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What It Really Looks Like To See the NYC Skyline From a Helicopter

For many travelers, taking in the iconic New York City skyline from a helicopter is an experience like no other. If you’ve been wanting to get up close and personal with the Big Apple without having to brave the chaos of Times Square and its surrounding streets, then a helicopter tour of Manhattan might just be what you’re looking for. Read on to find out what it really looks like to take in the sights from above!

@visit The best way to see New York City is definitely from above @aureliestory #helicopterride #NYC #newyorkthingstodo #tiktoktravel ♬ original sound – Visit

From your seat in the sky, you’ll be able to see all of Manhattan—from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty—in one breathtaking glance. Depending on which tour company you choose, your pilot may even point out some of NYC’s most recognizable landmarks as they come into view. Keep an eye out for famous structures such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and Brooklyn Bridge.

From up high, the buildings look remarkably small and almost insignificant. You can make out patterns in streets and parks that weren’t visible before; these patterns become apparent once they are seen from an aerial view. And while some parts appear neat and orderly, others appear chaotic – which is part of what makes this city so special. As if these views weren’t enough, your pilot might even fly lower so that passengers can see details like rooftop gardens or people walking their dogs on balconies.

In addition to being able to take in all of New York City’s most famous attractions at once, flying over Manhattan also gives you a unique perspective on how vast this city really is. Whether it’s from a distance or up close, there’s nothing quite like seeing the sheer number of skyscrapers that make up this metropolis firsthand. The aerial views are even more impressive when nighttime arrives and all those bright lights start twinkling below.

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This Four Seasons Hotel Is Among Italy’s Poshest Properties

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a luxurious 5-star accommodation located in the heart of Florence, Italy. Set against the stunning backdrop of Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, it offers guests an unforgettable experience that reflects the city’s cultural and historical significance. With its modern design, plush interiors, and impeccable service, the hotel offers a unique combination of luxury and comfort.

The property boasts three exquisite restaurants that serve Italian and international cuisine. For leisure activities, guests can take advantage of the modern gymnasium, the outdoor swimming pool, and the spa, which offers a range of treatments including massage and beauty therapies.

Guests also experience exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly and helpful, and always available to assist guests with any needs they may have. Additionally, the hotel provides concierge services such as airport transfers, car hire, and private tours.

We hope you love this hotel! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

The four restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offer a range of dining experiences. Il Palagio, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves Italian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and views of the city’s skyline. For more casual dining, guests can visit La Terrazza, which serves Italian and Mediterranean specialties. La Mamma restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes in a rustic atmosphere and La Loggia provides light snacks and drinks throughout the day.

On-property activities

The four-star hotel also features extensive leisure activities for guests. Guests can take advantage of the modern gymnasium and the outdoor swimming pool, both of which offer great views of Florence. Additionally, the hotel’s spa offers a full range of treatments such as massage and beauty therapies, designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. For those looking for more excitement, there is a putting green, tennis courts, and a nearby golf course.

Sights to see near the hotel

The four-star hotel is within easy walking distance of some of Florence’s most popular attractions. Guests can take a stroll through Piazza della Signoria or explore the Uffizi Gallery and its incredible collections of Renaissance art. The city’s iconic Duomo, with its stunning dome and elaborate facade, is also nearby. Additionally, guests can take a day trip to the beautiful Tuscan countryside or explore the nearby cities of Siena and San Gimignano.

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Barracuda Lake Is the Most Unreal Looking Place in the Philippines

Blessed with a plethora of exciting sights and stunning natural beauty, the Philippines is undoubtedly home to some of the most captivating and breathtaking places in the world. From postcard-worthy beaches and glorious mountains to eye-catching waterfalls and flowing rivers in the jungle, the country is a paradise for travelers looking for adventure and natural beauty, both above and below the water. From dazzling coral reefs to rainforests full of exotic jungle life, there’s beauty throughout the vibrant country.

Because there are so many beautiful places in the country, it can be hard to build out the ideal itinerary. But if you’re at all able, consider putting Barracuda Lake on your agenda.

