The GypsyNesters

What makes a great cycling holiday?

The answer depends on what anyone wants from their cycling holidays. In this case, I’m talking cycling as a means of Slow Travel. Immersing yourself in the rhythm of a place; trying to blend in as seamlessly as possible with the pace of local life, learning about culture, traditions, and gastronomy as well as getting to know the people and enjoying postcard-worthy scenery along the way.

To do that it helps to have an itinerary which has been designed to take cyclists on a voyage which weaves through eye-candy landscapes and chocolate box villages, passing tabernas/tascas/hüttes which are perfect for a pause to allow time to reflect on the memorable highlights notched up. Slow Travel specialists, Inntravel, have created an irresistible selection of self-guided cycling holidays across Europe which tick all of these boxes and then some. These are ten of the best of them.

Idyllic Istria – Croatia

Exploring Istria’s coastal and inland cycle paths for the first time feels familiar and yet refreshingly different. Honey-coloured villages surrounded by olive and citrus groves bask on the edge of a sparkling Adriatic Sea.

At times there’s a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, at others the feel is distinctly northern European. This melange of influences extends to menus in cosy little konobes (taverns) where the seafood is excellent and so are the pizzas. The pastel-coloured facades of Venetian houses in Rovinjo old town, Istria’s shining star, squeezed onto a small oval-shaped peninsula, encapsulate the heady mix of visual treats this part of Croatia has to offer.

Salzburg’s Lake District – Austria

The journey takes in lakes whose surface are like glass, churches with onion-domed spires, cavorting rivers, and pristine meadows below saw-toothed peaks. It’s an area with a musical lilt, from Julie Andrews belting out numbers in the Sound of Music to a village where Mahler spent sultry summer months composing symphonies.

Getting around involves scenic boat trips and a cog railway, as well as on two wheels, whilst local specialities to try include gröstl; an ideal brunch dish of bacon, potato, and onion topped with a fried egg. The highlight is the village of Hallstatt, a pearl of a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising up from the shores of Hallstätter See.

Medieval Mantova to Romantic Verona – Italy

The problem with cycling in Italy is, unless you’re a cycling fashionista, you’re never going to blend in with locals who look as stylish on two wheels as they do sipping chianti in a wine bar. This is an Italian classic encompassing the Renaissance architecture of Mantova; cycle paths alongside the River Minicio and Lake Garda; vineyards; orchards; a bird reserve; and Sigurtà Garden Park (the temple of nature) – a fabulous spot for a picnic. The cycling comes to an end in the most romantic of cities, Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, where alluring restaurants serve taste-bud seducing plates of burrata cheese with crispy fried courgette flowers.

The Danish Riviera – Denmark

Denmark’s countryside is the domain of elves and goblins; a land which inspired Hans Christian Anderson to pen fantastical tales. There’s a literary theme running throughout this exploration of the Danish Riviera; from Kronborg Castle (the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet) to a museum dedicated to Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa. Trails connect simple fishing villages of thatched-roof cottages to more opulent attractions like the Royal Palace of Fredensborg, ‘the Danish Versailles’.

Nature provides equally diverse surroundings, including forests, heathlands and sweeping white-sand beaches where sea views should be complimented by a lunch consisting of a crab sandwich and a sneaky shot of schnapps distilled by the monks of Esrum Abbey.

Impressions of the Camargue – France

Cycling through the Camargue rewards with an exhilarating roller-coaster ride of incomparable experiences. Whereas towns and cities en-route combine the historic (the Roman amphitheatre at Arles) with the artistic (St-Rémy where Van Gogh painted Starry Night). Camargue’s wetlands are wildly beautiful and home to black bulls, pink flamingos, and white horses ridden by gardians (cowboys), too.

Highlight piles up against highlight, commencing with the 15th-century castle of Tarascon (now a bizarre art gallery) and continuing to the point you find yourself soaking up sea views from a church roof in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer before dropping to street level, hopefully not literally, for a tiered-tower lunch of freshly caught seafood.

