dNSG309eOHk  
#mayatheexplorer  #srilanka #travelSrilanka #expatlife #blackfemaletravel #vacation

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

My California Top 3 - Maya The Explorer


1. Yosemite
Yosemite was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. I hiked, rode a cruiser bike around and just wandered aimlessly through the streams and fields. Here are the things you can do here:
Events
Arts & Culture
Attractions
Biking
Featured Hikes
Fishing
Gold Panning
Golf
Horseback Riding
Museums
Rafting
Rock Climbing
Shopping
Spas and Wellness
Tasting & Breweries
Tours
Winter Activities


2. Sequoia National Forest

The Sequoia National Forest is a sight to behold as well. The Park is named after Sequoia Tree.
Sequoia’s are the world’s largest single living trees. Here are activities you can do in this themed Park

Black Bear Encounters
Lodge
Dining Options
Cocktail Lounge
Retail & Ski Shops
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
Sequoia Campgrounds

3. Pacific Coast Highwa
Pacific Coast Highway has some of the most scenic ocean views ever and is dotted with interesting stopping points along the way. Here are interesting stopping points along the way.

Hearst Castle
Big Sur
The Monterey Bay Aquarium
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals Beach
Santa Monica Pier
Golden Gate Bridge
Point Reyes National Seashore
Redwood National Park
Florence Sea Lion Caves
Olympic National Park
My California Top 3 - Maya The Explorer

California is quite a large state with a bit of something for everyone. So what’s your top 3?. Visit Maya The Explorer for more Top 3 of your next Destination @ http://www.mayatheexplorer.com
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#mayatheexplorer #california #Yosemite #SequoiaNationalForest #PacificCoastHighway #travelcalifornia #californiatop #expattravel
Monday, February 20, 2017

5 Advantages to Staying at a Guest House in the Maldives


5 Advantages to Staying at a Guest House in the Maldives

1. Price
To say that staying at a guesthouse decreases the cost of your stay would be an understatement. My boyfriend and I paid $3000 in total for a 7-day trip to the Maldives. That included round-trip tickets from Singapore, round-trip seaplanes from Male, boat transfers, all meals (and they were delicious), two dives each and a welcome massage.
2. Culture 
Guesthouses are located on islands where Maldivians actually live. You are free to roam the island, modestly clothed of course, and take in daily life.
3. Access to the island
I’ve heard some complain about being restricted within their resort. This was not the case for us. We were free to roam the guesthouse grounds, the entire island and even had a private island that we had access to via kayak. When we grew tired of the hotel we went for a stroll or kayaked.
4. Avoid the crowds
We basically had the beach to ourselves the entire stay. There was no competing for umbrellas and chairs. No crowded pool or restaurant.
5. Price
Did I mention how cheap it was? For me saving is important because it allows me to travel even more, but not at the expense of the experience.

To get the full experience, make sure you have an ocean front property. This place was popular, but looked a little shabby and was not on the beach.

Pool and outdoor restaurant at Casa Mia.

This outdoor living space was great for reading or stretching out and enjoying the view from our room.

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Like not having to pay and arm and a leg? Here are 5 reasons why guesthouses are an excellent option. Visit http://ow.ly/lgdK309ak7A #maldives #travelmaldives #staymaldives #mayatheexplorer 


Wednesday, February 15, 2017

5 Tips for a Fantastic Southern Africa Safari


5 Tips for a Fantastic Southern Africa Safari. Planning for a Southern Africa safari? Check out these tips to help make your experience one to boast about.Visit http://bit.ly/2kANdCD. #safari #southernsafari #mayatheexplorer #africasafari #africa

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Black Female Solo Travel to India


Are you Planning to visit India? Here are the things you might need to know before setting foot in India. Black Female Solo Travel to India by Maya The Explorer.

I recently visited India for a week, following the very popular Golden Triangle Route. I started in Delhi and ended in Delhi, seeing Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur among other places along the way. It was all very beautiful, but it had an effect on me different from any of the other places in the world I’ve visited for one reason; I was traveling as a black, female, solo traveler. While most of the time this fact is very much an after thought for me, (after all I didn’t just wake up a black female one day- I’ve been one all of my life) it very much impacted my trip. It may seem strange, but I had never been so conscious of the fact that I’m a black woman as I was in India. Here are some tips for travelling India as a solo, black, female traveler as well as some things to think about. Read it here Black Female Solo Travel to India

1. Hire a Reputable Guide and Driver

2. Say No To Pictures.

The amount of men in one location can be alarming. This is actually in Old Delhi, a place were I felt less anxious.
As you can probably tell from this unflattering picture, I was overwhelmed. It was raining, I was barefoot, everyone was either staring at me or trying to sell me something and I was filthy. At Fatehpur Sikri. If you can avoid visiting during holidays or special occasions, do!

