Travelling the world allows you to grow as a person, get to know different cultures and people, but most importantly, it lets you try an array of new foods. This is a dream come true for any foodie. So when you’re planning on a vacation and choosing your destinations, take the local specialities in account. After all, where else are you going to try these exotic and authentic specialities? In fact, you can see the entire world following your stomach.
Enjoy the tropical punch in Hawaii
The US is famous for many things, but some would argue good food isn’t one of them. They’ve obviously never been to a high-grade restaurant in Hawaii. Of course, in this case, the high-grade restaurants are actually authentic food trucks.
Though it may sound tacky, this is actually the best way to taste Hawaii. You can steal a piece of heaven while relaxing on the beach and eating whatever the food truck chef has recommended. After all, they incorporate regional foods with classic cooking techniques as part of a fusion method which colors your taste buds in a range of different flavours.
Discover the specialties of Hong Kong
Even though Hong Kong is one of the most urban centers of China, they still incorporate traditional specialties to their menus. You may think that there’s no point trying Chinese food when you can just get takeout in your hometown, but it’s really not the same.
Nothing beats dim sum prepared with fresh and local ingredients, sampled in an authentic Chinese restaurant. The same goes for other recipes, and you can discover them all on your visit to Hong Kong. There’s so much to see and explore, and there’s no way your home takeout menu carries the items on Hong Kong’s list.
Wake up your senses in Hunter Valley
Located in NSW, Australia, Hunter Valley is the perfect stop on the south side of the globe. There are a lot of first-class restaurants you can visit and experience all Australia has to offer food-wise. Aside from food, you can also go on one of the Valley’s famous wine tours.
When you get tired of wining and dining, you can explore the gorgeous gardens nearby or just relax in your room. Make sure your accommodation in Hunter Valley is conveniently located, so you can easily explore the whole place. Since this is a vacation of the senses, wake them up in every way possible- starting with food.
Find adventure in Paris
Who said that getting your adrenaline going had to imply doing something extreme? It’s enough to experience something new and magical. Where better to do that than in the gastronomical capital of Europe, Paris?
There’s no other place where you’ll be able to try the most bizarre yet delicious foods in the world. From snails to frog legs, and even “Tete de Veau” (calf head), Paris is bound to keep you on your toes and really give you something to talk about. Of course, you can still experience the enchanting nature of French cuisine even if you don’t opt for something so unusual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, travelling the world can completely revolve around food and still allow you to experience everything else our beautiful Earth has to offer. Focusing on food in different countries allows you to experience a layer of culture most people miss. Food is how we show our love and passion, so it’s by far the best way to get to know a new culture and travel the world.
If you’ve decided to spend your vacation in America, you’re in for a treat. A myriad of exhilarating activities and mesmerizing sights will leave you breathless for sure, but only if you know what experiences to look for. In the sea of fabulous destinations and activities, you’ll have to choose only a few on your short travel through the USA, and here are the top seven experiences that’ll help you immerse into American culture completely.
Gathering of Nations
Every April, Albuquerque becomes the center of events for many indigenous tribes from across North America. This is the time when the Gathering of Nations is held to offer Americans a weekend of dancing and celebration. The Pit arena floor becomes a temporary home for hundreds of dancers, where numerous dance competitions and demonstrations, as well as food and music, make one weekend in April special. If you’ve thought about having a unique American experience, feel free to visit precisely at that time of the year and attend the largest gathering of tribes in the world.
Want to know more about whiskey? Well, there’s no place in America better than the home of Jack Daniel’s liquor to do it. Take a nice little walk down Tennessee and listen to stories about Jack himself. Use a unique opportunity to visit the distillery and taste the fine whiskey, or if you don’t drink, just enjoy a “dry tour” and relish in the thrilling history.
Cooking class
Louisiana is the place to be if you want to improve your cooking skills. Move forward from the good old chicken stir-fry, and spend four days in Lafayette on a “culinary tour” at the Louisiana School of Cooking. If you’ve been a true master chef of various barbecue specialties before, now you’ll learn how to prepare a jambalaya and a seafood gumbo, and have a unique culinary experience.
Photo credit Pexels
Be a cowboy for a day
Can you even say you’ve been to America if you haven’t visited a ranch? We don’t think so; which is why you should definitely think about going to a cow ranch in Idaho and meeting an authentic cowboy. Not only will you get to hang out with him, but you’ll also be introduced to all the peculiarities of this riveting job. Learn to ride, herd livestock, shoe horses and all the other interesting stuff known to cowboys until today.
