It offers several compelling reasons:

1. Iconic Architecture: The Burj Khalifa is not just tall; it’s a marvel of modern engineering and design. Its sleek, futuristic appearance stands out against Dubai’s skyline and has become a symbol of the city’s ambition and innovation.
2. Panoramic Views: At over 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall, the Burj Khalifa offers unparalleled panoramic views of Dubai and its surroundings. Visitors can see the city stretching out below, the vast desert beyond, and even the coastline if the weather permits.
3. Observation Decks: The Burj Khalifa has two observation decks: At The Top, located on the 124th and 125th floors, and At The Top Sky on the 148th floor. Each offers stunning vistas and a unique perspective on Dubai’s landscape.
4. Sunset and Night Views: One of the most popular times to visit is during sunset when you can watch the city transition from day to night, with the twinkling lights of Dubai coming to life.
5. State-of-the-Art Experience: The experience of visiting the Burj Khalifa is immersive and high-tech. From the high-speed elevators that whisk you to the top in seconds to the interactive displays and multimedia presentations that provide insight into the tower’s construction and Dubai’s history.
6. Photography Opportunities: Whether you’re an amateur photographer or simply want to capture breathtaking images, the Burj Khalifa provides numerous photo opportunities that showcase both its architecture and the stunning cityscape below.
7. Atmosphere and Ambiance: The atmosphere at the Burj Khalifa is one of awe and wonder. Standing at the observation decks, you feel a sense of achievement and appreciation for human ingenuity and the scale of modern construction.
8. Adjacent Attractions: The Burj Khalifa is located adjacent to The Dubai Mall, which allows visitors to combine their visit with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a convenient and comprehensive destination.

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Here’s what you can expect:

1 Glamping Experience: La VeryOl’s provides a glamping (glamorous camping) experience. Imagine cozy tents and nipa huts nestled amidst a serene landscape. It’s a chance to connect with nature without compromising comfort.

2 Kawa Hot Bath: The highlight is the kawa hot bath. Picture yourself soaking in a giant clay wok (kawa) filled with warm water. It’s a rejuvenating experience that combines tradition and luxury.

3 Stunning Views: As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of mountains stretching far and wide. The fresh air and natural surroundings create a peaceful ambiance.

4 Plants and Flowers: La VeryOl’s is adorned with various plants, including gumamela flowers, bamboos, and other lush greenery. It’s like stepping into a botanical haven.

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1 The Iconic Las Vegas Strip: You simply can’t visit Las Vegas without exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip. This vibrant boulevard is home to iconic hotels like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Stratosphere. It’s a dazzling world of neon lights, extravagant shows, and endless dining options. Don’t miss the chance to catch a spectacular musical performance during your visit.

2 Year-Round Enjoyment: While Las Vegas can get scorching hot in the summer (with temperatures exceeding 110°F), it remains a great place to visit year-round. In winter, the weather is mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Hotel pools and day clubs transform into water-filled oases during the summer months.

3 Excellent Service: Las Vegas thrives on tourism, and its hospitality industry takes exceptional care of visitors. Hotels like Aria, Mandarin Oriental, and Bellagio have earned prestigious Five-Star AAA Diamond Ratings. Luxury, style, and comfort are top priorities for every guest on the Strip.

4 The Neon Museum: As a city constantly evolving, Las Vegas places great importance on preserving its history. The Neon Museum showcases iconic neon signs from the past, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s vibrant heritage.

5.   Beautiful Cafes. Mrs Coco and Cafe Lola are the 2 of my favorites cafe in Las Vegas. There are so many instagrammable spots to choose from.

6 Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the glitz and glamour, Las Vegas offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options. You can visit  the Valley of Fire, or take scenic drives to nearby natural wonders.

7 World-Class Dining: Las Vegas boasts a culinary scene that caters to every palate. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries, you’ll find a diverse array of dining experiences.

8 Nightlife and Entertainment: Whether you’re into nightclubs, live shows, or world-class performances, Las Vegas has it all. The city truly comes alive after dark, offering an unforgettable nightlife experience.

