Whale watching is an experience that most people only dream about. If you live in California or happen to be visiting, though, it’s a must-see event for kids and adults alike. This is especially true in February when whale migration patterns may make sightings more likely. If you’re wondering whether you should schedule your private boat cruise in San Diego or Orange County, consider the advantages that each of these locations has to offer.

San Diego, CA

Gray whale spotted in San Diego

Gray whale spotted in San Diego

There are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego, but few can match the exhilaration that whale watching offers. It’s easy to see the appeal — whales are majestic creatures, and the chance to see them in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Some of the most common whale species found in San Diego include humpbacks, fin whales, and minkes. In February, gray whales are also likely to make a mid-migration appearance.

There are several spots in San Diego that you can set sail from. The Kona Kai Marina, Shelter Island Marina, and Dana Landing Marina are just a few of the top harbors where you can start your whale watching journey. Opting for a charter cruise is the most reliable way to boost your chances of seeing a whale, though, because the captain will know the best locations for sightseeing.

San Diego is especially hospitable to whale watchers because of its world-renowned temperate weather. In February, San Diego sees an average temperature high of 66° and a low of 51°. Furthermore, there are typically only four rainy days in the month. If you want to enjoy beautiful ocean scenery and a comfortable climate, whale watching in San Diego is the best activity for you.

Orange County, CA

Orange County is another popular spot for whale watching excursions in Southern California. Much like whale watching in San Diego, whale watching in Orange County offers beautiful views and potential appearances from several species of whales. In addition to the aforementioned humpbacks and fin whales, you may catch a glimpse of blue whales and a few different kinds of dolphins when you visit Orange County oceans.

February is a great time to see these creatures up close and personal, and there are many reasons to visit Orange County for your whale watching adventure. The area’s immaculate beaches and coastal trails beckon visitors who appreciate outdoor activities. If your ideal day starts with an early morning whale watching charter and ends with a hike on the beach, Orange County is the place to be.

Orange County is also a short drive away from many Southern California theme parks, so visitors who are planning the ultimate vacation can take a break from the rides and schedule an Orange County whale watching trip with a private charter.

Make incredible memories with a whale watching adventure in San Diego or Orange County. When you’re booking your trip, you should research the charter company, read about their safety protocols, and confirm that they receive good reviews from previous clientele.

As businesses transition to remote work and hybrid models, more people are adopting the concept of a “workcation” as part of their lifestyle. In particular, 67% of Americans are taking up workcations to “recharge their mental and emotional batteries,” boosting their overall productivity and helping them better cope with burnout. Given the appeal of enjoying a change of scenery, it’s unsurprising that many remote workers are turning into digital nomads— remote workers who travel to different locations.

To manage their budget, most remote workers stay in cheap accommodations. Hostels are a popular option as not only are they affordable, but they present many opportunities to meet other budget travelers or digital nomads and do a variety of activities together. Due to the social nature of hostels, it may seem tricky to get work done. To help you stay productive, here are some tips on working remotely from a hostel.

Research the quality of internet connection

Most remote workers need an internet connection to complete their work, so it’s essential to research how good the signal is at a hostel before confirming your booking. Our post “The Risks of Travelling (and how to avoid them)” highlights how some hostel and property websites can sometimes be misleading, so it’s essential to do a deep search of customer reviews, especially negative ones. If there are consistent issues being mentioned, such as the Wi-Fi being poor despite their marketing, it may be best to look for another place to stay.

If you have a particularly important online call or deadline, consider getting a service provider that provides data. As shared by The Entrepreneur on remote work, being able to turn on your mobile hotspot in case the Wi-Fi connection is down can save you from a headache. If your average day involves a lot of downloading and streaming videos, like video call meetings, it’s recommended that you get a plan of at least 40GB of data per month.

Prepare your meetings in advance

Hostels aren’t always the quietest places to work, so it can be difficult to have online meetings. To better prepare your environment, it helps to plan your meetings in advance. For instance, you may choose to work remotely from a hostel that offers a co-working space, where you can rent private spaces by the hour.