Enjoy the Colorado Springs
If you’re a spa lover, Colorado Springs is the destination you can’t miss. However, you’ll have to be prepared for an 8.5-mile hike before you can lay eyes on this natural wonder because natural heated pools are located some 11,200 feet above sea level. So, if you want to mix a little bit of adventure with a lot of indulging, later on, head to the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness area and soak in the steamy water while admiring the fascinating views of the spectacular Colorado mountain landscape.
Photo credit Pixabay
Watch a basketball game
Americans are probably one of the nations who worship sports the most. That’s precisely why attending a game anywhere in America must be a one-of-a-kind experience you should not miss out on. If you end up in Indianapolis by any chance, make sure you watch a basketball game in Hinkle Fieldhouse. The building has also been placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, which makes it an even more unique site for you to visit and watch a game at.
Seaside boardwalks
The first boardwalk was built in Atlantic City in 1870 as one of the ways to prevent sand from filling shorefront hotel entryways. While Atlantic City remains the oldest city to own a boardwalk, you can easily find more than 60 others all over America’s coasts. One of the most interesting boardwalks to visit is definitely the Venice Boardwalk in California with its bodybuilders, artists, trinket sellers, magicians and boutique shops. If you choose the East coast, Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York is a boardwalk worth visiting, because you can take a ride on a roller coaster, have fun with carnival attractions, and try Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
Final thoughts
America is probably one of the most thrilling countries to visit since every part of it is so diverse. If you ever decide to spend your holiday in the United States, make sure you try at least some of the aforementioned seven experiences so you can get to know the mentality and culture of Americans at least to a certain extent.
Georgia cabin rentals offer a nice way of getting away from city life. Renting a cabin is better for families who can enjoy all the home amenities and take back long-lasting memories. The North Georgia Mountains are located at an elevation so all the air is fresh and the waters are clean. You can see travelers enjoying the various attractions throughout the year. Summer and autumn are relatively busier as more people come out to enjoy the water sports. The whitewater rafting is very popular and if you like snowfall renting a cabin in the winters will be a very good idea.
Georgia cabin rentals can be used in many ways. You can take the family out for a yearly vacation or go out with friends to enjoy Mother Nature. It will do your lungs very good when you breathe in the fresh mountain air and walk in the forest woods which are very relaxing for your senses.
North Georgia is very famous for its vineyards and farms. To attract more tourists some farms, like to offer a very unique experience. You can find all types of animals at the petting zoos. You can also experience the old tradition and culture of the Appalachian Mountains while they are there.
Those who like wine will be spending a lot of time tasting it at the vineyards. Each lends awesome views of the area and you will love sipping fine quality wine in a very relaxing setting. Cartecay Vineyards and Engelheim Vineyards are a must-visit for wine lovers. Cartecay Vineyards is located in Ellijay which is very close to Blue Ridge. These two small towns get a lot of touristic traffic and are well known for their hospitality. You can enjoy a concert at Cartecay Vineyards so plan to go there after checking their events calendar. When you plan your trip wisely you can get more out of it. They have a tasting room in the historic barn where you can sample a large variety of wines.
Engelheim Vineyards is a family-owned business. They harvest vintage wines. You can taste their wines in their stylish tasting room and take a tour of the facility while you are there. This way you can learn how they make their wines. Enjoy the peace and the dramatic views with Petite Manseng that won a 2018 gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Festival or the 2015 Humming that won a silver medal. They also teach their guests how to pair wines with food and if you do not know how you can learn something new on your trip. You can also plan to attend the art events or the music events which are quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a unique dining experience why not book for a dinner in the vineyard.
Besides wine tasting, you will enjoy whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. This is where the 1996 Olympic Games rafting competitions took place. Within 15 minutes of Blue Ridge, you can find Chattahoochee River and the Toccoa River that are popular for fishing. Anglers head to Toccoa River for rainbow trout and brown trout fishing. If you like to catch black bass, bream, catfish, and walleye go over to the Lake Blue Ridge.
Georgia cabin rentals are available near the rivers and lakes so you can enjoy water sports. Book a cabin ahead of time and just bring your clothes. All other home comforts are available for guests.
