Category Archives: Destinations

North America

Top 3 Islands that People Sailing Around the Caribbean Should Visit

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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

beach

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

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

St Maarten

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!

Asia, Editor's Picks

Dubai is a very worthwhile stopover

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Words: Len Rutledge   Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

Many travellers are finding themselves in Dubai as it emerges as a major airport hub for flights between Asia, Europe and Africa. Most continue on their journey without stopping but in doing so they miss out on one of the highlights of the region.

Dubai is both a city and one of seven emirates that make up the country of United Arab Emirates. Dubai City in recent years has developed into a global metropolis and a great cultural experience for most visitors.

The city has attracted world attention for its skyscrapers, artificial islands, huge construction projects and world-class shopping malls. What many visitors don’t understand is that all this has happened in a desert which just happens to be by the sea.

In summer you will notice the heat, so be prepared. During this period the average high is 42 degrees and the overnight low is 29 degrees. When we last visited the mercury hit 45 degrees. The short winter is better with highs of 23 and lows of 14.

Hotel choice starts with the Burj Al Arab Hotel built on an artificial island and goes way down to small rooms with little more than a bed. Most of us will decide the US$1225 +10% + 10% rate per night at the Burj Al Arab is too high. Fortunately, you can find reasonable 3-4 star accommodation for around US$100.

dubai

Half-day tours cost around US$30 but by paying a little more my wife and I managed a personalised tour in a limousine and this let us set our own itinerary and stop where we wanted.

We visited Dubai Creek and saw the traditional dhows, Dubai Fort and museum, Jumeirah Mosque, and attractive Jumeirah Beach. Driving out onto the artificial Palm Islands was an unreal experience while Dubai Marina with its surrounding high-rise apartments is a town planners dream.

Dubai is surprisingly spread-out so getting around is not easy. Fortunately, public transport has improved considerably since the opening of the Metro railway system. The driverless trains are easy to use and we quickly learned to move around like locals.

Nothing in Dubai is particularly old but when visiting the souks you seem to travel back in time. This experience is as far removed from the western world as you can get. In the Gold Souk the narrow lanes are lined with shop windows glittering with items in 22 and 24-carat gold. Prices tumbled after haggling and we cheered when they finally reached our budget.

In the Spices Souk, frankincense, turmeric, saffron and the many herbs used in Arabic and South Asian food are on display in a riot of colour. It was fun to talk to the sellers and we were tempted to buy, then we remembered we were travelling across many borders on our trip and decided to just look.

The oldest building in the city is Al Fahidi Fort, now the Dubai Museum. This showed us the traditional way of life in Dubai and it has excellent dioramas and artefacts that go back 5000 years.

A complete contrast is provided by modern Dubai which has a love of all things glitzy and glamorous. The city’s malls have been built as unrestrained fantasy, offering surreal attractions to lure you in.

At the gargantuan Mall of the Emirates, we watched in amazement as hundreds who apparently needed a quick slalom between shopping and hitting the beach took to the indoor ski slope with real snow.

The Dubai Mall with over 1200 shops is the world’s largest shopping mall. We unsuccessfully searched for traditional Dubai cuisine amongst the 120 restaurants and cafes but found just about every other cuisine in the world, 22 movie theatres, an aquarium and an ice rink.

Its biggest attraction for us, however, was the $200million, 275m-long Dubai Fountain which shoots water up to 160m in time with music. Our first experience of this was breathtaking so we returned on three other occasions to see different shows. Don’t miss it.

Also here is Burj Khalifa; at 830m it is the tallest man-made structure in the world. There is an observation deck on the 124th floor but there was a rush for tickets when we were there and several days were entirely sold out, so consider booking ahead.

We enjoyed just a fraction of the things to do in the city; the Wild Wadi Water Park, sailing, sky diving, wind surfing, diving and ballooning all await the next trip. Outside the city, there are desert safaris, camel riding and sand boarding. Short-term visitors will not be disappointed.

www.LenRutledge.com

WHEN YOU GO:

Dubai Airport is on one side of the city so it is quite a distance to many of the beach hotels. Taxis are readily available and the Metro has a stop outside the international terminal.