Aside from a good working environment, it’s crucial that you optimize your meeting times. LHH’s advice on one-on-one meetings recommends sending an agenda beforehand. This should include relevant, necessary points to be tackled so that people are prepared and organized for any discussion areas.

You can make this agenda a collaborative effort, allowing your meeting partners to provide their “must” discuss list for better work accountability and progression. By having efficient meetings, you not only keep interactions dynamic, efficient, and productive but also have more time for other activities throughout the day.

Schedule work during “lull” hours

Some hostels don’t have a separate co-working space, and you may have to work in the hostel’s common room. However, hostels are social spaces and can get quite busy and loud at certain times of the day. If you want to minimize socialization during work time, try scheduling your work in the middle of the day.

Around 11:00 am, most guests are awake and away for their daily activities, so the common room is usually more conducive for work. You can also subtly signal that you want to focus on your work by wearing noise-canceling headphones— indicating that you don’t want to talk. Most people will respect your space, but you can always politely tell someone that you’re concentrating on remote work.

Socialize and find work buddies

Being a digital nomad can get lonely, especially if most new friends only stay for a short-term vacation. When staying in a hostel for the long term, we recommend using the social space to find people that may also be following a similar remote work lifestyle.

You might be able to meet people that are more organized and business-oriented, and who may make great work buddies in the near future. Aside from networking while working remotely from your hostel, you can use social media or dedicated apps to find other remote workers that you can socialize and work with. Digital nomad apps like MeetUp can be a great way to link to like-minded professionals, even matching you to suggested friends based on shared interests and activities.

Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. And when you’re planning for your next trip across the world, it’s easy to forget the importance of preparing yourself for the unexpected. In order to make sure you’re travelling safely, and with the right support in place, here are some of the biggest risks of travel (and some tips on how to avoid them!).

Last-minute cancellations or disruptions

Nothing puts a stop to your excitement like a last-minute cancellation or disruption to your travel plans. And while it’s not easy to avoid this problem, you can prepare alternate ways of reaching your destination just in case something does happen. Is it perhaps a little too cautious? Maybe. But when the unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you put a plan B in place!

Injuring yourself while abroad

When you’re exploring new parts of the world, enjoying physical activities, or simply having fun with your friends and family, it’s easy to neglect what could happen to you in the event of a fall or a sudden and unexpected accident. To avoid mounting hospital bills and to cover any potential issues you may encounter abroad, consider Safetrip vacation travel insurance, which helps people to protect themselves by finding the right travel insurance for their specific needs.

Being in poor accommodation

While it makes perfect sense to get your travel insurance questions answered and fully understood, many travellers neglect to do the same when it comes to finding the right accommodation.

Hotel and hostel websites can be extremely misleading, as can other potential properties you’re looking to book. Take the time to do a deep search into the customer reviews, and be sure to sift through the negative ones too. Do the same problems keep being mentioned? If so, it’s a strong indication that there are some issues with your accommodation, and you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

Stomach issues due to a change in diet

This isn’t intended as a criticism of the cleanliness of other countries, nor their food, and is more about how an unexpected change in diet can affect our stomachs. Many tourists, regardless of where they go in the world, feel that their safest bet is to dine at a tourist-friendly restaurant that serves the food they’re accustomed to.

However, stomach bugs or potential food poisoning can be just as likely to happen there as anywhere else. Instead, consider dining at places that locals go to, and order the dishes those cooks are used to doing, day in and day out.

In some countries, you may also prefer to drink filtered, bottled, or boiled water, in case your body doesn’t respond well to the change in water.

Avoiding risks during travel: Final Thoughts

Like anything in life, there are bound to be a few risks associated with making a big trip to another country and travelling the world. But as long as you’re prepared for the worst, you’ll be able to focus on the best, giving you the perfect combination of comfort, support, and confidence as you explore the world and discover new things to experience.