@visit Barracuda Lake in the Philippines doesn’t even look real @Traveling Turtle #philippinestravel #BarracudaLake #Coron #tiktoktravel ♬ original sound – Visit

The lake boasts of crystalline turquoise-colored waters, making it a paradise for divers and swimming enthusiasts alike. It’s known as Luluyuan Lake by locals and is a popular scuba diving destination because of its halocline: a murky layer where freshwater on top of the lake blends with saltwater near the bottom. But since it’s only about 13 feet below the surface (depending on rainfall), swimmers who can hold their breath can also swim down to take a look (but probably don’t swim through it).

Photo: Alex Traveler/Shutterstock

Swimmers in Barracuda Lake should bring an underwater camera as the water is clear and beautiful. Stay in the water long enough, and you’ll probably see the famous fish the lake is named for — but they’ll leave you alone if you leave them alone, especially since the clear water allows them to see very easily that you’re not a tasty meal.

The lake is surrounded by tall cliffs covered in bright green foliage.The best time to visit is December though May, since that tends to be the dry season in the country. That said, it’s still a tropical destination, so you may want to be flexible with your plans in case it’s raining on the day you plan to visit Barracuda Lake, as that can affect the water clarity. And if you’re hoping to plan a full day trip, you could combine a visit to Barracuda Lake with visits to swim at the nearby Green Lagoon or Kayangan Lake. both are quite popular, so try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

How to get to Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake in the Philippines is known for its breathtaking beauty and fascinating aquatic life. It’s on Coron Island, in the western part of the country north of the popular scuba diving island of Palawan and south of Mindoro Island. The easiest way to get there is by plane, and local airlines fly from cities like Manilla and Cebu into Busuanga Airport a few times a day; it’s about an hour-long flight from Manilla. You can also take a ferry from El Nido if you’re already on Palawan.

From wherever you are in Coron town, you’ll either need to charter a boat or go as part of a tour, which may be the easiest option. Do an online search for “Barracuda Lake Tour, Coron,” and you’ll find plenty of affordable options. If you go on your own, have cash to pay the 200 PHP entry fee (about $4).

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The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Are a Magical Frozen World

Mendenhall Glacier, just a short distance from Juneau, Alaska, is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. If you’re not yet an expert outdoor adventurer but you still want to experience one of the most remote, rugged landscapes in the world, this is the place to go. Hidden within this frozen world are the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves – wondrous caverns that reflect ombre hues of blue.

Although there are many easy hiking trails that will get you an up close view of this glacier, the safest way to experience the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves is with a more experienced tour guide. The caves form when water flows through the glacier, creating passageways through the ice – sometimes large and easy to walk through but sometimes narrow and more claustrophobic. Because glaciers are moving and changing shape constantly, some caves might be on the verge of melting or collapsing and trained guides can identify those with the stability.

There are many ways to approach the Mendenhall Glacier. For expert hikers, there are 10 mile hikes that explore the entire glacier, including the ice caves. There are also tours that take visitors on kayaking trips around Mendenhall Lake, followed by a hike to the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves.

Once you get to the glacier itself, you’ll want to look out for a stream trickling out of the glacier – remember that the caves form when water cuts a passage through the ice. Once you find an opening, you can head inside. At this point, you’ll technically be under the glacier, and it might be an unnerving feeling. The groaning sounds of the glacier moving, melting, and shape shifting will surround you. But once you take a look around you, you might be so astonished by the view that all your nervousness quickly disappears.

One travel blogger compared the experience of the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves to being inside a sapphire. The sun reflects off the ice, creating refracting patterns of color and light. The shades of blue range from turquoise, to royal blue, to cobalt in almost ombre pattern, and change depending on where you’re standing or looking within the ice cave. If you’re able to find one of the stable Mendenhall Glacier ice caves, the experience will be worthwhile and magical.

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All of the Incredible Animals You Can See at the World’s Largest Tropical Wetland

South America is home to some of the most remarkable landscapes and ecological systems in the world. One of these places is the Pantanal wetland, a vast expanse of wetlands located in Brazil’s Mato Grosso region. Rich in wildlife and natural beauty, this incredible ecosystem attracts thousands of visitors each year, largely due to the variety of wildlife that calls it home.

