Tag Archives: traveling

Travel Tips

5 Tips For Staying Healthy & Fit While Traveling

Leave a comment
<a href=

5 Tips For Staying Healthy & Fit While Traveling

Whether you’re traveling to visit friends or family, taking an all-inclusive vacation, or going on business, your health and fitness routine can be disrupted by the stresses of travel. Plus, if you eat out often while traveling, you may consume higher amounts of calories than normal because restaurant portions are usually larger than those at home. To make sure you stay healthy and fit during your travels, keep these five tips in mind.

Choose The Right Foods

One of the hardest things about staying healthy while traveling is choosing the right foods. When you’re on the go, it’s easy to grab whatever is convenient, but that doesn’t always mean it’s healthy. Packing your own snacks is a great way to curb your appetite while traveling. If you’re able, snag a hotel room with a minifridge so you can get your own groceries. That way you’re saving money and eating more healthily. If you have to go out, keep an eye on your portions, and go with healthier options like whole-grain bread and leaner, grilled meats like chicken or fish.

Stay Active During Your Travels

One of the best ways to stay active while traveling is to pack your own workout gear. Resistance bands are a great option for keeping your suitcase light and still getting in an effective workout. There are even some great Crossfit routines you can do with minimal equipment. If you’re traveling by car, take breaks often to walk around and stretch your legs. And if you’re flying, get up and walk around the cabin every few hours.

Give Yourself Time To Adjust

Whenever you travel to a new place, it’s important to give yourself time to adjust. Your body is going to need to get used to the new environment, the new food, and the new routine. This can all lead to feeling exhausted and run down. Keep yourself feeling good by staying active, resting when you need to, and eating similar food to what you would normally eat back home.

Get Sleep

Sleep is important for your health no matter where you are, but it can be harder to come by when you’re traveling. Make sure to schedule some time for shuteye and get a good night’s rest whenever you can. You’ll feel more energized and better able to take on new adventures.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

<a href=staying healthy” class=”wp-image-6509″/>

It’s even more important to keep yourself hydrated while traveling, especially if you’re going to be spending time in the sun. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body going. It’s also a good idea to pack some electrolyte-rich snacks or drinks, like sports drinks or coconut water, to keep your energy levels up.

Travel Tech, Travel Tips

How to Get Work Done Efficiently While Traveling

1 Comment

If you happen to be working or running a business, there’s no doubt that time is always an important factor for you. In fact, there’s no better time to admit that time is money. This is quite relatable when you get yourself in a situation where you have to travel and work at the same time. In most cases, postponing the work might just inconvenience you by taking up the little time you have left to rest upon your return.

In any case, nobody likes to do things during the last minute as you tend to find yourself rushing through it and making several mistakes. This brings us to the point of working while on travel. Since time isn’t on your side, this is probably the best solution for you as it can ensure that you get your work done and complete your journey. Here are some of the tips you can follow to make sure you can get your work done during travel.

Eat light and Stay Hydrated

The human digestive system is designed to take up a substantial amount of energy during digestion. This explains the reason why you easily become overpowered by sleep after a meal. If you’re traveling and working at the same time, you need to make sure that you don’t have too much to eat. This can only be a major limitation in the end as it can make you get comfortable and lazy.

All you need to do is eat enough to sustain you through most of the journey. You can then decide to bring along some fruits and snacks to keep your stomach filled throughout without feeling too tired afterward. On the other hand, you need to have a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. This is just a smart way of keeping yourself alert and awake.

Always Have Charge

There’s nothing more annoying than finishing your work and losing everything due to a low battery charge. In order to avoid this, you need to make sure that you keep extra power packing. Ideally, you can do this by bringing an extra battery that can give you that extra battery life that you need to complete your project.

Thanks to today’s technological advancements, you can keep extra power by carrying a power bank that can recharge your battery when it’s drained. Moreover, you can also employ the use of smart suitcases that allow you to charge your devices for a certain period of time.

Use a Business Lounge & Coworking Space

You may have a huge workload that needs to meet a particular deadline at the end of the day. This only means that you need the best possible environment that can facilitate this process without any unnecessary distractions.

