Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Zadar: Whispers of History and Sea Organs

07/06/2015 Goky Brkic 1 Comment

Old town of Zadar

The City of Zadar is located in the south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean with a world famous harbor. Zadar is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, because of its beautiful sights and the influences of the Roman culture, which are very much visible in the city itself. Its total population is about 75,000 inhabitants. With its Romanic forum, historical buildings and long, beautiful beaches, Zadar is the ideal tourist destination.

The old town of Zadar is perfect for trips and sightseeing tours. It is located on an half isle and surrounded by Venetian walls. Especially the “fountain square” with its Corinthian statue is a must see destination. Zadar has also a lot of museums to offer, like the Museum of Science, or the Archaeological Museum of Zadar and many others. The churches in this city are also as beautiful as numerous. There is, for example, the Church of the Holy Anastasia, which was built by the Romans in the 13th century, that is famous for its paintings and well-handcrafted marble altars.

Ruins of Roman Forum and Church of St. Mary in background

From unique paintings and churches, to the most unique and interesting thing in Zadar to see, the sea organs. First installed in June 2005, the organs make a unique noise, when sea waves pressure air into the “organ holes” in the ground. As different the speed of the waves is, the different these organs sound, making a sound natural and unique, as the nature itself. Not far from the sea organs, the same architect installed a circle of 22 meters with 300 accessible glazed flagstones, which absorb the sunlight and provide an incredible light after the sunset.

Famous sea organs

Especially for sailors, Zadar is a must visit destination. The many islands which surround Zadar are ideal for people who like to discover new places and sail by their own. The untouched nature, as well as the beautiful landscape, is unique in the Zadar area. The shapes and outlines are impressive. The island Galesnjak, for example, has the shape of a heart and has an untouched nature, which just alone is worth a visit. Nin is just 17 kilometers away. This old lagoon town is connected with the mainland just by bridges. These are just two of many more islands that surround Zadar.

When you decide to visit Zadar, you will be delighted to see, that the Zemunik Airport is about 10 kilometers away from the main bus station and 12 kilometers away from the city center. It’s also possible to rent a car, if you come from a country which is allowed to drive in the European Union. There is a direct bus line between the airport and the main bus station. This line costs 25 Kuna, which is about 3 Euros or 4 Dollars. Another common transfer possibility is the taxi. The taxis are the fastest way to go around in Zadar, but will cost you about 20 Euros or 22 Dollars. If you wish to visit the districts of Borik or Diklo, it is highly recommended to use taxis to get to these districts, because if you would take the bus, you would be forced to change the bus at the bus station.

Kolovare beach

Zadar is a city which has been influenced by the Roman culture. It has a lot of beautiful churches, the Romanic forum, the old town with its Venetian walls, as well as the very individual and interesting sea organs. Zadar is a city with many specters and facets, but still modest and beautiful, and that makes it the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Europe, Food, Infographic, Street Food Guide, Travel Tips

European street food: The definite guide

07/01/2015 Adam Meaden Leave a comment

Every country is renown for their own takes on culture and society, and food plays just as an important role in that as everything else. So when travelling around Europe, what are the definite foods you really need to try out to get a real taste of the country you’re in? Continue reading European street food: The definite guide →

Asia, Travel Tips

6 Reasons to Visit Hong Kong

06/30/2015 Romeo Demes Leave a comment

Hong Kong is Asia’s paradise for shoppers. If you love traveling, there is a compelling list of reasons why you must include this erstwhile British colony in your itinerary. What tourists would remember about Hong Kong is its sprawling skyline and its perfect harbor. Communication is not a problem when you are in Hong Kong as English is spoken by its locals. You will see signboards and signage in bilingual so that you will not go missing while shopping and doing business in this dynamic island.