We stayed near Union Station which is a junction station for the two metro lines and this proved extremely convenient for sightseeing and shopping.

Many passport holders can obtain a free 30-day or 90-day visitor visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport but you need to check before you leave home.

Asia, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Reasons Why Hong Kong is One of The Most Beautiful Cities in The World

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If you have not visited Hong Kong, you’re in for a surprising adventure. This Island city is truly a jewel in the Orient. Planning to visit Hong Kong will surely leave you with lasting memories and the wish to always return as fast as possible. The different terrain of Hong Kong, encompassing both rural and urban aspects, will leave you amazed.

hong kong

There’s no shortage of lovely activities when you’re visiting this beautiful city. Wherever your tastes lie, you’ll find something that will suit your interest. The city boasts many recreation facilities, sports and Hong Kong massage, whether you want to watch or participate. Hong Kong plays host to a lot of performing arts cultural events and festivals that are internationally popular and offer up a lot of opportunities to discover some surprising talent. In addition, it gives up many religious places of worship that are really worth viewing, starting from temples and shrines to monasteries. All these recreational, cultural, artistic, as well as devotional activities, are available in so diverse forms in Hong Kong, you’ll have a hard time selecting just a few while you’re there.

You’ll find that there’re diversified landscapes to also visit, from the heart of the urban center of Hong Kong which boasts superb-modern skyscrapers to the great desert islands as well as sandy, hidden beaches. The main office of Hong Kong bank is situated in the midst of the city, frequently described as among the world’s most magnificent buildings. The Convention Center and Central Plaza are as well, buildings of note which exemplify the high urbanity which it can give. Also, on the other side of the coin are the good-looking parks that share the city, and really make up around 40 percent of the terrain, balancing the hub of the metropolitan’s commerce as well as finance with a tranquil and peaceful place to take your lunch or a stop from a busy day to just enjoy its calming scenery.

The seascape and beaches provided by the Hong Kong’s Island nature can be seen on the beautiful beaches as well as coral reef aquarium that’s situated at the Ocean Park. There’re several bay areas that give amazing opportunities for swimming or fishing. The diversity of the city is perpetuated the more when including the nightlife observed at Causeway Bay and Nathan or Wanchai road, where restaurants and bars cater to the crowds of the late night and people who look to enjoy the certain nocturnal activity. Also, floating restaurants can be observed in the district of Aberdeen.

Hong Kong’s city is so interesting and diverse that everybody can find something of amazement and interest. Whether you’re interested in museums like The Museum of Fine Arts, or Madame Toussaud’s or Cosmonautics Museums or the Medical, you will be amazed at the assortment of choices available. You can hit up the financial district bustle or visit the Garden of Birds for you to relax and just enjoy the flowering plants. There’s indeed something that will suit all interests and tastes. You will be truly surprised by the beauty.

Destinations, Travel Tips

New Caledonia – A French Paradise in the South Pacific

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New Caledonia is the perfect destination for people who just want to get away from the world. Hidden in the endless blue expanse of the South Pacific, this incredibly diverse archipelago seamlessly combines French and Polynesian culture. If you want to find out why this archipelago is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in this corner of the world, then take a look at this comprehensive New Caledonia trip report, and learn all you need to know about this French paradise in the South Pacific.

New Caledonia, our lush mise en scène

New Caledonia appears to teeter on the very edge of the world, but this lush archipelago is far from lonely. In fact, New Caledonia lines the eastern border of the Coral Sea along with numerous island groupings, including Vanuatu to the north, and Solomon Islands to the north-west – while the western border of this sea is none other than the grand Australian coastline.

Now, you might ask yourself what makes New Caledonia so exceptional when compared to other island groupings in its vicinity? First of all, as mentioned before, Nouvelle-Calédonie boasts an eclectic mix of cultures that includes the rustic European appeal of French sensibilities which along with the exciting and mystifying heritage of Polynesian ancestry.

The residents of New Caledonia are incredibly welcoming people that can offer you a worldview so drastically different from your own. If you are travelling with family, this is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about multicultural environments and how big and surprising the world actually is.