Author Bio
I am Kevin Young who loves to write and loves to travel. My extensive travels are well documented and I make a point to regularly write about them on various blogs.
While philosophers may debate whether beauty is objective or relative one thing they all agree on is that there are cities in the world which through sheer elegance help us transcend our ordinary existence and lift up our spirits to an almost divine plane of existence. These six cities are the best representation of this ideal.
6. Casablanca in Morocco, Africa
Few cities in the world can possibly hope to match the radiant beauty and overwhelming sense of history found in the city of Casablanca. As the main economic and cultural center of the North African Kingdom of Morocco, this cultural icon stands as a testament to the sheer will and resolve of a people to protect the sanctity of their heritage and sense of being. Casablanca first shot to global fame in 1942 when a movie with the same name was released with Humphrey Bogart as the main star of the film. Since then tourist have flocked to the North African city to be filled with a sense of awe as they experience the magical feeling of traveling through history as you walk among architectural marvels like the Hassan II Mosque and the Notre Dame Lourdes cathedral. Spanish and Portuguese influence can be felt throughout the city due to cultural exchange resulting from conquest and trade.
5. Gold Coast in Australia, Oceania
For anyone who loves the beach then Gold Coast feels like paradise on earth with elegant white sands and deep blue oceans. Surfers have the time of their lives riding monster waves and afterward relax watching a beautiful sunset while sipping margaritas. A whole host elegant restaurants adorn the city, several open cafes and pubs can make the place a delight for locals and tourist. Photographers often spend their time at the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary where there are cute koala bears, parrots, and exotic owls.
4. Venice in Italy, Europe
Try as it may modern architecture still struggles to match the beauty of classical architectural design and no city on earth embodies the beauty and values of classicism better than the Renaissance marvel of Venice. Venice is constructed on an archipelago of more than 100 islands through which the iconic canals of Venice pass through. Notable sites include Doge`s Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Hall of The Great Council.
3. Quebec in Canada, North America
Quebec which means where the river narrows is the second largest city in Canada featuring some of the oldest streets and buildings in North America. The Parc de La Chute-Montmorency offers one of the most scenic waterfalls in the world surrounded by the most breathtaking natural environment imaginable. Local artisans make handcrafted ornaments and commodities that come from the ancient wisdom passed on through the generations that have lived in the area for centuries. The Sainte Anne de Beaupre shrine is a divine center where pilgrims came to worship and remain as an iconic testament of the devout faith of the locals.
2. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, South America
Perhaps one of the most iconic sites in the world is the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop a hill overlooking Rio De Janeiro. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is an elegant display of a cultural fusion between 19th century Portuguese and local architecture. Sugarloaf mountain stands at 1300ft above the harbor and is globally respected for the panoramic experience it presents to tourists who wish to see the city in all its spender. Whether its the elegant streets during carnivore celebration or white sandy beaches there can be no doubt that Rio is an iconic fit of human accomplishment.
1. Hong Kong in Asia.
The iconic Hong Kong skyline has been the source of inspiration for many photographers and filmmakers. During the night the light from the forest of skyscrapers can seem to light up the waters of Victoria Harbor and it should be no surprise that there are more skyscrapers in Hong Kong per sq ft, than anywhere else in the world. The chic modern skyscrapers put up during British occupation should not deceive you into thinking that Hong Kong doesn’t have a history. The walled village contains the spirit of the days past and embodied in the architecture of the place. The Ocean Park theme park is known as a local version of Disneyland possessing cultural symbols more relevant to the local people. So whether tourists want to enjoy a walk down history, have some fun in a theme park or even relax at one of the famous Hong Kong massage parlors, one thing to be certain of is that this place will not disappoint.
When sailing around the Caribbean, one of the most difficult decisions you will make is which specific destinations you must visit. Because let’s face it, there’s no place in the Caribbean that isn’t magical. With this in mind, here are the top three places where anyone sailing around the Caribbean should visit.
1. Anguilla
This 35-square-mile island has 33 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. There are no pebble-strewn coastlines or rocky shores here, just sandy sweeps begging to be immortalized on Instagram. The sun is a permanent feature in Anguilla, and the island is surrounded by a magnificent coastline crying to be walked on barefoot. If taking in the palm-fringed bays while a tropical drink melts in your hand sounds like a good idea, this is the place to be.
