Travel Trolley recently ran an exclusive month long #PhotoedAt Contest on Instagram from 12th September, 2016. As part of the contest, participants were required to send their travel-related photographs at famous tourist destinations. We received an overwhelming number of entries from the contestants. While, all the entries were unique and beautiful, some of them entries stand out from the rest. Come, take a look.

#PhotoedAt Trafalgar Square by (https://www.instagram.com/gossip.ni/): This amazing photograph was chosen as the winner of the contest. The photograph was sent by @gossip.ni and shows her having fun at Trafalgar Square in London, UK. Trafalgar Square is a large public square and an important landmark in Central London. The square contains many commemorative statues, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces. The square is also decked up with a cafe, public toilets, and a lift to facilitate access for disabled people.

#PhotoedAt Magic Kingdom Paris by (https://www.instagram.com/trudeeh/): @trudeeh sent this picture of her in front of the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is probably one of the most popular family theme parks across the world. The huge park is divided into five differently themed categories: the Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Each of these themed areas offers plenty of rides and live shows and also gives visitors an opportunity to meet their favourite Disney characters.

#PhotoedAt Chichen Itza by (https://www.instagram.com/gemb797/): This fantastic holiday photograph was sent by Gemma of her in front of the ancient pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, famous for a collection of Mayan ruins along the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. The most prominent monument is a huge step pyramid called the El Castillo, which is seen in the photograph. Travel to the site to explore the ancient stone carvings, temples, and the Wall of the Skulls at Chichen Itza.

#PhotoedAt MountRushmore State Park by (https://www.instagram.com/twohedges/): Neil Hedge had sent this amazing picture of the sculpture of the faces of four US Presidents carved into the granite walls of Mount Rushmore. Better known as the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this famous tourist attraction is located in the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota, USA. The sculpture of the four US Presidents are 60-foot tall and feature George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

#PhotoedAt the Leaning Tower of Pisa by (https://www.instagram.com/manfalou/): This may be the last but definitely not the least. The cute family picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy in the background was sent by Samantha Mann. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Italy and is world famous for the tilt of its freestanding bell tower. It is considered to be the third oldest monument within Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo).

Instagram, an online mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing, and social networking service, has turned insanely famous within a short span of time! According to an online source, 30 billion shared photos, with 70 million photos on an average are uploaded daily. This being the case, we believe that Instagram will be an apt platform for us to run our highly-exclusive #PhotoedAt Contest.

#PhotoedAt Contest was conducted from 12th September, 2016 for a period of one month! With the support of our new and old followers, we’ve successfully managed to receive excellent travel-related photographs. They reveal iconic tourist destinations. Let’s check them out now!

#PhotoedAt Taj Mahal by (https://www.instagram.com/suenatal/): One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India. History says that around 20,000 labourers were employed to build this impressive structure. Built in the loving memory of his wife, it took nearly 17 years to be completed.

#PhotoedAt the Las Vegas by (https://www.instagram.com/worlas3/): Also called ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is a world-renowned resort city known for spectacular casinos, fun-packed nightlife, and mind-blowing entertainment options. The countless themed-hotels here enhance one’s overall experience! The replicas of popular monuments are not to be missed.

#PhotoedAt the Great Wall of China by (https://www.instagram.com/vividviridian/): More than 2,300 years old, the Great Wall of China is actually a sequence of defensive walls made of stone, tamped earth, brick, and wood etc. Constructed and modified by a number of rulers, the monument’s official length is roughly 21,195 km. In 1987, the Great Wall of China was put on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

#PhotoedAt the Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center by (https://www.instagram.com/julesr40/): New York City’s jaw-dropping skyline is clearly visible from the Top of the Rock. At dusk, the sky appears amazingly colourful from this point! A typical visit lasts nearly 45 minutes, though there’s no time constraint. As there are no security fences to obstruct the view, taking a selfie or clicking a standard photograph is trouble-free.

#PhotoedAt the Auckland by (https://www.instagram.com/sunandcider/): Situated in the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is full of magnificent monuments, museums, and art galleries. The glittering beaches in the coastal areas inspire city visitors to relax under the sun, forgetting the worries of a usual day. Thrill-seekers can opt for activities such as kayaking, diving, kite surfing, and hiking.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who participated in our Instagram #PhotoedAt contest (www.instagram.com/traveltrolleyuk/)! We received dozens of entries and it was indeed a difficult task selecting our final winner. However, our panel of judges, including members of Travel Trolley’s Social Media team, selected Edita Mikutenaite (@devido888) as the winner of #PhotoedAt contest based on how well her photograph demonstrates the entry requirements.

Congratulations to Edita! She will win a £150 holiday voucher from Travel Trolley!  Here is her winning entry.

Here are some of the other impressive contest entries.

