The peaceful respite of nature is something we all take for granted but have surely been craving while huddling indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the soothing tinkles of a river or the various cries of wildlife may seem to be another world away at the moment, technology affords us a natural experience of a more virtual kind with live streams from some of the most famous wildlife reserves across the globe. Here are a few of our favourite picks to get you back into nature while remaining firmly indoors.

Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

This live feed focuses on the Brooks Falls area of the park where brown bears convene to catch fresh salmon from the stream. There seems to always be action happening on the feed and during sundown hours, a highlight reel plays until the live stream picks up again at dawn. At the right time of year, you can also spot a few fluffy cubs.

The Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s premiere National Park is currently closed due to the National Lockdown, but the live stream videos scattered throughout the park are still operational. You’re bound to catch sight of some of the indigenous wildlife (especially in the absence of the regular tourists) on one of the feeds, particularly those around the watering holes.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Yellowstone park is giant, spreading across three states. It’s famous for its erupting geysers, including the aptly named Old Faithful which erupts precisely every 92 minutes. You can catch the eruption on this live stream direct from the park to your computer screen.

The Nature Conservatory, Australia

Take a dive down under with this live stream of one of Australia’s coastal coral reefs. This feed shows one in the Port Phillips Bay area and it will give you all the Finding Nemo feels! Great to keep little ones entertained for hours.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington

Located in Washington, DC, the National Zoo brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exhibits every year, and the age of social distancing hasn’t changed a thing. Viewers are now able to watch the famous panda enclosure through a live stream. Tian Tian and Mei Xiang will steal your heart within minutes, even from hundreds of miles away!

Ngala & Djuma, South Africa

WildEarth and travel company And Beyond have teamed up to bring viewers sunrise and sunset live streamed game drives through two private game reserves in South Africa. The drives are 2-3 hours long and run on a schedule so you can plan to fit one into your quarantine diary.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

This Californian aquarium runs an ongoing “Jelly Cam” so that you can watch the soothing movements of its resident jellyfish. There are also live stream cameras of a variety of other exhibits, including sharks, penguins and sea otters.

We hope that these live streams allow you to bask in the wonders of nature while keeping safe at home during these uncertain times. You may find yourself still turning in long after things have returned to normal for a virtual reconnection with the natural world.

Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lavanyasunkara/2020/03/16/stuck-at-home-connect-with-nature-through-these-invigorating-live-feeds/#515bf2f77f60, https://www.businessinsider.co.za/best-webcams-south-africa-2020-4, https://www.insider.com/live-animal-cams-zoos-aquariums-watch-from-home-2020-3#the-aquarium-also-has-live-views-of-other-sea-species-like-penguins-sharks-and-otters-4

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Let’s face it, there’s only so much Netflix that can be watched. And while being in quarantine has its perks, even these start to get a little dull after the first few days. If you’re itching to get back to exploring the world around you, we may have an isolation-appropriate alternative: travel podcasts. We’ve rounded up some of our tops picks to get you started, and we believe you’ll still be tuning long after isolation procedures have ceased.

Flight of Fancy

One of the most diverse travel podcasts on offer is Ben Groundwater’s Flight of Fancy. The 30-minute episodes make for perfect bite-size listening as Ben interviews various travellers and experts on a range of topics, from healing heartbreak through adventure to shady and treacherous border crossings.

The Budget-Minded Traveler

This series is great for those who yearn to travel the world but may not have a world-class budget. Not only does host Jackie Nourse offer invaluable budget-friendly travel advice and her guests also offer great stories that speak to the inimitable adventure rush that often comes along with penny-pinching expeditions.

Women Who Travel

This podcast was originally a Facebook group which organically grew into the weekly episodic it is today. Hosted by the editors of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, these experts give insight on what it’s like to be a female traveller, from feminist road trips to the stories of refugees. This one is great for making even the most-timid crave the taste of adventure.

Travel Genius

Travel Genius is aimed at both frequent and beginner travellers. It’s packed with travel hacks, from packing light to getting flight and hotel upgrades. Travel experts also weigh in, so you know that these tips are verified for you to use on your next globe-trotting expedition.

