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Guadalajara fue fundada en el próspero Valle de Atemajac, a 1550 metros sobre el nivel del mar, allá por el año de 1542, el 14 de febrero específicamente, con la idea de que fuera la capital de la Nueva España. Con el tiempo, los lugares turísticos de Guadalajara la han convertido en un destino ideal a donde ir el fin de semana, consolidándola como la segunda ciudad en importancia de México.

En la actualidad " La Perla de Occidente" es una hermosa ciudad en donde la cultura, la industria y la recreación se conjuntan para ofrecer al visitante la excelente opción de disfrutar sus vacaciones en Guadalajara.

VIERNES

Llegamos a Guadalajara un poco tarde, y nos dirigimos directamente al HOTEL LA ROTONDA, para descargar nuestro equipaje y descansar unos minutos antes de salir a dar nuestra primera caminata por el centro de la ciudad.

¿Qué hacer el fin de semana en Guadalajara? Habiendo reposado un poco del viaje y después de refrescarnos, salimos a la PLAZA DE ARMAS, ¡uno de esos lugares en Guadalajara que hay que visitar! Esta plaza está custodiada por las sedes de los poderes eclesiástico y civil, y cuyo principal atractivo es el singular quiosco estilo art noveau que data del siglo XIX, vemos que su techo, elaborado con finas maderas, se sostiene con ocho cariátides que simulan instrumentos musicales. El conjunto forma una muy especial caja acústica que es utilizada todos los fines de semana para ofrecer conciertos con la banda de viento, la cual tenemos oportunidad de escuchar.

Después de habernos deleitado con la música y, por lo mismo, haber estimulado más nuestro apetito, vamos derechito a uno de los lugares de comida más tradicionales donde ir en Guadalajara: la CENADURÍA LA CHATA. Y si te preguntas qué comer en Guadalajara, cuáles son esos sabores típicos que debes probar, puedes pedir un "platillo jalisciense", que trae un poquito de todo.

Ya con el estómago bien lleno, decidimos dar una ligera caminata hacia la PLAZA DE LOS LAURELES, también conocida como Plaza del Ayuntamiento, en cuyo centro observamos una bella fuente de planta circular con escalinatas que conmemora la fundación de la ciudad, y que fue construida entre 1953 y 1956. Hay vestigios de la historia de Guadalajara por muchas de sus calles.

Luego de nuestro primer paseo decidimos ir a dormir para reponer energías, pues los lugares para el fin de semana son muchos y el recorrido de mañana nos espera bien despiertos. Pero para quienes gusten desvelarse un poco más pueden elegir algún bar o discoteca donde pasarán un buen rato.

SÁBADO

Como siempre en los viajes de fin de semana, empezamos temprano el día para disfrutarlo al máximo. En esta ocasión decidimos desayunar en el antiguo RESTAURANTE MI TIERRA que, según reza un letrero, fue fundado en 1857 y que es atendido por "Los Nicolases". Caminando hacia él, nos encontramos con el TEMPLO DE JESÚS MARÍA, edificio barroco en cuyo interior nos llama la atención la cantidad de órganos tubulares que posee, pese a lo reducido de su espacio.

"Pancita llena, corazón contento", dice el refrán, y llegamos hasta la Avenida Juárez, una de las principales del centro histórico de Guadalajara, y justo enfrente a donde nos encontramos alcanzamos a observar el JARDÍN DEL CARMEN con su típica fuente al centro y un hermoso espacio arbolado que enmarca perfectamente al SANTUARIO DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL CARMEN, fundado entre 1687 y 1690, y que fuera remodelado en su totalidad en 1830. De su decoración original, se conservan el escudo de la orden carmelita, la estrella y las esculturas de los profetas Elías y Eliseo. En general podemos decir que este templo es de sobria construcción, y que da nombre al jardín en mención. ¡Sin duda, otro lugar que visitar en Guadalajara!

En una de las bancas esperamos a que abra sus puertas el EX CONVENTO DEL CARMEN, que fuera uno de los más ricos de la ciudad y que fue destruido casi en su totalidad, quedando en pie sólo una pequeña parte de su claustro y la capilla. Hoy en día funciona como espacio museístico, y en esta ocasión tenemos oportunidad de ver la obra de los artistas Leopoldo Estrada y "El Infeliz", como él se autonombra.

Nos encaminamos hacia la zona oriente del centro; de pronto nos topamos, sobre la banqueta y recargada sobre un edificio, con una singular escultura en bronce que es un homenaje que Telmex hace a Jorge Matute Remus, ingeniero que fuera presidente municipal de la ciudad y que realizara la traslación del edificio histórico en el que se apoya.

Seguimos el camino y en la pequeña PLAZA UNIVERSIDAD llama nuestra atención, un edificio que en 1591 los jesuitas fundaran como colegio bajo la advocación de Santo Tomás de Aquino, y que en 1792 la capilla y convento albergaran a la Real y Pontifica Universidad de Guadalajara. En 1937 el gobierno municipal vendió el convento y en la actualidad sólo se conserva el templo de hermoso pórtico neoclásico que le fuera añadido a principios del siglo XIX y que en nuestros días es sede de la BIBLIOTECA IBEROAMERICANA "OCTAVIO PAZ" DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE GUADALAJARA.

Llegamos, por fin, al PALACIO DE GOBIERNO, monumental construcción churrigueresca y neoclásica terminada en 1774, y cuyo interior se reconstruyó casi en su totalidad debido a la explosión que ocurrió en ese lugar en 1859. Posteriormente, en 1937, José Clemente Orozco pintó un extraordinario mural sobre los muros de la escalinata principal, en el que se observa a un Miguel Hidalgo furioso, con una antorcha en su mano enfrentándose a las "fuerzas tenebrosas", representadas por el clero y la milicia.

Al salir decidimos visitar la CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA, cuya construcción se inició en 1558 y fue consagrada en 1616. Sus dos majestuosas torres, símbolo de la ciudad, fueron realizadas en el siglo XIX, pues las originales se vinieron abajo con el sismo de 1818; la cúpula tuvo que ser reconstruida luego de otro temblor, éste de 1875. El edificio muestra una mezcla de estilos gótico, barroco, morisco y neoclásico, lo que le da, tal vez, su gracia y ritmo tan peculiar. El interior se divide en tres naves y 11 altares laterales; su techo descansa sobre 30 columnas de estilo dórico. La Catedral es de una belleza arquitectónica que bien vale la pena conocer a detalle.

Ahora nos dirigimos hacia el PALACIO MUNICIPAL, construcción que reproduce patios, portales, columnas, toscanas y esquinas características de la vieja arquitectura de la ciudad, y en cuyo interior se encuentra la sede del poder municipal.

Como ya el estómago nos empieza a reclamar alimento y, además, deseamos visitar una de las famosas plazas comerciales de Guadalajara, nos dirigimos al RESTAURANTE PARRILLA SUIZA, excelente lugar en el que podremos disfrutar de una deliciosa comida. Yo, por lo pronto, doy cuenta de una orden de tacos de bistek al albañil que seguramente me mantendrá con el estómago lleno hasta muy entrada la tarde.

Muy cerca se encuentra la famosa PLAZA DEL SOL, en la que podremos satisfacer nuestro consumismo, pues es enorme y se puede encontrar cualquier artículo que deseemos: zapatos, ropa, accesorios, tiendas de autoservicio, restaurantes, cafeterías, etcétera. Este es uno de esos lugares para fin de semana que los locales visitan mucho.

Es hora de emprender el regreso al centro de la ciudad, pues aún nos falta mucho que visitar en Guadalajara. Antes de llegar al centro histórico de Guadalajara hacemos un alto para conocer el magnífico TEMPLO EXPIATORIO, cuya primera piedra se colocó el 15 de agosto de 1877, y fue abierto al culto el 6 de enero de 1931. Su fachada es de estilo neogótico en cantera y dividida en tres secciones rematadas en un pináculo cada una. Su interior se divide en tres naves con columnas unidas por un sinnúmero de nervaduras, y es iluminado por maravillosos ventanales decorados con multicolores vitrales, lo que le da una atmósfera especial al lugar.

Justo a espaldas del Templo Expiatorio se encuentra la ANTIGUA RECTORÍA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE GUADALAJARA, construcción que data de 1914 y que fuera fundado como Rectoría Universitaria el 12 de octubre de 1925. El edificio tiene forma de cruz con graderías y con arcos de medio punto. Su estilo se enmarca dentro del renacentista francés y en su cara frontal se aprecian diversas esculturas metálicas que sirven de preámbulo a las colecciones que admiraremos en el interior, pues hoy en día alberga al MUSEO DE LAS ARTES DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE GUADALAJARA.

Ya de regreso al primer cuadro de la ciudad nos dirigimos a la PLAZA DE LA LIBERACIÓN, que es otra de las plazas que circundan a la Catedral Metropolitana en forma de cruz, y que desde su construcción en 1952 es conocida también como la "Plaza de las dos copas" debido a las dos fuentes con esta figura que se localizan en sus extremos oriente y poniente. Desde esta plaza se tiene una espectacular vista del TEATRO DEGOLLADO, que se inauguró en 1856 con la ópera Lucía de Lammermoor, protagonizada por la actriz guanajuatense Ángela Peralta. El teatro es de un marcado estilo neoclásico y en su bóveda se observan frescos de Gerardo Suárez que evocan un pasaje de la Divina Comedia. Su fachada original fue remodelada para revestirla de cantera y colocarle un relieve en mármol sobre su frontón superior, obra del artista Benito Castañeda.

Justo a espaldas del teatro se levanta la FUENTE DE LOS FUNDADORES, que señala el lugar exacto donde se realizó la fundación de la ciudad en 1542. En la fuente se observa un relieve escultórico en bronce realizado por Rafael Zamarripa que evoca la ceremonia de fundación encabezada por Cristóbal de Oñate.

Ya que andamos por el PASEO DEGOLLADO aprovechamos para gastarnos lo que nos queda de dinero entrando a uno de los múltiples centros joyeros que aquí se encuentran y visitando los portales en donde se colocan los artesanos hippies, como se les conoce. De entre la multitud nos llama la atención el "Pajarito que lee la suerte" y a él nos dirigimos para que con su habilidad nos diga cómo nos irá en el amor o en nuestra suerte; claro, si es que creemos en ello.

Para descansar un poco del ajetreado día que hemos tenido como primera mitad del fin de semana en Guadalajara, nos sentamos en una de las bancas del andador degustando un delicioso helado y escuchando una de las melodías que un grupo de canto nuevo interpreta a un costado de la fuente de los fundadores, mientras observamos cómo los chiquillos se divierten cruzando por las aguas de una de las muchas fuentes que aquí se encuentran.

Cuando pasamos frente al Teatro Degollado, en nuestro camino para ir a cenar, nos encontramos con una agradable sorpresa al ver cómo la fachada de este recinto artístico se comienza a "iluminar de colores", pues recientemente se adquirió un juego de luces para ambientar este edificio. Así vemos que de pronto se ilumina de verde, de azul, de rosa y, en un momento dado, de varios colores, dando un maravilloso panorama. (Preguntando al otro día, nos informaron que a partir de esa fecha el espectáculo de luz funcionaría todos los días en el teatro y en el Instituto Cultural Cabañas.)

Decidimos cenar en el RESTAURANTE LA ANTIGUA que se ubica en la parte alta de uno de los edificios circundantes a la Plaza Guadalajara, casi frente a la catedral. Allí nos sentamos en una de las mesas que se asoman por un balcón a la mencionada plaza para, al tiempo de disfrutar de nuestra cena, observar lo que pasa metros abajo.

Luego de cenar decidimos simplemente cambiar de altura y bajamos al BAR LAS SOMBRILLAS, que se encuentra prácticamente debajo de La Antigua, sobre la Plaza de los Laureles para disfrutar del espectáculo de música viva que ofrece y saborear un café o una michelada.

Finalmente, decidimos irnos a descansar, pues mañana aún tenemos mucho por conocer y, por desgracia, emprender nuestro regreso.

DOMINGO

Para disfrutar al máximo del poco tiempo que nos queda para terminar de ver todos los lugares turísticos de Guadalajara que tenemos en lista, decidimos empezar temprano y en esta ocasión vamos a desayunar al MERCADO LIBERTAD, mejor conocido como "Mercado de San Juan de Dios" por encontrarse en ese barrio. Este mercadote ha sido considerado como uno de los más grandes y vistosos de la República Mexicana. Consta de dos pisos: en la planta baja podemos encontrar todo tipo de alimentos preparados (que es a donde primero vamos, pues el hambre nos guía); y en la alta se encuentran los puestos de ropa, zapatos, discos, regalos, juguetes, en fin en este mercado podemos encontrar prácticamente cualquier cosa que se nos ocurra.

Al terminar de desayunar decidimos visitar el TEMPLO DE SAN JUAN DE DIOS, construido durante el siglo XVII bajo un estilo barroco, y la famosa PLAZA DE LOS MARIACHIS, que está enmarcada por portales en los que hay varios restaurantes desde los que escuchan a los numerosos mariachis que aquí se reúnen durante todo el día, pero que incrementan su actividad durante la noche.

Después de oír a los mariachis, nos dirigimos al HOSPICIO CABAÑAS, edificio diseñado por el arquitecto Manuel Tolsá a finales del siglo XVIII, e inaugurado en 1810 sin haber sido concluido, lo que ocurrió hasta 1845. La construcción es de estilo neoclásico con un frontón triangular en el pórtico y su interior se encuentra dividido por numerosos y largos corredores, más de 20 patios y un sinnúmero de habitaciones. Desde sus inicios se destinó como asilo de niños huérfanos y el nombre se debe a su principal promotor, el obispo Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo. En la actualidad funciona como centro cultural bajo el nombre de INSTITUTO CULTURAL CABAÑAS y su mayor atractivo son las pinturas que allí plasmara José Clemente Orozco, destacando la que se localiza en la cúpula del recinto, en la que representa a un hombre en llamas y que ha sido considerada como la obra maestra del artista.

Al finalizar nuestra visita regresamos caminando hasta llegar al PALACIO DE JUSTICIA, que fue construido en 1588 como parte del CONVENTO DE SANTA MARÍA DE GRACIA, cuya capilla aún podemos observar contigua al palacio.

Siguiendo nuestro paseo llegamos al MUSEO REGIONAL DE GUADALAJARA que se encuentra en el antiguo edificio del Seminario de San José que data de finales del siglo XVIII. Dentro de las colecciones permanentes del museo destacan piezas paleontológicas y arqueológicas, así como pinturas de Juan Correa, Cristóbal de Villalpando y José de Ibarra. Además, vale la pena admirar su patio central circundado por columnas y arcos de medio punto, así como la escalinata que conduce a la planta alta.

Al salir de uno de los clásicos museos de Guadalajara cruzamos la calle para admirar la ROTONDA DE LOS HOMBRES ILUSTRES, monumento levantado en 1952 y que se compone por 17 columnas estriadas sin base ni capitel y que delinean el recinto de forma circular. El monumento resguarda 98 urnas con los restos de algunos personajes históricos.

Casi estamos por emprender nuestro regreso y se nos olvidaba algo típico y tradicional de Guadalajara: pasear en calandria. Así que decidimos subir a una para que, de manera más descansada, nos lleve a dar una vuelta por el antiguo Guadalajara. Durante el paseo pasamos por el TEMPLO DE SAN FRANCISCO, de finales del siglo XVII y que posee una hermosa portada de tres cuerpos y, justo a un costado de éste, vemos la CAPILLA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ARANZAZU, también del siglo XVII y que resguarda algunas piezas notables del arte religioso, sobresaliendo unos retablos barrocos únicos en su tipo.

Después de casi una hora llegamos a donde iniciamos el recorrido, que, por cierto, se localiza a unos cuantos pasos de nuestro hotel, por lo que decidimos recoger nuestro equipaje para emprender el regreso, no sin antes volver a La Chata para degustar una deliciosa comida mexicana que nos dé fuerza para el viaje de retorno a nuestro hogar.

Durante la comida alguien nos pregunta si ya visitamos el TIANGUIS DE ANTIGÜEDADES que se coloca sobre la Plaza de la República, y como no lo conocíamos, antes de partir nos fuimos para allá. En el tianguis encontramos de todo: desde chatarra y fierros viejos hasta verdaderas piezas de colección. Para no echar la vuelta en balde, nos hacemos de una camarita Brownie que nos hacía falta en la colección y, ahora sí, decidimos terminar con el fin de semana en Guadalajara conscientes de que hemos vivido una extraordinaria experiencia en la "Perla de Occidente". Por nuestra grata experiencia, te recomendamos viajes a Guadalajara pronto.

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Fin de semana en Guadalajara, Jalisco | México Desconocido

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Guadalajara fue fundada en el próspero Valle de Atemajac, a 1550 metros sobre el nivel del mar, allá por el año de 1542, el 14 de febrero específicamente, con la idea de que fuera la capital de la Nueva España.

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Want budget travel tips for free? Wouldn't you want to travel more often without breaking the bank? What if I told you that instead of planning one family trip a year, you can go twice with the same budget? If you are at all interested, read on to find out how you can do simple things to save money next time you go on vacation.

Airfares

1. Airline Tickets - Plan in advance and visit discount websites to see if there are better deals. While these sites might charge you a service fee ($5 or so), they can easily combine flight segments from different airlines easily to give you a great deal. (bonus - get even more savings by finding a Travelocity promo code before you book a trip)

2. Connecting Flights - You might think connecting sucks but it sure saves you a good chunk of money doing it. Consider the pros and cons and don't write it off right away.

3. Travel Light - Airlines are starting to charge for everything now and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember to not use over sized bags whenever possible and try to keep it all within one bag per person.

4. Substitute - Consider packing really old clothes (if you plan to buy new ones on the trip). This way, you can keep one luggage and still have room for purchases.

5. Always Look into Round Trip Tickets - Sometimes, one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don't use the return trip. (I know it's weird but I've seen it myself)

6. Try to Get Back to the Same Airport - Flying in and out of the same airport is almost always cheaper. It's not only the flight tickets but the car rentals as well.

7. Traveling to Two Countries - If you are planning to stay in two countries and an airline makes you change planes on those countries anyway, you might be in luck. Check pricing on the flights to see if you can stay a few days at the country of the flight change instead of changing planes right away since airlines often let you do that for the same price.

Eating

1. Plan Your Meals - Figure out where you will be and eat before you actually go out. This is not just good for your wallet, but your stomach too since you will probably find economical restaurants that tastes great.

2. Cook for Yourself - Not many people do this but cooking while on vacation can sometimes be quite fun. Since the experience is new (cookware, dining area, supermarkets etc), it's actually quite fun.

3. Meals Carryover - Want a breakfast that cost nothing? Ask for some bread to-go at the restaurant the night before.

4. Avoid Breakfast from the Hotels - Chances are good that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive and isn't great. It probably pays to walk out the front door in the morning and find a local cafe. You might just stumble onto the local favorite.

5. Eat More at Lunch Than Dinners - Fancy lunches are often much less expensive than dinners. If you eat a big breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, it's also healthier.

Car Rentals

1. Be Specific with Car Rentals - One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn't take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars.

2. Car Rental Coverage - Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask)

3. Size of the Car - I used to always get the smallest car possible because not only do I not need the extra room, I also didn't want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need.

4. Children Car Seats - If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it.

5. Fill up that Rental Car - If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that's what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back.

6. Coupon Codes - Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.

Transportation

1. Rail, Metros and Subway - If you are traveling to Europe, research on multi-trip discounts. Many metros and rails have passes such as a 3-day unlimited travel passes which might be worth the cost.

2. Night Train and Flights - If the transportation is going to be long, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation and many hours of time. Many people have a tough time sleeping on these, but it's all mental. Once you get used to it, you will be able to have a good night's rest.

3. Take the Slower Transportation - If flying is too short for you to take advantage of sleeping while traveling, take a bus ride. When you are sleeping, you won't mind that the bus ride is 7 hours.

4. Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transportation - Tourist usually take taxis since it's the laziest way to get from point A to B. Consider the subway or buses because it's sometimes easier and it is much cheaper.

5. Driving is Not Bad - Want to take that 1 hour flight? With airport security and all the hassle of airport inefficiencies, you might as well drive there (it takes just as long and it's less expensive). Once you get there, having a car is also much easier than needing to take your bags everywhere.

Currency

1. Watch That Currency - If you never really had a preference in travel destinations, consider the exchange rate when you travel. This sometimes makes the biggest difference.

2. Getting Cash - Many exchange centers have very bad exchange rates so don't go there. Search the internet to find out good places to get cash in the local currency. For example, a quick search tells you that the best exchange rate is found at the airport and using ATMs in Taiwan and France respectively.

3. Try Using the Local Version of the Same Website - Due to the rapid change in currency rates, it could be much cheaper to book using the local currency. How do you do that? Go to the local version of the same website.

Accommodations

1. Staying in a Town Next Door - Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don't mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle.

2. Home Exchanges - These are pretty cool and popular especially in Europe. Your trip might not be as romantic as The Holiday (movie with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law) but if you are of the adventure type, this could be exciting and refreshing).

3. Ask - Sometimes smaller hotel chains are willing to give you free upgrades (or even free nights). If you already have a reservation booked elsewhere, call them up and tell them that you would consider changing if you can get an additional night free.

4. Vacation Home - If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper.

5. Suites - Instead of having two rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites that some hotels provide. They will end up being cheaper and you get just as much privacy with your own room.

Shopping

1. Duty Free - Many airports have duty free shops that you can take advantage of. They might not be the best deal around if you don't consider taxes but tax-free might make it the least expensive option.

2. Don't Forget About Possible Tax Refunds - Some countries let you get all or part of the retail sales tax back. You might have to fill out forms and show proof but if large purchases are made aboard, it can save you a bundle.

Alternatives

1. Tourist Spots May Not be That Hot - Many countries have tourist spots that aren't really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you've been to that place already, there's no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation.

2. Walk Around - If your destination isn't that far away, consider asking the locals directions and walking there. It's a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures.

3. Enjoy the Local Version - Many consumables are less expensive when it's made in the country you are visiting. Consider trying their local beer, coffee or food. You might be surprised at how great and cheap it really is.

4. Be a Little Flexible with Travel Days - Many prices are based on supply and demand, so sometimes it's much cheaper to leave the day before (or after) instead. Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. This makes a difference especially around major holidays.

5. Book a Bundle - There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you.

6. Go Off Season - Everyone wants to ski or go to Hawaii in the winter. Consider this type of vacations in off-peak times (going skiing in the spring time for example). It's cheaper and less crowded.

7. Travel Around Home - Overseas travel might be your dream vacation but there are actually many places close by that is very interesting as well. Check out those lesser known places and the local experience might very well be great.

8. Try Booking at Different Times - Online sites sometimes have rates based on the time and day of the week you book. Try different combinations and see if you can get a better deal.

General

1. Bid Your Own Price - Priceline.com has a great system where you can name your own price on flights, hotels and car rentals. If the same offer is available, I've always saved money bidding for it.

2. Discount Everything - Some countries have discount stores (I've seen one in Japan for example) where they sell all kinds of tickets at a discount. In that store, I've even seen gift cards for department stores so if you are buying something anyway, those stores will give you an instant deal.

3. Don't Give Up Looking for Deals - Even if you have your plans set, keep trying to look for deals. Reservations can often be canceled with a full refund so if you find a last minute deal that fits into your plans, take advantage of it. (I went to Las Vegas recently and saved half my hotel cost since a last minute deal happened to fit my itinerary so it really works)

4. Reward Points - Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, sign up for those reward programs since you might qualify eventually. It's all free anyway and if you finally get enough points, you can get always get something free.

5. Go to the Grocery Store - Even if you are away from home, chances are high that there are grocery stores where you are traveling to. It's worth it to take a trip there and get snacks, water, and everything you need for your trip since hotels overcharge.

6. Age, Student and Membership Discounts - Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your ID and membership cards (e.g. AAA card) with you that might qualify you for these.

7. Group Discounts - We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there is no obligations to be everywhere together.

8. Talk to the Locals - Be friendly and chat with them. Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns).

9. Mini Tours - I'm not talking about bus tours that takes days but one day tours that take you to many different places within the city. Not only will they take you to places you probably want to visit anyway, the bus driver is usually quite entertaining and informative as well.

More Money Saving Tips

Tagged as: Frugality, Money Tips, Saving Money

Editor's Note: Did you know about the service called $5 meal plans? For $5 a month, they send you recipes of delicious, healthy, yet cheap food that costs just $5 a meal.

Several of my friends signed up and they are able to eat at home more because the instructions are easy to follow, making everything convenient. The deal also comes with grocery shopping lists, which saves them so much time. Check it out yourself by clicking here and you too may be able to save more and become healthier at the same time.

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50 Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on Vacations

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Want budget travel tips for free? Wouldn't you want to travel more often without breaking the bank? What if I told you that instead of planning one family trip a year, you can go twice with the same budget?

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150 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in China

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Discover 150 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in China from Hanging Temple of Hengshan to Baigong Pipes.

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Tokyo is definitely one of those top places in every traveler's to-do list. There is plenty to see, go and do, so the visitors must be prepared. This guide will let you not to miss essential places and provide with the ultimate Tokyo experience.

10. Cherry Blossom Festivals

Cherry blossom is a symbol of Japan. The blooming trees mark the end of the winter and welcome spring, which is being celebrated all around the country. In Tokyo alone there is a number of parks, where the blossoming trees attract locals and guests to admire the incredible trees.
Why go there?
The most authentic Japanese festival.
Where to go?
Ueno Onshi Park, Asukayama Park, the Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Riverbank.
When to go there?
The flowers are expected to blossom from March 20 to April 8, however, the dates may slightly change.

9. Meiji Shrine, Shibuya

Surrounded with the forest, the shrine was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. One of the most popular temples in Japan, Shinto shrine combines traditional Japanese architecture with love for the nature.
Why go there?
The place is a relaxing oasis in busy Tokyo. Often traditional weddings could be seen here.
When to go there?
Anytime. The first days of the New Year are the busiest.
How to get there?
Get to the Harajuku Station or Meiji-Jingu-Mae Station by metro.

8. Yoyogi Park

You have learned that Japanese are reserved people, but sometimes you see these pictures of young kids dressed in the craziest outfits. Yoyogi Park is the best place to catch up with the latest trends and styles.
Why go there?
To have a hike in a park and do some people-watching.
When to go there?
Sundays.
How to get there?
The park is adjacent to the Meiji Shrine.

7. Cat Café, Nekorobi, Ikebukuro

The cozy café is occupied by the cats. The pet lovers will be pleased to visit this place. Anyone who loves pets, but can't keep them, who wants to pet a cat or simply have a cup of tea in a tranquil place, might love to come to this unconventional café.
Why go there?
If you miss being surrounded by the cute animals.
When to go there?
The café is open every day.
How to get there?
Easily accessible by train or metro.

6. Tokyo Tower

The architecture of this communications and observation tower was obviously influenced by the Eiffel Tower. The visitors get to admire a 360 degree Tokyo panorama from the top viewpoint. There is a newer and taller tower, however, this one is the symbol of Tokyo.
Why go there?
A classic spot to visit in the capital.
When to go there?
The tower is open every day.
How to get there?
Get there by metro to Onarimon Station or Akabanebashi Station.

5. Ryogoku Kokugikan

The Tokyo's National Sumo Hall is another spot where tourists can have their authentic Japanese experience. Besides actual wrestling, there is a whole parade in the ceremonial clothes, classic move demonstration by the former champions, that create a real sumo feast.
Why go there?
This is certainly one of the most authentic things you could do in Japan.
When to go there?
The most exciting are the 15-day tournaments, that take place in January, May, and September.
How to get there?
Get to the Ryogoku Station by metro.

Read more: Ryogoku Kokugikan

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Yoyogi Park is a fun place to hang out, but this one is to admire it and meditate the beauty of nature. It has many separate themed gardens, like French, English, traditional Japanese and more. It becomes especially striking during the cherry blossom season.
Why go there?
This is one of the best-groomed parks you will ever see.
When to go there?
Every season is attractive.
How to get there?
Get to the Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station or Shinjuku-sanchōme Station by metro.

Read more: Shinjuku Gyoen

3. Karaoke at Smash Hits

Japanese are famous for embracing this fun party tradition. Usually, they do it with their friends in an intimate environment. But at Smash Hits they do it in front of a crowd of strangers. And if it's your first time - you won't even have to wait in a long queue!
Why go there?
Party like Japanese do. You can choose from a lot of international songs in the catalog.
When to go there?
Check for the schedule before you go.
How to get there?
Take a train to Hiro-o.

2. Sushi

Once in Japan, everyone has to have sushi - it is the best in the world here. The fresh fish that was bought in the biggest fish market, prepared by a sushi master, who has been perfecting his craft for years - this is a serious business in Japan, that has to be respected by the travelers!
Why go there?
Even those, who don't eat sushi, will fall in love with it here.
Where to go?
Sukiyabashi Jiro is considered one of the best sushi restaurants.
How to get there?
Sukiyabashi Jiro is in Ginza, Chūō. Get there by metro.

Read more: Sukiyabashi Jiro

1. Shibuya

The most famous district in Tokyo. Fashionable, colorful street, that never sleeps. The crossing is one of the busiest in the world - as the traffic lights change people from all directions across the street. The wonderful thing is - Japanese never bump into one another since they adjust their pace.
Why go there?
A must-see in Tokyo, the shopping mecca and simply a very exciting place to be.
When to go there?
Anytime.
How to get there?
The crossing is right outside the Shibuya Station.

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Top 10 Things to Do and See in Tokyo | Places To See In Your Lifetime

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Tokyo is definitely one of those top places in every traveler's to-do list. There is plenty to see, go and do, so the visitors must be prepared. This guide will let you not to miss essential places and provide with the ultimate Tokyo experience.

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Jamaica is a beautiful island bursting with culture and adventure. While the opportunity to getaway should be reason enough to book a flight, we have 10 great reasons why you should visit Jamaica!

From the warm weather to the locally sourced cuisine, there is so much to enjoy on the island. Local residents will welcome you with open arms, eager and open to share their homeland with visitors like you.

After reading this article, you will no longer be asking yourself why should I visit Jamaica? - you'll be asking when!? Here are ten enticing reasons why traveling to the island should be at the top of your to-do list.

1. Beautiful Miles of Beaches

Home to some of the Caribbean's most impressive beaches, Jamaica offers a vast expanse of spectacular white sands. With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, mountains, and crystal blue waters, the beaches are the perfect place to relax on vacation.

Walk along the coast of famous Seven Miles Beach, or explore the rocky coastline of Cosmos Beach. No matter which area of the island you visit, the beaches will amaze you. Nearly every coastal city in Jamaica has a unique and inviting seashore to welcome you.

2. Tropical Climate & Weather

Instead of staying cooped up in the winter months, throw on a bathing suit and make your way to a tropical island in the Caribbean! With an average temperature of 81˚ in Jamaica, can you think of a better way to escape the dreaded cold?

Jamaica is home to the stunning Blue Mountains, can provide a relaxing cool down and lower temperature than the beachy lowlands.

3. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Jamaica is well known for its exotic and locally sourced meals. While on the island, it is essential that you try the local cuisine. Fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and even eggs are all typically grown and sourced by the regional farmers in Jamaica.

Of the first things to try are the jerk-seasoned dishes, one of the most well known cuisines. Usually served on chicken or pork, jerk and curry seasoning pack a delicious punch! Some consider it the second-national dish of Jamaica.

The true national dish is ackee and saltfish; ackee is a locally grown fruit sautéed and served with onions, peppers, tomatoes and salt cod. Seafood is caught daily by the Jamaican fisherman, presenting you the freshest cuisine possible.

4. Nature Lover's Welcome!

If you love to experience nature, you will be delighted with the new experiences and adventures to take in while visiting Jamaica. Known for their exotic wildlife, the area bird species and flora will astound you. Cameras can help you retain the memories, but seeing the wildlife for yourself is irreplaceable.

If you decide to participate in snorkeling or scuba diving, the sea life will expand your horizons even further! (Tip: Underwater cameras are a must - pick up a disposable one for under $15 before your flight.) Swim with dolphins, admire the aquatic plants, and be awash with enchanting sea creatures.

5. Water Sports for Everyone

Whether you consider the water your second home or are new to experimenting with the sea, there is a sea adventure for everyone! Snorkeling and scuba diving are so much fun, exposing visitors to the tropical life under the sea's surface!

If you're a surfer, Jamaica's coasts won't disappoint you! Beautiful, clear waters and great tides offer an enjoyable adventure to new and experienced surfers alike. This is a great opportunity to take a surfing lesson as well, immersing you in the tropical ambiance while learning.

6. All-Inclusive Resorts Abound

Unlimited coconuts and rum, need we say more?

The easiest and greatest way to experience Jamaica is with an all-inclusive resort. Vacation packages with all amenities and activities included give visitors the freedom to immerse themselves in the culture and island while on a refreshing travel.

Whether traveling on a budget or searching for the luxurious side of the island, travelers are sure to find an all-inclusive package to fit their needs. Bluefields Bay offers a lavish Jamaican vacation, housing visitors in private villas along the accompanying secluded beaches.

7. Child Friendly Resorts & Activities

Traveling families know the importance of making sure children can and will enjoy the vacation just as much as the adults do! That being said, the adults need to have some fun themselves, too.

Jamaica has a vast array of child-friendly activities, from boat tours to beach fun to in-resort activities, don't worry about finding a way to keep your children occupied and happy!

Many resorts even offer childcare for the days and nights when Mom and Dad need a little alone time. Don't worry about dreary childcare in a room filled only with crayons and paper. Kids are on vacation too, and you want to make sure it stays that way!

Resorts like Bluefields Bay offer engaging childcare (and even adult care for elders) that keeps the entire party going. Keep your children occupied with fun activities while you and your loved one get an opportunity to sneak off for some alone time-worry free.

8. Golfing Gold Mines

Golfers are always looking for the best course around when they go on vacation. Jamaica knows, understands and delivers upon that need! If golfing is near the top of your activity list, you won't be disappointed with the luxurious courses on the island.

Remember those breathtaking coasts and Mountain scattered skylines? You can golf in the presence of Jamaica's beautiful landscapes. Montego Bay is home to the Caribbean's best golf course, Half Moon. Bluefields Bay visitors will also be impressed with the well-maintained gardens of Negril Hills Golf Course.

9. An Island Rich in Culture

Still asking yourself "why visit Jamaica?" Jamaica has a proud and astounding culture, embracing the land and the lifestyles they lead. One of the greatest aspects of Jamaica's culture is the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals. You won't feel like a stranger when you arrive at the island, for the locals will welcome you with warm hearts.

Visiting the island is a great time to take an adventurous history lesson. Schedule a local tour, guiding you through cultural hot spots and stories of Jamaica's past. Learn about the traditional healing of Rastafarians and visit the Bob Marley House in Nine Mile.

10. Great Shopping Deals

Local Jamaican crafters offer such a unique assortment of artisan pieces, and you are sure to find a market anywhere across the island. From art to jewelry to specialty foods, there is so much to explore within the Jamaican markets.

You may stumble upon some great deals on perfumes, clothes, handbags and other local crafts, all available for purchase without duty. Check with your resort for tips and recommendations on the best shopping hot spots, because they surely won't be far!

Start Planning Your Caribbean Getaway!

If that wasn't enough reason to start booking your Jamaican vacation, we may have to question your definition of a good time! Beautiful natural life and climate, exotic and local cuisine, spectacular outdoor activities and stunning beaches lining the coast of the entire island!

Planning your getaway can be so easy and so much fun! We have some great tips to make the planning process smooth, leading you to the cultural island in no time.
If you're interested in experiencing the most luxurious all-inclusive experience that Jamaica offers, Bluefields Bay is the private resort for you. Give us a call at 1-877-955-8993 to learn more about our private villas and beaches. You can also click here to book online now. See you on the beach, mon.
Go from Why Visit Jamaica to the BLOG

Return to the Bluefields Bay Villas HOMEPAGE

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Why Visit Jamaica: 10 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Jamaica

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Jamaica is a beautiful island bursting with culture and adventure. While the opportunity to getaway should be reason enough to book a flight, we have 10 great reasons why you should visit Jamaica! From the warm weather to the locally sourced cuisine, there is so much to enjoy on the island.

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Whether you are packing for a business trip or going on vacation, it pays to keep things simple. Here's how to think--and pack--like a minimalist. For the full story, click here. 10 Tips For Traveling Light - pg.1

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You can't safeguard against every travel upset. But what's the worst move travelers make? They leave home unprepared, says Alex Puig of International SOS, a U.S. company offering emergency evacuations. Here's a primer on how to bounce back gracefully from a trip gone awry.

