Tag Archives: Attractions

Editor's Picks, Europe

The Best Cities to Visit in Italy and What to See

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The Best Cities to Visit in Italy and What to See

Among the best places that everyone dreams to visit at least once in their life, Italy represents an absolute stand out. For every traveler worthy of this name, Italy stands right at the peak of countries visited or yet to travel to. Moreover, the country is basically the perfect holiday for couples. Lovers choose Italy and its amazing scenarios to crown their love, making it also the destination of their honeymoon, choosing to spend the better part of their wedding time in the European country.

italy

With that said, we must say that planning a holiday in Italy it’s not the easiest task, especially if the one who tries doesn’t have any experience with a travel organization. This is, first, due to the fact that there are so many things to do and see in Italy that self-planning could make you risk not visiting as many things as possible or not enjoying the experience in the best possible way. Furthermore, in Italy tourist guides are, in most cases, freelancers, causing several expenses and a painfully detailed planning process.

Luckily, we have the ideal solution for both issues. First, you can call an expert travel agency to plan your trip according to your tastes and exigences, being able to count on dreamy honeymoon packages in Italy, built with the purpose of giving strong emotions to travelers in search of a unique experience with which embellish their relationship. Second, in the next paragraphs, we are going to list some of the best cities and their main attractions to absolutely visit when going to Italy.

Rome

Visiting Rome means living a full immersion in the history of one of the biggest Empires to ever exist. There are many attractions in the ancient Italian Capital. You cannot say that you visited Rome if you didn’t see the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. Moreover, the city has Palatine Hill, the Trevi Fountain, where you must toss a coin in order to make a wish, and the various Vatican attractions. Among the others, we can find the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pietà.

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Florence

If Rome works as the showcase of the Empire which grew in Italy’s cradle, in Florence, you will be astonished by the beauty of the pinnacle of the Renaissance. Florence is, basically, a giant art museum, in which the top attractions are, for sure, the Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, topped by its marvelous dome, the marble inlaid bell tower made by Giotto and the prestigious Uffizi Gallery, admired and well known worldwide.

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Venice

For sure, we are talking about one of the most romantic cities in the world. Built among and on top of the water, Venice is, simply, a magic city and, obviously, a major tourist attraction. There, you can’t miss St. Mark’s Square and its Basilica, which stands beside the Doge’s Palace. A gondola ride is also an experience to absolutely do since it will bring you to amazing postcard scenarios.

italy
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

Infographic

The Best Alternative Attractions In Europe [Infographic]

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The Best Alternative Attractions In Europe

When it comes to sightseeing, it’s fair to say that there are few continents better to visit than Europe.

Unlike destinations such as the USA, the ‘Old World’ is steeped in thousands of years of varying civilisations, empires and different cultures.

On top of this, there’s also plenty of modern history, meaning there really is a wealth of tourist attractions.

Europe’s Wealth of Tourist Attractions

Just take a look at this list of the most visited European tourist attractions from Travel & Leisure. As you can see, there’s something wonderful for everyone.

There’s no denying that it’s fantastic visiting the Eiffel Tower or The Colosseum. However, it’s also true that cities such as Paris and Rome have a whole lot more to offer.

These are certainly the sort of destinations which you can revisit time and time again. However, no matter how great the Eiffel Tower might be, there’s a good chance you’ll want to see something else the second time around.

The Best Alternative Attractions In Europe

If you would prefer seeing something equally great but slightly less well known, then you’re in luck!
Thanks to a new infographic from citybaseapartments.com you can check out different tourist attractions from all of Europe big cities.

It’s called ‘The Best Alternative Attractions In Europe’ and you can take a look at the bottom of this post.

It takes one of the most prominent attractions of one particular European city and then offers up an alternative.

One of the best examples presented in the infographic is Paris. While the Eiffel Tower offers some truly sublime views of the French capital, there is clearly one amazing landmark missing from this view, the Eiffel Tower!

Instead, it suggests that you climb up to the Observatoire Panoramique De La Tour Montparnasse. This is on the 59th floor of France’s tallest skyscraper and offers some truly stunning views of the capital, including the Eiffel Tower.

