by Frost Prioleau

Mack Prioleau | Travel | Stockholm at a Glance

Stockholm at a Glance: Top 3 Sights to Learn About Its Past by Mack Prioleau

Whenever Mack Prioleau visits a foreign city for the first time, he makes it a point to include its museums, historical landmarks, and heritage sites in his itinerary. It’s important for him to know about city’s history and culture because it helps him gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of its people and traditions. Someday soon, Mack Prioleau hopes to travel to Sweden, and his first stop would be Stockholm.

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden consisting of several districts. According to statistics, Stockholm welcomes more than ten million visitors per year. In 2015, the country saw a record 12.9 million visitors. Some were for business, others for leisure. It ranks fourth in terms of air quality among all European capitals. Mack Prioleau can’t wait to have a whiff of that fresh air!

If you only have a limited time to explore the city, and you wish to learn a little bit about its history and heritage, Mack Prioleau recommends these three sights/museums:

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum houses the Vasa, a 17th-century warship built in the 1600s. Soon after its launch in 1628 for its maiden voyage, it sank in the city’s harbor. For centuries, the wreckage remained hidden under the sea. More than three hundred years later, it was finally spotted and brought back up. Almost 100% of the ship is original. The restoration was a painstaking and slow process, taking almost half a century to complete. The exhibitions depict life onboard a ship almost 400 years ago. According to what Mack Prioleau learned about it, the museum receives over a million guests each year.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden. With over six hundred rooms inside the structure, it is considered as one of the largest structures of its kind in Europe. The public is welcome to visit the palace and explore its museums and reception rooms. The structure was designed in Baroque architectural style. A parade of soldiers and changing of the guard take place daily so don’t miss it!

Skansen Open-Air Museum

If you wish to see different parts of Sweden in one location, head to the Skansen Open-Air Museum. There are over 100 farms and farmhouses in this open-air museum, each disassembled and transported from different parts of the country, and then re-assembled to create the outdoor museum.

Apart from these, there is also a zoo where you will get to see some native animals. If you’re traveling with kids, Mack Prioleau recommends that you include this in your itinerary. It’s the perfect place to learn about Sweden and meet some locals.

If you can spare the time, you may also want to drop by the ABBA Museum where memorabilia from the band’s tours and concerts are on display, as well as costumes, instruments, awards, and records. You can also Check out the Moderna Museet, Drottningholm Palace, Fotografiska (photo gallery), and Gröna Lund’s Amusement Park (ideal for kids and adults).

For more travel posts from Mack Prioleau, kindly stay tuned to this page.

 

 

Mack Prioleau | Travel | Chasing the Northern Lights in Finland

 

For Mack Prioleau, traveling the world remains on top of his adventure list. While he had the privilege of visiting a few countries when he frequently traveled with his parents in his younger years, he knows there’s still so much to see. He’s been to parts of Asia and Europe, but he admits that his travels barely even scratched the surface. On top of his bucket list is Finland; more specifically, chasing the Northern Lights in Finland.

The Northern Lights: Nature’s Spectacular Show

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun’s electrically charged particles collide and upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, appearing as a display of dancing lights. It’s one of nature’s phenomena that is simply breathtaking—surreal and breathtaking, for Mack Prioleau and many others who wish to see this amazing show.

The Northern Lights can be seen from different countries in the world; those that are within the auroral oval or regions where the probability of seeing them are the highest. Of these countries, Sweden, Norway and Finland are the most popular destinations.

The Northern Lights in Finland

Finland is the destination of choice for Mack Prioleau not only because of the Northern Lights but also because of its wide expanse of virgin forests and over a hundred thousand lakes (there are approximately 188,000 lakes in the country).

For the Northern Lights, Mack Prioleau learned that your best chance of seeing this amazing light show is in Finnish Lapland. There are various ski resorts here as well so you could enjoy the slopes during the day and camp out under the stars at night to wait for the Northern Lights to appear.

An interesting viewing site is a tree house designed specifically to give guests a good vantage point for enjoying the natural light show. In Rovaniemi, Lapland, look for the Arctic Treehouse Hotel. There are only 37 treehouses here so you’d best book your stay months in advance to ensure that you get a slot.

The treehouse is your own private and cozy nest that not only gives you panoramic views of the world below but in the evenings, it gives you spectacular views of the Northern Lights right from your window.

If you prefer to camp under the stars, there are igloo tents that you can book as well. These are in Saariselkä, a village in Finnish Lapland. The tents are glass igloos that come with their own toilet and bath. You can lie on your bed and watch the skies at night through the glass ceiling. Mack Prioleau hopes to experience the aurora borealis from both the treehouse and the glass igloo someday.

