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Top Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

After the stress of organizing your wedding, you’re going to need some serious R&R. Whether that means hanging by the pool, taking in the glitz and glamor of the city, or climbing mountains with the love of your life—Europe has it all… CONTINUE READING >> 

After the big day is over, it’s time for the honeymoon! While your wedding day may have felt like a whirlwind that you planned for your friends and family, your honeymoon is truly all about you and your new partner. Your honeymoon is a time to focus on your relationship, relax, and leave the rest of the world behind.

After the stress of organizing your wedding, you’re going to need some serious R&R. Whether that means hanging by the pool, taking in the glitz and glamor of the city, or climbing mountains with the love of your life—Europe has it all!

JJ’s House designer sees firsthand how much couples need to relax once their wedding is complete. Here are her recommendations for the top five European honeymoon destinations to see, taste, and experience it all:

Lisbon, Portugal

The gorgeous capital of Lisbon is a busy and exciting city to spend your honeymoon in. With its’ unique districts and deep historic ties, Lisbon is a wonderful spot if you and your honey are into beautiful, ancient cities that cling to hillsides and overlooks the Tagus River. A liberal and welcoming city, Lisbon has great nightlife as well and is quite safe for tourists.

For all its beauty, Liston remains one of Europe’s least visited capitals—so take advantage while it’s still a (mostly) undiscovered paradise.

Nice, France

Retreat with the elites on the shores of Nice, France. This seaside gem is a young, bustling city with great food, great bars, and gorgeous beaches. From the rocky and populous Coco Beach, to the prestigious (and private) Castel Plage—Nice is a city known for its beaches.

Old Nice will give you a glimpse into the city’s history where you can enjoy some open-air dining and peruse the Cours Saleya Market. If you’re a lover of architecture, we recommend you take the time to visit the Nice Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and the Palais Lascaris.

Madrid, Spain

As elegant and finely made-up as any grand old dame, Spain’s central capital is one city that is bursting with life and culture. Madrid is the home of the absolutely essential Prado, one of the best art museums in the world. So, if you are into art, this is the place to go.

If you’re into sports, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must visit, and the Gran Vía is the place to go for a romantic stroll.

Florence, Italy

There aren’t many people who visit Italy who don’t fall in love. The warm exuberance of the people, the beauty of the locale, and the culture and food, all come together to make this a perfect honeymoon destination.

Take a cooking class together, experience some of Italy’s renowned fine wines, and explore the gorgeous countryside of this one of a kind spot.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a recipe for romance. Bisected by the Vltava River, the capital city of the Czech Republic is full of old-world beauty. Nicknamed the “city of a hundred spires”, Prague’s architecture is a true wonder.

Peak season is April to October, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy some of the city’s many beer gardens

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10 reasons to love Scandinavia

Many people have fallen in love with Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and by extension, Iceland and Finland. If you are yet to land in any of these countries, the following reasons will most likely compel you to book the next flight to Scandinavia… CONTINUE READING >> 

From the expansive European continent, Africa’s many wild habitats, Australia’s coastlines, Brazil to America, travellers always have beautiful stories to tell when they go back home. This post explores as many reasons as any seasoned traveller would give about Scandinavian countries.  Why they are hardly spoken of places, a student looking forward to a breathtaking holiday can order a copy of travel guide from a top assignment help service.

Where are Scandinavian countries?

Having stated that Scandinavian countries are not as much as talked about as world economic power blocks like China, America, France, Russia, Canada and United Kingdom, one would want to assume that they exist far away from the equator or international meridian timelines; perhaps in the extreme parts of the planet.

However, for a reasoned tourist, traveller or globetrotting enthusiast, taking a leap to world’s top beautiful destinations has never been without planning a visit to Sweden, Denmark or Norway. These three nations make up the happiest Scandinavian world, sometimes known as Nordic Countries. However, Nordic is a term that further includes Iceland and Finland, all of which borders the first three.