In addition to the beautiful beaches and sunset view, Anguilla is also quite affordable. Resorts and villa prices have gone down over the years and aren’t as stratospheric as they used to be. The locals are pretty chilled out too. It is not uncommon to hear the pounding of dominoes on make-shift wooden tables by smiling faces-an atmosphere that is almost contagious.
If the aforementioned reasons aren’t enticing enough, perhaps the addictive smell of smokey jerk chicken grilling on the shores will do the trick. Anguilla is bursting with gourmet restaurants serving everything from the Caribbean, American to Italian delicacies.
2. Bahamas
It’s not at all difficult to find reasons why you should visit the Bahamas. When most people think of the Bahamas, paradise island, white sand, and crystal blue beaches come to mind. However, these are just a tip of what the island has to offer.
This Caribbean nation’s geographic location, weather, culture and 700 unique islands, make it a must-have in your bucket-list if you plan on sailing around the Caribbean. With historic tourist attractions such as The Long island museum, Columbus Monument, Dean’s blue hole and Adderly plantation, it’s difficult to think of any close rival to the Bahamas.
The crystal clear water, reefs and marine life in the Bahamas, make it the must-go-to destination if you’re into scuba diving and snorkelling. You won’t have to worry about anything since all scuba diving companies are approved and monitored by the Bahamas Diving Association. The hospitality is also world-class with several upscale restaurants well spread around this Caribbean nation.
3. St. Martin
A home away from home, St Martin is another must have in your bucket-list if you plan on sailing around the Caribbean. With over 120 nationalities, St. Martin is a truly magical and international place. Here you will find the friendliest and most cheerful people. The weather is great throughout the year making it convenient to travel whenever you like.
You can choose either a remote desert beach or one with buzzy and rocky cliffs from one of St. Martin’s 37 beaches. This makes it an ideal place to visit with family and to do activities such as scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling among others.
Another great reason to visit st. Martin is that the whole island is duty-free and you can find great bargains on clothes, jewellery, and electronics. With all the best shops and stores located here, you can buy literally anything you want tax-free!
Narrow cobblestone streets, cute little squares with spraying fountains and huge trees, enormous Spanish-built forts and restaurants serving spicy Mexican and Cuban fare are not normal in most North American cities.
But then little about San Juan, Puerto Rico is normal. It is far from what we expected. My scant knowledge of Puerto Rico was strongly influenced by the musical ‘West Side Story” where white and Puerto Rican gangs battle for the streets of a section of New York.
Central square San Juan
I half expected to find knife-wielding gangs on the streets of San Juan. Instead, my wife and I found colourful buildings, delightful architecture, friendly people, and a love for an island that has a unique relationship with the USA. Hurricane Maria caused considerable damage to the island in 2017 but San Juan has bounced back and is again open for visitors.
Is it part of the USA?
Puerto Rico is technically part of the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and make up about 1.3% of the total population of the U.S. They enjoy all the benefits of citizenship, except one: Puerto Ricans who live in Puerto Rico cannot vote for the U.S. President.
But it is not this straight forward. In the Olympic Games, Puerto Rico fields its own athletic team, separate from the USA team. Puerto Ricans don’t file federal income tax returns unless they work for the U.S. government. Bookstores in the U.S. put travel guides to Puerto Rico in their “International Travel” section rather than “Domestic Travel,” where they belong. No wonder we were confused!
Flags flying above the old Spanish fort
Old San Juan
Nearly two million people live in or near San Juan and many of them rarely set foot in Old San Juan. For tourists, it is entirely different. Many visitors see nothing of the wider city except for the drive from the airport to the old city.
Old San Juan lies within a 500-year-old walled citadel that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval masonry and cantilevered balconies seem to float above the narrow cobblestone streets below. The streets are perfect for wandering and seem to insist you explore all their secret nooks and crannies.
They are lined with antique iron lampposts, arty shops and souvenir stores. There are pavement cafes in the squares and beautiful old buildings and churches look out to wide views of the ocean. Musicians play on the streets just like in Europe.
Cool courtyards decorated with European flair hide behind the shops and pavement cafes, inviting you to enter. It is more Spanish than many areas of Spain.
