Travel

Cuba is well-known for its Caribbean charm. The Latin country also offers a lot of beaches and some cultural history. Here are 5 best places to visit in Cuba.

1. The Old Centre of Havana

Havana is the capital city of Cuba and its old centre has been established since 1591 in the Spanish occupation. The streets of Havana are historically attractive with its neoclassical and Baroque architecture. Among the famous buildings are Plaza de la Cathedral and The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales on Plaza de Armas in which we can find the Christopher Columbus statue.

2. Vinales Valley

This place is popular for its cigar making industry. If you know more about the best export of Cuba, spending a day or two exploring this place is highly recommended. Its tobacco plantations are included in UNESCO World Heritage Site as it preserves the traditional agricultural technique. To learn about this cigar industry, you must also visit the nearby city of Pinar del Rio.

3. Varadero Beach

Almost everyone loves beaches. And the trip to Cuba will be a perfect one with its gorgeous Varadero Beach which offers you with its majestic sunshine. As one of the best resort in Cuba, this beach has many restaurants and hotels to keep you occupied during your day.

4. Zapata Peninsula

Zapata Peninsula is located on the south of Varadero. This wetland has been declared a Biosphere Reverse. This is the place for every wildlife lovers, in which you can find alligators and some wild birds, including the tiny bee hummingbird. You can also find other creatures like manatees and the rare manjuari fish.

5. The Heritage of Trinidad

Trinidad is the best place to learn about the history of Cuba where there are numerous museums spreading all over the city. Museo Historico Municipal and the Museo de Arquitectura Trinitaria can be found in the central square of the city, Plaza Mayor. Another attraction is Antigua Convento de San Francisco de Asis monument which has been established since centuries ago. From the top of its bell tower, you can enjoy the amazing view of Trinidad.

Click here for more information about travel destinations all over the world.
Source: www.puretravel.com

Only a few of you might think of going to any of the countries in Arabian Peninsula. But, not like what you think of any Arabian country, Dubai is different because this is the place of cosmopolitan culture. As one of the 7 emirates in UEA, Dubai is also the second oil rich emirate. It is also the largest gold traders, and dubbed the City of Gold. Are you curious yet? Here are 5 places you have to visit when you are in Dubai.

1. Malls of Dubai

There are many malls in Dubai that are worth visiting. Ibn Batutta Mall is build to commemorate the travel experiences of Ibn Batutta, an Arabic traveler. Mercato Mall is unique with its Tuscan and Venetian architecture plus the majesty of Renaissance. If you want a complete journey of entertainment, shopping, leisure, and food, come to Dubai Mall. For those who love Egyptian touch, Wafi Mall is the answer.

2. Desert Safari

The trip through the desert might be exciting for those loving adventure. You will be taken by wheels across the desert, and also camp as part of the safari. On a camp, you can enjoy the desert, the sky, and the entertainment including Mahendi artists, belly dancers, Tanaura dancers, camel ride, dune bashing on bikes, and Faconery. Plus, you will also taste the tasty Arabic cuisine.

3. Palm Jumeriah

Palm Jumeriah is three man-made islands, in the shape of palm tree. Pemandangannya yang indah menjadikan tempat ini favorit para skydiver. Pulau-pulau ini memiliki apartemen dan villa mewah, dan bahkan Atlantis Hotel yang megah.

4. Atlantis Hotel

Located in the palm-tree islands, this hotel is one of the must-visit places in Dubai. This 5-star resort uses the story of the lost kingdom of Atlantis as the theme. There are a lot of stunning attractions, including ambassador Lagoon, the Lost Chambers, the Dolphin Bay, and the Aquaventure waterpark.

5. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower, with the height of 828 meters. You will be able to enjoy both its magnificent architecture and the night glittering view of the city.

Source: www.expatsblog.com

Greece is the place everyone wants to visit. It has many too offer you, from the tasty cuisine, friendly people, to amazing places. Here are 5 best places to travel in Greece.

1. Delphi

You get both modern town and archeological site on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus. You will take two hours and a half from Athens. In the ancient era, this was the center of the Earth. If you wanna learn the past of Greece, this is the best place for you to visit.

2. Meteora

Meteora is 1200-meter cliffs located in villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki. Along the summit, you can find historic monasteries which were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom in 14th and 16th centuries.

3. Crete

Crete is the largest island of Greece. There are many things that will catch your eyes, from rugged mountains, beautiful coastline, and the countryside with its fantastic olive trees. Some outdoor cafes can be found in its metropolitan cities. If you like something archeological, this place also still has archaeological traces of the past inhabitants.