9 Escape from Normal Life: Las Vegas is the ultimate adult playground, allowing visitors to escape their everyday routines. It’s a place where conventions, festivals, concerts, and shows collide, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Here are some of the photos from our Las Vegas trip:

Wynn Hotel

Outside of Ceasar Palace

Venetian Hotel

New York New York

In front of Sphere

Valley of Fire

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We went to the 5th floor for the Audrey Experience Celebrating the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this exclusive experience pays homage to a key moment in cinematic history and the cultural impact of the House. In this immersive installation, a replica of Audrey Hepburn’s black dress by the house of Givenchy—worn in the movie’s opening sequence—is dramatically unveiled.

On 6th floor where the Blue Box cafe is located but also where there are over 40 unique artworks, featuring both original works and never-before-seen Tiffany-commissioned pieces by world-renowned artists including Daniel Arsham, Jenny Holzer and Rashid Johnson. Tiffany Blue® forms a common thread throughout the artworks, which span a range of media from paintings to sculptures.

After waiting for 1.5 hours we got the text that our table is ready.  We hurried and were seated. We had an amazing afternoon at the Blue Box cafe.

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These 50 life lessons are simple and we sometimes forget they exist or they matter in life, which makes them more significant and impactful.

Gratitude is powerful. I personally believe that when you are grateful for what you have—even just small things—you’ll end up having more.

Listen and learn from old people. Growing old takes a lot of effort to accomplish, hence elderly people are more wise and experienced in life. Take time to listen to them and learn from their experiences.

Eat healthy, your health will always be your wealth. No matter how powerful, rich, or accomplished you are, it will all be wasted if you take your health for granted. Remember, focus on your goals but never neglect your health.

Prioritize your mental health. Aside from your journey in life, there is also a journey within yourself. Your mental health also needs a great deal of attention, it is the center of your drive to accomplish many things.

The importance of exercising and yoga. Becoming old is inevitable, but it cannot stop you from feeling young. What helps me get through physical changes is doing exercises such as yoga.

Remember: progress, not perfection. In life, perfection does not exist. Focus on yourself, be proud of all the progress you’ve made, especially the progress that no one else has seen.

Do what makes you happy, you live for you and not for other people. By now you must have realized that life is short, so make every moment count! Do not make space for doubts and self pity. Live your life in happiness and prosperity.

Stop caring about what other people say, you control your own life. As Meryl Streep said: “The minute you start caring about what other people think, is the minute you stop being yourself.”

Read, read, and read books! Reading is essential especially if you want to rise above the ordinary. You’ll be surprised to know what positive changes a single book can offer.

Share your blessings especially to those who are unfortunate. Blessings, they are around us. We receive them because we deserve them, and at the same time, they are to be shared with other people.

Be excited with your travel goals. Traveling makes you modest, and it provides a different perspective in life. You’ll come to realize that there are far bigger things than being stuck with your problems. 

Get out of your comfort zone. Life is too magical to be stuck in one corner. Be adventurous, courageous, and spontaneous 

The beginning isn’t always easy, but it gets better in time. Starting a new job? Or is it your first time being a college student? Or perhaps a parent? Remember, nothing is easy at first. You’ll get confused and lost, but it all gets well. Your hard work will be paid with a bigger prize.

Always do the right thing. I heard this from Oprah during her speech to college students. One of the most natural super powers of humans is doing the right thing. It may not be easy sometimes, but you’ll always get a positive result.

Venture into the things you love. As for me who is always busy with career and family, I have created a fun and essential planner for hardworking women. Writing down my plans keeps me motivated and focused.

Being a parent is not always fun, but it is fulfilling. The thing about parenthood is that there are no rules, which makes it so difficult. But you could always create your own rule, bringing up your children in your own way is the most fulfilling part.

Always adapt to a new environment, like living abroad. It is difficult at first, there are abrupt changes and you need to adjust in a lot of ways. But at the end of the day, your home will always be your loved ones, the environment is just the setting.

Hugs are ALWAYS important, everyone needs it. Hugs are powerful, it is a way to communicate a feeling without saying something. A simple hug can warm a heart, it is a universal medicine for people who are going through difficult times.

Focus your life on GOD. Faith keeps you grounded. Fear nothing and pray about everything. He is always listening.