Spanish influence
In 1493, Christopher Columbus “discovered” Puerto Rico and claimed it for Spain. Some years later, the Spanish started their colonisation. Puerto Rico’s geographic position at the western edge of the Caribbean made San Juan one of the key frontier outposts of Spain’s West Indies Empire.
The Spanish built a small fort here in 1540 and then constructed the walls that encircled the city in 1634. The work continued into the mid 1700′s when the King of Spain decided to make San Juan virtually unconquerable.
The walls and two massive forts are some of the major attractions today. No visit would be complete without spending time exploring the fortifications and marvelling at the impressive structures. Guided tours are available for those who want them.
The city is surrounded by massive defence walls
Elsewhere in the city the Cathedral, which was commenced in 1521, is worth seeing and there are several museums. The Museum of the Americas is in a wonderfully restored building while the Museum of Art has local works displayed in a building which itself is a work of art. The Casa Blanca Museum showcases life in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Old San Juan is reasonably compact but it is hilly and is usually hot. If you are not comfortable with a lot of walking, there are free trolleys that will take you around the old city.
Eating, shopping and Staying
The area has some excellent restaurants, fast food outlets, markets, shops and several small hotels. The Hotel El Convento is generally considered the best (and most expensive) accommodation but there are several others in charming old buildings with Spanish ambiance.
Souvenir shopping in San Juan is a treat or a nightmare depending on your point of view. The Old City could be one of the most souvenir-clogged areas on the planet but there are some interesting buys amongst the ‘junk’. Iconic vejigante masks are found at numerous shops, hand-carved wooden figurines of saints called santos are unusual buys, and hand-made Panama hats are useful and a great keepsake.
Outside the Old City, Condado hugs the beach to the east and has many similarities to Miami Beach or Australia’s Gold Coast. Here’s where expensive hotels, and the casinos inside many of them, attract night-life-seeking locals and tourists alike.
A final suggestion is to visit the slick Casa Bacardi Visitor Center across San Juan Bay in Cataño. You’ll pass through seven different zones covering both the history of the company and the rum-making process and have a taste of some of the brew. The best part is that it’s all free.
If you go
Getting there: Various airlines fly to San Juan from mainland USA. There are also direct flights from Madrid, some Caribbean islands and a few South American countries.
Visas: Puerto Rico is technically part of the USA so the same visitor requirements apply. You need to organise a travel authorisation or a tourist visa before leaving home.
When to Visit: Puerto Rico is hot between June and September and warm at other times of the year. January to March receives less rain than other months.
A vacation in the greatest city on Earth would be a dream come true for many. As the holiday season approaches, a chance to visit New York City becomes a treasure trove of possibilities. The sheer abundance of events, activities and sights is too overwhelming to cover in a single go, but at least, you can stimulate your taste buds with some of the most delicious and varied meals in the world. If you want to save some time and go straight for the hippest and most satisfying gourmet experiences, here’s the food lover’s ultimate NYC adventure.
Of course, the restaurants
Let us start off with the biggest bite of all – the choice of restaurants. The food map of New York City is a colorful palette of cuisines and cultures. If you are craving for a healthy and solid Mediterranean meal, Fig & Olive offers a whole array of dishes from Italy, Spain and France.
If you want to feel as if you are shacked up in the middle of the Alps, Baita by Birreria is a place for you. The place looks like a cozy canteen for visitors who like to pop in for a wine, warm up with salty pork and veal sausages.
A variety of exquisite meals can be a blast, but if you end up craving good ol’ sandwich bites, LaGuardia Place has brought the art of sandwich to a whole new level.
If you are in the mood for a tasty trip to Asia, Raku on East 6th Street is a place that has the most delicious udon in town, and ramen at Mr. Taka is conveniently filling on a cold December evening. Finally, if you want a solid meal that will keep you full for the most part of the day, stop by Insa on 328 Douglas Street for a delicious, juicy Korean barbecue (and a karaoke sing-off maybe).
Let’s talk about catering
Of course, New York City is nothing without the options to tweak the dining experience to your own idea of comfort. If you are renting a fabulous apartment and you feel particularly lazy that night, why not bring all the wine and dine glamour to your four walls?
With the endless number of top-notch NYC catering options that will leave you spoiled, the professional caterer will do all the work and it is up to you to deal with the rest. There are no boring queues and lengthy lines to ruin your appetite.
