Tag Archives: Europe

Destinations, Europe

The Best Regions in Italy for a Seaside Vacation

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A trip to Italy is just what you need to have an extraordinary, immersive, engaging, and above all, relaxing experience that can rejuvenate both the body and mind. When it comes to the summer season, Italian regions offer an ideal solution for a vacation that combines relaxation and excursions, as the territory is rich in natural coves, paradisiacal corners, and breathtaking views.

For trekking enthusiasts, there are numerous paths to explore, and mountain trails distinguished by the greenery of untouched nature. Italy is also satisfying for art and history lovers, with constructions dating back to different historical periods and influenced by various entities, from Arab to Greek, passing through Norman influences. In light of this, what are the best regions in Italy for an unforgettable seaside vacation? Where can you find the most beautiful beaches?

italy

Puglia

The first among the best Italian regions to mention for a memorable seaside vacation is Puglia. The area is full of facilities such as resorts and villages, perfect for the whole family. Convenience is provided by being just steps away from the beach, bathed in turquoise waters, without the need to worry about finding a spot with an umbrella and beach chairs.

In fact, you won’t have to worry about anything if you choose an all-inclusive package, and you can even taste the delights of Puglian cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Puglia has unique features, and you could organize excursions to get a close look at the famous trulli of Alberobello, as well as the white buildings of Ostuni, which are not to be missed. And how could one forget the history and architecture of Bari? Green areas are also abundant, with countryside along the coast where you can enjoy healthy trekking to discover the local flora and fauna.

Sicily

The land of taste and beautiful seas, Sicily is among the best regions in Italy to experience a dream vacation. Here, some of the most beautiful beaches in the country can be found, such as Isola Bella in Taormina or Mondello in the province of Palermo. To fully enjoy the experience, it is suggested to rely on a tour operator that organizes a group tour in Sicily, combining natural attractions with artistic and architectural ones, allowing specific stops to discover local food and wine. Thanks to this formula, you won’t miss the Greek-influenced buildings of Syracuse, the Arab-influenced ones near Palermo, the Taormina Theater, and archaeological sites. The route to climb Mount Etna is also highly recommended.

Campania

Campania is rich in colors and has very different natural landscapes. You can start from the capital Naples, getting lost in its wonderful streets and promenade, then move to the Amalfi Coast. A tour of Sorrento, Amalfi, and the surrounding areas is practically mandatory, as the beaches are composed of fine sand washed by a distinctly azure sea. If desired, you can extend your vacation in Campania to explore the archipelago formed by the three islands of Ischia, Capri, and Procida.

Sardinia

The last of the Italian regions to head to for a seaside vacation is undoubtedly Sardinia. Here, there are natural coves that are truly suggestive, with rock formations and varied flora, as well as coves and paradisiacal spots overlooking the sea. The latter is among the most transparent in Italy, so much so that there are more beaches suitable for children. The bays of the Costa Smeralda are absolutely to be discovered, and near Chia Beach (where there are sand dunes), you can organize underwater dives. Among the most important natural reserves in Sardinia is the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, where you can walk peacefully.

Destinations, Food

7 Delicious Food Destinations You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

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Food Destinations

7 Delicious Food Destinations You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

Seeking the perfect blend of culture and cuisine is an art form. If you’re planning a trip this year, consider these top foodie stops to experience one-of-a-kind fusion flavors and discover recipes perfected over centuries. Here are seven global food destinations sure to please your taste buds.

1. Valencia, Spain

Sample nightlife, beaches, and never-ending meals full of ambiance all in one spot. Valencia has a flavor for every mood. Discover a new version of the culturally-renowned dish — paella — every day as you explore essential city sights and architecture. The most authentic version of the dish includes a flavor of saffron, rice, and a variety of meats and seafood. Expect nothing except caught-that-day seafood and market-fresh vegetables in Valencia.

Don’t forget the luxurious glass of wine with your evening meal or midnight tapas as you overlook the glowing Mediterranean Sea.

2. Oahu, Hawaii

Food Destinations

Venture to the other side of the world for a slightly different flavor. Sure, you have to sample the trademark Hawaiian fruit — pineapple! But get ready for a lot of guava — you’ll find this ingredient everywhere on the island, and it’s to die for. Other Oahu staples include sushi, poke, acai bowls, and Kalua pork.