Attractions In Europe

Destinations, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

10 of the Best Vacation Destinations for Couples

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Are you thinking of a Valentine’s Day, anniversary, or birthday gift for your sweetheart? A romantic getaway is the best thing she or he can cherish forever. To make it simple for you, we have selected 10 of the best vacation destinations for couples that will reignite the flame of love as well as add zing to your life.

10-of-the-best-vacation-destinations-for-couples

Paris, France

Paris is not just the capital of fashion. It is also a city of love where romance comes naturally to everyone. No wonder French kiss is so famous in the world. The City of Lights will illuminate your life with love and romance. It has many romantic locations where walking with your loved one hand-in-hand is the best experience of life. A stroll on the bridge alongside the Seine river is best to find the romantic person in you. With the sun sinking, the amphitheater on the bank of the river turns into a dance floor where couples, both seasoned and new dancers, dance like they care least about the world. Join the crowd with your date if you want to tango, or sit on the steps and watch the dancing couples. Sneak away from the crowd to the Temple of Love located on an island surrounded by a lake in the city’s largest public park and take a vow once again to hold your lover’s hand for a lifetime no matter what the life brings in. Mix adventure and romance by visiting the secret Waterfalls to witness a large and natural cavity underground.

paris

Maldives

This City of Islands is the best romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples. Even celebrities make a beeline to this city as and when they get time. The high-end luxurious resorts, over-water bungalows, residences in the center of the lagoon, and villas engulfed with trees and plantations are a secluded paradise to enjoy in privacy. Pamper yourself and your special one by renting a bungalow the access to which is by walking on the boardwalk constructed on the sea. The bungalows also have a plunge pool and a sunbathing deck that offers a heavenly view of the ocean. The pristine beaches of Maldives are idyllic to walk by throwing your hand around the shoulder of your lover and getting romantic. If you want to enjoy your meal underwater, then there is a restaurant at Conrad Hilton that is 5 meters below the sea level. Besides gourmet food, indulge in the diving expedition and exploring marine life under the surface of the sea. Overall, Maldives is the perfect couples’ retreat to give a new twist to your relationships.

maldives

Quebec City

Exhilarate your special one by visiting the Old Quebec city. It is a Canadian city with deep influence of French culture and a heritage site. It holds a strong history of over 400 years and lots of old-world charm. The streets in the city are paved with cobblestone, and the buildings are constructed in a European architectural style. Despite following age-old customs, the city also meets modern-day travelers’ needs. Enjoy a meal with your date in a revolving restaurant on the roof top of the Le Concorde hotel. If keeping low and simple is your definition of romance, then enjoy a drink of wine at any restaurant by the road. A ride on a ferry is best to enjoy the historic city and the amazing Fairmont Le Château.  Exploring this walled city is like enjoying a beautiful picture of a renowned painter.

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Greece

Greece is an adobe of the God of love, Eros. This sacred landscape has infused the true meaning and importance of love in humankind and has inspired several painters, artists, and geniuses for centuries. If you are seeking a romantic escape, this is the best place to adore and celebrate your love. The God of love has blessed Greece with beautiful islands and beaches making it a perfect destination for couples. There are even secluded islands for couples to unleash their wild feelings. The fortified towns in the city are the best peeking into the  past. Exploring the sun-kissed beaches, cruising the island in a yacht, tasting exquisite local and international dishes, and enjoying the beauty of the city are the best romantic activities.

greece

Italy

Italy is the best vacation destination for couples looking to add spark to their love life. It is a historic city flooding with numerous romantic sites attracting lovers from the world over. One among the top cities to flare up romance is Venice. It is an old port city with winding canals, amazing bridges, charming century-old buildings, restaurants, and cafes serving exquisite drinks and meals. Take you other half’s for a ride on the gondola and cruise the Venice canal while feasting on the beauty alongside. Spending an evening at the picturesque St. Mark’s Square is the best retreat you can have. Besides Venice, visit the seaside villages, beautiful lakes, and islands for cherishing memories.

venice

Mexico

Couples do not get tired raving about Mexico. It is a vibrant and colorful city that exudes edgy and laidback vibes. Though it ranks high in population and crime rate, it is still a fun place to be. With its mix culture of an indigenous tribe and Mesoamerican, party here is always a fun. It has lots of exotic locations to explore for couples from jungles to mountains, caves, beaches, reefs, and museums. On one side, it has a thriving urban population and on the other ruins of ancient civilizations. You will enjoy a beautiful amalgamation of style, culture, and chaotic celebration in the city. Even its surroundings will entice and overwhelm you with impressive archeological sites.