The Pantanal wetland covers more than 77,000 square miles across Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia – making it one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the world. This magical place is teeming with life, from aquatic creatures such as piraputangas (giant otters) and peixes-boi (manatees) to colorful toucans, macaws and hawks soaring through the sky. It’s also home to endangered species such as jaguars, giant otters, maned wolves, and capybaras, as well as other species like pumas, ocelots, and tapirs/ It’s not uncommon to spot a few caimans (a type of crocodilian) lounging along the riverbanks or a troop of capuchin monkeys hooting and chattering in the tree canopy above you.

@visit Pantanal is an area located mostly in Brazil and is the world's largest tropical wetland, which makes it an amazing area to spot wildlife in action @naturalhabitatadventures #Pantanal #Brazil #braziltravel #wildlifetok #jaguar ♬ goodwill pants section – misery

In addition to its abundance of wildlife, there are also plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy in this incredible place. From fishing trips to horseback riding tours along winding trails, you can find something that suits your interests. For those who prefer more relaxed activities such as bird watching or camping out under starry skies surrounded by tranquil sounds of nature.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during dry season (July-November), you’ll have a chance to witness spectacular sunsets over its vast horizon – a scene that will stay with you forever. Besides being awe-inspiringly beautiful, the Pantanal is also a great place for learning about conservation efforts in action; here you’ll find several organizations dedicated to protecting this precious ecosystem and its wildlife inhabitants.

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Stunning Vid Shows How Diving in the Philippines Is Like Nowhere Else in the World

Diving in the Philippines is an incredible experience, offering spectacular views of the vibrant coral reefs that thrive along the coast. The fascinating and diverse coral reef ecosystems found in the Philippines are home to more than 500 species of corals and more than 4,000 species of fish. Diving in the Philippines gives wildlife enthusiasts with a chance to observe some of the most amazing creatures on earth. And among those creatures are the various species of sea turtles that thrive around the islands’ coral reefs.

@visit The coral reefs of the Philippines are a completely different world @Pema #turtletok #Philippinestravel #divingtok #na ♬ original sound – Visit

In recent years, the country and conservationists within it have made a concerted effort to protect and restore habitat for these majestic animals so they can continue to flourish in their natural environment. This means diving in the Philippines is a win-win situation for divers and species like turtles: divers get to enjoy some of the healthiest underwater ecosystems on earth, and the reefs benefit from the fact that tourists like clean reefs — the more money scuba diving tourists bring in, the more money gets spent on protecting the places divers want to be.

Of course, it’s not just sea turtles that live in the reefs of the Philippines, though the country’s Sula Sea is home to southeast Asia’s highest concentration of green sea turtles. The Philippines’ coral reefs are some of the most spectacular diving spots in the world, boasting an incredibly diverse range of aquatic life, from vibrant anemones to colorful tropical fish. The coral in the country’s reefs is particularly spectacular, with hard and soft colonies displaying a pallet of dazzling colors.

Photo: Ethan Daniels /Shutterstock

For diving enthusiasts, the islands of the Philippines provide an abundance of stunning opportunities to explore beneath the ocean’s surface. Popular places for scuba diving in the Philippines include El Nido in Palawan, Apo Reef on the island of Mindoro, and Balicasag in Bohol, near Cebu City.

Visitors to El Nido will find numerous rocky reefs and wreck dives with abundant sea life and vibrant coral gardens, while the area around Apo Reef is ideal for advanced divers seeking thrilling drift dives. Diving off Balicasag Island is great for viewing a diverse collection of macro life and the occasional passing pelagics. The sheer variety of locations to dive in the Philippines ensures both novice and expert divers can count on an unforgettable underwater experience — and if you want to make a bucket-list diving trip out of it, you can fly from Manilla straight to other nearby world-class sites like Raja Ampat, in Indonesia.

But diving in the Philippines isn’t just about admiring the color. Divers willing to give the reefs a closer inspection will likely notice delicate starfish, anemones swaying in the current, and clever crustaceans scuttling into their hideaways when disturbed. All these creatures rely on the health of the reef, so remember to always use reef-safe sunscreens and take steps to be a better friend to the oceans.

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Awe-Inspiring Views From Above: What It’s Like To See a Cloud Forming From an Airplane

Clouds are such a fascinating sight that pictures of perfect clouds have the power to break the internet. They show up in shapes like mushrooms and waves. But flying on an airplane is the best way to see those perfectly fluffy, awe-inspiring vapors views from above. One of the most breathtaking sights is seeing a cloud form from an airplane window. From the sky, clouds look like soft white cotton candy, slowly growing and changing with every passing second. It’s an experience that any traveler can witness if they look closely enough. Tish De Alwis, a pilot from the United Kingdom, was able to catch the calming and beautiful phenomenon during a flight.