Lagoons & the ‘Silver Coast’ – Portugal

What destination has canals, gondolas, and a lagoon but isn’t Venice? The answer is Aveiro. Portugal’s ‘little Venice’ is known by the Portuguese but not so much by people beyond the country’s borders. It’s a place to relax and take it easy, whether reclining in a Portuguese gondola or cycling along trails beside the Aveiro lagoon, salt flats, endless beaches, and through the streets of Costa Nova whose stripey, clapboard houses look like they belong on a film set. This is an area favoured by fishermen and fishing birds, a clue as to what traditional dishes are likely to be – bacalhau (salt cod) is particularly good in Costa Nova.

Dutch Discovery – Holland

Any ‘best of’ cycling holidays must include the bicycle capital of the world, Amsterdam. However, the passion for cycling extends beyond the streets of the Netherlands’ capital.

Dutch Discovery includes Amsterdam, but also freewheels its way from Edam to Gouda (no need to suggest what culinary goodies to try in either), passing windmills, lakes and meadows. Intriguing sights to be seen include Stelling van Amsterdam, a 135-kilometre-long ring of fortifications, and Oudewater, one of the Netherlands oldest towns.

In the 16th century, women accused of witchcraft were brought to Oudewater to be weighed. Any woman deemed too heavy to keep a broomstick in the air couldn’t be a witch.

Bavarian Castles & Villages – Germany

If it’s dramatic cycling you crave, Bavaria is brimming with all the requisite ingredients, ranging from clifftop fairy-tale castles with Gothic spires and striking mountain lakes to villages whose houses have frescoed walls. Route highlights include being transfixed by the intensity of the colours of the lakes in Das Blaue Land (the Blue Land) and a visit to Hohenschwangau, an opulent castle designed by and for a king.

Embracing gastronomic tradition involves indulging in the daily German ritual of kaffee und kuchen – coffee and a wedge of cake.

Idyllic Menorca – Spain

Cycling around country lanes on a sunny island in the Mediterranean is akin to being given a shot of instant relaxation. Obviously, there are oodles of sandy beaches and cosy coves to discover, but there are also pine forests, wild moors and fishing villages with white-washed cottages and harbour-side restaurants.

In Cuitadella and Mahón, Menorca has two contrastingly and equally picturesque small, historic cities. Mahón was the capital when the island was under British rule, so a good place to try Mahón gin, a Menorcan snifter first introduced by English sailors in the 18th century, but maybe only after the day’s cycling is done.

In the Shadow of the Julian Alps – Slovenia

One of the most sought-after Instagram travel images is of a Medieval castle and church on an island in the centre of a cerulean lake. But whilst Instagrammers snap stunning Lake Bled and move on in search of their next trophy, cyclists can take their time to absorb more of Slovenia’s paradisiacal landscapes in depth.

Travelling through Slovenia by bike is to discover a world of limestone peaks dusted with snow, cascading waterfalls, walkways through gorges, and villages where hay is stored in wooden racks and bees buzz around hives of many colours. It’s not so much slow travelling as time travelling.

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There is no doubt that Dubai is one of the most luxurious countries in the world. From speeding cars to luxury places, Dubai has got glitz and glam in every corner of its country. People in Dubai live their lives like celebrities. When it comes to visiting Dubai, there are many great places to visit and plenty of things to try. However, one thing that you simply cannot miss in Dubai is shopping. Dubai is synonymous to shopping. The place is filled with several luxury shopping malls. Without visiting a few of these malls in Dubai, your visit the land of Emirates is just incomplete. If you are visiting Dubai for the first time chances are that you may not be familiar with the shopping malls or places to visit. To help you out, we have shortlisted some of the best places where you can go shopping in Dubai.