On a budget? Cook your meals with market-fresh ingredients or eat local and walk your way through the best food on the island. Don’t forget to cap off your meal with a chilled bowl of Hawaiian shaved ice or a fresh coconut and relax while you watch the sun go down on the beach in true laid-back island style.

3. Sydney, Australia

What do Oahu and Sydney have in common? Both have citizens who boast roots from every nationality. This sets Sydney apart from other Australian destinations, making it a logical magnet for global cuisine and travel. It’s hard to choose one type of dish that signifies the typical Aussie food experience. Think edgy Asian-inspired menus with lamb, kangaroo steak, or juicy fresh prawns at the forefront. Sydney is a port town with unbeatable tourist attractions, culture, and shopping. It’s also a great central location if you plan to tour other destinations in Oceania. Don’t forget the lamingtons for dessert!

4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Food Destinations

Puerto Vallarta is known worldwide for its epic beaches and resort hotel hot spots. An unexpected perk of cruising through Puerto Vallarta — it’s a gourmet food paradise. Expect quaint traditional cantinas on one end of the foodie spectrum for low-key authentic evenings. On the other end, it’s easy to find glamorous multi-course meals and black-tie dinners. For a different vantage point, some of the best meals are found at sea. Puerto Vallarta is a great starting point for a sunset dinner or culinary cruise.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Food Destinations

Ask a local tuk-tuk driver to point you to their favorite pho restaurant and go from there. If you can’t decide between Asian and European flavors, this is the place. Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s culinary jewel. With historic French influence, you can eat your way through the city holding both a baguette and a banh mi, so take your pick! Expect true Asian flair with a French twist — every meal in Saigon is memorable and unique. It’s worth signing up for a cooking class in the city so you can bring the flavors with you when you go.

6. Naples, Italy

Foodie travelers automatically seem to flock to Bologna — voted the “Foodie Capital of the World.” But sometimes the best dining destinations are underrated, and this next locale is no exception. The city of Naples is a sometimes-missed jewel on the southern coast of Italy — and it’s a foodie triple threat. It has wine to die for (think grapes grown in volcanic soil in nearby Pompeii); it’s home to the simple but spectacular Margherita pizza; and it’s often missed by travelers who overwhelmingly seek destinations in the North located closer to classic tourist spots.

7. Tokyo, Japan

Food Destinations

Last but not least, for a truly unforgettable culinary vacation, you absolutely must eat your way through Tokyo. Relish the joy of sampling fresh sushi or sashimi in all its glory. It took centuries to perfect the art of detail in every dish, so savor each moment. While you’re there, don’t forget to find a great eel restaurant and try a vibrant teppanyaki dinner. The Japanese take their food seriously — expect nothing but perfection in every bite.

Our top seven food destinations are the perfect addition to your travel bucket list — so pick your top gastronomic hotspot and pack your bags!

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe

Würzburg has that winning combination

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Words: Len Rutledge  Images: Phensri Rutledge

Three Irish missionary monks visited Würzburg in A.D. 686 to Christianize the local ‘barbarians’. The inhospitable locals beheaded them. Fortunately, we find the citizens are much friendlier today, and we also discover there are many things to do, great places to see, and excellent wine and food to enjoy.

Würzburg, at the northern end of Germany’s Romantic Road, has much history, culture, rich cuisine, religious landmarks, and idyllic scenery. It is a great place to visit and the bonus is you can walk between most sites.

Residenz

We start our sightseeing at the majestic UNESCO World Heritage listed 400-room Residenz, one of the most important Baroque palaces in Europe. Unlike many other huge buildings, it was built in a short period of time and was completed in 1780. The building includes a much-acclaimed staircase and awe-inspiring frescos.

We are told that Napoleon Bonaparte slept here for one night in 1812 en route to his unsuccessful invasion of Russia. It is a place we must see. We visit by a self-guided walking tour but there is also a guided tour which allows access to some of the rooms you can’t visit by yourself.

Don’t miss the on-site church. After the walls were completed, a group of court artists created what is one of the most decorative churches you will ever see.

The palace grounds are considered some of the most impressive Rococo gardens in Germany. There is an artificial lake including fountains and some beautifully carved sculptures. There’s a wonderful symmetry that can be appreciated from the higher ground.

Old Town

It is not far from here to the Old Town. Our first stop is at the scenic Market Square, where a daily bustling food and flower market is in full swing. Overlooking the square stands St Mary’s Chapel (Marienkapelle) with its spire 70 metres into the sky. The striking red-and-white facade of the Gothic church is considered the most important building from that era in the city.