The best time to visit Finland for the Northern Lights is between the months of September and April when the nights are longer and the chances of clear night skies are higher.

If you enjoyed this post, Mack Prioleau invites you to bookmark this page so you can stay up-to-date with his latest travel posts.

 

 

Mack Prioleau: Trekking Asia’s Favorites

Mack Prioleau: Top Three Thrilling Trails In Asia

This is Mack Prioleau for another blog update; this time about hiking. If you frequent my blog, then you’ll know I have an insatiable appetite for adventure, and with hiking, this often means trekking on trails that offer scenic views at heart-pumping, dizzying altitudes! While most of my expeditions have been in the country and around Europe, this isn’t to say that I’m not interested to explore Asia at some point in my life.

So without further ado, here are my top three thrilling trails in Asia that I’d love to conquer once time and resources permit it:

#1: Annapurna Circuit in Nepal – Nepal has always fascinated me with its temples and monasteries, and the Annapurna Circuit sounds like just the kind of trek that got me hooked on hiking in the first place—strenuous and challenging but infinitely rewarding and fulfilling. Annapurna Circuit and its breathtaking and stunning views are only for those who are willing to work for them. I would love to visit these eventually.

#2: Kalaw to Inle Lake in Myanmar – While not the most difficult trek among all in Asia, the trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake nevertheless deserves a spot on this list because of the cultural immersion it offers. In fact, many tourists and hikers alike recommend this expedition precisely for the remote villages and countryside views along the way. Of course, the cherry on top is Inle Lake—stilt houses, pagodas, floating gardens, and more.

#3: Seoraksan National Park in South Korea – This UNESCO (tentative) World Heritage site is one of the most popular in the region because of its snow-capped mountains, beautiful streams and waterfalls, and Buddhist temples. There are hikes for all abilities, but no matter which track you’re on, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the hypnotic tranquility of this Korean national treasure.

Stay tuned to this blog for more thought pieces by Mack Prioleau.

 

 

Mack Prioleau: Surfing Bucket List

Mack Prioleau Bucket List: Surfing Spots to Visit This 2017

Hello, this is Mack Prioleau wishing you all a prosperous Summer. I’m pretty excited to find out what the year has in store for me, whether it’s landing my biggest catch of bass yet or setting foot on more unbeaten paths to discover nature’s wonders.

I may not know what will come to pass but I’m hoping that I’ll be given the means to cross off some of these must-visit destinations from my bucket list. I plan on traveling more this year, so I’ve rounded up my top picks for surfing spots around the world.

Here are my top picks for 2017:

#1: Hossegor, France – Apart from the monster waves, one reason why I want to make this trip to this beautiful coastal town is to experience its lively nightlife. Many young surfers who have gone to surf camp in Hossegor will attest to the friendliness and expertise of the teacher; but even if you’re an experienced surfer, it wouldn’t hurt to get some tips and lessons from the locals—those waves are a killer, after all!

#2: Montanita, Ecuador – The waves you can ride at Montanita Beach are the stuff that surfers dream about but when a dash of Ecuadorian hospitality is added to your stay, your vacation just can’t get any more perfect. I see myself coming for the waves at Montanita and staying for the warmth of the locals.

#3: Fistral Bay, England – Sure, Fistral Bay can get crowded and is far from being a secret surfing spot but those waves are enough reason to make this trip, not to mention the army of surfers you can watch all day. As one of the cleanest beaches in the area with great facilities, it’s not hard to see why Fistral Bay is easily a surfer’s paradise.

Stay tuned to this blog for more thought pieces by Mack Prioleau.

 

 

Mack Prioleau on 8 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Other Countries

Mack Prioleau Shares Ten Things You Should Avoid Doing in Other Countries

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Having traveled to various places in the world and having friends who have done the same, I’ve learned a thing or two about usual gestures that we may have been accustomed to and that we consider normal, but which are seen as offensive in other countries. Hello once again, friends! Mack Prioleau here. Today let’s talk about some of the things we should avoid doing when visiting other countries. Here are eight of them:

1. Avoid tipping in Japan at all costs. The Japanese are known for their high standards when it comes to service so you can expect to receive exceptional service at their hotels and restaurants. They’re proud of this, and tipping may be seen as an insult.

2. Always use your right hand in India. Whether you’re receiving an item that you bought from a stall or shaking hands with a local; eating or paying, always use your right hand because the left hand is considered unclean.

3 and 4. Never honk your horn in Norway and New Zealand. Honking signals an emergency and this could cause unnecessary panic among the other drivers around you. In New Zealand, honking is regarded as insulting, so try to avoid it when you’re behind the wheel.

5. Never give even numbers of flowers in Ukraine. When you want to give someone flowers in Ukraine, make sure that the number is uneven because flowers in even numbers are given during funerals.