Places To Shop In Dubai

There is nothing that you cannot get or buy in Dubai. It can simply be called the land of luxury shopping malls. Every shopping mall in Dubai is huge and has a collection of extraordinary brands and items. If you are to visit Dubai, you simply cannot come back without paying a visit to a few of the shopping malls mentioned below. Here you go with the list.

1. Dubai Shopping Mall

This is the most popular shopping mall in Dubai. The mall is known to provide you with a complete shopping experience. Right from the time you enter the mall, you will realize how extravagant the place is. The mall houses the top brands in the world. Dubai shopping mall is not just a mall but it can be called a mini-city with over 900 stores, a huge aquarium and an indoor waterfall. The mall is designed to be luxurious. Tourists from all over the world including the celebrities come to shop from this grand mall in Dubai.

2. Global Village

Global Village is basically a shopping festival that is known to feature pavilions from all around the world. The carnival-like atmosphere of the place never fails to attract visitors. During the month of November to February, you can witness daring stunt shows done by international artists. If you want to have a great shopping experience then this is the place to be. Here you can find numerous artifacts and other items of the country. If you visit the event in the last week you can also get huge discounts on your purchases.

3. Deira Gold Souk

If you are a gold lover then this is the ideal place for you. Here you can find hundreds of shops selling gold. From gold jewelry to gold bars, you can get it all here in Deira Gold Souk. If you happen to visit this place make sure that you have plenty of time in your hand as you have to go from shop to shop to explore the wide variety of collection that the shops have. The shops around here both credit card and cash.

4. Al Fahidi Street

For the ones who do not but Dubai is a tax-free country. It is because of this reason that the cost of electronics is cheaper than any other country in the world. If you are to buy electronic gadgets, then this is the place to be. The place is lined up with numerous electronic shops selling a wide variety of electronic items. Most people come here to buy electronic gadgets at cheaper rates.

5. Karama Shopping Center

If you want to shop gifts for your family back home then this place should be the ideal option for you. Here you can find a large variety of souvenirs and other items to explore. The best thing about this place is that you can get all the items at a cheaper rate than any other malls in the country.

If you are to visit Dubai, check out with Withlocals. Withlocals is a famous platform that helps travellers having the best trip by unveiling the place like never before. With the help of a local person attending them, they connect with the city more and understand their culture, food, and other aspects in a better way.

Dubai is a place which needs to be explored. When in Dubai, shop till your heart’s content at some of the best and the most luxurious shopping malls in the country.

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When you’re planning a trip to London, you’ll always want to make sure that you’re planning in and doing as much as you can. But what should your agenda include? Let’s take a look at three must-do things for every London trip.

1. Explore The Shops

First of all, when you’re in London, you’re definitely going to want to go shopping. Because with Oxford Street, Selfridges, Westfields, and even Bond Street, there’s so many incredible shops for you to explore in London. You could spend half a day, a full day, or even a few days doing this. So plan your route and shop ’til you drop!

2. Tick Off The Sites

And we all know that there are a ton of sites we all want to be able to see in London, so you’re going to want to create an itinerary of what you want to see. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see the M16 building or the Sherlock Holmes museum? Or even the V&A or Buckingham Palace? Make a note of this and tick off your must-see sights during your time in the city.

3. Enjoy A Night At The Theatre

The final thing that you might want to do when you’re in London, is enjoy a night at the theatre. Because the West End is home to some great theatrical productions and true entertainment talent. The only tough decision will be what to see! Take a look at the below infographic to decide exactly what you might want to see when you’re booking your tickets.

Infographic Design By theatre tickets

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Whether for a romantic getaway, a big international trip, or a skiing holiday, there are certain things you need to be aware of if travelling with vaping equipment. Traveling with a vape kit is not necessarily a problem, but there are certain tips you need to know to avoid issues if travelling on a plane or to another country.

Make sure you are prepared by checking this guide to travelling with an e-cigarette or vape kit, and avoid any problems which could interrupt or even ruin your trip!

