Category Archives: Travel Tips

Europe, Travel Tips

5 Best Places to Visit in the UK for the Winter Holidays

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winter

Winter is a great time to travel as some of the sceneries you can catch this way are as magical as a place can get. Add to this the spirit of the holidays that are getting closer and closer by the day, and you get a sure recipe for an unforgettable trip. The holidays can sometimes be stressful, so deciding to take it easy and spending the holidays at a lovely destination might be exactly what you need at the end of the year.

Every city has its own traditions and celebrates the holidays differently, so wherever you decide to go, you can probably expect to see something interesting. However, there is no doubt the UK is a splendid choice for a winter holiday as the countryside is tranquil and scenic while the locals really know how to celebrate. If you’re curious about their traditions, or if you are in fact from the UK, looking for the best places to visit in your own country, here are a few suggestions that will help you decide.

York

Few would argue that York is one of the best places to spend Christmastime in. Especially for those who want a more dynamic experience, this is the place to go as York’s Christmas festival has a lot to offer. Lasting from the 14th of November all the way to the 22nd of December, you will have a chance to see ice sculptures and sip on mulled wine while also enjoying the Christmas concerts of notable performers such as Kate Rusby. If you’re traveling with children, you will be delighted to hear that there are so many programs catering to them that they will have a hard time choosing what they want to see. Magical lanterns, wreath-making workshops and encounters with Santa are all at your fingertips! What’s more, you can also break a sweat and have some fun if you take a trip to Stockeld Park, just half an hour’s drive from York, and try their artificial Nordic ski trail that takes you through an illuminated forest.

winter

Edinburgh

Exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh, Scotland during the winter holidays is a great idea. Wander through the Old Town to feel like you have been transported to a different time period, marvel at the charming street lights that bring the Christmas spirit even closer, check out little stalls and enjoy some fresh-baked goods, or even go for a Ferris wheel ride to see the spectacular view from up above. Another option you have if you decide to go to Scotland is hopping on a train and exploring the highlands for yourself. The journey will already be an experience of its own as you stare out the window and marvel at the majestic views along the way. The Scottish Highlands are well worth traveling to if you are a nature lover for whom nothing compares to the sight of snow-capped mountains. Bring plenty of warm clothes and you’ll be fine!

winter

Bath

A contender of York, Bath is surely among the top Christmas destinations in the UK. The Christmas market in this city is unparalleled – starting from November 28 and lasting for 18 days, Bath’s Christmas market is the biggest such shopping event in the southwest of the country. You will feel the holiday spirit once you see the beautiful wooden chalets lining the street, and you will feel tempted to stock up on Christmas presents. Indeed, few things make a better Christmas present than the unique, handmade items that constitute the majority of the articles sold at the markets, but even if you don’t purchase anything for your significant other, you will certainly get inspired to get some lovely Christmas gifts for him. What will make this trip even more memorable is the beautiful historic architecture this city is so well-known for. Shopping and relaxation can be the keywords of your Bath holiday, especially if you check out some of the natural hot springs, too.

Scarborough

While York is still a great choice, traveling a bit further north to North Yorkshire might be what those who want something less urban are looking for. If rather than in a crowded street, you’d like to spend the winter holidays by the sea, Scarborough is a lovely seaside town that could prove to be your perfect destination. Active travelers can enjoy a winter bike ride or just simply stroll by the harbor, enjoying the refreshing wind. In case the breathtaking sceneries are not enough in themselves, something in the area that is worth exploring is, for example, Burton Agnes Hall, a historic building where you can check out the nicely decorated rooms. Or if you are feeling creative, you can try to make your own willow deer in a workshop.

Leeds

From the 8th of November all the way to 22nd of December, Leeds boasts a magical Christmas market too, featuring more than 40 chalets selling all kinds of pretty things. What makes this market different is that it’s a German-style market, which means that you can expect to see lots of food stalls that sell delicious local and authentic German foods and drinks. As if that were not enough, the centerpiece of the market and everyone’s favorite is certainly the beautiful traditional carousel that makes for a nice backdrop for all of your photos. If you’re traveling with family, rest assured there are lots of children’s activities planned too, while adults can expect concerts to entertain them through the night.

When winter comes, all corners of the UK assume the holiday spirit and towns all over the country turn into magical winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, delicious traditional foods, and wintery landscapes. Sip some mulled wine, try ice-skating on one of the outdoor rinks, soak in the historic atmosphere among the beautiful Georgian buildings and forget about stressful days back at home. Whichever of the aforementioned destinations you decide to visit, you will have the chance to savor the local tastes and mingle with the crowd, and of course, have a lot of fun.