6. Don’t finish all the food on your plate in China. This act is seen by the host as a sign that the food they provided wasn’t filling enough for you which insults them. Leave a little on your plate. Burping out loud is also seen as a sign that you were satisfied with the meal.

7. Never give the thumbs-up sign to anyone in Iran. In Iran and other parts of the Middle East, the thumbs-up sign is regarded as a demeaning or foul gesture so to be on the good side of the locals, refrain from doing it.

8. Don’t use the OK sign in Turkey. Giving someone the OK sign may seem like approval in our country but it is seen as offensive in Turkey because giving someone the OK sign here means you think the person is a homosexual.

Stay tuned for more travel tips from Mack Prioleau.

 

 

Mack Prioleau on 2 Travel Books for Exploring the US

Mack Prioleau on 2 Must-have Travel Books for Discovering America

Hi, all! Mack Prioleau here. In one of my posts, I mentioned that this year, I vow to explore more of the United States. I’ve been to various places around the world, each one offering me new experiences, but I must admit that I haven’t really taken the time to explore all the wonders of the country. I plan to change that!

But first, I need a little help as I don’t have a lot of information regarding all the amazing places in the country—or what others would call a “must-see.” So my first order of the day is to get travel books that can help me better navigate the country. And below are the top two that always come up in my searches.

1. 1,000 Places To See In The United States And Canada Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. This book made it to the New York Times’ bestseller list, and even made it to the top spot. The book is highly informative and will provide you with all the details that you need for a smooth trip. The book includes phone numbers and websites to check out that can help you with your travel plans. There are also sections that mention which ones are family-friendly and which ones are great for outdoor adventures. I may not be able to go to all one thousand of them, but I’m going to try to go to the best ones during my lifetime!

2. American Road Trip: Color Your Way to Calm from Coast to Coast by Brian Sharkey Vaught and Michelle Sharkey Vaught. Going on at least one road trip in your lifetime is a must in my opinion. There’s so much to discover on road trips, whether you do it alone or with a friend. This book takes road trips to the next level because other than mapping out routes that can help you make the most of your road trip, the book is a coloring book as well! Color the cities and towns as you visit them. This road trip will surely be anything but boring!

Have you been on a road trip? How was your experience? Please do share! I’d love to hear all about it and I’m sure the readers will also enjoy reading your road trip adventures!

This is Mack Prioleau signing off for now.

 

 

Mack Prioleau on 4 Underrated Attractions in New York

Mack Prioleau Shares Four Underrated Attractions in New York Worth Checking Out

When you think of touring New York, what might immediately come to mind are the museums and art galleries, Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, shopping, and trying out the best restaurants in town. I’d like to keep the focus away from these for now and talk about other attractions that are worth your time. Mack Prioleau here; let’s explore NewYork’s underrated attractions starting with these four:

1. Tannen’s Magic Store, NY, NY. If you love Harry Potter or you simply marvel at the illusions performed by magicians, then you’ll like this place! The store has been providing magicians with tools and toys for their acts since 1925. The best part? The people at Tannen’s will gladly show you how the products work if you ask them to. Now you can go home and entertain friends and family with your own magic show!

2. Brooklyn Flea Market. The flea market is open every weekend year round, so you’ll never have to worry about missing it when you visit. Everything that you see here are artisanal products, from arts and crafts to jewelry, vintage apparel, furniture, antiques, and collectible items. True, it’s popular among locals and some tourists, but I feel that it deserves more acknowledgement and should be included in every travel brochure’s itinerary.

3. IFC Center, NY, NY. When in New York, make time for a movie or two at the IFC Center. It has 5 state-of-the art cinemas where you can watch local and foreign independent films, documentaries, sci-fi movies, Hollywood classics, and other cult favorites. Gourmet snacks and organic popcorn make your viewing experience even more enjoyable!

4. Ghostbusters Firehouse, NY, NY. With the recent remake of the cult classic “Ghostbusters,” the Ghostbusters Firehouse is a must if you loved the original films. This is a working firehouse and on occasion, they might let you see their collection of “relics” from the actual fires they’ve put out.

Are there other places you’d like to add? Please feel free to let me know! Again this is Mack Prioleau and I hope to see you all back here!

 

 

Mack Prioleau Skiis on Mauna Kea | Mack Prioleau | The Outdoors

Mack Prioleau on Skiing on Mauna Kea

The state of Hawai’i has always been one at the top of my list of places to visit. From my research i have learned that it is more known for its beaches and tropical rain forests, the state is home to very high peaks, including the volcano Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai’i.