Check All Air Travel Regulations

If travelling by air, you need to be very careful of how you pack and transport your vaping equipment. There are two sets of rules which apply here: the international aviation security guidelines, and your airline’s own policies. Either of these have then power to stop you carrying certain things on board the plane, or mandating that they are packed in a certain way.

The best thing to do is check with your airline at least a few days prior to your flight as to what you are allowed to take on board and whether it needs to be packed in your carry on or checked baggage. Generally, they will require vaping equipment to be packed in your carryon bag. However, rules are constantly changing so it is best to check this every time you fly.

Plan Ahead

If you are travelling overseas, you may not be able to buy your regular e-liquid, batteries and coils as easily as could at home. Vaping is restricted in some countries, and even illegal in some (more on this below). If travelling to a country where vaping is legal but supplies are limited, or where you cannot be guaranteed that they will be high quality, you will want to make sure that you have enough e-liquid with you, as well as a spare battery and replacement coils just incase.

Of course, if you are going for a short trip this probably won’t be an issue, however if travelling for a long time this is something you should consider. Order your supplies online or buy at your local supplier, and be sure to allow plenty of time for ordering and shipping.

Check Your Liquid Volumes

As any international traveller knows, when travelling by plane you are very limited in the amounts of liquid you can carry with you, particularly in your carry-on baggage. And, as we have covered above, most airlines will mandate that e-liquid needs to be in your carry-on, therefore you will need to check the volumes of the vape juice you plan to take with you.

Concentrates can be a good solution to this, as you can carry small amounts of e-liquid concentrate and mix it later to create the final product. If you are not accustomed to mixing your own vape juice, use a eliquid calculator to work out mixing ratios.

Research Applicable Laws

It is always good to know the local laws of any foreign country you are going to. When it comes to vaping this is especially important, because although vaping is completely legal in the US, the UK, Europe and elsewhere, this is not the case in all countries. You do not want to risk having your equipment seized or incurring a fine. It could even be worse: in Hong Kong for example, you can be punished with up to two years imprisonment for possessing an e-cigarette.

At the time of writing, vaping is completely illegal in Singapore, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Bahrain, East Timor, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Panama, Qatar, Thailand, the UAE and parts of Australia. There are tough restrictions in some other countries. In most countries, including the US and the UK, it is illegal to sell vaping products to those under 18 and there are harsh prosecutions for those who do so.

Be sure to check the relevant laws for all countries you will be visiting ahead of your trip, and it would be wise to reconsider carrying vaping equipment with you to any country where vaping is illegal. It is also wise to closely note any particular restrictions which may exist around vaping in public or other special situations.

Look After Your Batteries

You may have heard horror stories about batteries exploding in people’s luggage. Although it is possible that low-quality vaping batteries could explode when exposed to high heat for a long period of time, if you have genuine batteries for vape device this is unlikely to be an issue. There is a risk, however, of heat exposure causing batteries to become damage or lose their charge, so be sure to keep them in a cool place during transport.

It is also important to prepare for how you will charge your batteries. Check the applicable outlet type and voltage of the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you have a suitable charger or adapter.

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Boston is a city in the State of Massachusetts with a lot of history as it dates as far back as 1630. Boston boasts of some unique and strange history. It is an important city in the United States as many events relevant in the American Revolution happened there. These events include The Boston Tea Party, The Siege of Boston, The Battle of Bunker Hill, and The Boston Massacre. There are plenty of weekend escapes or historically significant sites for students to visit in Boston. Whether a person is planning a campus tour for their class, sports team, church group, or friends, this post will outline what one needs to know to make sure their trip goes off without a hitch.

Choose Transportation

The mode of transportation around Boston will be determined by the size of the group. For a large group, it is better to get a Boston tour bus rental with driver. The group can bring their own driver or hire the bus with drivers. Smaller groups may opt to get a map, hire a car, and drive themselves around. The main thing is to consider options that could accommodate the group’s capacity.