Whatever the case may be, you need a place that’s free from distractions and disturbances. If you are at the airport and waiting for the flight, taking the time to visit the business lounge can really help. If you are in town, try to find the co-working space nearby. You can finally get the grand opportunity to work in peace and in the most ideal environment.

Pay for the Internet

Time flies and you don’t want to find yourself behind work due to slow or lack of internet. You have the option of paying for airport Wi-Fi or using a personal service provider. If you can get a good deal from your local provider, you should pay for their traveling internet service.

Avoid using free public Wi-Fi because you can place your data at risk. An alternative is to pay for premium Wi-Fi. That way, you can use the internet throughout your trip.

Consider The Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A virtual private server is simply a secluded and discrete server used for hosting purposes. By using VPS during your travels, you get the chance to remotely access your server without complications. This is a better option as compared to shared hosting where you have to call the host and share one server with other users.

Using a virtual private server is also fast since you don’t share the network with anyone else. Due to this reason, you get your work done in as little time as possible. The private server also protects your information from hackers because the data is encrypted.

Avoid Noise Disruptions

It’s pretty obvious that most of us are used to working in a quiet environment. Therefore, doing your work in an airport or train station can seem almost impossible for you because you have noise all around you.

You can counter these distractions by carrying noise-canceling headphones or earplugs that can let you work with ease. In addition, it’s scientifically proven that you can listen to calming music that lets you focus deeply on what you’re doing be it regular work or reading.

Conclusion

Traveling is an activity that can consume so much of your time. However, this shouldn’t be a reason to hinder you from finishing up on your work. All in all, you may never get past issues until you learn how to seek solutions.


Travel Tips

Tips for Keeping Good Oral Hygiene when Traveling

Leave a comment

Traveling is one of the most fulfilling experiences a person can have. Meeting new and interesting people, seeing new places, becoming (for a short while) part of a foreign culture – all these things make traveling to a foreign country a must for anybody who has the opportunity to do so. However, often people forget about regular healthy habits that they have at home. One of these is oral hygiene.

Nobody would contest the fact that dental hygiene is important. However, when we travel, we escape our old lives, at least for a time, and with it, we tend to neglect some old habits (both good and bad). Keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy is just as important abroad as it is at home.

Schedule an appointment first

Properly planning your trip abroad is a must if you want to make the most out of your travels. So we all know the basics – passport, vaccines, health insurance, emergency cash… However, what many fail to do, and what is especially important for long trips, is meeting up with your dentist before you go. The last thing you need on your trip is finding out you need a root canal.

Getting emergency dental work done in a foreign country can be very expensive and time-consuming. The recovery period can take away from time you could have spent visiting museums or trying out delicious food. Furthermore, if you are the adventurous type, and decided to visit some more exotic and foreign countries, you may end up in an area where you simply have no access to a dentist that can help you out.

Stock up on supplies

We all know you need to have the proper supplies when traveling. What many fail to do, however, is bring a toothbrush and toothpaste. Or, sometimes people get the cheapest airport toothbrushes they can get their hands on. These things are pretty much useless after a week of use, and even before that, they are often much rougher than regular toothbrushes.

Getting the right products, like the high-quality First Choice floss, a high-quality toothbrush (even an electric one), as well as good whitening toothpaste is the way to go. You may end up in an area where you can’t really find good dental supplies, or you may just want to avoid losing valuable time shopping for basic supplies.

Plan for the worst

Staying safe when traveling, especially in high-risk countries, is paramount. You need to have proper insurance and always keep an eye on your things. You should also do your homework and see what the area is like, which streets and neighborhoods you can visit, and which you should avoid. Don’t be fooled, one location in the more dangerous countries can be perfectly safe during the day, and may end up a place you want to avoid when night falls.

In line with this point, you should also research and see if there are any dentists in the area where you are going. You may end up having a toothache that can ruin your trip if not dealt with immediately. This is especially important if you have vulnerable teeth.

So, make a list of dentist offices in the place you are traveling to, compare their prices (just so you won’t get ripped off), and always do your homework.