Travel Tips

Queenstown Beyond The Adventures: 5 Things To Do In Town

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Queenstown is known as a travel destination for outdoor adventure, drawing people from all over the world for various thrill-seeking activities. And to be sure, if you make the trip you should find something exciting to do outdoors, whether it be jet-boating, bungee jumping, or finally taking that first surfing lesson. But there’s often so much written and discussed all of these adrenaline-pumping activities that some people traveling to Queenstown can forget about what they’re going to do in between adventure!

The truth is it’s a fairly big city with all sorts of fun things to get into that don’t involve getting your heart rate up. To give you some idea of Queenstown beyond the adventures though, here are five things you might want to do while you’re in town.

1. The Bunker Restaurant & Bar
If you are looking for a fine-dining venue that isn’t too stuffy, The Bunker is the place for you. This rustic eatery is tucked away in a corner alley of downtown Queenstown in a split-level house. The lower level is comprised of the intimate dining quarters and also houses a large wood-burning fireplace. Specialties include succulent game meats and local seafood delicacies. The upper level of the house, meanwhile, is home to the restaurant’s cocktail bar and picturesque rooftop deck. It’s an awesome spot, whether you’re looking for a fun retreat after a day of adventure or you just want some good food.

2. Minus 5° Ice Bar
Minus 5° Ice Bar is one of Queenstown’s coolest experiences – literally. This igloo-style bar and all of its amenities have been carved from 18 tons of crystal-clear ice. Everything from the walls to the furniture and even the cocktail glasses is made out of real ice. Minus 5° Ice Bar is open year-round and always has plenty of warm attire and footwear for its guests to stay cozy in. And even though this particular bar is now part of an international chain, there’s something special about ducking into such a bizarre drinking hole in the middle of such a beautiful, unique city.

Queenstown

3. SkyCity Queenstown Casino
Casinos are legal and fairly popular around the country, though many of the locals may be more accustomed to playing New Zealand’s online casino games than visiting the in-person attractions. While you’re visiting though, a place like the SkyCity Queenstown casino can be a lot of fun. Though it doesn’t present quite as striking a picture as its Auckland sister property, this casino offers games, gourmet dining and libations, and the occasional live entertainment event. Whether you’re into poker and blackjack, you like to sit at the electronic game machines, or you’re just looking for a high-energy place for an interesting cocktail and a good meal, it’s a fun option in town.

4. SITE Trampoline
SITE Trampoline is a giant trampoline park perfect for all ages. Whether you’re perfecting you snowboarding jumps, or just freestyle bouncing, you can’t go wrong at a place like this. SITE Trampoline also offers exciting classes like parkour and freerunning, where you can learn to improve aerial awareness and develop new movement techniques. The trampoline park also includes fun amenities such as airbags, super tramps, foam pits, air tracks, and mini ramps. Granted, all of this is pretty active, so it’s not exactly a break from adventuring around Queenstown in that sense. But it’s a whole different type of activity – and particularly worth keeping in mind in case the weather turns on you and you have to cancel one outdoor activity or another.

5. National Transport and Toy Museum
Over 50 years ago Gerald Rhodes aspired to create a museum to showcase iconic and nostalgic toys and vehicles. As a professional car and truck wrecker, Rhodes had access to classic automobiles and began his own collection – which later grew to become the National Transport and Toy Museum. Some of the restored vehicles in the museum are classic automobiles, motorbikes, fire engines, steam-operated vehicles, and even 15 aircraft!. Notably, the museum also holds a large number of Barbie dolls, complete with clothing and accessories, as well as other toys like teddy bears and porcelain dolls. Furthermore, the museum continues to grow to this day, with 50,000 items and counting. It’s a quirky attraction, to be sure, but a great example of something you just won’t find anywhere else.

North America, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Road Trip to New York: The Experience of An American Sporting Event

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Road Trip to New York: The Experience of An American Sporting Event

New York draws in a large number of visitors all throughout the year. Some come for the fast life, while some for its islands, parks; and whichever reason you have, New York does not disappoint its tourists. The Big Apple also has a lot in store for sports lovers. There is the sports giant, Superbowl, and of course, who hasn’t heard of NASCAR!  All throughout the year, NY city is bustling with sports fans right from Times Square to every nook and corner of the city.

new york

Sounds like the kind of place you would like to be at? Of course! So, if you have set your heart upon living your best life in NYC, we recommend you reach the playground via an ultimate road trip. Why a road trip? because you could couple the prime attraction of attending an American sports event, along with other historical and cultural venues in the area.