Click to see all contest entries.

Follow Travel Trolley on Social Media. We have many more contests and giveaways coming up. Stay tuned.

The patience and thrill of locating your quarry and lining it up in the sights of your gun, the heart thudding moment when you squeeze the trigger, the heady smell of burnt gunpowder, and the satisfaction of making a clean kill – only a hunter can appreciate these feelings.

If you want to go hunting but are not ready to rough it out in jungles, there are many options for you. Sounds interesting? Well, we have picked a handful of luxury hunting resorts from different parts of the world, where you can enjoy the sport without facing the discomforts of a jungle life.

Barnsley Gardens – Adairsville, Georgia

Barnsley Gardens found its way into Conde Nast Traveller’s list of Top Places to Stay in the World. This sprawling resort has 30 acres of heirloom gardens, shooting grounds, and historical ruins. The 33 Old World English cottages and 87 guest suites all but scream luxury. The scenery is perfect for wingshooting. Well, this is what many veteran hunters have to say about the place.

Three Forks Hunting Ranch – Savery, Wyoming

The 50,000 private acres of Colorado countryside here are well stocked with game by way of antelope, elk, and deer. After a deeply satiating day of hunting, it feels great to return to the ranch’s comforting old world charm characterised by open fireplaces, stone walls, hand carved European panelling, beamed cathedral ceilings, and plaid armchairs. The ranch also has an in-house spa and a world-class restaurant.

Tarr Farm – Dulverton, Exmoor, England

Now, this place is said to be one of the best spots for hunting in Europe and many guests claim that the facilities are simply five-star. The restaurant serves wonderful varieties of meats and the roast saddle of venison is especially recommended. Besides, there are facilities for abseiling, biking, fishing, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, and rock climbing. Take your pick from nine unbelievably luxurious rooms and enjoy amenities such as organic bath products, DVD players, and Egyptian cotton sheets.

The Aloes Camp – South Africa

The Aloes Camp by IKAMVA Safaris is one of the world’s most luxurious hunting lodges. A professional hunter will help you bag a variety of game such as wildebeest, fallow deer, bushpig, and black-backed jackal. Originally built as a farmhouse in 1870, this place has been sufficiently renovated to ensure a rustic yet luxurious experience. Make sure that you try the fillet of wildebeest marinated in South African spices at the restaurant here

Glenroy Hunting Lodge – Queenstown, New Zealand

Glenroy Hunting Lodge is a wonderful choice if you are travelling in a group of 10-12 hunting buddies. With its own spa pool as well as house bar and a large barbecue area, Glenroy Hunting Lodge is the largest private hunting reserve in New Zealand. The feeling of setting out in the morning with your shotgun is indescribably exhilarating as you go looking for American elk, fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, and red stags.

Morocco is a North-African nation bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Its capital ‘Rabat’ is widely popular for historical spots, vibrant nightlife, and scenic beauty. It is well-connected with other Moroccan cities and towns.

Rabat is home to a number of tourist attractions, some of which we have researched and shortlisted below. Do check them out for a satiating travel experience.

Rabat Archaeological Museum

Opened in 1932, the Rabat Archaeological Museum is home to several archaeological artefacts. Most importantly, it has national museum collections. There’s also a prehistoric section, which displays human remains from the middle Palaeolithic Period (probably Neanderthals) to the Neolithic Period (4000 B.C.). Numerous old tools are presented that give a clear picture of what the potters and herdsmen used in the bygone eras.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Mausoleum of Mohammed V is the final resting place of three important members of the royal family. Locals come to this holy spot to pay respects to these leaders. The monument is beautifully decorated with ostentatious zellige mosaics and spiralling designs. The sliding doors and ceiling have also been carved in astounding motifs and designs. Needless to say, Mausoleum of Mohammed V is open to non-Muslims too.

Dar al-Makhzen

The Dar al-Makhzen is the official residence of the king of Morocco. The existing building was built in 1864, to replace an older palace. The palace lies at the last part of mechouar – a big parade ground. The complex features Collège Royal, a cookery school and a ground floor library. As the public is not allowed to step into the palace grounds, one may view Dar al-Makhzen’s exteriors from a distance.

Kasbah des Oudaias

Kasbah des Oudaias is a pictorial location in Rabat with white houses, providing jaw-dropping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the houses here were made by Muslim refugees from Spain. When tourists will walk in the street, they’ll encounter very few people. This means one will be away from the heavy crowds and can enjoy the true delights of the city in absolute peace.

Hassan Tower

An apt reminder of a mosque that was never completed, the Hassan Tower is 40-foot red stone minaret created during the rule of Yacoub El Mansour – a sultan of Almohad Dynasty. Its foundation began with a plan of constructing the biggest mosque on the planet. However, four years later, the concerned sultan passed away, leaving the tower or minaret unfinished.