Here are six reasons to visit Hong Kong:

1. Shopper’s Haven

Hong Kong is known for its myriads of shopping malls, bazaars, and street markets that offer numerous products from branded fashion items, expensive gadgets, and affordable products. If you are shopping on a limited budget, make sure to drop by at the Temple Street, where you can buy inexpensive products such as shoes, bags, clothes, watches, goodies and electronic devices. At Yau Ma Tei, you can have a palm and a card reading session with any of the local fortune tellers. The Ladies’ Market provides shopping option for cash-strapped travelers as they can shop for bargained items.

2. Nightlife

Enjoy nightlife in Hong Kong by visiting their pubs, discotheques and bars. You can watch Chinese opera and live performances at Yau Ma Tei. Completing your day is a cruise ride along the coast of Victoria Harbor, and see the Symphony of Lights and cityscape in Hong Kong.

3. Savor Chinese Cuisine

Hong Kong is not only called a shopper’s paradise, but it is also known by its other moniker as Asia’s culinary capital. Travelers will truly enjoy their holiday as they can savor the taste of Asian and international cuisines in various restaurants. Authentic Chinese dishes such as dim sum, noodles, dumplings and wontons should not be missed out.

4. Perfect Destination for Tours

Hong Kong offers a perfect getaway for honeymooners, and an ideal venue for business conferences, and family tours. The vibrant city is home to various eco-systems, theme parks, museums, temples and shopping malls that are worth your money. Families will enjoy their three-day vacation in Hong Kong by visiting the Disneyland and have fun with thrill ride and see the huge aquarium at the Ocean Park, then ride the tram that will take them to the Victoria Peak.

5. Cultural and Tourism Activities

Hong Kong is rich in cultural history and Chinese in Hong Kong live in their tradition by holding annual festivities. Enjoy watching the dragon and lion dances during the Chinese New Year. Fireworks display and colorful parades are performed to mark several occasions such as Dragon Boat Festival, Chung Yeung Festival, and the Winter Solstice Festival

6. Hong Kong`s Famous Massage Spas

Your next stop while in Hong Kong is a famous massage spa to relieve you from stress after shopping and sightseeing. You can opt for half an hour of massage treatment for a fee of HK$200 and a fee of HK$200 plus for a luxurious massage that will take more than an hour. Top choices of spa include the Oriental Spa, Four Seasons Spa, Mandarin Spa, Plateau Spa, Peninsula Spa, and I-Spa, MiraSpa, Chuan Spa, Ritz Carlton Spa, Bliss Spa, Melo Spa, Victoria Spa, Quan Spa and OM Spa.

Europe, Travel Tips

The Most Heart-shaped Island in the World

06/24/2015 Romeo Demes Leave a comment

Intro

The world is full of famous Islands which are visited by thousands and thousands of tourist every year, especially during summer holidays. Many people choose Islands over cities because they want to get away from all the city life and just enjoy nature as it is suposed to be. But not all Islands are equal. Some of them are great sailing spots, some are peaceful and relaxation and others are real party paradises. A lot of honeymooners choose Islands as a romantic getaway destination as well and what could be better then visiting the most heart-shaped Island in the world.

What’s so special about the rocky, hard to access island without any facilities? There’s no fancy hotels, bars, no sunshade, no sun beds, not even drinkable water or toilet. Nor the beaches are the nicest. However, from 2009. the popularity of Galesnjak increases every year thanks to eagle-eyed Google Earth. Every bigger news channel broadcasted that Croatia has the heart shaped island, Galesnjak island.

About the Island

Since then, romantic couples who visit Croatia want to share the most romantic moments at the most romantic place in the world, even to have a wedding ceremony in the shrubs and rocks. Many people who spend their sailing holidays in Croatia decide to visit this small but fascinating Island. The first record of its shape was not by Google Earth; in early 19th century Napoleon’s cartographer recorded in the Maps of Dalmatia the shape of” the Island of Love”. Island is privately owned, any visitor has to ask owner for permission to come. It is possible to camp, but is necessary to take everything with you; water, food, tent..