Most of Würzburg’s old city is a pedestrian zone so it’s a great place to walk. When you have done enough of that, pull up a chair at a sidewalk café for some people and tram watching.

The construction of Würzburg Cathedral with its twin towers began in 1040 and went on for nearly 200 years. Today, it is the fourth largest Romanesque church in Germany. It is one of the city’s most important landmarks and can be seen from almost everywhere. The interior is fresh after a renovation and is well worth a visit.

The old Würzburg Town Hall sits on Domstrasse between the old bridge and the cathedral. It is a complex of buildings of different periods. The tower dates from the early 1200s and another part of the building is the only surviving secular building in Würzburg that was built in the Romanesque style.

Marienberg Fortress

The old Main Bridge from 1120 spans the river of the same name and is considered the oldest stone bridge in Germany. It connects the old town with the nearby Marienberg Fortress. In 1730, the bridge was further decorated with twelve statues of saints and emperors.

The Fortress, towering over the city and surrounded by vineyards, was began in 704 AD. It was originally a church then the building was expanded in the Renaissance and Baroque periods with the addition of fortifications. For nearly five centuries it served as a home to the local prince-bishops.

Today, the Marienberg Fortress houses the Franconian Museum. You can visit the museum and see the rooms with their period furniture, tapestries and paintings but most people come for the views. Würzburg is surrounded by vineyards cascading down the slopes on both sides of the river and it’s easy to see why this is a good wine producing area. Perched on top of a nearby hill sits the Kappele Church with its onion-domed towers.

Sleeping, eating, and drinking

Don’t miss the opportunity of having a hearty Franconian meal and tasting some of the local wines. A good place to indulge in German regional specialties is The Bürgerspital wine estate restaurant. You can also take a tour through the estate’s famous wine cellar. The best city restaurant is probably the one-Michelin-starred KUNO 1408. It has created its own particular variation on the Franconian theme.

Germany appears to have no restrictions against drinking in public, so apart from drinking in bars you can buy your own bottle of wine or beer and sit on the old bridge enjoying the view.

Würzburg is a great stop either before or after your Romantic Road tour because it has many hotels, inns and B&Bs, including a number of excellent hotels in the Old Town.

www.LenRutledge.com

Africa, Asia, Australia, Destinations, Europe, North America, South America, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Most Beautiful Cities From Each Continent

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While philosophers may debate whether beauty is objective or relative one thing they all agree on is that there are cities in the world which through sheer elegance help us transcend our ordinary existence and lift up our spirits to an almost divine plane of existence. These six cities are the best representation of this ideal.
6. Casablanca in Morocco, Africa
Few cities in the world can possibly hope to match the radiant beauty and overwhelming sense of history found in the city of Casablanca. As the main economic and cultural center of the North African Kingdom of Morocco, this cultural icon stands as a testament to the sheer will and resolve of a people to protect the sanctity of their heritage and sense of being. Casablanca first shot to global fame in 1942 when a movie with the same name was released with Humphrey Bogart as the main star of the film. Since then tourist have flocked to the North African city to be filled with a sense of awe as they experience the magical feeling of traveling through history as you walk among architectural marvels like the Hassan II Mosque and the Notre Dame Lourdes cathedral. Spanish and Portuguese influence can be felt throughout the city due to cultural exchange resulting from conquest and trade.
5. Gold Coast in Australia, Oceania
For anyone who loves the beach then Gold Coast feels like paradise on earth with elegant white sands and deep blue oceans. Surfers have the time of their lives riding monster waves and afterward relax watching a beautiful sunset while sipping margaritas. A whole host elegant restaurants adorn the city, several open cafes and pubs can make the place a delight for locals and tourist. Photographers often spend their time at the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary where there are cute koala bears, parrots, and exotic owls.
4. Venice in Italy, Europe
Try as it may modern architecture still struggles to match the beauty of classical architectural design and no city on earth embodies the beauty and values of classicism better than the Renaissance marvel of Venice. Venice is constructed on an archipelago of more than 100 islands through which the iconic canals of Venice pass through. Notable sites include Doge`s Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Hall of The Great Council.
3. Quebec in Canada, North America
Quebec which means where the river narrows is the second largest city in Canada featuring some of the oldest streets and buildings in North America. The Parc de La Chute-Montmorency offers one of the most scenic waterfalls in the world surrounded by the most breathtaking natural environment imaginable. Local artisans make handcrafted ornaments and commodities that come from the ancient wisdom passed on through the generations that have lived in the area for centuries. The Sainte Anne de Beaupre shrine is a divine center where pilgrims came to worship and remain as an iconic testament of the devout faith of the locals.
2. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, South America
Perhaps one of the most iconic sites in the world is the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop a hill overlooking Rio De Janeiro. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is an elegant display of a cultural fusion between 19th century Portuguese and local architecture. Sugarloaf mountain stands at 1300ft above the harbor and is globally respected for the panoramic experience it presents to tourists who wish to see the city in all its spender. Whether its the elegant streets during carnivore celebration or white sandy beaches there can be no doubt that Rio is an iconic fit of human accomplishment.
1. Hong Kong in Asia.
The iconic Hong Kong skyline has been the source of inspiration for many photographers and filmmakers. During the night the light from the forest of skyscrapers can seem to light up the waters of Victoria Harbor and it should be no surprise that there are more skyscrapers in Hong Kong per sq ft, than anywhere else in the world. The chic modern skyscrapers put up during British occupation should not deceive you into thinking that Hong Kong doesn’t have a history. The walled village contains the spirit of the days past and embodied in the architecture of the place. The Ocean Park theme park is known as a local version of Disneyland possessing cultural symbols more relevant to the local people. So whether tourists want to enjoy a walk down history, have some fun in a theme park or even relax at one of the famous Hong Kong massage parlors, one thing to be certain of is that this place will not disappoint.
Europe, Infographic, Street Food Guide, Travel Tips