Success is a peace of mind. This is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you gave your 100% effort to achieve what you have been longing for. You deserve to celebrate even small successes.

You may not always know everything about yourself, discover more of your capabilities and hone skills. In life you’ll be confronted with a lot of questions and doubts, through this you’ll realize a lot of new things about you. Do not limit yourself. 

Be mindful and vigilant even in small things. Survival in life depends on your ability to be aware of things around you. Be sensitive and reactive, it’ll help you with every journey.

Try meditation. I meditate to calm myself and to refocus my energy on the things that matter. At some point, you’ll get lost and disorganized with all the things happening around you. Meditation applies brakes to the mind, it’ll help you get through various thoughts and emotions.

Self care is the most important type of care. Taking care of yourself is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Remember that self-care is not a selfish act, it is the first step of being able to help other people. Love yourself first and then everything will follow.

Take a rest from time to time, you need it. Be kind enough to yourself. When you’re tired, give yourself a break. You need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable to continue on achieving your goals.

A 12-hour sleep isn’t a bad idea. Do not feel guilty whenever you sleep for 12 hours straight. As a matter of fact, you need to be grateful that your body has recharged and replenished energy.

Learn how to say “NO.” You cannot please everybody and just say yes about everything. You have to learn to say no without feeling guilty, setting boundaries is healthy. You need to learn to respect and take care of yourself.

Don’t be afraid of things you don’t know, it will help you become a better person. It is not about becoming fearless, everyone has their fears. It is about learning how to control your fear and getting through it.

Challenges make us stronger. Life is like a road, it has many bumps, bends, ups, and downs. Sometimes when passing through it, you will meet your darkest moments, but strive valiantly through it with courage. You’ll see the treasure at the end of the road.

Your past doesn’t define you and your future. Remember, you cannot change the past, but you can change and become a better person. The future is yet to be determined and can be influenced by what you do today. Today is the only day that really matters.

It is always okay to make mistakes. Mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before.

Not all people are good in your life, avoid the toxics. You’ll be amazed at how quickly things can turn around when you remove toxic people from your life. The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become.

Your true friends will always support you. Having a good support system like your friends is good for your lifetime. Give back, focus on the people who are also willing to support you.

Criticisms are healthy if you take them lightly and correctly. You cannot avoid judgement, it is part of our lives and to our growth as a perhhson. But do not let these judgements define you as a person. You live your life in a way you want it to be.

If plan A doesn’t work, there are still 25 more letters in the alphabet. You will not achieve all your goals. But it does not mean you cannot create another goal..

Be patient, God always has plans. You’ll experience rejections, A LOT. But do not be disheartened, for there are more opportunities waiting for you. Do not let a single rejection stop you from trying and discovering.

Listen to your intuition. You have an inner voice that speaks the truth, listen to it for it is a deep and powerful source of wisdom and honesty.

Take the initiative. Concentrate upon what you can do and do it with confidence. Success comes from taking the initiative and following up. I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not.

Compare less, focus on your progress. Things happen differently to each and one of us. It will not make you more powerful or important by comparing yourself with other people. But rather, focus on yourself and be content with what you have achieved.

You can’t have all the answers, and it is FINE. The mystery of life is not knowing all the things, and it is okay. We need to come to terms and accept the fact that there are things that need to be hidden, to stay unanswered or untouched. 

Say sorry when you are wrong. Apologizing will not make you less of a person, especially if you are at fault, rather, it will make you a better person. Not admitting a mistake is a bigger mistake.

Failure is a learning experience. Just because you fail once, does not mean you’re going to fail at everything. Failures are stepping stones to your success.

You can always make a new beginning, life is not a race. Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. You can start at something because success does not have a timeline or an expiration.

Whatever you do, you need courage. Your ultimate weapon for fears and doubts is your courage. Always believe in yourself and your capabilities in doing something extraordinary.

Let go of those things that inflicted you pain, learn to forgive and move on. Do not imprison yourself with hatred and resentment towards other people who hurt you. Forgiveness is something you provide yourself in order to be free.