However, in the States, things may be slightly complicated for first-time traveller, especially if you to drive your way there. So, in this article, we have compiled a list of tips which should get you in and around your life’s biggest sports event in NYC:

  • State laws:

In the US, there are two types of laws: Federal laws and State laws. The majority of the traffic laws belong to the state category, and hence, the rules prevalent at one state might differ from another, and you may need to cross several states to reach your stadium. So, we recommend you read about the state laws well in advance.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Lights:

The whole of America drives on the right side, except for the US Virgin Islands. So, this may come as a cultural shock to people hailing from left-lane countries. Further to your shock, there are speed limits regulated in each country, which need to be strictly followed at all times, and the speed limits to vary from one state to another.

  • Additional Rules You Should Follow:

The US has some strict rules for leaving children unattended in the car and there are mandatory rules to have the child buckled with a proper seat belt at all times. Some states would demand you to have a special seat for the child too, and smoking isn’t allowed inside the car. Using your mobile is another subject which varies according to the state laws. Some states permit the use of phones while driving, while most restrict it to internet usage strictly, and some don’t permit it at all.

  • Make travel arrangements as early as possible:

New York events are very high in demand, and hence, you should book your tickets well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. If you are confused or don’t know the exact event details, then you could visit travel sites such as Sports Where I Am, which especially look after sports lovers.

  • Plan out your finances:

You could book a hotel that is closer to the venue of the sports event, but chances are that anything in a commercial area would be expensive. New York, being the most alpha city in the world, isn’t anything close to “reasonably priced”. Be prepared to splurge and always keep an extra cash deposit ready. If this is your first time in New York, you are in for surprises!

  • Arrive Early:

Always try to reach the spectator’s arena before time. We would not want you to miss even a single highlight of the game. Queues at the entrance, and deficit parking spot: Two problems that any New Yorker knows all too well! These issues could keep you busy while your game is afoot. Thus, most locals would reach the venue well before time.

New York is a big city and you would enjoy every bit of the long drive. Not to forget, our cherry on the American cake: The Grand Game, that’s been on your bucket list for so long, would finally be checked!

So, get set and go!

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal For a Winter Break

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4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal For a Winter Break

If you’re feeling a winter holiday this year, then you’ll likely have many different destinations in mind. Depending on the type of getaway you’re after, whether it be a relaxing beach holiday or city escape, then Portugal is one of the best places to consider for a winter break. Not only does the country have an outstanding reputation for great weather, with almost year-round sunshine, but it is extremely budget-friendly.

portugal

Portugal has boomed in terms of popularity over the past few years, but winter is one of the best times to visit as you avoid the majority of tourists and can still rest assured that you’ll get good weather. With historic towns, beautiful scenery and great food and drink, Portugal truly excels when it comes to a winter break holiday destination.

Guaranteed Winter Sunshine

When winter comes around, many of us long for the warm, long days of summer. Unlike most of Europe, Portugal doesn’t tend to get many dips in temperature or grey skies in the middle of the winter months. Whilst there are some places in Portugal that see snow, the Atlantic coastline sees plenty of sunshine and blue skies all year round.

The Algarve is perhaps one of the best areas of Portugal to visit during the winter, thanks to its location. In November, the average temperature in the Algarve varies between 16 and 20º, which is still warm enough to sit by the sea and enjoy a glass of wine or two!

Low Tourist Numbers

The Algarve has long been a favourite destination for European holidaymakers, but it has been a bit of a hidden secret until recent years. Now, Porto and Lisbon are must-visit destinations for many travellers, with many visitors year-round but, during the summer months, these places are extremely busy.

If you visit during the winter, then you can expect queues for many of the top visitor attractions to be extremely small and it is easier to get into many of the top bars and restaurants thanks to fewer visitors. Whilst the weather might not be exactly what it is in the summer, you will likely have a much less stressful and crowded getaway.

Save Money

As there are fewer visitors in the winter, you’ll find that the everyday expenses that you expect when you go away will be slightly less than they are in the height of summer. Flights are often much cheaper, train fares are reduced meaning you can go exploring the inner cities or coastal areas and you’ll find that accommodation is easier to find between the months of November and March.