Paying heed to those potential risks before departure will set the tone for a trip that’s problem-free, stress-free, and more memorable to you and your loved ones.

Whether you’re a remote freelancer or a roaming entrepreneur, you may still need one home base for legal reasons. This is particularly important for roaming entrepreneurs who own their own businesses.

As a business owner, you can’t just settle in any city, you have to pay close attention to a few of the nuances that make living in one ZIP Code a bit better than another. Today, we touch base on a few common business practices and why four of our favorite cities make the most sense for digital nomads who are business owners.

Business Basics

Before we get into specific locations, it makes sense to cover a few important business tasks that you want to get out of the way before you settle down. Two that come to mind are business formation and marketing.

Your business structure affects how you pay taxes, hire employees, and set rules and regulations within your organization. Having the right business structure in place is paramount to your success. For most of us, forming an LLC makes the most sense as this keeps our personal liability to a minimum. You can also pay yourself through your LLC, which classifies you as an employee so that you can maximize your tax deductions for your business.

Marketing yourself as a nomadic business owner may be a bit trickier. Many people are going to want to know that the person they’re dealing with is available when they’ll need you the most. One thing you can do to offer some assurances to your customers is leave a business card.

While this sounds like a small thing, it is a tangible reminder that you’re there for them. You don’t have to have anything fancy, and using a template is a great way to get your brand (including your colors, fonts, and images) across in business card form. If you’re looking for a quick way to make a card, this may help. 

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia is one of the busiest towns in the south, but it’s a great place for a digital nomad. Why? Because of its proximity to nature, its eager workforce, and its bustling retail scene. And if your business focuses on sports whatsoever, Atlantic Station notes that you’ll find at least five major league teams including the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks. Look for homes outside the city center for the best price as Atlanta can get expensive.

Denver, Colorado

Denver is beautiful, but it’s also one of the most educated cities in the entire United States. This means that you’ll have access to an educated and experienced workforce. Plus, it’s a high-income area, meaning you should be able to target high income earners. A rental here such as Windsor townhomes and apartments in Denver, CO can run $2,000 or more per month. If cost is an issue, consider finding a roommate or purchasing a home that needs a bit of work.

Nashville, Tennessee

Not only does Music City have all the amenities you could ever want, including major sports, shopping, and a diverse music scene, the people in Nashville are also hard-working and welcoming to new businesses. FranSmart notes that there are also plenty of resources for entrepreneurs and lots of places to open up shop if you need an office space. This includes retail locations and cooperative working environments; many new living spaces are popping up downtown, so you may find a building where you can work and live.

Sheridan, Wyoming

Wyoming has some of the lowest tax rates in the country, and Sheridan is great for business owners for this and other reasons. This makes it one of the best cities in the US for digital nomads. The economy here is primarily centered around healthcare, education, and energy, but it’s also a tourist hotspot with lots of history and mountain views. A fairly rural area, you may luck out and find a beautiful mountain cabin here.


For all of the benefits and challenges associated with being a remote-based business owner, having the freedom to live anywhere you want is reason enough to want to find a new place to call home. But, before you get started and cut ties to where you live now, handle a few business tasks, such as marketing and business formation.

Then, take the time to research the benefits and disadvantages of your preferred cities. Wherever you wind up, just remember that you are tied to any one location, and you can always move if you need a change of scenery once again.

Do you wonder if there is more to see in Africa than its epic wildlife? Once you’ve seen the amazing historical sites in Tanzania, you’ll never wonder again.

From ancient kingdoms to modern monuments, this east coast nation is home to some of the most fascinating historical sites in Africa. These include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most noteworthy must-see historical sites in Tanzania and their significance. 

From ancient rock art dating back thousands of years, to grand palaces built by 19th century German rulers, Tanzania’s historical attractions have something for everyone. 

Historical Sites in Tanzania

Get to know Tanzania by visiting these fascinating historical sites: 

1. Olduvai Gorge Museum

The Olduvai Gorge, one of the most historical sites in Tanzania

The Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania

This historical site in Northern Tanzania is home to some of the most important archaeological finds in the world. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it’s estimated that over 2 million years of human evolution took place here. This makes it an invaluable historical site for understanding our ancient past.

