News

This Remote Island Is A Real Hidden Gem Of The Atlantic

Published

4 weeks ago

April 27, 2023

Nestled off the coast of northeastern Brazil lies an exquisite hidden gem: Fernando de Noronha Island.

I stumbled upon this remote island while watching a video about the places to visit in Brazil on YouTube. Its natural beauty immediately caught my attention, and I was surprised I had never heard of it before. However, it was only after I discovered how far and remote it was, I became even more intrigued and sold on the idea of visiting. I was already in Brazil, so I only needed to find out how to get there, and from that point, I stopped planning. There isn’t much information available anyway, only a few vlogs and articles about the Island in English.

View of Praia do Meio and Praia da Conceicao (Source: Shutterstock.com)

Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and islets located 354km off the coast of Brazil, is well-known among locals but relatively unknown to foreigners.

This is evident in the low number of foreign visitors to the Island, with only 1,217 registered in 2022. Among these, the majority were Americans, with 310 U.S. tourists exploring the Island. Germans followed in second place with 109 visitors, followed closely by Argentinians with 103.

These figures highlight the Island’s exclusivity and pristine natural environment, which remains largely untouched by the mass tourism industry.

The Island has a cap on the number of visitors allowed at a time, which prevents it from feeling overcrowded and ensures that visitors can fully appreciate its unspoiled beauty. Only around 400 visitors can enter per day.

I arrived with a “zero-to-non” plan, just booked a one-way ticket and 2 nights in my first hotel (Pousada Moana). I landed around 3 pm and felt the remoteness as soon as I stepped on the Island. Small airplane, tiny airport, an immediate view of the tallest rock (Morro do Pico), and only a handful amount of tourists paying entry fees before jumping into taxis.

Fernando de Noronha Airport

Fernando de Noronha Island is Marine National Park and charges an entrance fee to help fund conservation efforts and protect the Island’s fragile ecosystem. The cost for a 7-day entry fee is approximately 120 USD.

First trip

After check-in, I changed into my swim shorts and took a barefoot walk to the nearest beach. The journey took approximately 10-15 minutes through jungle-like and muddy off-road terrain.

Upon arrival at Praia da Conceição, I was absolutely amazed by the beauty of the beach and the incredible feeling of seclusion. Only a few people were present. I strolled to the left corner where I found myself completely alone, climbed a rock, and sat for a while, basking in the ambiance and waiting for the sunset. On this Island, one can genuinely experience the feeling of being Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Beach” movie.

sunset on Conceicao beach — Sunset on Conceicao Beach

After the sun came down, I walked to the other side of the beach to have a drink while watching the sunset “leftovers”. Ended up having fresh grilled tuna and 3 caipirinhas, why not :). The cliff restaurant had live music and amazing Tulum/Bali-style decoration.

Beaches, biodiversity, nature, and sharks!

The Island is well-known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. There are 16 beaches on the Island, each with its own unique features and charms.

In fact, one of the beaches, Baia de Sancho, was crowned as the best beach of this year on the Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor. It’s a secluded beach that can only be accessed by climbing down a steep staircase, but the effort is definitely worth it.

Fernando de Noronha is not only renowned for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural scenery. The archipelago has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique and diverse ecosystem.

The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of birds, some of which are endemic to the Island. The waters surrounding the archipelago are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and sharks.

In addition to the abundant marine life, Fernando de Noronha is also home to a variety of flora, including endemic species such as the Noronha Elaeocarpus and the Noronha Piptadenia. The Island’s vegetation includes mangroves, Atlantic forests, and scrubland.

Viktor Vincej, Founder of Traveling Lifestyle

On my second day, I took a walk on the Praia da Cacimba do Padre. Just after sunset, I came across a guy recording something with a lot of passion while standing in shallow water. His girlfriend behind him looked very worried, so I knew something was up! As soon as I pulled up my phone, a shark fin appeared maybe only maybe 10 meters away. It was my first close encounter with a shark on the beach so my heart was pounding hard. I told myself it might be an old one dying or a lost one trying to get out of shallow water but just a minute later I saw 2nd one! I immediately became a “shark hunter” and kept recording until the dark.

Right after I left the beach, I got caught in a massive storm, but luckily, a couple gave me a ride to the hotel. I was standing in the heavy rain, in the absolute dark, barefoot on a muddy off-road hitchhiking. A perfect horror movie scenario if you ask me but they were brave enough to stop!

Once I got home and rewatched the videos, I realized there were actually 3 adult-size sharks, just chillin’ in the water where people also swim. I did a bit of research and found out it’s a daily thing. Sharks are often spotted in the area where the waves break because they feed on sardines, which swim in that specific spot.

This short documentary explains all about the sharks in Fernando de Noronha:

Nightlife

Visitors are lured to Fernando de Noronha not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant nightlife.

The Island boasts a variety of clubs and bars, and hosts theme parties and beach events every weekend, earning it the nickname “Brazilian Ibiza”.

