Travel
5 Forbidden Places You Are Not Allowed To Visit

There are some places that are forbidden to visitors except you’re a researcher or a daredevil willing to part with your health or life in some cases.
Listed below are 5 forbidden places that you should take off your travel bucket list:
1. North Sentinel Island
⭐Why North Sentinel island is banned?⭐ North Sentinel Island is one of the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal. The heavily forested island is surrounded by coral reefs and lacks natural harbors.

But finding a harbour should be the least of your worries as you may not make it to the shore because the island is home to the Sentinelese, an indigenous people in voluntary isolation who have rejected, often violently, any contact with the outside world. They are among the last tribal people to remain virtually untouched by modern civilisation.

In January 2006, two fishermen fishing illegally in prohibited waters were killed by the Sentinelese when their boat drifted too close to the island. In November 2018, John Allen Chau, a 26-year-old US missionary was killed during an illegal trip to the restricted island, planning to preach Christianity to the Sentinelese.
The area is patrolled by the Indian Navy.
2. Snake Island
The official name of this infamous island off the coast of Brazil is Ilha da Queimada Grande.

The island is thought to have a population of about 430,000 snakes. However, recent estimates are much lower. According to some estimates, there is one snake in each square meter of the island. The island is the only home of the critically endangered, venomous Bothrops insularis (golden lancehead pit viper), one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
Queimada Grande is closed to the public to protect both people and the snake population; access is only available to the Brazilian Navy and selected researchers vetted by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the Brazilian federal conservation unit.
3. Svalbard Global Seed Vault
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure seed bank on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen.
The seed bank’s mission is to provide a safety net in the event of accidental loss of diversity in traditional genebanks due to mismanagement, accident, equipment failures, funding cuts, natural disasters, regional or global catastrophe.

The seed vault functions like a safe deposit box in a bank. The bank owns the building and the depositor owns the contents of his or her box. The 11,000-square-foot facility is protected by highly advanced security systems and access is strictly limited to a handful of employees.
4. Poveglia Island
Poveglia is a small island located between Venice and Lido in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy.

For more than 100 years beginning in 1776, the island was used as a quarantine station for those suffering the plague and other diseases, and later as a mental hospital. The mental hospital closed in 1968, and the island has been vacant since.
Poveglia has long been considered one of the most haunted places on earth. Rumour has it that the ghosts of plague victims, war victims, and the ghost of a murderous asylum doctor roam the decaying grounds.
5. Area 51

Area 51 is the common name of a highly classified United States Air Force (USAF) facility located in Nevada, United States.
Details of the facility’s operations are not publicly known, but the USAF says that it is an open training range, and it most likely supports the development and testing of experimental aircraft and weapons systems.
The intense secrecy surrounding the base has made it the frequent subject of conspiracy theories.
Access to Area 51 is completely prohibited, however, the area surrounding the facility is a popular tourist destination for alien enthusias
Travel
Top 7 Platforms for Travel Creators To Get Hotels and Airbnbs Collaborations

Beauty and fashion brands aren’t the only platforms who collaborate with travel creators. Hotels and Airbnbs need travel creators too for high quality images, videos and marketing.
Some of these platforms are paid , however, they are worth every traveler’s creator’s checklist for hotels and airbnb collaborations.
This guide shares top 7 platforms for travel creators to get hotels and airbnbs collaborations. Whether you are an old-time travel creator or a newbie, the same processes and guidelines for collaboration apply.
At a glance: the 7 platforms for travel creators to get Hotels and Airbnbs Collaboration
1. Stayamo
Stayamo helps you save time discovering homes and hotels looking to collaborate.

How it Works
Creators exchange photos and promotions for free stays, discounted rates, or influencer hotel deals at unique properties around the world
The 4-Step Process for Travel Creators
- 1. Apply to join
- 2. Create a listing
- 3. Chat with hosts and hotels
- 4. Stay and deliver

What Staycom Looks For?
When reviewing influencers, they usually look for creators that have at least 1,000 likes per photo, as well as over 5k followers.
2. Stay Posted
Do you love the thrill of last minute hotel rooms and airbnbs? Stay Posted is your platform for the thrill!