4. Athens

There is nothing to ask. This city is gorgeous with its widely known image as the birthplace of democracy and Western Civilization. The modern and historical things are blended together. Some of the most popular archeological ruins and monuments are the Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysos, Acropolis, and the Ancient Agora.

5. Greek Islands

Greek Island is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. It offers you with beautiful beaches, stunning ancient ruins, colorful harbor, and active volcanoes.
Source: www.touropia.com

Are you planning to go to Japan this year? Japan is always full of tourism destinations in each of the seasons. Some tourism campaign has been made by the government to boost the number of visitors. For anyone who never visited Japan before, this can be interesting. For those who was there once or twice, the changes made might be also fascinating for you.

Here are 5 must visit places in Japan in 2015.

1. Koya-san

If you want to see a mountainside forest with necropolis, monasteries, and temples inside, the answer will be Koya-san. This “Shangri-la” of Japan is the most sacred and pristine place in the country. You can stay at one of the lodgings at town and fell the religious traditional experience of the surroundings. This place is located in Wakayam Perfecture. Going here will detox all your stress out of the body.

2. Kanazawa

You can get both culture and history in Kanazawa. The best garden of Japan, Kenroku-en, can also be found here. Its samurai and geisha districts are also the best-preserved in all Japan. Located in Ishikawa Perfecture, Kanazawa is now easier to reach with the opening of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen line in March 2015.

3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Everybody knew the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, but not so many know about where is the memorial park. This memorial park is located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, and is built to memorize all the victims in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. This is also to give awareness to people about the danger of nuclear war as well as advocating peace. August 6th 2015 will be the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city, so it’s good for you to visit this place this year.

4. The Phoenix Hall, Byodo-in Temple

If you ask about what is the most beautiful building in Japan, the answer will be the Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in Temple. This building is printed at the back of a ¥10 coin if you want to check how magnificent it is. Built in Heian Period (710-1185), this wooden building is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The renovation of the hall located in Uji City, Kyoto is completed in 2014.

5. Himeji Castle

The best preserved samurai castle is Himeji Castle, which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. The castle is also known as “Shirasagi-jo”, which means White Heron Castle because it has beautiful white exterior and the look is like a heron taking flight. The renovation has been finished in March 2015, making the castle more magnificent in the sacred white.
Source: blog.gaijinpot.com

Are you planning to visit China? The most-populated country has a lot to offer you. Here are 5 cities that you must visit when you’re in China.

1. Beijing

If you want to see the remnants of the past, Beijing is the place for it. There are great tourist attractions here, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and Tian’anmen Square. Besides the majesty of the past, the modern buildings, like Olympic Village, shopping malls in Wangfujing Street, and entertainment center of Houhai are also must visited.

2. Shanghai

Shanghai can rival the modernity of Paris and New York with its Pudong Economic Zone skylines and amazing Huangpu River night scenes. The unique culture of Shanghai comes from colonial culture combined with the Chinese culture. In this city, we can find large collection of colonial architecture, combining both cultures. The few attractions here include Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, and Haungpu River Cruise.

3. Xi’an

In 221 BC, Xi’an was the capital of a united China, which made this city as the first capital of China. Many relic and historical sites become the most attractive things, which include Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda as the historical places for Buddhists, the Great Mosque, the Banpo Site (a prehistoric civilization museum), and the Ancient City Wall. This city is the window to ancient civilization of China.

4. Guilin

Guilin is known as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. In this city, there lie Yangshuo and Longsheng which have beautiful scenery. Backpackers love Yangshuo very much with its nice atmosphere and Western food and beer, while Longsheng is loved for its terraced rice paddies, and for its Zhuang and Yao ethnic culture.

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the most important economic centers of the world, with many fusions of culture. This city offers Chinese tradition which is side by side with British culture and remnants of colonial era. The shopping paradise of Hong Kong is one of the best in the world because it is tourist-friendly. For those searching for natural escape, Lantau Island can be the answer if you visit this city.

Source: www.chinahighlights.com

After knowing how to have budget traveling and backpacking in Europe, now let’s find out the amazing places in Europe that you must visit.

1. Bucharest, Romania

In Bucharest, we can enjoy the amazing combination of modern and historic architecture. The Parliament Palace is one of the most remarkable landmarks. Other cultural and architectural majesty includes Romanian Athenaeum (concert hall), National History Museum, and Bucharest University.