I've Been Robbed

One recent survey named Barcelona as the top pickpocketing destination, followed by Rome, Prague, and Madrid. Regardless of your locale, always watch your things when in a new place. Carry a throwaway wallet or decoy purse containing daily cash and old photos but nothing that would make you hesitate to hand it over in a holdup. Keep a credit card and cash in an inside pocket.

1. Hand over the fake wallet.

2. Notify the police.

My Passport's Gone

When it comes to your most important carry-on-your passport-practice triple redundancy: Keep a color copy in a safe place (such as your hotel room), leave a copy with someone trusted at home, and scan a copy as an electronic document and store it in "the cloud" (try DropBox or Google's Drive). Copies of the passport ID page, airline tickets, driver's license, and credit cards can also help verify your identity.

1. Contact your embassy or consulate immediately.

2. Alert your airline and travel insurance company if you need to change your travel plans.

Credit Card: Denied

Your American credit card may lack a microchip used for security internationally, or your credit card company may cut you off due to its fraud-detection system. Before leaving home, let your credit card company know of your travel plans to ensure the fraud algorithm doesn't shut down your spending power. While you're at it, ask your bank about getting a card with a microchip and PIN number, the type accepted in places such as Europe. In 2013, most major U.S. credit card companies are moving to a "smart card" system-cards with a microchip and signature.

1. Call the international toll-free number on your credit card.

2. Switch to debit or cash.

Is That a Riot Ahead?

It may be tempting to lose yourself in a demonstration-especially if it's newsworthy-but resist the urge and avoid the vicinity of strikes, protests, and mobs.

1. Leave the area of the riot as quickly as possible.

2. Do not take photos. A foray into photojournalism could place you in more danger.

3. Return to your hotel. Or go to the nearest embassy or consulate. If the violence spreads, leave the country.

From iffy time-shares sold to resort guests to that "special" offer on Thai jewelry, scams have long lured distracted travelers. Beware of pitches made in places frequented by tourists, such as famous landmarks, airports, and train stations.

1. Notify the police.

2. If you used a credit card, dispute the charge.

3. Report the scam online (Facebook, Twitter) to warn others and put the scammers on notice.

When Natural Disaster Strikes

If you're staying where a disaster such as a tsunami is a possibility, get familiar with warning signs, such as the sirens that warn of an approaching wave.

1. Heed any official warnings.

2. Ask before acting; it may be smarter to stay put than to evacuate (such as during a hurricane, when seeking shelter is often wiser than trying to outrun the storm).

3. Leave the area as soon as it's safe to travel.

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Solve Every Crisis -- National Geographic Traveler

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You can't safeguard against every travel upset. But what's the worst move travelers make? They leave home unprepared, says Alex Puig of International SOS, a U.S. company offering emergency evacuations. Here's a primer on how to bounce back gracefully from a trip gone awry.

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On the second Wednesday of the month, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It's not a topic I can cover and, since there's a lot of female travelers out there, I felt it was important to bring in an expert. Traveling solo can be scary, but traveling solo as a woman comes with its own particular set of concerns. This is Kristin's column this month.

If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever travel alone, I would have immediately said, "No way. That can't be safe, it must be lonely, and I'd get so bored." Before I started traveling, I was scared of even the idea of eating dinner alone!

Then I started to realize that solo travel is not something people do just because they can't find a friend to go with - it's because they got tired of waiting for the perfect companion and just went. Then, as they find out there are many personal benefits to it, it typically becomes the preferred mode of travel.

However, before that happens, the biggest hurdle is getting over the fear: fear of being alone, unsafe, bored, and scared. I've experienced all those fears and talked to many potential travelers who have, too. Fear can hold a lot of people back. The following 10 fears are common reasons female travelers tend to stay at home and why those fears are unfounded.

Is solo traveling even safe?

Yes, absolutely. Safety should always be at the top of your mind, but the ways to combat this fear are to be prepared, to be aware, and to be smart. You have survived on the earth this long because you have figured out how to keep yourself out of deadly situations. Keep doing that when you travel.

Traveling is just like being at home: you have to understand your surroundings and act accordingly. Adapt as much as possible by doing research on what to wear, how to carry yourself, and what is acceptable behavior. You already know the obvious stuff like not being flashy and not getting too intoxicated. There's no magic formula apart from being aware of and respecting your surroundings.

Really? It can be safe even for a single female?

Yes, with the right preparation and understanding of the culture and your surroundings, even traveling in India as a solo female can be safe. As female travelers, we have to be aware of more issues and concerns, but we have to do the same anywhere in the world. Keep your head about you, follow cultural norms, and be alert. Every day millions of women travel the world alone. You're just as capable as they are.

What if my friends and family don't approve?

Your loved ones might worry about you. It would be completely understandable if one or a few weren't entirely supportive, but they do this because they love you, and given this fact, they want you to be happy.

I didn't tell anyone about my desire to travel for almost a year. It ate me up inside because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle it without the approval of people whose opinions meant a lot to me. It turns out I could have told them from the beginning, because they were surprisingly all very supportive.

Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly, suggests keeping a physical list of a small handful of people whose opinions really matter. These people should be those who love you unconditionally, like family and best friends.

Ask them to trust your intelligence and ability to strike out on your own, and assure them that you've done your research and you are able to keep yourself out of obvious harm.

As for the rest, there are always naysayers. Everyone else with a negative opinion doesn't need to be considered.

Won't I be lonely?

This was my biggest fear. After asking my friends, cousin, mere acquaintances, and just about anyone, really, to join me, I realized that nobody else was at a stage in their lives to travel long-term. If I waited for someone to join me, I might end up waiting forever.

Then my first night in Bangkok, I ate dinner with people I met at a hostel. Five days later I was biking around Angkor Wat in Cambodia with five new friends.

The fact is that you will meet people - a great many people - on the road. It will happen all the time. Promise!

Matt has written about how to make friends on the road and overcome being alone.

But I'm kind of the shy type.

I used to be kind of shy and awkward, but I'm happy to say solo traveling has really helped that. The first time I really tried to be outgoing was when I walked up to a the only table with an empty chair in Laos and asked if I could join. Everyone eagerly welcomed me and it made me realize that making friends really is that easy on the road.

Most people have some element of shyness to overcome. Even if you think you're shy and awkward, you'll learn to lose it over time because travelers are friendly. Often, you won't even have to be the one to start the conversation.

Many of us are also solo, and for this reason are typically very easy to meet and are open to interactions with new people. Traveling is a great way to get over shyness, even if taking baby steps.

As Matt has written, it's do or die on the road, and because you want to make friends and not be alone, you'll find yourself making small talk to people and that can lead to great friendships and new travel partners.

Won't I get bored?

If you're traveling you will suffer from very little boredom. Even a long bus journey will be stimulating because of random things like stopping for emergency jackfruit, on-bus buskers, and a chicken or two, from time to time.

You won't be starved for adventure if you're really putting yourself out there, trying new foods, going new places, and taking local transport. In fact, you may schedule in days specifically meant for lounging inside just because you've been having so much fun that you need a break.

But isn't it preferable not to travel alone, if possible?

No way! Would you believe me if I told you that I far prefer solo traveling to group or tour travel? It's something absolutely everyone should do in life. For the first time you have complete freedom and can do anything and everything you feel like doing, and nobody is around to say no.

It also increases your problem solving ability because you can't pass off responsibility when things go wrong. It creates independence because you figure nearly everything out on your own, and it cultivates fearlessness because you realize what you're capable of. I could go on for hours on this topic alone.

Traveling solo also allows you to be who you really are, without the judgment and outside influences of friends or family. As famed travel writer William Least Heat-Moon said, "When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road."

Besides, you'll find travel buddies along the way as well.

What if I'm not brave enough for all of that?

You can still travel solo. Ease into it with a tour if you want, so that you can get used to your new surroundings before breaking off from the pack, or start off with a group of friends. Plenty of people do that and eventually decide to travel solo once they realize how much freedom it will give them.

People are adaptable, we really are. You can do it. At least trust your abilities enough to try.

What if I get homesick?

Homesickness is unavoidable, and you will have down days on the road just like you did at home. Traveling is not a magic pill that fixes everything. That doesn't exist. There's nothing wrong with going home but everyone gets a little homesick. Have regular Skype calls with your friends and family and take photos with you to help ease the homesickness.

However, don't forget why you went traveling in the first place. You wanted to see new places, try new things, and meet new people. It was meant to be different and far away.

Being homesick is just a temporary bump in the road. You'll go back home eventually, and everything will still be there more or less as it was. Sometimes, traveling helps us appreciate home all that much more.

What if I come home early because I run out of money/miss someone/(insert reason here)?

You can avoid running out of money by planning ahead and earning on the road. Matt's gone into great detail on how to save, how to budget, and what kind of jobs travelers can get abroad.

As for missing people, give yourself a chance to be independent. Naturally you'll miss people, but deciding to be present and appreciating what you're experiencing goes a long way toward making it through these tough periods.

Lastly, if you do come home earlier than planned, at least you made it out there and got a taste of how the traveling lifestyle can be. You can then more intelligently begin again if you want to return to it, or conversely feel confident that you already did all that you wanted.

Making a big life change is almost always scary, but it's also exciting because of the new beginnings that await you. Traveling, particularly solo, is one of the most incredible gifts we can give ourselves in life. Solo female travel isn't anything to be scared of. Don't let fear hold you back from living your dreams.
Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it's on her list). There's almost nothing she won't try and almost nowhere she won't explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin's new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

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10 Common Fears That Stop You from Traveling Solo

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On the second Wednesday of the month, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It's not a topic I can cover and, since there's a lot of female travelers out there, I felt it was important to bring in an expert.

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As my friends and I drank wine in the shadow of the Opera House, I couldn't help but be happy - I was back in Sydney for the first time in five years and I was here for over two weeks!

"Shall we go somewhere else?" my friends asked.

"Sure, let's get the bill!" I replied.

When our check came, I was reminded of something about Sydney I had forgotten: its high prices. Even with a currently weak Australian dollar, Sydney was more expensive than I remembered.

With its $10 sandwiches, $10 beers, $19 cocktails, $30 hostels (sometimes up to $40!!!), and outrageous restaurant prices, Sydney can burn a hole in your wallet quicker than actual fire. It was going to be an expensive two weeks if I didn't figure out how to enjoy the best this city had to offer on a budget. Leaving no stone unturned (OK, probably one or two), last month I found several ways to save big here - while still filling your days and having a lot of fun:

Get an Opal card

This metro card is free - you just need to load it with money - and worth using for three reasons: it offers discounted fare compared to purchasing one-use tickets (this varies by distance); there's a maximum fare charge of $15 per day; and on Sundays, the maximum is $2.50. That means you can go anywhere on the transportation system - whether by metro, ferry, or light rail - and you'll never pay more than $2.50! It's an amazing deal.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of NSW is one of my favorite museums in the city. There are so many exquisite landscape paintings, portraits, and statues in its collection by Australian and European artists (and even a few by Monet). It's a really substantial collection. Some of my favorites were Albert Hanson's "Pacific Beaches," Guerard's "Jebel Cherib" and "Milford Sound," Peter Paul Ruebens' "Self-Portrait," and Batten's "Snowdrop and the Seven Little Men."

The Museum of Contemporary Art

The contemporary art museum also is free and features Australian artists, including many Aboriginals. While I'm not a huge fan of this type of art (bottles on the floor is NOT art), the Aboriginal collection was breathtaking. You can really feel the artists' connections to their land and culture as well as the pain of past attempts to take it away from them.

Visit the beaches

Sydney is a city famous for its (free) beaches, and there's no better way to spend one of the city's many sunny days than by enjoying one of them. Try to avoid going on the weekends, when they fill up and you have to fight for space. While Bondi is the most famous, be sure to check out Manly, Watson's Bay, Coogee, and Bronte (my favorite).

Nature walks

There are a number of stunning public coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney's harbor and coastal cliffs. While tons of people do the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (avoid it on the weekends), I found Watson's Bay and the Split-to-Manly walks quieter, more relaxing, and beautiful.

Free walking tours

I'm Free Walking Tours runs a daily tour of the city center and The Rocks, Sydney's original settlement. Additionally, you can use Sydney Greeters (advanced booking required!), which is a free service that connects you with locals who will show you around their neighborhoods!

Take the Town Hall tour

Sydney's beautiful town hall is a wonderful Victorian building; on Tuesday mornings, there's a two-hour tour for $5.

Visit the markets

Sydney has a ton of amazing markets to walk through. From Paddington Market, the fish market, Bondi Farmers Market, the flower market, and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it's really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love the Paddington Market and the famers market the best. They draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop.

Attend one of Sydney's many events

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the culture capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over 30 events each year. It has art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. Most of them are free and can be found on the Sydney tourism website.

Eat cheap!

Need a cheap meal? The sushi trains around the city offer a filling meal for $10-20, the noodle and dumpling shops in Chinatown offer tasty and authentic meals for less than $10, and Lentil as Anything (a vegetarian restaurant in Newtown) offers meals on a "pay as you feel" system. Another cheap place to eat is the food court in the MLC Centre, a big office building in the heart of the business district and popular with office workers. From Mexican to sushi to salads to sandwiches, you can find big-portion meals for $10 or less.

Avoid the expensive stuff

In many parts of the world, the high end offers some value and you can walk away from an expensive meal and say "that was worth every penny!" However, that's not often the case in Sydney. I was always disappointed. From cocktail bars to upscale steak and sushi dinners, I always left hungry, unhappy, and thinking about the lack of value I got. Stick to beer, wine, and the low-end restaurants when you're in town. You'll get more bang for your buck!

Visit backpacker bars for cheap drinks

Drinking in Sydney is expensive - with beers costing up to $10 each - but the backpackers bars are where to go for a cheap pint. World Bar and Ivy Hotel have backpacker specials for $4-7, and the Peter Pan Travel Agency in Kings Cross has free drinks on Tuesdays!

Explore the free museums

Australia has a lot of expensive museums, but tons of free ones too. Some worth considering are The Mint (a small exhibit on how they used to make money), The Australia Center for Photography, The White Rabbit Gallery (beautiful art), The Manly Art Museum, The Sydney Observatory, and The Rocks Discovery Museum!

Sydney is a vibrant, laid-back beach city with an incredible array of activities. If you don't watch out, it will bust your budget really fast! Sydney may not be one of the cheapest cities in the world, but there are plenty of free and cheap events to keep you busy during your visit. I found myself with plenty of full days that ended with an even fuller wallet!
Note: All prices are in Australian dollars.

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As my friends and I drank wine in the shadow of the Opera House, I couldn't help but be happy - I was back in Sydney for the first time in five years and I was here for over two weeks! "Shall we go somewhere else?" my friends asked.

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This week I am going to Sri Lanka and, outside a few facts I'd picked up by reading the news and talking to friends over the years, I recently realized I knew shockingly little about the country. I knew it was once ruled by the British, there was a long conflict between the Tamils and Sinhalese, the country produces a lot of tea, it has beyond-delicious food, its capital is Colombo, and there are some amazing jungles and beaches to explore.

But, beyond that superficial understanding, I knew nothing.

I couldn't tell you if the country was cheap or inexpensive, what to see, one famous ruin, safety issues, where is popular, how to get around, what their currency or culture is, or anything in between.

Sri Lanka was a blank slate to me.

That made me nervous.

While I have no intention of ever planning trips day-by-day or moment-by-moment, I never like to go somewhere blind - it's a sure-fire way to get ripped off, eat the wrong thing, get sick, make a cultural faux pas, and generally have something go badly. Knowledge is power, and given that so much information about is available online, I feel like going somewhere without any understanding of that place shows a laziness in planning and a sign of an unskilled traveler.
(Read more: 12 Things Not to Do When You Travel and 27 Rules for Not Ruining Your Trip)
So, before I flew to Dubai two weeks ago, I sat down to plan my trip to this brand-new destination. Normally, if I have enough of a basic understanding of a place, I just wing it - I've been to neighboring countries, know people, or have read enough to have an idea. Sri Lanka required some work.

How I planned my trip to Sri Lanka

Faced with a knowledge gap, here's what I did to fill it:

First, I bought the Rough Guide to Sri Lanka. I think guidebooks are still important for travelers. Even though their practical information is often out of date, I love looking over them to get an overview of how to get around, form ideas on what to see and do, suggest itineraries, and look at the maps and featured places. It helps me put together the foundation of my planning. Besides, there's just something enjoyable about holding a book and highlighting places that reading a blog on Iceland doesn't offer!

Second, speaking of blogs, I went searching for them, too. Guidebooks are a good foundation, but blogs can fill in a lot of gaps. You can find more up-to-date information and off-the-beaten-path destinations, and ask questions of the bloggers. I searched, read, and searched some more for content and stories that gave me a sense of the destination. For reference, these are the blog posts I read:

Third, I asked friends and family for their advice (or if they knew anyone who could give me advice). It turned out I had a few friends who had been there recently and a few with family there. They gave me advice, tips, and suggestions on hotels and restaurants, and they connected me to family members. Now when I land, I have some people to stay with, show me around, and help me get situated. Nothing beats a local host!

Fourth, I asked this community. With so many people reading this blog, I figured some would have been there. Tweeting, Facebooking, and my blog posts produced a flurry of messages with tips and advice, and some from locals looking to meet up. It was incredibly helpful, and now I have some people to hang out with when I go!

Since not everyone is a blogger, I would suggest Couchsurfing as an alternative. This website exists to connect travelers and locals, and there is a very active community in Sri Lanka.

Finally, I bought books. As I've said in the past, you can't know a place if you don't know its history. So with a long flight ahead, I bought two books about Sri Lanka's history so I can get a better understanding of the country's rich history:
(Note: I just started reading these books so I can't tell you how they are yet! But, besides buying books, I also read the Wikipedia of a country and the history sections in a guidebook. They aren't comprehensive but, for a general overview, they do the trick!)
Talking to friends, family, readers, and bloggers has now given me a sense of the destination: an affordable, safe place with friendly locals, delicious food, and slow transportation. "Everyone is incredibly nice and helpful, but don't expect to get anywhere fast unless you rent a driver" was the common refrain.
****

For the first time in a long time, I am going to a place I know nothing about. I am going to be a fish out of water... and I'm thrilled! I can't wait to try to backpack and figure things out on the way again! Sri Lanka sees a lot of tourists and it's not completely "off the beaten track" but it's different to me.

I'm sure my plans, route, and ideas will change when I hit the ground. But as of now, I feel I have a better idea as to what I am getting myself into. I have a sense of what to expect and that makes me more slightly comfortable about visiting. You never know what a place is really like until you go, but now the picture of Sri Lanka is not a complete blur - it's come into a lot more focus.

Visiting a place you've know little about in a region you've been can be somewhat intimidating. To go some place completely different pushes you out of your comfort zone and that can be a tricky thing. Even after ten years of travel, I still have a small amount of trepidation before I go. Sure, it disappears right when I land and I think "What was I so worried about?" but there is that voice in the back of my mind that sometimes goes "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Doing a little research to get an understanding of a place mutes that voice.

This is not about scheduling all your days and all your activities. That stuff should be done after you touch down based on how you feel each day. This simply is about being a more informed about the destination you are visiting.

Because a smart and informed traveler is a better traveler.

There's still much to learn about Sri Lanka but now I don't feel as if I'm completely at a loss or ignorant about the place.

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How to Plan a Trip to a Place You Know Nothing About

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This week I am going to Sri Lanka and, outside a few facts I'd picked up by reading the news and talking to friends over the years, I recently realized I knew shockingly little about the country.

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Argentina is one of the most popular places to visit in South America - whether you are backpacking the continent or just on a short, budget holiday. From the café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the Iguazu Waterfalls and the Perito Moreno glacier to the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina has something to offer all visiters. Some of the world's most dramatic scenery can be found here in the Patagonian Stepp, the Andes, and the lush Lake District. Take your time exploring this wonderful country - the vast landscape takes time to get around and is worth all the distractions you'll find along the way. I loved the food, hospitality, and positive energy the locals here. (The beautiful natural backdrop doesn't hurt either!) This travel guide to Argentina will help you plan your trip to the land of steak, wine, and mountains!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Argentina

Other Things to See and Do

(Click the title to expand the text)

1. Train to the clouds

Sure, it's a train built for tourists and crazily overpriced, but taking this train through the clouds and lush forest is so breathtaking I don't mind. This is a 400 kilometer, 16 hour round trip into the Andes from the town of Salta. As the train climbs to 4200 meters, you'll be rewarded with spectacular mountain, forests, and valleys. Operation is seasonal, so be sure to check before you decide to go. It costs 2,600 ARS (175 USD).

2. Visit a winery

Argentina is one of the most famous wine-making regions in the world, and a trip to a winery is a must for fans of wine. If you're a real wine connoisseur, the Wine Harvest Festival ("Fiesta de la Vendimia") is held in February and March every year and has Tango, ethnic dance, and colorful parades. Mendoza is the most famous wine region in the country, and the best spot to check out for first timers. There are a lot of tours that will take you to a few wineries, talk about wine production, and give you free samples.

3. Cerro Aconcagua

At almost 7,000 meters tall, Cerro Aconcagua is not only the country's highest mountain, but also the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This climb isn't for the faint hearted and is probably only for those very experienced, as it's estimated to take 2 weeks to reach the summit and acclimatize to the altitude!

4. Valle de la Luna

Translated as 'valley of the moon', this dramatic landscape dates back to the Triassic period. Winds and rain have carved the rocks into strange formations which gives this place the look of a lunar landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the area is great for wildlife spotting as it's home to foxes, owls, armadillos, and condors.

5. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located within the expansive Los Glaciares National Park is the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. The glacier is almost 15,000 feet wide and 200 feet tall, and one of the coolest sights I've ever seen. You can hike on the glacier (it's epic) or take up close boat ride.

6. San Rafael

Located a few hours from Mendoza, this tiny little town (don't expect to do much after sunset or on a Sunday!) is a wonderful place to see wineries, go on a bike ride, or explore the nearby stunning Atuel Canyon.

7. Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the largest city in Tierra del Fuego. This is a very popular town for travelers coming to the end of their South American journey, or for those traveling to Antarctica (this is the launch point for all Antarctica cruises). The city is picturesque with its colorful clapboard houses and the Andes as the backdrop.

8. Whale watching

From June to December, whale watching season in Patagonia is at its peak as the whales make their way to the coast to mate. Whale watching is an expensive excursion, but well worth it during this migration time when you're guaranteed to spot a few whales.

9. Quebrada de Humahuaca

A deep valley carved out by the Rio Grande, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is an area rich in ancient Incan history and culture. Exploring the colonial streets and architecture of Humahuaza, as well as the surrounding area, is an amazing adventure.

10. Cajon del Azul

Located in El Bolson, a "hippie" town near the Andes Mountains, The Blue Canyon boasts beautiful translucent turquoise waters that are flanked by rustic suspension bridges, alcoves and cliffs. It's a little more deserted than other natural reserves in Argentina. If you go, this area is worth spending at least a few days in. The best way to save money here is by camping in a tent near a Refugio (a wooden hut).

11. Casa Rosada

Dominating the city's Plaza de Mayo is Casa Rosada, arguably the city's most notable landmark. The building has played a starring role in the country's history, quite literally. It was where Madonna re-enacted Eva Perón's addressing of the crowds of workers in Evita. Open weekends from 10am-6pm.

12. La Recoleta Cemetery

It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery for pleasure, but Recoleta is one of the city's most visited attractions. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city's most notable citizens, including Eva Perón and the Paz family. Also worth seeing is the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, who was tragically buried alive according to legends. It's open daily from 7am-5:30pm.

13. San Ignacio Miní

Located in San Iganacio, these mission ruins are the most complete in Argentina and have a lot of carved ornamentation still visible. These ruins are pretty amazing and look like something out of historic Europe! The visitor center has a lot of background information on the old mission, and the ruins have interactive panels. Admission is 150 ARS (10 USD) and it's open daily 7am-5:30pm.

Typical Costs

Accommodation - Hostels are widespread throughout the country, and start at about 80-100 ARS (6-7 USD) for a dormitory room in Buenos Aires. Private rooms in a hostel with a shared bath are generally double the price of dorm rooms. Hotels in more expensive places like Mendoza and Patagonia cost upwards of 410 ARS (27 USD) per night. You will find that a vast number of hotels in the country that fall under 840 ARS (55 USD). Homestays are a popular option in the country and can be found via Craigslist or Home Stay Web. Airbnb averages for the country are 150 ARS (10 USD) for a shared room, 760 ARS (50 USD) for an entire apartment. Camping is widespread in all the natural parks. If you have a tent, campgrounds are available all around the country (including the notable Patagonia region) for around 60-120 ARS (4-8 USD).

Food - Food is fairly expensive in Argentina. Meals at cheap cafe begin at around 90 ARS (6 USD). If you add a drink, expect to pay 100-130 ARS (6-9 USD). If you are looking for a really nice sit down meal with good steak and wine, expect to pay 320 ARS (20 USD). Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are economical and tasty! Empanadas go for around 8-15 ARS (less than $1 USD), choripán for 25 ARS (2 USD), and pizza and burgers lunch specials for around 40 ARS (3 USD). If you're going to grocery shop, expect to spend about 370 ARS (25 USD) per week for groceries.

Transportation - Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. It is common to have food served on board as well as wifi and alcohol on long distance buses. As an example, the bus ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes about 14.5 hours and tickets begin at 660 ARS (44 USD). Trains are experiencing something of a revival and there is rail service between the country's three largest cities: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. A train ride between Buenos Aires and Cordoba costs around 300 ARS (20 USD) The Train to the Clouds, a scenic tourist train that begins in Salta, and passes through the Andes, is one of the highest railways in the world, costs 2,600 ARS (175 USD). Inner-city travel is pretty affordable. In Buenos Aires, a one-way trip on local transit is about 5 ARS (0.35 USD). A bus between Buenos Aires and Mendoza costs about 800-1400 ARS (50-95 USD). A bus from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (Patagonia) is 2,400-4,250 ARS (160-280 USD).

Sights - Activities here are generally more expensive than in other South American countries. You can find a Patagonia 3-4 day tour that starts at 3,900 ARS (260 USD), but most will be around 9,100 ARS (600 USD) and up. , and a Mendoza day wine tour will be around 1,560 ARS (105 USD). Museum entry ranges between 15-60 ARS (1-4 USD). National Park entrance fees range from 50-260 ARS (3.50-$18 USD) per person.

Suggested daily budget

760-910 ARS / 50-60 USD ( Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you're staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

1. Use discount cards - Student and teacher discounts will get you incredible savings. You can also use the La Nacion Club and La Nacion Premium Club Cards, associated with La Nacion Newspaper, for discounts. Every week, the La Nacion Club Card website lists participating establishments who give discounts to card members. This is good for travelers spending a long time in the country as you have to sign up for the newspaper.

2. Hitchhike - While not common in the north of the country, if you're in Patagonia, you'll see many locals and tourists alike hitchhiking, as long-distance buses in that part of the country can be very expensive and infrequent. It's simply more convenient to hitchhike. This common way to get around is highly recommended.

3. Travel off-season - March-June and September-November are the low season when you can find cheaper accommodations and enjoy less crowds at attractions.

4. Find the cheap eats - Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are your best options. It's not the healthiest food, but it's economical and tasty! Empanadas go for around 8-15 ARS (less than 1 USD), choripán for 25 ARS (2 USD), and pizza and burgers lunch specials for around 40 ARS (3 USD).

5. Eat out at fancy meals - Argentina was a weird paradox. What is cheap elsewhere is expensive here, and vice versa. At 100-130 ARS (6-8 USD) for a sandwich and drink at a cafe, lunch is not cheap. That's not going to break the bank, but you can dine on expensive steaks, wine, and sides for 500 ARS (30 USD)! You get more value on the higher end! Splurge on steaks and fancy dinners in this budget tip turned upside-down.

6. Rent a bike - You can rent bicycles from hostels and rental shops for 150 ARS (10 USD) a day in most major cities. It's an inexpensive way to get around and also out of the cities. This is especially useful when you're in Mendoza's wine country and you're trying to get from winery to winery.

7. Camp - As you start to travel south to Patagonia, accommodation costs get higher and higher. Hostels are often 250 ARS (17 USD) or more a night here (as opposed to as cheap as 90 (6 USD) a night in Buenos Aires). Look for camping opportunities as often as possible. When you aren't in the national parks (where you can obviously camp), many hostels will let you pitch your tent for a small fee.

8. Stick to Wine - 40 ARS (3 USD) bottles of wine in the supermarket is a phenomenal deal. Grab a bottle, drink it up. It's really good too!

9. Couchsurf - Nothing's cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who will give you not only a free place to stay, but also a local tour guide who can introduce you to all the great places to see.

10. Try out Airbnb - If hostels (or camping) aren't your jam, I found a ton of Airbnb opportunities throughout the country starting at 500 ARS (40 USD) a night for your own apartment.

11. Explore the outdoors - Hiking is free, and throughout the country you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this and other outdoor activities since Argentina is blessed with many city parks and nature reserves where you can spend the day wandering around and relaxing. (And, of course, there are a plethora of national parks where you can do multi-day treks!).

12. Don't fly domestically - Thanks to a tax on foreigners, airfare in Argentina for non-residents is quite expensive. A two-hour flight can cost as much as 3,200 ARS (200 USD)! Unless you are in a rush, don't fly. Take the bus.

13. Dance for free - If you find yourself in Buenos Aries on a Sunday, you can find free tango events in San Telmo at 8pm on Sundays. (On Monday, there's the famous La Bomba de Tiempo, a music and dance event. It's 90 ARS (6 USD) but completely worth every penny! It was an unreal dance and music show!)

14. Stay at a Hola Hostel - Hola Hostels is a network of hostels predominantly in South and Central America. They offer 10% off to their members, as well as other local discounts for food and activities. Joining is free, and their hostels are also committed to environmentally sustainable practices.

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Argentina is one of the most popular places to visit in South America - whether you are backpacking the continent or just on a short, budget holiday. From the café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the Iguazu Waterfalls and the Perito Moreno glacier to the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina has something to offer all visiters.

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I am wearing three pairs of socks, two thermals, three shirts, a sweater and an expedition jacket, but I am still freezing. The arctic wind slashes against my face as we ride east on qamutiks, or komatiks, authentic Inuit wooden sledges pulled by snow scooters, to base camp. For five hours our small group swishes over the frozen ice of Eclipse Sound and along the shores of the majestic Sirmilik National Park, part of Baffin Island. I am burring my head deep into the warmth of my fluffy but colossal parka, hiding from the icy wind. Visions of tropical islands pop up into my mind. Did I make the right decision of traveling to this very remote Artic part of the world? But then we reach the ice of the floe edge. Arriving here is a breath taking moment, not just because the cold, Arctic air makes my lungs tingle, but because I am standing before a dazzling white desert of icy sea with only several dramatic icebergs in the distance. The only colors are the deep blue sky and some yellow forms in the distance. The qamutiks skate closer and those small, yellow dots grow into a dozen of tents: my otherworldly home for the next five days.
I am in Arctic Canada where a frozen sea awaits me together with a comfy base camp. It's better not to venture into this unknown wild alone. The best is to book a trip with the bespoke travel company Arctic Kingdom. They bring individual travellers like me from all over the world to this remote location where the frozen floe edge meets the cold, wide Atlantic. Point of meeting is Pond Inlet, a small hamlet in Nunavut, located on the northeastern shores of Baffin Island, 72°North. It took me three flights and almost 10 hours from Ottawa to get here. Canadian North, one of two carriers flying to these remote corners of the world, services Pond Inlet each day with small, propeller airplanes.
Pond Inlet has just over 1000 inhabitants, mostly Inuit and a mix of "Southerners" living and working here. It is a tiny, somewhat peculiar community with a couple of small hotels, no restaurants, two shops and no bars because Pond Inlet is dry: alcohol is forbidden, alas for me, even for visitors. The snow that covers this hamlet during a very long and dark winter starts to melt around the end of May. Arctic Kingdom has set up our base camp on the ice, some 70 kilometres away from town. They looked for the perfect spot: next to the bird sanctuary of Bylot Island and close to two grandiose icebergs frozen in the landscape.
At the floe edge guide Mike drops a hydrophone into the icy water so that we can hear the outlandish sonar sounds below the surface. I am detecting Star Trek-like echoes and noises from bearded seals and whales while I am gazing across immense swathes of frozen Atlantic. There is something immensely calming and soothing about it. "You know, it is a virus. When you have it, once you're bitten, it draws you back to the (Ant)Arctic. I call it the Polar virus," says Mr Heiner Kubny from Switzerland who has travelled more than 50 times to Antarctica and into the polar regions of Russia, Canada and Svalbard. Mr. Heiner is sitting extremely relaxed next to me at the border of the floe edge while enjoying the views and snapping away with his huge camera.
During the summer months, the air temperature in the Arctic swings between just below zero and five degrees, depending on the wind chill. Greyish, cold weather with snow in the air and feisty winds that rattle my tent at night quickly changes into tranquil skies and a spooky mist covering the top of the giant tabular iceberg in the distance. A couple of hours later, bright sunshine makes the otherwise much appreciated Canada Goose jackets superfluous. It only takes me a couple of days to adopt the Arctic summer look: a deep tan with the mandatory sunglasses print burned into my face.
We embark on a walk beside a majestic iceberg in the footsteps of a huge polar bear. The guide measures the size of the animal by its tracks. "I think it's a female, but a big one." We explore the wide area around base camp on sledges while stopping now and again to admire the views, test the telephoto lenses or to warm ourselves with some hot coffee and tea. For a "top of the world" sensation, Mike suggests we climb a pinnacle shaped iceberg. "This might be your only chance to stand on a berg that is thousands of years old," he smiles. But then the floe edge calls again where some narwhals have been spotted. Unfortunately, the brown silhouettes with their legendary ivory tusks disappear quickly in the still ocean and nobody is fast enough to snap a picture. The females come to check the floe edge first, to see if it's already possible to swim through cracks in the ice to feed during the summer months in the rich waters off the Baffin Island fjords.
On my last day in this frozen world, the sky is covered in eerie black clouds; the air is cold and the top layer of ice looks and sounds like the crust of crème brûlée. Back on the floe edge, Mike entertains us by trying to attract whales while making wide arm gestures. "Oh rise up, mighty Leviathans! Rise up!" he calls. Then it happens. Whether by sheer good luck or Mike's pleas, we get very up close and personal with a giant bowhead whale. The animal is feeding just below the pack ice, right next to the edge where we are standing. Every ten minutes it sticks its massive head above water to gasp some air, while looking at us inquisitively. We hear its loud breathing and smell its fishy breath. Everybody is awestruck and deadly silent. "Amazing! Any closer than this and it will be lying next to me in my tent," jokes Mr Babis Bizas from Greece, a passionate traveller who has been to every country is the world, twice. "This makes my Arctic trip completely worthwhile."

Discover more
Checkout our videos and daily blog posts of this trip

Our verdict
Baffin Island is by far the best spot in the world to witness these rare animals, but the narwhal migration varies every year, so it all depends on Mother Nature. The best time to go, is mid June. For polar bear viewing there are much better options then this part of the world. Arctic Kingdom is a well-established company and accustomed to taking travellers to this far-flung destination in the world. The Base Camp infrastructure was simply outstanding, but food could be better. However working in these remote parts of the world isn't that easy. Think of almost impossible logistics and very social complexities with Inuit communities. So be prepared to be flexible.

WWW.ARCTICKINGDOM.COM

How to get there
Air Canada offers great Holiday Packages for if you want to discover more of Canada.
From Ottawa to Pond Inlet we flew with Canadian North. Half of the planes flying from Ottawa to Iqaluit are filled with cargo in the front and passengers in the back. It's a quaint way of travelling and leaving the real world behind to end up in a remote hamlet far above the Arctic Circle. Generally it's around 2-3 short flights from Ottawa to Pond Inlet. Flying in the Arctic is unpredictable, so it's wise to leave at least one day of margin with your international flight!
If you fly from Ottawa to Toronto, Porter Airlines is the way to go. The Toronto based boutique airlines that works closely together with Winkreative, the brand and strategy company of Tyler Brulee, better known from Monocle, one of our clients. We loved the all-business class approach with a lounge for everybody at Bishop Airport and the sleek Bombardier Jet flying us.

WWW.AIRCANADAVACATIONS.COM
WWW.FLYPORTER.COM

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Arctic Canada Narwhal and Polar Bear Safari with Arctic Kingdom

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I am wearing three pairs of socks, two thermals, three shirts, a sweater and an expedition jacket, but I am still freezing. The arctic wind slashes against my face as we ride east on qamutiks, or komatiks, authentic Inuit wooden sledges pulled by snow scooters, to base camp.