Watch your diet

We travel to relax and to have new experiences. This often shifts our focus away from taking care of our bodies, and basically eating whatever we want. Things get even worse when we want to try every single delicacy that is offered to us, and we don’t really have a choice but to only eat out. This can, for obvious reasons, mess with your teeth.

Try to minimize the amount of sugar you eat when you’re traveling. We understand that this may be the only opportunity you will get to try a special local desert, but at least try to keep everything in moderation as much as you can. But, sugar isn’t the only culprit. Acidic foods (stuff filled with things like lemons and oranges) can also damage your teeth. Still, know that as long as you clean your teeth regularly and avoid binging on sweets, you will be fine.

Conclusion

If you wish to travel, you want to be as free and as loose as possible. Furthermore, you want to invest as much time as you can into having fun. That’s why things like a toothache and bleeding gums will just sour your trip needlessly. Watch your diet, get the right supplies, be certain your teeth are good before you go, and you’ll be right as rain.

Luxury Travel

Visiting Tahiti and Bora Bora – Most Amazing Islands of the Pacific Ocean

Leave a comment

Pacific - Tahiti

French Polynesia is so much more than a grouping of archipelagos – it is one of the biggest and most breathtaking collections of tropical islands and hidden paradises you can possibly imagine. It boasts a whopping 118 islands and covers over 7,000 square kilometers. Still, every such collective need a central hub and an administrative center, and the “capital” island of French Polynesia is a volcanic pearl of the Pacific known as Tahiti. It is part of the collection known as Society Island, which also boasts Bora Bora as its member – one of the most popular tourist spots in the entire world. If you are yearning to have a captivating adventure in this corner of the world, here’s what you need to know about visiting Tahiti and Bora Bora, the most amazing islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Tahiti flower

Tahiti – Basics

Tahiti is the largest of all islands in French Polynesia and it is a home to the collective’s capital city Papeete. With a population of circa 190,000 people, over 80% of them are of Polynesian descent. In fact, the ancient Polynesian people have settled into these corners of the world more than 4,000 years ago. The city lies on the north-western coast of the island, below Mount Orohena. It has a very distinctive appearance – it consists of two volcanic peaks that rise in a spectacular fashion out of the deep Pacific waves and which are connected with a narrow parcel of land. If you are arriving in Papeete via plane, the aerial view of the island is truly remarkable.

tahiti

Tahiti – Papeete

The capital city of French Polynesia is not exactly a metropolis but it boasts all the amenities and services the spoiled tourist might require. Most of all, it is a hectic harbor city that is constantly in flux – countless freighters, yachts and cruise liners course through its port. The town has many quaint accommodations and a lot of charming nooks and crannies which can easily be explored on foot since the town doesn’t cover a lot of square footage. Still, with a population of 27,000 people, it is the “biggest” urban area in entire French Polynesia.

tahiti

Bora Bora – Basics

Bora Bora is the jewel of French Polynesia and the most popular island in the grouping. It might not be the closest island to Tahiti (that would be Moorea) but it is the most renowned one for a very simple reason – it is the most gorgeous tropical paradise in the world. A volcanic island that is surrounded by the “ringed” reef looks more like a figment of someone’s playful imagination than a real place. It might not be the most populated island nor is the one that is rife with modern buildings or cutting-edge technology, but that exactly is the point! As unspoiled by civilization as it stands, Bora Bora is a marvel to behold and a playground to revel in!

bora-bora

Bora Bora – The accommodation

Since Bora Bora is so popular among the globe-trotting travelers, it boasts some of the most luxurious accommodations out there. However, these incredible locations, like for example the sumptuous St Regis Bora Bora resort, are not designed to stand out like a sore thumb in the lush landscape. Accommodations are made to blend in organically with the surrounding nature and one of the best and most iconic examples of this is the famous Bora Bora bungalows, which are as popular now as they ever were.