Accept changes even if you don’t want them, everything happens for a reason. The only permanent thing in life is change. Changes will always happen, both planned and unexpected. What you can do is accept them and live by them.

Crying will not make you look weak. Do not apologize for crying, it is a perfectly natural thing to do. Crying means you feel something important, and that you care about things.

Whatever happens to you belongs to you.Throughout your journey in life, everything that will happen depends on your decisions and choices. Do not blame other people for your failure and only congratulate yourself for your success.

The post 50 Life Lessons – What I learned from my 50’s appeared first on Lanz Santos.

One of the newest attractions is the Tea Around Town. I had the best experience touring around the city of New York while sipping my favorite tea and dessert. I’ve been wishing to do the afternoon tea inside a moving train in Switzerland but this one will do for now.

Tea Around Town is an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour of Midtown NYC and an exclusive way to sightsee the Big Apple while savoring a 3-course afternoon tea with bottomless tea and a glass of bubbly!

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Santorini is just one of the many Cyclades Islands in Greece that literally has everything I want on an island.  Hidden and blue domed churches, stunning sunsets, abundant antiquities, beautiful beaches, volcanoes rising out of the Aegean Sea, cave houses, and whitewashed stone buildings that dot the landscape.

I want to share some of the very best spots to take photos in Santorini.

1. THREE DOMED CHURCH

The iconic three domes are one of the most well-known landmarks of Oia and naturally, this spot is also one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini

If you turn around from Aspaki Suites, you’ll find the famous view of the three-domed church. This is a must for Santorini Instagram Spots post. You can get a closer look, but you’ll be passing the private property. I opted just to get a quick photo with an eager line waiting for me to finish.

2. Imerovigli Blue Dome Church (Anastasi Church)

Possibly one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini is the blue dome church in Imerovigli. The way the city is laid out, you can get a beautiful close-up photo with this gorgeous church from the street above and you are also able to capture the flowering bougainvillea tree. Because Imerovigli is not as popular as Oia, you should be able to have this incredible Instagram spot all to yourself regardless of the time of day you are here. It’s totally iconic and one of the best views in Santorini.
The best time to take photos really depends on what lighting you prefer. The church will be beautifully lit in the morning light as the sun will come over the mountain around 9/10am. If you are looking to capture the evening sun, note that you may be taking photos directly into the sun.

3. Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn

The Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn is located in the heart of Oia, close to the famous blue domes. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular Instagram spots in Santorini thanks to its unique architecture and, of course, the stunning views.

The church has five domes and a beautiful bell tower and it’s one of the most photographed buildings in Oia. It’s actually a remake of the original church which was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake.
If you want to take a photo without any people in it, make sure to visit early in the morning. Since it’s close to the blue domes, I would recommend visiting right after!

4. Streets of Fira

This is another random location but this is the beauty of Santorini, every corner of the island is so picturesque! I absolutely loved the view from this street and it looks amazing in the photos but of course, you don’t need to go to this specific location, you can find many similar streets in Fira as well.

5. Classic Greek Church

Santorini is famous for its cute churches and the typical church bells. Finding a church top that is easy to photograph without climbing on any rooftops is relatively difficult though.
When driving through Oia, we stumbled upon a classical Greek church with typical church bells that is easy to access and even easier to photograph. It is located right next to a playground and you can easily walk right up to it and take a typical Santorini-style church photo.
The best time of the day to take photos here is really any time you are in the area. Since this church is free standing, you won’t have to think about shadows from surrounding buildings.

6. Blue Dome with Orange Walls

This beautiful blue-domed church with orange walls definitely belongs to the list of the best Santorini Instagram spots! This street is located in another part of the city and you will definitely come across it if you’re going in the direction of Oia Castle. The street is very narrow and it usually gets very crowded during the day so it’s best to come here early in the morning.

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Istanbul is becoming more and more popular since it has been gaining a lot of popularity on Social Media in the past months. It’s ideal to visit this city if you’re planning on visiting several regions of this beautiful country.