EcoLust

Sustainable travel has been a huge trend over the past few years and this podcast is 100% dedicated to helping you live and travel more eco-consciously. The episodes are about an hour-long, so grab a snack (preferably organic) before you settle down to listen to an episode.

The Indie Travel Podcast

Hosts Linda and Craig have been on a non-stop global trip since 2006, and their prime aim is to encourage people to live life as one long, debt-free adventure. Their 14 years of nomadic experience have made them masters in just about every area of travel, and their 350 episodes give you plenty of options to pick what you’re most interested in hearing about.

Zero to Travel

This podcast is more for those who take a philosophical approach to travel. Host Jason dives into what travel is, how it affects us, and how we could be doing it better. There are also a few episodes dedicated to answering listener questions, as well as some unusual travel techniques.

We know it can be difficult staying indoors with limited social interaction, but podcasts are a great way to feel like you’re listening to an extended voice note from an old friend. These ones, in particular, will give you a much-needed taste of the world outside while in isolation and are a great jumping point to start planning out your next holiday once travel restrictions have lifted. For now, sit back, relax, stay safe and be kind to one another.

Sources: https://www.contiki.com/six-two/best-travel-podcasts/, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/best-travel-podcasts/

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Self-isolating can quickly start to take its toll on our productivity. Being trapped inside for extended periods of time soon destroys any sense of routine and purpose, as days begin to bleed into one another and you start to wonder if watching too much Netflix will really make your eyes go square. This is why it’s important to keep both your body and mind active while trapped indoors, and what better way to get a practical mental workout than by learning a new language? We’ve rounded up some of the top apps for language learners to keep you engaged, entertained and productive while under lockdown.

Rosetta Stone

This app is unique in its methods in that it replicates an immersive experience. Instead of translating from your home language to the target language, the app transforms to communicate with you only in the target language. It also makes use of speech recognition to track your level of fluency and proficiency and even has AR integration where users can aim their mobile camera at an object to receive the translation in the target language in order to improve vocabulary.

Babbel

Babbel’s minimalist layout and activity-based learning technique are similar to taking an online course. Each lesson is only 15 minutes long and includes vocabulary lists, flashcards, exercises and quizzes. There’s also a listen and repeat component, and the app makes it easy to track your progress towards fluency.

Mondly

This app is perfect for first-time second language learners! Not only does it teach vocabulary, but encourage your progress through gamification, leaderboards and speed drills. There’s even an AR integration which allows your virtual teacher to pop up on your screen and appear to be “standing” right in front of you. It also caters for a variety of learning styles, using audio, images and in-app games to help you remember translations and phrases.

Duolingo

Duolingo is perfect if you haven’t yet decided on a target language and want to dabble in a few options before you commit to one. You work your way through various levels, but if you aren’t consistent in your practice, Duolingo will push you back a few levels when you next log on. It’s also easy to track your proficiency by monitoring your weak areas, and you can revisit previous lessons if you’ve forgotten a thing or two.

Memrise

Memrise is a great option if you’re wanting to learn to be more conversational in your target language. Short videos are included as part of the coursework so that you can see how the vocabulary and phrases you’re learning are used in daily situations. It also helps you to spot patterns, making it much easier to pick up new things.

Busuu

This app takes a holistic approach right from the beginning, asking you what language you want to learn, why you want to learn it, and it encourages you to set a goal to be completed within a certain timeframe. There’s also an introductory placement test which ensures that you get placed at the right level, which is great if you’re not a complete beginner. When you log in for each lesson, Busuu also reminds you of weak areas from your previous lessons that should be revised.

While we can’t guarantee you’ll be flying across the world to be immersed in a foreign culture anytime soon, you can still get a taste of new culture by learning a foreign language. These apps are just a few of the ones available that make learning a new language easy, fun and accessible. Make sure to try a few of them while you’re self-isolating, and remember, stay safe and be kind to one another.