How to Say Avocado on Toast Around the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Tips

Born to be Mild – Survey shows 20˚C’s is where Brits are at their happiness

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Born to be Mild – Survey shows 20˚C’s is where Brits are at their happiness

The Great British weather can often have us longing for a 30 ˚C beach holiday in the Caribbean. Surprisingly Thomas cook’s national survey looks like we are the average, play it cool Brits – because our comfort heat and the one we long for is actually 20˚C, and that’s just 1˚C off our average room temp.
So with that being the findings, I thought I’d lay out on the table a top pick of countries Brits can get their perfect heat.
January – Mexico, Los Angeles
During January, the weather is at its coolest but that doesn’t mean to start packing your sweaters just yet, the lowest temperature in January is 20 degrees. So keep that factor 25 packed.
February – Morocco, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria
The canneries is on my top list of destinations, Player Del Carmen in Lanzarote had some awesome hot spots. Scuba diving on the coast, in 20˚C, can still be a treat, but I would suggest packing a light sweater for your walk back. The canneries tend to have slightly higher winds which can make the sun look deceiving, although you may feel a little chilly, the sun is still beating down on your skin.
March – Tunisia, Ayia Napa
If you want to experience Ayia Napa away from the 18-30’s crowds that flock there in the summer months, then I’d highly recommend visiting this beautiful island during March.
Tunisia is a country I’m yet to explore although friends and family say it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with the Grand Erg Oriental a must visit. For most, dune buggies and camels are a popular attraction but what’s better than sitting on a huge sand mountain watching the sunset.
From April to December, you can experience our nations best voted temperature of 20˚C’s in the below destinations.
April– Bodrum, Crete, Balearic Islands
May– Sunny Beach, Montreal, Paris
June– Amsterdam, Boston

July– Vancouver, Lapland, Dona Paula

August– Stockholm, Oregon

September– Croatia, Calgary

November– Texas, Algarve, Sicily, Ibiza

December– San Antonio, Cyprus, Egypt

Survey by Thomas Cook
Celebrity Vacations, Entertainment, Europe, Festivals, Infographic, Travel Tips

UK, US & European Instagram Festival Map

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Imagine yourself, right now, stood at a music festival of your choice, all of your pals around you, your favourite band playing your favourite song.

Imagined it? What are you likely to do to capture this moment? Of course, it’s going to be taking a photo and uploading it to Instagram, because that’s half the fun of spending a weekend in a field, right?

Accessorize have researched into the most Instagram worthy festivals in the UK, US and Europe and plotted them on a wanderlust-worthy interactive map.

From the wonderful land of the free (USA) to the UK across to Europe – there are some pretty cool festivals to be attending.

The top ten are as follows for the US:

instagram

Coachella, of course, could not be any less than number 1 – the biggest A-Lister festival set in in the Colorado dessert, California. Whether you’re looking to pile in with friends or lounge in the lap of luxury, Coachella has lodging options for every festival goer.