Most of these catering options come with modifiable course lineups that can be staggeringly rich – from cold chops and cocktail picks to warm bites, and wholesome family meals. It goes without saying you can limit yourself to fish, vegetarian or vegan banquets if you want.
The marketplace adventures
If you are spending a short time in New York City, why not feel like a true New Yorker? First of all, you need to stroll down the streets in search for the food market. Thankfully, New York has numerous food markets that are perfectly equipped with every delicious fruit and vegetable under the sun.
Most of them are in Manhattan, where you can literally stumble onto an amazing organic market after five or ten minutes of strolling about. However, you can find a few stray markets in Queens – New World Mall Food Court and Queens Crossing – as well as in Brooklyn – renowned Gotham Market at The Ashland, Berg’n and Industry City near the Upper Bay.
With all the necessary groceries in the bags, you can finally go to your temporary home and whip out pots and spatulas to begin your own private cooking session.
Take a chance on a food truck
Life in New York City can be quite hectic. So, it is probably safe to guess that your short stay will be just as speedy and filled with various activities. People tend to start taking it all in only after they have returned home. If you are a type of person who likes to move around and save time on all activities except sightseeing, taking a chance on one of New York’s iconic food trucks is a must.
Even if you are a person who enjoys low brow cuisine, you have to eat out at least once – otherwise, it is as if you haven’t been in New York. Eddie’s Pizza Truck will satisfy you enough and leave room for a thirst-quenching jug of beer or a cocktail. Tacos Morelos will offer you amazing midnight snacks, and a nice pita wrapped around juicy meat from Souvlaki GR will keep you buzzed throughout the evening.
Of course, these suggestions are not doing justice to all of the amazing restaurants and chow spots in New York City. If you are in the mood for an adventure, you can go out with your friends or family on an unpredictable gourmet journey throughout the night. You are bound to come across interesting places to eat around every corner. What’s life without some culinary risk?
Marriage proposals in Italy, baking bread in the shape of babies in Ecuador, and burning expensive possessions to appease the souls of the dead in China. Across the globe there some strange but wonderful ways locals celebrate their own versions of Halloween. Thomas Cook has collated 50 of the outlandish laws, traditions and locations to create a Halloween map of the world full of need to know trivia you never knew existed.
Here are a few highlights from around the globe:
Halloween Haters
In Dublin, Georgia, USA your face must be fully visible and recognisable by law on Halloween
Vendragues, France it is illegal to wear clown costumes or makeup on this event if you are more than 12 years old
The country of Jordan made Halloween in its entirety illegal in 2014
Most haunted destinations
Multiple UFO, ghosts, orbs sightings and the abduction and reappearance a decade later of a young girl at Barranco de Badajoz in Spain make this the place to visit for believers in life beyond earth.
Visit the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, to become one of many who have spotted a Pharaoh wearing his golden collar, headdress, and riding a fiery chariot with black phantom horse.
Ghostly Traditions
The Romanian ‘Feast of St. Andrew’ involves eating garlic the night before and placing it near doors, windows and chimneys to ward off evil spirits.
In Germany, locals look to protect the visiting spirits drawn out during ‘All Souls Week’, by hiding all their knives so they won’t be injured.
Hati locals celebrate ‘Fed Gede’ alongside the visiting spirits, eating, drinking, warming their bones by the fire and dancing with them.
The travel and tourism industry is booming as more and more people take advantage of low airfares and increased opportunities to see new places. While there has been some resistance to increased visitor numbers in some European destinations, much of the world is still welcoming visitors with open arms.
Here are some suggestions for places to travel and activities to experience in 2018.
The Philippines
Brilliant green rice fields, teeming cities, colourful jeepneys, stunning beaches, and smiling, happy-go-lucky people are all part of the Philippines scene. With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, you can find what you are looking for. Divers have long known about the country’s underwater attractions while Northern Palawan is perfect for sea kayakers, and Boracay is a world-class kiteboarding and beach destination.
The Philippines was colonised for 400 years and vestiges of the Spanish era can be seen in exuberant town festivals and centuries-old stone churches while huge shopping malls, fast-food chains and widespread spoken English come from the influence of the Americans.
Boracay Beach. Credit: Philippines Tourism
Manila, the capital, is a pulsating hub that blends the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. Cebu is a choice tourist destination with balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts. Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion and the rice terraces are quite extraordinary. Palawan has thick green forest, white-sand beach, sparkling water and magnificently sculpted jade islands.