The weekend is coming up, so I’ll give my personal review of the nightlife after (or might keep it to myself :P). Stay tuned on Instagram, I am here for 7 more days, or maybe 7 more weeks, or..

Diving in Noronha — Fernando de Noronha, one of the best diving sites in the world (Source: Shutterstock.com)

Few facts about the Island

Founded: August 10, 1503.
Population: 3,101 residents (2020).
Area: 18.4 km².
You can literally walk everywhere, it takes around 45 mins to cross islands on foot.
There is only 1 road basically
Only the eponymous main island (out of 21) is inhabited.
Prices: it’s an expensive island but about the same as Europe’s beach destinations in the summer season.
Internet: mostly very bad or non! The place where I stayed first 2-nights, Pousada Moana, has one of the best connections on the Island. Stable, slow but was enough for me to keep publishing articles, upload photos, and have a few audio calls.

I’ve been to 89 countries and many places around the world but this place climbed to the top very quickly!

Fernando de Noronha steals your heart as soon as you get out of the airplane. Whether you’re walking on the beach, relaxing on the main square, or watching the rain from your room, the Island feeds your soul with every passing moment.

The post This Remote Island Is A Real Hidden Gem Of The Atlantic appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Viktor Vincej
Title: This Remote Island Is A Real Hidden Gem Of The Atlantic
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/this-remote-island-is-a-real-hidden-gem-of-the-atlantic/
Published Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:04:02 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

How traveling improves your life?

Traveling improves your life by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, develop problem-solving skills, enhance your creativity, and improve your communication abilities as you interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

What is the most important thing about traveling?

The most important thing about traveling is to fully immerse yourself in the experience, be present in the moment, and appreciate the unique opportunities for growth and connection that travel offers.

What are the joys of travel?

The joys of travel include the excitement of exploring new destinations, encountering unique cultures, tasting new cuisines, and experiencing the beauty of the natural world.

Why travel makes us happy?

Travel makes us happy because it provides a break from the routine, offers a sense of adventure, and satisfies our innate curiosity to explore and learn about the world around us.

What are the main benefits of traveling?

The main benefits of traveling include broadening one’s perspective, learning about new cultures and traditions, gaining new experiences, boosting mental and emotional well-being, and creating lasting memories.

What is the most important in traveling?

The most important aspect of traveling is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the people and places you encounter.

Statistics

You pay 20% coinsurance for nonemergency care. (hca.wa.gov)
In one study , researchers found that female people who took vacations twice or more per year were less likely to report symptoms of depression and tension, compared to those who only vacationed once every 2 or 6 years. (goodrx.com)
In fact, 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad! (nbcnews.com)
According to a 2013 study , more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. (forbes.com)
Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)

External Links

How To

How to Achieve a Healthier, Happier You by Understanding the Physical and Mental Benefits of Traveling

Achieve a healthier, happier you by embracing the physical and mental benefits of traveling. Engage in physical activities such as hiking, swimming, or yoga, and practice mindfulness and self-reflection to support your mental well-being. Use travel as an opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

News

This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico

Published

10 hours ago

May 25, 2023

Robin

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico has recently announced that Akumal is the busiest beach destination in Mexico. On the Yucatán Peninsula, Akumal is a coastal resort of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

It is not only Akumal that has been busy, as there has been a 60.5% hotel occupancy rate across Mexico, according to Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués.

The hotel occupancy rate, which was taken over the first quarter of 2023, is nearly 10 percent higher than in 2022. This is according to the 70 centers monitored by DataTur, which provides tourism statistics information to the Government of Mexico.

Data further show that in this period, an average of 142,685 occupied rooms were registered in beach centers. This is an increase of 14.8% compared to last year’s number of 124,300.

In terms of occupancy rate, the beach center occupancy rate was 71.7%, nine percentage points compared to the same period in 2022.

The total number of tourists in beach centers was nine million during the first three months of 2023, while Mexican cities registered 10.8 million tourists in hotel rooms.

Of the total 19.8 million tourists from January to March 2023, Torruco Marqués highlighted that 13.9 million (or nearly 70% of the total) were nationals.

Torruco Marqués detailed that the busiest beach destinations with the highest occupancy levels in Mexico were:

Akumal – 87.6%
Playacar – 86.6% (Playa del Carmen)
Cabo San Lucas – 84.5%
New Nayarit – 84.4%
Puerto Vallarta – 83.6%
Cancun – 80.5%

Akumal which means “Place of the Turtle” in the Mayan language, is known for its white sands, warm waters, and rich marine life, including turtles of course. Akumal Beach, or Playa Akumal, features turquoise waters where only a certain number of simmers are allowed each day to protect the turtle zone.

Guests should get to the beach early, hire a guide to be able to find the best spots to swim with turtles.