mexico

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is one of the five Hawaiian islands nicknamed  “The Garden Island.” Its beauty is unparalleled that inspires sweet memories. The exquisite beaches with beautiful alpine at the backdrop is the perfect stage to enjoy the company of each other. It is dotted with impressive cascading waterfalls and a staggering number of 60 beaches that are good for strolling, snorkeling, and a wide range of water sports. Besides beaches, the island is idyllic for hiking. Walking on the Kalalau Trail while sipping the nature’s beauty with the special person, and igniting romance at the Grove Farm Homestead Museum surrounded by a dense sugar plantation are always charming as ever.

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Georgia

Give a new look to romance and your relationship by visiting Georgia, a city where every speck is drooling with energy, and age seems to a standstill. This city is a group of islands with exotic mountains, beaches, and skyline. It is a land of world’s largest aquarium, tallest cascading waterfall, Little Grand Canyon, a spooky cemetery, driftwood beach, and a wildlife refuge.  You can take your lover to a romantic dinner, enjoy a quiet and relaxed atmosphere in a countryside lodge by a campfire, pamper your sweetheart with a trip to a spa, camp at any one of the Georgia State Park amidst nature, reconnect in a romantic manner with a ride in a buggy reminiscing over the bygone era in Savannah, and rejoice in the serenity of the classic era in Thomasville.

georgia

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a leading romantic destination in Europe that draws couples with its gorgeous beaches, remote mountains, and fascinating hill towns. It is a perfect beach holiday destination to enjoy the sun, sand, and a drink named sangria that is prepared by mixing red wine, fruit, and fruit juice. The island is famous for night parties and exotic resorts that cover the most of the coastline. This place is good to see ancient castles and ruins, monasteries and cathedrals, galleries, museums, and ravishing gardens. Lovebirds come here to enjoy hiking its rugged mountains, cruising through the inviting  coves, cycling in the countryside trails, and bathing in the beauty majestic historical buildings.

Mallorca

Dubai

Whenever a city that is blazing with opulence is reckoned of, Dubai immediately strikes to the mind. For it has become synonymous with sumptuous living and affluence. If you want to express an abundance of love to your beloved and make her or him  drool over you again, Dubai is one of the finest places on earth. This gem of the Arabian cities is excellent to seduce your lover and for a gratifying romantic break. It has the most pleasurable and indulgent resorts in the world. The kind of luxury, comfort, and attention Dubai offers to couples are unequaled.

You can celebrate your love in many ways from splurging on finest dresses, genuine gold, expensive drinks, aerial journeys for a panoramic view of the city, and lots more. The city has the largest shopping malls in the world, unique street markets called ‘souks,’ finest restaurants, and several tour companies for your service. There are many activities for couples to participate in this city. You can enjoy a romantic beach escape, desert safari, sand boarding, dune bashing, watersports, hot-air ballooning, scuba diving, dhow cruise, and lots more.

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These are the selected few 10 of the best vacation destinations where you can enjoy life your sweetheart and fill your life with romance.

Asia, Destinations

7 Romantic Things to do in Dubai for Couples

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7 Romantic Things to do in Dubai for Couples

Planning for a loving and romantic evening as a couple, then the destination has to be explicit, majestic and colorful. On these standings, Dubai can be considered as one of the cities that has colorful nightlife and diverse landscapes with pristine beaches and magnificent dunes. This unequivocal description of a destination is absolutely romantic and loving at heart.

Dubai is extremely exhilarant and a beautiful city for a romantic date night. It’s a better place to celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and surprise them with a dream come true evening. This city is perfect to cater two sections of people: one those who are in love with each other and other who wish to spend exceptional moments with their loved ones.

Dubai is a city full of adventure and provides an expedition of romantic venues. Numerous romantic options are available in Dubai for couples, such as Hot air balloon ride, Desert Safari, Splendid weekend on a beach resort, Superb dining in front of Dubai fountain, Amazing cinemas in Dubai, Marvelous Dubai Marine Creek

As per your budget, here are a few romantic activities and dreamy destinations in Dubai that are incredibly mind-blowing.