The museum is incredibly interesting, but the best part is the view out over the Gorge itself. Don’t miss it! 

You’ll also find some beautiful African crafts available to buy here. I have to warn you, though, not all are made locally. Many of the items look truly authentic, until you get home and see the same things in a local shop with “Made in Taiwan” stickers on the back (true story!). Still great keepsakes, though!

The museum is wheelchair accessible. Allow approximately 1.5 hours here.

Hours of Operation: 

  • Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
  • Monday – Friday           8 am – 6 pm

2. Ngorongoro Crater

View of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, East Africa

View of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, East Africa

This incredible natural wonder is one of the most spectacular historical sites in Tanzania. Formed some 2.5 million years ago, the crater’s also referred to as Africa’s Eden. It’s a stunning ecosystem, home to over 25,000 large mammals. 

It’s also the home of some important historical sites in Tanzania, including the Olduvai Gorge.

Riding down into the caldera of this collapsed volcano feels a little bit like going back in time. Way back. You might expect to see dinosaurs, but the lions and elephants own the land, and the Maasai tribes people coexist with them. 

This is one of the few places where the traditional lifestyle of the local people hasn’t been altered much by the modern world. It’s a fantastic place to see, but you’ll never feel like more than n outsider.

Accessible tours can be arranged to visit the crater. You can also enter, and remain in, your own vehicle. Allow a full day for your visit.

Hours of Operation: 

  • Daily     6 am – 6 pm

3. *Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani

Gereza at Kilwa Kisiwani, one of the historical sites in Tanzania

Gereza at Kilwa Kisiwani

This ancient city was once one of the most powerful trading ports in East Africa. Located on an island off the coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani was a bustling center of commerce during the Middle Ages. 

A main attraction is the Great Mosque. Walking under the remaining domes of the enormous coral and wood structure is a surreal experience. You can almost hear the whispered prayers of past worshipers. 

It’s hard to even imagine the wealth and manpower that would have been necessary to construct this muslim temple or the surrounding buildings.  

These incredible ruins offer visitors a glimpse into all of its past glory. Find it about 5 hours from Dar es Salaam. 

Kilwa Kisiwani is reached by chartered boat, and requires a guide from the Kilwa Island Tour Guides Association. Plan at least 4 hours for this. 

This site is not wheelchair accessible

Hours of Operation: 

  • There are no set hours, however boats run only during daylight.

4. Dar es Salaam

Tanzania was once a German colony, and there is still a great deal of traditional German architecture from this era scattered across the country. The capital city of Dar es Salaam, in particular, is teeming with memorials from this period. 

The old German urban design still characterizes the city today. Sights like St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Old German Boma, as well as City Hall,  give visitors some insight into what life was like in Tanzania during those colonial times.

Start at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Sokoine Drive. Nearby you’ll find Old Boma and other sites.

The stark contrast of buildings like the Old Boma, sitting in the shadow of much taller, more modern architecture, emphasizes the changed world like few things can.

Dar es Salaam is definitely a city that straddles the past and the present. Attending a service at the gothic-looking St. Joseph’s is a great way to slip into the past.

It can be wheelchair accessible, but watch for broken sidewalks. Curbs will also be difficult to maneuver.

Hours of Operation:

  • As this is simply a tour of the city, there are no set hours. 

5. Ujiji

Located on the western side of Lake Tanganyika, Ujiji was a historical ivory trading post and one of the main markets for slaves in the East African slave trade. 

The historical sites here offer visitors an insight into the abhorrent time when slavery was practiced in Africa. There is a small museum in Ujiji.

The town really is best seen with a guide – it’s their commentary that brings the site to life. Without it, the area doesn’t seem to have much to offer. A guide will tell you about the role the area played in the slave trade, and you can drive the road where the slaves began their journey.