Whilst hotel and accommodation prices skyrocket in the summer season, it isn’t unusual to see prices decrease by anything up to 50% in the winter months. This is a perfect time to splash out on something a little more luxurious, especially if you want a couple’s break or are travelling with a group, as often luxury villas Vale do Labo, Vilamoura, and Loule based are much more worthwhile when it comes to pricing in these months. 

Enjoy Traditional Dishes

Portuguese isn’t all that well-known outside of Europe, which considering the magnitude of fresh ingredients included in many of the dishes, is surprising. With a penchant to create simple and delicious seafood dishes and great local wine, the cuisine in Portugal matches the culture – relaxed and enjoyable. Whilst lighter dishes are more common in the summer months, winter sees more hearty dishes come out for the slightly cooler months.

Cozido, which is a type of meat stew, regularly makes an appearance and is served alongside boiled potatoes and vegetables. Each and every region has one or two different traditional versions, so it is unlikely that you get the same once twice – Cozido is a local dish and is unlikely to be found in tourist hotspots. You can still get all of the same great dishes, such as fresh fish, caldo verde and pastel de natas, but be sure to give some of the seasonal choices a try too!

Travel Tips

6 Ways to Travel the World While Studying in College

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6 Ways to Travel the World While Studying in College

For college students, many things might seem unreachable. We dream about going places or doing so many things we love. However, it might be hard to succeed while in college. With all the studying, projects, college obligations, and lack of money, it’s hard to fulfill everything we’re dreaming of. The same goes for traveling the world.

college

Travelling is one of the best ways to spend your time and money. You widen your horizons, learn about the world, and experience some amazing things. Still, college students find it hard to afford traveling and are waiting until they finish college to enjoy it. For those of you who don’t want to wait until you finish college, there are ways to start traveling today.

The list above will help you find a way to travel more while in college and enjoy life to the fullest.

1.     Earn Money on The Side

While in college, you need to focus on your studies and academic success. However, this doesn’t mean it should be the only thing you’re doing.

Let’s face it. It can’t be possible that you only have time for studying and attending classes.

If you’re well-organized, you can find a way to earn some money on the side.

You can find an online freelance job and work remotely from your dorm room or your home:

  • virtual assistant
  • data entry
  • tutor
  • customer service agent
  • social media manager

You can also continue working while on your trip with nothing more than your laptop and Wi-Fi.

These jobs don’t require years of experience and are easy to land. You can also find a job locally, near your college:

  • bartender
  • babysitting
  • pet sitter
  • tutor

You can earn money for a trip abroad and travel to a destination you dream of seeing.

2.     Get a Scholarship

Your academic success and the effort you put into doing good in college can get you to see the world.

There are scholarships and student exchange programs that can provide you a year of studying and living in a foreign country.

All you have to do is:

  • be a great student
  • find an exchange program you’d like to apply to
  • get the details for applying
  • write a killer application letter

In case you need help with writing a motivation letter, you can get help from the best online essay writer and ensure you get the scholarship.

This way, you’ll be able to travel thanks to your hard work and dedication to your studies.

3.     Volunteer Work

Another fantastic way for you to go abroad and travel the world while you’re in college and have no money to finance this yourself is to volunteer.

Volunteering is a noble, rewarding experience that everyone should try at least once. You get to help people, meet new friends, and spend time doing something truly selfless.

But, the best part is that volunteering enables you to travel free of cost. In most cases they will:

  • provide accommodation
  • provide food

You won’t be earning any money, but you won’t be spending any. It’s a great option for students to travel.

4.     Internship or Research Centers

As a young academic, you can also consider the option of finding an internship or a job at a research center to get yourself abroad.

It’s a win-win situation since you’ll be:

  • gaining work experience
  • improving your knowledge and skills
  • seeing a new part of the world

Luckily, all you need to succeed is access to the internet. Start searching for internship opportunities and find the one that fits you the most.

Then, make sure your application stands out from the rest and hope for the best.

5.     Teach English

If you’re a native English speaker, you can travel the world by teaching English abroad.

You don’t have to have a college degree in the English language, you just need to be able to teach it to foreigners.

These programs will get you jobs at language summer camps all over the world:

  • China
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • France
  • Africa

It’s one of the best ways to spend your summer, instead of partying and doing the same things every day.

Instead, invest your energy into finding a job as an English teacher and spend your summer abroad doing an interesting job and experiencing something completely different.

6.     Take a Gap Year

Finally, for those of you who are seriously hungry for more adventure, new experiences and memorable moments, the summer break won’t do the trick.