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It's not a road, it's a region. The ancient Tea Horse trade route (also known as the Southern Silk Road) is a sprawling web of millennia-old paths connecting Southeast Asia to southwest China and Tibet. The network once ferried horses and silver from Tibet to China in exchange for tea, but people also traded salt for tea, ivory for gold, and religious instruction for food and shelter. It stretches over 1,000 miles from China's Sichuan province through Yunnan's mountains and the Tibetan plateau up to Lhasa, and is still bustling with old and newer kinds of commerce, although most of the original paths are gone-made obsolete or transformed into highways and railways by China's appetite for tarmac. But you can still travel along the remnants of the old trails, which sprawl across four Chinese provinces, three countries (China, Laos, and Burma), and link the homelands of around a dozen ethnicities.

Choose a route. Or not. The established routes radiate from larger towns in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in southwest China. From Sichuan's capital, Chengdu, you can head west to Kangding in Sichuan province, and the doorway to Tibet. Or south from Chengdu into Xichang, and across the mountains into northern Yunnan and Lijiang. Starting in Yunnan, you can head north from Kunming towards Sichuan's Tibetan areas, or head south through the tea mountains of Pu'er and towards Jinghong, then Laos and Thailand. Or, you can drift around the network for as long as you can. I lived in China for 14 years-12 of them in Sichuan-and traveled these routes several times, once for a six-month stint. I'm partial to heading west from Chengdu to Kangding, then south by southwest through Ganzi to Yunnan Province, taking in Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang. There are many ways to skin this cat: I once traded a bottle of booze for a bike and rode across Laos to Mengla and the border of China, then traded the bike for a bus ticket to Jinghong, where I was able to make my way north to Dali and eventually back home to Chengdu.

If you're short on time, start in Dali. If you don't have weeks and months to explore the network, head to Dali, in southwest Yunnan, and branch out along the old trading paths from there. Dali is a historic Tea Horse trail hub and these days it's a little touristy, but it makes for a good base, and the banana pancakes are plentiful. It's also my go-to place to buy memorable things, like hemp jackets and silver, or a bag of P'uer tea. Sure, everybody else shops here too, but a lot of Chinese artists have come here to escape the crush of the city and have left their mark on the place. They are the modern heirs of the sages, musicians, and painters who've always been here in some form or another, and I've found that a discerning trader can find a good deal on local art in Dali. Plus, it has the Bad Monkey Bar, a pirate's den with live music and no closing time.

Southwest China is a little different. The majority of the people you meet will probably be Han, China's majority ethnic group, but southwest China is more diverse than the rest of the country, because the region is somewhat of a historical outlier. Yunnan was an independent kingdom for several centuries, and Sichuan, surrounded by high peaks, was considered the edge of the earth for people in the Imperial capital. Minorities have managed to keep their customs and language intact through the transition from Imperial China to Communist China. Beyond Han, the major ethnic groups around this route are Bai, Dai and Naxi in Yunnan; and Tibetans, Yi, and Qiang in Sichuan. The Yi were once known as raiders and rebels, but that ended when Communism took over China, and they are now a marginalized group. The Qiang are a smaller group of mountain people who took to the lower peaks and valleys, just above the Han and just below the Tibetans-they're famous for the tall stone towers that dot their villages. The Dai are closely related to Thai and Laotian people.

Load up on Sichuan food. One of the great perks of this trail is Sichuan cuisine. The lowlands around Chengdu have the spicy, savory fare you'll recognize from restaurant menus closer to home, and so much more. Try as many noodle varieties as possible. In Chengdu, get your fill of late-night street food, especially Sichuan spicy skewers or a bowl of meat-sauce noodles ( zhajiang mian). And you can rarely go wrong with lazi ji (spicy chicken), yuxiang rousi (pork in fish sauce), and shuizhu roupian (stewed meat in a spicy red broth of bamboo shoots, peppers, and other vegetables).

Supersize the visa. Travelers to China tend to get 30-day tourist visas, with the option to extend at least once, but usually three times. This often involves leaving the country to renew at consulates in Hong Kong or Chiang Mai before re-entering China. Visa extension rules are arbitrary, sometimes flexible, and changeable. Sometimes there's a way around having to leave the country to renew-perhaps at the Public Security Bureau in larger towns-but don't count on it. If you plan on a longer or open-ended stay, try for the 180-day tourist visa from the start (usually from the Chinese consulate in your home country) to save some trouble and cash. Increase your chances by being really specific about your planned activities when applying for the visa. There is a 10-year visa available to Americans only, a concession wrangled out by the Obama administration, a few years ago. The visa is supposed to serve business travelers, Americans in Hong Kong and Singapore, and other frequent visitors to China. The downside is you have to leave the country after a stay of only 60 days. Might be overkill for the average tourist.

Avoid China's seasonal rush hours. Three times a year, China's massive population takes to the nation's planes, trains, and automobiles. First, there are the weeks around the Spring Festival, (late January and early February) when people go home to see family or travel. The other two are during the Golden Weeks: the major Chinese work holidays of May 1-7 and October 1-7. And even if everybody knows that traveling at these times means delays and heaving crowds, it doesn't stop them. Some try and go the week before or the week after, but this just spreads the throng more evenly over a three-week period. There is no escaping the fact that China has more than a billion people, but you can dodge the worst of the crowds by traveling when everyone else is stuck in their cubicle.

Go out of your way for Leshan duck. Leshan, in southern Sichuan province, is where visitors go to ogle the striking Giant Buddha, carved out of a cliff face during the Tang dynasty. But it's also famous for sweet-skinned roast duck ( "Leshan tianpi ya"), made by stewing the fatty bird in a special sauce to make the skin sweet and crispy. You can get it from lots of places near the Giant Buddha, but the further away from it you can wander and still find a duck shack (look for bronzed ducks hanging in the window) the better: places close to the Buddha tend to charge tourists more.

Prepare for long bus rides. There are many ways to get around the old trade route: buses, trains, cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Groups of cyclists traversing the Tibetan plateau are a common sight. Roads, although often pitted, do connect the major towns in the region. But unless you can afford an SUV, it's mostly bone-jolting long-haul bus rides. Hitchhiking is also pretty useful, especially in Ganzi/Kham prefecture in western Sichuan. Pretty much any car or truck will stop for a foreigner with a hopeful thumb out, out of pure curiosity. Take the same precautions you would in any other place hitchhiking: just remember this is a lonely, mountainous region and towns and villages are pretty far and few between on the Tibetan Plateau. My most memorable ride was hitching in the back of a mail truck from Litang, deep inside Tibetan territory, all the way back to Kangding. Rough ride.

Or elect for comfort. Although flying defeats the purpose somewhat of traveling the old trade routes, there are now airports in Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian and Kangding. You can also rent a jeep or a car in Chengdu, Kunming, Lijiang or Dali, and do it as a road trip. If you have the budget for an SUV, drive. You can stop where ever you want-say, at the hot springs outside of Kangding or the majestic view anywhere along this route-and you won't have to wait or get mobbed by crowds. In November 2013, I worked as a guide for a wealthy traveler who rode in an SUV when he could, and flew when he needed to make good time.

Think like a trader. Don't ignore the smaller places on the map. Every town in this grand web is a stop-off point, and probably has been for centuries. Chengdu and Kunming aside, there are many villages that once played critical roles as places of refuge or trading posts. Kangding, Zhongdian, Lijiang and Dali are the more well-known and well-traveled ones, but each of these larger towns have satellite towns that are worth exploring, like Shaxi, an hour outside of Dali. A temple there honors three major faiths-Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism-reflecting the region's cosmopolitan heritage. Lugu Lake is a short trip into the mountains from Lijiang. It's well-traveled, but it was once ruled by a powerful matriarchal tribe and still does things a little differently.

Sip before you buy (tea). The tea-producing Pu'er region has had comparatively little contact with foreigners. Hundreds of tea merchants will descend on you, convincing you their brick tea is the best. It can be overwhelming. The best method is to sit and drink-which they will happily oblige-before settling on your poison.

Know your Tibet Autonomous Region from your Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. If you want to follow the trade route into Tibet and its capital, Lhasa-the territory once ruled by the Dalai Lama and now administered by China as the Tibet Autonomous Region-you'll need a separate visa, which you can get only in Chengdu. In Tibet, foreigners' movements are restricted and often monitored, and most exploring outside of Lhasa involves tour groups with government-approved guides-slash-minders. There are generally no such travel restrictions in the ethnic Tibetan areas (or Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures) in western Sichuan and western Yunnan, which were absorbed into China less fractiously. (This includes the towns of Kangding, Litang, Daocheng, Zhongdian, and Ganzi).

Keep up with local Tibetan issues. You can travel the Tibetan areas of western Yunnan and western Sichuan freely-in theory. But if there's political unrest when you travel, the roads might be blocked. Every March, for example, ethnic Tibetans in China are closely monitored after repeated protests and uprisings around the anniversary of the March 1959 rebellion against Chinese rule (and the subsequent crackdown and flight of the Dalai Lama). The March 2008 uprising led to more than a year of crackdowns on Tibetans, and restricted travel in the area for foreigners. There have been incidents between Tibetans and Han Chinese in the Kham prefecture of western Sichuan, and there is a strong police presence in the region, mostly centered in Kangding. Also, watch what you say, and who can hear you. Tibetans are hospitable and friendly and will often see you as an ally, but be mindful of where you are and who can hear your conversations. For foreigners the worst that will happen if a political chat with a Tibetan is reported to the authorities is probably deportation, but for the Tibetans who shared their yak butter tea with you, the consequences could be much harsher.

Eat salty cheese in Lijiang. Lijiang, in northern Yunnan, is the stronghold of the Naxi people. Naxi cuisine features more dairy than traditional Han Chinese fare, because people living close to the mountains were pastoral, relying on cattle for milk and meat. Cheese here is like a salty mozzarella, akin to Middle Eastern haloumi, and comes white and chilled, or melted and golden brown. One of the specialties is a hot dish with meat and cheese that tastes like deep dish pizza with a spicy Asian twist, with chili peppers instead of tomatoes and sometimes Sichuan peppercorns thrown in. The Naxi also specialize in Naxi Baba, a bread served with a fried cheese they call rubin ("roo-bean").

Get a guide for wilder hikes. Much of China is paved over, and the towns and cities on this route have populations in the millions and tens of millions, but there is wilderness too. Many excellent hikes-such as Tiger Leaping Gorge or routes exploring the Tang-era temples and salt mines near Shaxi, the nunneries in Tagong and the hot springs under Mount Kailash-require only a backpack and good sense. But the best hikes are the wildest ones deep in western Sichuan, where you can drive for hours and see only waterfalls and peaks, or in western Yunnan and some of Asia's great rivers and mountain ranges. For these wilder hikes you should hire a local guide for safety and convenience. There are several in Chengdu, Kunming, Lijiang and Dali that specialize in taking groups into the mountains. They deal with transportation, horses for the climb, tents for the fitful, high-altitude nights, and food for the whole trip. Wild China is one of the better ones. For bicycle tours, check out Bike China in Chengdu.

Get custom bling in Kangding. The seat of Garzê (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is a good place to get customized gold and silver jewelry. The raw material isn't top of the line, but the smiths can replicate designs or help you create your own. Many of the smiths are ethnic Bai people, who have a long history of silversmithing and came here from the region around Dali and Shaxi. Their biggest clients are Tibetan women, so they've followed the business to Kangding.

"Cross the Bridge" in Yunnan. On the route's southern reaches, the food defaults to the more classical Chinese rice and noodles-but heavier on the noodles. The famous Yunnan dish is Crossing the Bridge Noodles, a take on the Southeast Asian style of serving the noodles and broth with meat and veggies on the side. I like to get mine at Heavenly Manna in Kunming, just a few blocks away from Cui Hu Park next to Salvador's Coffee House.

Sort out the Laos visa beforehand. You need a visa to get into Laos from Yunnan, China. You can get one in Kunming at the Laotian consulate, or if you want to push it, in the border town of Mengla, where the huge casino looms over everything. I highly recommend getting all of your visas in order before you arrive at the border. Make sure your Chinese visa is not overstayed and make sure you enter before your visas to Laos or Thailand expire. Failing to have your visas in order will mean delays, wasted money, and other hardships. I learned the hard way.

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19 Things to Know Before You Go: The Tea Horse Road

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It's not a road, it's a region. The ancient Tea Horse trade route (also known as the Southern Silk Road) is a sprawling web of millennia-old paths connecting Southeast Asia to southwest China and Tibet.

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Hi, first of all thank you for this interview. My name is Ali Berrada, I'm a 29 year old photographer from Morocco, currently traveling in Asia. I have to say that I'm lucky my parents are big lovers of travel, my dad especially. He has been to more than 60 countries. When I was a kid I used to go with them, and I guess I got addicted to it as I got older. I also think that I don't need to physically move to make a step forward, it all starts in my mind. Everything is already moving, the whole universe is traveling with or without me... I'm just trying to follow the flow.
When did the love of photography come into your life? Was it before you started traveling or after?
I think it just came at the same time; I travel to discover places but also to find my true self and I think it's the same for photography. I take photos because I can't get enough of how beautiful everything is. They are both completely linked, the more I travel the more I want to take photos and vice versa.
Tell us about your trip to India; what interested you the most? Was there anything that surprised you?
As a photographer, but also as a human being, India was a big dream. I love their spirituality, their culture, the colorful places and it's also super easy for street photography. It's like a giant open studio; you just grab your camera and click. I have to say that even if I was expecting it to be different from everything, I was still really surprised. It's super crowded, can get messy from time to time, but I will always remember this- a goat was sitting near me on a 5 hours bus ride on a hot day in Rajasthan. Nothing can beat this.
You took multiple portraits in India of unique and interesting people. Were they welcoming and how did they react to you taking their photos?
Taking photos in India is the easiest thing, even for portraits. You can get really close and no one tells you anything. Usually people ask for a photo, which I don't like as much since I prefer candid photography. And then, it gets super hard when it comes to women. I had to go to the most remote villages to find what I wanted.
What is special about Rajasthan?
I would say that in some parts of Rajasthan there is still this mystical atmosphere of old India, where you don't understand what is really happening. It's like nothing you have ever seen or felt before; it's all magic and beautiful.

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Greetings from Rajasthan, India : TRAVEL DOSE

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Hi, first of all thank you for this interview. My name is Ali Berrada, I'm a 29 year old photographer from Morocco, currently traveling in Asia. I have to say that I'm lucky my parents are big lovers of travel, my dad especially. He has been to more than 60 countries.

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11 Inside Tips to Rio de Janeiro During the Olympics : TRAVEL DOSE

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The service. When caught in a time pinch and unable to get a taxi, one of the staff drove me to the bus & helped me purchase my ticket. A real life saver when your Italian is rustic (or nonexistent).

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Play hard in Taipei. The capital of Taiwan features a lot of unremarkable, tin-roofed apartment buildings. Public transportation is efficient and sleek. But Taipei has a proud inner party animal. Election rallies are electro-light, barn-burner entertainment events. Compared to other capital cities in East Asia, Taipei is a bastion of sexual liberation and tolerance (its Pride parade is now Asia's largest). I've lived in the city for several years-first as a language student, then working for the Canadian trade office before becoming a reporter and researcher-and have no plans to leave anytime soon, mainly because of that energy. Taipei won me over with lazy Saturdays at quiet cafés livened up by daytime firecrackers and temple troupes dressed in larger-than-life Taoist god costumes; mountain hikes along a beaten path at Taipei's Yangmingshan that revealed isolated, wild hot springs; discovering movie theaters in Ximenting and 24-hour breakfast shops in Yonghe. Taipei never stops.

First, get an EasyCard. The EasyCard (Chinese: 悠遊卡; pinyin: yōuyóu kǎ) is one of the most important things to have in Taipei. Among the things you can use these contactless smartcards for: the excellent metro, the city bike scheme, buses, ferries, and even taxis. You can use them to pay for public parking, and as a prepaid credit card for convenience stores and supermarkets. They can also get you into the zoo, the Maokong Gondolas, and some museums. Buy them at Metro and bus stations or at convenience stores. A standard fare card is NTD100 ($3), and they can be topped-up in amounts up to NTD10,000 ($310). Any unused cash can be refunded.

Do everything at 7-Eleven. In many countries, 7-Elevens are just a truck-stop repository for slushies and cigarettes, but the Taipei variety (and its brethren/rivals FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart) is a one-stop-shop for anything you'll need in a 24-hour period. Have a seat, eat a surprisingly delicious dinner-or even fresh guava. Pay for concert tickets or parking tickets. Get online shopping packages delivered. Send mail and print documents. Get an EasyCard and a Super Supau Sport Drink. As a former Chinese-language student living off of a meager government scholarship, I came to depend on 7-Eleven for affordable dining. You could do worse than a tuna rice-ball and a passable Americano (NTD39/$1.20), or a chicken sandwich and a lychee cranberry yogurt (NTD49/$1.50).

Call it Taiwanese Taipei, not Chinese Taipei. No title has created more confusion for Taiwanese than "Chinese Taipei". The name is supposed to allow Taiwan to send its own delegations or teams to international forums and sporting events such as the Olympics-but it's also a way for China to confuse the international community about Taiwan's status as a nation. China claims sovereignty over all of Taiwan's territorial holdings, and has used its rising international influence to exclude Taiwan from joining the larger community of nations. Taiwan begrudgingly agrees to use the name "Chinese Taipei", in a nod to its official name, The Republic of China (as distinct from the People's Republic of China). But 'Chinese Taipei' is also a sore point for the 17 million or so Taiwanese who don't live in the greater Taipei area.

Take an umbrella. There's a reason most people carry one everywhere: Taiwan is both intensely sunny and rainy, alternating several times in a single day. Either way, an umbrella's got you covered.

Obey Metro etiquette. The Taipei Metro (MRT) was superbly planned from the start and is a model of efficiency among modern and efficient East Asian subway systems. Transferring between stations in many cases simply means crossing across the platform to the next train. People in Taipei are serious about the Metro rules. People line up for the train, everyone stands on the right of the escalator. No gum, food or drink (not even water!) or you'll be fined. And don't sit on the dark blue seats. They're reserved for pregnant woman, children, and the elderly-the latter are highly respected. Many commuters would rather stand than sit even temporarily in these designated seats.

Look beyond DTF for XLB. Xiao long bao or soup dumplings-steamed buns encasing (usually) both a morsel of pork and a painstakingly prepared savory broth- originated in Shanghai, but became synonymous with Taiwan thanks in part to Din Tai Fung, which snagged a Michelin star for its delicate steaming method. If you have to go for the name, Din Tai Fung's first location on Yongkang Street is tiny compared to its Taipei 101 and Zhongxiao Fuxing locations, but the atmosphere is better and it's close to other food options at Dongmen. But be warned: it's expensive, and you can wait hours for a table. You might as well skip the crowd and go for the excellent pork and crab xiao long bao at the nearby YiPin Qiao Chu in Tianmu. The chef there is a Din Tai Fung alum and the soup dumplings are on par, if not better, and they also serve traditional Taiwanese dishes. (Unlike the better-known restaurant, though, there are no polyglot waitresses, and the menus are in Chinese. But don't let this stop you: download Pleco, a language app that will live-translate menu items and other important stuff.) Hangzhou Dumpling House, near Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall, also has excellent xiao long bao. Protip on how to eat them: After letting them cool, place a dumpling in your soup spoon with your chopsticks (try not to break the skin!). Poke a hole in the dumpling to drain the soup into the spoon. Then eat. Dip what's left in your side dish of vinegar and ginger.

Beware those coffee prices. Coffee may well have replaced tea as Taipeiers' caffeine high of choice, with Starbucks, local Taiwanese café chains, and a herd of independent coffee shops all seemingly growing and thriving in Taipei. But the competition has not made coffee cheaper, and a cup will set you back double what it would in North America or Europe. As for independent cafe recommendations, the grand-daddy of local cafés- Fong Da Coffee in Ximen-usually scores high on many Taipei coffee lover's list. It's lauded for its historic atmosphere, but jeered for its lousy service. Other perennial favorites are Fika Fika Café in Zhongshan, Chamber Coffee near ShiDa, and Zabu Coffee in Tianmu. If you are looking for a day-in, day-out coffee fix that won't break the bank, Taiwan's local Cama Coffee is highly recommended. Good quality Arabica beans, at about NTD40 a cup ($1.20).

Follow the red lantern. Taiwan's re chao joints are kind of like pubs in Britain: watering holes, restaurants, and refuges. But instead of fine ales, fried food and surly service, Taipei's re chao joints offer watery lagers and cheap seafood. Re chao-("hot fry")-got their start as inexpensive places for blue-collar workers to knock back some beer and food at the end of their shifts. They've evolved into one of the best places to people-watch and have boisterous, bawdy conversation with friends. The food is usually nothing to write home about, but with beer and food starting at about NTD100 ($4) or less, who can complain. If Japanese food is crazy expensive in your home country, re chao places are excellent opportunities to eat fresh sushi and sashimi at cheap prices. The house beer is more than likely locally brewed "Taiwan Beer". Pin Xian at Liuzhangli station is a good introduction, but they're all over the city. Look for red lanterns, with the characters "熱炒" and '100' painted on top of them.

Beat the heat with aiyu. When the mercury hits 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) during the summer, most Taiwanese won't be reaching for their famous milk tea, better known in the West as bubble tea. The smarter option is aiyu, a thirst-quenching drink made from the jelly of a fig indigenous to Taiwan's mountain regions. It's best served with crushed ice and lemon juice. Suck the jelly out of the cup with a wide straw, and enjoy refreshment with the consistency of soft Jell-O. The Aiyu Zhi Mengyou Xiancao store just outside of Tonghua Night Market in Xinyi district is famous for their aiyu served in a bowl. Huainian Aiyu at Mengjia night market also has a deserved aiyu reputation. Huainian also doesn't serve it in a cup at all: customers instead get a flimsy plastic bag with a giant straw jutting out the top.

Hit the night markets late. Taipei's night markets have blessed Taiwan's culinary scene. Dinner time isn't the time to go, though. Things start bustling a little later-no earlier than 8-9 p.m.-when people hit them for night-time snacks. As Taiwan's largest metropolitan area, the Greater Taipei area has more than two dozen night markets, and Shilin, Raohe (don't miss black pepper pork puns by the temple entrance) and Ningxia (excellent fried chicken cart-follow your nose to find it) are the most popular. With night markets attracting more tourists from mainland China, Japan, and the West, some of the more well-known, like, Shilin, have become pricier with no corresponding rise in food quality. But there are countless others to check out. Try Nanjichang in gritty Wanhua district, or Dalongdong in historic Datong district. Nanya night market in Banqiao, Sanhe night market in Sanchong, and Luzhou-Miaokou night market in Luzhou are also far lesser-known.

Know the Sunflower Movement. One of the founders of Occupy Wall Street once described the movement as a "constructive failure", but it had real impact in Taipei. In 2014, the then-ruling Nationalist Party (The KMT) was about to pass a controversial free-trade agreement that would have strangled Taiwan's small and medium enterprises and put pressure on an already struggling generation of young workers. Instead of occupying Xinyi District (Taipei's version of Wall Street), student activists occupied the place where the levers of power are controlled, Taiwan's Congress. After a 24-day occupation, the KMT's head of congress gave in to the protesters' demands and promised an oversight bill. The success of Occupy in Taiwan (called the Sunflower Movement in the local media) empowered civic groups to keep fighting, spurring successful anti-nuclear plant protests, and a high-school organized occupation of Taiwan's Ministry of Education.

Line up for laozihao. Taiwan's laozihao food stands and restaurants combine two of Taipei's favorite activities: lining up, and eating. Laozihaos are well-established food joints, generally known for serving one food item incredibly well. In many cases, these restaurants invented, or at least popularized, of some of Taiwan's most famous dishes, and they're in-demand spots with lines any day of the week. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, most people combine laozihao visits with other tourist spots. A visit to Longshan Temple is convenient for Zhouji rouzhou and deep-fried lean pork strips with ginger. Strolling around Zhongshan should bring you to Feiquan wu for the best eel bento boxes in Taiwan, followed by sweet-steamed Mochi covered in sesame powder at Shuanglian Yuanzai Tang. Shopping in the city's East district (near Zhongxiao Dunhua station) gives you a chance to line up with die-hard frozen Mango dessert fans at Ice Monster.

Get on your "YouBike". Taipei doesn't have much of a bike path network, but its bike-share program is excellent, and has been surprisingly successful at weaning Taiwan's drivers off their scooters. In a little less than five years, YouBike (branding: Übike) ballooned from 10 docking stations and 500 bicycles to 500 docking stations and 8000 bicycles in the greater Taipei area. ( Here's where to find them). You can open an account on the YouBike website, or at the kiosks. Ride along the more than 30 km of bike paths along scenic riverside park, pedal around a historic Datong district snapping photos, or better yet, ride the circuit around Shezi island, one of Taipei city's last surviving agricultural spaces.

But watch out for scooters. There are four million scooters on the road in the greater Taipei area-they're still the best and fastest way to get around-and they rule the road. They expect the right of way in any and all traffic situations, and it can be intimidating if you're a first-time visitor, a little unsteady on your YouBike or even just your feet.

You can't escape craft beer. The 2008 global financial crisis that scattered hipsters across the globe looking for gainful employment has been a boon for Asia's craft beer scene. For local Taiwanese brewers, having a heady supply of expats willing to try your newest, extra-malty Taiwanese IPA has been good for business. " Hardcore Brewery" based in the greater Taipei area has been making waves with its American Pale Ale, while Brooklyn's Evil Twin Brewing have begun to brew their own " Made in Taiwan" brand made with peppercorns. If you're looking to try a couple local craft beers yourself, head on over to Beer and Cheese at Xinyi Anhe, or Zhangmen Brewing Company at Dongmen, or Alphadog, also at Xinyi Anhe.

Get to know your neighbors on trash day. Taipei is a super-clean city. This despite the fact that there are astonishingly few trash cans out and about-your home, Metro stations and convenience stores are just about the only places to throw things away. At home, trash collection is a group activity. Five nights a week, Beethoven-blasting garbage trucks make their rounds, beckoning Taipeiers to come out (usually in their boxer shorts, blue-and-white sandals, and white undershirts) and throw out their trash and sort their recycling together. This started after Taipei's garbage crisis in the mid-2000s, when stinking dumpsters became a hygiene hazard. Those aging skips were replaced with the "singing" garbage trucks that require residents to throw trash into the truck by hand. The result: Taipeiers are stringent about sorting and throwing out their garbage correctly. But trash day has had another effect: community bonding. Since everyone is out together, why not strike up a conversation with your neighbor? "How are your son's violin lessons going?" "Boy, can you believe our loudmouth mayor?"

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17 Things to Know Before You Go to Taipei

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Play hard in Taipei. The capital of Taiwan features a lot of unremarkable, tin-roofed apartment buildings. Public transportation is efficient and sleek. But Taipei has a proud inner party animal. Election rallies are electro-light, barn-burner entertainment events. Compared to other capital cities in East Asia, Taipei is a bastion of sexual liberation and tolerance (its Pride parade is now Asia's largest).

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My friend Dan Leonard and I met recently at an eel restaurant in Soyosan, South Korea, a small town just south of the DMZ, home to little more than mountains and soldiers. We were about to embark on an audacious quest: there's an urban legend that you can go from one end of South Korea to the other on local transit, and we wanted to find out how. This would mean no intercity buses, trains, or ferries-just the regular mass transit that requires nothing more than a transit card or some loose change. The type of transit legions of weary commuters rely on each day in cities all over the world.

Dan is a comical, heavy-set Buffalonian of 41 years who chooses his Hawaiian shirts strictly for the purpose of upsetting me. He has lived in Korea since 2001 and speaks fluent Korean, which is necessary for our trip since I speak limited Korean, and very badly, despite having lived in the country for 14 years.

When we told the eel restaurant manager about our plan, he looked at us like we were idiots-a look that would become all too regular throughout our journey. He then suggested a faster way: take the subway to Seoul, get off at Seoul Station, and get the KTX bullet train to Busan. We would be there in three hours.

But what's the point of that? Anyone can zip through the mountains, safely in the womb of a bullet train, only to be birthed at the other end. We wanted an adventure. We tried to explain this, but the manager shook his head. The idea that one would waste three days of his or her life for the sake of a story to tell friends over beers back home made very little sense to this man, a thought shared by many of the Koreans we encountered. But it made great sense to us. We were going to see Korea from the ground.

Day 1 The first leg began the morning after the eel, with Bus 36 from Soyosan to Suyu Station on the north side of Seoul. Line 1 of the Seoul Metro could have actually taken us all the way from Soyosan right down to Asan, well south of Seoul, but that kind of felt like cheating. So we decided to eliminate subways-too easy-and focus on buses.

The obvious problem with buses over subways is traffic. Luckily, Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi province have bus lanes all around the city, and we cruised past jammed morning traffic-an auspicious beginning.

Unluckily, despite a widespread ad campaign on every bus and subway in the country, public transit etiquette is still below that of much of the modern world. It's common to see people sit on outside seats without moving in to allow other people to sit. Young people almost never get up for older people. This is particularly irksome to foreigners in Korea, since we are told repeatedly that in Korean culture, "you stand for your elders, unlike in America."

At the end of our first leg, we were in full-on Seoul, complete with McDonald's and cellphone shops numbering three to a block. Dan and I boarded Bus 142 to Sunyuhyang Hospital, then the 5005 Express across the Han River, and raced back out of Seoul to Yongin Bus Terminal. We traversed the fourth biggest city in the world in about two hours.

Yongin was a quiet place. We watched a crane wash itself in the small river running through. We found a little Chinese delivery spot that had a couple tables out for customers. We charged our phones and planned the rest of the journey over black-bean noodles for me and shrimp-fried rice for gluten-intolerant Dan.

The area around Yongin Bus Terminal, in the old city, is where the poor people end up. All over the country, it's at the bus and train terminals you find the most of those left behind by South Korea's Miracle on the Han, gathering together to drink soju (the most popular booze in Korea) and eat instant noodles.

Bus 22-1 to Anseong pulled out of the station and into the farmland. Dan began a discussion in the back (where I won't ride because of motion sickness) with a college girl who was thrilled to be able to practice her English with a native speaker. Dan's good like this-because of his Korean abilities, Koreans feel close to him and are often willing to talk, despite the repulsive loudness of his shirts.

We made our way into the country. The rice crop in the summer is a bright, beautiful emerald green, and grows in thin rows. Black canopies cover other crops-mushrooms, maybe? Ginseng?

There is a persistent fear in Korea that the countryside is dying, and with good reason. The population is aging and there are very few children. Every time the bus stopped, it would let on a small, elderly man or woman with a cane, often hunchbacked, a testament to the hard work and bad nutrition of decades of grinding poverty.

They elderly in Korea often still work, and for pennies-poverty among the old in Korea is nearly 50 percent. While many of their children and grandchildren have moved to the cities and adopted the Gangnam Style life, the old are often relegated to making $2 or $3 a day collecting cardboard, cleaning up the road, or working on the farm. Many cannot afford cars or drive, and these buses, which are discounted for senior citizens, are their only connection to friends and family in nearby communities.

In Anseong, Dan got us lost. It's not strictly Dan's fault of course, but since he is the only Korean speaker among us, I blame him. We got off at the central roundabout in Anseong, a small town with a big pagoda by a river, and began searching for Bus 201 to Cheonnan Terminal.

The problem was a total lack of the visual aids that help you get on the right bus-signs with bus numbers; posted schedules and routes; digital panels that tell you when the next bus is coming. Instead, there was just a gray post with a sign that read, "BUS STOP" in English and Korean. Whether the bus there takes you to Yongin, Cheonnan, or the dead-end of Manchuria is unknown.

We were pointed in three different directions by a series of cab drivers, coffee baristas, and old men in the street, but we found the 201 only when we saw it go by and ran for it-missing it. We waited for the next one alone for 20 minutes. Once we got on we were alone, and I felt this was the right time to surprise Dan with the flask of Canadian Club I had prepared before leaving. We drank happily until the next stop when about 25 screaming school children got on and we felt obliged to put it away.

From there it was a series of straight shots to Daejeon and then Sejong City. It was nightfall by the time we arrived in Sejong, but as soon as we arrived we knew weren't going to be spending the night there. Sejong is a new city, and was as far as we could tell, bereft of hotels. It was built by the government as an administrative capital, a way to create jobs and an economic center outside of Seoul. What they ended up doing was creating a capital city that only rivals Canberra in terms of joylessness, ugliness, and lack of spirit. Bus 990 got us out of there and to Daejeon's Banseok Subway Station.

There's an old joke in Korea: What do you call a foreigner who speaks perfect Korean? Elder. The Mormon missionaries here are always easy to pick out from the other foreigners, because they are young, well groomed, extremely polite, well dressed, and are desperate to talk to someone in English about anything but Jesus. Bring up their hometown football team, and you'll have a friend for life.

At Banseok, two Mormon missionaries from L.A. helped us navigate to a hotel district. When we found it, there were all the traditional Korean hospitality options: hotels; "motels," which just means cheap hotels; "yeogwans," more insalubrious cheap hotels; "minbak," traditional places where you sleep on the floor; "Love Motels," where you meet your boyfriend or girlfriend for a romp away from the prying eyes of parents or spouses; and "Muintel" which are Love Motels for the very shy-you get your key from a machine and head to your room, without ever having to shame-facedly make eye contact with a concierge.

We ended up at a mixed yeogwan/Love Motel, went to a Mexican restaurant, and celebrated the end of our first day. I got a beer and Dan got a whole liter glass of mojitos.

Day 2 Jungang Market in the center of Daejeon is the sort of market you find in most Korean cities. Though they're being replaced by department stores and shopping malls, they're still the primary shopping destinations for Korea's working class. We ate bowls of beef rib soup at a Jungang restaurant, and I entertained two extremely drunk old men when, after eating, I tripped and fell, breaking a soju glass.

On Bus 607 to Okjeon, it became more rural again. The accents also started getting thicker. No longer were people speaking "standard" Korean, but rather their own provincial dialects, which meant it was getting very hard for Dan to both understand and be understood. We were also becoming quite a novelty-what were these two fat, middle-aged white dudes doing in Okjeon, which hasn't many foreign faces since the U.S. Army stormed through it in 1951?

It was around Yangsan that our luck ran out. We needed to get to Kicheon eventually, and once we clarified-again-that we couldn't take the Intercity, the driver and all the passengers got in a furious discussion about how that was going to happen. People yelled over each other, suggested gas stations and bus stops, loudly debated over when the next bus came, whether the bus came at all, and would it take us anywhere civilized. Finally, the driver overruled them all, dropped us on the side of the road in tiny Nochon-li, and told us to go to the gas station and get a bus to Kicheon.

At the gas station they assured us there was indeed a bus to Kicheon-it would be leaving in four and a half hours, at 8 p.m. After checking out the liquor stock at the corner store, we decided it was impossible to stay in this town for more than 20 minutes. We learned that we could walk to Hwangan, a slightly larger town four miles up the road. So we bought some roadies and started up the road.

It was hot and there was nothing around us but rice paddies and little concrete houses. After about two-and-a-half miles, a bus pulled up next to us. It was the 125 that we had taken in, making the return route. The driver opened his door and ushered us inside. "What happened?" he asked. When Dan explained, he and the other passengers roared with laughter. They drove us to Hwangsan Bus Terminal for free.

Two buses later and we were in Gumi, at another cheap motel amid another gaggle of cheap motels. We ate a feast of barbecued pork, and Dan, who had long ago given up soju, decided to share a bottle of Korea's national spirit with me. We knew that tomorrow was going to be the most difficult leg of them all-south through rural Gyeongsang Province to Busan, and our final destination, Haeundae Beach.

We had decided to get up bright and early, but when I knocked on Dan's door at 8:30 a.m., he was still asleep. He agreed to forfeit his vital morning coffee, beans he had brought all the way from Vietnam to Korea, so that we could get on the road by 9:15.

It was pouring rain outside and a bit chilly on Bus 172 to Wegwan. Once we arrived, we had a half hour wait so we retired to a café and ordered coffee and bagels. None of it came until a younger woman rushed in like a paramedic, prepped it all in two minutes, and sent us on our way to Daegu.

Bus 250 to Daegu North was the oddest bus we'd been on, decorated like your grandmother's living room, all in purple, with doilies over the backs of the seats and ribbons on the windows.

