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Back Bay vs Downtown

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Boston! Home to Harvard and clam chowder, and lots of other unique things, too. But what about Back Bay and Downtown? Which area of the city is best to stay?  Well, Back Bay is known for its elegant shops on Newbury Street, its stunning Public Garden, and its Victorian brownstone homes within it's upscale, residential neighborhood. Or, there's downtown, the financial and business hub of the city. Personally, the thought of staying in the financial hub makes me want to spin on my heels and head straight to Back Bay. However, downtown is a very special district full of important historic landmarks with old traditional pubs and a commercial jazzy atmos. There is Faneuil Hall and the fascinating 'must do' Freedom Trail.  Whichever you choose, also remember to visit Acorn Street in Beacon Hill. Oh, and eat a lobster roll. Enjoy! 

8 fabulous short story writers

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Sometimes you just don't want to invest your time and commit to a book the size of a brick. Life gets in the way, right? Enter the short story. Short stories can express a lot of meaning and emotion in a short length of time. They are a brilliant form of storytelling.  So, let's take a look at the talented writers behind the words. Here are eight writers known for their short stories. Ernest Hemingway No introduction for this writer. Ernest Hemingway was praised for his clear and powerful prose. Stories from his collection, include "The Old Man and the Sea" and "Hills Like White Elephants". Paul Theroux Another classic writer. Paul Theroux focuses on adventure, travel, and cross-cultural interactions, with books "The Great Railway Bazaar" and "The Mosquito Coast."  His collections of short stories include, "The Consul's File," "The London Embassy," and "Fresh Air Fiend". Jack Kerouac Best known for "...

Florida or Tanzania?

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When Florida and Tanzania appear side by side, it doesn't take a travel boffin to know these countries are pretty different; especially for their natural environments. Both do have fascinating wildlife and beaches, but theme parks are definitely a Florida thing. So let's start with Florida.  Make a note of these! 1. Discover the wonder of Disney in Orlando at Walt Disney World. 2. Miami Beach: Unwind on the well-known sandy shores. 3. Everglades National Park: Fly through this amazing distinctive ecology, and spot the alligators, dolphins, manatee and black bear.  4. See Key West, the southernmost point on the United States mainland (90 miles from Cuba). 5. Universal Pictures Florida: Take in the thrills of Orlando's theme parks. 6. Discover space exploration on the Space Coast at Kennedy Space Center. 7. Naples: Enjoy fine dining and shopping along the Gulf Coast. 8. Tampa Bay Area: Discover parks, museums, and energetic neighborhoods. 9. St. Augustine: Visit the oldest ci...

It's time to go to Colombia!

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Colombia! Where do we start with this gem of a country that has so much to offer? Well, here at ETG, we say a journey to Colombia will open your eyes to the pure beauty of South America.  So, let's begin! Let's start with number one and the city of Cartagena.  Cartagena's Old Town : Wander through the historic streets, visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Tayrona National Park : Discover beautiful beaches, dense jungles, and ancient ruins in this coastal national park. Coffee Triangle: Explore coffee plantations in regions like Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales to learn about Colombia's renowned coffee culture. Medellín : Experience the transformation of this city, visit Comuna 13, and take the cable car for stunning views. Bogotá : Discover the capital's cultural richness, including the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Monserrate Hill. Cocora Valley: Hike through this breathtaking valley with towering wax palms, Colombia's ...

Botswana or Namibia?

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Namibia and Botswana each provide distinctive experiences.  While Namibia is home to breathtaking scenery like the Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon, Botswana is renowned for its abundant wildlife in the Okavango Delta. To choose between the two, think about the kind of adventure you're looking for: stunning landscape or wildlife. At ETG we can't comment, because no one in the office (surprisingly) has been to either countries. So, you decide or do both!  Have fun! 

Is it worth buying a travel guide?

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Do people still buy travel guides before setting off on an adventure? The answer is yes, many, but the way we use guidebooks has changed a lot over the years. In the past people would rely on their travel guide 100%, they clung onto their bible of a destination, lost in the world without useful city maps to refer to and recommended rooms. These days a lot of pre-planning begins online. We see recommendations of dream destinations to visit on Instagram and TikTok, and book rooms in advance on booking.com and Airbnb. Google maps helps us navigate the streets, and Uber and Ola often transport us around. So why would you need to carry a hefty guidebook around? The truth of the matter is, that if you really want to get to the heart of a destination, the planning and suggested routes and itineraries in travel guides such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are the most efficient and reliable way to get an overview and help you plan your adventure. Social media and the internet is wonderful for...

How to escape global overtourism?

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The world isn't full, there's loads of space! The problem is that we pleasure seeking humans tend to be drawn to the more famous destinations. Paris, Barcelona, Rome. Many of us have a bucket list of top places we yearn to see in our lifetime, but it is hardly an authentic experience to be rammed into a street packed full of tourists, where the locals have long fled. So, what's the solution? It would be tragic for first time travellers to be denied the great sights of Florence, but maybe to spend your entire trip jostling for space at the most famous selfie spots isn't the only option. Overland travel is the E.T.G. answer to true adventure. Travel to the major tourist hot spot of your dreams, enjoy for a few days, and then get out! Hire a car, or hop aboard a train or bus and seek out the lesser known hidden gems that will reward you with a true blood experience of the people and cultures that give life to the blue and green planet we call home. Highlighting off beat de...