Dhow Cruise Dubai
Dhow Cruise Dining
Once you are at Dubai’s Dhow, you will have an incredible experience that would last you for your lifetime. This is something that you cannot afford to miss. “Dhows” are referred to the customized and traditionally built or developed wooden cruises and are famous for its royalty and class it flaunts. Dhows sail through Dubai Marina Channels to the Jumeirah Beach residencies. One can discover the magic of Dubai’s major tourist’s spots, world-famous landmarks, and amazing sites while on the cruise.
You will feel brightened in the lights of Dhow which is brilliantly lit up with vibrant lights. While you pass through the Marina Creeks, the soothing music that is played in the background will add to the mood. You can then enjoy Arabic Dance performance followed by sumptuous Traditional Arabic food and delicacies and munch on some delicious BBQ Buffet (dinner).
Dhow cruise in this way is the best place for spending a romantic evening for couples. Your better half or lover would feel loved in such an entertaining, breezy and loving place. Dhow cruise is primarily conducted on the Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek. One can never forget romancing in such a mesmerizing and charming place.

Idealistic and Fine Dine
Pierchic in Dubai
Romantic dinner is a wish-come-true for every woman. If the romantic dinner is in Dubai, it’s the most exotic one which couples will never forget. Pierchic is a place that every visitor must visit once at least. One has to get captivated by the view and ambiance. Al Qasr Beach Dinner is a super romantic place, by the shore. Al Qasr Beach, Madinat Jumeirah is a private beach so you can relish a remarkable evening with the placid sounds of waves on the shore.

Romantic dinner by the Fountain is one of the beloved activities. The dancing fountain with the music and the ambiance are truly spellbinding. The Beach, 101 STAY by Yannick Alléno, Bateaux Dubai, and Karma Kafe are some of the most recommended options for a romantic dining experience in Dubai.

Splendid Walk by the Beach
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai is a place where you can spend your time with loved ones. Beaches are also one of the exceptional romantic options in Dubai. This city is famous for its diverse range of lovely beaches, surrounding shoreline hotels, guest-hoses, etc. There are several beaches that are free of cost to stroll and roam around with your partner. You can enjoy a night time dinner with your loved ones in the surrounding of twinkling stars. In addition, a small picnic is an awesome idea on the beach where you can sleep on the cool sand.
Some of the famous beaches of Dubai are Cove beach – a perfect venue for adults where one can relax, stroll and enjoy the stylish sun vibes. One & Only Royal Mirage – this is a private beach with a luscious green lawn where you can spend a romantic leisure time with your partner. Additional water sports are profoundly famous like windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, etc. Madinat Jumeirah – this place offers you a best relaxing surrounding that accompanies lounging, exceptional beachside restaurants, a pleasure of the cabanas and sun beds.

Romantic Hot air Balloon ride
Hot Air Ballon
Every dawn with your partner should be something and somewhat special. The breath of every dawn and dusk should expand all over the golden desert of Dubai. A ride in Hot air balloon with your better half or loved one can help you reach the sight of rising sun, terrific desert sand, gliding the open blue sky. This would be a mesmerizing moment one can only experience in Dubai.
Professional balloon operators are there in Dubai that will assist you in making your dream come true. The company that you hire for this adventure helps you in every way, and covers pick-up and drop back to the hotel or to the requested destination. This romantic balloon ride lasts for a couple of good hours along with your partner, and you can view the marvelous aerial Dubai.

Overnight Desert Safari
Overnight Desert Safari
Enjoying the meal under the shelter of the starry and twinkling desert sky is one of the ultimate experiences. One can enjoy a romantic evening in the blitz of a warm fire, hot dunes, etc. Overnight desert safaris are also a recommended adventure of Dubai.
In addition, you can enjoy the camel ride, belly dancing, buffet dinner, sunset photography, and desert safari at night, etc.

Go Shopping
The Dubai Mall
You girlfriend or spouse would definitely opt for shopping in this beautiful Dubai. You can pamper yourself with gold and diamonds that you can shop over here. Dubai shopping is the best idea in Gold Souq.

Adventure in the Water Parks
Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai
Adventures in water parks are one of finest attractions of Dubai. Located in Jumeirah, you can bring out the inner child in the water park. Get a good dose of adrenaline that can bring both of you closer.