If you want to travel further, see more things, and spend more time as a free spirit, you need to find more time.

Well, you can always take a gap year.

For so many students this sounds like a terrible thing. Just remember, you only have one life to live and your college isn’t going anywhere.

You can go back to your old life a year later and continue working on getting your diploma.

Consider this option and try living your life the way your heart is telling you to.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a college student is far from impossible. As you can see, there are numerous options for you to consider and you can go for any of them today.

Use the list above as a guide and inspiration for planning your travel adventures while studying. Start enjoying your life more and work hard for achieving your travel goals.

Destinations, Oceania, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Top 5 Mistakes Tourists Make in New Zealand

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Top 5 Mistakes Tourists Make in New Zealand

New Zealand is full of amazing places and sights to see and is one of those hidden gems that are definitely worth your time and effort. However, this sort of trip requires a lot of planning, no matter where you come from and how old you are, especially if you want to avoid some of the most common mistakes tourists generally make when visiting New Zealand. So, here are five of these mistakes, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.

Weather conditions

This is one of the most common misconceptions about New Zealand – the weather there isn’t always warm! It’s just as changeable and unpredictable as everywhere in the world, and this is something you have to remember when planning your trip there. This means you have to explore the weather conditions beforehand and get informed, especially while packing your bags.

Whether you come in the spring or fall, the chances are you’ll be spending tons of time in the rain and wind. So, pack lots of clothes and pay attention to layers. If you decide to go in the winter, though, you’ll have to pack lots of warm things, as well as a jacket. Winters in New Zealand can be quite tricky, and you have to do whatever you can to avoid feeling cold all the time.

new zealand

Driving in New Zealand

Depending on where you come from, the traffic in New Zealand is either going to be a breeze or the worst thing you’ve ever experienced. If you come from the UK or Australia, you won’t have a problem adjusting to driving on the left – if you come from almost anywhere else, this could take a while. However, the main issue isn’t the side of the road you’re using, but the rules and laws you have to obey.

People in New Zealand are very disciplined and organized when it comes to driving, which is why lots of roads are covered with road cameras. You’ll get a ticket for speeding as well because the speed limit is generally 50 kilometers per hour, which is about 30 miles per hour. In case you drive faster than that in urban areas, you might be dealing with the local police, and that’s never fun.

Using time properly

New Zealand is a huge place, and if you want to visit everything worth visiting, you’re going to need at least a couple of months. That’s why you have to make a proper plan and get organized before you arrive there. Making a list of things you consider important is the best way to go, and then all you have to do is follow your plan.

Another problem with New Zealand is its location – since it’s quite far from basically every other place in the world, you’ll probably be dealing with some jetlag once you get there. That’s why planning a trip that lasts for a couple of days doesn’t make much sense at all. But, if you manage to stay here for at least a week or fortnight, you might be having the time of your life.

Check your mobile plan

Again, being ready is a must, especially when you’re traveling abroad. This includes your mobile plan as well unless you want to be cut off from the world. Some cell phones simply don’t work in certain locations, and there’s very little you can do if you notice that’s the case with your phone upon coming to New Zealand.

What you can do, though, is make a plan beforehand, and solve this problem before it occurs. Getting your personal New Zealand SIM card might help you a lot, and give you a mobile plan you can rely on. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy New Zealand even more and use all those apps that will help you take your experience to the next level.

The best season to visit New Zealand

Even though it may not be the most popular tourist location in the world, New Zealand is still quite popular. That’s why lots of people come here regularly and spend time enjoying the beauties of this wonderful place. But, because of that, there are certain times of the year when lots of tourists arrive at once, and that’s when you should avoid coming here.

The high season in New Zealand is between December and February, because of the nice weather. However, if you come in the off-season, you’ll still get lots of sunny days and warm weather you can enjoy, but you won’t be surrounded by so many tourists.

As you can see, New Zealand is definitely a place you should visit – with so many tourist attractions and amazing locations, you can easily spend weeks here without getting bored. So, get organized in advance and make a proper plan, and you’ll surely make the most of the time you’re about to spend in New Zealand. 

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America, Travel Tips

Yellowstone Where the Concept of National Parks Started

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Words: Len Rutledge    Images: Phensri Rutledge

With geysers, grizzlies, an impressive grand canyon, and great mud pools, Yellowstone National Park in America’s west is dramatic, imposing and at times overwhelming. The world’s first national park, established in 1872, is a wonderful blend of land, water, forest, grassland, wildlife and geothermal features. It challenges your senses and stirs your soul.