Where it can be found

It is located in Pasman channel, between island of Pasman and small town Turanj near Zadar on mainland. The only way to visit Galesnjak is to rent a boat or to take a short tour with tourist boat as a stopover place. If you’re taking the small boat and want to camp there take all facilities with you. The most comfort way to visit Galesnjak is to rent a sailing boat or motor yacht. Then you can spend a whole day on the island, but have a good bed, kitchen and toilet. So, if you head to sailing in Zadar area with your partner, be sure to anchor the boat in this special place. Galesnjak may be missing a lot of things to be the perfect holiday destination, but it`s like they say – sometimes all you need is love, which can be found on the Island of Love!

How to reach it

Best time to visit Galesnjak is during summer, when the weather is great and the sailing conditions are really good so even sailors with less experience can safely reach it. Since there are no ferries to Galesnjak, you will need to visit it with your own boat, a chartered one of with a water taxi.

Europe, Infographic, Travel Blogging, Travel Planning

Berlin: Europe’s Greatest City?

06/16/2015 Adam Meaden Leave a comment

Berlin has been a popular tourist destination for years and attracts people of all ages – for both the vast historical relevance and abundance of important museums to its culture and vibrant streets. Continue reading Berlin: Europe’s Greatest City? →

Europe, Travel Tips

Rijeka – A Beautiful Croatian City At Night

06/16/2015 Romeo Demes Leave a comment

Are you wondering what tourist destination to visit in Europe? Consider Rijeka, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Croatia. Let’s examine Rijeka’s vast offering in more intricate detail.

About Rijeka

Rijeka is an interesting prospect for anyone interested in a sightseeing tour of the city’s rich history. Its port-city status aside, you can schedule a tour of the surrounding area, where you can interact with the city’s people and learn about the city’s tag of an industrial hub. Guides are always on hand to walk you through the city’s vast alleyways, where you can get an in-depth understating of the rise and fall of industrial activities, the local culture, and the hope the city’s people hold. That way, you will get an up-close dose of Croatian hospitality.

For anyone relishing a dip, you can take a scuba dive where interestingly, you can enjoy a boat ride on your way to a dive at sea, or even start your dive from the shore. The latter alternative would be a more ideal explorative approach to scuba diving in Rijeka. The diving centers are resplendent; professionally managed by personable staff who are also well-versed in different languages. For the adventuresome who have never tried diving, this would be the ideal opportunity to learn easily. The area is teeming with sea life and what better way to see the microorganisms, or even to photograph them than on a dive?

Why choose Rijeka?

Besides, a visit to Rijeka would not be complete without a trip to the city’s museums. For instance, the historical museums such as the Governors Palace attest to Croatia’s heritage and leadership. Its proximity to a large park means you can thereafter take a stroll and wind down, as you reflect on your tour. The city’s art museums provide an intriguing collection of curated artifacts that are “a must see” for art loves. Moreover, the city’s landmarks such as Trsat castle, historical sites, and ancient ruins are a major draw to Rijeka.

Getting Around

With all these sites in mind, the lingering question on any tourist’s mind would be how to navigate your way around Rijeka. Your choice of transport can largely influence the number of sites you can visit, as well as your overall experience.

Since the prices are low and simillar to public transportation, many tourist decide to rent a car in Rijeka. Rijeka is a vast city, with lots of attractions. A car rental service would rid you off the hassle and inconvenience of having to wait on a bus or tram. This would ensure that you make the most of your time on your trip, and even visit more attractions thereby leading to a more enjoyable experience.

Moreover, buses may also not access the specific areas you intend to visit. A bus service may also run at an inconvenient time. Rather than cutting your trip short and getting cranky, or contending with a long walk to a tourist site, simple hire a car. It will rid you of the unease, while getting you around at your convenience.

Hiring a car is not only reliable, but is also pocket friendly. As compared to public transportation, it is not a steep option, pricewise. Some car hire service may only be marginally expensive, but hey, a couple of Euros more for a reliable service are well-worth it. Renting a car means you can engage in the activities that drew you to Rijeka- sightseeing, the sumptuous delicacies, the people, historical artifacts, a boat ride etc.