How It Works
It connects travel creators with last minute hotel rooms, restaurant tables, theatre seats and experience in exchange for high valuable social contents.

The 3- Step Process for Travel Creators
- 1.Apply and get verified
- 2. Browse and watch
- 3. Enjoy and share
3. Collabaway
Have you been searching for a platform that understands the needs of travel creators? Collabaway is the answer! It was built by creators whose goals are chasing results and providing full transparency.

How It Works
Creators are handpicked based on audience demographics, engagement quality, content style, and brand alignment.

The 1- Step Process for Travel Creators
Drop Collabaway a message through the contact form or join the Discord community . Your application will be reviewed and they will revert within 48 hours.
Read More: Five Destination Picks for First-Time Female Solo Travellers 2026
4. Nooon
Nooon is a platform specialized for travel creators who want a transparent collaboration.The platform connects a travel creator with vetted hotels around the world to create authentic contents and earn from licensing it.

How It Works
Every travel creator’s campaign on nooon offers a fully comped stay at a vetted luxury hotel. Once the campaign is concluded, hotels can license and buy the travel creator’s contents through nooon.
The travel creator keeps 90% and Nooon keeps 10% as commission. A nice and smooth collaboration accomplished!
The 4- Step Process for Travel Creators
- 1. Sign up on Nooon
- 2. Explore campaigns on the website
- 3. Apply and confirm
- 4. Travel and create high quality contents

What Nooon Looks For?
- 1. An active Instagram account with travel/lifestyle focus
- 2. Authentic, engaged audience
- 3. Public profile with consistent posting
- 4. Quality photo and video content
- 5. Professional communication
- 6. Reliable on-time delivery
5. Airbnb Creators
Airbnb creators collaborate with travel creators to share Airbnb homes and experiences. You can also become eligible for exclusive campaigns and perks.

How It Works
Collaborate with Airbnb creators, share Airbnb homes contents and get paid for them.

The 4-Step Process for Travel Creators
- 1. Create an account
- 2. Build your storefront page to share your favourite homes and experiences
- 3. Publish your content across stories, posts and use one tracking link for everything
- 4. Get paid and earn commissions
6. Postaway
Postaway is one of best online travel platforms exclusively for travel collaborations between creators and vacation rental hosts, hotels, and tourism boards.

The 5- Step Process for Travel Creators
- 1. Create a profile
- 2. Choose a membership level
- 3. Search listings
- 4. Upload itineraries
- 5. Refer creators, hosts and travelers

7. Globe Thrivers
Globe thrivers is a platform where travel creators can collaborate with travelers and hotels and earn income by sharing their travel contents, itineraries and recommendations.
The platform pays you for real bookings. It’s designed to be simple, transparent, and start from inspiration, actually worth your time.

How It Works
When travelers book trips through your Globe Thrivers profile or content they saved from your profile, you earn a commission. You can add TikToks, Reels, blog posts, or saved spots, and your Globe Thrivers profile keeps everything in one place.
The 4 -Step Process for Travel Creators
1.Earn when your followers save, plan and book
2. Create your profile on Globe Thrivers app (currently available for iPhone users)
3. Post your recommendations, itineraries and contents
4. Share your profile link
Photo credits: Stayamo, Postaway, Airbnb creators, Collabaway, Nooon, Globethrivers, Stayposted
Which Platform Would You Be Trying First?
I’d love to know your choice! What platform did you love most? Any recommendations I missed? Drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @ekomiamiblog, TikTok @ekomiamiblog, Youtube @ekomiamiblog
Travel
Five Destination Picks for First-Time Female Solo Travellers 2026

As a first-time female solo traveler, choosing an international destination can be daunting and terrifying! You want to ensure your first trip is thrilling and budget friendly.
So, where do you start?
Based on my research, here are five great options for women traveling solo:
1. Japan
Japan features one of the world’s most reliable public transport systems, including buses, trains, and subways, making travel convenient across the country.
The people are welcoming, friendly, and courteous. Although the language can be challenging, they always try to be as helpful as possible if you ask them anything.
There are also a number of majestic temples you can visit as a female solo traveler, including Byodin Buddhist Temple in Uji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Toji temple in Koyoto which boasts Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda and an extensive garden full of cherry trees.