Yellowstone
Old Faithful

The first expedition to reach here returned with accounts that were rebuffed by magazine editors and politicians who said their accounts were too far-fetched to be believed. Writers need to be careful even today. Fortunately, images and video readily available on our screens confirm todays words.

Yellowstone is in Wyoming with small parts spilling over into Montana and Idaho. Heat and volcanic activity from the depths of Earth power this dramatic landscape which is visited by four million visitors each year. In 1978, Yellowstone was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are several different approaches that feed into the Grand Loop Road, a figure-eight highway in the middle of the park. Rather than a single focus, Yellowstone has several hubs so travelling around is essential. Most visitors do this by car but various tours are available which visit most areas. During my recent visit, I thought these were some of the park highlights.

Old Faithful Village

A highlight here is Old Faithful Inn, a masterpiece of national park rustic architecture, with the lobby containing a massive stone fireplace and soaring timber ceiling. Just outside, Old Faithfull Geyser erupts around 17 times per day to an average height of 40 metres. Wait on the wooden boardwalk built around the geyser and watch it erupt with your camera in hand. With its reliable eruption times it’s easy to plan a visit to witness a blowout.

Old Faithful Inn

Afterwards, the Old Faithful Visitor Education Centre explains the geology behind the world’s most famous geyser. Visitors can then easily hike the Upper Geyser Basin, home to around 60 percent of the world’s geysers.

Further north is the Norris Geyser Basin, where geological wonders like Artist Paint Pots, Roaring Mountain, and Steamboat Geyser are complemented by the indoor exhibits of two museums. Visitors can also explore the eerie Norris-Canyon Blowdown with its ghost trees, or fly fish for trout in the swift-flowing Gibson River.

Colourful hot spring

Grand Prismatic Spring

Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, is in the Midway Geyser Basinand is accessible by boardwalk. It is a large turquoise pool ringed with orange and yellow with steam coming off the surface. Temperatures around the pool are high, especially during the summer. The rainbow colours are best viewed from a height so take a slightly strenuous hike up the Midway Bluff trailfor the perfect vantage point.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This is an immense multicoloured trench that stretches 38 kilometres and rises as much as 360 metres above the Yellowstone River. Trails lead to outstanding viewpoints like Artist’s Point on the south rim and Lookout Point on the north rim, for great views of the 100-metre-high Lower Yellowstone Falls. The canyon is marked by steep white-and-yellow cliffs and its vents and spires reveal thermal activity that continues unabated underground.

Lower Yellowstone Falls

Yellowstone Lake

The largest high-altitude lake in North America offers the park’s best opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront camping but it is too cold for swimming. There are rental boats, guided fishing charters, and scenic lake cruises, as well as shuttle services to remote campsites along the 141-mile lakeshore.

Lamar Valley

This is the best place in Yellowstone to get a glimpse of the wolves that have been reintroduced to the park. Bison and elk also frequent the valley with its lush grasslands.

Here and elsewhere there is abundant wildlife, including elk, bison, grizzlies, black bear, pronghorn antelope, moose, and bighorn sheep. March and April are the best months to view bear, while the winter months are best for wolves and bighorn sheep. Elk, moose, bison, and mountain goats can be spotted during the summer months.

You are guaranteed to see bison. The park’s herd dwindled to just 23 animals during the late 19th century, but the population later bounced back thanks to more effective protection and now totals roughly 5,500.

Surrounded by mountain towns immediately to the north, east, and west, and bordered by Grand Teton National Park to the south, there is plenty to do not only within, but also around the park.

Accommodation

These hotels provide accommodation in the park. Old Faithful Inn is the world’s largest log structure with restaurants, bars and shop. Lake Yellowstone Hotel with its Greek Revival facade is the park’s oldest hotel overlooking the lake. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is a classic motor lodge with motel-style rooms and cabins, restaurant, shop, and map room.

The park has 12 developed campgrounds, including Mammoth, Canyon, and Grant Village.

www.LenRutledge.com

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Food, Travel Tips

6 Best Food and Drinks You Have to Try in Australia

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6 Best Food and Drinks You Have to Try in Australia

australia

The majestic land Down Under has much more to offer except beautiful weather, light breeze, timid nights and gorgeous sight. Just as if that is not great enough, if you were to visit or travel this stunning continent, you will be able to enliven all your senses by tasting foods and drinks like nowhere else on the globe. Australia has an abundance of fantastic restaurants, pubs, and bars, that it makes it hard to rule out some specific one to go to since there are truly many. However, there are a  few ways to experience the enticing flavors of Australia. What you need to do is follow this list and get prepared to be mind blown by the variety of food and drinks you can taste while visiting Australia.