Many travellers feel that few things can be better than a road trip. After all, on a road trip, you can control your overall itinerary and pack anything that fits in the car trunk.

On a road trip, you can also drive away from a not-so-attractive place without much thought. These are just a few of the many benefits of a road trip.

If you plan to go on a road trip, the tips below could come in handy for you.

Decide on the Route

Pick out the final destination at the beginning of the planning stage. Next, choose the places of interest that lie between the starting point and the final destination. Choosing the shortest route may not be the best option always, as safety and security concerns need to be taken into account. If possible, one must get in touch with travellers who have journeyed across the same route.

Stay with the Friends and Acquaintances

Stay with acquaintances and friends, even long-lost friends! This is the best way to cut down the expenses on accommodation. By staying with the locals, one also gets an exclusive opportunity to acquire insider knowledge on topics related to regional food, customs, and traditions. One can also learn more about the lesser-known-attractions situated in the vicinity, which otherwise may be slightly difficult.

Use the world-renowned ‘Maps’

With the advent of technology, one is naturally inclined to use web mapping services. Maps, a Google product, lets you rely on real-time GPS navigation, traffic, transit, and lots more! With its assistance, one may even save time, thanks to the automatic re-routing feature based on live traffic. Along with street views, one may also see indoor imageries of restaurants, shops, and museums. Offline maps are available too.

Carry Enough Cash for Tolls and Roadside Restaurants

Toll roads can be anywhere! This being the case, travellers need to carry cash as these roads may be costlier than expected. That’s why people are advised to keep some cash and coins in the centre console of the vehicle. The restaurants may be small-sized and not quite technologically developed. An Indian Dhaba (highway eatery) is a good example! Such eateries only accept cash.

Keep Aside Extra Food and Water

Carry extra food and water during road trips. This is deemed necessary as one may face an unforeseen situation. In such a scenario, the extra food and water can be consumed. An energy bar, rich in proteins and carbs, should definitely be there with you during short as well as long trips.

The temple town of Bagan reflects the mystifying beauty of Myanmar. Delineated as the Landscape of Pagodas, the town has a wide range of attractions. Experience nature, spirituality, and the sight of ancient architecture to get rid of the everyday stress of life. We have prepared a list of things-to-do in Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites in central Myanmar.

Temple Tour of Bagan

One can easily spend a day or two enjoying and exploring the temples and pagodas in Bagan on foot or by cycle. Majority of the temples are somewhat clustered together and blend in with the natural landscape. Below are some of the popular temples and pagodas that you should visit.

1.    Ananda Temple, Northern Plain

Tourists can start the trip by visiting one of the four major temples. The stunning Ananda Temple is listed among the few surviving masterpieces of Mon architecture.  It is said to have been built by King Kyanzittha.

2.    Payathonzu

The renowned triad temples of Buddhism are truly unique. Located across the road from Tayok, it is a beautiful complex with three interconnected shrines and is also delineated as Three Stupas. Payathonzu is also considered as a rare sight of Triple Gems of Buddhism; Buddha, Dhamma, and Sanhga.

3.    Nanpaya Temple

Standing high since the 12th century, this marvellous Nanpaya Temple is located in the south of Manuha image. Marvel at this iconic pagoda built with a combination of sandstone and bricks. The four pillars of the temple illustrate Brahma, the Hindu god.

4.    Shwezigon Pagoda

Just a few miles from the Bagan area, this splendid Shwezion Pagoda is an impressive construction from the past, worthy of a visit. Locals tell about the stories of the Buddha’s collar bone enshrined inside. This picture perfect temple was built in the 11th century.

The spectrum of fun and expedition in Bagan, Myanmar also includes various other activities which will surely add a dash of craze and excitement to the vacation.

1.    Visit a Lacquer-making Factory

Apart from the temples and pagodas, the scintillating Bagan town is home to various lacquer-making factories. It is ideally a form of handicraft which originated in the 12th to 13th century and majorly involves Burmese women.

2.    Hot Air Balloon Ride over Pagodas

The cherry on the cake for every tourist during vacations is to admire the beauty of Bagan from the sky. Admire the scenic view as the sunrays highlight temples and Pagodas. Cherish a bird’s eye view of the captivating place early in the morning.

3.    Visit the Monk Monasteries

Indulge in the aura of spirituality, tranquillity, and solace at monk monasteries in Bagan. Tourists can discover about monks, their lifestyle, and beliefs. These monasteries are said to be the best place to learn about sacrifice and discipline. Bagan and its monasteries play home to thousands of monks, which is a testament to the overwhelming Buddhist culture in the region.