Basic context

You might be asking yourself – how did this happen? Well, the archipelago became a French colony in 1853 and it actually served as a penal colony for the rest of the 19th century.  Though this circumstance is admittedly unfortunate, it actually paved the way for some truly arresting architectural work with late 19th century French influences. This is especially noticeable in New Caledonia’s capital Nouméa.

Nouméa is by far the largest urban area of the territory and it lies on the south-eastern tip of New Caledonia’s biggest island and central hub of tourism and commerce – Grand Terre. It is by no means a big city – with circa 100,000 residents occupying its households (over 180,000 if you count in the metropolitan area), it is a disarmingly charming urbanity that is easy to traverse.

Since this city’s airport is the touchdown spot for all international flights and the main port of embarkation for most cruise ships, Nouméa will be your first contact with and impression of this tropical paradise. If you are a newcomer, don’t miss the chance to ride Le Petit Train, an adorable motorized tour that offers a laid-back tour of the city.

A rundown for newcomers

However, New Caledonia did not remain a French colony forever. In 1956, it gained the title of “French Overseas Territory”, and it carries this moniker proudly to this very day. It has become intrinsic to the cultural identity of New Caledonia, and it’s easy to see how.

The currency is Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs and the official language is French. Even though Melanesian-Polynesian dialects are present, most people who are fluent in French understand the locals perfectly. Furthermore, over 60% of the populace is Roman Catholic, which is closely followed by the Protestant denomination (30%), with the final 10% being reserved for other religions. On July 14th, New Caledonia celebrates Bastille Day as a national holiday, just like the French.  

What to expect as a tourist?

When it comes to accommodation, Nouméa has you covered with moderately priced hotels like Le Surf or high-end establishments like Le Meridien Noumea and Ramada Plaza. If you truly want to “live large” while you are there and move out of the city, there is an incredible ocean view from Sheraton in New Caledonia, and a spa and golf resort straight out of a James Bond movie.

Once you’re settled in, you’ll get a chance to explore the surroundings quite extensively. Grand Terre is large and expansive in and of itself, but it is not the only hub New Caledonia has to offer. A modest archipelago known as Loyalty Islands is a true epitome of untamed Pacific paradise while the Isle of Pines looks like a location out of fantasy writer’s dream.

Take this unique opportunity to visit Tjibaou Cultural Centre, an impressive edifice that stands as a memorial to the history of Melanesian and Oceanic cultures, and learn a bit more about the distinctive customs and the way of life which was prevalent across the South Pacific.

No matter what, savor the rich and endemic biosphere that has species of flora and fauna which are completely unique to this part of the world. This list of natural wonders also includes the New Caledonia Barrier Reef which stretches along and after the Grand Terre and which is (understandably) a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you haven’t heard of New Caledonia before, this is a great chance to embark on an exciting new adventure. You can book a flight to this tropical dreamland, confident you will have a top-notch experience. Even though this tropical archipelago has all the hallmarks of the finest destinations, it still somehow manages to fly under the radar of many eager vacationers. It’s as if the ocean itself is jealously hiding it, like a beautiful secret only shared among the few chosen.

Europe

5 Beaches to Visit in the Algarve

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The alluring coast of the Algarve is a very popular destination in Portugal. The main reason is the seemingly endless series of some of the finest beaches in Europe, with breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches, clean waters and great waves.

There are more than 150 beaches to choose from, and it’s almost impossible to visit all of them. Here are our five favourite spots.

  1. Marinha Beach

Marinha Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Portugal. It’s a bit remote, located 8 kilometres southeast of Lagoa. You can access the beach by steep steps that go down the cliffside. Before you do that, make sure to soak up the views from the top of the cliff.