1. The mouth-watering lamingtons

Australian food

The lamington is a juicy and savory cake that has proudly earned the renowned reputation as being ‘National Cake of Australia’. Therefore, it is only logical to be on the top of the list. Lamington is a square-shaped sponge cake that is dipped and basically deeply coated in a thick layer of chocolate icing and then spread with coconut. In restaurants all around Australia, they make lamingtons traditionally and serve them with whipped cream or jam, and in some café’s you will see locals enjoying this mouth-watering delight with a cup of coffee.

2. Delicious school prawns

Australia

Being surrounded by water, all around Australia you will find many restaurants serving great seafood. However, if you fish to taste the gems of this wonderful country you should try the school prawns from the Sydney Fish Market. ‘Schoolies’ as called by the fishmongers, are small wild-caught estuarine prawns. At the Fish Market, you will always find them freshly caught. Restaurants Buon Ricordo in Sydney and Ricky & Pinky in Melbourne serve the most delicious school prawns. But, you can easily prepare them at home. Just dust them with flour, and fry until they are crispy.

3. The savory Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine in Australia

Australia has long been known as a producer of some of the greatest and most refined wines in the world. The entire region of South Australia can loudly brag about being a home to the world’s most exquisite wines. Choices are abundant, form chilly Merlot to rich and complex Pinot Grigio. If you cannot make up your mind which wine to try, you can always go for Cabernet Sauvignon which is well-structured, meticulously textured and with varietal flavors. The best thing about Australian wine is that you can always order one of your favorite boutique wines online, and enjoy in this riveting delight you tried in Australia in the comfort of your home.

4. Aussie Kangaroo barbie

A typical Australian barbecue or ‘barbie’ implies putting a lot of savory meat on the grill, inviting friends over and drink the night away. Kangaroos are overpopulating the terrain in some places, however, these joyous animals might not be your first choice of meat, but when you are in Australia it is perfectly normal to try kangaroo steak or burger. They are generally cooked rare to medium, and they blend deliciously with rosemary, garlic, and red currant. Sydney restaurant Angus Steak House is the best place to go to try grilled kangaroo.

5. The refreshing ginger beer

All around the world you will encounter different varieties of this drink. Nonetheless, ginger beer is one of the must-try Australian drinks because it is brewed in the most traditional ways. Firstly, they grind up dried ginger which locals have grown it so that it retains its full flavor, later they mix it up with sugarcane and water. After it gets heated and fermented with a special kind of yeast. Yummy! All across Australia, you will find many craft breweries that serve ginger beer, but you should try Bundaberg Ginger Beer.

6. Grab a juicy meat pie on the go

Roughly 24 million Australians eat up to 300 million meat pies a year. And it is no wonder that this seemingly simple treat is so popular all over Australia. Meat pie has quickly incorporated into Australian culture since it is served at pretty much every big event or restaurant. You will find meat pies are literally every gas station and bakery all across the country and it is damn delicious. You can top it up with homemade sauce or eat it plain. Anyhow, you are in for a real savory treat.

You can truly eat your way through the entire country’s culture and traditions. Make sure that you don’t miss out on these food and drinks while in Australia and if you can, grab them even as a takeaway.

Europe, Travel Tips

Things to See – Ultimate Traveling Guide to Freebies in Donegal

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Donegal is the second-largest county with unquestionably rich scenery in Ireland. From the 300-kilometer stretch coastline, intoxicating headlands, high sea cliffs to natural parks, there is a lot to explore from this region in Ireland. If you are planning a trip and wondering what you will be treated to, below are just but a few items to enjoy while in Donegal.

donegal

The Malin Head

The Malin’s head is probably the most northern part of Ireland. This makes it worth a visit, especially if you have been to the County Cork, which is the south-western part of Ireland. The site offers exquisite views with a lot of walking and biking opportunities to challenge your outdoor self.

At some point in the Malin Head, you will see the words “Eire” written with stones on the grass. This recent discovery is said to have been engraved during the Second World War so that the above-flying Germans could know that they were flying over Ireland, who were neutral during the war. This came after they accidentally bombed Dublin, thinking it wasn’t part of Ireland.

