Tourdoo

17/07/2022

Have you ever wondered what a sandcastle would look like in real life? 🏰
Look no further than Aït Benhaddou in Morocco!

A famous movie and TV show filming location (incl. Game of Thrones) and stop for most Morocco tour operators, Aït Benhaddou is a sight to behold.
This place is world-renowned for its wonderfully preserved Earthen architecture distinctive of Morocco and is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site since 1987.

Aït Benhaddou is every bit as stunning as the movies make it look and is definitely worth a day of thorough exploration at least.

Have you ever been to Morocco?

📍 Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

25/02/2022

Here are 10 stops to make when visiting Namibia (in no specific order).

Have you already been to Namibia and have a favorite? 😊

📍 Namibia

17/02/2022

Picture large, imposing, copper dunes that slope down into the deep cerulean ocean with white foam waves and you’ve got a pretty good image of Sandwich Harbor, Namibia.

A landscape of extremes, Sandwich harbor is striking, surreal, and breathtaking. Sandwich Harbor was once a fishing and trade port but now exists as an important wetland to the bird populations of Namibia.

This stunning landscape is devoid of any human presence or infrastructure making the views truly one of the Earth's greatest treasures and a sure gem on any Namibia itinerary.

📍 Sandwich Harbour (near Walvis Bay), Namibia

29/01/2022

With dramatic limestone formations and lush pine forests, Viñales offers tourists an entirely new perspective of Cuba.

In the old west charm of Viñales, you won’t find bars, restaurants, or droves of partygoers. Instead, you’ll find hospitable locals who continue on with life, and various hikes and tours that’ll have you spending your days outdoors in the lush fields of to***co.

The dramatic landscapes are what draw tourists to this small area of Cuba. Flat-top, craggily, limestone formations called a 'mogote' dot the fields and give the surrounding scenery an almost dreamy, otherworldly look.

For the best view, go to the colorful Los Jazmines Hotel where you can best see the splendor of the surrounding to***co fields and mogotes.

📍 Viñales, Cuba

05/01/2022

Planning a trip to Antigua, Guatemala? 🇬🇹
Here are a few things to do in and around this beautiful city:

➡️ Climb one of the nearby volcanoes (Agua, Acatenango, Pacaya)

➡️ Learn about and sample Guatemalan coffee (check out )

➡️ Enjoy a bird's eye view of Antigua from 'Cerro de la Cruz' viewpoint

➡️ Take a cooking class and taste authentic Guatemalan food

➡️ Shop beautiful handicrafts at the local city market

➡️ Learn Spanish in one of Antigua's language schools

➡️ Go on a walking tour and learn about Antigua's past and present

➡️ Visit Antigua during Semana Santa to witness the colorful processions

Anything else you can recommend in Antigua? Let us know in the comments!

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25/11/2021

11/11/2021

We all know that long-distance travel is bad for our environment.
And yet, for adventure travelers, it's one of the hardest things to do without (understandably so!).

So we want to encourage you to think about the impact your travels have on our planet. TOURDOO will make you aware of your carbon footprint, which depends on your travel itinerary, and you can choose to offset it if you want.

We will also do our part by contributing to sustainable causes. More on this hopefully soon.

In the meantime, do you know of any projects worth supporting? 🌱
Please let us know in the comments or drop us a DM!

10/11/2021

With views that match that of fantastical movie scenes, Cao Bang province in Vietnam is an off-the-beaten-path travelers’ wildest dream 🤩

Filled with limestone mountain ranges, dense forests, and lakes, Cao Bang is the natural gem of the North. You can see awe-inspiring waterfalls that just look magical, striking natural caves, and colorful, ancient pagodas all wrapped in the guise of unexplored terrain.

One of the most beautiful sights to see is the famous Ban Gioc waterfall. Falling from a height of over 70 m and stretching over a length of 200 m, this set of three waterfalls are the largest in Vietnam and are a must-see for any traveler.

What movie can you imagine being filmed here? 🎬
Let us know in the comments!

📍 Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/cao-bang-province

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Images by Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin/Shutterstock.com

14/09/2021

A winding, rocky path cuts into the top of a lush green cliff that overlooks the tumultuous Tasman Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east 🌊. It leads to one of the most important spots in all of New Zealand for the Māori people: Cape Reinga on the northern tip of the island country.

Where two seas meet, and an ancient, gnarled tree stands as the last marking point for the spirits of the departed before they leave to the afterworld, is one of the most beautiful and remarkable spots to be found in New Zealand.