The contrast between the orangey-brown limestone cliffs, golden sands and crystal clear waters is amazing. This beach is popular among photographers, and the best spot in the district for snorkeling. Take a boat tour to discover caves or scuba dive to see various octopuses and seahorses. There aren’t many beach amenities so make sure you bring some food.

algarve

  1. Odeceixe Beach

Odeceixe, on the border of the Algarve and the Alentejo, has a glorious beach. It is the perfect place to have long walks at low tide. The river runs around one side of the beach, making it possible to choose between that peaceful side and the ocean side of the beach where you can tackle the waves. The riverside is especially popular with families. On the other hand, surfers appreciate the ocean side with its rough waves.

The beach has several restaurants, and you can try some of the local dishes. It is a part of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. If you go up the cliffs through the stone steps, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape around the beach.

  1. Alvor Beach

If you want to avoid crowds, even in summer, then Alvor beach is the perfect place for you. The beach stretches out from where the Alvor River meets the sea to the Three Brothers Beach. The estuary is an important nesting ground for many species of birds.

Alvor Beach is located 8 kilometres west of Portimao. It features several kilometres of the finest sand as well as a decent number of cafes and restaurants. You can go windsurfing and water-skiing or enjoy other water sports since this beach is ideal for it. It is also popular with divers because of its clear waters.

algarve

  1. Bordeira Beach

Located on the wild, western coast of the Algarve, Bordeira Beach is virtually deserted and unspoilt. This magnificent sandy beach will leave you breathless. It features limestone cliffs and many sand dunes that spread inland to the village of Carrapateira.

The cliffs are famous for fishing sports, and they provide shelter for many seabirds. The beach is very popular among nature lovers and families. You can relax on the sand or explore the surrounding area. Also, it’s popular with surfers because of its waves. However, you need to bring your own drinks and snacks.

  1. Barril Beach

Take a small tourist train or cross the bridge over the Ria Formosa to get to Barril Beach, on Tavira island. The beach is a part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and it’s not crowded even at the height of the season.

It is popular for windsurfing and sailing or taking long walks along the sea and enjoying the soft sand and deep-blue colour of the water. The western part of the beach is a naturist spot.

This was once a tuna-fishing area, and the Anchor Graveyard, left by the tuna-fishing boats, proves that. There are also small restaurants inside fishermen’s houses where you can try some regional dishes.

Editor's Picks, Luxury Travel, North America

San Juan is not your normal U.S. city

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Words: Len Rutledge   Images: Phensri Rutledge

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.

 

www.LenRutledge.com

Asia, Destinations, Luxury Travel

Reaching New Heights: Visit the Burj Khalifa While Vacationing in Dubai

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Burj Khalifa, also known as the tallest building in the world, offers magnificent views and an almost endless array of activities to partake in. Being 2,722 feet tall, the tower is a must-see for those who are planning to stop in Dubai during their travels. Here are some of its highlights:

The observation deck

Whether you prefer to stand indoors and observe the scenery through transparent glass or marvel at it from an open-air terrace, the deserts and the oceans below will reside in your memory for all eternity. Should a particular long-distance object pique your interest, you can take a closer look at it through one of the telescopes available (yes, Burj Khalifa a well-equipped observatory). The scenery is quite a sight to behold when the night settles in.

The history of Dubai

Visit floor 124 and watch a multimedia presentation of Dubai’s history and the unique circumstances of its creation. While you’re there, why not pick up a souvenir to remind you of your travels?

The Burj Khalifa park

Blooming gardens, water fountains, and palm-lined walkways is what you’re going to encounter by setting foot on the grounds of the Burj Khalifa park. One of its most amazing features is the fact that the water fountains placed therein are watered by the condensation from the tower’s cooling system. At any time you’d like to engage in a more physically-draining activity instead of taking a peaceful walk in the park, be sure not to miss one of the two tennis courts located there.

The Dubai Mall

Belonging to the Burj Khalifa complex, it houses more 1200 shops for you to explore, including the Galeries Lafayette department store, Fashion Island, an organic food marketplace, jewellery retailers, and many more. Can you manage to visit them all within a single day? If not, don’t stress it; many 5-star hotels like the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel are not too far from there, so you can treat yourself to a good night’s sleep at any time you feel like your feet won’t carry you any longer. But no matter what you do, be sure not to miss out on the Dubai Aquarium located in the very center of the mall, showcasing the world’s finest underwater animal species.

