San Diego - USA

Beach in San Diego

San Diego Travel Tips

Keep in Mind...

Surf's up

Before diving in, make sure to check the weather and surf conditions at San Diego's beaches. Heavy tides and rough waves can ruin a leisurely Pacific swim.

Have your own wheels

You'll discover that exploring San Diego is much easier in a car. Plus, there are many parts of the city where public transport is scarce.

Stick to the crosswalks

Jaywalking is frowned upon here. If caught, you can be fined up to $168.

Consistently sunny weather is what draws visitors to San Diego throughout the year: that and the mouthwatering cuisine, thriving nightlife and one of the country's favorite zoos. And then there are the beaches: As home of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, San Diego has many top activities that revolve around the sea. Head to Mission Beach to soak up the rays, to La Jolla to catch a wave, or to the Maritime Museum to learn a little nautical history.

In spite of constant growth, America's Finest City maintains a small-town feel, making it a popular destination for families and anyone looking for a more laid-back getaway. But that doesn't mean you can't let loose here. Pockets of vivacious nightlife can be found throughout, especially near the historical Gaslamp Quarter. So when it comes to visiting San Diego, take Channel 4 anchorman Ron Burgundy's advice: "Drink it in, it always goes down smooth."

How To Save Money in San Diego

Check the calendar

There are numerous events and conventions throughout the year, ushering in thousands of visitors at any given time. Plan your trip around San Diego's event calendar to avoid high hotel rates.

Skip summer

This is the peak tourist season, meaning hotel rates skyrocket while availability plummets. Instead, try for an early spring or late fall getaway.

Hang your hat downtown

Hotels along the beaches charge hefty fees for their views. You'll find more affordable lodging in the downtown area.

San Diego Culture & Customs

San Diego culture is a confluence of Spanish, Mexican and American cultures. Its eclectic nature as a border town has greatly influenced its art, architecture and politics, especially in the La Jolla and Solana Beach neighborhoods. Balboa Park also features several popular art museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Timken Museum of Art and the Museum of the Living Artist.

San Diego Dining

For a city by the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is definitely known as a place to get great seafood and Mexican cuisine. But the area is also popular for outdoor dining, fine wine, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Traveler-approved San Diego restaurants include Phil's B.B.Q for cheap and excellent American food and Sushi Ota for Japanese dishes.

ALSO READ: Brbados Beach

Source: travelusnews

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Maldives Beach - Maldives

couple on maldives beach

Maldives Travel Tips

Keep in Mind...

Off the resort, it's a different place

While you're lounging blissfully poolside at your choice luxury property, be aware that locals (the staff who are currently serving you) endure a much harder lifestyle. Be courteous and mindful of their customs.

Respect Islamic tradition

The Maldives is a conservative Muslim nation, where you'll find plenty of mosques and very little alcohol beyond the resorts' borders.

Communication may be tough

The official language is Dhivehi, which originated from Sinhala — the dialect of Sri Lanka. Most people in the hospitality industry will know English, but you should be patient with their speech. 

Picture it: A private villa stands over crystal blue water; days finish with orange sunsets that make you hungry for local citrus; gourmet room service and a masseuse are on call to avoid any unnecessary trips from your porch; and the only thing to make you want to leave is the breathtaking coral reef and underwater creatures that demand a scuba session for a proper introduction. This is the Maldives.

If you don't want that cliché Caribbean beach getaway (The Bahamas) or that trendy South Pacific retreat (See Bora Bora), you should venture to the Maldives. However, getting to and staying in this tropical paradise requires patience (i.e. no direct flights from the states) and plentiful cash. Located between the Arabian and Laccadive seas, roughly 500 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is about as isolated as you can get (or would ever want, anyway). And while the country's government and economy has recently been in flux, the sublime nature of this paradise has stayed constant in the dreams of travelers.

How To Save Money in Maldives

Choose Flights Wisely

Airfare from the States is incredibly expensive and one of the key reasons why the Maldives has not become an American tourist hotspot. If you can pair a vacation here with one in the Middle East or Europe (where you can catch a direct flight), the cost will be less ludicrous.

Pick Accommodations Carefully

"Budget" accommodations don't exist here; even the low-end hotels are sumptuous and advertise hefty price tags. So avoid the most expensive properties because food, drinks, and excursions there will also cost an arm and leg.

Consider All-Inclusive Packages

Rates that include airfare, hotel stay, and meals may be your easiest and cheapest bet.

Maldives Culture & Customs

Islamic Tradition

The Maldives has been an Islamic nation since the 12th century. With this rich heritage, you’ll find religious traditions entrenched in the culture. Mosques dot the capital of Male', and you’ll see some men and women dressed in very conservative attire. Should you wish to visit a mosque, you too should dress accordingly; however, be aware that some mosques are closed to non-Muslims. You'll also notice people praying in public at certain times throughout the day. Be respectful by lowering your voice and not walking in front of those who are praying. Most of these visible cultural and religious traditions have been extracted from the resorts. However, particularly during Ramadan, expect to witness some Islamic customs, such as local restaurants closing for the daytime when the population will be fasting.

Food

The lavish dinner entrées that you'll sample at hotels are nothing like that of local meals. When you're in Male', try dining at a local eatery to sample the cuisine only if you have a hearty stomach. Some travelers report sickness after consuming local food because they haven't allowed their digestive systems enough time to adjust to the cuisine. You'll find that fish and rice are two staple dishes of the Maldivian diet.

Economy

With 99 resort islands, tourism is a dominant industry that draws on a large portion of the workforce. The other major industry is fishing, and this island nation exports its sea catches to countries across the world. The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa (MVR). The exchange rate hovers around $1 USD for 15 MVR. 

ALSO READ: San Diego

Source: travelusnews

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