Daegu is home of Korea's biggest market for traditional Oriental medicines. The streets are lined with shops full of canned and bottled ginseng, branches wrapped in twine, pastes, and salves, acupuncture needles, and the like. We stopped in at a restaurant for two bowls of samgyetang-boiled whole young chicken with ginseng and other medicinal herbs-that came with a small bottle of complementary ginseng liquor.

Dan spent most of the meal tapping on his phone-things were not looking good. It appeared as though we were stuck. There would be no local bus to Yeongcheon, the next town over, until the next morning, even though it was barely noon. Once we reached Yeongcheon, there would be no buses until the morning after that. This wouldn't do: we didn't have the money, or, frankly, the patience, to spend Friday and Saturday night in Daegu and then Yeongcheon.

We had to face the fact we were going to fail. We'd need to take the Intercity bus from Daegu to Gyeongju. Still, it was a noble failure. Beethoven had sought to create the greatest work of music ever with the Ninth Symphony; Proust had sought to redefine literature with Swann's Way. Neither had succeeded, but they'd produced masterpieces nonetheless. We were producing a masterpiece of intercity travel, but we would have to cheat. So with heavy hearts we got Bus 5 to the Daegu Intercity Bus Terminal, and boarded the Intercity to Gyeongju.

I won't pretend I didn't enjoy it. Any guilt was mitigated by the reclining seats and lack of stops. It was a fast and beautiful zip down the rainy highway to Gyeongju. After we were spat out at Gyeongju Terminal, it was all simple again. We only had to cross the road and get the 500 Express to Bonggye Market.

Gyeongju was the capital of Korea's 1,000-year long Silla Dynasty, which lasted until the 14th century, when the new Joseon kings moved the capital to Seoul. It's dotted with temples, palaces, and great burial mounds, which look like simple grass covered hills, but are where hundreds of Korea's kings and queens are interred. It's Korea's second most visited destination after Seoul, but we saw it only through the bus windows.

We boarded the 308 to Ulsan KTX Station. At Ulsan I bought a small flask of soju from the 7-11 to get us through to Haeundae.

The 3000 Express to Yangsan left from in front of the station, and from Yangsan, we caught the 11 to the city. Dan used to live in Busan, and so from here it was simple. We got off at Sponge (pronounced Spongee) Mall, and caught the 100 to Haeundae, the most popular beach in Korea.

We were dropped about three blocks from the beach, and we could smell it. The clouds had dispersed and it was a clear night. We walked to the beach at a reasonable pace; we didn't want to rush this moment, but at the same time, we were eager to get there, for it to be over.

We had done it-well, almost. We had done it the best we could, a single intercity bus notwithstanding. Twenty-four buses, 595 stops, across five provinces and five independent cities, about 280 miles and 30,000 won-$26-on our transit cards, another 7,000 won paid in cash.

We embraced a few feet from the sea, and dragged our battered bodies to the shoreline, where we celebrated our success at a line of bars, where Dan drank no soju whatsoever.

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The Very Cheap Man's Guide to Crossing South Korea

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My friend Dan Leonard and I met recently at an eel restaurant in Soyosan, South Korea, a small town just south of the DMZ, home to little more than mountains and soldiers. We were about to embark on an audacious quest: there's an urban legend that you can go from one end of South Korea to the other on local transit, and we wanted to find out how.

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I make a lot of mistakes. Despite years of constant travel to over 70 countries, I can't believe how often I still make rookie mistakes when I should know better. For example, in the last couple of months alone, I have:

almost gone to the wrong airport - twice

mistakenly booked two plane tickets for the wrong day (yay, cancelation fees!)

overpaid for a taxi when I knew I was being ripped off

forgot to haggle for market goods (thus overpaying)

forgot to buy travel insurance until three days into my trip

didn't pack shorts on a trip to a tropical destination

forgot to pre-book accommodation during Christmas

didn't rent a car in Curaçao (despite knowing I should) because I am cheap, and I ended up missing a lot of the island because the bus didn't go there

Those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head in the last few months. There are countless other instances in which I break my 27 cardinal travel rules (hence why rule #27 is the most important).

After all these years on the road, I still mess up.

A lot.

Every day, I receive a lot of emails from new travelers that are filled with worry, fear, and concern. Just a few days ago, a girl who was preparing to study abroad told me she thought she was making the biggest mistake of her young adult life. Looking at her two suitcases filled her with dread. Another guy worried that he wouldn't ever really be "ready" to travel. And another reader was concerned about her lack of worldliness would only lead her to screwing up.

And like many, many other people, they emailed me asking help. How can they avoid mistakes? How can they ensure that everything is going to go smoothly?

It's easy to look around and see travel writers as "experts" and "gurus" who seem to travel through the world with seamless effort. We glide through airports, make instant friends with locals, and blend seamlessly into new and unknown cultures. We're like ninjas.

But I don't know anyone like that. All my "expert" friends make plenty of mistakes. I've witnessed many first-hand, obvious mistakes from people who should have known better.

But we are all human and humans make mistakes. Even the "superhuman travel experts."

It's natural to worry about problems that might happen on the road. It's easy to let that worry and fear cripple you and cause panic. Before I went traveling, the worst case "what if" sceneries consumed my thoughts. How would I deal with this or that situation? What if I got on the wrong train, booked the wrong flight, or made the wrong hostel choice?

I have done all three of those things (and more). It's easy to beat yourself up over the silly mistakes. Hell, how could I have been so stupid as to leave my passport on a plane?!

But you can't let them get to you.

All you can do is move on past them.

I long ago stopped beating myself up over my travel mistakes. Now, I live with them because I know I'll always keep making them. I can only move on, learn from them, and hope I don't make them again (but I probably will).

So the next time you book the wrong flight, catch the wrong bus, or screw something up, know that you are not alone and that others, even the experts, have made far worse mistakes...and we survived and continued on.

Just take a deep breath and move on.

Because you are going to make a lot of mistakes on the road.

But that's OK - no one is a perfect traveler.

And you're only going to stress yourself out if you try to be one.

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I make a lot of mistakes. Despite years of constant travel to over 70 countries, I can't believe how often I still make rookie mistakes when I should know better. For example, in the last couple of months alone, I have: almost gone to the wrong airport - twice mistakenly booked two plane tickets for the wrong day (yay, cancelation fees!)

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On Friday, NotiFlyer highlighted an offer from EZForex of free shipping on foreign currency orders of $500 or more with promo code AAfxKickoff (a savings of $14.50).

Ordering foreign currency online is never the cheapest way to get it. You'll always do better using your ATM card on arrival in the country you're traveling to. That way you will get a bank's foreign currency conversion rate. Ideally you would even have an ATM card from a bank that doesn't charge you to use 'out-of-network' ATMs.

I use BankDirect, the checking account that awards you American Airlines miles for your average balance each month. (I get 100 miles for every $1000 average balance, and there's a $12 per month fee for the account that isn't waived). They not only don't charge a fee to use ATMs that aren't theirs, they rebate the fees that the ATM's owner charges (up to $2.50 each time, four times per month). Since there's an additional 1000 miles as an account signup bonus if you're referred by an existing customer (the referrer gets 1000 miles as well), I frequently get e-mails from folks looking for a referral. Unfortunately I no longer have any to offer. I suggesting folks contact Deals We Like for that.

In the back of my mind I remember reading that the reimbursement of ATM charges didn't apply outside the United States, but that's never been my experience, here's an example of seeing the fee rebated on a cash withdrawal I made in Singapore:

You'll also likely do better just changing cash at your destination, outside of the major tourist spots.

But there are plenty of people who like to have cash in hand when they land. It's useful for paying for a taxi or other transportation from the airport. And lots of folks prefer not to mess with getting cash on arrival after an 8 or 14 hour transoceanic flight. So they're willing to pay a premium in order to have that convenience.

Personally, I pay for most things by credit card, my go-to is the Chase Sapphire Preferred because not only are there no foreign currency transaction fees but they also give double points on travel and dining which are what most of my foreign spend tends to consist of.

In no case will I allow someone to charge me in my 'home currency' of dollars, I always want to be charged in the local currency - my credit card company will give me a better exchange rate, and if I didn't have a no foreign currency transaction fee card then the card company would still charge the same 3% even on the transaction in U.S. dollars because it took place outside the U.S.

I also have an American Express Platinum, , and British Airways Visa in my wallet, and these do not add foreign currency transaction fees to purchases outside the United States either.

And for cash, I'm well-traveled enough that I've changed plenty of currency. I used to get rid of foreign currency by paying down my hotel bill with whatever was left before leaving the country (in many countries you can also add it to your Starbucks card). But if it's a country I'm likely to return to I'll now just keep the cash so I have it available when I land next time. I'll usually have a stash of Euros, Baht, Hong Kong and Singapore dollars at least.

If you do want the convenience of cash ahead of time, having it shipped to you in advance is a convenience. If you pay with a credit card you won't get as good a rate as with an eCheck, and credit card companies will usually hit you with a cash advance fee as well.

(Note that links to credit cards in this post offer referral credit to me. The links are to the best-available offers I'm aware of for each card, though if you're ever aware of a better one please let me know. I very much appreciate your support in choosing to use my links for your application.)

Update: Joe Brancatelli's column last week confirms what I alluded to in the comments, that you generally can't open a foreign transaction fee-free account with Capital One anymore. He reminds that Charles Schwab brokerage accounts, though, provide such a service.

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Saving Money on Foreign Currency Transactions - View from the Wing

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On Friday, NotiFlyer highlighted an offer from EZForex of free shipping on foreign currency orders of $500 or more with promo code AAfxKickoff (a savings of $14.50). Ordering foreign currency online is never the cheapest way to get it. You'll always do better using your ATM card on arrival in the country you're traveling to.

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¡El momento ha llegado! Seguramente llevas meses pensando cuál sería el destino en tus vacaciones de diciembre y planeando hasta el más mínimo detalle. Por esta razón, y para que nada interrumpa la diversión de esta temporada, te presentamos 25 consejos a considerar al momento de viajar.

1. Por mucho que conozcas el destino de tus vacaciones, no olvides revisar en tu Smartphone o en los diversos canales meteorológicos cuál será el estado del tiempo. Eso se convertirá en una gran ayuda al momento realizar tu maleta.

2. Al empezar a empacar es una buena idea poner sobre la cama, y por separado, lo que te pondrás cada día, así no olvidarás nada.

3. Si estás buscando reducir el equipaje, escoge unos zapatos o tenis que vayan con uno o más outfits.

4. Tu maleta debe incluir desodorante, repelente de mosquitos, sandalias, al menos una chamarra y un outfit formal, nunca se sabe dónde terminarás en tus vacaciones.

5. Al empacar, procura poner tus objetos de baño en una bolsa sellada o en alguna parte de la maleta en donde tu ropa no corra riesgo de mancharse.

6. No olvides cargadores de cámara, celular, computadora y hasta rasuradora.

7. Lleva bolsas resellables para trajes de baño o ropa sucia.

8. Si tu destino es la playa, ten en mente llevar bloqueador, crema para las quemaduras, una gorra, un buen libro y bocinas portátiles.

9. Si viajas por carretera recuerda revisar los niveles de tu coche y asegurarte de traer cables pasa corriente, señalizaciones, herramientas y una lámpara. AQUÍ TODAS NUESTRAS RECOMENDACIONES.

10. Cuando viajes por avión no olvides guardar una copia de tus documentos (pasaporte, visas, licencia de manejo y boletos de avión) en tu maleta por si te roban el equipaje de mano o se extravía.

11. Otra opción es dejar una copia de tu pasaporte e itinerario con tu familia o amigos para que puedan mandártelo por mail en caso de emergencia.

12. Lleva el número de contacto de tu servicio médico y asegúrate que tengas cobertura en el extranjero.

13. En caso de que viajes al extranjero, no olvides preguntar a tu banco cuánto dinero tienes permitido sacar en cajeros de otro país, para que programes tus retiros.

14. Una buena opción es llevar un mini botiquín, donde incluyas pastillas para el dolor de cabeza, estómago y diarrea. También lleva recetas médicas.

15. Te recomendamos llevar una muda de ropa en tu equipaje de mano, en caso de que tu equipaje se pierda.

16. Es buena idea pesar tu maleta en casa, para evitar cargos extras en el aeropuerto. Si la maleta es nueva, no olvides ponerle tu nombre.

17. Recuerda dejar tu casa encargada con los vecinos, es bueno que alguien entre a abrir las ventanas y prenda algunas luces por seguridad. Haz lo mismo con tus mascotas.

18. Una vez en el hotel, coloca una calza de puerta puede evitar que alguien entre a tu cuarto cuando estás en él.

19. Nunca pongas todo tu dinero en efectivo en un mismo lugar.

20. Si tu Hotel cuenta con Caja de Seguridad, no dudes en usarla.

21. Lee los folletos y directorio de tu cuarto para saber qué hospitales, restaurantes o atracciones se encuentran cerca del hotel, en caso de ser necesario.

22. Usa tu GPS o Smartphone para ubicarte en la ciudad, también puedes descargar aplicaciones para localizar sitios de interés a tu alrededor. AQUÍ LAS APPS DE VIAJES RECOMENDADAS POR GQ.

23. Asegúrate de llevar varias memorias para tu cámara, así no perderás todas tus fotos en caso de robo o pérdida.

24. Siempre pide que te muestren el premiso o licencia en lugares para snorkelear, bucear, hacer paracaidismo o navegar rápidos.

25. No cambies todo tu dinero a moneda local, podrías necesitar pesos durante el regreso.

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¡El momento ha llegado! Seguramente llevas meses pensando cuál sería el destino en tus vacaciones de diciembre y planeando hasta el más mínimo detalle. Por esta razón, y para que nada interrumpa la diversión de esta temporada, te presentamos 25 consejos a considerar al momento de viajar. 1.

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The Inn at English Harbour | A Hotel Life

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The hotel organizes different events during the week to mix up the evenings for guests. Thursday was our favorite with a steel drum band playing on the beach.

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When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was "lame," and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to tie knots, camp outdoors, be a good citizen, play with knives, and got to have cool sleepovers. One of the most important things you learn as a Boy Scout is their motto to always "be prepared," and as I've grown up and traveled the world, I've found this to also be a travel truism.

You never know what might happen on the road. Stepping out your door into the unknown is what makes travel so exciting. Each day brings endless possibility, but that possibility is for both good and bad. You may end up enjoying a day sightseeing in Paris - or getting robbed in Berlin. You may spend an amazing day on the beaches of Thailand - or suffer food poisoning in Costa Rica.

But if you're prepared, you'll be able to face whatever happens to you on the road:

Take Multipurpose Gear. Packing multiuse gear ensures you can easily adjust to changing conditions and helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to take. I like pants that zip off into shorts, walking shoes that look nice enough for an evening out, and using my swim trunks as a pair of shorts. It saves room, and I'm prepared for any dress situation.

Carry a Small First Aid Kit. While we live in 2012, not 1912, and you can find modern medicine anywhere in the world, I always carry a small first aid kit with me with a few essential items to be safe. I take Tylenol, stomach illness medicine, eyedrops, Band-Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, and a small supply of doctor-approved antibiotics. I'm usually able to find a pharmacy when I need one, but in case of an emergency, it's good to have these items handy.

Pack a Small Flashlight. You'd be surprised how many travelers don't carry one, but a flashlight will prove to be invaluable when you suddenly decide to go caving in Panama, when your hike lasts longer than expected and nightfall sets in, or when the electricity goes out unexpectedly, which is not uncommon in a lot of places. I carry a small, waterproof pen flashlight when I travel.

Bring an Umbrella. Many travelers don't pack an umbrella because it adds weight to their bag, and they figure they can just buy one if they ever need it. However, while it does add a small amount of weight, I've found myself thankful for taking it more times than I can count. You never know when you might be exiting an airport or walking down the street and find yourself in a sudden storm. While others run for cover, I simply take out my umbrella and continue to my destination.

Learn Basic Phrases. Locals don't expect you to be an expert in their language, but knowing how to say "hello," "goodbye," and "thank you" go a long way in endearing yourself to locals. After all, wouldn't you be annoyed if someone came to your home and expected you to know their language? Knowing a few key phrases will not only make interactions easier, it will also help you when you bargain for goods, order food, get lost, or need help. I download the latest language app for my iPhone when I travel, but for those not using a smartphone, Lonely Planet guidebooks makes excellent pocket language guides for just about every language spoken, and Benny Lewis wrote this excellent guide on learning languages.

Study Nonverbal Communication. Most people interact using both verbal and nonverbal communication, so paying attention to facial expressions can help you appropriately read a situation, even if you don't understand the verbal part. When you don't know the language or might take words out of context, keep calm and take a moment to read the feelings of the person. This has helped me defuse tense situations with taxi drivers, vendors, and hotel owners. Understanding nonverbal communication doesn't happen overnight. It takes practice, but these websites offer good guides on how to understand nonverbal cues.

Keep Emergency Cash with You. While there is almost always an ATM around these days, you never know when emergency cash might come in handy. You could end up in an airport (like I recently did) and find that none of your ATM cards work and you are stuck without any money. I recommend having a stash of $200 USD for emergency situations. I don't carry this money around but leave it in my hotel room safe in case something happens. It will be useful if you get robbed or lose your wallet.

Have Backup Cards. I always keep one backup credit card and bank card with me in case of emergencies. You never know when one bank might decide to lock your account for suspicious activity without telling you (yes, that has also happened to me) or when you might get robbed. I recently had my bank account information stolen while I was traveling in Europe. My bank had to deactivate my card, and if I hadn't had a second one with me, I wouldn't have had access to any money.

Carry Cash. With the advent of the chip credit card, many countries don't take the American-style credit card anymore (cards with just a magnetic strip). While you should be able to use a credit card pretty much everywhere, you never know when you might not. One of my cards was rejected in Denmark because it lacked a chip, and I had to run to a bank to get money. We get used to using credit cards, but it's always good to have a little cash.

Make Extra Copies. Keeping copies of your documents can come in handy during an emergency, especially if you lose your originals. If you get robbed or lose your passport, having copies ready for officials can make filing police reports and obtaining new documents much easier. When I lost my passport, my backup copies helped with my police report and served as my proof of identity at the American embassy. Copy your passport, your health/travel insurance paperwork, and your credit cards.

Know What to Do When You Lose Your Passport. What do you do when you lose your passport? Losing your passport can be scary, especially if you are planning on traveling soon. I didn't know how to handle it, and trying to figure it out on my own was very confusing. Luckily, I took notes on the entire process for obtaining a new passport overseas - you can read the full text here, but the main points are as follows:

Go fill out a police report for your lost passport.

Go to the State Department website, print out some forms. Fill them out.

Take the forms to the US Embassy or Consulate during morning hours.

Wait in line.

Wait in line some more.

Show the official your police report, forms, proof of your upcoming travel plans, and a passport-sized photo. (If you don't have a photo, embassies have small photo booths where you can take your picture.)

Read every sign made by the US Department of State while you wait even longer.

Pay the fee (about $120 USD).

Go home and eat lunch.

Come back in the afternoon.

Wait in line again.

Get your new temporary passport that will need to be replaced upon returning home.

Carry a List of Emergency Contacts. If something happens to you, having a list of emergency numbers on you will help medical professionals know who to contact. I also keep a list of my allergies with me so if I need treatment and can't answer questions, doctors know what I'm allergic to. I keep two copies: one with me and one in my bag in my hotel room. Because having backups are important!

Have Travel Insurance. The ultimate form of preparedness, having travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital because you popped an eardrum scuba diving, get sick on the road, or break a leg. Chances are nothing is going to happen to you while traveling, but for when it does, you are going to want to have insurance. Only a fool travels without it.

Read Before You Go. There's nothing more important than knowing about the place you're visiting. Head to a library or bookstore and get a few books on what life is like where you're going. If someone came into your home and ignored all your rules, you would get upset - the same guidelines are applicable when you travel overseas. Knowing basic rules and etiquette can help you avoid any misunderstandings and leave a favorable impression in your host's minds. Otherwise, you could end up like this British couple who were jailed for kissing in public in Dubai. (That's a big no-no in Middle Eastern countries.)

You never know when you might face the unexpected, and if there's one thing I've learned from my years of traveling, it's that even the best-laid plans can go awry. You may not use these items all the time, and hopefully you won't ever need some of them, but the point is to be ready when you do. After all, a scout is always prepared.

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14 Ways to Be Prepared for Anything While Traveling

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When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was "lame," and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to tie knots, camp outdoors, be a good citizen, play with knives, and got to have cool sleepovers.

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Can't wait to travel to Ibiza? I've collected a list of my favorite places to go on the Island of Summer! Have a great time! Fell in love with this villa on the west coast of the island Make sure to have lunch...

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Don't count on English. Forget Lisbon or Brasilia: with a population of more than six million, Luanda is the world's most populous Portuguese-speaking capital city. (The population swelled during Angola's 27-year civil war, when millions of refugees moved to the relative safety of the city.) English is not widely spoken, even in Luanda. Just a few basic words in Portuguese will take you far: Obrigado (thank you), bom dia (good morning), por favor (please), sim (yes), não (no), and bué (a lot). The expression fixe ("feesh"), meaning okay or cool, is also deeply useful.

Get your papers in order. Angola's visa process is a bureaucrat's dream: slow, confusing, and arcane. From 1975 until 1991 Angola was a socialist, one-party state closely aligned with Russia and Cuba. In a hangover from its Cold War mentality, Angola still treats foreigners with suspicion, and it will seem like some embassy officials take pride in complicating things for would-be tourists. Factor in at least one month to sort out visa matters. Different consulate officials will tell you different things about which documents you need to bring-and you will need a letter of invitation from an Angolan citizen or a company.

Expect to spend. Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world for expats. Angola's civil war ended in 2002: it still lacks basic infrastructure and most goods are imported. (A pound of tomatoes can cost $16.) Being one of the world's most corrupt countries doesn't help, and its resource wealth (oil and diamonds!) makes it a prime candidate for Dutch Disease. But it's only super expensive if you live like an expat. Luanda's few well-known hotels (Epic Sana, Hotel Presidente, and Hotel Trópico) cost around $500 per night. But thanks to recent hotel openings and under-the-radar bed and breakfasts, prices are becoming more competitive. The recently-opened Thompson House on the Ilha do Cabo (the closest thing Luanda has to a hostel vibe), Hotel Ilhamar (which also has a great restaurant) and Rouxino Boutique Hotel are decent hotels at decent prices-for Luanda.

Bring an appetite. Luanda doesn't have much in the way of museums, cinemas, and theaters, so eating out is a big pastime and there's a vibrant restaurant scene. In fact, I moved back to Luanda in 2013 to run a food start-up (focusing on online restaurant reviews and gastronomic events) after living in the U.S. Angola's cuisine is full of Portuguese and Brazilian influences (and those foods, in turn, have Angolan influences). You'll find the traditional picanha (rump steak) with black beans, as well as Portuguese staples cod fish and cozido à portuguesa, plus some seriously tasty . Traditional Angolan cuisine can take a bit of getting used to, but it's worth the effort. Several of our most popular dishes are stew-based, such as moamba de galinha (chicken cooked in a red palm oil sauce called moamba de dendem) and calulu (similar to moamba but cooked with dried and fresh fish). In downtown Luanda, you'll find these dishes in Angolan-owned restaurants. One of my favorites is Kintal da Tia Guida, but I frequently cheat on it with Restaurante Kandimbanza in Maculusso and Cantinho do Sossego in Morro Bento. Most high-end restaurants in Luanda are filled with expats, but places like Kintal da Tia Guida attract many more Angolans and entire families on weekends, creating a boisterous, festive atmosphere.

Look beyond the Ilha for cheap eats. The Ilha do Cabo-a large sandspit off Luanda's shore-has most of the fancy restaurants, but there is cheap and good food in Luanda's central neighborhoods. Check out one of the hundreds of backyard restaurants ( quintais) where the vast majority of Luandans have lunch on weekdays. Look for signs saying Há Sopa e Almoço ("we sell soup and lunch"). They serve heaped portions of traditional Angolan home-cooked dishes for as little as 1,300 Kwanzas ($8). Maculusso, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, has everything from Indian (Broadway Bar) to Italian (O Toscano) to traditional Angolan barbecue (Nandinho's) to Madeiran (O Madeirense) at a fraction of the prices on Ilha. I love taking friends from out of town to Kitanda da Esquina for Portuguese-Angolan small plates, or A Grelha, headed by a well-known Angolan chef, serving generous portions of unusual dishes, such as pineapple fried rice and a huge steak-chop for two.

Be ready for the mosquitos. They're public enemy number one. Bring some serious insect repellant and get all your shots before you go. You'll need an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) to enter the country. The last thing you need are malaria or yellow fever souvenirs from your (expensive) trip to Luanda.

Avoid the rush hours-if you can. Luanda is a sprawling city, but it has two main zones: downtown (centro) and Luanda Sul, where most expats and well-to-do Angolans live. Downtown is the city's historical center, with crumbling colonial buildings, the seat of government, and several landmarks. The southern suburbs have gated condominiums, posh restaurants, and few pedestrians. Travel time from one to the other can vary from 20 minutes at night to two hours at rush hour (7:30 am-9:30 am and 4 pm-8 pm.) Keep in mind that in the morning, most people travel from Luanda Sul to downtown-and then reverse the route in the afternoon.

Make friends. There are many reasons having a local contact makes a big difference in Luanda-which is not an easy city for visitors-and chief among these is getting around. Most streets have no names, or several (one from before independence, one from the socialist era, a new one, plus a slang one). Traffic is chaotic and aggressive, and the roads are bad. Luanda is not set up for tourism, and it's spread out. Your best bet is to make friends, Angolan or foreign, who have a good feel for the city and are willing to show you around. We're friendly, and you'll quickly find that it's the best way to get the most out of your time there. (Most visitors need a car with a driver: and until you find friends, the usual rental car suspects-Avis, Hertz, Europcar-and local travel agencies will be happy to offer their services, drivers included.)

Know some landmarks. If you do get lost wandering or driving the streets, a good rule of thumb is to keep heading downhill, and sooner or later you'll hit the seaside avenues: the Marginal or Praia do Bispo. The Marginal's tall buildings and the Mausoleum-the resting place of Agostinho Neto, Angola's first president-are handy reference points.

Travel cheap with a candongueiro. White and blue vans-mostly Toyota HiAces-zip furiously along every road, avenue and alley, carrying millions of people to and from work and everywhere in between. These collective taxis are how most Luandans get around, at 150 Kwanzas (90 cents) per ride. If you want to catch one, study the routes in advance with an Angolan friend so that you know where to get on and off. They have no destinations written on them: the only way to know where they're going is by listening to the bellows and shrieks of the taxi's money handler. He's called the cobrador and is your main point of contact. If you'd rather stick with regular taxis, the cheapest and most professional cab company is Allo Taxi. Expect to pay about 4,000 Kwanzas ($24) from the airport to the Ilha or 6,000 Kwanzas ($36) from the airport to Luanda Sul.

Know your gasosa from your soda. Luanda's police officers, especially traffic cops, are notorious for asking for bribes-known as gasosa, Portuguese for "soft drink". A cop may accuse you of committing a real or imagined traffic infraction and then "ask" you for a gasosa instead of paying a fine and burdening him with the dreaded paperwork. You might not encounter this if you're a tourist (unless you drive), but you might see your driver doing it. On the other hand, straight cops have the right to detain you for attempting to bribe them. Always offer to pay the fine.

Don't rely on plastic. Bring some cash with you to Luanda, and once you land, exchange it in banks anywhere from the airport to downtown. Angola is having a foreign currency crisis, so your dollars and Euros are most welcome, and rates are favorable.

Save money, drink beer. Luandans love their beer. Cuca is the main brand in town (and in the country), but the newer Tigra, developed together with Germany's Doemens Institute, is taking a bite out of its market. Both are incredibly cheap: about 100-200 Kwanzas (60 cents to $1.20) for a can, depending on where you are. And thanks to Portugal's everlasting cultural influence in Angola, wine is big too. Angola imports more bottled Portuguese wine than the U.S., U.K. or France, and even backyard restaurants ( quintais) sell it.

Know that it's a democracy in name only. The Cold War was fought with guns in Angola. Its post-independence civil war was intensified by the foreign powers backing different warring factions (Cuba and the Soviet Union behind the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, and the U.S. and South Africa behind the insurgent National Union for the Total Independence of Angola). Every time the president-for-life, Jose Eduardo dos Santos-in power since 1980-leaves his palace, bazooka-wielding soldiers in full gear line the streets while rumbling army trucks patrol the roads. The main daily newspaper is the government mouthpiece, as is the public TV channel. Sit with a group of Angolans long enough and the discussion will turn to politics. But try to listen more than talk: Angolans can be nationalistic and proud, and don't take kindly to lectures on good governance from foreigners. Angola is still "transitioning" into democracy, with all the problems that brings. Reading up on history will help you figure out what's going on.

Watch where you point and shoot. Angolan police can be suspicious of foreigners. Take care when photographing government buildings or monuments and structures. If you see a guard (which you most likely will) politely ask if it's ok to take a picture. Most will say yes. Just don't expect a smile.

Leave the bling at home. As in any metropolis, be alert. Don't wear obvious displays of wealth (gold chains, large jewelry). At night, it's smart to travel in groups and with people who know the city. Take extra care next to bars, clubs, and restaurants. You will almost certainly be approached by street kids and vendors who will "help you" park your car and then ask for payment. One hundred Kwanzas (60 cents) should do the trick, so having small change on hand is key.

Go fish in Chicala. Luandans really excel at grilled fish, and our oceans and rivers are teeming with grouper, cherne, and pargo (red snapper). Chicala, a slum neighborhood on the southern side of the Ilha, is the closest thing we have to a street food fair. Numerous wooden shacks line the pot-holed dirt road that forms its main artery, and the women who staff them serve hands-down the best grilled fish in town. The most popular dish here is called mufete: grilled fish, usually tilapia or the flavorful and tender calafate, smothered with an onion vinaigrette and served with palm oil beans, boiled plantains, sweet potatoes, and a local spice sauce called jindungo. (Another seafood standout is La Vigia, owned by the affable Jéjé, in Maculusso neighborhood. It has a large coal grill and their fish and steaks are displayed in a glass showcase, allowing you to pick exactly which cuts you want to eat. Portions are huge and the beer is always cold.)

Learn some dance moves. This is the birthplace of kuduro and kizomba-music and dance styles that came out of the 1980s, rooted in traditional Angolan semba. (A British tabloid breathlessly wonders whether kizomba is " the most sexual dance in the world?"). Learn the steps on YouTube, then hit the dance floors around the city: Luandans party until past dawn. The city's clubs and dance hotspots change constantly, but staples include W Klub and Caminito (both in Miramar neighborhood), Dom Q (in Mutamba) and Terrace Bay (Ilha). House music lovers will feel more at home at Chill Out (Ilha), a club which could be in Lisbon from the sheer number of Portuguese revelers. Hip-hop heads should check out D Club. For a more laid-back ambiance, Taberna Urbana is the place to go. Expect to pay an entrance fee of 3,000 to 4,000 Kwanzas at each of these places; this price includes at least one or two drinks. Dress to impress: Luandans are a stylish crowd, and their fashion sense will be on full display when they go out.

Get your G&T on. In bars, lounges, and clubs the go-to cocktail is, naturally, the caipirinha-but the gin and tonic is giving it some competition. (There was even a Gin Festival in May 2016.) And we're not talking about the small, skinny ones served in a tall glass with a lemon wedge, but the ample Portuguese and Spanish version, served in balloon-style stem glasses with garnishes like peppercorn, cucumber, bay leaves, and basil.

Get out of Luanda. Angola has 1600km of coastline, rainforests in the north, the world's oldest desert in the south, and hundreds of miles of savannah in between. The coastal cities of Benguela and Lobito have art deco architecture and miles of deserted beaches. There's surfing in Caba Ledo. In Namibe province, you can sleep under the desert stars. TAAG, the national airline, flies to most provincial capitals. If you want to see the country by road, perhaps on the marvelous drive between Luanda and Lobito, travel with someone who knows the roads well: they've considerably deteriorated over the past five years. Just make sure that if you make it all the way to Angola, take the time to leave Luanda.

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20 Things to Know Before You Go to Luanda

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Don't count on English. Forget Lisbon or Brasilia: with a population of more than six million, Luanda is the world's most populous Portuguese-speaking capital city. (The population swelled during Angola's 27-year civil war, when millions of refugees moved to the relative safety of the city.) English is not widely spoken, even in Luanda.

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Hong Kong is the sixth in our series - "...Through the Funnel". You can read our previous one on Myanmar It is a way for us to share 12 aspects that stood out to us in our experience of a place and its people. Did we miss something that stood out to you in Hong Kong?

#1 Food obsession
One of the most common Cantonese greetings is "Have you eaten yet?" and if you spend just a little time in Hong Kong, you will see why. This city is obsessed with food. Big time. 60 percent of the conversations around you on the street, (we know we should not be eavesdropping, but we can't help it) are about food. "Have you tried this restaurant yet?" "I love this dish my aunt/mother/grandmother makes." 'This is the best thing for your skin, they say if you eat it you glow." "I am really craving a bowl of this or this dessert my boyfriend made me try the other day." "Where should we go eat?"

It is a never-ending discussion about what, when and where to eat. All this happens during a meal as well! Before you have finished eating what's on your plate, you are most likely already plotting your next one. It's no wonder then that Hong Kong has one of the best food scenes in the world. It comes down to a question of what came first, the chicken or the egg - did good food inspire this food obsession or did a culture of food obsession create the inevitable variety of fantastic food that this city offers every day? Either way, we are definitely not complaining.
#2 Efficiency is the name of the game
Sorry all you other losers! Hong Kong is hands down one of the, if not the most efficient city in the world. It may not be perfect, in fact it is often a little rough around the edges, but it is relatively oh so smooth. The public transport system is incredible which means there are only about 450 000 private cars in a population of over 7 million people (We wish there were none). The MTR, the local subway system, must be the fastest and cleanest in the world. Ferries and buses actually arrive on time. Standing in a long queue does not necessarily mean your day is over. Compared to most places in Europe, a queue of about 10 people in front of you at the supermarket, McDonalds or the public loo, usually means it'll be your turn fairly quick. Time is money, people. A large amount of government admin procedures can be done online on websites that actually work. And despite frequent complaints about the public system from locals, they really don't know how much of a good thing they've got going.
#3 The Land of Contrasts - from the most densely populated area in the world...
Most people have seen a photo of the skyline of Hong Kong. Those impressive skyscrapers crammed tightly together in front of the imposing Victoria Peak. To a certain extent that is the real Hong Kong, at least a part of it. On the opposite side of Victoria Peak and Hong Kong island is Kowloon, the tip of the peninsula attached to mainland China. It is here on Kowloon side in Mong Kok where the city boasts the most densely populated corner on the planet. According to the Guinness Book of Records, at 130 000 people per km2, Mong Kok reigns at squeezing in the maximum number of bodies per square footage. And with Mong Kok meaning "bustling corner" in Cantonese, it seems it was always that way.
#4 ...to green green green and sea
But, and this is a big BUT, Hong Kong is far from only skyscrapers and Mong Kok. About two thirds of its area is natural green or semi-natural at least. There is an area of about 450 km2 designated for as many as 24 country parks and 22 areas for conservation - marine parks, wetlands, nature reserves.

It is easy to get away from it all. The small size of the city, means that in one day you could go from buffet breakfast on the 99th floor of one of the tallest buildings in the world, then go swimming at one of the many beaches, hike over the mountain to another beach and camp on a hill with monkeys, snakes and marshmallows. The next day you could visit one of the many outlying islands, go scuba diving or sailing and finish your evening with a lychee martini on another skyscraper with a different view. This outdoor side of Hong Kong, the sea, the hills, the magnificent sunsets, the freedom is often the one that is forgotten by the travel brochures and postcards. But it's definitely one of the nicest sides.
#5 There is something for everybody
There is something about this place that makes you feel you could reinvent yourself or at least try to. Chances are you will find a place offering whatever you want to do here and if there isn't one you could start it yourself. If you want to go for crowded, big and noisy, there are trendy bars in the Centre. If you want to go for alternative, crafty, underground, there are hidden spots to discover. You want fish and chips, no problem, you want chicken feet and pork knuckles stewed in vinegar, be my guest.