3. Say No As a Mantra

4. Put Some Clothes On

5. Try The Off the Beaten Path Locations

In addition to these tips, I would also encourage solo female travelers not to travel alone at night in cities like Delhi. Hopefully these tips help if you’re planning on traveling solo to India and hopefully they are helpful to everyone regardless of race.

Looking for more tips on traveling solo? Check out the Wise Traveller’s Solo Females Travel Bible or my previous post on traveling solo.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Best of Singapore - Maya The Explorer

Singapore, an island roughly the size of Los Angeles, is a city, state and country all rolled into one. You would think with a country of its size that there wouldn’t be much to it, but there is always something new to do, see or eat.

No trip is complete to Singapore without feasting your eyes on the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It really is a gorgeous architectural wonder and is as impressive from the top as it is from across the water

Arab Street is another favorite of mine. The mosque sits in the center and is surrounded by little shops, specializing in everything from carpets and lamps to fabric. The restaurants in the area are quite good with Middle Eastern menus. This is also a great area for trendy shopping. Just two blocks over is Haji Lane, where up and coming Singaporean designers display their work.

Gardens by the Bay


Botanic Garden


This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you have other favorites or things you’d like to see in Singapore? Visit Maya TheExplore for more travel reviews.

Friday, February 10, 2017

My Philippine Favorites – Top Tourist Destinations in Philippines

With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, there is something for everyone. In my time living there I saw quite a few of the islands, but three really stood out and left me with fond memories. Here are my My Philippine Favorites.

Siquijor is not as well known but quite unique. It’s got all of the beauty of some of the more traveled islands in the Philippines, with less of a crowd. Boracay; it’s flashy, and crowded and perhaps cliché, but it’s also a good time. By day you have clear blue water and baby powder soft sand. And by night you have wild partying on the beach. Batanes is the road less traveled. It’s known as the Scotland of the Philippines with rolling hills and roaming cows everywhere. It’s very peaceful and one of the few places I’ve gone to that’s untouched by tourism really.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Expat Life Part I: The Philippines


An expat is defined as someone living as an immigrant in a country other than the country of his or her citizenship. Traveling has taught me a lot, but living overseas is a lesson in life you simply cannot get anywhere else. You learn so much about yourself and are forced to challenge all previously conceived notions, especially about yourself.

 Join me as I share my  Expat Life in the Philippines.


 

5 Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Maldives



Planning a trip to the Maldives? Here are some things to consider before setting sail on the ultimate beach vacay. Learn the 5 Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Maldives.

By considering these 5 things before booking, you are sure to find the perfect place for you. The planning is the hardest part. The rest is paradise.  

#maldives #mayatheexplorer #travel #vacation #triptomaldives #expatlife



Monday, February 6, 2017

The Personal Finance Book Everyone Should Read



Are you looking  for ways  to get out of debt and build wealth? Let’s face it; financial planning can be a headache. And when you consider how dense and wordy some of the material out there is, it can also be a bore. But  I never though a book could make it simple. Millionaire Teacher is the best financial planning book I’ve ever read, and I’ve tried many only to give up after growing more confused with each page read. But the Millionaire Teacher, written by a millionaire teacher, is straight forward and to the point. It tells you exactly what to do and why you should do it.


If you are struggling to figure out your finances I highly recommend it. Visit Maya The Explorer blog for more information

How to Get a Job Teaching Abroad


Teaching abroad can be an excellent way to travel and see the world. But how do you get a job teaching overseas? Simple. First you have to ask yourself, “What type of teaching do I want to do?”

If you are wanting more information on teaching abroad please visit us at http://www.mayatheexplorer.com/how-to-get-a-job-teaching-abroad/





Saturday, February 4, 2017

The Realities of Hiring a Live-In Maid in Singapore

One of the many hiring agencies located in Singapore. You can find them in almost any mall.   


Living in South East Asia makes certain lifestyle choices possible that just wouldn’t be an option elsewhere; crazy cheap massages, high quality but low priced beauty services, and what makes life convenient for so many of us- live-in help. Having a full time helper can be awesome, but it certainly has aspects to it that most people simply do not consider. I was speaking to a friend from Mexico the other day on the topic and his jaw dropped when I told him some of the things that are normal in the life of a foreign domestic worker. So I’ve decided to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained while having a helper because it really is an interesting, but odd experience.


So before you hire a line-in maid, here are realities of hiring a Live-in Maid in Singapore that you have to consider before going through the process. http://www.mayatheexplorer.com/realities-hiring-live-maid-singapore/

These ladies were so excited when I asked them if I could take their picture. They were having an early Christmas celebration on their day off.

Another community of helpers gathering to enjoy their day off together in the Botanic Garden.


 Visit http://www.mayatheexplorer.com for more travel tips and praticalities of an expat living.
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