Final words

Ultimately, your visit to Rijeka is bound to be a standout experience. If you’ve ever wondered what top-rated destinations to visit in Europe, Rijeka should be on your list. Give it a shot, and you will realize the jewel that the city really is.

Food

Cuba for the Foodies

06/10/2015 Kate Flannery Leave a comment

When speaking about ideal places for one’s vacation, most people will always envision a beautiful, heaven like a location in the Caribbean. Although for generations, Cuba served as a synonym for Caribbean paradise, political occurrences prevented it from ever developing into the most wanted Caribbean tourist destination. With the recent warming of the relationship between the U.S. and the Cuban government, this dreamlike island and all its wonders are once again open for foreign visitors.

Truth be told, Cuba is a place of incredible natural riches and dazzling landscapes. However, visiting a place and getting to really learn about it is not just about sightseeing. In order to get to really know a place, you must experience its culture, meet its people but above all else have a taste of local culture through its cuisine. When it comes to this, Cuba is second to none.

Best of Cuban cuisine

Treat yourself and take a culinary vacation to this incredible Caribbean island. Although its recent isolation damaged the Cuban economy somewhat, it influenced its cuisine for better. Because embargo prevented this country from importing many culinary supplies, it pushed local cooks and chefs into developing an even more autochthonous cuisine by relying solely on spices, vegetables and types of meat that were available to them locally. All of it had a part in making this otherwise unique cuisine even more authentic.

The way to start your day

Tasting a culture is not just about eating local but drinking local as well. Start your day with a Cubita, a local substitute for espresso or café con leche, based on your personal preference, in one of the local cafés. Add to this coffee a Cuban tostada, Cuban toast with butter, and there you have yourself a perfect and authentic local breakfast and experience.

Lunch in Cuba

Proceed with your culinary day in this Caribbean jewel by enjoying your lunch in one of the magnificent yet simple Cuban restaurants. Try the traditional empanada, as well as chicken or meat turnovers. Further complement your delicious dish with a side of mariquitas, thinly sliced plantain chips and you are bound to get a meal that you are unlikely to forget.

Another Cuban specialty, usually enjoyed for lunch, is the pan con bistec, a thin slice of palomilla steak on bread, which is then garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and fried potato sticks on the side. One thing is for sure, regardless of what you decide on, you will certainly not regret it and it is quite possible you will urge to revel in Cuba’s culinary magnificence again as soon as possible.

Authentic Cuban snack and dinner

Pastelitos, croquetas, and bocaditos are all delicious Cuban finger food, a specialty of Cuban chefs usually enjoyed as a delicious snack, to help you make it between a delicious Cuban lunch and a delicious Cuban dinner. Dinner usually consists of meat, most commonly chicken or fish accompanied with either white rice or black beans. For dessert, Cuban caramel-flavored custard is usually served; if not this, it is expected that its replacement will be one of the most curious local treats, rice pudding.

Each of these meals has its completely unique taste and every single one carries in itself its own little part of Cuba. Unfortunately, no holiday is long enough for one to taste them all. Still you are always welcome to return to Cuba over and over again, and with the wonderful weather, the authentic cultural vibe and the vintage cars – why wouldn’t you?

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Editor's Picks, Shopping Guide

The amazing Thai capital

06/08/2015 Len Rutledge 1 Comment

Bangkok has great attractions, lovely people, some of the world’s best shopping, and a whole cultural experience to enjoy. For me these far outweigh the problems of pollution, overcrowding, horrendous traffic and lack of green spaces seen in all megacities. Just look at a few aspects of the city.

Palaces and Wats (temples).

The Grand Palace must be one of the great architectural complexes in the world. From certain angles, this represents all that is best about Thailand and Thai culture. It is a sight guaranteed to impress the most blasé traveller. The whole complex just assaults the senses from all sides.