You want to do a yoga class in 40 degrees heat and pay for it? Sure you will find one on the beach at midday ready to make you sweat for 500 HK Dollars. Or you could also work on your moves nearby for free. Up to you.
#6 The three Cs - Consumerism, Capitalism & Cronyism
Money money money. Hong Kong is a city that thrives on the green stuff. The city's famously recognisable skyline began to take shape as the first banks started to overshadow the other buildings around it. The Bank of China, the HSBC headquarters, both towered over the rest and the symbols of finance and industry were here to stay. Hong Kong's major power comes not from its government, but from its business. Like most of the megalopolises of the world really. From its old days as a strategic shipping centre for Asia and especially China, Hong Kong's centre still seems to revolve around buying and selling, buying and selling. Malls are everywhere, markets are everywhere, restaurants are everywhere. Consume consume consume. Often however, this also hides the ones who are left out of the circle of constant consumption, those who cannot afford to or who are struggling to keep up appearances with the pressure to consume.

Often seen as relatively corruption-free and "clean", recent scandals involving Hong Kong's former leader and his rich buddies, has brought the issue of cronyism back to the table. Whether the age-old chinese system of '"guanxi" (using personal connections to help business) is causing problems is a question, but the business dynasties which rule over Hong Kong have always exerted their power carefully and quietly. Maybe it is about time they come clean.
#7 On the Cheap
It is possible to do Hong Kong on the cheap. Despite its Michelin star restaurants and Louis Vuitton shops, there is a budget side to this town. A few rules to help you along:

Eat local. A bowl of wonton noodles will leave you full, satisfied and won't break the bank at about 20 HKD (2-3 euros) for one. There are dim sum places which will charge you an arm and a leg for a shrimp dumpling and other less fancy, yet deliciously authentic ones which will leave you only 120 HKD poorer (about 14 euros for lunch for two).

Public transport all the way. Especially the tram on Hong Kong side, a ride is about 2.50 HKD (30 cents) and will take you past interesting neighbourhoods too.

Shop at wet markets. Not supermarkets and certainly not the fancy delis selling European products. If you want to go cheap you are going to have to forsake your salami and gruyère for choi sum 菜心 and tofu. Though while you're at it, take advantage of all the things that would be ridiculously expensive outside Asia - mangoes, dragonfruit or the countless green-leaf Chinese vegetables. Forget about kale, it's all about gailan 芥蘭 (chinese kale).
#8 Pubs, Rugby & Sausage Rolls
The British left behind more than left-hand side driving and interesting street names. The former colony embraced and kept on some distinctly Anglo-Saxon favourites especially in the sports department. Where else outside the Commonwealth do people still play netball and cricket? Hong Kong is also the proud host of the annual Hong Kong Sevens Tournament, a variant of rugby with seven players instead of the usual 15, of course sponsored by HSBC. It usually involves big time partying in the stadium with plastic jugs of beer and bacon butties. Pubs are dotted around town, though in posher places you'll find fancier European beers taking over your usual pint of draft. And for the classic sausage roll, Hong Kong has made it its own. Not with pork sausages wrapped in melt-in-your-mouth puff pastry, but a cool chicken frank wrapped in a sweet chinese soft bread.
#9 Every neighbourhood has a story to tell
Hong Kong is far from homogenous. Every neighbourhood has its own vibe and history. Some were former trading areas, some were mainly built around industrial workshops, some were fishing villages and some did not even exist at all. The city's overenthusiastic land reclamation projects means that some streets actually used to be sea. The dress code in each neighbourhood changes and you will find streets specialising in metallurgy, flowers or textiles. Some areas specialise in Vietnamese food, some in Chiu Chau food, some in Shanghainese cuisine, reflecting the origin of the earliest settlers in their corner of town.

The best part of wandering around neighbourhoods is often to visit the wet market. Previously an open air collection of stalls selling your daily food and household needs, now almost every neighbourhood has their very own indoor and air-conditioned wet market to serve its locals.

This is where you will find the freshest fish, veggies and meat. If you're lucky you might get some recipe tips from vendors as well.
#10 Just don't say it's China
Same same but different. Hong Kong is China, but isn't. Most people identify themselves as Chinese, but differentiate themselves as HongKongers compared to Mainland Chinese. Years of different cultural, social and economic experiences means any discrimination against mainlanders is very thinly concealed or not even at all, as the city appears to have a love-hate relationship with its indirect "ruler". Hong Kong businesses thrive on mainland clientele, yet seem to reject the fact that they may be dependent on it. The Umbrella Revolution last year made it clear that a large number of the population are not willing to simply obey the orders of China's Communist Party. Uncharacteristic of Hong Kong, this time it was clear that many in the city are ready to fight for the rights they believe in or have become accustomed to. Others are reluctant to interfere - almost 50 million mainland Chinese tourists visited Hong Kong in 2014, providing valuable business revenues and representing around 80 percent of all tourists in town. Since the protest, numbers have gone down slightly, so it remains to be seen what HongKongers will decide together. China's rules or not?
#11 The City of Migrant Workers
Hong Kong has attracted workers from near and far. An important part of its demographic makeup, about three percent of the population are foreign domestic helpers. Around 350 000 of them work and live in the city, the majority are women coming from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. On weekends, the Central district becomes pedestrianised and comes to life with picnics, dance performances and fashion shows on their day off. They form a large part of Hong Kong life and contribute to raising numerous families in the city. There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about mistreatment of domestic workers in Hong Kong, especially following the domestic abuse case of Erwiana Sulistyaninsih.

There are also numerous migrant workers in construction and the food & drink industry, from mainland China and South East Asia.

Not to forget the large amount of "expats" from all around the world, which form a significant part of Hong Kong's workforce. They are technically migrant workers too (See - why are white people expats when the rest of us are immigrants).
#12 Chinglish
HongKongers are the kings and queens of Chinglish. Where chinese and english come together seamlessly in one phrase, switching between one language and the other. We are not talking about the hilarious errors you find on signs in China, telling you to "spread to f**k the fruit" or to eat a piece of "Sichuan hair virus", but the incorporation of english words into Cantonese conversation.

When trade between the British and Cantonese began, pidgin english became the lingua franca and actually the word "pidgin" itself comes from the chinese mispronunciation of "business". (really?)

Nowadays in Hong Kong, you will hear english words woven into cantonese conversations all the time. Maybe with a slightly different accent, but english words nonetheless. Some common cantonese terms also derive their sounds from the english original such as bus - ba si 巴士 and taxi - dik si 的士 and of course food, hamburger - hon boh bao 漢堡包 and jelly - jeh lei 啫喱.

Thank you, "mh goi" 唔該 and come again lah!

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Hong Kong is the sixth in our series - "...Through the Funnel". You can read our previous one on Myanmar It is a way for us to share 12 aspects that stood out to us in our experience of a place and its people. Did we miss something that stood out to you in Hong Kong?

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Picture-perfect Design: Hotel Wiesergut, Saalbach-Hinterglemm
The story: What was once a family-run guesthouse hidden in a simple building has three years ago been transformed into one of the most talked about design hotels in the Alps. Standing in front of Hotel Wiesergut it seems almost inconceivable that a 14 th century building is hidden inside the tightly modern architecture. It's also hard to believe that the stylish owners, Martina and Sepp Kröll, were once farmers, and actually still are. Sepp still has his cows alongside the alm high up on the mountain.

This forty-something couple don't look like archetypal Austrian peasants in their stylish outfits, a mix of Austrian tradition and contemporary fashion. A couple of years ago, Sepp thought it was about time the old family guesthouse his grandmother Gertrude started many years ago was transformed into something completely new and until now unseen in Austria.

The location: In Saalbach-Hinterlemm, two valleys come together at an altitude of 1,061 metres. In winter there is of course skiing. In the summer, this is walking and mountain biking paradise. Hotel Wiesergut lies at the foot of the Zwölfkogler lift station and ski slopes, perfect for those loving direct ski-in/ski-out access.

The Design: The Krölls commissioned Austrian architect Monika Gogl from Gogl & Partner to convert the old structure into something pure, new and surprising. What is most striking is the attention to detail: from the enormous custom-made steel door and window frames to the warm cosiness created by using lots of indirect lighting, wood and natural fabrics. Much of the furniture and lighting were tailor made for the hotel. The brief: create a real design hotel albeit one that does not feel cold but radiates organic warmth.

Sepp Kröll wanted to use only natural materials. Timeless and indestructible. Felt, linen, concrete, wood, granite, steel... The passages from one building to the next are made of metres-high insulated glass, the stainless steel swimming pool overlooks the ski slopes, and the suites on the ground floor, with their own fireplaces and hot tubs, are the kind you almost never want to leave.

For who: Hotel Wiesergut appeals to an architecture and design-minded public. However, those afraid of that all too often arrogant "design hotel" atmosphere, fear not. The service is warm and easy-going. The general mood is relaxed, from the immaculate breakfast with local cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread (by Sepp's mother in a traditional oven) to evenings in the bar or in the old-fashioned stubbe where both innovative and more traditional dishes are served.

Via Culinaria: Sepp and his wife also own the Wieseralm restaurant and bar alongside the Reiterkogel ski slope. In a relaxed ambiance you can sample "hausmännische Kost": pleasant homely dishes, beautifully presented.

The allure: We are a big fan of the private hot tubs on the outside terrace of the suites. They are custom-made in stainless steel and filled with natural spring water. It's yet another fine example of the rigorous eye for detail in this design hotel, and without compromising on service or comfort.
Intergenerational delight: Haus Hirt, Badgastein
The story: Several years ago, an old spa hotel dating from 1924 was converted into one of the cosiest and most unique family hotels in the Alps. Famous names once stayed here: Thomas Mann, Lady Churchill, the Shah of Iran... nowadays it is the graceful and ever-present Evelyn Ikrath who looks after her international clientèle with unending gentilesse.

Evelyn has selected a décor boasting a mixture of retro chic and 1920s glamour with fresh modern accents. Haus Hirt is not a traditional family hotel, you know the kind that is best avoided by couples. Evelyn's concept works: it's a place where young families feel at home, but where other guests like young couples or even grannies can relax too. There are few family hotels in the Alps that manage to combine such a perfect sense of warmth and cosiness with a dash of eccentricity.

The location: The Gastein valley lies a few feet away from the terrace of Haus Hirt. Towering mountains encircle the tranquil, rural valley while a ski slope or winter sport resort lies behind nearly every peak. Bad Gastein is a compact town in Belle Époque style best known for its hot springs, gigantic waterfalls and numerous spa hotels. Besides boasting more than 220 kilometres of ski slopes, Gastein is famous for cross-country skiing or langlaufen and in the summer for hiking in the Hohe Tauern National Park. We loved the outing with Haus Hirt into the mountains to feed the deer. Hundreds of wild bambi, big and small, came surprisingly close to us during an almost zen-like feeding session. It took the organiser almost 20 years before these deer became less shy and acquainted to people.

The design: Haus Hirt Hotel & Aveda Spa was built in the last century as an imposing and elegant Alpine lodge. It served for many years as one of many "spa" hotels until it was assigned its present role as an intimate "privat haus" focusing more on enjoyment and relaxation. Throughout the hotel you find elements of the arts and crafts movement in symbiosis with specially commissioned modern artworks.

We love the numerous loungers and sofas everywhere, striking (art) books are scattered around, and the playfully eccentric colour schemes popping up in the décor don't compromise the cinematic views over the Gastein valley. The 29 rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, often with balconies looking out on the Alpine landscape. Creaky wooden floors, white as the signature colour, Tolomeo lamps...

For who: Haus Hirt is a meeting place for likeminded people with the same tastes and life philosophy. It doesn't matter whether it's the children or young parents who get to know each other during their stay. Even grandparents are in their element. The only risk is that after staying here, you are guaranteed to want to return. Be warned, the hotel is often fully booked in winter.

Via Culinaria: You eat well in Haus Hirt thanks to full board, but for those who want to venture out to taste or drink something local, then the Alpine restaurant Valeriehaus is a must. This mountain inn opened in 1889 and has a beautiful, sunny terrace offering views over the langlauf slopes of Sportgastein.
Authentic Cosiness: Bergdorf Priesteregg, Leogang
The allure: We love the quaint atmosphere! Everyone feels at home in Haus Hirt, especially in the evenings when the children are asleep and parents can sit in the cosy bar to enjoy a good glass of Austrian wine or a Spritz. Evelyn even consulted a DJ friend in Vienna on the choice of music played during the day and evening. Everything, down to the tiniest detail, is well thought out.

The story: Bergdorf Priesteregg is the charming concept of a couple of young ex-farmers who wanted to do something different with their exceptional piece of land at an altitude of 1,100 metres. It all began with a small, cosy restaurant in a wooden chalet. You know, the sort of mountain eatery where you enjoy steaming plates of hearty food while it's snowing and freezing cold outside. The owners Renate and Huwi Oberlader were successful with their stubbe and quickly noticed that their (often) international clientèle also wanted to stay overnight on their mountain. On a visit to the Maldives the couple discovered the concept of compact, individual luxury bungalows. Instead of the azure blue waters, you'll find here mesmerising views towards the Leoganger Steinbergen mountain range.

Bergdorf Priesteregg is a fairytale mountain village with individual wooden chalets offering much more space and privacy than an ordinary hotel room. A generous, home-made and organic breakfast is brought to your chalet, served whenever you want and set up while you are still sound asleep in the next door bed room. The deep sleep comes from the Austrian pine interior, or who knows, from the apres-dinner schnapps the night before! After breakfast you can have a massage in your room or hop in the open-air baths hidden in the woods and with views over the valley. It would be a shame not to use your own private wooden sauna and steaming hot tub on your terrace! Huwi explains the couple's concept is so successful he has almost 100% occupancy since Day 1. They've even developed a special iPhone app so future or returning guests can see which days of the year are still available.

The location: Leogang in the Saalfelden-Leogang region is a quiet, unspoilt village surrounded by lots of skiing and mountaineering possibilities. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the local ski station where you can store ski equipment for free in a locked room and dry your ski boots.

The design: Bergdorf Priesteregg looks like a small and quiet Alpine hamlet. The luxurious chalets surround a central point with a pond, benches and sheepskin loungers. Once a week, bread is baked in the special outdoor oven and given as a present to the guests. The Dorpf has a total of 16 chalets, some with two rooms, others more luxurious such as the Luis Trenker and Willy Bogner chalets, with own heated swimming pool.

For who: If you're fed up with regular hotels, this is the ideal place. You have more privacy and space, and you get the feeling that you are living in your own luxury chalet on a mountain, without sacrificing on that good old fashion Austrian hospitality. It's clear: Couples like coming here, but families love the larger chalets too.

Via Culinaria: Go for high altitude eating on a sun-drenched terrace, at a height of 2,300 metres in the Alte Schmiede. In this restaurant you'll find Austrian classics plus lots of local produce on the menu.

The allure: We fell in love with the intimacy and tranquillity of the chalets. You can hide away from the world but still have the option to walk for 10 minutes (or hop on the golf cart) down the mountain in the evening to enjoy dinner in one of Priesteregg's vibrant and cosy restaurants. There is the old and Stube-like Huwi's Alm or the newer and more airy Restaurant Brugg with a fabulous terrace towards the valley.

From 230 euro per night for a double room. Hotel Wiesergut is a two-hour drive from Salzburg.One-week full board from 912 euro per adult, including the Haus Hirt-XL service. This comprises an extremely generous breakfast buffet (Austrian-style), a light lunch with plenty of salads, soup, a hot dish and even a fruit mash for the youngest guests (until 17:00), a gourmet dinner for the adults or an early "kids dinner" for the children, a welcome cocktail, a weekly programme of activities, access to the swimming pool, sauna and steam bath, Kneipp hydrotherapy...From 193 euro per person, per night including breakfast. The price includes extras such as the BMW ski shuttle, mountain bikes, felt slippers, daily supply of wood for the open fire in your bedroom... Children under 6 stay free.To get there, take a direct flight to Vienna with a wide range of international airlines. This is great especially when you want to combine a city visit with the pure air of the Salzburgerland mountains. Our favourite hotel in the city is the

WWW.DESIGNHOTELS.COM/WIESERGUT
WWW.SAALBACH.COM

THE COST OF PRIESTEREGG

WWW.HAUS-HIRT.COM
WWW.GASTEINERTAL.COM/VALERIEHAUS/
HOW TO GET TO SALZBURGERLAND - AUSTRIA Kempinski Palais Hansen, starting from 255 euro a night. We loved the elegant rooms and the voluptuous breakfast.
Once in Vienna, there are several options to get to Salzburgerland :
Or hop on a train from Vienna to Badgastein, it will take around 4,5 hours.
Or take a domestic flight from Vienna to Salzburg with Austrian Airlines (Star Alliance member) and then rent a car or take a train to for example Badgastein. The flight itself takes 50 minutes and driving from Salzburg to Badgastein is less than an hour, same for hopping on a train. Renting a car from Salzburg or Vienna, completely all-inclusive, will cost 282 euro a week with Sunny Cars.

WWW.SUNNYCARS.COM

WWW.PRIESTEREGG.AT
WWW.ALTESCHMIEDE-LEOGANG.COM
WWW.SAALFELDEN-LEOGANG.COM

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Picture-perfect Design: Hotel Wiesergut, Saalbach-Hinterglemm The story: What was once a family-run guesthouse hidden in a simple building has three years ago been transformed into one of the most talked about design hotels in the Alps. Standing in front of Hotel Wiesergut it seems almost inconceivable that a 14 th century building is hidden inside the tightly modern architecture.

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In the danza de los voladores (dance of the 'flyers'), airborne performers whirl around a 30m pole, suspended by their ankles while playing flutes. On weekends voladores twirl outside the church at the zócalo, sever...

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In the danza de los voladores (dance of the 'flyers'), airborne performers whirl around a 30m pole, suspended by their ankles while playing flutes. On weekends voladores twirl outside the church at the zócalo, sever...

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Hoy venimos con una nueva serie de tips para tus viajes, pero de esta vez, de la mano de 7 bloggers, de 7 viajeros experimentados en este mundo de viajes independientes o por libre.

Se han tomado el tiempo para compartir muy buena información con nosotros.

Pero claro, en un solo post no da para profundizar mucho, por eso, te invito a visitar los blogs de cada uno de los bloggers, donde podrás ampliar y entrar en detalle sobre diferentes aspectos de este mundo viajero.

Tengo más tips para compartir brindados por otros bloggers, pero que lamentablemente quedan para una segunda parte, ya que este post quedó bastante largo 🙂

Y además, me gustaría tu participación, dejándonos tus consejos y tips en los comentarios!

¡A viajar!

Los miedos...

Mi primer gran viaje fue el que emprendí desde México hacia Italia para hacer mi máster. ¿Miedo? mucho... iba yo completamente sola y es en ese momento en el que uno tiene miedo de cosas de las que normalmente no lo tendría.

Tuve miedo de la gente que me rodeaba, los aeropuertos grandes, llenos de gente, por primera vez intimidan y mucho.
Durante el viaje logré vencerlo, ¿como?
Interactuando con la gente, por ejemplo: ayudé a unas personas que estaban en mi puerta de embarque pero no entendían nada de nada y como yo hablaba su idioma les ofrecí mi ayuda. Así rompimos el hielo. Igual en el avión siempre encontraba con quien hacer una conversación. Interactuar con la gente ayuda a sentirse menos vulnerable.

También tuve miedo a que me roben o que se me pierda algo, para esto me hice con una mochila que traía siempre pegada a mi con los objetos mas importantes y dos maletas grandes que documenté así que no me preocupé por ellas hasta tiempo después.

Y al llegar a mi destino seguía con algo de miedo, el miedo a lo desconocido, ese lo fui superando conforme transcurría el tiempo, para esto hay que salir a explorar las calles, familiarizarse con el entorno, que ese puesto de flores que tienes al lado de tu nuevo departamento se vuelva algo cotidiano, esa estación de metro, esos sonidos, esos olores.

Por: Olga Barbara Grijalva
Blog: Charcotrip.com
Twitter:@gaolga

Viaja por libre o sin agencia

Gracias a Internet, el viajero puede planificar su viaje de forma tan detallada que no sea necesario recurrir a tours o agencias tradicionales.

Desde mis inicios, me gusta leer publicaciones online que me proporcionen información sobre los destinos que visito y aunque me gusta la improvisación, suelen ser una buena referencia para planificar mi recorrido y visitas.

Desde Berlín hasta Perú o Tailandia, siempre he preparado mis viajes por libre, intentando ahorrar dinero y además, disfrutando de una forma más auténtica del viaje. Intentado disfrutar las ciudades sin intermediarios; como si fuera a vivir en ellas. Aunque sea solo por unos pocos días...

Entre los recursos de los que disponemos en Internet, suelo consultar asiduamente blogs de viajes, revistas online de la temática o foros, donde otros viajeros dan ideas y cuentan sus experiencias.

Para consultar los blogs, suelo hacerlo de dos formas. O visito directamente alguno de los muchos que conozco o busco en Google, filtrando con el nombre del destino e incluyendo la palabra "blog de viajes". Gracias a esas publicaciones, podemos acceder a los típicos artículos sobre "qué ver y qué hacer en la ciudad", actividades imprescindibles en el lugar o gratis de las que poder disfrutar o reseñas sobre los hoteles de los que han disfrutado los blogueros.

Otra forma habitual para consultar información son los foros.

Allí, viajeros sin publicación propia, cuentan sus experiencias en los viajes y con toda la información, uno puede hacer su propio recorrido. En estas plataformas, puedes también preguntar cuestiones que otras personas estarán encantadas de responder virtualmente.

Por: Irene Somoza
Blog: mundoturistico.es
Twitter: @MundoTuristico

Itinerarios flexibles

Un consejo que me gusta mucho dar a aquellos que planifican un viaje, es que no se agobien con un itinerario rígido y estricto.

Una vez tengan una orientación y hayan reservado sus vuelos, que acudan a cualquiera de las webs de reservas de hoteles (yo suelo usar Booking) y decidan sus estancias CON LIBRE CANCELACIÓN hasta el día antes, de tal forma que cuando se aproximen las fechas de su viaje o incluso ya en ruta mantengan libertad a la improvisación sin coste para sus bolsillos.

Por: Isaac Martín y Paula Bello
Blog: Chavetas.es
Twitter: @viajeschavetas

Alojamiento

Si estás planificando tu primer viaje, seguramente habrás notado que hay muchas redes, páginas y grupos que pueden servirte a la hora de organizarte y ahorrar dinero. Nosotros te recomendamos dos que nos gustan mucho.
Couchsurfing.org
Es una red social hospitalaria a nivel mundial orientada para los viajeros que les gusta vivir el lugar de manera local.

Te permitirá alojarte en la casa de una persona o familia local, encontrarte para compartir o recorrer la ciudad de la mano de un local y reunirse regularmente con la comunidad de couchsurfing en el área en que te encuentres.

Es muy sencillo, te creas un perfil con tus datos (cuanta más información tuya publiques, más confiable serás para quien te hospede), buscas tu destino y envías solicitudes de hospedaje a quienes con la identificación de un logo de un sofá estén disponibles para alojarte. Es necesario que indiques que fecha aproximada estarías llegando a su ciudad y coordinar el encuentro, el resto: fluye.

No existen requisitos ni normas, solo las buenas costumbres, la solidaridad y la buena onda.

Viajando existen tres presupuestos: hospedaje, comida y transporte. Con couchsurfing te estarías ahorrando el hospedaje, pero ojo! La idea de esta red no es solamente aprovechar de su gratuidad sino del intercambio cultural, de conocer personas locales y aprender de la gente del lugar. Un buen consejo cuando vayas a la casa de un Couch es hacer lo que veas, copiar sus costumbres para que la convivencia sea armoniosa.

Otra red muy útil para tu primer viaje es wwoofing.org

Si te gusta conectar con la madre tierra, trabajarla, ser voluntario en granjas orgánicas te permitirá conocer lugares que de otra manera no los conocerías, conectar con gente de todo el mundo, aprender idiomas de otros voluntarios, aprender de cultivo orgánico, ecología, energías renovables entre otras cosas, según lo que tenga la granja que te reciba como voluntario a cambio de hospedaje y comida.
¿Porqué te recomendamos esta red para tu primer viaje?
Porque si viajas solo/a tendrás ciertas cuestiones aseguradas, como la comida y el hospedaje, te permitirá sentirte seguro en un lugar en donde tendrás tu cama o habitación según las comodidades del lugar y gente de todos lados por conocer.

La dinámica es paga, tenés que pagar una membresía para que la organización te brinde los datos de las granjas del lugar donde elijas ir.

Por: Claudia Niño de Guzmán y Nicolás Lobato
Blog: Daleviaja.com
Twitter:@DaleViaja

Que llevar en la mochila

Has decidido que te quieres ir de viaje.

Te ha costado decidirte pero ya lo has hecho. ¡Enhorabuena!

Lo más difícil ya está hecho... ¿Seguro que era lo más difícil?

Siempre se dice que lo más complicado es tomar la decisión, contarlo, comprar los billetes rompiendo con la rutina... pero ¿y cuando llega el momento de llenar la mochila?

No hay que agobiarse.

Lo primero que tienes que saber es que todo no cabe. Es imposible.

Una vez asumas que no puedes llevar todo lo que crees que podrías necesitar verás como se reduce a la mitad. Si has aceptado que se puede lavar por el camino, o ir a la lavandería, puedes quitar algo más de ropa: con un par de pantalones (según el clima del destino puedes combinar largo y corto), tres o cuatro camisetas (remeras) y tres mudas de ropa interior el viaje puede durar lo que haga falta.

Luego habrá alguna medicina, la crema solar, una toalla, los cepillos de dientes, la documentación, una linterna y un montón de cargadores, las tarjetas de la cámara, una libreta... ¿Ves? Te sigue sobrando ropa en esa mochila.

Por: Sara y JAAC
Blog: Saltaconmigo.com
Twitter@SltCnmg

Ahorrar en la compra de billetes online en el extranjero

Este truco lo descubrimos por casualidad.

Un amigo nuestro nos pidió buscarle billetes baratos para viajar por Rusia; los que encontraba él le parecían muy caros. Sabemos ruso, así que nos metimos en la web oficial y en 5 minutos teníamos los mismos billetes que nuestro amigo, pero... dos veces más baratos.
¿Dónde está el truco?
Si cambias el idioma al español o buscas en Google "comprar billetes de tren en Rusia" o algo parecido, te dirigirán a una página "especial", muy bonita, fácil de usar, en tu idioma, pero con un poco de "gastos extra" metidos en el precio 😉

La prueba:

En las fotos podéis ver que el trayecto es exactamente el mismo: Moscú - San Petersburgo, a la misma hora, de la misma duración, el mismo tipo de tren y de asiento.
¿Solución?
Ir a la web oficial, en el idioma oficial y luego pedir al Google Todo poderoso que nos los traduzca. A veces traduce a su manera, por ejemplo "Curriculum" en vez de "Seguir" 😉 pero la idea está clara y os ahorraréis un dineral.

P.S. Al descubrir esto luego probamos el mismo truco reservando hoteles y transporte en otros países, como, por ejemplo, en Islandia o Suecia y.... también funciona 😉

¡No paguéis más cuando se puede ahorrar con trucos viajeros!

Por: Kate Hrynevych
Blog: Viajamosjuntos.net
Twitter:@ViajamosJunto

En Bicicleta...

Lo más importante es elegir como mínimo una bicicleta simple rodado 26 de 18 velocidades (cualquier modelo de la línea Shimano). Puede o no tener suspensión delantera y los frenos ideales son los clásicos v-brake, no sólo por su efectividad sino porque además son fáciles de reparar y conseguir. El uso de las punteras en los pedales ayuda a una correcta postura al igual que un buen asiento.

Alforjas (o los bolsos que van enganchados en las bicis, es decir el equipaje del cicloturista)

La capacidad de las alforjas dependerá de la travesía que se quiera hacer. Nosotros llevamos dos traseras de 40 litros c/u y dos delanteras de 25 litros c/u marca Ortlieb, que es la más reconocida a nivel mundial en cuanto a calidad y durabilidad además de ser impermeables.

Dentro de las alforjas uno lleva todo lo que quiere pero atención: peso que se cargue de más, peso que se va a sentir durante todo el camino. En las delanteras conviene llevar lo más liviano y en las traseras lo que pese más.

Ropa técnica básica y accesorios

Conviene llevar lo justo y necesario: 2 remeras de tela respirable, 2 remeras quick dry (o de secado rápido), 2 badanas (son calzas que tienen en la parte de la cola una especie de colchón que protege la zona en donde se genera la mayor fricción y rozamiento con la bicicleta. ¡Es una de las prendas más importantes para todo cicloviajero!), 1 pantalón desmontable, 1 buzo polar, 1 rompeviento, 1 campera impermeable y respirable, 1 par de zapatillas, sandalias con abrojo o crocs, anteojos de sol, medias tres cuartos y térmicas.

Lo importante es vestirse como una "cebolla": a medida que vas teniendo calor te vas quitando prendas. Por este motivo es que no hace falta llevarse tanta ropa sino saber combinar las diferentes capas.

Carpa + aislante + bolsas de dormir

Para largas travesías conviene una carpa de alta montaña de cuatro estaciones con ábside incluido para proteger el equipo. Es ideal que las bolsas de dormir soporten bajas temperaturas y que los aislantes sean inflables para un buen descanso. También llevar farol de noche y linternas.

Los cartuchos de recarga de las clásicas cocinas de camping suelen ser muy caros y de poca duración. Contar con un calentador a combustión como la MSR ahorra mucho dinero y rinde entre una y dos semanas. También llevar marmitas y todo lo que uno considere necesario para preparar comidas.

Manteca de cacao, bloqueador solar, toalla de secado rápido, jabón blanco (sirve para lavar la ropa y bañarse), shampoo y crema de enjuague tamaño chico o en sobrecitos, cepillo y pasta de dientes.

1. Viajar con pecheras reflectivas en tramos de mucho tráfico o en días de niebla y lluvia.

2. Cuando haya bicisendas, usarlas. Cuando haya banquinas asfaltadas, también.

3. Pedalear siempre en el sentido que va el tránsito y sobre la línea blanca (esto es muy importante). En los casos donde venga un auto delante y otro detrás, es mejor apartarte en la banquina hasta que pasen los vehículos.

4. ¡Disfrutar al máximo el camino!

Por: Jime Sánchez y Andrés Calla
Blog: lavidadeviaje.com
Twitter: @lavidadeviaje

Y ahora los tuyos...

Cuéntanos tu mejor "secreto" para planificar tus viajes 😉

Y no te olvides que también puede visitar la sección de Tips de Bitácoras de Viaje.

¡Buenos viajes!

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7 Tips por Bloggers y Viajeros Experimentados

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Hoy venimos con una nueva serie de tips para tus viajes, pero de esta vez, de la mano de 7 bloggers, de 7 viajeros experimentados en este mundo de viajes independientes o por libre. Se han tomado el tiempo para compartir muy buena información con nosotros.

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Cuando comenzamos a planear un viaje a Machu Picchu, nos encontramos con una pregunta clave... ¿Cómo llegar hasta la ciudadela?

En la búsqueda de esa respuesta aparecen cosas como Camino Inca, Salkantay, Camino Alternativo, Km 82, Aguas Calientes, caminar por las vías del tren, etc.

Tantas alternativas pueden llevar a una importante confusión. Y si no tienes tiempo para investigar las opciones una a una, es probable que termines optando por una alternativa incorrecta que puede complicar tu viaje.

Por eso, vamos a realizar un repaso por cada una para que logres tomar la mejor decisión según tus tiempos, presupuesto y estilo de viaje.

Primero lo primero

Cusco

Antes de comenzar a describir cada una de las alternativas, lo primero que debes saber, es que todas comienzan en la ciudad de Cusco.

Tu primera parada si o si, deberá ser el ombligo del mundo ... Cusco, la capital Inca.

Aguas Calientes

La mayoría de los caminos que vamos a nombrar finalizan en Aguas Calientes, también conocida como Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Este pueblo se encuentra al pie de la montaña Machu Picchu donde se encuentra el Santuario.

Desde Aguas Calientes se puede subir a la ciudadela caminando o en ómnibus.

Tren

Esta es la opción más utilizada por los viajeros.

Su gran ventaja es el ahorro de tiempo, es la alternativa más rápida. En solo tres horas vas de Cusco hasta Aguas Calientes.

Su punto de partida es la estación Poroy, a 25 minutos de la Plaza de Armas de Cusco. Por 40 soles un taxi te puede llevar hasta la estación.

La estación final será la de Machu Picchu, en Aguas Calientes.

También tienes la opción de subir al tren en la estación del pueblo de Ollantaytambo que se encuentra a una hora y media desde Cusco.

Muchos viajeros prefieren conocer Ollantaytambo antes de ir a Machu Picchu. Entonces es más conveniente subir al tren en dicho pueblo.

El tren cuenta con tres niveles de servicio. Expedition, Vistadome y el Hiram Bingham.

El servicio Expedition es el más económico, y es altamente recomendable. No necesitas más que esto. Es un gran servicio.

Su precio ronda los usd 150 ida y vuelta.

El Vistadome es un poco más caro, pero prácticamente no tiene diferencia con el Expedition. Solamente ventanales un poco más grandes. No vale la pena pagar más solo por eso.

Los ventanales del Expedition son más que suficientes para disfrutar del recorrido por el Valle Sagrado.

En cuanto al Hiram Bingham no he tenido la oportunidad de viajar. Pero es el vagón de lujo y su precio no baja de usd 300.

Así que si vas en tren, te recomiendo el Expedition.

Los pasajes se pueden comprar en la web de la empresa, Peru Rail.

También está la opción de la empresa Inca Rail.

Sus precios son un poco más bajos, pero los horarios no suelen ser buenos. En mis viajes a Machu Picchu nunca me fueron de utilidad y siempre terminé viajando con Peru Rail.

Pero no cuesta nada chequear.

Camino Inca

La segunda opción más popular.

Llegar a Machu Picchu como en los viejos tiempos, a través de los caminos que utilizaba el imperio Inca.

Bueno... no tan como en los viejos tiempos.

Antiguamente los caminos permitían al Imperio Inca moverse desde Cusco por todo el Valle Sagrado, hasta Machu Picchu.

En la actualidad, por un tema turístico, el famoso Camino Inca que venden las agencias y el autorizado por el gobierno peruano, comienza en el km 82, cerca de Ollantaytambo. Son unas dos horas de viaje desde Cusco en tren.

Así que, lo que llamamos Camino Inca, es solamente una parte de esos antiguos caminos.

El tour clásico es el que dura 4 días y 3 noches. El día 4 no es parte del camino en sí, es el día en que se visita Machu Picchu.

Existe otra opción, que en vez de realizar el Camino Inca en 4 días, se realiza en 5 días.

Al hacerlo en más tiempo ayuda a disminuir la exigencia física.

Sí, exigencia, porque es un camino por las montañas, que llega hasta 4.200 metros sobre el nivel del mar, con falta de oxígeno.

Definitivamente, no es para cualquier persona. Pero tampoco hay que prepararse un año.

Con salir a correr dos o tres meses antes es suficiente. Además, llegar algunos días antes a Cusco para aclimatarse a la altura.

Claro, cuanto mejor preparado estés, menos difícil te va resultar, y más lo vas a disfrutar.

La gran ventaja del Camino Inca, aunque un poco folclórica esta ventaja, es que se accede a Machu Picchu a través de la Puerta del Sol, la entrada original a la ciudadela, y no la que se usa actualmente en el resto de las opciones, la puerta turística por decirlo de alguna forma.

En caso que quieras reservar este camino, debes hacerlo con varios meses de anticipación, unos 6. Ya que la demanda es alta y solo se permiten 500 personas por día.

Entre esas 500 cuentan los cocineros, guías, etc.

Y el costo, bueno, es la más cara de todas las opciones. Arriba de usd 600.

Camino Alternativo

Este fue el camino que utilicé en mi primer viaje a Machu Picchu.

Tengo un post muy detallado, paso a paso de cómo realizar este camino.

La gran ventaja es el costo, es de los más económicos.

Por usd 10 a 15 puedes hacer Cusco - Aguas Calientes.

No voy a entrar en detalles ya que como te decía, hay un post que cuenta el paso a paso.

Pero rápidamente te digo que este camino consiste en ir en bus desde Cusco a Santa María (8 horas). Luego de Santa María a Santa Teresa en taxi (1 hora). Luego 15 minutos más de Santa Teresa a la hidroeléctrica. Y finalmente caminar 10 km por las vías del tren hasta Aguas Calientes, unas 3 horas yendo lento.

Actualmente existen en Cusco agencias que se encargan de llevarte y traerte por este camino a un costo de unos usd 80.

El gran inconveniente de este camino es la lentitud. Se tarda un día para ir, y un día para volver.

Aunque puedes hacer como hice yo, ir por este camino y regresar en tren.

Lo otro es la seguridad en la ruta, si bien la mayor parte está asfaltada, son un poco extremos. Todo montaña, muchas curvas, y puedes llegar a pasar mal de los mareos.