Sources: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/apps-to-learn-languages/, https://www.cnet.com/news/best-language-learning-apps-of-2020/

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

A recent survey showed the famed Route 62, which connects Cape Town with Port Elizabeth, has some 28,000 hashtags on Instagram, making it one of the most Instagrammed road trips in the world. This feat, however commendable, pales somewhat in comparison to being named the top road trip destination in the world by a CNN Travel poll in 2017. No matter with what gravity you rank them, its accolades are most well-deserved. Let’s run through just a few must-see stops along this wonder of the Cape.

Wine Farms

Route 62 also boasts being the world’s longest wine route! From the wines of the Witzenberg and Breede River Valley to Robertson’s brandy and home-brewed witblits in De Rust, Route 62 is a connoisseur’s paradise! Almost all the roadside vineyards and distilleries offer tastings which can be enjoyed at leisure while taking in the diverse yet invariably breathtaking scenery.

Ronnies Sex Shop

What started as a prank has since blossomed into an attraction in its own right. Farmer Ronnie decided in the mid ‘70’s to open up a roadside farm stall, dubbing it simply, “Ronnies Shop.” Some locals seized the opportunity to change it to “Ronnies Sex Shop,” and the name has stuck. It is now a road hog’s hideaway, complete with a countless lingeries pieces as dangling ceiling decor.

Montagu

This small town has big roots as one of the Cape’s top fruit and nut producers. It’s also known for its hiking trails and rock climbing courses, as well as its natural warm springs that offer the ultimate spa retreat. There’s also a local functioning fruit farm that gives orchid tractor rides (with as much fresh and dried fruit as you can eat) which is a great way to get an inside peek into Montagu’s main agricultural industry.

Cango Caves

This twisting limestone labyrinth of caves reaches almost 300m underground and dates back millions of years. Located just outside Oudtshoorn, you can explore the caves in the traditional walking tour or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, in the adventure tour, which involves climbing over, crouching under, and even tunneling through some of the more enclosed areas of the system.

Flora and Fauna

Like much of South Africa, Route 62 offers bountiful wildlife as part of its attraction. The renowned Garden Route is rich with plant life, which can be experienced in full blooming glory in the spring months. Oudtshoorn is home to ostrich, meerkat and crocodile ranches, while the Sanbona reserve just outside Montagu offers a heritage tour which gives visitors an insight into the indigenous San culture of the region, as well as the chance to see the world’s only wild white lions.

Prince Albert

Located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, Prince Albert is a small town with a surprisingly formidable foodie reputation. It’s filled with a number of notable eateries, and the Saturday farmers market is not to be missed when travelling through. You can sample fresh milk from the local Gay’s Guernsey Dairy, and stroll through the many art installations and exhibitions between meals. The Prince Albert Hotel is a dinner favourite, so be sure to book if you want to see what the fuss is about.

Who would’ve thought that one stretch of road could meander through so many enticing local landmarks? And if you’re planning the ultimate South African road trip, remember to stay connected with one of our travel SIM options.

Sources: https://www.traveller24.com/Explore/SAHolidayGuide/sa-insider-the-complete-guide-to-the-cape-route-62-20160911, https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/tourism-south-africa/south-africas-route-62-is-worlds-best-road-trip, https://thewc.co.za/besides-being-the-longest-wine-route-in-the-world-western-capes-route-62-also-accounts-for-one-of-the-worlds-most-instagrammed-road-trips-97902-2/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

While just about every city in the world has a must-see tourist attraction, it seems that some of them could do with an update. We’re about to give you the rundown on a few places that are sure to be on your bucket list, and yet, disappointingly, aren’t worthy of the hype surrounding them.

The Mona Lisa

We know, right? How could a piece of art, let alone one that you’ve probably already seen countless times, be a disappointment? Well, precisely because of that. Upon seeing the Mona Lisa in person, you’re probably expecting a goose-bump-raising, magical experience, when in fact, it really is only a portrait painting not much larger than an A4 poster (cordoned off due to the daily throngs of visitors vying to take a peek at and a picture of the subject’s smirking expression).