The Atlantic Drive

Donegal has several stunning beaches, and it is a pity if you don’t get good weather to enjoy them. Among the best beaches is the Portsalon Beach that has a stunning stretch of water with different shades of blue and golden sand. If you need more of the beach view, take an Atlantic drive.

If you have your own campervan, car or using a tour guided car, you should go for the Atlantic Drive. This is part of the longest Wild Atlantic Way, which is the longest coastal road excursion. There are countless beautiful views, and photo lovers will enjoy this trip here.

Boat ride to Tory Island

Tory island is one of the many remote and intriguing islands in Ireland. Despite the remote nature, it is worth a visit, especially for history enthusiasts. There are a lot of interesting things about this small Island.

With a population of about 200 people, you will find deeply rooted Irish language speakers and conservatives who still keep traditional Irish culture. The fact that a king rules them says a lot about this Island. Therefore, spend at least one day learning more about Ireland’s culture on this Island.

There are other interesting things to see during your Donegal trip. Some key centres that shouldn’t miss in your schedule include;

  • The Glenveagh Castle
  • Slieve League Cliffs
  • The Lough Derg
  • The Famine Village
  • The Letterkenny Catherdral

Accommodation in Donegal

Accommodation is probably one of the major concerns for freebies looking to enjoy their stay in Donegal. However, there should be no course to worry about. Imagine waking up to chirping birds, the mouth licking smell of Irish breakfast wafting from the kitchenette and amazing morning view from the surrounding coastline. This is just a portion of what you get by checking into Donegal Thatch Cottages. You can book through Airbnb for a bed and breakfast option. Hosts in the cottages are very welcoming, and you will surely enjoy your stay here.

Editor's Picks, Travel Tips

Money, Food and The Weather are To Blame for The Majority of Holiday Tensions

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Money, food and the weather are some of the biggest reasons behind family fallouts while away, new research has revealed.

The study, conducted by cruise agent Bolsover Cruise Club, surveyed 1000 UK adults and examined the most common reasons behind holiday spats, as well as the optimum length of time we could spend away with our loved ones before bickering was likely to set in.

The results showed that despite their many positives, holidaying with our friends and family can be a rather stressful affair, especially when it comes to the day-to-day.

 In fact, the study found that more than two thirds of Brits admit to falling out with friends or family when on holiday, and that we’re likely to have heated words with our loved ones around four times a week on average while on our jollies.

Top 5 reasons for Fall Outs on Holiday:  

  1. What to do and see
  2. Where/What to eat
  3. The weather/heat
  4. Money/splitting bills
  5. People not controlling their children

Outside of the top five, other reasons given behind common disagreements between friends and family were things such as travel and directions (22.8%), who gets which room/bed (20.2%) and being generally over tired (18.9%).

Men were found to be the more frugal of the sexes, as more than a third shared that they were likely to cause tensions with their friends and family over money/splitting bills, compared to just 14.6% of women.

That said, nearly half of the women (41%) surveyed admitted that they regularly get hot headed towards their travel companions over food choices while on holiday.

Bolsover Cruise Club also quizzed participants on how long they believed they’d be able to holiday with various family members and friends and used this to find the optimum amount of time Brits should consider booking time away with their loved ones.

Results uncovered that our partner was likely to be the best choice for a longer break, closely followed by brother(s) and friends.

Unfortunately for grandma and grandad, dad, sister(s) and nieces, nephews and godchildren, they were all ranked pretty low on the scale in terms of tolerable days. 

Maximum Holiday Time Before a Fallout*

Partner: 10 days 6 minutes 
Mum: 6 Days, 16 hours and 48 minutes
Dad: 2 Days, 13 hours and 33 minutes
Brother: 7 Days, 7 hours and 12 minutes
Sister: 2 days, 21 hours and 36 minutes
Grandparents: 2 days, 12 hours
Children (yours): 8 days, 12 hours
Children (your nieces, nephews, godchildren etc): 1 days, 12 hours
Aunties and Uncles: 3 days, 12 hours
Cousins: 5 days, 7 hours and 18 minutes
Friends: 7 days

Michael Wilson, Managing Director at Bolsover Cruise Club, commented on the findings:  “While there are naturally family feuds and bickering amongst friends, it is great to hear that the majority of Brits are still happy to head away on their annual holidays with their loved ones.

“One key thing to keep in mind is that it’s perfectly okay not to all want to do the same thing while away, whether that’s food, activities or general lounging around the pool, which is why we believe a cruise can provide a great option when wanting to please more than one or two holidaymakers.”