Camino de Salkantay

Este es otro que se puso muy de moda debido a que los cupos para el Camino Inca se completan rápido.

El Salkantay, si bien muchas agencias lo venden como Camino Inca, no lo es.

Es un camino alterno, no regulado por el gobierno peruano, por lo que no tiene límite de cupos.

Es un camino de 5 días y 4 noches. Algunas agencias ofrecen la opción de hacerlo en 6 días.

Una de las principales ventajas que le veo, es que se llega a una mayor altitud que el Camino Inca, hasta 4.500 metros sobre el nivel del mar y los nevados que se ven son impresionantes.

También, la exigencia de este camino es un poco mayor al del Inca.

El final del camino es en Aguas Calientes, y no por la Puerta del Sol como el Camino Inca.

El Camino de Salkantay finaliza en Santa Teresa, y a partir de ahí vas a caminar por las vías del tren hasta Aguas Calientes, al igual que el Camino Alternativo.

Su precio va desde usd 520 a usd 900, según cuantas personas sean.

Kilómetro 82

El tren que va desde Cusco hasta Aguas Calientes realiza una parada en Ollantaytambo y otra en el kilómetro 82.

Como te contaba más arriba, es en ese kilómetro donde comienza el Camino Inca.

Por lo que aquellos que van a realizar el camino, se bajan ahí.

Hay otros que no van a realizar el camino, pero de todas formas descienden en ese kilómetro y desde ahí caminan por las vías del tren hasta Aguas Calientes.

Incluso, otros lo hacen desde Ollantaytambo.

En mi opinión, es la opción menos atractiva. Pero la más económica.

Camino de Lares

Este camino aún no lo conozco.

Pero se ha vuelto muy popular en los últimos años.

Este camino parte del pueblo de Lares, cerca de Cusco.

Recorre varios puntos del Valle Sagrado en 4 días y 3 noches (opción de hacerlo en 5 días).

Finaliza en el pueblo de Ollantaytambo, desde donde se aborda el tren para continuar hacia Aguas Calientes.

Todavía no fui por este camino, pero por la descripción del itinerario, no me entusiasma realizarlo. Prefiero alguna de las alternativas anteriores.

Choquequeirao Machu Picchu

Choequequeirao es una ciudad similar a Machu Picchu que se descubrió algunos años atrás.

Y recién ahora se está comenzando a explotar turísticamente.

Todavía están en etapa de investigación, excavaciones, y limpieza de la maleza.

Al ser un lugar aún casi virgen, creo que vale mucho la pena ir.

Pero eso sí, este camino no es para cualquier persona. Es el más difícil de todos y en el mundo del trekking está catalogado con Nivel Difícil.

O sea, requiere mucha exigencia física, hay que prepararse muy muy bien.

El camino dura 8 días y 7 noches.

Luego de visitar Choquequeirao, se comienza el camino hacia Machu Piccu.

Donde al final, se va llegar a Santa Teresa, y al igual que Salkantay y el Alternativo, se deberá caminar por las vías hasta Aguas Calientes.

Inca Joungle

Esta es otra alternativa bastante reciente y con mucha aventura.

El camino comienza en Ollantaytambo, y a partir de ahí son 4 días de aventuras.

Tendrás downhill en bicicleta, rafting, tirolesa, y por supuesto, trekking.

Con esta opcion también llegarás a Santa Teresa para caminar por las vías hasta Aguas Calientes.

Una opcion diferente y que se perfila como buena alternativa al Camino Alternativo o al Km 82.

Conclusión

Como ves, las opciones para llegar a la mítica ciudadela Inca son varias.

Para una conclusión final y cierre, te doy mi opinión:

El más económico: Camino Alternativo

El más rápido: Tren

El mejor costo/beneficio: Ida por el Alternativo, regreso en Tren.

El mejor: Choquequeirao Machu Picchu

El más recomendable: Inca y Salkantay

Algo diferente: Inca Joungle

Si conoces alguna otra forma de llegar o ves que me pasé por alto alguna, avísame en lo comentarios 🙂

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Machu Picchu... TODAS las Formas de Llegar

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Cuando comenzamos a planear un viaje a Machu Picchu, nos encontramos con una pregunta clave... ¿Cómo llegar hasta la ciudadela? En la búsqueda de esa respuesta aparecen cosas como Camino Inca, Salkantay, Camino Alternativo, Km 82, Aguas Calientes, caminar por las vías del tren, etc. Tantas alternativas pueden llevar a una importante confusión.

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For my birthday I had a surprise I could hardly believe - a trip to Iceland. Since it was a surprise, I didn't know a whole lot about Iceland before my first visit, although I had some ideas. More than anything though, I wish I knew a few things before my first visit.

1. Easy to visit - I remember writing the same thing about Puerto Rico and at the risk of being repetitive, I think it's an important fact to emphasize. We were able to have a well-rounded and full trip to Iceland in the span of just four days because the flight was less than five hours from the East Coast. I got to Reykjavik faster than I could've reached Seattle. Who knew? Well apparently Icelandair had a good idea, because they have turned the four-day long weekend into a well-oiled travel machine. The experience was easy, well priced and I can't wait to take advantage of the proximity again. Soon, I hope.

2. Unconventional food - I have some food limitations, as I spelled out and defended in " Travel Diary of a Picky Eater." I realize that visiting islands can be a dicey proposition since I don't eat seafood, but it wasn't just the seafood that stymied me. Just as the Scottish have a propensity to deep fry things, the Icelandic apparently think that fermenting food is a good idea. Amongst the more traditional, AKA tourist restaurant finds, were fermented shark, fermented lamb (why oh why) and such. But it wasn't just the sour meats, it was the unconventional meat that troubled me. That's right, I'm talking about whale and puffin. I understand the food is traditional, I understand some people like to eat it, fine, I guess. But there is no reason to promote it in the touristy areas thereby growing the trade. If locals want to eat whale, fine, I don't like it but it's not my culture. However, I really wish these meats with which many have significant problems weren't offered at every tourist restaurant in town.

3. The Blue Lagoon is kind of lame - I'm going to discuss this in a separate post, but I really don't understand what all the hype over the Blue Lagoon is about. It's not even really a naturally occurring phenomenon, it's a result of the power plant next door. Ignore the power plant for a second, and instead let's focus on the massive publicity machine that lies behind the Blue Lagoon. Tourism officials have catapulted the spa into an internationally recognized attraction to the point that any self-respecting tourist feels like a loser if they skip it. More people visit the Blue Lagoon each year than actually live in Iceland. It's a fact, use it as you will. Other than the fact that the water is blue, which it is, it's a geothermal spa, not unlike those found in many other places around the world including Canada, the US, Jordan, New Zealand, etc. But people seem to enjoy it, so who am I to judge? (I have since updated my opinion in this post about the Blue Lagoon)

4. Big-Small Town - I don't think I fully appreciated just how small Iceland's population is and what the effect of that has upon the travel experience. The entire country has around 317,000 inhabitants. That's about the size of St. Louis, Missouri. Reykjavik and surrounding suburbs account for 200,000 of that number, leaving a lonely 100,000 hardy souls strewn about the land of fire and ice. So instead of a colossal capital city, Reykjavik has the size and feel of a small town; or at least not a very big town. But it's more than size, it's the mentality of Reykjavik that's so endearing. I never once saw a cop the entire time I was there. Or security. Or anything bad happen to anyone. There's practically no crime, the entire country currently has 150 prisoners. 150?! The parliament, prime minister's house, president's house all were essentially open with no obvious signs of security, not even a fence. Being in Iceland wasn't just nice, it was a vacation from distrust, paranoia and fear and I loved every second of it.

5. Dark and rainy can be fun too - Iceland isn't always dark and rainy, I know that. In fact, in the summer it's almost always light out. But we went in the middle of winter and expected to find a cold, wet dark country. And we did, but it wasn't a bad thing, not at all. The dark wasn't excessive, the sun rose around 9:30 AM and set around 6:00 PM or so. A respectable day really for a country grazing the edge of the Arctic circle. There's also something to be said for huddling around a warm fire, or enjoying a rich coffee while warming up in one of the city's many cafes. I've been a major winter tourist this year and I love it. Anyone can travel when it's sunny and warm, but to find the real city and enjoy it in a completely different way, there's nothing like winter travel.
Have you been to Iceland? What surprised you on your first trip?
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Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Iceland

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For my birthday I had a surprise I could hardly believe - a trip to Iceland. Since it was a surprise, I didn't know a whole lot about Iceland before my first visit, although I had some ideas. More than anything though, I wish I knew a few things before my first visit.

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Until very recently a no-go destination for many travellers, Burma aka Myanmar has now become an absolute favourite. With endearing nicknames such as the 'golden land' or 'land of the smile', everybody wants to go now. Who wouldn't want to visit a country where until very recently time literally and figuratively stood still, cut off from the rest of the world? According to Misuu Borit, the owner of the Inle Princess Resort on the shores of the dreamy Inle Lake, her country might not be ready for the influx of tourists anticipated in coming years. " It's a double-edged sword. Before 2009, the occupancy rate of the Inle Princess Resort was barely 30%. Nowadays, 70% of the time I have to inform clients and travel agents that the hotel is fully booked." Which is logical, because the Inle Princess Resort is one of the most beautiful in Burma. Mick Jagger stayed here shortly before our visit and Cliff Richard was sleeping next to us in his suite overlooking Inle Lake.

Balance in style
Talking about rock stars, Jethro Tull might be quite jealous or get very inspired by the one legged rowers of Inle Lake, Burma's second largest lake, in the Nyaung Shwe region. These one legged rowers, who are actually fishermen and wear distinctive wraparound trousers, balance stylishly on the edge of a simple wooden boat while they lift huge triangular shaped fishing nets from the lake. When not using a one-cylinder motor, they use a somewhat strange technique to paddle with one leg, leaving both hands free to pull in the nets. The sparkling, unruffled surface of Inle Lake is dotted with fields of lotus flowers, rice and ingenious floating vegetable gardens where tomatoes and other crops grow. Renting a boat for the day to calmly navigate between the water villages and temples on bamboo stilts is an absolute must. Sometimes it feels like an Asian Venice, but minus the hoards of tourists, unless you want to visit a lotus weaving shop or a monastery with world-famous leaping cats. Then you realize you're not the only tourist on Inle Lake.
Inspirational Bagan Sea nomads
Something less small-scale is happening in Bagan, a sea of green dotted here and there with earth-red or golden stupas and temples. Despite it's popularity, Bagan should be on every itinerary. More than 4,000 archaeological monuments surround this former capital city, built between the 11 th and 13 th centuries, and where Buddhism was first introduced from the south of Burma and India. In 1988, in an attempt to stimulate tourism, more than 5,000 inhabitants where forcibly evicted from the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Today, each visitor has to pay the government a fee to enter this demarcated area. Once inside, you find only temples, stalls and the occasional hotel. Try to discover Bagan with a bicycle, horse-drawn cart, by foot or by hot air balloon, the latter being an absolute must. Balloons over Bagan is extremely professional and the experience is impressive. Bagan also has a milder, less humid climate so it's a great place to spend a few days, relaxing beside the pool of one of the many beautiful hotels after a day of temple visits. Then you get less temple-tired, because there are plenty to see, from the 13 th century Tayok Pye to the 11 th century Manuha temple and the famous Shwesandaw Pagoda where most tourists go to watch sunset. To be avoided if you are not a fan of mass gatherings. If you're lucky enough to have a good guide like our Mister Myint Zaw, then he'll take you to an equally beautiful temple where you can watch sunset over magical Bagan, entirely alone.

The least known place in Burma is without doubt the Mergui Islands, an archipelago of more than 800 small islands most of which are uninhabited. Imagine Phuket or any other tropical beach destination in Asia but with hardly any tourists. The only visitors who find their way here are divers, who live aboard and dive from boats. The most remarkable thing about these islands, apart from the untouched white sandy beaches and the blue Andaman Sea, are the Moken. This small ethnic group are sea nomads who live on traditional wooden boats and constantly roam the seas. They currently number around 2,000, but their population is rapidly declining. Having lived for many generations on the sea, the Moken have developed the capacity to effortlessly dive to depths of 20 metres without any air canisters, often wearing homemade diving goggles and nothing else. There is just one hotel on the Mergui Islands, but the Chinese are looming and with them, plans to build huge luxury resorts within a few years from now. So, if you want to experience the Mergui and the Moken in all their authenticity, you'd better hurry. The only way to do this is to stay at the Andaman Beach Resort: a jewel of a place, located along a pristine white sandy beach. Kayak in mangroves, dive alongside unique reefs... There is a great manager, friendly staff and the food isn't too bad. The only snag is that the hotel is in dire need of renovation. The chalets sometimes have unwelcome creepy-crawly visitors and the level of comfort is basic. If that thought doesn't keep you awake and if you want to discover one of the most unknown archipelagos in Asia before it's too late, you'll be blown away.

THE VERDICT Burma turned out to be one of our best trips we took in 2012. It is very exceptional to travel to a country that has not really gotten affected by mass tourism. Yet. We loved Bagan and Inle Lake, our two favourite places on this voyage. The Mergui Island were unique too, but you have to agree with very basic accommodation and the occasional rat in the room. Our favourite place to stay in Burma: We travelled with 't Zuiderhuis in Belgium. In Burma our operator was a boutique local agency Travels Image (travelsimage at gmail.com), with offices in Yangon. If you travel with them, you can be sure that a minimum amount of your money goes to the government. So it's money well spend. Our trip lasted almost 20 days and was fully supervised and guided by our truly excellent private guide, mister Myint Zaw.There are daily flights to Yangon from major hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and even via the Middle East with luxurious airlines such as Qatar Airways.We stayed at the colonial The Strand and the functional but luxurious Traders Hotel in Yangon, Inle Princess Resort on Inle Lake and the Mandalay Hill Resort in Mandalay. Hilltop Villa Hotel in Kalaw and we can definitely recommend The hotel at Tharabar Gate right in the middle of Old Bagan.Two restaurants to note down are the Inthar Heritage House in Inle Lake, and Le Planteur Restaurant in Yangon.A visa is required to visit Burma and must be requested in advance from the embassy. Paying with credit card is not yet possible in Myanmar and there are no ATMs. It's best to bring US dollars and exchange them on the spot. Avoid changing money on the black market or in the street. Upon arrival in Yangon, your guide can take you to a special, official exchange bureau where you can change dollars for the local currency. It's better to change larger denominations (100 and 200 dollar notes) here. Keep smaller notes for when you're on the road. Besides local currency, many shops also accept dollars. In the larger hotels in Yangon, such as the Traders Hotel, you can pay with credit card. 1 dollar is worth around 880 Kyat. Inle Princess Resort.
Be aware that for the moment Burma is extremely popular and booming. If you are planning an individual trip, book well in advance or you will end up without a bed to sleep in.

WWW.ZUIDERHUIS.BE

WWW.QATARAIRWAYS.COM

WHERE TO STAY/EAT/FLY

WWW.INLEPRINCESSRESORT.NET
WWW.SHANGRI-LA.COM/YANGON/TRADERS
WWW.THARABARGATE.COM
WWW.INTHARHERITAGEHOUSE.COM
WWW.LEPLANTEUR.NET
WWW.EASTERNSAFARIS.COM/BALLOONSOVERBAGAN

The best time to visit Burma is roughly between the end of October and the end of March. Then the rainy season begins. Expect a warm, tropical climate that rarely drops below 25°C. Only in the higher regions and the former British stations such as Kalaw is it fresher and less humid.

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Until very recently a no-go destination for many travellers, Burma aka Myanmar has now become an absolute favourite. With endearing nicknames such as the 'golden land' or 'land of the smile', everybody wants to go now. Who wouldn't want to visit a country where until very recently time literally and figuratively stood still, cut off from the rest of the world?

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Bolivia was a beautiful surprise for us.

What was supposed to be a three week taster of the land-locked Andean country, transformed into an unforgettable and spontaneous two month adventure - we just didn't want to leave.

However, travelling throughout the country does present challenges and quirks - some so unique to the Bolivian travel experience that we didn't encounter them anywhere else in South America! If you're lucky, these will simply provide an amusing anecdote or insightful cultural experience; if you're a little more unfortunate however, your entire trip could be affected.

So, to help your prepare, here are 18 incredibly useful things to know before you visit and travel Bolivia.

#1 you can't avoid altitude

El Alto - 13,615 ft. Potosi - 13,420 ft. Oruro - 12,159 ft. La Paz - 11,913 ft.

The highest point above sea-level in London is 804 ft.

Hardly surprising then that climbing a flight of stairs in Bolivia can get even the fittest of us out of puff - and have a significant impact on your first few days in the country.

We've written an entire post about how to deal with altitude sickness, but due to the risks associated with it, it really is vitally important that you don't travel here without insurance. Whilst many of us will only suffer from the odd headache, for some, things can get pretty serious, pretty quickly. We recommend True Traveller (especially for Europeans) or World Nomads but, if you're confused about travel insurance, then read this post first.

#2 you need to carry toilet paper everywhere

On our first night in the country, we found ourselves in a private double with a shared bathroom. It was good value and a welcome return to some privacy after only being able to afford dorms in most of Argentina.

Nature called in the evening and one of us went to visit the shared bathroom. There was no toilet paper around, so we went to ask for a new roll.

"That costs extra", said the receptionist.

We laughed, but it turned out she was completely serious. When you're paying 80B a night and yet they won't supply a 2B roll of toilet paper for the 20-odd people sharing the bathroom, it seemed a bit ridiculous.

But then, this appeared to be an approach deeply engrained within the Bolivian hotelier culture! In La Paz, on the Salt Flats, even in some restaurants, toilet paper was a precious and revered commodity! If you asked for some for your room, a small sheet would begrudgingly be given, if you were lucky. In other places, you had to pay. This wasn't the case anywhere else we travelled in South America.

So, dear traveller, never go anywhere in Bolivia - not even you own hostel or hotel bathroom - without some toilet paper in your bag!

#3 coca leaves are legit, cocaine is not

Unfortunately, a number of backpackers' idea of a Bolivian cultural outing will be to visit one of the 'secret' cocaine bars in La Paz. It's illegal, you're putting yourself in danger and perpetuating an industry which has crippled huge swathes of Latin America.

So, yeah, don't be a dick.

Coca leaves however, which form the base of cocaine before it is cut with all sorts of rubbish (and were actually used in the original Coca-Cola recipes), are a hugely important symbol in Bolivian culture. Chewed incessantly by young and old alike or used as a tea, it is something which has been part of the practices of Aymara and Quecha people for centuries and, only in recent decades, has it come to be viewed as synonymous with the drug trade. For travellers, coca leaves are actually the first thing any Bolivian will suggest to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness and bags of the dried leaves can be bought for a few bolivianos and you can opt to chew them or brew them.

Since Evo Morales came to power, its usage has been defended and proudly exalted as a part of the heritage of the country(watch this video of him at the UN defending its use). To better understand the role of coca leaves in Bolivian society, you can visit the Coca Museum in La Paz.

#4 bags of water are cheaper than bottles

Tap water in 99% of the country is not safe for consumption. If you aren't travelling with a steri-pen or water bottle with in-built filter, then you will end up buying litres of the stuff.

A two litre bottle of purified water will cost 5-7B, whilst a 400ml bag will only cost 0.5B. Therefore, you can buy 2 litres for the bargain cost of 2.5B. Your best bet for finding them is with the street stalls (often run by little old ladies), but don't be surprised if you're asked for 1B a bag - just smile and tell them you know the price is 0.5B.

Not sure how to say it in Spanish? Here you go: 'Tiene bolsas de agua?' 'Cuanto cuesta cada una?" 'Es cinquenta centavos normalemente, no?'

#5 The higher the altitude, the lower the boiling point

Yep. In La Paz, water boils at just 72 degrees celcius.

Right now, you're probably wondering why on earth that is an incredibly useful thing to know. Yet, for those of you that plan on preparing any of your own food, or even making a cup of tea it creates a couple of issues. Firstly, food takes a REALLY long time to cook (up to 50 minutes for a pan of rice!), and secondly, as water needs to reach 100C to kill bacteria, there can be some issues with it not being properly sterilised.

Despite this, we continued to cook with tap water, but this may well have been a reason for the slightly dodgy stomachs we had during our stay in the country.

#6 it's a great place to learn spanish

We are huge advocates of trying to learn at least a little bit of Spanish during your time in Latin America, and Bolivia is a very popular choice amongst travellers for picking up the language.

The lovely city of Sucre, with its spring-like climate and manageable altitude, is the most popular pick, whilst La Paz is also offers lots of options. Individual or group classes are available, and students can opt to have a home-stay via the school if they would prefer complete immersion. Classes start at around 40B per hour, although do try and negotiate for a discount if you are planning on taking classes for a week or longer.

#7 supermarkets don't really exist

The positive side of this? Bolivian markets are atmospheric, photogenic places full of character. For those of us more akin to the sedate and sanitised supermarket experience, your senses will be re-awoken with the sights and smells, as well as the incredible range of fresh fruit and vegetables available. It's also an excellent way for you to practice your Spanish.

The downside? Sometimes, you really really just want to have everything in one place, with pricing and without the need to barter. Also, from our two month experience, most stall holders have no problem ripping you off for every purchase.

Of course, the bigger cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz do have the odd supermarket, usually floating around the richer areas, should you need one.

Want to know what we spent in 53 days in Bolivia? Check out this budget breakdown.

#8 the internet is generally quite poor

As digital nomads and bloggers, an internet connection is our lifeline for work, but for all travellers, we know that's it's essential to sometimes have a good and reliable connection so you can catch up with friends and family, sort out and book the next part of your trip or just have a day of vegging out on Facebook and Netflix!

In Bolivia, this can be challenge. Although most hostels in the main tourist spots and cities now come with wi-fi, the connection is very often unreliable and tediously slow. In some places, we're talking about 5 minutes of refreshing just to load a HTML version of our e-mail inbox.

So, if you find a hostel with a decent connection, it makes sense to base yourself there if you plan on skyping or downloading at any point, even if it isn't the best place to stay. Otherwise, a better connection may be found in gringo-centric cafes - just be sure to pick the one full of people on laptops!

#9 you may not need three days at the salt flats

The big Bolivian trip for travellers and tourists of all budgets is the Salt Flats. With the ever popular (and increasingly competitive) 'perspective' shots and the dreamy and surreal landscapes on offer, it isn't any surprise that it's an entrant on most of those 'things to see before you die' lists.

However, to enjoy the Flats, you really don't have to sign up for the popular 3-night/4-day jeep excursion. For us, we had already been in Chile's Atacama desert, so had seen many of the types of landscapes on offer, whilst in the latter stages of our two-year trip we just couldn't face multiple days of long-driving in a cramped jeep and enduring poor accommodation and bad food. Although this trip is certainly a highlight for a lot of travellers (and we're not trying to put you off it!), we also didn't view the cost of around $150 as something we could stomach.

So, we opted to instead take a day tour. It gave us about ten hours of time dedicated to driving, viewing and photographing the Salt Flats and meant we were back in Uyuni in time for a dirty burger and were able to spend the cold, cold night in our snuggly hostel bed. Do we regret it? Not one bit!

It is worth nothing however that if you are visiting Chile after Bolivia, then it does make good sense to take the 3-night jeep option, as this will double up as your transport to San Pedro de Atacama (check out our budget backpacker guide to the town here). Multi-day Salt Tours traditionally leave from Uyuni but also depart from the charming, dusty southern town of Tupiza.

#10 don't forget the eastern part of the country

Bolivia's best-known treasures are all clustered together in the western part of the country. The Salt Flats, La Paz and the Death Road, Carnival in Oruro, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca can all be found in and around there. Further, given their proximity to the borders with Chile and Peru, it's convenient for most travellers to only include that section of the country in their South America itinerary.

However, that means some unforgettable experiences in the eastern departments are, well, completely forgotten about. The Che Guevara trail and condor spotting are some of the highlights in and around the gorgeous countryside pueblo of Samaipata, whilst the national parks outside Bolivia's biggest city, Santa Cruz, are irresistible for nature lovers.

#11 transport is cheap....

We arrived in Bolivia after a few weeks of awful experiences with the Argentinian bus system - over-priced and poor quality were our two overriding conclusions from the various long haul bus journeys we took there. So, it was quite a relief to find that the transport in Bolivia is cheap as chips.

If you ask around, then you will find perfectly fine options where the going-rate is less than 10B (£1) per hour of travel - meaning that a five hour journey won't have too big an impact on your daily budget.

The snag however is that the quality of public buses is, generally, very poor. Most are absolutely acceptable, but the journey is going to be something to be endured, rather than enjoyed. And, if you have a seat number on a busy bus route, don't be surprised if it's actually 'double booked' and someone is already sitting in your seat with a reservation for the same number!

A good option if you aren't looking for the cheapest fare out there, is to take an inter-city collectivo. These are available on some of the most popular tourist routes (i.e. La Paz to Corioco, Santa Cruz to Samaipata) and consist of a minivan, limited to seven passengers. Quicker, nicer and just a little more expensive than a bus, they're a good option.

#12 ...but the drivers are mental

However, the questionable quality of the buses is NOTHING in comparison to the sheer lunacy of some of the drivers.

Now, erratic or bizarre driving practices can sometimes be viewed as an interesting cultural quirk and something which you simply have to laugh at and endure. However, after weeks of placing our lives in the hands of complete idiots who have no regard for safety or concern for other road-users, we actually grew very angry and frustrated.

In short, the standard driving practice for a lot of Bolivians appears to be 'do the exact opposite of what you should'. On our trip, this resulted in over-taking three vehicles on a blind corner on wet, foggy day where visibility was about 10 metres, habitually driving on the wrong side of the road just for the fun of it, never using or wearing seat belts, taking corners at ridiculous speeds and generally giving absolutely no concern for anybody else on the road. And, reports of drunk and/or dozing off drivers on the Salt Flats and other tours are not uncommon. And don't even get us started on traffic in La Paz (hint - we actually saw cars nudge people and vehicles out the way)

And the most frustrating thing of all? Many Bolivians go to Copacabana every year to have their cars blessed by a priest so they can avoid traffic accidents - and the worst driver we had on the entire trip actually had his blessing banner proudly displayed in the vehicle!

Our tip? Do not be afraid to assertively, and sometimes aggressively, tell your driver to slow down. He might laugh at you or dismiss you, but keep at it and he may eventually listen.

#13 ....AND ROAD CONDITIONS OR STRIKES MAY RUIN YOUR TRIP

Right, we promise this is the last vehicular or traffic based tip. However, the roads and transport in Bolivia are simply too idiosyncratic (as well as pivotal to your trip's success) that we can't overlook their importance.

As Bolivia is a country with a number of development issues, its road network is poor. Although things have improved in the last decade (such as the 'Death Road' being replaced and a new highway linking Santa Cruz and Cochabamba), decent road conditions are still the exception. For example, between Tupiza and Uyuni (home of the Salt Flats), it's a 200km journey across dirt tracks and dried-out river beds.

Weather conditions can also wreak havoc on transport; landslides are not at all uncommon in Bolivia and this often renders a road impassable for a few hours or a few days.

However, landslide disruptions are nothing in comparison to the potential for a local or national protest! A common form of dissent in the country is for citizens to block the roads - be it with vehicles, bodies or landslides caused by dynamite. During our stay, lorry drivers were protesting against tax rises and blocked roads leading in and out of La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre and Santa Cruz (basically every single place you'd be planning on visiting or passing through). We needed to leave La Paz for Cochabamba but there were no buses operating the route because of the danger and difficulty of breaking through the blockade. Information was extremely difficult to get a hold of and nobody was aware of how long the national blockades would last. We gambled on the strikes going on for more than a couple of days and booked a flight from La Paz airport (thankfully, these aren't massively expensive) and made it to Cochabamba. We found people there who had only three weeks of vacation time and had already lost five precious days, and others who had been forced to walk 20 kms because their bus had tried to take a different route but had been set upon by protesters and forbidden from passing; the strike would end up lasting another four days.

A reader of ours, visiting a month after, was affected by a completely different set of strikes and was forced to curtail her time in the country because, unless she booked flights everywhere, she would have not been able to travel.

So, to summarise, strikes and road closures are a significant issue for travellers in Bolivia. If and when they occur, it will be difficult to find good information but you need to be aware that they can last for days or weeks and shut down entire sections of the country's road transport system. If you're affected, internal flights are not unaffordable and may be necessary for you to get on to your next destination quickly (however, if there is a national strike, flights will book up quickly). Lastly, if there is a strike, be very cautious about trying to pass through it as it is not unknown for protesters to be threatening or violent.

#14 hostels with kitchens are difficult to find

Followers of our two-year journey in Latin America, where we each lived on £15 per day, will know that one of the core tenets of our travel philosophy is cooking most of our meals in a hostel kitchen. Not only does it save us money and allow us to discover the best of a country's produce, it also allows us to make some of the meals that simply aren't available in some countries.

However, in Bolivia it was a real challenge to find a decent, affordable hostel with a kitchen. It's not impossible, but you simply will have to look around a little more than elsewhere in South America.

Be sure to take a look at our ' Best Hostels in Bolivia' post!

#15 service is generally not with a smile

Normally, we would not write something like this, given that our own experiences may not necessarily reflect the truth of the matter.

However, throughout two months, we can definitively state the following about what to do in a Bolivian restaurant:

- Don't wait for anyone to bring the menu, go get it yourself

- Don't wait for anyone to come and take your order, go give it to them.

- Don't wait for anyone to come and give you the bill, go ask for it.

- Don't wait for anyone to come and collect your payment, go give it to them.

If you follow the above steps, you might just make it out in under an hour.

#16 you will probably stay in La Paz more than once

The administrative capital of the country (Sucre is the actual capital) is likely to form an integral part of your itinerary. Not only is it worth at least a couple of days exploration, but it's also a main transport hub from which you will reach a number of northern and western Bolivia's main attractions.

Anyone heading up to Rurrenabaque to experience the Amazon is likely to depart from La Paz and will then need at least a night in the city to recuperate on their return. Depending on your route, visits to Lake Titicaca/ Copacabana and Corioco may also see you returning to La Paz before moving on elsewhere .

So, our advice is to find a good hostel when you arrive in the city and keep going back to it for the odd night that you need to spend back in La Paz. Also, if you're heading to the Amazon, it is a good idea to ask to leave some of your luggage there (securely).

Don't miss our in-depth guide to La Paz.

#17 Be aware of fake police scams

As with any country, there is always somebody trying to scam you. Unfortunately, in Bolivia that person may well appear to be a police officer.

The common ruse is to stop you on the street and state that they are an undercover police officer. They will then proceed to ask you for your passport to check your visa, before perhaps asking you to go to the police station with them. The aim here is for them to either do a runner with your passport, or worse still, once they've got you away from the street and 'on the way to the station' either rob you of other valuables or force you to an ATM to withdraw cash.

This is why it is so important to always carry a photocopy of your passport (and the visa stamp page) with you at all times and never accompany an officer blindly. If you're suspicious (which you should be), show them your photocopy and, if they state that isn't enough, then ask them to contact the embassy or request a marked police car drives you to the station.

On the streets of Santa Cruz, we were asked to produce ID a couple of time. We always requested that we enter a restaurant on the same street and showed them our photocopies. These police officers were in uniform and appeared very official - however local sources state it is very unusual for undercover police officers to interact with tourists.

As in any situation, a little common sense goes a long way - but if you have any concerns, don't be afraid to question the officer and his credentials and make sure you get into a public and safe setting as soon as possible.

For further information, be sure to take a gander at our guide to staying safe in Latin America.

#18 the standard tourist visa is 30 days

With the exception of some nationalities (namely the US and Israel), many backpackers will simply be able to get their passport stamp/visa when crossing the border. Bolivia has however opted to give visitors only 30 days in the country - which really isn't enough to experience all it has to offer.

Therefore, it's important to know that you can actually get another 60 days - free of charge! Here's our guide on how to do it in La Paz - although it is also possible to extend in cities like Sucre and Santa Cruz.

We are well aware that some of the above points may sound a little harsh to those that have not visited Bolivia (or perhaps even to those that thoroughly enjoy these idiosyncrasies), however, many are things that we really wished we knew before we travelled to this beautiful country. Our intention is not to put off visitors to the region - in fact we encourage all visiting South America to spend a least a while in Bolivia - however, in a country that is still developing, knowing of its quirks beforehand can alleviate problems or concerns down the line and ensure a much better travel experience.

So, now you know the deal, start getting inspired with some of our guides to Bolivia or head to our Bolivia page!

Tagged: backpacking in bolivia, things to know about travel in bolivia, guide to travel in bolivia, bolivia, altitude, altitude sickness in bolivia, potosi, la paz, coca leaves, is water safe to drink in bolivia, tap water, boiling water in bolivia, learning spanish in bolivia, where to study spanish in bolivia, internet speed, is there internet in bolivia, salt flats, samaipata, santa cruz, thing to do in eastern bolivia, is bolivia safe, is bolivia cheap?, public transport, road safety, is it safe to travel with public transport in bolivia, strikes in bolivia, road blocks, are there hostels with kitchens, fake police, tourist scams, things to know, travel tips, tourist visa

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18 incredibly useful things to know before travelling bolivia

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Travelling to Bolivia? Then you need to know these insider tips! From how to cope with altitude, where to learn Spanish, common tourist scams and dealing with Bolivian drivers - it will all help to ensure you have the best Bolivian experience possible.

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Three weeks.

That's all we had remaining of our mammoth two year Latin American adventure when fate guided us to Itacaré. We were looking for sun, sand and relaxation.

What we discovered was paradise. A small cocoa scented village where shoes were not required and time did not matter. A perfect hideaway edged by secluded beaches and wrapped in rainforest, where days turned into weeks and we pretended we never had to leave.

Great plans were never made, days instead guided by the tide and the sun, passed on beaches with wonderfully tropical names, the scent of coconut, suncream and lime in the air and another icy caipirinha in our hand.

How long Itacaré can continue to be so deliciously under the radar remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - something this beautiful cannot remain hidden forever.

So, heading to Brazil? You simply have to add Itacaré to your itinerary - and here's everything you need to know for when you get there!

Best Beaches in Itacaré

For those of you nursing a hangover or craving beach time with no fuss, you'll be pleased to know that there is not just one, but four beaches within short walking distance of the town.

However, unless you crave a busy beach with lots of restaurants, our advice is to avoid the closest - Praia Concha - and instead head to picture-postcard Resende. This small cove, backed by a handful of wooden shacks serving coconuts and cocktails is a beautiful spot to lay down your towel and watch the world go by - as long as it's not high tide, when the beach disappears! Top tip: there's a small tapioca cart here that sells the most amazing cheese, tomato and basil tapiocas - if you haven't tried one of these Brazilian delicacies, now is your chance!

Accessed by a very short coastal path from Resende is Tiririca Beach, a busier but still beautiful spot popular with surfers. We spent a couple of afternoons here, but quickly learnt that the higher cost of cocktails meant nipping back around the corner to Resende worked out considerably cheaper!

For an area that is all the more stunning for its lack of development, it is of little surprise that the area's most beautiful beaches require a tad more effort to reach - think long walks through rainforests, under waterfalls and, in some cases, over small streams.

However, in the case of a couple, good things certainly do come to those that, well, hike!

Case in point? Praia Prainha. This isn't just a pretty beach, this amazing stretch of white sand is considered by many to be the best in Brazil - and, despite what local guides will tell you, it is possible to reach independently following a well-trodden path from Ribiera (the last beach on the Itacarés main road). Due to our paranoia, and the odd documented case of robbery along the path, we didn't bring a camera with us for this adventure (we advise you not to take valuables either), but this blog post has some great pictures, and an explanation of the route.

The final beach you absolutely have to visit during your time in this tropical paradise is Jeribucaçu. Famous in equal parts, for its excellent surf break, crystal clear lagoon and amazing beach-made barbecued fish, this praia falls very much under the descriptive term 'off the beaten track', and you may well have the entire place to yourself. To get there, take any local bus heading out of town towards Ilheus and ask to be dropped off at the start of the trail, around 9 km outside of town. From here there is a sign indicating the entrance to a dirt road - follow it down a steep hill for 3 km through the trees and have a well-earned ice-cold coconut on the beach.

Activities

We know, we know. If you're anything like us, the most 'active' you're going to get here is walking to and from your beach towel and lifting a caipirinha. However, given that Itacaré is famous for its surf breaks and consistent swell, there may well be a few of you that want to catch a few waves between coconuts.

For absolute beginners (or those looking to up their game) there are a number of surf schools in town offering multi-day classes - Easy Drop Surf School or Medians do Mar both come highly recommended - whilst pros can rent a board from any of the many spots along the main street and hit up one of the four surf breaks within walking distance.