The post This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Jarone Ashkenazi
Title: This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/this-caribbean-town-is-the-new-busiest-beach-destination-in-mexico/
Published Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 13:49:12 +0000

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Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Health Benefits of Traveling?

Yes, there are health benefits of traveling, such as reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. Travel can also strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellness.

What is the most important thing about traveling?

Why Wouldn’t You Travel More When There Are So Many Benefits of Traveling?

You should travel more when there are so many benefits of traveling, including improved mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.

What is the most important in traveling?

The most important aspect of traveling is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the people and places you encounter.

What is the value of traveling?

The value of traveling lies in the personal growth and enrichment it brings, as well as the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with people and places beyond your immediate environment.

Why travel makes us happy?

Travel makes us happy because it provides a break from the routine, offers a sense of adventure, and satisfies our innate curiosity to explore and learn about the world around us.

Statistics

According to a 2013 study , more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. (forbes.com)
Men who do not take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and 30 percent greater risk of heart disease. (nbcnews.com)
Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)
You pay 20% coinsurance for nonemergency care. (hca.wa.gov)
After the trial period, they found that the people who vacationed every year had about 30% less risk of dying from heart disease. (goodrx.com)

External Links

articles.latimes.com

Travel is the best medicine, study finds

academic.oup.com

Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Death among Women: Psychosocial Predictors from a 20-Year Follow-up of Women in the Framingham Study

doi.org

Association between real-world experiential diversity and positive affect relates to hippocampal–striatal functional connectivity | Nature Neuroscience

verywell.com

Taking Vacations for Stress Relief and Overall Health

hbr.org

Are the People Who Take Vacations the Ones Who Get Promoted?

When a Vacation Reduces Stress And When It Doesn’t

How To

How to Achieve a Healthier, Happier You by Understanding the Physical and Mental Benefits of Traveling

News

Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023

Published

11 hours ago

May 25, 2023

Robin

Houston, Texas is situated in the southeast part of the state and near the coastline. It is known as home to me any prominent businesses and the organization NASA.

Many large cities have challenges with safety, and Houston, which is one of the largest cities in the country, is no exception to that. As a major presence in Texas, the city near the coast has for years been a growing metro area.

Crime Data from NeighbourhoodScout

More crime data on neighborhoodscout.com.

Neighborhoods in the Houston Area

In any large or small city, there are certain neighborhoods that are better or worse than others when it comes to crime and safety.

Houston is no exception to that. It is important to know which sections of the metro area are safe or not. And people should be extra cautious when they are in high-crime neighborhoods.

10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston (according to Property Club data)

Sunnyside
MacGregor
Sharpstown
Greenspoint
Far North
Northeast
Northwest
East End
Sugarland
Pasadena

Gang and Related Activity

Houston, as is true for many large cities these days, has a challenge with a gang presence. That invites many challenging activities and crimes. So residents and visitors of Houston should pay attention at all times and if possible not go to areas where there is a known gang presence. Activities such as gang-related crimes can be worse at certain times of the day or week.

Vehicle Safety

It is essential to consider safety at home as well as while away from home and traveling. In Houston, there are increasing incidents of serious issues like road rage.

There are also car break-ins and theft. Anyone using one’s own personal vehicle or a rental vehicle should be extra cautious. That includes keeping all windows closed and doors locked, and not keeping any valuable items in a vehicle.

Safety for Women

Women face an overall medium risk when it comes to safety in Houston. One of the best ways to work around any safety and crime risks is for women to not travel alone, and to travel with at least one other person.

Public Transportation

Many people use public transportation in Houston. They travel by bus, train, taxi, rideshare, and rental car. Travelers should be vigilant about being aware of their surroundings when traveling.

Terrorism Risks

Many large cities these days are at increased risk for terrorist activity to occur. Houston is unfortunately a city like that. So residents and visitors to Houston should be informed about the specific risk level at all times.

Natural Disasters

Because it is near the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, Houston can often be a prime area for hurricanes and other natural disasters to occur. So the weather is a serious safety concern. Hurricanes mainly occur between June and November. Residents and visitors to Houston should pay close attention to weather forecasts and be well prepared for hurricanes. In some situations, it is best to evacuate the Houston area when a hurricane is approaching.

Overall Safety

Houston overall has a long way to go when it comes to becoming safer. There are many crimes occurring, and safety is increasingly a concern. Specific crimes, such as assault, robbery, and vandalism are on the rise in Houston. While crime is increasing in recent years, it is everyone’s job to contribute to Houston being a safer place.

Houston is a great place to call home and an area where there is much to do and see for travelers. There are some safety challenges, so it is important to asses the risks and stay aware. Knowledge is power, so those can be great strategies for averting many safety concerns. Everyone can do his or her part to make Houston a safer and more enjoyable place to reside or travel.

The post Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

———-
By: Viktor Vincej
Title: Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/is-houston-safe-travel-advisory-2023/
Published Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 14:33:29 +0000

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