bora-bora

Bora Bora – the playground

Still, Bora Bora is not merely a convenient background for a number of interesting hotels. There are countless locations and activities to enjoy as you trek across the island and its reef. In fact, if you are a spoiled traveler, you should know that you can find a number of pampering establishments where you can get a spa, beauty treatments, and massages. However, be forewarned: because it is so popular and exclusive, Bora Bora is also incredibly expensive. Thankfully, there are ways to go about the island without spending too much money, but there are several things you definitely have to try out – like going on the underwater adventure through the lagoon to inspect the marine life up close in a way that is quite unprecedented!

bora-bora

Tahiti and Bora Bora are, for all intents and purposes, the absolute perfect “specimens” of tropical islands – the lush, beautiful, awe-inspiring corners of the world that have become engraved in the collective unconscious as the archetypes of tropical islands. Once you pay them a visit for the first time, it is easy to become addicted to the atmosphere, the vistas, the rhythm of life that pulsates through this region. Like the most beautiful people in the world (beautiful in all the ways that count), the Polynesians will grab you by the heart and make you wish you could stay with them forever.

Australia, Destinations

5 Reasons to Visit Brisbane Australia

1 Comment

Brisbane, on the Queensland coast of Australia, is a fascinating city that everyone should visit at least once. The city on the Brisbane River is often overlooked by visitors in favor of other coastal destinations. Why visit Brisbane? The city has a thriving dining and market scene and several dining districts. Here are five things to do and see in Brisbane.

Museums and Galleries in Brisbane
Museums and Galleries in Brisbane

Museums and Galleries

The Cultural Precinct is a fantastic location for families to visit. The Queensland Museum and Science Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, and GoMA are all in this district. The museum features permanent and interactive displays that are ideal for adults and children. Admission is charged for travelling exhibits, but they’re worth the price. GoMA is a kid-friendly art gallery and the one most visited in the country, with explanations of the exhibits for kids. One feature of the precinct that adults and kids love is the shops operated by the galleries.

Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane
Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane

Wildlife

Tangalooma on Moreton Island, 14 km from the city centre, is the place to observe stingrays, turtles, and whales during migration season between July and November. The biggest attraction is the Bottlenose dolphins that come into shallow water at sunset. Visitors can interact with and feed the dolphins, and learn about the species and their habitat. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the habitat of native species including possums, wombats, kangaroos, and koalas. Visitors can go into the large kangaroo enclosure to meet and feed the kangaroos. Queensland is the only state that allows visitors to hold cuddly koalas. Have a photo taken with one of these charming little marsupials as a momento of your visit.

River Cruising in one of the highlights in Brisbane
River Cruising in one of the highlights in Brisbane

Cruise the Brisbane River

Experience views of the Brisbane skyline, gardens and parks, and the city’s historic homes as you travel the river. You can extend your tour to the islands of Moreton Bay. If you visit between May and October, you can observe humpback whales on their migration. Another enjoyable way to see the city is on a dinner cruise. After dark, the twinkling lights of the city reflect on the river.

More than hundreds of restaurants to experience in Brisbane
More than hundreds of restaurants to experience in Brisbane

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Brisbane

What’s on around Brisbane? Many of the must visit neighborhoods and districts are along the Brisbane River. South Bank features a lot of cafes, museums, shops, theatres, and cafes. The Queensland Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands are in the region. The Riverside Precinct features great dining on the Eagle Street Pier and the Craft Market on Sundays. Many heritage landmarks including the Customs House are in the Riverside Precinct. Manly’s Cambridge Parade features lively nightlife, cafes, and charming gift shops. Another of Manly’s attractions is the Manly Boat Harbour. Fortitude Valley is a shopping district and features the Brunswick Street Mall, McWhirter’s Markets, and the Chinatown District, that has a lot of authentic Cantonese and Chinese restaurants.

An exciting climbing adventure
An exciting climbing adventure

Climbing Adventures

Glass House Mountain rock climbing is an exciting climbing adventure to the summit of a dormant volcanic peak. The view from the top of Glass House Mountain is spectacular and suitable for climbers of all levels. Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers an urban experience in the heart of Brisbane. The cliffs are about 20 metres high and feature panoramic views of the city. Kangaroo Point is suitable for climbers of all levels and guides are available. The cantilevered Story Bridge built in 1940 is for the traveller who wants an amazing view of Brisbane. In 2005, tour operators began offering climbs to the top of the bridge. The trip is challenging and quite safe. The two and a half hour Story Bridge Adventure Climb is one of the unique experiences you can have in Brisbane.