Philippines Airlines operates from most continents to Manila and there are some direct services to Cebu.
South Africa
Go almost anywhere in South Africa and you can experience a combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and style. During these tough economic times, it’s good to find a bargain destination where you can even afford luxury and have spending money left over. There is natural beauty in mountains, forests, coasts and deserts and world-class facilities.
It is not possible to talk about South Africa without mentioning wildlife. Everyone wants to see the Big Five, but there are also whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds and much more. If you are looking to experience wildlife viewing in luxury, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, in the pristine private Manyeleti Game Reserve could be the answer. It shares an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park and suites are decorated to reflect colonial times.
The same company has beach-side Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5 star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town. This is one of the city’s hidden gems. The views of a wild sea crashing below contrasting with a roaring fire and fabulous welcome drinks will set the tone for a memorable stay.
For a city location, the all-suites Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Johannesburg appeals because it is directly connected to the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre, and is located directly opposite Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square in the in heart of South Africa’s Richest Square Mile.
Monaco
Situated at France’s southeastern corner near the Italian border, occupying an area of just 2.8 sq. km, Monaco might be the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican), but what it lacks in size it sure makes up for in attitude and variety.
There is an ornate opera house, Michelin-starred restaurants, and casinos, palaces, cathedrals, supercars, mega yachts, deluxe hotels and designer boutiques. There are also museums and galleries, festivals, nightclubs, and gardens with exotic plants and sea views.
Monaco. Credit: Monaco Government Tourist Bureau
The country is one of the most surprising and rewarding destinations in Europe. It is just 30 minutes by car, bus or taxi from Nice Airport through hairpin bends and along rocky cliffs. Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate climate.
Berlin
As most readers will know, Berlin has had a chequered history in recent decades. It is now emerging as one of Europe’s leading centres of culture. The modern Mitte district has the Museum Island UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also two opera houses and six major theatres, as well as museums, innumerable galleries and arts venues. Now, many new major cultural projects are locating here, just a few minutes’ walk apart.
Opened earlier this year, the new Pierre Boulez Saal is a major international concert hall with the elliptically-shaped hall regularly presenting concerts and chamber music. A complete contrast is provided by the 1740s Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin’s first opera house, which reopened in October 2017. Unfortunately, Berlin’s most popular museum, the Pergamon, is partially closed but from mid- 2018, visitors can view part of the Pergamon Altar’s treasures at a temporary exhibition building directly opposite Museum Island.
The James-Simon-Galerie will be the Museum Island’s new central entrance and visitor centre with central ticket office, cloakrooms and facilities, cafés and a museum shop when it opens in 2019.
Berlin-Ansichten. Credit: Visit Berlin
To complement all this development, several major hotels have opened in 2017 and more are scheduled for 2018.
The Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz, opened in May offering 344 rooms with a modern design over nine floors. Later, The Yard, 4-star boutique hotel with 55 rooms opened, followed by the Orani Berlin, a classy hotel with 42 subtle but rather luxuriously furnished rooms. Between now and year’s end the 60-metre-high Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz with 708 rooms, The Meininger Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery with 245 rooms and the Hilton Berlin City East with 254 rooms will all open.
Bargain rooms may well be on offer during the European winter.
Los Angeles
Many readers will have been to Los Angeles, USA but most will not be aware of the wide range of museums, art galleries and concert halls that are spread throughout the city. In the downtown area, the futuristic Walt Disney Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and is right next door to the city’s newest cultural and design showpiece, The Broad. L.A.Live is another vibrant entertainment complex offering restaurants and live music venues.
Walt Disney Theatre. Credit: Discover LA. Photo by Matt Marriott
The Westside perhaps has even more attractions. There is the Getty Center located atop the Santa Monica Mountains then on Museum Row, there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Pettersen Automotive Museum, the Craft and Folk Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. In Century City you will find the Annenberg Space for Photography.
Hollywood, known as the entertainment capital of the world, is an essential part of the L.A. experience. Film enthusiasts will love the renovated TCL Chinese Theatre and you can tour the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars. Not far away is Universal Studios Hollywood with its rides, shows and tours.
If you consider L.A. nothing more than a gateway to the USA, you had better re-think. It is one of the top picks for places to visit in 2018.