The lighthouse is still functional today, and its light can be seen up to 49 km out in the sea! On the short walk to the lighthouse you can enjoy the panoramic view and learn about its history and cultural significance on the informational boards. 📖

📍 Cape Reinga Lighthouse, North Island, New Zealand

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Images by Guy Cowdry/Shutterstock.com & Coupek Martin/Shutterstock.com

10/09/2021

When we started working on TOURDOO, one thing was clear to us from the beginning: our app should be free to use.

After all, we are backpackers too, and we believe that you should rather spend your money at your travel destination. 😊

That's why our app shows you the best experiences in each country, helps you plan your itinerary, and puts everything together for you. To book your trip, we then refer you to trusted portals and contribute to a good cause in the process. More on that soon!

👉 TOURDOO.Coming REALLY Soon 😎

07/09/2021

What looks like Hershey’s Kisses (the famous teardrops-shaped chocolate) are actually grass-covered limestone hills in the beautiful province of Bohol in the Philippines.

The Cholocate Hills get their name from the dried grass that turns chocolate brown in the dry season. In the rainy season, the grass turns bright green, giving the hills a completely different look. Swipe left to see the hills surrounded by lush green vegetation!

There are various legends about the origin of these hills. However, geologists assume that the uplift of coral deposits, as well as the action of rain water and erosion, created the formations thousands of years ago.

Today, more than 1,200 of those hills are spread across several towns in the region, mainly Sagbayan, Batuan, and Carmen. The conical hills vary in size and are between 30 and 120 meters high.

📍 Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines


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Images by valeriy eydlin/Shutterstock.com & R.M. Nunes/Shutterstock.com

30/08/2021

You may have seen pictures of Kolmanskop before, but do you know the story behind this ghost town? 🧐👻

It was in 1908 when a railway worker discovered what would soon make Kolmanskop a small but rich mining village: diamonds! 💎

The result of this discovery was that this part of Namibia (then a colony of the German Empire called German South West Africa) became a settlement of German miners and was declared a "Sperrgebiet" (restricted area). Soon after, a town was built that brought enormous wealth to a select few. At its peak, Kolmanskop had about 400 inhabitants and produced more than 10% of the world's diamonds.

Over the years, however, the area was exploited by extensive mining. In addition, richer diamond fields were found to the south of Namibia in 1928, causing many residents to leave their homes behind.
Kolmanskop was finally abandoned in 1956.

Today, this ghost town is a popular stop for tourists. Dunes rolling through the doors and windows of the former homes have filled the houses with sand, making it a rare sight and photo that many people don't want to miss.

But despite ongoing conservation efforts and a yearly limit on the number of tourists allowed in, it is hard to stop Mother Nature from claiming back what is hers. Soon, the geological forces of the desert could swallow the town completely, burying the stately mansions and public buildings that stand for the city's short, but eventful history...

📍 Kolmanskop, Karas, Namibia

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26/08/2021

Travel planning should be easy and fun ✌ Instead, it is often the most stressful part of a travel adventure.

Don't you think it's time to change that? 🤩

TOURDOO will show you the top experiences in a country and you can mix and match what you would like to see. Combined with an intelligent algorithm you can plan and book your tour yourself in no time!

👉 Share your thoughts and questions with us in the comments!

23/08/2021

Today is the last day of this year's Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Also known as The Festival of the Tooth, this 10-day procession is a homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is housed in Kandy's famous temple complex.

The festival displays traditional rituals and customs in a parade with fire dancers, drummers, and richly decorated elephants* walking through the streets in the center of Kandy. Taking part in this colorful procession and wearing the elegant costumes brings great pride to the participants and their families.

This celebration is just one of the reasons why Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
Have you already been to Kandy? Let us know in the comments!

* We do not approve of elephants (or wildlife in general) performing or being held in captivity, but we respect that this festival is an integral part of Sri Lanka's culture and belief system.

📍 Esala Perahera Festival, Kandy, Sri Lanka
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/kandy



Image by MisterStock/Shutterstock.com

23/08/2021

If there's one hidden gem not to miss when visiting the Philippines, it must be Black Island (aka Malajon Island, as the locals call it).

Secluded and a little off the usual tourist trail, this island feels like a private island with its beautiful white beaches, calm waters, and hardly any tourists.

You can rent a SUP-board, do some shallow water snorkeling at the beautiful house reef, or explore and swim in one of the two mystical caves.

If you are planning to visit Busuanga Island, definitely include this island in your trip!