Transport can also be determined by the group’s budget. They may have enough money to hire a bus but not enough to get a driver. The budget will also determine the type of bus they can rent such as a mini, school, or coach bus. The amount of time spent off the road can also determine the type of vehicle that the group chooses.

Pick some quintessential eerie sites to see

Boston has some eerie sites with a lot of history such as the site of the Boston massacre, Phineas Gage’s Skull, and the Trolley of the Doomed.

Another bizarre site the group can visit is the All Saints Way in Battery Street.

They can also get involved in a treasure hunt in a live-action urban interactive game in Harvard Square.

There is also the Museum of Bad Art of 1993 where audiences are treated to a series of terrible art.

Map Choice Destinations

Choose what other specialized sites the group might want to visit in the area. Tourist maps are especially important because they highlight the places that are must-sees for Boston visitors. The group can visit famous sites like the home of Paul Revere and the 2.5-mile freedom trail, the harbour where the Boston Tea Party was held, and important artefacts related to it. It is what most people believe to have started the revolutionary war that led to the independence of the United States.

Boston is also the home to the longest and most successful ship in US history called the USS Constitution or Old Ironsides.

There are the statues of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.

There is also the prestigious Harvard University, the oldest higher learning institutions in the US.

Book Tours

Some sites require registration beforehand. Therefore, it is always good to plan ahead. Most of them offer private tours that can fill the group in on the specifics of the school. Ensure the group follows a strict itinerary so that they arrive at different sites on time. Make sure to book ahead and time the group’s arrival accordingly.

Plan Distractions

The person in charge of the group must find ways to keep the group entertained between sites.

Depending on its age group and the length of time it takes to travel between sites, a group can participate in so many activities.

Entertainment needs to be more than just looking down on mobile devices, listening to music, or chatting with a peer. The group leader can plan activities like singing or playing fun games like 21 questions, spotting games, trivia, or scavenger hunts between stops.

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With about 20,000 people living in the area, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Only Zagreb, the capital city, is larger. It is a very commonly chosen attraction for many tourists and is said to have been founded sometime around the 3^rd or 2^nd century BC as a Greek Colony. It’s a fantastic place to be in because it has a great mix of modernity and a robust history with ruins in the city that date back to the old Roman Empire.

Some of the attractions of the city include museums, galleries, rich and noticeable culture, and its music. These are a few reasons why it would be great that on your next vacation time, you find tours around Split Croatia. The city also has a very vibrant sports culture as athletes and sportsmen, in general, are held in high esteem. Some of the most preferred sporting activities in the city includes water polo, sailing, rowing, tennis, soccer, basketball, and handball.

It’s a fantastic city to visit. And if you still aren’t considering visiting the city on your next vacation, the following are a few things may convince you.

Walking Tour to Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who built the palace in 305 AD. Even though the palace is now an official World Heritage Site for UNESCO and the rest of the city has developed around it, the Diocletian’s Palace still has many of its buildings in one piece. This walking tour lets you take in the city and its estimated 1,700 years of historical scenery and landmarks. Some of the famous buildings apart from the Diocletian’s Palace include the Golden Gate, the Statue of Gregory of Nin, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Peristil.

Blue Cave Tour

The Blue Cave, which is also known as the Blue Grotto, is one of Split’s most awesome features. It is a sea cave filled with water that is situated in Balun, a small bay in the city. The Blue Cave is one of the most preferred spots because, at certain times of the day, the cave shows a fine radiant blue light. It is accessible by boat after an artificial entry was created in 1884. Before then, it was only accessible by diving. It is said that the best time to visit the cave is between 11 AM and 12 noon because it is at this time that sunlight shines through the water, giving it the amazing blue glow, with items in the water looking silver.