Fast-developing infrastructure
Fast-developing infrastructure

Developing Infrastructure

The Cross River Project will make travel for residents and visitors much easier upon completion. Cross River Rail Brisbane is the largest transportation project ever undertaken in the city. Work begins at the site at GoPrint where a station at Woolloongabba will stand. A 5.4 kilometre tunnel will be built on the railway link that runs beneath the business district and the Brisbane River. The Exhibition Station that currently serves the region will receive an upgrade and four new stations to accommodate passengers travelling on the line will be built. The rail network will be upgraded, and reconfiguration includes Albert Street, Exhibition Stations going to Bowen Hill, Roma Street, and Woolloongabba.

Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands
Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit brisbane is during the autumn months between March and May when there is little rainfall since the rainy season has just ended, and the temperatures are comfortable. Visitors need only a light jacket to be comfortable.

Editor's Picks, North America

A Road Trip from Washington DC to New York

Leave a comment

A road trip from Washington DC to New York

Words: Len Rutledge    Images: Phensri Rutledge

Driving in the USA can be daunting or charming depending on where you are. Despite initial reservations, my wife and I found driving between two of the country’s major cities was no great problem.

Day 1 Washington DC to Lancaster 190 km

This morning we leave Washington DC on route to Lancaster. We skirt Baltimore then follow I-83 north for 90 minutes before exiting at York. By now we have entered a beautiful region of rolling hills, neatly cultivated farms, covered bridges, and towns with unusual names like Paradise, Intercourse, and Bird-in-Hand. This is the gorgeous Amish Country, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which immediately evokes feelings of nostalgia, respect, and curiosity.

The verdant countryside is laced with rural roads and we quickly find opportunities to meet Amish and Mennonites on farms that have opened their doors for commerce. There are historical sites, pretzel and chocolate factories, covered bridges, and bustling farmers’ markets. For those unimpressed by these attractions, there are amusement parks and outlet-mall shopping.

At the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, we are given an excellent map and visitors’ guide to the region and a wealth of brochures. The Amish with their distinctive clothes and lifestyle are the big attraction in this region but we quickly learn they are not theme-park characters but hardworking people leading busy lives. They don’t drive cars or use electricity so there are 25,000 horse-drawn vehicles in the county. These tend to stick to quieter back roads, but you will certainly see many of them as you travel around.

The Amish Experience, on Route 340 in Intercourse offers three attractions that provide an authentic illustration of Amish life, past and present. Tickets for a 40-minute multimedia show, an interpretive tour of a contemporary-style Amish home, and a guided back-road bus tour may be purchased separately. We don’t do the bus tour but learn much about the lives of these interesting people. The final highlight of the day is dinner at a family-style restaurant with some local specialties.

washington

Day 2 Lancaster to Philadelphia 127 km

Today starts with a visit to the Amish Farm and House which is a historic 1805 farmhouse, furnished like a modern Amish house. The guide explains the Amish history, clothing, customs and culture as we move through the home. There is time to wander the six-hectare farm and see a wide variety of farm animals, historic barns, a covered bridge, the one-room schoolhouse and exhibits including an authentic tobacco stripping room and an original blacksmith shop.

Next, it’s back to Intercourse to visit the Kitchen Kettle Village where there are 45 local shops, restaurants and an inn in a village. The hub of activity around here is the kitchen where locals cook up sweets, fresh baked pie and cookies, and delicious canned goods like relish, salsa and pickles. We sample some pepper jam and shoo fly pie and agree that there is something special about Lancaster cooking. Amish and Mennonite owned-stores are closed on Sundays so visit here on other days.

Road US30 East heads towards Philadelphia. Much of this follows the route of the old Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike which when built in 1794 was the first toll road and best stone and gravel road in the country. This is not the fastest route but it is the most interesting as it goes through several small towns.