The festival offers more delicious food than you could eat in a weekend, with over 100 choices serving everything from wood-fired pizza and handcrafted burgers to authentic street food and fresh-from-the-wok noodles.

instagram

It was without doubt that Glastonbury gained the throne within the UK festivals, of course – set in Somerset on Worthy Farm in Pilton, Glastonbury has been going for 47 years and started out with a capacity of 1,500 which has increasingly grown to over 135,000.

With the Great British countryside at your feet, I’d recommend signing up for your tickets for 2018.

instagram

Ohh wonderful Europe, how many festivals there are!

Sziget, based in, Hungary takes the festival crown for Europe – with a capacity of over 496,000 that attended the 2016 24th edition of the festival.

Sziget takes place on a beautiful island on the Danube every August and brings together people from all over the world, as well as musical (mainly) and other acts and events. It’s a fantastic multicultural experience, and a lot of people take advantage of it every year.

Check out the interactive map courtesy of Accessorize, and explore the rest of the UK, US and European festivals.

Infographic

An A-Z Of European Country Name Origins [Infographic]

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An A-Z Of European Country Name Origins

No matter whether you live in Europe or outside of it, there’s no denying what an utterly fantastic holiday destination it is.

One of the biggest reasons for choosing any part of Europe is for its fascinating and rich history.

Europe’s Many Landmarks

The list of fantastic cities and landmarks is almost endless. Just take a look at this article from USA Today which lists some of the best landmarks, all steeped in history.

Over the centuries, Europe has also changed a great deal. As empires, regimes, and governments have come and gone, borders have changed, and too to have the identities of nations.

With so many outside influences, every country in Europe has been influenced by those around it many times over.

Take a look at this fascinating three-minute video on Viral Forest. It maps the massive changes in European borders over the past 1000 years, its fascination just how much has changed.

Aside of borders, one of the simplest ways to learn a great deal about European history is from the names of different countries.

An A-Z Of European Country Name Origins

Throughout history, the names of many of Europe’s countries have altered. Because of this, a great deal can be learned from the current names.

A new infographic from globehunters.com explores this very idea. It’s called ‘An A-Z Of European Country Name Origins’ and you can take a look at it below.

The infographic contains a number of fascinating facts about Europe that you’ll likely never have heard before.

For example, did you know that Monaco derives from the Greek word Monoikos? This word translates as ‘single house’ or ‘single temple’ signifying a place to rest, which is very much still in keeping with modern-day Monaco.

Another good example is the origin of Kosovo. The name is taken from the Kosovo Plain, where the Battle of Kosovo, between Serbia and the Ottoman Empire was fought in the 14th century.

european

An A – Z Of European Country Name Origins – An infographic by the team at Globehunters.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

Europe, Infographic

Saying Hello In Each of Europe’s Many Languages [Infographic]

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When we are planning on heading abroad for a short break or even a couple of months travelling, there are certain essentials that we must not forget.

First of all, it is worth working out whether you’ll need to apply for any kind of visa to enter the country or countries you plan on visiting.

Travel Essentials

Visa HQ is a very helpful site which lists the 123 countries which warrant a visa for any UK visitors which is well worth looking at before booking your flights anywhere.

Next up, you’ll want to consider the currency of the country or countries you’re visiting. If you’re heading to Europe it is easy to assume everyone uses the Euro, however, this is far from the truth. Take a look at this list on the European Union site for the full fun down.

Once you have your currency sorted, there’s lots of smaller things which aren’t vital to your stay, but will no doubt make a difference.

Things like plug adapters, correct clothing, sun cream won’t necessarily destroy your holiday if you forget them, but will certainly make things a lot more frustrating and expensive.

Another thing which we should all feel is important when travelling abroad is accepting the culture we are about to experience.

Travel of all about stepping outside the comfort of your daily norms and embracing another culture, from its food to its art, its music to the languages spoken.

Infographic

Far too many English speakers have a sense of entitlement and get a little lazy when heading abroad, relying on the locals to speak a little English.

Despite being the third most popular language in the world, there are plenty of people who don’t speak it. For this reason, we should all perhaps make a little effort to learn a few words or phrases before setting off on holiday.

City Base Apartments have put together a handy infographic to help you on your way. Titled ‘Saying Hello In Each of Europe’s Many Languages’ it lists all of the languages and even gives the correct language for countries which share a common tongue.

Take a look below and get your language crash course started!

Saying Hello In Each Of Europe’s Many Languages