Wat Po is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and is often called Thailand’s first university. The main attraction is the gigantic 46-metre long reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf but there is much more to see.

There are over 400 wats in Bangkok and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is one of my favourites. It sits beside the Chao Phraya River and is particularly spectacular in the early morning.

Don’t miss a visit to Vimanmek Palace which is billed as the world’s largest golden teak building. Also worth visiting is Suan Pakkad Palace, where five traditional Thai houses overlooking a lovely garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.

Food.

Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. If you enjoy it in your home country, you will love it in Bangkok. Contrary to popular opinion, Thai food is not always hot. In fact some of the dishes I most enjoy are those where the subtle flavours of the herbs and spices slowly fill the mouth for a special experience.

I love sitting on a rickety stool on a street footpath watching the passing throng just as much as I do sitting in a fine-dining restaurant. A meal on the footpath will cost less than $2 while in the restaurant it may be $30.

The food courts in the shopping malls are also fun. You can wander around and select from stalls selling all sorts of food. If there are several of you, a gourmet meal to share can be easily assembled.

For a different experience, visit Cabbages and Condoms in Sukhumvit Soi 14. This is run by Thailand’s Population and Community Development Association which believes in getting the safe sex message out to all customers. The food is good and the setting sublime despite its popularity with tourists.

Shopping.

Bangkok has Asia’s best shopping. The combination of markets, thousands of small retailers, huge department stores and gigantic malls offers variety seen in few cities around the world. Add wonderful Thai handicrafts, world famous Thai silk, smart fashion and great prices and it is hard to beat.

I recommend you start at Chatuchak Weekend Market perhaps the largest weekend market in the world. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. You will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise.

If you are looking for an up-market shopping experience, one of the huge central city megamalls is the answer. Those around Siam Square have long been favourites of locals and visitors but several new malls have opened recently which challenge this area.

The Cultural Experience.

Walk down the side streets and you will find a wonderful city. You will see life on the streets, spectacular little temples, street eateries, and Thais going about their normal business. It’s available to every visitor and it’s free.

Take a ferry along the river and see a different side of the city. For less than a dollar, you can go several kilometres, calling in on floating piers, weaving in and out of cross-river traffic and enjoying a cool breeze on the face.

There are also plenty of deeper experiences. I recently discovered the Wat Mahadhatu Meditation School. You can learn meditation from the monks by turning up to the daily classes.

Thai massage is something that many non-Thais find fascinating. I usually manage at least one massage in Bangkok but enthusiasts can enrol in the Wat Po Massage School and learn all the finer points of this art form from the experts.

www.LenRutledge.com

All photographs by Phensri Rutledge.

Top 5 Croatian Islands You Should Visit

05/25/2015 Goky Brkic Leave a comment

Croatia is a country of a thousand islands; known for their beautiful landscapes, unspoiled nature, pebble beaches and olive groves, these gems of nature are visited every year by tens of thousands of tourists. But, since there are so many of them, which one to visit, you might ask yourself. To help you with that dilemma, we offer you a list of the five Croatian islands we consider the most interesting.

And here are the top 5 Croatian islands you should visit:

1. Vis

Once a Yugoslav military naval base, Vis is now a perfect oasis of peace and quiet for those seeking to escape the urban frenzy and crowds often present in larger Croatian tourist towns. Besides being a place of exquisite natural beauty and clean rocky beaches, Vis will enchant you with its warm locals (who’ll be happy to teach you catch and prepare fish), taverns (the island is known for its winemaking tradition and seafood delicacies) and fauna, as the island is covered with vineyards, palm, pine, olive and oleander trees. It’s also a perfect destination for couples who want to enjoy the intimacy of long romantic walks and hidden bays.

2. Pag

The island of Pag is the center of Croatian tourist nightlife as it is dotted with beach bars and nightclubs with 24-hour licenses, meaning that the party – literally – never ends. The beach parties at Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso and other Pag clubs often host well-known international DJs and the island became the place-to-be for teenage and generally younger, party-eager visitors. But even if you don’t consider yourself a party animal, Pag will amaze you with its barren interior (often compared to the surface of the Moon!), famous sheep cheese and lamb delicacies as well as the traditional folklore songs and costumes.