@visit

Flying through the clouds while a new one is being formed United Kingdom Ig: @tishdealwis

♬ original sound – Visit

Clouds are formed when warm air rises into the atmosphere and meets cold at higher altitudes. This causes moisture, such as water vapor in the rising air, to condense into tiny droplets of water or ice crystals, forming visible clouds in the sky. Depending on where you are flying and what altitude you are at, you may experience this phenomenon for yourself!

From an airplane window, you’ll notice how quickly clouds can change shape and color within mere seconds—which gives you plenty of time to observe them as they move across the sky while your plane continues its journey forward. Since clouds represent nature’s ever-changing beauty, catching them forming right before your eyes can be both mesmerizing and inspiring all at once!

For travelers who want to take in some truly awe-inspiring scenery during their next flight, watching a cloud form from an airplane window is worth experiencing! Watching these gorgeous formations appear out of thin air is breathtaking and provides plenty of time for reflection. So if you have the opportunity during your next flight, keep your eyes peeled for these stunning views from above!

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What To Know Before Swimming in Palau’s Jellyfish-Filled Lake

The Republic of Palau is an archipelago located in the western Pacific Ocean. While it may be small, this island nation is a true paradise for travelers seeking adventure. One of Palau’s most famous attractions are its jellyfish lakes, where swimmers can take a dip alongside thousands of harmless jellyfish. The largest concentration of jellyfish can be found in Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk Island. This unique lake is home to millions of golden jellyfish, making it the perfect place to have an up-close and personal encounter with these amazing creatures.

@matadornetwork Palau is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean. These stingless jellyfish are found in very few other places in the world #jellyfishlake #palau #stinglessjellyfish #jellyfish ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

Jellyfish Lake is one of the 12 saltwater lakes scattered across the islands of Eil Malk and Ngeaur in Palau. It was formed over 12,000 years ago when two limestone caves were sealed off by volcanic activity, trapping the lake’s inhabitants inside. Scientists believe that these jellyfish are descendants of their open-ocean relatives who adapted to their new environment over time. Today, there are around seven million jellyfish living in this lake.

The golden-brown jellyfish here range from dime-sized to dinner plate-sized, but they won’t sting you as they have lost their stinging cells due to the lack of predators in the lake. You’ll have plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures as you swim alongside them from one end of the lake to the other. Jellyfish Lake is connected to the Pacific Ocean via an underground cave system, but over time it has become completely enclosed and isolated from the ocean. For this reason, the species of jellyfish found in this lake have been evolving independently for thousands of years, and are now unique to this location.

Aside from swimming with jellyfish, there are many other activities you can enjoy while visiting Eil Malk Island. The island is surrounded by white sand beaches where visitors can relax during low tide or take part in exciting water sports such as kayaking or snorkeling when the tide is high. Furthermore, exploring the nearby caves is another great way to spend your day on Eil Malk Island – just watch out for bats. You will also find plenty of WWII relics scattered around the island which provide insights into its fascinating history.

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Visit Kawasan Falls, Philippines

80 miles southwest of Cebu City in the Philippines is a series of waterfalls that are the most brilliant light blue – one blogger compares this unusual color to the of “Gatorade blue drink.”  The falls are formed from spring water that flows down the mountains near Matutinao, a barangay (a type of small town) in the city of Badian. The waterfalls form natural swimming holes that are perfect for a day of lounging and frolicking in the pristine waters.

80 miles southwest of Cebu City in the Philippines is a series of waterfalls that are the most brilliant light blue – one blogger compares this unusual color to the of “Gatorade blue drink.”  The falls are formed from spring water that flows down the mountains near Matutinao, a barangay (a type of small town) in the city of Badian. The waterfalls form natural swimming holes that are perfect for a day of lounging and frolicking in the pristine waters.

From Cebu City, visitors can take a three hour bus ride to the Kawasan Falls park. The falls are nestled within the Mantalongon Mountain Range. A landscape of lush emerald green forests surrounds the falls and the rocky cliffs are made of limestone. Once visitors enter the park, they can walk less than a mile to the first waterfall. There are three waterfalls within the park, and visitors can swim at all of them.