Not into surfing? The rugged landscapes of the Cocoa Coast mean that there is still plenty for the adventurous sort in Itacaré including white water rafting on the nearby Contas, rainforest treks and even whale watching tours from July to August.

Where to eat in Itacaré

We were bad budget-backpackers in Itacaré.

With an abundance of fresh seafood, amazing Bahian cuisine and the most delicious black beans and mashed potato we have ever eaten, we really couldn't relegate ourselves to the kitchen very often. Throw in a fantastic veggie burger, and even better veggie middle eastern food and it's amazing we ever went to the supermarket!

There are so many restaurants in town, it would take you weeks to visit every one, put here are a few that should definitely check out:

Agua na Boca | We went back to this restaurant three times, and only tried one dish (a hearty plate of fried fish, beans, rice and creamy mash) it was that good!

Sabores da Bahia - Widely agreed to serve the best moqueca in town, and deemed bloody delicious by us.

Bestante Elefante - Hands-down the best burger in town with an exceptional veggie option.

Alamaim - It's rare to find good Middle Eastern food in Latin America. It's even rare to find a restaurant that only serves vegetarian versions! Lots of mezzes and wraps so you can mix and match, but be warned that the portions are pretty large.

Tio Gu Café Creperia - Amazing crepes served in a place oozing with cool surfer vibes.

For those of you staying somewhere with your own kitchen, be sure to check out the local fish market. The opening times are a little hit and miss (more often than not after midday), but a great place to pick up some great value fresh seafood.

Where to drink

It is not until the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set that the streets of Itacaré come alive - and nowhere is this more apparent than in the handful of bars along Pedro Longo (the main cobblestone street).

Whilst the night life is tame compared to big cities like Rio, you can still find some great post-beach action in this small town, centred around Jungle Bar and its neighbours. Here, amongst creaky distressed wooden benches, lothario-like bartenders mix dangerously strong caipirinhas atop old wooden carts and the the road fills with sidewalk drinkers and impromptu buskers.

Expect to pay around 8R for a drink from a bar, or 6R from a stall.

For something a little more upmarket, be sure to check out Marley's down by the harbour. Run by expats, it offers food, live music and great cocktails!

Oh, and one last tip: should you hear an amazing voice singing about chocolate, follow it, listen and then buy a bar or two - trust us, you won't regret it!

Where to stay in Itacaré

There are lots of great studios and apartments for rent in Itacaré, and that's what we chose to do for the majority of our stay, spending two weeks in our own place a couple minute's walk from the beaches. You'll find a lot listed on Airbnb and, if you sign up via this link, you can get £30 off your first booking.

Hostels

Bananas | By far one of the most popular hostels in town (and definitely one for the social backpacker), bananas offers nice but basic rooms, a guest kitchen, bar, good breakfast and a large garden. This is where we stayed. For more information, check prices and availability here.

Che Lagarto | Part of a large chain that stretches across South America, Che is definitely one for the more discerning backpacker. Modern design, a guest kitchen and a bar that gets pretty busy. For more information, check prices and availability on booking.com or hostelworld.

Guest Houses

Mar Ilha Pousada | A firm favourite amongst visitors to Itacaré, and at just £30 a night for large rooms, balconies with garden views, great staff and an even better breakfast it's not hard to understand why. For more information, check prices and availability here.

Pousada Encantos Da Mata | New guesthouse with slightly dated but clean rooms, fantastic staff, great location close to beach but with lovely gardens and breakfast included - and just £20 a night. For more information, check prices and availability here.

Pousada Galeão Itacaré | Come for the good reviews, stay for the location - this place is just a few minutes from the beach. Smart little rooms, all with hammock and balcony and yet another great breakfast (we think it's a 'thing' in Itacaré). For more information, check prices and availability here.

Getting there and away

Unless you have a car, the only way into or out of Itacaré is by bus, which head north and south regularly throughout the day (there are buses to Ilheus every hour).

If you arrive late at night, jump in a cab. It really isn't very far and at 15R is pretty overpriced, but we really wouldn't recommend anybody walking into town with all their valuables in poorly lit streets - especially single females.

If like us, your next destination is a little further afield, then we'd recommend a flight from Ilheus, which is two hours from Itacaré and has flights all over Brazil.

read more about our travels in brazil

Tagged: itacare, brazil, brazil city guides, restaurants, where to eat in itacare, beaches in itacare, best beach in brazil, concha, resende, tiririca, prainha, ribiera, jeribucacu, how to get to prainha beach, surf lesson, surf board rental, bars, where to go out, easy drop surf school, medians do mar, things to do in itacare, bahia, activities in itacare, guide to itacare, guide

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Brazil's Best Kept Secret: Our Guide to Itacaré

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There's a little place in Bahia that stole our hearts - give it half a chance and Itacaré may well steal yours. A must on every traveller's itinerary, our guide will lead you to the most beautiful beaches, mouth-watering restaurants and best bars.

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Cancun Adventures | Best Tours in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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This long, sandy beach, 14km west of Santa Cruz Huatulco, is backed by a fishing village, and in contrast to Huatulco's other settlements, there's absolutely no resort-type development - just a line of rustic comedo...

La Crucecita's classiest restaurant is affiliated to the equally classy Misión de los Arcos and inhabits a refined small dining room air-conditioned to resemble a pleasant summer's day in Paris. The menu is internat...

Part of the success of Huatulco is that it can cough up something as cool as La Crema, a dark-lit upstairs bar where a thrown-together mesh of old sofas and retro decor attracts anyone who's into punk, piazza, mezca...

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This long, sandy beach, 14km west of Santa Cruz Huatulco, is backed by a fishing village, and in contrast to Huatulco's other settlements, there's absolutely no resort-type development - just a line of rustic comedo... La Crucecita's classiest restaurant is affiliated to the equally classy Misión de los Arcos and inhabits a refined small dining room air-conditioned to resemble a pleasant summer's day in Paris.

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In the heart of the state of the same name and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the high mountains of the southern Sierra Madre, Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most beautiful cities. Displaying an attractive mix of both Indian and Spanish elements, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has successfully preserved its unique character and is a delight to explore. First settled as far back as 6000 BC, it was part of the Aztec empire until the Spanish arrived in 1521 and soon after established the royal city of Oaxaca, a name derived from the original Aztec fortress. In addition to its fine architecture, travelers are drawn here for the city's rich cultural calendar, a highlight of which is the famous Guelaguetza, an indigenous festival held in July with plenty of traditional dancing, costumes, music, food, and crafts.

6 The Rufino Tamayo Museum

The Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo de Arte Prehispánico Rufino Tamayo), presented to the state by famous Mexican artist Tamayo, lies in an old palace just a short walk away from the Zócalo. In addition to displaying archaeological objects from Mexico's many Indian cultures, this rich collection of Pre-Columbian art was established to ensure the more than 1,000 historic artifacts collected over Tamayo's lifetime remained intact and safe from illegal traders. Also worth a visit is the Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca (Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca, or IAGO), founded by another Mexican artist, Francisco Toledo, and containing numerous fine paintings from across Latin America, as well as a cultural center, a library with many rare manuscripts, and a music library.

7 Museo Casa Juárez: Fit for a President

The humble looking home at García Vigil 609, now a museum, is famous in Mexico for being the place where much revered President Benito Juárez lived as a servant from 1818 until 1828. Don't be deceived by the home's rather plain exterior. Inside, the complex opens up into a large central courtyard and houses Museo Casa Juárez, a large museum containing related memorabilia (the President was in fact born in 1806 in nearby Guelatao). Also of interest is the museum's portrayal of the daily life of both working and middle classes in the 19th century, as well as the period furnishings in the dining room and kitchen.

10 Museo Regional de Oaxaca

The Museo Regional de Oaxaca is housed in the former convent to Iglesia de Santo Domingo and is well regarded for its excellent collections related to native culture, as well as for its ecclesiastical and secular exhibits from the colonial period. The superb ethnological collection includes costumes, masks, jewelry, ceremonial and household implements belonging to the Indian tribes from the region, together with archaeological finds from surrounding ruins. The highlight of the archaeological exhibition is the Mixtec treasure trove of gold, jade, turquoise, and other semi-precious stones found in 1932 in nearby Monte Albán, and from which elaborate bracelets, necklaces, earrings, breastplates, and masks were produced. Historical documents and items from the old church and the convent, including the refurbished old Spanish kitchen, are also of interest.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Sightseeing

We recommend these convenient hotels in Oaxaca handy to the historical center:

Hotel La Casona De Tita: boutique luxury, colonial style, peaceful courtyard, delicious breakfast.

Casa de Siete Balcones: three-star boutique hotel, historic center location, beautiful old building, fresh flowers.

Holiday Inn Express Centro Historico Oaxaca: mid-range pricing, modern style, comfortable beds, hot tub and outdoor pool.

Casona Oaxaca: budget-friendly rates, great location, charming courtyard, laundry service.

Day Trips from Oaxaca

Given Oaxaca's subtropical location in the beautiful Oaxaca Valley, there's no shortage of fun day trips to the splendid countryside surrounding the city. One of the nicest is to the town of Dainzú, just 20 kilometers east of Oaxaca and the location of a settlement inhabited from about 500 BC until AD 1400. One of the most important of its buildings has a pyramid-shaped base and is built in a style similar to that of the north platform at Monte Albán. A few miles away is Lambityeco with a small pyramid along with seven ancient tombs, including one with two heads and names chiseled into its façade.

Another small town worthy of a visit is Huijazoo, just a short drive north of Oaxaca, where nine tombs were discovered, the most remarkable being Tomb 5, notable for the serpent mask forming its entrance and an interior furnished with sculpted columns and colored murals depicting rulers or priests and dating from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Finally, be sure to visit the ruined site of Mitla, on the edge of the village of the same name, just 40 kilometers to the east of the city center. One of Mexico's most famous archaeological attractions, this fascinating site includes elaborate stone ornamentations unsurpassed in the history of Mesoamerica. Highlights include the Hall of Columns with its altar, and the Patio de las Grecas, a small inner courtyard surrounded by long narrow rooms where the city's high priest lived.

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Oaxaca & Easy Day Trips | PlanetWare

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In the heart of the state of the same name and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the high mountains of the southern Sierra Madre, Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most beautiful cities. Displaying an attractive mix of both Indian and Spanish elements, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has successfully preserved its unique character and is a delight to explore.

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Whether you are already planning your next vacation, or just daydreaming about paradisaical beaches, we give you the best places to visit in Mexico. If money is a little tight and you cannot afford a transatlantic European destination, this neighboring country to America might be just the answer. So, in this list, we are traveling south of the border into a land of color and contrasts. Mexico has it all: idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, colonial towns, mysterious jungles, mesmerizing cities, archeological sites and so much more.

However, the news we get from Mexico is rather alarming, even scary. Drug cartels, murders, trafficking and poverty are some of the topics that constantly make the headlines regarding the U.S' Southern neighbor, and it is naturally off-putting. Some wonder if it is safe to choose Mexico as a holiday spot, and it actually is, if you know where to go and where not to. But if you are still feeling uneasy about visiting Mexico, you should take a look at The 10 Best Places to Visit in the USA. If you still haven't traveled along and around our beautiful country, it's about time you did so.

Adventure, pleasure, relaxation, history, culture and endless fun await in the best Mexican vacation spots. So, let's take a look at the countdown for the best places to visit in Mexico.

Mexico City was founded by Amerindians and is one of the oldest capital cities in the Americas. It was originally built by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, so the history behind this city is one of the best attractions it has to offer. Around every corner of the Mexican political, cultural and financial center, a secret waits to be revealed by curious tourists. Don't let rumors and myths about this city fool you, Mexico City cleaned up nicely for the bi-centennial and now has a crime rate about a third of Washington, DC's.

Southwest of the capital lies the largest beach and balneario resort city of Mexico. This 1950s hotspot for Hollywood stars and millionaires is still renowned for its nightlife and keeps attracting many tourists. In fact, nowadays Acapulco is a popular destination for American spring breakers who are looking to party and enjoy the beach life.

Another urban vacation spot, Guadalajara is a cultural center where one can enjoy mariachi music, go to film festivals, book fairs and other cultural events. And, if you like sports, this city is home to one of the most popular soccer teams in Mexico. Moreover, it has a great nightlife to offer, and you should experience drinking real tequila at the city where it was born.

The Mexican hotspots only get better from here, as we count down the seven best places to visit in Mexico on the next page.

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The 10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico that Are Beautiful and Safe

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Whether you are already planning your next vacation, or just daydreaming about paradisaical beaches, we give you the best places to visit in Mexico. If money is a little tight and you cannot afford a transatlantic European destination, this neighboring country to America might be just the answer.

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Over the years, what I carry in my bag has changed a lot. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects the fact that I've learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006. And while many websites have packing lists, I want to combine all my previous posts on the subject (there are about three) into one updated post that reflects my current views on what people should pack on their trip.

First, the short answer to what you should pack: take as little as possible. I take only the essentials, and if I really need something, I buy it. It's not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas. I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid carrying lots of different clothes. I don't want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand!

However, plans can change, and if that happens, I buy a light jacket. I keep it until it is a burden and then I leave it behind. The more I travel, the more I realize I don't need a lot of stuff. Everything I own fits into one backpack. Packing light is a cliché, yet one that has a lot of truth to it.

But the long answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list:

CLOTHES
1 dress shirt for when I go out to a respectable place in the evening
1 pair of jeans (They may be heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot. A good alternative can be khaki pants.)
1 pair of shorts
1 bathing suit
6 t-shirts
1 long-sleeve t-shirt
1 pair of flip-flops
1 pair of sneakers
8 pairs of socks
1 pair of black dress socks
1 pair of dress shoes (heavy to carry around, but when I visit local friends, we usually go somewhere not sneaker-friendly)
7 pairs of boxer shorts
1 towel

TOILETRIES
1 toothbrush
1 tube of toothpaste
1 razor
1 package of dental floss
1 small bottle of shampoo
1 small bottle of shower gel
Hair gel so I can keep the fro down between haircuts
Comb
Deodorant

SMALL MEDICAL KIT
Band-Aids
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibacterial cream
Eyedrops
Earplugs
Doctor-prescribed antibiotics
Tylenol
Hand sanitizer

GEAR (for those blogging, taking video, or anything else)
Laptop
Nikon Camera
iPhone
Tripod
Wireless microphones
Universal power adapter

MISCELLANEOUS
A key or combination lock (everyone should have this, too!)
Zip-top bags
Plastic bags
Special tip: Buy a small backpack so you won't be tempted to overpack. We subconsciously like to fill empty space, so if you have a big bag, you're more likely to overpack just so you don't waste space.
I've found that this list leaves me wanting for nothing. I'm sure many of you will read this and say "But what about X?" or "You really don't need Y." Well, that works for you, and this list works for me. Tailor your list to suit your travels.

I write this post not because I think there is one perfect way to pack but to answer a recurring question about what I pack and why. I haven't touched upon this subject in over three years, and people keep asking me "What should I pack when I go away?" This is my guideline and suits my "chase the summer, live in hostels" lifestyle.

But the real point I want to emphasize is that you really don't need a lot when you travel. Before I go on a trip, I write down a list of what I think I'll need and then cut it in half. You never need as much as you think.

In the end, there is never a definitive packing list. Everyone has different needs. My list suits my needs. It might not suit yours.

Next Steps

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Over the years, what I carry in my bag has changed a lot. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects the fact that I've learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006.

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What better to escape the winter, the cold humidity and a hectic life than venturing into the deep Sahara of Morocco? Spend some unforgettable evenings with the Touareg nomads, also known as "les hommes bleus" and be surrounding by nothing else than the endless dunes of this grand desert.
The adventure begins with a flash helicopter flight from Marrakech that will take you in no time into the heart of the Sahara. Les Hommes Blues with their indigo blue head scarfs are waiting for you in a deluxe mobile village. Camels, goats and sheep, and the typical Moroccan nomadic tents, owned by the chief and his family, included. No need to sleep with the camels this time because your accommodation is a beautiful, well-appointed tent with own shower, toilet and comfy bed.
When night falls, guests are invited into an impressive Touareg tent to have an authentic Moroccan dinner. Lots of candle light, lots of charm and ambiance because the Touareg like to end meals with music and dance around the campfire.
Don't party too hard because the best time in the Sahara is early morning when the sun peeps up behind the sand dunes.
Solitude never felt so good.

HOW TO GO? From approximately 540 euro for 2 persons per night. Including dinner, all drinks and aperitifs, and breakfast. Want the camp completely for yourself ? Two nights in the desert, with helicopter flight from Marrakech and all meals, drinks and entertainment costs around 15,000 EUR. (camp without helicopter starts at 7000 EUR for 2 nights)
WWW.LEREDSAND.COM

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What better to escape the winter, the cold humidity and a hectic life than venturing into the deep Sahara of Morocco? Spend some unforgettable evenings with the Touareg nomads, also known as "les hommes bleus" and be surrounding by nothing else than the endless dunes of this grand desert.

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Top 7 Places to Visit | Vancouver Travel

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Watch more How to Visit Vancouver videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/513718-Top-7-Places-to-Visit-Vancouver-Travel Planning a trip to Vancouver? Learn about the top seven places to visit and what makes them special in this travel video. If you're brave enough, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs over two hundred feet above the Capilano River.

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From conquering mountain trails to exploring neon-lit streetscapes, Hong Kong is a city that offers myriad possibilities and experiences. Go from ancient temples to glistening skyscrapers, then dip into bustling city markets before decamping to seaside villages. The only question is - where to start? Read on for a list of unmissable experiences to tick off your Hong Kong wish list.

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10 things every visitor must experience in Hong Kong | Hong Kong Tourism Board

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From conquering mountain trails to exploring neon-lit streetscapes, Hong Kong is a city that offers myriad possibilities and experiences. Go from ancient temples to glistening skyscrapers, then dip into bustling city markets before decamping to seaside villages. The only question is - where to start?

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1. Eiffel Tower

Paris wouldn't be complete without visiting the world most famous landmark - The Eiffel Tower! The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year.

Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair & was meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists & many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris.

Opening Hours

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Bir-Hakeim Station - Line M6

2. École Militaire‎ Station - Line M8

3. Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel‎ Station - RER C
By Bus
Bus Routes to Eiffel Tower - Bus 42, 69, 82, 87.

For More Info : Eiffel Tower Official Site

2. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe Paris, the most monumental of all triumphal arches, was built between 1806 and 1836 in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile". It's located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The arches whole decorative style is entirely of the tradition of sculpture from the first half of the nineteenth century.

Admission Fees

Adults : €8 / Students (18 to 25 years) : €5 / Children & Students up to Age 17 : FREE

Opening Hours

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile Station - Line M1, M2, M6 & RER A

For More Info: Arc de Triomphe Official Site

3. Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris, a Gothic, Roman Catholic Church is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and in Europe, and the naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture. It is one of the most visited Paris attractions.

Opening Hours

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Saint-Michel‎ Station or Cité‎ Station - Line M4.

2. Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame‎ Station - RER B & RER C.
By Bus
Bus Routes to Notre Dame - Bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96

For More Info: Notre Dame de Paris Official Website

4. Basilique Sacré Coeur

The Basilique Sacré-Coeur is a Roman Catholic church located on the highest point of the city in Montmartre in Paris. A climb to the top of the dome provides an excellent view of Paris - at 271 feet above Montmartre it is the second-highest viewpoint after the Eiffel Tower

The inspiration for Sacré Cœur's design originated in the wake of the division in French society that arose in the decades following French Revolution, between devout Catholics and legitimist royalists on one side, and democrats, secularists, socialists and radicals on the other.

Opening Hours

Daily : 06.00am to 22.30pm

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Anvers Station - Line M2. From station, 20 mins walk.

2. Abbesses Station - Line M12.
By Bus
Bus Routes to Basilique Sacré-Coeur: Bus 30, 31, 80, 85

For More Info: Basilique Sacré-Coeur Official Site

5. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument. The most famous collection - Mona Lisa.

A central landmark of Paris, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement. Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 19th century are exhibited over an area of 652,300 square feet.

Admission Fees

Combine Ticket : €14.00 ( Access to the permanent collections & temporary exhibitions in both the Louvre and the Musée Eugène Delacroix. )

Opening Hours

Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Friday: from 9 a.m. to 9.45 p.m. Closed on Tuesday.

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre Station - Line M1 & M7.
By Bus
Bus Routes to Musée du Louvre : Bus 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95.

For More Info : Louvre Museum Official Site

6. Champs-Elysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a prestigious avenue in Paris, France. Daily, you can find thousands of tourist throng shops to shops as if money are printed at home especially in Louis Vuitton flagship store.

With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets and one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt‎ Station - Line M1 & M9.

2. George V‎ Station - Line M1.

7. Le Palais Royal

The Palais-Royal, is a palace and an associated garden located in Paris. Facing the Place du Palais-Royal, it stands opposite the north wing of the Louvre, and its famous forecourt, screened with columns and, since 1986, containing Daniel Buren's site-specific artpiece, Les Deux Plateaux, known as Les Colonnes de Buren.

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre Station - Line M1 & M7.

8. Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is an elegant 1,979-seat opera house, which was built from 1861 to 1875 & was the world's largest theatre and opera house when it opened. The cavernous building, designed by Charles Garnier, was one of 171 proposals submitted in an architectural competition in 1861.

The Palais Garnier is "probably the most famous opera house in the world. This is at least partly due to its use as the setting for The Phantom of the Opera and the novel's subsequent adaptations in films and Andrew Lloyd Weber's popular 1986 musical.

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Opéra‎ Station - Line M3, M7 & M8.

9. Pantheon

The Pantheon Paris located in the Latin Quarter of Paris is an early example of Neoclassicism, with a facade modelled after the Pantheon in Rome surmounted by a dome that owes some of its character to Bramante's "Tempietto".

Back in 507, this site was chosen by King Clovis - the first Frankish Merovingian King - for a basilica to serve as a tomb for him and his wife Clothilde.

Admission Fees

Adult : €7.00 / 18-25 : €4.50 / Below 17 : FREE

Opening Hours

Daily : 10.00am to 18.00pm

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Cardinal Lemoine Station - Line M10

2. Luxembourg Station - RER B

For More Info: Pantheon Paris Official Site

10. Paris Disneyland

Paris Disneyland

Disneyland Paris, 35 minutes from Paris is a must-visit attraction. The theme park opened in 1992 in Marne-la-Vallée, and is the most visited attraction of its kind in Europe.

There are two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, and a shopping district, Disney Village. Disneyland Park is the park everybody has heard of and expects, and Walt Disney Studios Park has a more general movie making theme. The Village is comprised of stores and restaurants.

Admission Fees

Adult : From €60 / Child : €54

Opening Hours

Daily : 10.00am to 8.00pm / Sat & Public Holidays : 10.00am to 9.00pm

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Marne-la-Vallee Chessy Station - Line RER A

(Be aware that Paris Metro ticket is only valid in Zone 1 while Disneyland is in Zone 5, using an invalid ticket will result in a €25 fine).

For More Info : Paris Disneyland Official Website

11. Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette Paris

Located near the Opera Garnier, Galeries Lafayette is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts.

This lively, varied, wide-ranging approach to fashion is at the center of Galeries Lafayette's strategic vision and influences all segments of our merchandise selection, from women's, men's and children's apparel to home furnishings and gourmet food.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sat : 09.30 am to 07.30 pm / Thur : Open until 9 pm / Sunday: Closed

Getting there
By Metro & RER

1. Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette‎ Station - Line M7 & M9.

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11 Must Visit Paris Attractions & Travel Guide

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Paris wouldn't be complete without visiting the world most famous landmark - The Eiffel Tower! The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year.

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Swiss-inspired chalets and trout tagine in Morocco's mountains

Writer

Mandy Sinclair

Photographer

Omar Chennafi & Al Akhawayn University

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It's evocative of an idyllic snow globe scene, with its Swiss-inspired architecture, snowy limestone plateaus, pristine lakes and lush cedar forests. A remote ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco, Ifrane, named after the Tamazight word for 'caves', is seemingly detached from the rest of Morocco, let alone the world. Largely untouched by the modern-day woes of civilisation, the once favoured holiday destination of King Hassan II was even voted the second cleanest city in the world by MBC Times.

Formerly known as Zaouiat Sidi Abdesalam, Ifrane was originally a religious settlement, developed by the sharif of Sîdî 'Abd al-Salâm in the 16th century who relocated his community in the Tizguit Valley about seven kilometres from the current town centre. Though the founder was of Arab descent, the early community attracted Berber populations, which led to Tamazight becoming the most frequently spoken language in Ifrane.

Swiss-inspired chalets and trout tagine in Morocco's mountains

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Mandy Sinclair Omar Chennafi & Al Akhawayn University It's evocative of an idyllic snow globe scene, with its Swiss-inspired architecture, snowy limestone plateaus, pristine lakes and lush cedar forests. A remote ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco, Ifrane, named after the Tamazight word for 'caves', is seemingly detached from the rest of Morocco, let alone the world.

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When To Visit

Climate

Before Your Travel

Time Zone ( GMT )

Florence Time Zone : GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October)

Visa

Visa is not required for residents of Australia, Malaysia & Singapore for stays up to 90 days.

Electricity

Electricity in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug. Most hotels provide adapters.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink in Florence

Language

Italian is the official language. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.

International Access Code

Dialing Code to Italy : (+39)
1. Walking
Planning to visit Florence?
2. Bus
Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. It is possible to walk from one end of the historic center of Florence to the other - North-South or East-West in a half hour.

Another way of getting around is by using the public buses from ATAF. A day ticket costs €5 and a 3 day ticket costs €12. A four-ride ticket costs €4.50. You can buy tickets at tabacchi store.

Tommy Ooi's Traveling Tips

Some of the streets in central Florence are closed off to traffic, and many more are simply too narrow for buses to get through. Therefore, bus and car tours are not recommended.

Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it also offers the chance to experience local life.

Important for Travelers : Bus Tickets can be bought from tabacchi which is tobacco store (look for the 'T" signs outside).

Arriving Florence

Amerigo Vespucci International Airport

1. Ataf-Sita "Vola in Bus"

Service costs €6.00 one way, every half an hour between the airport and the central train station from 5:30AM to 8PM, then once an hour afterwards.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport

Pisa airport and Florence are connected by rail and by bus. Both leave from and arrive at the main entrance to the airport. The bus station in Florence is immediately across the street from the main railroad station, "Firenze SMN".

The train costs €5.70, the bus costs €6 one way & €10 return. The buses run more often. Some trains do not arrive at the main railroad station, and others require a change at Pisa Centrale.

By Train

The main railway station is the Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Other small stations are Firenze Campo Marte (near Florence Stadium) and Firenze Rifredi.

If you take an Intercity train to Florence, you may need to change at Rifredi for another train to Firenze S.M.N.

10 Must Visit Florence Attractions ( coming soon )

Florence Hotels Review ( coming soon )

Dining in Florence ( coming soon )

Check Out by Tommy Ooi

Disclaimer :

All the information above is correct upon published & is subject to change without further notice. Please make an effort to double check. Neither the author nor owner will be liable for any damage or lost caused.

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Time Zone ( GMT ) Florence Time Zone : GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October) Visa Visa is not required for residents of Australia, Malaysia & Singapore for stays up to 90 days. Electricity Electricity in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz.

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When To Visit

Climate

Before Your Travel

Time Zone ( GMT )

Rome Time Zone : GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October)

Visa

Visa is not required for residents of Australia, Malaysia & Singapore for stays up to 90 days.

Electricity

Electricity in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug. Most hotels provide adapters.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink in Rome

Language

Italian is the official language. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.

International Access Code

Dialing Code to Italy : (+39)

Planning to go Rome?

Getting around Rome is easy & convenient with its efficient public transport system such as metro and buses.

Just print a Rome Metro Map and you are all set to go!

Download pdf version : Rome Transport Map

Tommy Ooi's Traveling Tips

A standard ticket or 1 way ticket cost €1. So you might consider to buy a 1 day B.I.G ticket instead for only €4 which is valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome.

Important for Travelers : Tickets (biglietti) can be bought from tabacchi which is tobacco store (look for the 'T" signs outside), newsstands, and at metro stations.

Arriving Rome

Fiumicino International Airport

1. Leonardo Express Train

Every 30 minutes to the central train station Roma Termini. Journey takes 35 mins. Beware that train arrives at Platform 25, which is a 400m walk from the main station.

Tickets cost €14 online while tickets sold at the departure platform are €15. Get your ticket stamped in a yellow validation machine just before using it. The ticket will expire 90 minutes after validation.

2. Metropolitan Train

The Metropolitan train (FL1 line) does not stop at Termini. Get off at Tiburtina Station or, before that, at Ostiense Station where you can connect to Line B of the Rome Metro.

Tickets are €8, plus €1.50 for a metro/tram ticket. Get your ticket stamped in a yellow validation machine just before using it.

3. Terravision Bus

One way ticket cost €6 or €11 round-trip. Journey takes 55 mins. Depart every 30 minutes from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre and return.
Terravision Bus Stop :
Fiumicino Airport - outside Terminal 3, bus parking n. 3

Rome Termini Station - Via Marsala n. 29 F/G - in front of Terracafè!

Note: For Terravision coaches from Termini to either airport, you must trade in your ticket for a "Boarding Pass". The €6 ticket is good for any bus in the day of purchase, but there's a limited number of seats available on each bus - and the Terravision office hands out these boarding passes on a first come, first served basis. Preferably to be 30 mins earlier or spare more time to airport.

For More Info : Terravision Bus

Ciampino International Airport

1. Terravision Bus

From airport to Rome City Center. 1 way ticket cost € 4 one-way or €8 round-trip. Journey takes approx. 40 min, with a service every 30 min

For More Info : Terravision Bus

Train

Rome's main railway station is Termini Station which is closed between 00:30 and 04:30. Most long-distance trains passing through Rome between these times will stop at Tiburtina station instead.

Other main stations include Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, Tiburtina.

Check Out by Tommy Ooi

Disclaimer :

All the information above is correct upon published & is subject to change without further notice. Please make an effort to double check. Neither the author nor owner will be liable for any damage or lost caused.

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Time Zone ( GMT ) Rome Time Zone : GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October) Visa Visa is not required for residents of Australia, Malaysia & Singapore for stays up to 90 days. Electricity Electricity in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz.

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MÉXICO.- México es uno de los países más bellos del mundo, ya que en él lo encuentras todo: deliciosa gastronomía, todo tipo de orografía y clima, una riqueza inigualable en cuanto a flora y fauna, contraste de ideologías, una fusión entre tradiciones y modernización, un crisol de culturas prehispánicas y mestizas, magníficos hoteles y lugares donde hospedarte y, por supuesto, la calidez y grandeza de sus habitantes.

1. Cascadas de Hierve el Agua, Valle de Mitla, Oaxaca
Hierve el Agua es un sistema de cascadas petrificadas, formadas por carbonato de calcio. Las cascadas son de origen natural y se formaron hace miles de años por el escurrimiento de agua con alto contenido de minerales. El lugar se ubica a unos 50 km de la ciudad de Oaxaca, en la población de San Isidro Roaguía, municipio de San Lorenzo Albarradas, estado de Oaxaca, en México, en las cercanías de la zona arqueológica de Mitla y a 630 km de la Ciudad de México.
7. Cenotes de Yucatán
Cenote es un término que sÓlo se utiliza en México y que proviene de la palabra maya "dzonot", que significa "abismo"; son pozos de agua dulce creados por la erosión de la piedra caliza, suave y porosa, pero para el mundo maya, eran fuentes de vida que proporcionaban el líquido vital, además de ser una entrada a las maravillas del otro mundo y el centro de comunión con los dioses.

Podrás conseguir más información en el portal de Fomento Turístico del estado de Yucatán.

9. La iglesia sepultada por el Paricutín, el volcán más joven del mundo en Michoacán
La inesperada erupción del volcán mexicano Paricutín, en 1943, hizo desaparecer por completo a dos pequeños poblados. Sólo la Iglesia de San Juan Parangaricutiro, pudo resistir apenas el embate del volcán, quedando semienterrada bajo la lava, como mudo testigo de lo ocurrido. Desde entonces, sus ruinas se han transformado en un atractivo turístico por encontrarse muy cerca del volcán más joven del mundo.
11. Las pirámides de Chichén Itzá en Yucatán
Chichen Itzá, es uno de los principales sitios arqueológicos de la península de Yucatán, ubicado en el municipio de Tinum, en el estado de Yucatán.
Una de las "Maravillas del mundo moderno". Y la ciudad-estado más importante de la cultura Maya, que cuenta con una historia basta y rica en tradiciones tanto culturales, está ciudad fue construida con una precisión

La arquitectura masiva que ha llegado hasta nuestros días y que hoy es emblemática del yacimiento, tiene una clara influencia tolteca. El dios que preside el sitio, según la mitología maya, es Kukulcán, representación maya de Quetzalcóatl, dios tomado del panteón de la cultura tolteca.

Visita la página web de la Secretaría de fomento turístico de Yucatán ( SEFOTUR ).
12. Manantiales y dunas de yeso en Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila
Cuatrociénegas es uno de los 38 municipios del estado de Coahuila, en el norte de México. Se localiza en la Región Centro Desierto de Coahuila, y posee una importante reserva ecológica, que es el hogar de varios organismos endémicos.

Su cabecera municipal es la ciudad de Cuatrociénegas de Carranza.

Cuatrociénegas fue escogida por los primeros colonos en virtud de los manantiales de la zona, que forman áreas extensas de pantanos y lagos. Su cabecera es la ciudad de Cuatrociénegas de Carranza. Se le dio este nombre porque ahí nació Venustiano Carranza el 29 de diciembre de 1859, el cual fue el undécimo hijo del coronel Jesús Carranza y de María de Jesús Contreras.

Visita la página web de la secretaría de turismo del estado de Coahuila.

16. Museo Subacuático de Arte en Cancún, Quintana Roo
El Museo Subacuático de Arte o MUSA es un museo ubicado bajo el mar del Caribe mexicano, en Cancún e Isla Mujeres. Fue fundado en el 2009 por el Dr. Jaime González Cano, director del Parque Nacional Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc; Roberto Díaz Abraham, ex-presidente de Asociados Náuticos de Cancún (ANC); quienes contactaron al escultor británico Jason decires Taylor para iniciar la colección; pero no fue hasta noviembre de 2010 su inauguración oficial desde la cual ha generado más de 36 millones de dólares anuales en turismo.
17. Biósfera del Cielo, en Tamaulipas
La reserva de la biósfera llamada El Cielo, es una reserva con 144 mil 530 hectáreas de extensión, reconocida por Naciones Unidas desde 1987, ubicada en el estado de Tamaulipas es el área protegida más importante del noreste de México.

Con cuatro ecosistemas que aún se mantienen en estado primigenio, la abundancia de distintas especies de fauna y flora, muchas de ellas endémicas, hacen que El Cielo sea un paraíso sin paralelo, razón por la cual diversos científicos, como zoólogos, ornitólogos, botánicos, etcétera, con frecuencia realizan estudios en esta singular zona.

En 1985, el gobierno de Tamaulipas la decretó como área protegida, busca más información dentro del portal de la Secretaría de turismo del estado de Tamaulipas.
25. Travesía por las islas del Mar de Cortés en Baja California Sur
El Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) festejará el próximo 14 de julio, 10 años de considerar a las 244 islas del Mar de Cortés como "Patrimonio Mundial" por la UNESCO.

Viajar al mar de Cortés y explorar sus cautivadoras islas es una manera excelente de conocer la magia silvestre de nuestro país, aprender a valorarla y preservar al máximo sus encantos. Una posible excursión por estas regiones de Baja California Sur, se puede desarrollar en cinco días, utilizando cada jornada en explorar una isla diferente.

El mar de Cortés tiene una longitud de 1203 km y su anchura varía entre los 92 y 222 kilómetros. En su extremo norte se encuentra la desembocadura del río Colorado y comprende los estados de Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora y Sinaloa.

En México existen lugares que han preservado su legado histórico y cultural a través del tiempo y hoy en día la Secretaría de Turismo y otras instancias gubernamentales los reconocen como Pueblos Mágicos, aquí en POSTA te invitamos a que los visites.

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Las 25 maravillas de México que tienes que conocer

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MÉXICO.- México es uno de los países más bellos del mundo, ya que en él lo encuentras todo: deliciosa gastronomía, todo tipo de orografía y clima, una riqueza inigualable en cuanto a flora y fauna, contraste de ideologías, una fusión entre tradiciones y modernización, un crisol de culturas prehispánicas y mestizas, magníficos hoteles y lugares donde hospedarte y, por supuesto, la calidez y grandeza de sus habitantes.