The Dubai Ice Rink

This portion of the Dubai Mall deserves its own section due to how extensive it is. In fact, it can take in more than 2,000 people at the same time. All you need to do is borrow a pair of ice skates, and you’re ready to join in on the action. Depending on your preferences, you can partake in educational, public, and disco sessions. Everyone is welcome to give it a shot, the young and the elderly included. After an action-packed round of ice skating, feel free to take a well-deserved break at one of the cafes nearby.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa offers so many things to do it’s hard to decide what to focus on. But if you can stomach great heights and aren’t afraid to try something new, it can be an amazing destination for you and your family. Are you brave enough to stand atop the world’s tallest building and view the world from a completely different angle?

Europe, Travel Tips

Taking a Vacation in Croatia

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Taking a vacation in Croatia

It was my enthusiastic dream for many years to take a vacation in Croatia at least once in my lifetime. I’m glad to say that my dream came true last year and one thing I’ll state unequivocally is that I had a home away from home experience during my visit to Croatia.

Croatia was indeed an amazing destination for my vacation. I could not have enough of the pristine beaches & palm groves, mountainous coastlines, clear waters of the Adriatic sea, spectacular architecture, numerous islands, sublime food, and most importantly, the hospitality of the Croatian people.

The following are some of the amazing things I did and the places I visited in Croatia.

Island hopping

With more than 1200 islands, I needed my whole lifetime to explore all the Croatian islands. But still, I tried my best. Every island I visited was special in its own way. Some islands offered the peace and quiet I had longed for. Others offered 24-hour parties, so whenever I wanted to experience Croatian nightlife, I never missed an island that offered unforgettable parties.

The first island I visited is the island of Brac. The splendid beaches, sheep cheese, seafood and mandarins in this destination will leave you yearning for more. I proceeded to the sunny island of Hvar. With its natural beauty, luxurious beaches, sunny weather, and excellent food, this is a destination I never wanted to leave. The island of Korcula, Krk, Losinj, Cres, Silba, Lastovo and many more had one thing in common; they offer an amazing paradise for travelers looking for a sunny island adventure. Hopping between islands was very simple since ferries, waterboats, and catamarans were readily available.

vacation in croatia

I explored Croatian National Parks

Out of the eight national parks in Croatia, I had an opportunity to visit three of them. The Plitvice Lakes National Park was really a stunning place one can ever visit. I took a bus from Zagreb and within two hours I was at the park. It was boundless funmeandering along the many wooden plank trails, taking pictures of the furious waterfalls and the 16 interconnected lakes. Thereafter, I took a day trip to the Krka National Park where I fell in love with the glistening waterfalls and boat excursions. I winded my national park tour by visiting Paklenica National Park where the largest mountain in Croatia is found.

vacation in croatia

I discovered history of Croatia

Despite being a small sized country, Croatia has seven UNESCO Heritage Sites where I got an opportunity to learn about the culture of Croatia. I visited all the seven historical sites and discovered many things which i never knew about. If you’re considering visiting Croatia, these historical places are worth visiting.

Sailing in the high seas

I’d say that a vacation in Croatia won’t be complete without sailing in the high seas. With my one month stay in this wonderful country, I learnt that it is a sailing paradise for people who love the activity. I rented a waterboat with crew at a very reasonable price. At the sea, my eyes were drawn out to the waters that seems to go forever. Sailing in Croatia gave me a lifetime chance to explore the coast and enjoy its beauty. I anchored just anywhere and soaked in the cool waters of the Adriatic sea. I alsodiscovered beautiful bays, hidden coves, and deserted islets. I also enjoyed fresh seafood in remote bay restaurants.

I discovered Croatian foods and wine

If you’re a foodie and you haven’t visited Croatia yet, you are missing mouthwatering, diverse and glorious foods. Most people in Croatia use seasonal ingredients and their food is indeed unique. Croatian cuisine is more of a Mediterranean cuisine consisting of fish, seafood, veggies and tasty olive oils. Istria had very delicious olive oils.