Food is extremely important in Japan, and you can choose from the worldwide favorites like sushi and ramen, to Sukiyaki (beef hot pot) and Yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), which is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
2. Australia
One of women solo trip’s favourite cities in Australia is Melbourne because of its bustling arts scene, hip bars, and gourmet restaurants. If you are a lover of sports, you can visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the home of Aussie cricket. Nature-lovers can visit the Blue Mountains in New South Wales; it’s a day’s trip! And the Gold Coast hinterland.
The food is mind blowing and not one you want to miss; you can start with the Avo on toast, Bacon and egg roll, or Lamington, which is a square of sponge cake, some chocolate sauce, and desiccated coconut that leaves a savouring taste in your mouth.

3. Paris, France
Paris is known as the “City of Love” and is famed for its tapestry of exquisite cuisines, art, history, and culture is also one of females solo destination picks! Due to how small it is, you can walk to different places, and guess what?
You can even beat the metro!

You shouldn’t miss checking the famous Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame, and Arc de Triomphe.
Paris’s cuisines are one of the city’s pride and you can check out these restaurants to experience the savoury of their meals; Le Soufflé, Chez Fernand, Marcello and Kei, a three-star Michelin restaurant blending French and Asian fusion.
Also read: Bordeaux Travel Guide: My First Time in France’s Wine Capital
4. Seychelles
Seychelles is known as one of the smallest countries in Africa and is popular for its amazing beaches. Its’ 115 islands are scattered around a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean and are adorned with abundant nature. Love snorkeling? You can head to Coco Island, where you can swim with turtles.

Take a morning hike to the Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, abundant with natural life and home to a nature reserve. Book a date with Seychelles freshly grilled fish, octopus curry, and a dessert of ladob, which is a sweet treat of either potato or banana cooked in coconut milk and spices.
5. Iceland
Iceland also tops the list as one of the best first-time solo female travel destinations on the planet. It’s easy to reach and safe in the mornings and at night. The citizens speak English, so you won’t face a language barrier when seeking help. It has a reputation for having a diversity of rock and ice-covered landscapes.

For tours, you can check out the Gray Line Iceland, Imagine Peace Tower, Perlan Museum, Blue Lagoon, and Glaciers.
Which Country Would You Love to Visit First?
I’d love to know your choice! What did you love most? Any recommendations I missed? Drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @ekomiamiblog, TikTok @ekomiamiblog, Youtube @ekomiamiblog
Photo credits: Tobias Reich, Chris, Tyson Bennett, Rohan Reddy and Benjamin R
Travel
Bordeaux Travel Guide: My First Time in France’s Wine Capital

When I tell people I visited Bordeaux for my first trip to France, I’m usually met with surprise. “Not Paris?” they ask. And honestly? I have zero regrets. Bordeaux completely stole my heart, and here’s everything you need to know about this stunning city.
Why Bordeaux?
I’d been seeing Bordeaux pop up on my feed more and more the 18th-century architecture, the wine culture, the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. As someone who loves history, good food, and beautiful cities that aren’t overly touristy, it seemed perfect.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.
Getting There
I flew into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which is about 12km from the city center. The airport is well-connected, and getting into town was straightforward. I took the a taxi from the airport to my hotel.
Pro tip: Book your accommodation in the city centre. Bordeaux is incredibly walkable, and staying centrally means you can explore on foot.
Best Time to Visit
I visited in August, and the weather was warm. From what I’ve learned, the best times to visit Bordeaux are:
- Spring (April-June): Mild weather, fewer crowds, everything in bloom
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season for wine lovers, still warm
- Summer (July-August): Warmest but most crowded and expensive
- Winter is quieter and more affordable, but some attractions have shorter hours.
Getting Around Bordeaux
The city centre is compact and incredibly walkable. I did 90% of my exploring on foot. Bordeaux also has an excellent tram system if you need it, and the entire network is modern and easy to navigate.
My advice? Wear comfortable shoes and just walk. You’ll stumble upon beautiful buildings, hidden squares, and charming cafes that you’d miss otherwise.