The Best Travel Destinations for 2018www.LenRutledge.com
A lot of world trotting travellers tend to be content with picturesque surroundings without delving deeper. It is a matter of style over substance, but Napa Valley is a place for connoisseurs of quality. It is completely understandable if a question crosses your mind – but why Napa? Is it not one of those over-puffed regions everyone recommends, kind of like Toscana or Provence? Well, just like the two marvellous European landscapes mentioned along with it, it is worth the hype. These are the 5 must do things in Napa Valley, California:
Visit St. Helena
A visit to Napa Valley is incomplete without a visit to St. Helena. With a population of nearly 6,000, it does not seem like much of a town on paper, but it is so much more than that. The area is brimming with a variety of interesting activities every newcomer should experience. Visit the CIA campus which was established in 1968 – that is the Culinary Institute of America, if you were confused for a bit.
This locale produced many virtuoso chefs in the area. Also, if you are particularly hungry, you can get a burger at Gott’s Roadside Diner, a bona fide original which opened here in 1999. The town homes numerous wineries and three Michelin-star restaurants, so take your time to have the exact day in St. Helena that suits your sensibilities.
Castello di Amorosa
If you ever set foot in Napa Valley, you simply have to visit Castello di Amorosa. At first, you will not believe your eyes – it is an incredible castle transported straight out of medieval Italy onto the Californian meadow. However, this is far from a reverie and there is actually an interesting story behind it. It first opened to the public in April of 2007, and it is the pet project of Dario Sattui, the 4th generation of wine merchants.
Sattui actually inherited a winery from his grandfather who immigrated to California in 1886, and earned enough to have means to realize such a daunting project. The castle spreads on 171 acres and it has eight level, 197 rooms, a drawbridge and a moat. This was all built out of 8,000 tons of chiselled stone. What’s best of all – you can visit two levels of the castle for a general admission ticket and enjoy 5 wine tastings.
Enjoy some quality art
Napa Valley does not only aim to please your senses, it also wants to delight your mind. If you are in the mood for a refreshing tour of exquisite art pieces, the region does not fall short. Numerous exceptional art galleries, studios, museums and outdoor exhibitions dot the landscape and most of them are fitting for people of all generations, even toddlers in strollers.
If you have a chance, you must visit diRosa art gallery – a 217-acre home to more than 2,000 pieces of contemporary art. The variety of artwork is staggering and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the pieces both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of media. More than 800 artists are responsible for this vast collection, so it is an opportunity you should not miss if you are in the region. Additionally, if you want to have a unique and pleasant experience which is as charming as it is casual, visit Jessel Gallery. Trust us, you will feel as if you are an honoured guest at a reception.
Of course, what is a Napa adventure without savouring that sweet nectar of Californian hills, the same drink that has been passed onto us, through tradition, from ancient Greeks and through historical whirlwind and turmoil as an answer to all anguish – wine. Coupled with amazing scenery, this wine tasting adventure can turn into a cherished memory you will gladly return to in times of stress.
Believe it or not, there are more than 400 wineries in the region, so it can turn into an unruly excursion if you and your friends are not careful. If you don’t know where to start, after a short consultation with a reliable DMC in California, you’ll be able to get all the information you need and visit some of the best wineries in the area. If you get around it, visit Crystal Cellar, Raymond Vineyard or Robert Mondavi Winery. You will not regret it even if it is out of your way.
Explore the great outdoors
Would you define yourself as an indoor person? If so, Napa Valley is as good a region as any to turn you around completely. Known for its natural beauties and gentle wavy landscapes, Napa Valley has more than 50,000 acres of pure unadulterated nature that include hills, mountains, fields and meadows. All this space if yours to trek, hike, run, bike and explore to your heart’s content. If you truly need a recommendation when it comes to outdoor activities in Napa Valley, be sure to explore Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges.
Some regions are gifts that keep on giving. One of those locations lies at the far end of the world, bathed by the gentle orange sun on the very edge of Pacific. Once you embark on an easy-going trip across the breezy slopes of Napa Valley, you will feel fulfilled by such a gentle surge of joie de vivre, you’ll ask yourself why haven’t you come here sooner? If you ever get a chance to return once more, do not miss it. The wide roads of Napa Valley are welcoming to all visitors, all the time, and if you are an old acquaintance, she is bound to introduce you to more intriguing secrets.
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