2. Bratislava, Slovakia

The capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava offers the majestic medieval greatness, with its amazing hilltop Castle. The lines of restaurants and bars can be fine in its narrow streets. The best places to visit are Slavin Memorial and Bratislava Castle. If you come at Christmas, you will find traditional market on the main square.

3. Skopje, Macedonia

It is the most diverse capital city in Europe, in which you can find comprehensive blend of Islamic and Christian cultures. This blend has made this city a unique and colorful city. The best historic structures and museums of Skopje can be found in Carsija neibourhood.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic. Many tourists agree that this town is one of the most beautiful towns in Eastern Europe due to its old town highlighted by the sparkle of the sea. The town which has huge number of amazing architecture, churches, museums, and sculptures, has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Walking along the city wall is a must thing to do where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and the Adriatic.

5. Orheiul Vechi, Moldova

Oreil Vechi Monastery is a cave monastery which was sculpted in a limestone cliff. This is really the best place to visit in Moldova. The nearby attractive spots include ethnographic museum in Butuncei, chilling views from the monasteries headquarters, and newly opened caves just across the valley.

6. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is best known for its old world relics, one example of which is the Kalemegden Citadel which keeps with it a bloody history. Exploring the cities tumultuous past and taking an underground tour will be the best way to experience the most of Belgrade.

7. Warsaw, Poland

Destroyed during the WWII, the capital of Poland can revive and rebuild the place until it’s like what we can see now. Warsaw tour will bring you to experience the Old Town with its historical buildings. Or, you can also visit Warsaw Rising Museum. However, for the present taste, Warszawa Powisle Station Bar can be the best option.

Source: www.lifehack.org

Backpacking in Europe is what everyone in the world wants. It’s like you are adult when you’ve been backpacking there. However, here are some of the tips you should read before starting your Europe backpacking journey.

Choose the Right Backpack

Choosing a good backpack is like an investment, no matter how long you will go. You should find a backpack which has strong internal frame (external frame can make the backpack looks bulky). You also need to consider the straps which are well-padded to help transfer the weight from the back/shoulder to the hip.

A front loading backpack which allows you to access the inside without needing to dig is better than the top loading. You have to choose backpack based on your body weight, shape, and height. Many people tend to choose bigger backpack but in fact it can cause pain and injury if it does not suit your body.

A backpack which is attached with smaller backpack is also a nice choice because it can make it easier for you to move from one place to another. If there are locks to secure your stuff, that will a plus point.

What to Pack

You need to bring clothes to wear under one week because during the traveling, you can laundry every one or two weeks. There are some ways to pack and you can choose based on your preferences. Remember the season of the place you visit. Is Europe winter or summer now? If you stay for a long period, you can send home some stuff that you no longer need.

Because you will stay in hostels, you must bring your pillow case, bed sheet, flip flop, cooking utensils and pot, toiletries, and detergent. Rather than umbrella, you can also bring a light windbreak or rain jacket with a hood. Pack your copy of travel documents (and send via email the scans of them). Since Europe is big, bring with you a guidebook for the references of places to go.

Are You Backpacking Alone or with Friends?

1. Backpacking Alone:

– Pros: independent, tend to meet more new people, have a chance to find “yourself’
– Cons: you have to bring everything you need by yourself because you have no one to share with

2. Backpacking with friends:

– Pros: you have someone to share the needs and someone to laugh or have fun with
– Cons: it will need a lot of patience because everyone has their own wants and needs (tips: before going discuss some important things, including the travel goals, budget, destination, and pace.

Budgeting

Budgeting will include the accommodation, where to go, and when to go, and all. Read 6 Budget Travel Tips to Europe for more information.

Source: www.divinecaroline.com

Many people, when in Amsterdam, like to wear Amsterdam hats or carry gift boxes from Heineken Experience or Van Gogh Museum. There are a lot of recommended things to do while you’re in Amsterdam. However, you should skip doing these things below if you don’t want be a stereotypical tourist in Amsterdam.

1. Take a picture in front of the sign of “I amsterdam”

It’s apparent that the Amsterdam government effort by spending a lot of money to build a half-meter red and white sign saying “I amsterdam” is not in vain. This sign has now become the magnet for tourists. There are a lot of tourists taking photograph here with the same pictures, which in the end annoy the locals because they can’t enjoy the cycle lanes as they are blocked by the tourists.

2. Have a day trip to Valendom

If in the past Valendom is famous for its beautiful canal houses with great views of the lake, now what is left are tourist shops, tours and traps, such as locals who are dressed up in traditional clothes while trying to sell overpriced fish. Durgerdam is a better option for those looking for the same experience with fewer tourists.