I fell in love with various traditional dishes such as brudet (fish stew with spices) crni riot, seafood served with blitva, mišanca and homemade pasta.

I also participated in loads of activities such as kayaking, rafting, kite-surfing, truffle hunting, zip-lining, rock climbing, golfing and paragliding.

I never wanted to go back to my home country, when my vacation was over. Croatia had numerous things to do as well as many places to visit. It is an amazing country. Certainly, it will be my obvious destination during my next trip and I cannot wait to take another vacation in Croatia.

Destinations, Europe, Sport and Adventure

5 Best Camino de Santiago Routes

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Nowadays, more and more people are choosing to go on walking holidays, rather than your average vacation getaway. This is because walking holidays give you the chance to really get out and explore the world and everything that it has to offer. One of the best walking holidays you can choose to take is undeniably the Camino de Santiago. It has a variety of different routes that you can take to get to Santiago de Compostela. The capital of Galicia is actually a historic city, complete with a beautiful cathedral. There is definitely a lot to see there, but getting there is all the fun!

Here are a few of the best Camino de Santiago routes:

#1 – Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte is actually not as well known as many of the others. It is sometimes referred to as the Camino del Costa. It travels along the coast, giving you views of the sea along the way. For those that love a beach view, this could be a great route to take. It is historically known for being one of the oldest routes to Santiago de Compostela. This route is also well developed, making it ideal for new travelers. It starts out in the small town of Irun, and runs alongside the coastline. The full distance is 825 km.

#2 – Camino de Madrid

The Camino de Madrid is one of the less popular routes.  If you are looking for a walking holiday that is not too packed with other tourists, this may be the route for you. Along the way, there are a lot of great historic places to stop in at and visit. From churches and signs, to other relics, this route offers a lot in the way of culture. This route starts out in Madrid, and is only 322 km long. It has a pretty decent terrain, but it can be challenging in the beginning as you go through some hilly areas.

#3 – Via de la Plata

The Via de la Plata is a great route to take if you are looking for a longer holiday. This is actually the longest route leading to Santiago de Compostela. It was not really populous until just a few decades ago, when there were a lot of upgrades made. It starts out in the lower region of Spain, and is 1000 km long.  That means that it can take up to 8 weeks to make the entire trip. The good news is that you can start the trip further in if you need to, based on how much time you have. Take in views of Roman architecture and culture all along the way.

#4 – Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is the most popular route along the way. It is 780-kilometers long, and starts out at St. Jean Pied de Port. Since it is more popular than others, chances are you will meet some people from different walks of life right away. The route is really very built up, and has great infrastructure. This means it is great even for those that tend to get lost. Just follow the road and the signs and take in the sights on this journey.

#5 – Camino Ingles

Finally, we have the Camino Ingles. This route takes you through the northern parts of Spain. It is actually the shortest route, at just 118 km. That makes it a great choice for those that don’t have a month to spend hiking and walking. It does have some patches of rough terrain, however it has good markings so you can be sure you will not get lost.

Europe, Infographic, Street Food Guide, Travel Tips

How to Say Avocado on Toast Around the World

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It’s safe to say the world has been struck by avocado fever. Over the past five years, there has been a 405% increase in the number of online searches for ‘avocado on toast’ around the world.

If you’re wondering how to order the nations favourite dish ‘Avocado on toast’ look no further, Canvas Holidays compiled the ultimate guide to ordering it in 27 different languages as well as 5 fictional dialects.

Dorthaki (Game of Thrones)  – “Fichat anna havon zhavvorsa sovi” 

Elvish – (Lord of the Rings) – “Amin irma avocado coimas“

If you’re heading to Portugal, simply ask for “Desejo uma torrada com abacate por favor” 

As well as these languages, we’ve compared prices around some of the major cities in Europe.

With many of us now getting ready to book our 2018 holidays, we thought it would be useful to show you how to order your beloved ‘Avocado on Toast’ in every language in the EU… and a few others like Dothraki and Klingon in case you plan on travelling farther afield…

Infographic provided by https://www.canvasholidays.co.uk/blog/2018/02/01/ordering-avocado-on-toast-around-europe