1. HAGIA SOPHIA, ISTANBUL

One of the top thing to do in Istabul is visiting the Hagia Sophia. The current Hagia Sophia was used as a church for the first 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years. It wasn’t until 1934 that the Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum. These days the Hagia Sophie Museum is the most visited museum in Turkey with a whopping 3.5 million visitors in 2019.
The Hagia Sophia was originally built in 360 AD and is one of the oldest, still intact building in the entire world. Over time it’s been rebuilt a couple of times and its current state is over 1482 years old and even survived several earthquakes!

2. BLUE MOSQUE, ISTANBUL

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is the oldest mosque in Istanbul and you can find it right across from the Hagia Sophia.
Its nickname seems kind of strange when you’re on the outside, but once you step inside of the mosque it will become all the more clear. More than 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles decorate the interior, different floral motives and the mosque gets its light through more than 260 stained glass windows.

3. GRAND BAZAAR, ISTANBUL

The Grand Bazaar is one of the most iconic places to visit in Istanbul and one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the entire world. With a total area of over 30.000 square meter it houses more than 4000 shops and attracts more than 250.000 daily visitors!

Important to know when you enter the Grand Bazaar is that these men are here to sell and they will try their very best! The smartest way to go about is to smile politely and say that you’re not interested and simply keep on walking. If you are interested in buying something know that haggling is key!

4. ORTAKOY MOSQUE, ISTANBUL

The Ortakoy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is one of the most beautiful mosques to visit during this Istanbul itinerary and you can find it in front of the Bosphorus bridge.
The Ortakoy Mosque is designed by the same architect who created the Domabahce Palace and while you’re here you should definitely check out the surrounding area. It used to be a rather sleepy fishing village but now it holds some of Istanbul’s best nightlife and dining options.

5. DOLMABAHCE PALACE, ISTANBUL

The Dolmabahce Palace was Istanbul’s first European style palace and was commissioned by Sultan Abdül Mecit in 1843. After the project was finished the sultan decided to move from his original humble abode, the Topkapi Palace to the Dolmabahce Palace since the latter was able to also provide modern luxuries.

The Dolmabahce Palce is one of the top things to see in Istanbul and the tourist entrance to the Dolmabahce Palace is at the imperial gate and be prepared to be there early morning. Only 3000 people per day are allowed inside and on weekends and during holidays this number is almost always reached.
During your visit head to the Palace Gardens first (go right instead of entering the Palace). You can’t take photos inside the palace anyway so the best thing to do is start by visiting the Palace Gardens before they get overcrowded with tourists.

6. GALATA TOWER, ISTANBUL

The Galata Tower is one of the oldest and highest towers in Istanbul and it was built on a hill in the Beyoglu district, overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
But to be fair i’s purpose was a little more serious back in the day. With its 61 meter above sea level it was used for surveillance over the harbour and later on to detect fires in the city.
The Galata Tower is one of the most touristic places in Istanbul and the best time to visit to avoid long cues is early in the morning when it opens. It’s definitely a must cause seeing Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower is really impressive. You’ll be treated with a view over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the Asian side, the main landmarks in Sultanahmet, as well as the highrises from the business district.
There’s also a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower but this is pretty much a tourist trap and way overpriced.

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I had the opportunity to take several trips across the globe, from taking the transatlantic cruise with my hubby for our 25th anniversary, to visiting NYC, France, UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Miami, Chicago, Netherlands, Maryland, and Ireland. It’s been an enlightening journey that has changed how I view the world around me.

I’ve explored some of the world’s best travel destinations including the Vatican City, Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Blue Lagoon, and the Tower Bridge Stonehenge in England. But I also experienced a variety of vibrant festivals. From fragrant fields at the Lavender Festival, Lights Festival in Poconos to stunningly high hot air balloons filling up the sky for that festival and equally majestic rows upon rows of delicate peonies during their respective occasion – these incredible spectacles left me with unforgettable memories!

My visit to France was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. From exploring the stunning cities of Paris and Nice, to savoring delicious French cuisine— there were so many incredible memories made!

I also had the pleasure of experiencing the captivating beauty of nature at its finest by going to beaches, including the Belmar Beach in New Jersey and the Bermuda beach. Going to local attractions in Philly has also been an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.

The travel highlights of 2022 will stay with me long after it has passed, propelling me to explore even more unknown destinations in coming years!

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