3. Rent a MacBike

Rental bikes are usually colored to make them easy to spot. Unfortunately, this also makes you easily spotted as a typical tourist. To avoid this, you can rent a black bike and start cycling like a local. But, if you think that bike safety is the best, you can stick to choose MacBike.

4. Night visit the Red Light Districts

Red Light Districts is a collection of window prostitutes, sports bars, erotic shops and peep shows teeming with tourists. It doesn’t sound interesting to visit this place at night but actually, if you go to this place by the day (around 3 pm) you can find some enjoyable views of Old Town, with its canals, canal houses, and churches.

5. Consume weed at coffee shop

In Nederland, weed is legal. However, locals never smoke it in coffee shop. Instead, they will do it in places with fewer people, like park or their home. So, if you find people smoking weed, they most likely are tourists who do not know where else to smoke their weed.

Source: www.likealocalguide.com

Do you plan to go to Europe? This place is quite expensive. But, that doesn’t mean that we can plan a budget travel to Europe. With some tips and tricks, we can go to Europe with less money.

Where to Go in Europe

Travel expenses are mostly made up of airfares and travel tickets. You can select some destinations instead of going to all places in Europe. The more places you visit means that you will need more money for accommodations. You have to adjust all with your budget. Don’t push yourself too hard because traveling must be fun not depressing.
For two-week travel, you are suggested to go to one country or some countries in one region (such as Andalusia, Burgundy, Tuscany, Provence). Similarities and differences can be explored through neighboring regions or countries. For instance, The British Isles and Ireland is one such cultural region, as are Scandinavia, Central Europe, or the Iberian Peninsula

When to Go to Europe

Traveling in low or mid season will enable you to save money and give you more authentic experience of traveling. High season is everywhere in Europe during July through mid-September. Holiday seasons, like Christmas, Easter week, and New Year’s Eve are also high season.

How to Go Around in Europe

The budget is mostly taken up by transportation. Airfares to Europe are always expensive. Travel expenses can be reduced by visiting fewer countries (or maybe only one country). Eurail passes are available for a single country or multiple countries which make it possible for you to visit several neighboring countries. If you travel with one or more other people, renting a car is highly recommended.

Where to Stay in Europe

The largest portion of the budget is of course the accommodations. If you can, you must avoid traveling alone because single rooms tend to be more expensive than a double room. If you come in low or mid season, it is highly recommended that you find hotel on arrival because it gives you chance to explore several options for budget accommodations locally. Staying longer in one country will be good if you spend money on lodgings.

How to Explore Europe

Exploring a city based on budget can be done by walking around, drinking coffee at an outdoor café, sitting at a park, and doing some other free activities, instead of visiting museums and major sites which have high entrance fees. Instead of taking a bus, you can choose to walk. There are also many museum which offer discounts on certain days of the week or at night, or access may even be free on certain days.

Source: www.transitionsabroad.com

Do you fear high prices in plane fare tickets? Don’t worry. There are still some strategies you can do. If you don’t mind losing some of conveniences, last minute flight deals might be the best for you. Sounds interesting? Here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Be flexible with the dates of your flights

The cheap flight requires you to deal with flexibility on departures dates. You are also often required to wait on standby at the airport for an open seat. Spontaneity is highly needed by last minute fliers.

2. Use internet travel search sites

To find flights departing from a range of local airports, you can use internet travel search sites. Hundreds of dollars per ticket can be saved by dealing with some flexibility in distance. Here is the example. If you want to fly from Newwark, New Jersey, you can look up departures from the NYC metro area. This way, you can see prices for Newark, JFK, LaGuardia and other area airports. If you are willing to drive an extra half-hour, you can save many dollars for a ticket.

3. Fly at nights or early mornings

The cheapest flights tend to be in the early mornings or late at night. Since these flights often have a high number of absentee, or standby, seats, it is possible to get cheap tickets at these times.

4. Shop the last-minute ticket at sites specializing in a particular region of the world

There are some sites that specialize only to particular regions. The example is Airtech which offers tickets to Hawaii or Europe. You can often find tickets from smaller carriers. However, if your destination is a certain city at a certain time, Airtech won’t help.

5. Travel alone

Finding one cheap ticket is a lot simpler than find for two, five, or more. If you plan on traveling in group, coordinate to meet a certain point in the destination and allow a freedom in time for arrivals.

Source: traveltips.usatoday.com