Traffic is heavy as we approach Philadelphia but we find our accommodation and decide we should walk rather than drive. This is the second largest city on the east coast of the United States but it is also one of the most historic in the nation. We are hungry so head to Reading Terminal Market, an enclosed public market opened in 1892. The former train shed has over one hundred merchants and we enjoy a healthy meal.

Day 3 Philadelphia

There is a designated Constitutional Walking Tour and it seems like a good idea to follow parts of it. The African American Museum is where we start but we leave somewhat disappointed. Fortunately, the National Constitution Centre, a well-done museum about the history of the USA and its Constitution, is more interesting. This naturally leads to the Independence Visitor Center where we learn about visiting Independence Hall and other sites in Independence National Historical Park.

Immediately south is the Liberty Bell Centre where historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the famous cracked Bell. Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were adopted, is the centrepiece of the Park.

We discover there are no tickets left for admission so we make do with looking around outside. Over the next few hours, we visit the Magnificent Carpenters Hall, Franklin Court, Christ Church, and Elfreth’s Alley, which is known as the oldest residential street in the USA.

As we return back along Arch Street towards our hotel, we stop off at the Betsy Ross House, the Arch Street Friends Meeting House and the Christ Church Burial Ground.

Day 4 Philadelphia to New York 155 km

Yesterday was all about old Philadelphia and we start today by driving through Society Hill a charming district with cobblestone streets said to contain the largest concentration of original 18th- and early 19th-century residential architecture in the United States.

We make a stop at the Mütter Museum America’s finest museum of medical history before visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country. The Franklin Institute was established in 1824 as a centre of science education and it also houses a huge statue of seated Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Time is getting away so we leave the city and head along the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) to Newark Liberty International Airport where we drop off the rental car. The Newark Airport Express takes us to Grand Central Station in New York City and we take the subway to our hotel.

There is just time to reach the Circle Line pier to catch the Harbour Lights Cruise. The sun is low as we cruise down the Hudson River, around the Battery, up the East River, and back via the Statue of Liberty. As the sun sets and the skyline comes alive with millions of lights, we gaze in wonder at the hugely impressive scene and plan our next few days in the city that never sleeps.

www.LenRutledge.com

Destinations, Europe, Travel Blogging, Travel Tips

Europe’s 8 Most Overlooked Small Cities With A Lot To Offer

Leave a comment

It is no secret that London, Rome, and Paris are magnificent cities with beautiful features, supreme highlights and much more. However, Europe has inexhaustible small cities that give travelers a more intimate and authentic view of the country. As much as the Capitals are obvious highlights, squeezing the small cities into your itinerary will spice up your stay. Here are 10 of our absolute must-sees.

  1. Rovinj, Croatia

Seamlessly located on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj is a beautiful archipelago of 20 islands with its town hemmed in on a small peninsula. Quaint alleys, stairways, and other interesting architecture frame the silhouette of its adventures. Other historical gems include St Euphemia’s Basilica, seven city gates and the 12th-century town clock.

Rovinj
Rovinj

 

  1. Caceres, Spain

If you are still speculating on where all the gold went to when Spain was under siege, much of it went to building the mansions, cathedrals, and palaces that are tucked away in beautiful Caceres. This off-the-beaten-track city boasts of an abundance of features including Ciudad Monumental, Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, and Via de la Plata. Here, you will love the architectural blend of Roman, Islamic and Italian revitalisation styles.

Caceres, picture from http://www.turismoenextremadura.es/conjuntos-historico-artisticos-caceres/
Caceres, picture from http://www.turismoenextremadura.es/conjuntos-historico-artisticos-caceres/

 

  1. Heidelberg, Germany

Situated in the vale of Odenwald mountains, Heidelberg is a chocolate-box and starry-eyed getaway city. Its most extraordinary features include the historic old town, numerous historic churches and the University of Heidelberg. Every inch of this spot is filled with history, from narrow streets to the scattered parks and much more.

Heidelberg
Heidelberg

 

  1. Porto, Portugal

An old city slipped away on the Iberian Peninsula; Porto sits between Douro River estuary and has been under foreign control for more than a millennium. Consequently, it has been nominated under the UNESCO world heritage and the buildings that snake through the streets are about as remarkable as anything you have ever seen. In fact, Porto has become an iconic name for a brand of wine sold through its port.