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A vaulted, breezy martini bar is something to come home to.

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Located in the heart of Europe, Germany today maintains the continent's most powerful economy. However it is probably best known for its World War II history and the country's even more recent times when it was split into East and West; everybody knows about the Berlin Wall, which came down less than 30 years ago. There's a load of culture, natural beauty, and much older history to discover in this large European nation.

You'll find much of this in Bavaria, southern Germany, where you can soak up the Bavarian Alps, explore some truly charming medieval towns, and get involved in the infamous Oktoberfest. In the north, you can explore beaches and old port towns from the Hanseatic period. Berlin wows with its famous clubs and huge museums, as does Frankfurt with its skyscraper-laden cityscape. Then there's everything in between, offering a chance to really get into the nitty-gritty of Germany. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Germany:

See also

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber sits on a plateau overlooking the Tauber river in Bavaria. Straight from the pages of a fairy tale, this Franconian town is famous for its extremely well preserved medieval center. The town itself is small and easily traversable on foot. Be sure to visit the Town Hall, the seat of city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall's tower for stunning views of the city. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

Located in the Baltic Sea, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway. Charming villas, romantic seaside resorts and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the Jasmund National Park, famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 528 feet (161 meters) over the sea. Another notable feature of Rugen Island is Cape Arkona, East Germany's northernmost tip, where tourists can visit an old lighthouse, remnants of a Slavic castle and a picturesque fishing village.

8. Romantic Rhine

Stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape dotted with some 40 medieval castles, picturesque villages and terraced vineyards. The region's most famous natural attraction is the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which features a large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century. The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine is by a riverboat cruise.

Read more: Great Day Trips from Frankfurt

Situated on the Rhine River in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is one of the most popular places to visit in Germany. The city offers a vibrant array of attractions, buzzing nightlife and a stellar arts and culture scene. Cologne also packs impressive landmarks such as the city's informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church. Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches are magnificent examples of medieval architecture.

Read more: Top Cologne Attractions

Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much of its former glory. The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden offers a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral. The city also boasts many cultural institutions of which the Semper Opera is most widely esteemed.

Read more: Top Dresden Attractions

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lübeck is located in the country's northern-most state, Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in 1143, Lübeck served for several centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League. Although it was the first German city to be bombed and damaged during World War II, Lübeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. A walk through the narrow streets of the Altstadt offers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall and the old city gates of which the Holstentor is the most famous.

Read more: Top Lubeck Attractions

With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction. The city center's main street, Haupstrasse, is packed with pubs, restaurants, museums, art galleries, shops and markets selling the likes of beer steins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages. Home to Germany's oldest university, Heidelberg's long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher's Walk, a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors.

Read more: Heidelberg Attractions

The most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, is also one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Nestled among the breathtaking beauty of the Bavarian Alps near the town of Fussen, this fairy-tale castle served as the inspiration behind Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Constructed in the late 1800s, Neuschwanstein Castle was never built for defense purposes as most castles. Instead, this castle was created as a fanciful retreat King Ludwig II of Bavaria who had a reputation for abiding in daydreams instead of reality.

Best known as the origin of the world famous Oktoberfest, Munich is one of the best places to visit in Germany with a great culture scene. Munich is home to several sophisticated opera houses and theaters like the National Theatre. The city center is an attractive blend of classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and nightlife venues. Munich's Oktoberfest began in 1810 with a royal wedding celebration. Today, this famous beer festival draws millions of visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer tents, delicious Bavarian food and millions of liters of beer.

Read more: Top Munich Attractions

A federal state and the capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeing attractions, culture and nightlife. Many tourists are drawn to Berlin's famous historic structures, which include the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Although most of the Berlin Wall was demolished, there are some portions still standing near Checkpoint Charlie and Reichstag.

Read more: Top Berlin Attractions

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Located in the heart of Europe, Germany today maintains the continent's most powerful economy. However it is probably best known for its World War II history and the country's even more recent times when it was split into East and West; everybody knows about the Berlin Wall, which came down less than 30 years ago.

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Flashing neon signs. Route 66. Road trips and rebellious runaways. The roadside motel is an undisputed American icon that prospered with the growth of auto travel in the 50s and 60s on the wide-open highways of the USA.

Sure, their reputation is still shrouded by 'no tells'- selling rooms by the hour dotted along the highways, kitted out with polyester everything and grimly buzzing fluorescents. But now, thanks to a breed of design savvy moteliers, a crop of motor inns have been reimagined as 'boutique motels'.

Case in point: the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, the blockbuster of boutique motels. It may have the skeleton of a motel: a low-rise building, patios, a diner and communal pool - but it's owned by one of the coolest hotel groups on the planet and carries with it Ace's distinctive, casual taste. This is a high design but affordable pit stop.

And, it's not the only one. For those looking to go road trippin' in the USA, read on for our pick of the best boutique motels.

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The USA's Coolest Boutique Motels | SUITCASE Magazine

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Flashing neon signs. Route 66. Road trips and rebellious runaways. The roadside motel is an undisputed American icon that prospered with the growth of auto travel in the 50s and 60s on the wide-open highways of the USA.

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So while our first impression of Helsinki from afar was a bit lackluster, our idea of the city changed rapidly after just a few hours in the Finnish capital. What an amazing city! Being in Helsinki feels like a perfect blend of Scandinavia in one city.

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Since flights can represent the biggest part of your trip expenses, finding that hidden cheap deal can be just as important as finding the right destination, the right tour company, the right backpack, or the right place to stay. After all, if a flight is too expensive, you aren't going anywhere - and today I am going to help you master how to find a cheap flight. These are the exact steps I follow. If you follow them too, you'll never be the person on a flight who paid the most for their ticket!

First, know that there are many reasons why flights are expensive. Bankruptcy has meant that airlines, which are under pressure to make a profit, can't reduce fares as much, and limited competition gives them less incentive to do so. Additionally, since airlines have slashed routes and capacity, they are flying full planes. Fuller planes also means less incentive to reduce fares. And though oil prices have fallen substantially, airlines aren't going to lower fares, because for the first time in a long time, they are making money and they don't want to stop! (More: Why your airfare is so expensive.)

But that doesn't mean the deck is fully stacked against you. Every day the airlines have thousands of killer deals - from mistakenly published cheap fares to normal deals to slashed prices to compete with another airline. Cheap fares are out there if you know how to find them.

Here is my 13-point guide to easily finding cheap flights, based on over ten years of travel and thousands of flights flown.

1. Ignore the myths

There are many myths online about finding cheap flights. They will lead you astray. The first thing to know about finding a cheap flight is there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. So let me first say: it is NOT cheaper to buy airfare on a Tuesday, there is NO evidence that searching incognito leads to cheaper deals, and there is NO exact date or specific time period in which to book your airfare.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates and times

Airline ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, and upcoming holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July. August is a big month for traveling around Europe, and everyone wants to go somewhere warm in the winter or travel when the kids are out of school.

If you are going to fly when everyone is flying, then you're going to pay higher fares. Try to be flexible with your dates. If you are dead-set on visiting Paris, go to Paris in the spring or fall when fewer people visit and airfares are cheaper.

Moreover, it's always cheaper to fly during the middle of the week than on a weekend, because most people travel on the weekends and airlines hike their prices then. Prices are also cheaper if you fly after a major holiday. Early-morning or late-night flights are cheaper because fewer people want to travel then (who wants to wake up early?!). The difference of one day can mean hundreds of dollars in savings.

That is why this is my #1 tip on finding cheap flights. You'll save the most money if you fly when no one else is flying. You may have always longed for Paris in the summer but so has everyone else and the airlines price accordingly. They know when a festival, holiday, major sports event, or school break is coming up. They aren't dumb - and they raises prices accordingly.

Be flexible when you fly and you'll start way ahead of everyone else!

3. Be flexible with your destinations

If you can't be flexible when you fly, at least be flexible with where you fly. It's best to be both, but if you really want to save the most money on a flight, you should at least do one!

Airline search engines have made it really easy to search the entire world to find the cheapest ticket - you no longer have to search manually. Kayak offers the "Explore" tool that allows you to put in your home airport and see a map of the world with all the flights on it; Google Flights also has a similar (and better) feature. If you are flexible with where you want to go (i.e., anywhere but home), these are wonderful tools to start your planning with. It looks like this:

Step 1: Go to Google Flights and click the map:

Step 2: Put in your dates and home airport and enjoy all your options! 🙂

The truth about airfare is that there's always a deal to some destination, and if you're flexible on where you want to go, you'll be able to find and use that deal.

When you are locked into one place at one time, you are stuck with whatever price shows up. No voodoo can change that. BUT when you become flexible, suddenly the entire world opens up to you and you'll find amazing cheap airfare!

4. Fly budget carriers

Years ago, if you wanted to fly between continents, you were mostly stuck with traditional expensive airlines. That's no longer true. Budget airlines now service many long-haul routes, making it possible to bounce around the world for little money. Norwegian Airlines allows you to fly between Europe and Bangkok for about $250 each way. WOW air is introducing cheap flights to Iceland and Europe from the United States for as little as $99. AirAsia offers crazy-cheap deals around Asia and Australia for as little as $100 each way. You can find even tickets from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur for $30 USD. Indian and Middle Eastern airlines offer cheap flights throughout the subcontinent and Africa. You can fly most of the way around the world on a budget airline!

In America, there are only a handful of budget airlines. But in Europe and Asia, there are more, and competition has kept prices there low. Many times, these low-cost airlines offer no-fare tickets - you pay just the taxes.

Flying the budget airlines is a good alternative to flying "the majors" whenever possible. You get fewer perks, but you can save a bundle in price.

Just be sure to watch out for fees. That's how they make money, so if you don't follow their rules, you'll get hit with a gigantic fee! Budget airlines will charge you for checked bags, carry-ons, printing your boarding pass, using a credit card, and anything else they can get away with. Be sure to add up the cost of the ticket AND the fees to make sure that the price is lower than a larger carrier.

Whenever I am not flying a long, overnight flight, I fly these airlines as much as possible. The best budget airlines are Southwest, Spirit, Ryanair, WOW, Norwegian, Tiger Airways, flyDubai, and AirAsia.

(Pro tip: If you aren't a junkie like me and know which budget airlines fly where, visit your destination airport's website to get a list of airlines that fly there.)

5. Don't always fly direct

Not only does it help to be flexible with dates and destinations but try being flexible with the route you take, too. Sometimes it's cheaper to fly to London and take a budget airline to Amsterdam than to fly direct to Amsterdam. There are so many budget carriers around the world that taking advantage of a good deal to another city and then hopping on a budget flight to your destination is sometimes the best way to go. I had to go to Paris once; the flight was $900 USD, but I could fly to Dublin for $600 and get a $60 flight to Paris. It meant more flying time, but the $240 I saved was worth it.

To do this, I find out how much it is to go direct to my destination. Then I open Google Flights and type in that destination's continent to look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

By working various airlines and special offers, you can save a lot. This method is not for everyone, however. It is more work, as you have to figure out lots of different routes and check different airlines. But it will shave some money off your flight, giving you more to spend at your destination.

6. Remember, all search engines aren't equal

You need to search as many flight search websites as you can in order to ensure you are leaving no stone unturned. Many search sites don't list budget carriers because those airlines don't want to pay a booking commission while others don't list booking sites that aren't in English!

It's important to check a few sites before you book, as you'll often see variations in prices, and you don't want to miss a deal. The best search engines are the ones that have no affiliation with any airline and make their money via advertising, not bookings. But all websites have their weaknesses and do not include every airline. As mentioned, you aren't going to find AirAsia, Ryanair, or most other budget airlines on large sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Orbitz. US booking sites also tend to not have the obscure foreign airlines that you see on international sites like Skyscanner or Momondo. Booking sites have blind spots - they don't cover every region of the world and every airline equally.

Remember - there is no perfect airline search engine. Even the best have their faults. My favorites are:

Momondo

Google Flights (This is also the best site for searching multiple cities)

ITA Matrix

Skyscanner

Kayak

I start all my searches with Momondo because it searches all major AND budget airlines, non-English websites, English websites, and everything in between. I've been using them since 2008 and they vet all the sites they link to as they have strict criteria on who the operate with. Momondo is one of the most comprehensive booking sites out there, they have the lowest price 99% of the time, and it's the search engine all the other travel experts I know use too. So while the others are good and should not be ignored, Momondo should be your starting point!

7. Take advantage of student discounts

If you are a student (or under 26), there are many, many discounts available to you. There are a lot of student discount codes out there, and travel agencies like STA Travel or Flight Centre can help find you a cheap ticket.

8. Sign up for a frequent flier program and travel hack

Airline rewards programs are a great way to get free flights, free upgrades, and free companion tickets. No matter how often you fly, you should be signed up for the airline's reward program. I stick to US-based airlines since they are involved in all the major alliances and you can earn miles on their partner flights. For example, if I fly Singapore Airlines, I can earn United Airlines miles because they are partners. Likewise, if I fly Air France, it's credited to my Delta rewards account. This way I am always earning miles when I fly. However, if you aren't from the United States, simply use an airline from your home country that is involved in one of these alliances.

Moreover, by collecting points and miles (the art of "travel hacking"), you can travel around the world for very little (and often free). These programs are easy to use, and there are a lot of other ways to earn miles if you aren't jet-setting around the world all the time:

Watch for special offers - I sign up for company newsletters because they often have featured offers not found on an airline's website. This could be triple miles on a selected route or as simple as Starwood's recent promotion - I signed up for their newsletter and got 250 SPG (Starwood's Preferred Guest) points. American Airlines once gave away 1,000 points for installing a shopping toolbar into your web browser. These bonuses don't go into the high tens of thousands, but you can get something over a long period of time by doing virtually nothing. They do add up.

Get a travel rewards credit card - By getting a travel rewards credit card (like an airline-branded card or a general points card, such as Chase Sapphire), you can can earn miles and perks, like free baggage checks and priority boarding. Moreover, these cards come with huge sign-up bonuses (whether you are American or live in another country, they all do!) that often equal one free round-trip flight!

Use airline shopping portals - All airlines, hotels, and travel brands have preferred merchants. These companies - ranging from clothing retailers to sporting good stores to office supply businesses and everything in between - partner with airlines' special shopping malls. By ordering online through an airline's website, you can earn additional points.For example, I once registered for Netflix through American Airlines' website because it gave me an additional 5,000 miles. I went to Target through Chase's online shopping mall and earned three points per dollar spent. I did my shopping for my apartment online with K-Mart via American Airlines' portal and received nine miles per dollar spent instead of just the one I would have gotten if I walked into the store.You can use Evreward or Cash Back Monitor to discover the current best deals across various programs. Simply type in the merchant or product you want, and it will compile a list of bonuses the various point programs are offering at that moment so can you maximize the programs to purchase from. (Outside the United States, Canada has two shopping portals: Shop.ca and The Aeroplan eStore. If you are in the UK, there is also a shopping portal at British Airways eStore.)

Dining rewards programs - Just like shopping portals, airlines also have dining rewards programs. You sign up with your frequent flier number, register your credit card, and get extra points when you dine at participating restaurants in the airline's network (which rotate throughout the year). Join one of the programs in the Rewards Network (they run all the dining programs) so you can get five miles per dollar spent once you became a "VIP member," which happens after 12 dines. So if you get those 12 under your belt (so to speak) early in the year, for the rest of the year you'll be getting five points per dollar spent!

In the movie Up in the Air, George Clooney's character said, "I don't do anything if it doesn't benefit my miles account." Think like that.

---> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAXIMIZING AND GAINING POINTS FOR FREE FLIGHTS

9. Join a mailing list

No one likes to clutter up their inbox, but by signing up for mailing lists from airlines and search engines, you'll be able to get updates about all the last-minute or special deals that are happening. Many times, the cheap flights are only available for 24 hours, and if you aren't always checking the web for them, you will miss out on many of the super cheap deals. I would have missed out on a round-trip ticket to Japan for $700 USD (normally $1,500) if I wasn't on American Airlines' mailing list. Additionally, they offer frequent flier bonuses, and those deals have also gotten me free business-class tickets. These three websites are the best to stay on top of travel deals:

Airfarewatchdog

The Flight Deal

Holiday Pirates

10. Search ticket prices as one person

Don't search for or buy multiple tickets in a single purchase. Airlines always show the highest ticket price in a group of tickets. For example, if you are a family of four and searching for four seats, the airline will find four seats together and show your fare based on the highest ticket price. So if seat A is $200, seats B and C are $300, and seat D is $400, it will price those tickets as $400 each instead of adding up the individual ticket prices. Therefore, always search for tickets as a single person. Afterwards, in the checkout process, you can pick your seats so you and your family are sitting together.

11. Look for tickets in other currencies

If your country's currency is currently strong compared to others around the world, search airfare in a country where the currency is weaker. For example, the US dollar is strong and the New Zealand currency is weak. I found a one-way flight from Australia to NYC for $1,000 USD but when I searched on the NZ version of the airline, I found the same ticket for $600 USD. It's the same airline, same flight, and same booking class. It was just booked in a different currency. This tip does not always work, but it works often enough that it's something worth trying if your currency is currently doing well.

( Tip: Always use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card to avoid paying a surcharge.)

12. Know your price

People always try to get the lowest price online, wait too long (or book too early), and then pay too much. We all know airline prices always bounce up and down, yet in our quest to hold out just a little longer, most of us miss the lowest price. Therefore, it's important to know what you want to pay, not what you hope to pay. What's the lowest price for YOU? What do you feel comfortable paying? Don't wait for the perfect price - wait for YOUR price. Be realistic too. If the lowest available price is $1,000 for a flight but the average is $1,500, don't try to wait for $900, as it's probably not going to get that low. You will never have buyer's remorse if you find a price point you are comfortable with. No two people on a flight pay the same price, so all you can do is hope you get the price you feel good about.

13. Book early, but not too early

Airline fares will keep rising, but there is a sweet spot when the airlines begin to either lower or increase fares based on demand. Don't wait until the last second but don't book far, far in advance either. The best booking window is 6-8 weeks before your flight, or around three months before if you are going to your destination during peak season.

****Finding a cheap flight is about being flexible and smart in where you go, when you go, and how you get there. Follow the tips above, but don't waste forever finding a cheap flight. If you're spending more than an hour booking a flight, you're spending too much time. I never second-guess myself on flights. You'll go crazy if you do. Spend 30-40 minutes finding and booking a cheap flight at a price you're OK paying, and move on with your life.

If you follow the tips above, you'll get a great deal and avoid being the person who paid the most for a ticket!

Find Cheap Flights Today

I start all my searches with Skyscanner because they search all major AND budget airlines, non-English websites, English websites, and everything in between. Even if you aren't sure your plans, it's best to start searching for flights today. People who wait to book are people who end up spending the most.

READ NEXT --> 5 Step-by-Step Instructions to Booking Cheap Airfare
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or my status as an affiliate, please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

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How To Always Find Cheap Flights in 2018 | Nomadic Matt

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Since flights can represent the biggest part of your trip expenses, finding that hidden cheap deal can be just as important as finding the right destination, the right tour company, the right backpack, or the right place to stay.

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Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love its brick buildings, open skyline, rich history, and relaxed, easy going attitude towards life. Over the years, I've visited Amsterdam more times than I can count (I'm bad at math) and have spent countless hours walking the city, making friends with locals, and getting under its skin.

Amsterdam has so much to do that, even after so many visits, I still find new things to do and see. The city deserves more than just the few (and often smoke filled) days travelers give it, but if a few days is all you have and you want to make the most of it, this is the itinerary I would give to someone looking to get a good overview and feel for what makes Amsterdam so special:

Day 1

Day 2

The Tulip Museum

Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little basement museum does a wonderful job of telling the history of tulips in Holland and the infamous tulip craze. It's one of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in Amsterdam. You'll never find a crowd, and it's only 5 euros (3 euros for students)!

Day 3

FOAM

This photography museum houses wonderful pictures and sees few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. It's a must for any photography lover. The exhibitions are constantly changing so you never know what you might see! They have a beautiful outdoor garden too. It's a small museum and doesn't take long to see.

Day 4

The Heineken Experience

This museum used to be a lot better when it was cheaper and they offered more beer. It's not a working brewery, and in comparison to the Guinness Museum in Dublin, it's lame. But the price of admission buys you three beers and you'll learn a bit of the history of Heineken (which I enjoyed since I drink a lot of their beer). It's not a must-see, but it's not a must-avoid either.

Some other sites in Amsterdam worth visiting

Don't like the above? No problem! Below are some of my other favorite activities to do in Amsterdam

Waterlooplein Flea Market - This open-air market is like a giant flea market - everything and everyone can be found here. People sell secondhand clothes, hats, antiques, gadgets, and much more. You can also find new and unused items. If there's something you want, you'll probably find it here. Open Monday to Saturday.

Day trip to Haarlem - Just a quick train (or bike) ride from Amsterdam, Harleem is a quiet Dutch town that has a beautiful central church, great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds.

Visit Noord - Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up and coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it's cheap), cool markets and restaurants have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It's the new hip place to be! Be sure to visit the famous EYE, Amsterdam's film institute.

The Amsterdam library - The city's library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It's gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It's one of my favorite places to relax in the city. It's quiet, peaceful, and there's nothing like reading a good book with a great view!

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam - Like modern art? Well, I don't but if you do, this is the place in the city to see it!

Foodhallen - Located in Amsterdam west, this place is what the name implies - a food hall! This indoor food market has various vendors serving a variety of delicious food. It's like food trucks in one location. Personal favorites include Viet View, Le Big Fish, and Friska.

Houseboat Museum - This museum will show what it's like to live in a houseboat! It doesn't take long to see and only costs a few Euros.

Take a drug tour - This two-hour walking tour highlights the history of the city's relationship with drugs. It's designed to dispel the myths and perceptions of drugs in Amsterdam and Dutch society. It's a very "pro-drug" tour, so go with an opinion mind. Or just for a history lesson. Tours are every Friday at 6pm; reserve by emailing [email protected] Must be 18+ years old.

Take an alternative art tour - This is a really unique tour that I took this year. I was blown away by it. You get to see the city's street art in alleyways, squats, and independent galleries while you learn about Amsterdam's alternative side and underground and immigrant culture. It's really fabulous. All the people I took on it loved it. Tours are private and require at least four people. Visit Alltournative Amsterdam for more!

Erotic Museum - This museum is located in the middle of Amsterdam's Red Light District (where else would it be?) and looks at eroticism in all its forms through the ages and includes sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork. It's similar to Sex Museum Amsterdam but focuses more on the "art" side of nudity and sex.

Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum - Only a 5-minute walk from Dam Square, this museum presents information about the historical and modern use of cannabis for medicinal, religious, and cultural purposes. The exhibits focus heavily on how hemp can be used for agricultural, consumer, and industrial purposes.

ONE LAST AMSTERDAM TIP: Be sure to visit the city tourism office near central station. They have lots of information on free things to do, current events and activities, and discount passes and tickets you can use to save money! They are an underused resource by travelers!

Four days in any city is never enough time to really see it, but given Amsterdam's compact nature, it's definitely enough time to hit all the "major" attractions here. This four day Amsterdam itinerary will help you make the most of your stay in Amsterdam while getting you on and off the beaten path.

Want the real, most honest, straight to the point guide on Amsterdam?

Want to plan the perfect trip to Amsterdam? Check out my comprehensive guide to Amsterdam written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You'll find suggested itineraries tips budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, and my favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.

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How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam (Updated Itinerary)

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If a few days is all you have, here's an itinerary that will show you the best (and my favorite parts of) Amsterdam, featuring on and off the beaten track things to see and do as well as some travel tips!

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Whether you're just visiting or moving to Switzerland, there are many top Swiss attractions. Visit these top 10 places in Switzerland to experience the best of Switzerland's tourism.

Switzerland may be a small country but Switzerland's tourism is anything but miniscule. Soaring Alps and glaciers dominate the top Swiss places to visit - there are more than 200 peaks higher than 3,000m - alongside Switzerland's bucolic countryside, ancient castles, clear turquoise lakes and breathtaking mountain peaks in every direction. The top Swiss foods make travelling around Switzerland a regional surprise, and once you learn the top Swiss fact, it's easy to see this tiny country has a lot to offer.

To dive into Swiss tourism, you don't have to travel too far and an excellent Swiss transport system makes it affordable to see the best places in Switzerland. The Swiss countryside, lakes and mountains are beautiful anytime of year, from snow-capped mountain peaks and ice-skating on lakes to hiking through green fields or celebrating the top Swiss festivals, Swiss carnival or national Swiss holidays.

Those who want to experience this European gem will have no shortage of finding places to visit in Switzerland, and will feel safe travelling in this low-crime rate country, although a list of Swiss emergency numbers is always handy. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland you have to see to experience the best of Switzlerland's tourism.

1. Matterhorn, Zermatt

This pyramid shaped giant is arguably the most photographed mountain in the world and therefore, also Switzerland's most famous Alpine peak and a top place to visit in Switzerland. The Matterhorn in Zermatt stands at 4,478 metres high and draws mountaineers from all corners of the globe eager to conquer its ascent - some even daring to reach its summit. Cable cars frequently zip through the mountain station in Zermatt, the highest cable car station in the Alps, and take skiiers and snowboarders to surrounding mountains during the winter and hikers in the summer.

2. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux

Located in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the banks of Lake Geneva is Chillon Castle - the four-century old water fortress that served as the seat of the wealthy Counts of Savoy. Stroll by the lakeside or parade through its ancient halls where 14th century paintings, towers, subterranean vaults, bedrooms, weaponry and furniture have been kept preserved in their original form. Chateau de Chillon consists of 25 building and three courtyards and is accessible by boat, bus or foot from the town of Montreux. This is one of the most visited historic buildings in Switzerland and certainly a top place to visit in Switzerland.

3. The Jungfrau Region

The Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland that has much to offer adventurers and those seeking a quieter retreat. The 'big three' - glacial monoliths Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger - tower over rolling green meadows and winding mountain paths, making for truly enchanting views that embody the best of Swiss tourism.

In its middle lies Interlaken, a rustic town that has become a popular starting point for travellers in the region. From there you can visit the Jungfrajoch's highlights, such as the towns of Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. Hike or take a scenic train trip to the peaks of Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald-First, Schynigge Platte or Schilthorn and treat yourself to panoramic views you won't soon forget.

4. Swiss National Park, Zernez

Switzerland's only national park is a spectacle not to be overlooked. A throwback to how the Alps was before it was touched by tourism, the Schweizerischer Nationalpark features 172 square kilometres of unspoilt scenery from snow-encrusted glaciers, verdant pastures, waterfalls and lush woodlands, making it a top place to see in Switzerland. A total of 21 hiking routes crawl through the park, giving visitors a chance to glimpse its magnificent flora and, if luck is on your side, perhaps even sight the rare golden eagles, chamois, ibexes and marmots that call it home. The park is easily accesible from Zernez, S-chanf and Scuol.

5. Lake Geneva and surrounding cities

Hugged by Geneva on the west and Lausanne on the east is Lake Geneva, a giant liquid basin that has been aptly called by the Celts ' Lem an' or 'Large Water'. It's now referred to as Lac Léman by the French-speaking Swiss who reside in the area, and the 582 square kilometre-lake is dotted with luxurious fairy-tale chateaus on its shores and stretches of hillside vineyards rise from the lake, giving a rare glimpse into the world of Swiss wines. Ferries, paddle streamers and boats paddle through its topaz waters daily.

The lake is a great starting point to explore Canton Vaud's wineries, Jura Mountains and Vaudoise Alps or the charming student city of Lausanne. Those seeking a more multicultural vibe can quickly hop to cosmopolitan Geneva, the centre of at least 200 international organisations and the United Nations. As the third biggest city in Switzerland, Geneva caters to a sophisticated crowd with elegant green spaces, enchanting museums and gourmet restaurants, yet maintains its grit with a lively alternative arts scene. One of the tallest fountains in the world, the Jet d'Eau, is Geneva's postcard photo. Read about the prettiest Swiss towns within two hours of Geneva.

6. Lugano

Travelling to Lugano shows Switzerland in a different light. Bordering Italy in the south, the Italian influence is undeniable in the Ticino region, from the local language, romantic villasand rich cuisine up to the warm summers. Although a landlocked country, the weather in southern Switzerland is tinged by rushes of warm Mediterranean air. Lugano is flush with museums and a number of heritage sites housed in neoclassical palazzos (grand buildings). The city stands north of the gorgeous Lago di Lugano ( Lake Lugano), an area frequented by celebrities which has been dubbed the 'Monte Carlo of Switzerland'.

7. Bern

Not many people know that the medieval city of Bern is Switzerland's capital - but once you step on its narrow cobblestoned streets, all doubts are sure to vanish. History sings in every corner of this city, especially in its Old Town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaic towers loom over Bern's sandstone facades, numerous fountains and entrenchments while arcades are filled with boutiques, bars, cafes and cabaret stages that are sometimes hidden within vaulted cellars. As the current seat of the Swiss parliament ( Bundeshaus), Bern is one of the most well-preserved historical centres in Switzerland. It boasts a stunning botanical garden, a colourful weekly market and access to the River Aare and the Bear Park, where a family of bears - the city's symbol - reside.

8. Lucerne

In the heart of Switzerland lies the lakeside city of Lucerne, another postcard-perfect town nestled among a mountainous panorama. Fortified towers, wooden bridges and timeworn churches festooned with antique frescoes have allowed the city to keep its traditional townscape, adding to the charm of this top place in Switzerland. Take pleasure in the thrilling views of the city proper and Lake Lucerne by riding up to the peak of neighbouring Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi or the Stanserhorn.

9. The Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, is a bewitching natural wonder of Swiss tourism. At the northernmost part of Switzerland near the town of Schaffhausen, the mighty falls roar from a breadth of more than 150 metres. Visitors can watch the spectacle from several viewing decks while those bold enough can rent their own canoes and travel to nearby castles Schloss Laufen and Schloss Wörth. On Swiss National Day, 1 August, the Rheinfall flaunts a senational firework display that attracts flocks of tourists.

10. Zurich

As the cultural hub of Switzerland, Zurich is not one to cross of your list of top Swiss places to see. Unbeknown to many, behind Zurich's metropolis, financial facade exists a pulsating nightlife with a contemporary edge. After all, Zurich hosts the Street Parade, one of Europe's biggest annual rave parties.

While the city has kept some of its historical roots - evident in the emblematic guild houses, Grossmünster church, Swiss National Museum and Lindenhof square - regeneration is supreme in wealthy Zurich. Old heritage sites and factories have been repurposed and now serve as cultural spaces, joining more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries to see in Zurich. Known as one of the world's most livable cities, Zurich offers everything you'd want for an urban escape, yet also the chance to reach rural, idyllic towns just a stone's throw away. Read about the prettiest Swiss towns within two hours of Zurich.

Travel abroad to more top European destinations:

Photo credit: rockyeda (Jungfrau region), bafac (Chillon castle), Hansueli Krapf (Swiss National Park), Dylan Marriott (the Matterhorn), Randi Hausken (Lugano), dicau58 (Lucerne), Petar Marjanovic (Zurich), bigbirdz (Alps thumbnail).

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Switzerland tourism: The best places to visit in Switzerland; visit these top Swiss attractions to see the best Switzerland tourism has to offer. | Special events and festivals in Switzerland, places to visit and ideas for activities, including where to sample the local cuisine, go shopping and keep fit.

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1. Beomeosa Temple

Nestled on the slope of the mountain Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa is an old Buddhist temple with a long history of 1,300 years. It was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom

The temple contains numerous cultural properties and relics such as the Three-story Pagoda and the main hall Daeungjeon.

Opening Hours

Daily 08:30~17:30

Getting there

By Metro & Bus : Exit 5 or 7, Beomeosa Station. Walk up a slope beside a bakery shop. Then take Bus No. 90.

Read My Blog Post : Beomeosa Temple

2. Jagalchi Fish Market

The Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea's most famous & largest seafood market. During your visit, you can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. One of the must visit Busan attractions.

Opening Hours

Daily 5am to 9pm

Getting there

By Metro : Jagalchi Station Line 1 - Exit 10. Walk 5 mins.
Read My Blog Post : Jagalchi Fish Market
3. Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) is 1.4 km long, 64m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. Around the beach, there are unique restaurants, cafes, and over 300 raw fish restaurants.

Nearby, Gwangan Bridge Korea's largest double-leveled bridge for cars only, is a must-see in Busan because of the illuminating lights that can produce over 100,000 colors matching the night view of the beach.

Getting there
Read My Blog Post : Gwangalli Beach
By Metro : Gwangan Station Line 2 - Exit 5. Walk 10 mins.

4. Taejongdae Resort Park

Taejongdae is a natural park of Busan, South Korea with magnificent cliffs facing the open sea on the southernmost tip of island of Yeongdo-gu.

The park was named after the 29th king of Silla Dynasty BC57~AD 935), King TaeJong Mu-Yeol (604~661). King TaeJong had traveled to many places but this was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows.

Admission Fees

Danubi Train Ticket Price : Adults 1,500 won / Youths 1,000 won / Children 600 won

Opening Hours

Daily 04:00am - 10:00pm
Read My Blog Post : Taejongdae Resort Park
Getting there

By Bus : From Busan Station, take city bus # 88 or 101. Get off at Taejongdae Park (10 min interval / 40 min ride).

5. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) is probably the most famous beach in the country. "Haeundae" was so named by scholar Choi Chi-Won (857~?) of the Silla Dynasty (BC 57~AD 935). When he was walking past Dongbaekdo Island, he was fascinated by it and left the carved words "Hae Un Dae" on a stone wall on the island.

Opening Hours

Every early July ~ late August (depends on the weather)

Getting there

By Metro : Exit 3 or 5, Haeundae Station Line 2. Walk 10 mins.

6. Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. The temple was first built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty. During the reign of Uwang, the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong established this temple beside the sea.

Opening Hours

Daily 04:00 - 19:00

Getting there

By Metro & Bus : Exit 7, Haeundae Station Line 2. Take bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple

7. Changseondong Meokja Golmok

This is a "Let's Eat" alley which offers a pleasure of eating snack cooked on the spot in the alley. Nowhere else can you find a place where you can have such a choice of delicious food.
Read My Blog Post : Changseondong Meokja Golmok
The Chungmu Kimbab (a sort of seaweed roll), bibimbab (cooked rice mixed with hot-pepper paste, vegetables and ground beef), and pajeon (Korean scallion pizza) are absolutely delicious.

Getting there

By Metro : Exit 7, Jagalchi Station Line 1. 200m to Gwabgbokro and turn right toward Changseonsamgeori. 10 mins walk. You can also start from PIFF square.

8. Busan Aquarium

The Busan Aquarium located at the entrance to Haeundae Beach, is an ultra high-tech submarine theme aquarium, contains over 35,000 species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians.

It offers visitors chances to experience everything about the underwater ecosystem.

Admission Fees

Adults (ages 19 and up): 19,000 won / Youths (ages 13-18): 17,000 won / Children (ages 3-12): 15,000 won

Opening Hours

Mon-Thu : 10:00-20:00 / Fri-Sun & Holidays: 09:00-22:00

Getting there

By Metro : Exit 3 or 5, Haeundae Station Line 2. Walk 10min towards Haeundae Beach.

9. Hur Shim Chung Spa

One of the oldest spas in Korea. The waters contain abundant magnesium, and temperature is around 55℃. This massive hot spring complex claims to be the largest in Asia with hot, tepid, cold and strawberry milk-filled baths, saunas, pools, and an outdoor section.

On the 3rd floor is a large jjimjilbang resting area, containing (among other things) a restaurant, a beauty salon, an oxygen room, and three 'igloos' heated to 81°C, 51°C and 0°C.

Admission Fees

Entry to the spa is ₩8,000, additional ₩2,000 on Sunday/holidays.

Opening Hours

Daily 5:30 - 22:00 (Entry allowed until 21:00)

Getting there

By Metro : Exit 1, Oncheonjang Station. Cross the street and make a beeline for Hotel Nong Shim, the spa is located opposite the hotel connected by a walkway. 10 mins walk.

For More Info : Hur Shim Chung Spa

Read My Blog Post : Hur Shim Chung Spa

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Disclaimer :

All the information above is correct upon published & is subject to change without further notice. Please make an effort to double check. Neither the author nor owner will be liable for any damage or lost caused.

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9 Must Visit Busan Attractions & Travel Guide

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Nestled on the slope of the mountain Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa is an old Buddhist temple with a long history of 1,300 years. It was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom The temple contains numerous cultural properties and relics such as the Three-story Pagoda and the main hall Daeungjeon.