What to See & Do
1. Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror)
The highlight of my trip. Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool, located on the Place de la Bourse. It’s a shallow pool that creates stunning reflections of the surrounding 18th-century buildings.
When to visit: Sunset or early evening. The golden hour light makes it absolutely magical, and it’s less crowded than midday.
What to know: The pool alternates between a mirror effect and a mist effect every 15 minutes. Both are beautiful, but the mirror phase is perfect for photos.
Cost: Free

2. Cathédrale Saint-André
This Gothic cathedral is over 900 years old and absolutely breathtaking. The architecture is stunning both inside and out, and it’s one of the most important religious buildings in Bordeaux.
What I loved: The sheer scale of it. Walking inside and seeing the soaring ceilings and intricate details reminded me why I love historic architecture.
When to visit: Mornings are quieter. Afternoons can get busy with tour groups.
Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)
Pro tip: Climb the Pey-Berland Tower next door for panoramic views of the city. It’s 231 steps but worth it.

3. Place de la Bourse
This is arguably Bordeaux’s most iconic square, built in the 18th century. The symmetrical buildings, the fountain, and the proximity to the Garonne River make it incredibly photogenic.
Best for: Photos, people-watching, and just soaking in the atmosphere
When to visit: Evening when everything is lit up
4. Historic City Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Bordeaux’s entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and honestly, just wandering is an activity in itself. Every street has beautiful architecture, charming shops, and that quintessentially French atmosphere.
What I did: I just walked. No map, no plan. Some of my favorite moments were stumbling upon beautiful buildings, small squares, and local cafes.
Don’t miss: Rue Sainte-Catherine (one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets great for shopping)

5. La Garonne River
The river runs through Bordeaux, and walking along the riverfront was one of my favorite things to do. There are beautiful views, benches to sit and relax, and a lovely atmosphere especially at sunset.
Pro tip: Walk along the right bank (Quai des Chartrons) for the best views of the city.


6. Hire a Local Guide
This was hands down one of the best decisions I made. I hired a local guide for a walking tour of the historic center, and it completely transformed my experience.
Why it’s worth it:
- You learn the stories behind the buildings and streets
- You discover hidden spots you’d never find on your own
- You get insider tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to experience the city like a local
- It brings the history to life in a way guidebooks can’t
I learned about Bordeaux’s role in the wine trade, its 18th-century golden age, and so many architectural details I would have completely missed on my own.
Cost: Varies depending on length and type of tour (mine was around £12 for 2hours)
Where to book: I found mine through GetYourGuide, but you can also ask your hotel or search online.
Where to Eat
Le Bordeaux
The experience: This was my splurge meal, and it was absolutely worth it. Le Bordeaux is a fine dining restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
What I loved: The views, the ambience, the attention to detail. Even the elevator was aesthetic! The food was incredible, and dining with that view at sunset was unforgettable.
Reservation: Book ahead, especially for the rooftop
Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic dinners, or treating yourself

General food tips:
- Bordeaux is known for wine (obviously), but also canelés – small pastries with a caramelized crust. Try them!
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2:30pm-7pm)
- French dining is leisurely – don’t rush it
- “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” = “The bill, please”
Overall: Bordeaux is more affordable than Paris but still a mid-range European city. You can do it on a budget (stay in hostels, eat street food, skip wine tastings) or splurge (nice hotels, fine dining, wine tours).
Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, 100%, yes.
If you’re looking for a French city that’s beautiful, historic, cultural, and not overwhelmingly touristy (looking at you, Paris), Bordeaux is perfect.
You’ll love Bordeaux if:
- You appreciate architecture and history, enjoy wine (or want to learn about it), prefer walkable cities, want a more authentic French experience
Where to Next?
Bordeaux has left me wanting to explore more of France. I’m planning trips to:
- Lyon – for the food scene
- Nice – for the beaches and French Riviera
- Strasbourg – for the Alsatian culture
But honestly, I’m already thinking about when I can return to Bordeaux. There’s something about this city that just stays with you.
Have You Been to Bordeaux?
I’d love to hear about your experience! What did you love most? Any recommendations I missed? Drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @ekomiamiblog, TikTok @ekomiamiblog, Youtube @ekomiamiblog
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Victoria Uwandu
August 12, 2020 at 8:19 pm
Great read!!
Thank you for sharing