Porto
Porto

 

  1. Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim is a one city in Scandivania that is so picturesque- they say a picture tells a thousand words but Trondheim tells even double. It’s just spectacular. You will need 24 hours to explore the numerous sites in it and another 24 hours to visit the neighbouring area.

Trondheim
Trondheim

 

  1. Groningen, Netherlands

With approximately two bikes for each resident and a town centre that’s in effect inaccessible by motorists, Groningen is categorically the best place to keep fit. It also brings together some of Europe’s bet features including an annual festival and nightlife as vibrant as its people.

Groningen, image from http://typta.com/
Groningen, image from http://typta.com/

 

  1. Manarola, Italy

Manarola is a charming fishing town famous for its exclusive wine, Sciacchetra. It is one of the most peaceful towns on earth- no traffic lights, no screeching cars, no hooting of vehicles. This is because there is no vehicles access to the city area. To visit the city, you will take a bus or walk on foot after having parked your car outside the town.

Manarola
Manarola

 

  1. Split, Croatia

Split, a jewel in the Croatian Adriatic, is in a prime location in Croatia because it is close to a couple of beautiful cities such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Sibenik. Also is surrounded by the beauty of Croatia’s hidden gems, such as the city of Trogir which people say is mini Split, Čiovo which is a beautiful island with mountains that visitors enjoy immensely. Of course, you can take a blue cave tour from Split to the island Bisevo. Blue Cave is an iconic sea cave that travelers visit very often and even go scuba diving there. The specialty about this cave is of course, the blue light that magnificently portrays itself due to the sunlight reflection on the water through a crack in the cave. It is spectacular and a must see destination.

Split
Split

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia, Celebrity Chefs, Destinations, Food, Restaurant Reviews, Street Food Guide

The New Asian Cuisine Hub: Must-Visit Restaurants in Brisbane

Leave a comment

Brisbane has become the epicenter of modern and creative Asian cuisine. Incidentally, Brisbane’s Asian restaurants are also some of the best restaurants in Brisbane. For your road trips in Australia, these restaurants are a must-visit. 

FantAsia

FantAsia

FantAsia Brisbane offers Asian fast food. By using traditional cooking methods and local, seasonal produce, FantAsia delivers fresh and authentic Asian flavors without the price and wait of typical Asian cuisine restaurants. 

The main attraction at FantAsia is the Tokyo Beef entree, which complements the lemongrass and ginger tea. 

Sake 

Sake Restaurant and Bar focuses on contemporary Japanese cuisine with hints of California and European flavors. The restaurant offers private dining rooms as well as communal banquet dining area. 

Sake’s signature dishes include steamed prawn dumplings and ‘glacier 51’ tooth-fish lettuce cups.

Asian-Szechuan Bang Bang Cuisine

Inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Sichuan Province, Asian-Szechuan has brought Southwest China flavors to Brisbane. Cooking methods that date back 2,000 years add to the customary tang.

Black fungus and tofu skin salad with garlic and chili oil is offered as an entrée. The less adventurous can opt for a classic dish like Sichuan beef hot pot.

Golden Barbeque

Focusing on classic Chinese BBQ, Golden Barbeque offers large portions and authentic flavors. This hidden gem offers a mom and pop environment with economic prices. Check out their staple dish of BBQ duck.

Garden Restaurant

Taigum Gardens

Taigum Gardens has a vast array of Chinese cuisine options inspired by multiple Chinese delicacies. Large portions and high-quality meats can be expected from this quint restaurant, which is geared to adults. Must-try dishes include the crispy honey beef, the traditional roast duck, and the mango ice cream. 

Happy Boy 

Located on Mein St., this hidden gem focuses on Chinese cuisine with hints of French and Italian inspiration. Happy Boy offers a small, charming space in a converted warehouse. Recommendations include the dried fried green beans, salt and pepper prawns and pork belly sliders. 

Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar

Bird’s Nest brings traditional Japanese Yakitori to Brisbane. Using solely fresh, free-range meats and organic produce, Bird’s Nest offers multiple gluten-free and vegetarian options. They specialize in skewers with beef, chicken, veggies, tofu and/or pork belly. 

Paddington Curry House

Specializing in Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Paddington Curry House provides complementary rice with every curry order. Staples include paneer tikka, an Indian cheese marinated in tandoori spices then grilled to perfection, and traditional chicken malai tikka. Their goat curry is a staple for every curry fanatic.

table-791167_1280

Citron Restaurant

For anyone who enjoys modern twists to their Asian cuisine will fall in love with Citron. Owned and operated by Robert Foley, previously of Piccolo Restaurant, and notable chef Mark Newman. Citron is the only restaurant in town where eaters can find green tea salt calamari with ginger chili dipping sauce.

Fat Noodle Restaurant

Fat Noodle was created by famed chef Luke Nguyen, and includes a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Malay dishes. Nguyen’s signature dish is Fat Pho Noodles, which consists of a 20-hour beef broth, bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, fresh chili and rice noodles. 

Australia, Destinations, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Top 5 Aussie Road Trips

The vast territory that is Australia has much to offer. Each region is unique and has spectaculars landscape that must be explored and experienced. Indulge in a holiday of a lifetime and plan a road trip to see the country. Take a week or two, pack the bags, gather the family, load the vehicle and take snacks for the best Aussie road trips. Driving ensures that you do not miss anything between starting and finishing destinations. Take your time and visit some of the most amazing areas on the continent.

1) Great Ocean Road-Victoria

The journey along the southern coast requires a few days in order to make the most of the trip. The destination is renowned around the world for its natural beauty and sites. The famous iconic adventure spans more than 250 kilometres from Torquay to Warrnambool. In addition to the wondrous coastal scenery, the drive provides the chance to stop and encounter wildlife, go hiking, gaze at cascading waterfalls and grab a meal at one of the local beachside communities. Take photographs of the unique formations known as the 12 Apostles. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Lock Ard Gorge. See the adorable koalas at Kennett River.

2) Red Centre Way-Northern Territory

road-780544_640While many prefer to take the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Uluru, the Red Centre Way is infinitely more scenic. Along the way, you will happen upon picturesque canyons and gorges that feature camping and hiking locations. Make a point of being there for an amazing sunrise or sunset. Watch Uluru change colour throughout the course of the day. Take the base walk. Guests of all ages enjoy the memorable camel rides. Stop at nearby Kata Tjuta. Trek through Kings Canyon and along the shores of Glen Helen Gorge. Take a dip in the cool waters of Ormiston Gorge.

3) The Savannah Way-Queensland

Start in the east at Cairns and venture the 3,700 kilometres to Broome in the west. While in Cairns, drive to Undara Volcanic National Park and explore the ancient lava tubes. Gem fossicking is also popular here and might gain a participant anything from aquamarine or quartz gemstones to gold. Make a point of going south of Millaa Millaa and see the most photographed falls in the country. Stay on the lookout for the Ulysses butterfly. Maybe catch a glimpse of a platypus later in the afternoon. The destination is a popular swimming spot and perfects for BBQs and picnics. There are also changing rooms and toilets.

4) Cairns to Cape Tribulation

An eastern coast adventure brings guests to the tropical environs of North Queensland. The iconic scenic region is considered one of the most enchanting destinations on the planet. The reduced humidity during the winter months is more desirable. There are also fewer stinging insects to spoil the trip. Highlights here not to miss include the chance to snorkel or scuba along the Great Barrier Reef. Scramble across the rocks at Mossman Gorge and learn more about the area at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

5) Sydney to Brisbane

coast-192979_640

The Legendary Pacific Coast remains one of Australia’s most popular road trips. The 900-kilometre drive offers something for visitors of all ages. Tour a winery and sample the vintages in Hunter Valley. Stroll along the coastal promenade at Port Macquarie. Take in the sunset at Coffs Coast or Byron Bay. Take the whole family swimming in the clear blue protected waters of Kingscliff.