This is also the place where explorer Henry Stanley discovered that missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone was alive and well. I think most of us have heard the famous words quoted, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”. These words were uttered in Ujiji. A monument was built here to commemorate their meeting.

Located in the Kigoma-Ujiji District of the Kigoma region of Tanzania, 95 km southwest of Kasulu. Plan to spend a half day looking around.

Accessibility is difficult on the rough ground, but possible.

Hours of Operation (museum):

  • Holidays and weekends  9 am – 6 pm
  • Monday – Friday                8 am – 6 pm

6. Lake Natron and Engaruka Ruins

This occasionally red-coloured lake is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in Africa. It was once a thriving center for trade and commerce. 

The historical Tanzanian sites here include well-preserved human footprints, left on the shore of Lake Natron some 5000 – 19,000 years ago. As well, you’ll find the ruins of the mysterious ancient village of Engaruka.

Engaruka dates back about 500 years, and contains some of the most important Iron Age sites in the country. The village was once home to a farming community that developed an ingenious and advanced cultivation and irrigation system.

The site includes remnants of stone houses, terraced hillsides, and canals. You can explore the ruins of this unique site and learn about the history of the Engaruka people who once called this place home. 

For reasons that no one has been able to discover, the village occupants abandoned their homes at the end of the 17th century. Therein lies the mystery. 

Maasai tribes people will be at the Engaruka site during the day, and will offer tours. There is no set price, but don’t be afraid to bargain. It’s part of the fun, and you will still get a bargain.

Lake Natron is located 136 km northwest of Arusha, and the village is on the road to the lake. Plan to spend most of the day here.

Wheelchair accessible tours are available.

Hours of Operation:

  • None

7. *Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings

Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings

Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings

This stunning series of paintings is located in central Tanzania. Some paintings date back at least 19,000 years and are still used by local tribes in traditional ceremonies today.

The area consists of rock shelters with hundreds of multi-colored paintings depicting various animals such as lions, elephants and wildebeest. These ancient paintings provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in this area thousands of years ago.

The paintings themselves are fascinating, but my favourite part is looking out over the valley from the rocks. The views are amazing! Don’t forget to look up from the art work and check them out.

Located about 20 km north of Kondoa town. Be prepared to spend the day here. 

Not wheelchair accessible

Hours of Operation:

  • None

8. *Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

This well-known peak is one of the most famous sites in Tanzania, and features prominently in local legends. 

It’s also home to some fascinating historical sites, including the large Maasai village of Olpopongi, where visitors can get an insight into traditional African culture and history. It has gotten a bit scrubbed and touristy, but is still an interesting experience that shouldn’t be missed.

If you will be climbing the mountain – not for your average weekend hiker – you’ll see Tanzania’s glaciers, or so I’m told! 

But even if you’re not up for the full climb, a day hike part way up is an amazing adventure. It will take around 5-7 hours, and you’ll get to hike through the lush rainforest, and maybe see Colobus monkeys in the trees. 

Not wheelchair accessible. This is a full day excursion. If you do the day hike, you might want to allow for a second day to come back and explore.

The park is located 44.5 km north of Moshi.

Hours of Operation:

  • Gates are open daylight hours

Historical Sites in Zanzibar, Tanzania

9. The Old Fort

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort has been a prison, railway terminal, ladies club, and amphitheatre. Built by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Omani, it’s now home to a restaurant, shops, and a cultural centre. 

It might be tempting to just wander around the outside, but the magic is inside. I recommend taking one of the short tours inside the Fort. It’s a lot more interesting when you know its history. Or at least do a little research before you go!

Visitors can explore artifacts from centuries ago. The amphitheatre still exists, and is the headquarters of the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Wheelchair accessible. Plan 90 minutes here.

Located on Mizingani Rd, Stone Town.

Hours of Operation:

  • Daily 9 am – 10 pm

10. Kidichi Persian Baths

This intriguing site is located near the village of Kidichi, just outside Stone Town. Built in 1850 by the Sultan for his wife Scheherazade, it was the first public bathhouse in Zanzibar. 