The Five-Island Tour

Right after the Blue Cave Tour, a cruise through five islands in the city is highly recommended. This tour lasts between 8 to 12 hours but it is a fantastic trip to take. The islands include Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo. This is a fantastic experience for a family trip or even a romantic getaway for lovers. You get to visit the fishing village of Komiža, take in a lot of the sights in the old and historic town of Hvar, and swim and snorkel at Stiniva Cove. Your tour guide will be able to explain all the history behind everything you see. It’s a beautiful tour because you move around by boat and see everything from a great vantage point.

Krka National Park – Waterfalls, Sibenik and Skradin Tour

Named after the Krka River that it surrounds, the Krka National Park is famous for its seven beautiful waterfalls. The National Park is still principally run for tourism as well as cultural, educational, and scientific purposes. The waterfalls are also noted to have a large number of wasps and bees. This is attributed to the fact that it has the second largest concentration of lavender in the whole of the European continent. This tour also involves walking in Sibernik and experiencing the St. James Cathedral. After experiencing (and swimming through the waterfalls), the town of Skradin awaits you. Skradin is very popular for wine and cheese tasting and you can partake in this, too.

Marjan Hill and Klis Fortress Tour

The Marjan Hill is another great place to visit. It is distinctive because it has a thick Mediterranean pine forest that looks out to the city and the sea. Standing at 178m, it gives you a fantastic view of the city of Split, the mountains, and other islands.

The Klis fortress is famous for being the grounds of many battles with the Knights Templar, Ottomans, and the Mongols. The ruins give a beautiful view of Split, just like the Marjan Hill does. It’s also the site for filming Mereen – a city from the popular TV Show, Game of Thrones.

If you have never visited Split, the above are some of the sights you need to see to have the perfect vacation. Feel free to plan a tour to the rich and historic Croatian city and have a feel of the sights, people, and culture.

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It takes a lot of preparation to arrange a holiday and there’s so many different things you need to keep track of, so it’s very easy to miss a step or leave something behind while you’re rushing to get ready. Experts from the travel site Compare and Choose have helped create this quick checklist 7 important tips for holiday prep that you should look over before you leave.

Bring a spare bag for non-essential things

If you a have the room for an extra bag, try to fill one with the non-essentials that you might only use once or twice during the trip. This stops them from cluttering up your main bag and making it harder to pull out what you need: things like sun screen, hairbrushes, swimming goggles and disposable products.

Leave room for souvenirs

Having to leave something behind because it won’t fit in your bag, car or suitcase can be a horrible feeling, especially if it’s something you already paid for. Make sure you have spare bags and/or room to bring things with you, especially if you’re planning to visit a convention, show or market event.

Exchange money

Make sure you’ve exchanged enough money to pay for the basics – getting it changed abroad or at an airport could cost extra, so try and find a cheaper deal from a smaller service. If you’re exchanging a lot, make sure that you know how the exchange rate might rise or fall: try to hit a high point so that you get slightly more spending money abroad.

Arrange rentals

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to find what you need when you arrive at your destination, so try and arrange any rentals or leases beforehand. It can be difficult to compare campervan hire prices or arrange to stay in a hotel on short notice, which could end up leaving you stranded for a day until you’re able to get everything sorted out.

Clean out your food

Leaving easily-spoiled food in your home will end badly during longer holidays, and you’ll probably need to throw all of it away when you get back. Clear it out early to save yourself the hassle and make room for anything you’re bringing home from your holiday.

Think about what you’re wearing

It makes sense to wear clothes that you’ll be comfortable in when you get to your holiday destination, but remember that you also have to consider what you’re wearing while you travel. Long drives and flights can get really hot or cold depending on the weather, and not having suitable clothing will make the trip far less comfortable.

Back everything up

You can lose anything on holiday if you’re not careful, and some of them are more important than others. Make sure you have a spare copy of everything vital back home – passports, booking information and house keys can all take a while to replace if they go missing, so keeping some at home or giving them to a trusted friend can keep you reassured if things go wrong.

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