What are your insider tips for the Philippines? 😍

📍 Black/Malajon Island, Busuanga Island, Philippines

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13/08/2021

How do you usually plan your next travel adventure? 👀 In our opinion, there are two options for a backpacking trip with multiple stops:
1) you plan everything yourself, or
2) you buy an overpriced tour package from a travel agency that is neither customized nor gives you the flexibility that you typically want as a backpacker.

On our trips so far, we've always gone for option 1, although that usually means several weeks of planning.

Our goal with TOURDOO is to do the heavy lifting for you. We want to give full control back to you - the traveler - and show you that you can book your tour yourself in no time :-)

We help you to choose
- the right destination,
- the experiences that best match your interests, and
- the right itinerary that matches your travel preferences

Questions? Let us know in the comments!
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10/08/2021

Located in the Northern region of Guatemala, tucked just inside the extensive tropical Maya Forest are the ancient ruins of Tikal.

With endless blue skies, lush greenery, and stone structures standing tall enough for you to wonder how they ever built them, Tikal is a snapshot straight out of ancient history.

As the urban center of the Mayan Civilization, Tikal stood for their wealth of knowledge - you can find hieroglyphics inscribed into the temples and palaces of Tikal depicting the turbulent and yet thriving history of the people who lived there.

It is because of this extensive history and preserved collection of human genius that Tikal has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979.

👉 Tikal is rich, not just in beauty but in history and knowledge, evident in the temples, ceremonial platforms, palaces, and even ball courts. The gorgeous scenery of the surrounding tropical forest and the weather-worn ruins make this a must-see destination during any visit to the beautiful country of Guatemala.

📍 Tikal, Guatemala
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/tikal

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06/08/2021

Could you imagine living in a house with trains passing by just an arm's length away? 🚆

That's the reality for many people who live on Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam. A nearly 120-year-old, still-functioning train track divides a street full of houses, shops, and cafés on either side. And a few times a day, everyone has to make way for a full-sized train chugging through the street.

It is such a bizarre sight that over the years it has become a major tourist draw. In fact, in 2019, the city government decided to close the street to tourists because trains were delayed and had to stop frequently due to the crowds.

Only recently has the situation become a bit more relaxed because tourist numbers have decreased due to Covid and related travel restrictions.

Would you still visit Train Street in Hanoi? Let us know in the comments!

📍 Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/hanoi

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02/08/2021

Do you often spend more time planning your trip than actually traveling?

For us, browsing countless websites to find the perfect travel route just didn't feel up to date anymore.

That's why we built Tourdoo: a smart app that provides you with all the information you need about your favorite travel destinations, and that automatically creates an optimized itinerary for you with your selected stops.

You're in control of what you want to visit, when, where and how. No additional costs, no tour packages, no BS. Just an app that will make your backpacker life easier as soon as the pandemic allows us to travel again.

Sounds good? Then subscribe and join us on our journey.

👉 Tourdoo. Coming Soon.

02/08/2021

Flaunting the title of “Tallest Peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea,” Mount Kinabalu (4,095m / 13,435 ft) attracts visitors of all skill levels from around the globe. Every step to the granite peaks of Mt. Kinabalu will take you closer to a world of pure magic, one where you can dance among the clouds ☁️ and view a breathtaking sunrise 🌄 just as you reach the top.

With between 5,000 and 6,000 plant species, this mountain is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Your eyes will never get bored as your legs do the heavy lifting of getting you to the top. Don’t let its indescribable views overwhelm you; Mt. Kinabalu is one of the safest and most accessible mountain peaks in the world, even for beginners.

If you’re looking for even more thrill, check out Mountain Torq, which is Asia’s first Via Ferrata, a protected mountain pathway that allows beginner climbers access to the rugged parts of a mountain, normally only available to experienced climbers. This pathway consists of ropes, rungs, and ladders, and requires a guide and a modest amount of equipment.

👉 But no matter which adventure you choose, you are guaranteed a memorable experience and some epic photographs.

📍 Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/mount-kinabalu

02/08/2021

5 things you should know about Yala National Park in Sri Lanka:

1️⃣ It is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. As a result, it can be crowded, so it's best to avoid weekends and holidays.

2️⃣ Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 46 different species of reptiles, and 21 species of freshwater fish. The most popular residents include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, water buffaloes, and crocodiles.

3️⃣ The national park has one of the highest leopard densities in the world - more than 40 wild cats live in the park. The Sri Lankan leopard is an endemic subspecies and the total population is estimated at less than 800 individuals.