3. Losinj

Located in Kvarner, the northern region of the Adriatic, Losinj belongs to an archipelago that consists of more than 30 islands and islets and is considered to be one of the most visually attractive archipelagos in the Mediterranean. It’s almost a classic-Caribbean type of scenery; the sky is sunny and cloudless, the sea is deep and green and the island is heavily forested, an attribute in which the people of Losinj take great pride. In fact, there are even tours such as the Aromatic Island Garden designed to show visitors the richness of the island’s flora and fauna. As all the settlements are small towns with a blend of Venetian and Greek influences, Losinj is an ideal place for a rejuvenating, heart-soothing holiday.

4. Hvar

The island of Hvar is located between Korcula, Brac, and Vis; it is unique because of its large fertile coastal plain, fresh water springs and many pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has always been in the center of sailing routes of the Adriatic Sea, which turned it into an important focal point of naval trade in the past. The ancient Greeks founded a colony at the island, somewhere around 4th century BC. The site is today known as Stari Grad and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it’s a famous tourist island attracting a large number of people every summer, but historically it was a place of culture and arts, and, curiously, the place of one the first public theaters in Europe.

5. Korcula

Korcula lies near the Dalmatian coast in the south Adriatic and, with over sixteen thousand inhabitants, is the second most populous island in the Adriatic. The main settlements are the tourist towns of Korcula, Blato and Vela Luka, with several smaller villages. The island owes its tourist popularity to the warm and clean Adriatic and the mild Mediterranean climate and is mostly covered with pine forests. It’s the alleged birthplace of the famous adventurer Marco Polo and, according to legend, the first settlement on the island was founded by the Trojan hero, Atenor in the 12th century BC. Ferries connect the island with the cities on the Croatian coast, but there are direct ferries to Italian ports as well.

Infographic, Luxury Travel, Travel Planning

Private Jets Don’t Just Have To Be For The Famous

05/07/2015 Adam Meaden Leave a comment

When the discussion of private jets comes up, it’s usually in regards to the the lavish and extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous. Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford…They all travel by private jet. In fact, Donald Trump’s private Boeing 757 is estimated to be worth around $95 million and comes complete with double beds, a sofa lounge and a marble bathroom.

But because of this impression, many deals on flying via private jet go unnoticed (I know for a fact I wouldn’t be looking at flying privately for my next trip) but maybe, just maybe, flying by private jet doesn’t actually have to be so expensive.

According to an infographic from BuddyLoans, if you do your homework then there are deals to potentially be had. For example, traveling for business or as part of a large group of people? An entire private jet can cost from as little as £800 going up to the $2,000 price range (entirely depending on airline, type of jet, etc) which could average out at around £145 a person. Can you fly business class for that amount?

Looking outside of the price range and there are so many benefits to flying private. For example, you can have a much more negotiable baggage allowance instead of having to adhere to the very specific weight requirements per airline and you can also have a much more minimal time to wait for departure.

Any frugal traveler out there will be away of the sites that allow you to compare the prices of flights on different airlines, but do you know there’s also price comparison sites for private jets? jetsuite.com are a good example of this. Also, if you have much more flexibility in your availability of when you can fly then you’ll be more likely to be able to snap up those cheaper, last-minute or random timed flights. Flying on empty leg flights is also a possible solution for anyone looking for a deal on private jets. Empty leg flights are when the private jet is booked for a one way journey and must fly back in order to board its next passengers for its next destination. You can usually expect to save up to 75% when choosing to fly on an empty leg flight.

Check out the infographic below for loads of more information on how to save money when flying private – you’ll be amazed.

How to get a deal on a private jet [Infographic] by the team at Buddy Loans

The Worlds Foremost Travel Blogs | Travelfore