Bondi Beach

While this Australian landmark is just as beautiful as it’s made out to be, the appeal is somewhat lost amongst the crowds of tourists that flock to its golden shores every day. The beach and surrounding town have actually been ranked as one of the most overrated Australian destinations, due not only to the overcrowding, but also the traffic congestion and outrageous tourist trap prices that go along with any holiday hotspot.

Spanish Steps

As one of the epicentres of the ancient world, Rome offers countless breathtaking attractions that rightfully bring flocks of tourists traipsing through its cobbled streets each and every day. One attraction, however, does not seem particularly deserving of the innumerable selfie sticks that continually grace its facade. The Spanish Steps are nothing more than a flight of stairs, leading to nowhere particularly important or interesting, and have recently become known as a site around which pickpockets try their luck on distracted tourists.

Mital del Mundo

The self-titled “Middle of the World” lies in equatorial Ecuador, and the gaudy park (and outrageous entry fees) only goes further downhill upon discovering that its advertised latitude and longitude coordinates of “0-0-0,” in fact point to a spot a few hundred meters away with its own museum. Mital del Mundo is merely false advertising and tourist trappery at it’s finest!

Mount Rushmore

This literal mountain of a monument to four of America’s great presidents is surprisingly underwhelming in its own greatness. The journey alone requires one to specially plan a trip as there are no other tourist must-sees (or much to see at all) in the vicinity, and the novelty of the experience wears off markedly quickly, especially being such a well-known facade. It’s probably much easier and just as effective to grab a brochure from any nearby information desk to have a look at the four austere faces without veering way off a straighter course.

Copacabana

Yes, another famous beach has made it onto the list, but for a different reason. This seaside retreat, described in Barry Manilow’s song as “the hottest spot north of Havana,” has certainly deteriorated since Lola and Tony fell in love on its shores. Today it is filled with tacky hotels, humid, bustling streets, and sewage-contaminated waters – not exactly the prime spot to fall in love.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

If your sole aim in visiting Pisa is to take yet another picture, posing as though you’re holding up the crooked, rickety tower in the background, then by all means visit, but be warned that the main appeal is just about the only appeal. Even finding the perfect picture-taking spot can prove tricky amid the vast crowds of daily visitors, so you may find yourself walking away with only a souvenir and a sunburn.

Times Square

Although the flashy signs and jostling crowds seem to be the main appeal about Times Square in photographs, the reality is somewhat less glamorous and a lot more infuriating. Locals often avoid the area altogether, and it’s easy to understand why, with vast crowds making walking difficult, shucking off persistent street vendors, and almost nowhere to stop and get a decent picture. We’d recommend this Big Apple “must-see” only for the very brave.

The Pyramids at Giza

When advertising to tourist packages to Egypt, agents are quick to summon imaginings of stepping back in time to one of the most ancient civilisations in the world, but what they fail to mention is that the surroundings of the Giza pyramid complex are not quite as historic as their main attraction. Not only do the pyramids serve as a mere backdrop to the surrounding fast food restaurants, but the mounds of litter are a constant reminder of the inescapable modern world.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Do you have a deep seated love for dirty stretches of sidewalk and handprints? No? Then the Hollywood Walk of Fame is probably not for you. Aside from being not much more than a regular walkway, once you’ve seen the first few stars, you’ve pretty much seen them all, and it doesn’t help that some of the older tiles could do with a facelift. For a much more interesting endeavor, rather grab a drink at one of the nearby restaurants and watch the eclectic crowds that pass by. You may end up seeing a star in the flesh if you raise your eyes from the ones you’re walking on!

Authenticity is truly in the eye of the beholder, but perhaps these insights may help you avoid any frustrations when planning your bucket-list travels. If you decide to risk the crowds, expense and disappointment in the name of adventure, we say onward! Be sure to save at least some of your time, money and security with one of our travel SIM options. Here’s to disappointing tourist attractions becoming great anecdotes, without the disappointment of public WiFi!

Sources: https://www.thetravel.com/disappointing-tourist-attractions-that-are-a-waste-of-time/, https://lovin.ie/travel-1/five-most-disappointing-tourist-attractions

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.