4️⃣ The most reliable wildlife sightings are in the dry season between February and June, when water levels in the park are low and animals gather at waterholes.

5️⃣ Some tour guides are over-motivated to make your trip worthwhile. If this results in animal chases or has other negative impacts on wildlife or nature, please tell your driver to stop. Remember the rule of thumb in any national park: try to blend in and be invisible. Allow the animals to be as wild as possible and avoid any kind of interaction and disturbance.

📍 Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/yala-np

27/07/2021

Wondering what stops to make on your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out our Top 10 experiences in this wonderful country (random order)!

Given its small size, Sri Lanka offers an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and is considered one of the most biodiverse islands in the world. For example, the pear-shaped island has one of the world's highest population densities of elephants 🐘 and leopards 🐆.

Distances are also short: While you can tour Sri Lanka's beautiful national parks in the morning, you can stroll through historic Galle and take a walk around the fort in the afternoon. Moreover, there is hardly any other place that can boast so many Unesco World Heritage Sites in such a small area. Sri Lanka is truly a pearl of the Indian Ocean 🦪😍

👉 Save this post for later and follow us for updates on our tour planner feature!

🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/destinations/sri-lanka

24/07/2021

What's the ONE dive site not to miss? For many scuba divers 🤿 the answer is Raja Ampat in Indonesia.

And rightly so! Consisting of over 1,500 small islands, this beautiful archipelago lies right between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This unique location is one of the main reasons why the reefs in this area have the greatest diversity of marine life on earth - it is estimated that about 75% of the world's species live here!

Fortunately, local authorities have recognized the importance of this unique ecosystem and are setting an example for sustainable tourism. Large parts of Raja Ampat are a marine protected area and the amount of dive tourism allowed in the region is regulated by permits.

Whether you choose to stay in one of the beautiful eco-lodges or on a liveaboard, Raja Ampat is truly a scuba dream come true 😍

📍 Raja Ampat, Indonesia

23/07/2021

If you're planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, don't miss out on the Batu Caves, an important religious landmark about 15 km (9 miles) north of Malaysia's capital.

The first thing that catches a visitor's eye is certainly the 42 meters (138 feet) high statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, which seems to guard the entrance to the cave 👀
But the massive limestone hills in the background and the colorful 272 steps into the mountain are no less impressive.
And at the top of the stairs, the famous Temple Cave awaits you with a ceiling height of up to 100 meters (300 feet)!

👉 Don't miss this easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur, take a step back in time and marvel at these awe-inspiring cave systems.

📍 Batu Caves, Malaysia
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/kuala-lumpur

16/07/2021

Smartphone cameras keep improving, so it's easier than ever to capture your favorite travel experiences 🖼
But it's always helpful to understand some photography basics, so here are our 5 simple yet effective tips for creating unique pictures with your phone.

What do you prefer for your travel shots, are you team smartphone 📱 or team DSLR camera 📷?

14/07/2021

Speaking of monkeys 🐒: If you want to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat - including different species of primates - you shouldn't miss out on Sumatra, an island of Indonesia.

It is one of two places where you can still see orangutans 🦧 in the wild, as they are home only in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.

Unfortunately, orangutans are still threatened with extinction due to trade, hunting, and deforestation. An estimated 7,000 remaining members of the Sumatran orangutan (one of three orangutan species) live in the north of the island.

To have a truly wonderful escape, you can go jungle trekking with a guide and observe these beautiful great apes in the wild.

👉 Collect experiences, not things.

📍 Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, Indonesia

11/07/2021

Have you ever been swimming to the sound of howler monkeys? 🐒

If not, Semuc Champey might be well worth adding to your bucket list. Set in a natural, wonderfully secluded area, these turquoise limestone pools are indeed a "hidden gem". If a grueling 8+ hour drive from Antigua doesn't deter you from getting here, you can experience what seems to be a hidden slice of paradise.

Explore worthy caves, exquisite waterfalls, and a series of alluring pools that you can swim in at the ever stunning, and ever-refreshing Semuc Champey – one of Guatemala's most delightful secrets.

📍 Semuc Champey, Guatemala
🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/experiences/semuc-champey


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02/07/2021

What not to miss when visiting Guatemala? Glad you asked! 😊

If Guatemala is on your list of next places to travel, be sure to check out our Top 10 experiences in this beautiful country (random order).

👉 Save this post for later and follow us for updates on our tour planner feature!

🔗 https://www.tourdoo.com/destinations/guatemala


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