Mauna Kea measures almost 13,800 feet. But because its base lies 19,000 feet underwater, it’s actually the highest mountain in the world when measured from bottom to top. The variations in elevation make for interesting climate and weather differences. The name “Mauna Kea” means “white mountain” in Hawai’ian, and the snow covers the volcano’s peak during winter. Between November to April, temperatures can reach as low as 24.9ºF. But because of the altitude, the wind chill can make it seem a lot colder.

At first glance, Mauna Kea could be one of the best skiing spots on the planet, with over 100 square miles of terrain covered with fine white snow, which locals call “pineapple powder”. While Mauna Kea’s summit is dotted by the numerous astronomical observatories that take advantage of the clear weather, there are no lodging facilities or ski lifts on the summit itself. Despite this, a few friends of mine have gone up to the summit on a rented SUV, planning to go skiing down the summit. In lieu of ski lifts, one of us acted as the designated driver for each trip up and down the slope, picking up skiers at the bottom of the snow line.

They told me that the scenery more than made up for the effort we exerted just going up to the summit. But Mauna Kea is not for beginners – it takes a certain degree of courage to even go up the highest peak in the world. Something I plan to do in the near future

Interestingly, while there are zero ski facilities on Mauna Kea, there is a ski shop on the Big Island that rents skis and snowboards. They’re not always open, but when they are, you’re sure that there is just enough snow on the summit for you to play on.

 

 

Mack Prioleau Speaks About Perth

Mack Prioleau on Visiting Perth, Western Australia

I’ve visited much of North America and Europe, but until recently, Australia was uncharted territory to me. So, when an Aussie teammate of mine wanted to speak about his visit to his hometown of Perth for the holidays, I was excited to hear more about it. One thing became clear after his trip, though – if you’re looking for wide open spaces and wildlife, amazing architecture, and golden sunshine and beaches, Perth has everything for you. They have a well-preserved old town, the largest inner-city park in the world, and more!

Kings Park

If you thought Central Park in New York was big, Kings Park is massive. At more than 4 square kilometers, it covers a large part of Mount Eliza and preserves the native bushland of the west coast, yet is directly beside the Perth central business district. Don’t forget to check out the DNA Tower on top of the hill!

Perth Zoo

If you’re curious about Australia’s unique wildlife, the Perth Zoo houses more than 164 different species, including dingoes, emus, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, cockatoos, and echidnas. At 17 hectares, the Perth Zoo is also home to the African Savannah and Asian Rainforest exhibits, and is heavily involved in conservation efforts across the globe.

Fremantle

This city serves as the port of Perth. Because of its long history as a trade center, it is home to well-preserved historic buildings, fresh produce, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The market is also a popular site for buskers, so chances are, you might just be listening to the next big star!

Sunset Coast

To the north of the city itself lies the Sunset Coast. With more than a thousand kilometers of coastline, you can choose from one of the numerous fine white sand beaches, get stoked, and paddle out into the waves.If you’re into surfing like me, Trigg Beach is the place to visit according to my friend. I look forward to traveling to Perth soon!

 

 

Mack Prioleau on 4 Underrated Attractions in New York

Mack Prioleau Shares Four Underrated Attractions in New York Worth Checking Out

When you think of touring New York, what might immediately come to mind are the museums and art galleries, Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, shopping, and trying out the best restaurants in town. I’d like to keep the focus away from these for now and talk about other attractions that are worth your time. Mack Prioleau here; let’s explore NewYork’s underrated attractions starting with these four:

1. Tannen’s Magic Store, NY, NY. If you love Harry Potter or you simply marvel at the illusions performed by magicians, then you’ll like this place! The store has been providing magicians with tools and toys for their acts since 1925. The best part? The people at Tannen’s will gladly show you how the products work if you ask them to. Now you can go home and entertain friends and family with your own magic show!

2. Brooklyn Flea Market. The flea market is open every weekend year round, so you’ll never have to worry about missing it when you visit. Everything that you see here are artisanal products, from arts and crafts to jewelry, vintage apparel, furniture, antiques, and collectible items. True, it’s popular among locals and some tourists, but I feel that it deserves more acknowledgement and should be included in every travel brochure’s itinerary.

3. IFC Center, NY, NY. When in New York, make time for a movie or two at the IFC Center. It has 5 state-of-the art cinemas where you can watch local and foreign independent films, documentaries, sci-fi movies, Hollywood classics, and other cult favorites. Gourmet snacks and organic popcorn make your viewing experience even more enjoyable!

4. Ghostbusters Firehouse, NY, NY. With the recent remake of the cult classic “Ghostbusters,” the Ghostbusters Firehouse is a must if you loved the original films. This is a working firehouse and on occasion, they might let you see their collection of “relics” from the actual fires they’ve put out.

Are there other places you’d like to add? Please feel free to let me know! Again this is Mack Prioleau and I hope to see you all back here!

 

 

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