It is now a popular spot to see the early bathing pools and massage tables, and to imagine the days of the Sultan. It doesn’t take much effort to picture yourself on the set of Arabian Nights.

These baths are a historical site of Tanzania that are definitely worth the visit.

Not wheelchair accessible. You can spend 60 – 90 minutes at the baths. The Kidichi Persian Baths are often included as a part of spice tours from Stone Town. This is ideal, as it can be a bit tricky to find on your own.

Located  2 km east of Kidichi, near Stone Town.

Hours of Operation:

  • Sundays and holidays    8:20 am – 4:30 pm
  • Lunch (closed)                 8 am – 2 pm
  • Monday – Saturday         8 am – 4:30 pm

11. The Slave Market Memorial

Slave Market Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar, one of the most significant historical sites in Tanzania

Slave Market Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar

The last legal slave market operating in the world, this market closed in 1873. This was thought to be one of the largest slave markets in the world. 

A visit to the memorial of this horrific time in history, unveiled in 1998, will make you look at humankind a little differently.

It’s located near the Anglican church, and was built in the spot where enslaved people were disciplined. It’s a sobering site to visit, but I encourage you to stop and pay your respects.

Wheelchair accessible. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes.

Located on Tharia St, Stone Town at the Anglican Church

Hours of Operation:

  • Daily 8 am – 6 pm

12. The Palace Museum

Front view of the Palace in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Front view of the Palace in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Originally home to Sultan Seyyid Said, the palace was destroyed, rebuilt, and still houses a great deal of royal memorabilia. Portraits and water closets, for example, still exist here. 

The building is an opulent example of the blending of the Omani, Portuguese, British, and native Swahili influences of the past few hundred years.

The Palace Museum is preserved today with an eye toward displaying the Omani influence, in particular, on Zanzibar. The remaining paintings and furniture are a walk through the past, to a time when money was plentiful and the occupants indulged themselves to an extravagant extent.

These days it is home to an impressive historical museum, where visitors can peruse the remaining artifacts, and gain an insight into the grandeur of historical Zanzibar. Check it out – it’s the Zanzibar of your dreams.

Wheelchair accessible. Set aside about an hour here.

Located on Mizingani Rd, Stone Town

Hours of Operation:

Weekends and holidays  9 am – 3 pm

Monday – Friday                 9 am – 6 pm

13. Mercury House

While it may not make its way into a history textbook, Freddie Mercury’s childhood home is a site music fans won’t want to miss. Queen’s frontman spent his early years on the island, and memorabilia is on display outside the home to celebrate this fact.

In spite of Freddie’s lifestyle – an extremely controversial issue on an island that is 99% Muslim – the house has become a monument to the singer and the band. In fact, his lifestyle is never publicly acknowledged in Zanzibar.

Wheelchair accessible. Spend about 20 minutes checking out the memorabilia.

Located on Kenyatta Rd

Hours of Operation:

  • N/A

*UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A few tips for visiting historical sites in Tanzania

  • Always behave respectfully at historical sites
  • Tanzania is a very conservative nation. Men and women should keep knees and shoulders covered when visiting these sites.
  • If you get the chance, speak with the locals! They are very friendly, and can be full of information. Be sure to greet each person, not just the person you’re speaking to.
  • Ask permission before taking a photograph of local people.
  • Do NOT engage in any form of PDA while in Tanzania.
  • Always take your reusable water bottle with you. One with a filter is best, as you won’t find potable tap water.

In Conclusion: Historical Sites in Tanzania

So there you have it – a list of 13 must-see historical sites in Tanzania that will make your trip unforgettable! From ancient ruins to historical artifacts and traditional villages, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

These are just a few of the historical sites in Tanzania that you won’t want to miss. There are so many more worth exploring, from ancient mosques to modern museums. Get ready to explore the historical wonders of East Africa, and don’t forget your camera. Happy Travels!