There’s a $1 entrance fee to get into the falls. It’s a popular tourist attraction and the park sells souvenirs and t-shirts along the pathways to the waterfalls. There is a 15 minute uphill walk between each waterfall. At the last waterfall and the highest point of the park, there is a rope swing and plenty of opportunities for cliff diving.

Photo: valerii eidlin/Shutterstock

Though the waterfalls are a spectacular natural phenomenon, don’t expect isolated wilderness here. There are restaurants, cafes, picnic tables, and multi-colored umbrellas dotting the area around each waterfall (and it’s actually not the only place to eat near a waterfall in the Philippines; there’s a waterfall restaurant in Quezon, too).

For an even more luxurious swimming experience, some people also like to rent bamboo rafts piloted by guide, which float around the pools under the falls. At an extra charge, a so-called shower massage will take guests underneath the rushing falls. Some blogs recommend bringing your own picnic to the falls because restaurants catered to tourists are expensive.

If you’re coming from Cebu City, you can book a tour that will take you directly to the falls. Canyoneering tours are among the most popular group activities offered at Kawasan Falls – an intense physical excursion that involves climbing, cliff jumping, and swimming. However, if you prefer to travel there independently, buses run to Kawasan Falls from the cities of Cebu, Moalboal, and Oslob.

The falls are less crowded from June to December, during the rainy season. There are also fewer tourists early in the morning. The key to having the falls to yourself is to go on a weekday. 

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This Hotel in Palm Desert, California Unique Boat Ride Is the Most Scenic Way To Enter a Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious desert getaway, look no further than the JW Marriott Palm Desert. This stunning resort offers an array of amenities and activities to make your stay unforgettable. From championship golf courses to world-class spas, the JW Marriott Palm Desert has something for everyone. The resort has also created a unique, luxurious, and eco-friendly way to enter its hotel. The gondola boat entrance offers guests a unique experience that will make their stay extra special.

@epic.stays #stitch with @epic.stays This hotel in #PalmDesert #California has a gondola entranceway #JWMarriott #DesertSprings #desserthotel #uniquestay #greenscreen ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

The Gondola Boat Entrance

The JW Marriott Palm Desert in California’s Coachella Valley’s impressive entrance features a luxurious boat traveling across the lake up to the hotel’s front door. Guests can ride on this beautiful boat with an experienced captain who will guide them through their journey and answer any questions about the area or the hotel itself. This isn’t just any ordinary boat ride. Not only does it provide guests with a unique way of entering their hotel, but it also gives them breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including lush palm trees and mountains in the backdrop. Guests can enjoy some peace and quiet while they soak up their surroundings before arriving at their destination.

Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience

The JW Marriott Palm Desert prides itself on providing guests with comfort and convenience during their stay. The resort features luxurious suites with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs in every room. In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and 24-hour room service. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or an extended vacation, the JW Marriott Palm Desert will provide all the comforts of home in a stunning desert setting.

Family Friendly Amenities

The JW Marriott Palm Desert offers plenty of amenities perfect for families. Kids can splash around in one of two outdoor pools while grownups relax in private cabanas or hot tubs nearby. The resort also boasts an impressive 18-hole golf course ideal for both experienced and beginners. There’s also a full-service spa with massages and beauty treatments that will help you unwind after a day on the links. For those looking for more family-friendly activities, there are plenty of nearby attractions, such as theme parks, shopping malls, hikes, and even a water park within walking distance from the hotel.

Dining Options Galore

No stay at the JW Marriott Palm Desert would be complete without sampling some fantastic cuisine options! The resort boasts 12 restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments to casual eateries featuring locally sourced ingredients from local farms. Guests can also enjoy cocktails poolside at one of four bars or grab snacks anytime at any of the four on-site cafes. With so many dining options available, it’s easy to find something delicious to satisfy any craving!

The JW Marriott Palm Desert provides luxury accommodations combined with various activities and amenities that make it perfect for travelers looking for an unforgettable getaway experience! If you need more space than the JW can provide, there are plenty of Airbnbs nearby that are a great choice. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, whatever your age or budget, this five-star desert oasis has something for everyone.

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