4.    Ayerwaddy River

A trip can never be complete without visiting the Ayerwaddy River. The beautiful and shimmering river, also known as River Irrawaddy is the lifeblood for the western side of Myanmar. Originating from the Himalayan glaciers, it freely flows into the Indian Ocean, whilst shaping Bagan town magnificently.

Get ready for the world’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest 2016. The festival will be held from September 17 to October 3, 2016, at Theresienwiese grounds in Munich, Germany.

To fans, Oktoberfest is more than 3 weeks of drinking, eating and making merry at the biggest fair in the world. The popularity of the festival can be judged by the fact that more than 6.5 million people attended the festival in 2013!

Oktoberfest Basics!

Oktoberfest is usually organised in September and is wrapped-up by the first Sunday in October. The festival is held for a period of at least 16 days. The official ceremonial inauguration of this year’s festival will be held on Saturday, 17th September, at noon when Munich’s prime mayor Dieter Reiter will tap the first barrel and cry ‘O’zapft is’ meaning ‘It’s Open’ at the Schottenhamel Tent.

Although not mandatory, getting dressed in the traditional Bavarian attire is part of the cultural experience at the festival. Many locals choose to wear the traditional dress Trachten, with men wearing the suspendered leather trouser lederhosen and woman wearing Bavarian Dirndl.

This year, the festival grounds will see around 524 businesses, of which 127 will food joints, 115 will be carnies and 249 will be market stands and vendors.

Drinks

Beer will take the centre stage at the festival, with 14 large tents and 22 small tents with different themes offering a variety of beer to visitors. However, some tents also have few wine and champagne options.

Food

The festival offers plenty of good food to visitors. The classic ‘Wiesn-Hendl’ (grilled chicken) with French Fries is definitely a must-try, so is the slow-roasted, butterbasted chicken. Many tents offer popular delicacies, including pretzels, sausages and desserts, to visitors. Traditional Bavarian specialties including roast chicken, horseradish, pork sausages and fish are very popular throughout the festival.

Other Activities

Oktoberfest is dedicated to drinking, eating and merry-making. However, there are plenty of other activities besides drinking that complete the ‘carnival’ experience. Every once in a while, visitors can go out of the tents and stroll through the vast fairgrounds. There is a plethora of rides and games for visitors and children of all ages. The festival also includes many special events that are of traditional importance to the locals.

Special Events

This year, a parade of the tent patrons will be held on the opening day prior to the ceremonial inauguration. A huge traditional costume parade across Munich will be held the following day. On September 22, a customary religious Oktoberfest mass will be held, while a traditional concert of the Oktoberfest brass-bands will be held on September 25. A time-honoured gun-salute will be witnessed on the steps of the Bavaria monument on October 2. The tickets’ price of all rides and performances will be lower on the two ‘family days’ in this year’s fest, which are September 20 and 27.

The birthplace of Rock-N-Roll, Memphis will pay tribute to the king of Rock- N-Roll, Elvis Presley from 10th to 16th August with a host of activities, events, concerts, dances and a candle light vigil. Elvis Week, as it is popularly called, is a chance for music lovers to experience the continuing legacy of this immensely popular legendary artist with traditional events and music. Head to the city to enjoy days of fun, music and celebrations.

About this Week

The week-long celebrations marked by music, movies, themed events, movies, concerts, panel discussions and dances are attended by Elvis fans from across the globe. Various traditional events like Elvis Fan Club Presidents Event, Graceland Insiders Event, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and an Elvis candlelight vigil also form part of the general festivities.

The main highlight of the week is the candle light vigil during the evening of 15th August, which lasts till morning and is attended by thousands.

To make your visit more comfortable and free of any hassles, the local business establishments in Memphis have struck a partnership with the Elvis Week to offer discounted lodging, dining and other facilities.

Some of the Main Events

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase – This contest will feature performances of the semifinalists of 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Elvis Week Main Stage in Graceland. The tickets are priced at $25 each.

Elvis 101¬¬ – Also to be held on the main stage, this event features notable scholars and authors who have gone to considerable lengths to study the various aspects of this icon. Many guest speakers like Peter Guralnick, Dr. Charles Hughes and Roger Semon will present keen insights into their works based on Elvis. The tickets cost $20 dollars each.

The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley – Graceland’s main stage will feature this special event. Grace the event and be overwhelmed by the music that influenced the great artist earning him three Grammy awards. The stage will also be shared by some artists who performed along with Elvis Presley. The tickets for the non VIP seats are available for $50.

Entertainment

The Elvis Week 2016 will feature many acclaimed artists such as DJ Argo, Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Andy Childs, Gladys and Maybelle, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Brandon Cunning, Ted Torres Martin, David Lee and many more. A special attraction will be the performance of the EAS band which presents a rendition of more than 600 songs of the artist with perfect duplication.