Moreover, you will be surprised to discover that there is pretty much to see in the Nordic world than most destinations you may have visited. And so, how can anyone convince you to plan a breathtaking holiday getaway to say, Sweden? Well, take a look the next section for more information.

Ten reasons to love Scandinavia

Many people have fallen in love with Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and by extension, Iceland and Finland. Their reasons are not far-fetched.  If you are yet to land in any of these countries, the following reasons will most likely compel you to book the next flight to Scandinavian world of wonder:

1.     Amazing cities

World’s greatest cities always have everything to offer a travel enthusiast. From dinning in top restaurants featured in reputed travel review websites, museums, vibrant public spaces, art centres, cathedrals, shopping boutiques to cinemas, Scandinavian cities like Oslo, Stockholm Copenhagen and others like Helsinki and Bergen, do not only host breathtaking cultural activities but also great destinations for whiling away nights in style in fishing villages and night clubs.

2.     Enjoy Norway’s Fjords and Forests

If you choose to visit Oslo, your journey would be incomplete without a date with its breathtaking Fjords and wild habitats.  The appearance of the Fjords range from snow capped mountain tops to beautiful green slopes descending the coastline from one season to another.

3.     Northern Lights

Anyone who has landed in Norway will tell you that without catching a glimpse of aurora borealis, your journey is incomplete. While sometimes it depends on luck, visiting during October through to March will hardly disappoint. A visit to Norwegian Lapland and Lofoten gives visitors a spectacular view of the Northern Lights.

4.     Amazing winter sports

A visit to the Nordic countries will leave you spoilt for choices during winter.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in Sweden’s Boreal forests, Finland’s Lapland among other areas such as skiing and fishing.

5.     Visit the Archipelagos in Sweden

Sweden is a home to islands, especially in places like Stockholm and Gothenburg. The archipelagos constitute thousands of islands. Visitors enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking, not to mention dining in some of the best restaurants around.

6.     Some of the least corrupt countries

On Transparency international corruption index, Denmark is ranked top as corruption-free and others like Sweden and Finland tie in third position, Norway fifth placed and Iceland 12th. Well, who wouldn’t wish to visit countries that boast of transparency and accountability?

7.     Scandinavian countries boast of paternal leave policies

Come to think about it. Very few countries give daddies parental leave, but Scandinavian countries do, and of course with lucrative compensations and the most affordable day-care facilities.  It is another reason to fall in love with these countries.

8.     Quality education

A country that invests in quality education is always going to remain attractive in the face of visitors and the world at large, which is another reason why millions of people love the Scandinavian countries.  Finland for instance, has, at some point, topped Pearson’s education index.

9.     They respect journalists

A country that respects her journalists values freedom. For many years now, Scandinavian countries have been ranked top by Reporters without Borders as a place where press freedom is respected, with Norway and Finland being in the lead.

10. Friendly people

A visit to a foreign land is sometimes filled with uncertainty regarding security of tourists and globe trotters.  But, when it comes to Nordic countries, the fact that crime rate is low and that the people in this part of the world are very friendly makes it a place worth liking.

Final Thoughts

There are a dozen plus more reasons to visit the Norway, Denmark or Sweden. For a travelling writer, you can always do online book editor jobs while traversing this part of the world.

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Explore Canada as a solo traveller

Canada is home to numerous cities, national parks and heritage sites. It will offer you the perfect mix of urban and natural places to visit… CONTINUE READING >> 

There is no more admirable decision than choosing to discover a new place. When the travel bug bites, there is nothing that can hold you back, you only have to choose your next travel destination. The ones passionate about travel choose to go to a place that is out of their comfort zone, because they want to experience a new culture, new values and even a new language. It is a rewarding thing to discover a new place when you travel solo. If you are looking for suggestions then Canada is one of the countries that wait for you. There are many things to explore and the climate is temperate, so you will enjoy the moments you spend there. Canada is home to numerous cities, national parks and heritage sites. It will offer you the perfect mix of urban and natural places to visit.

When should you visit Canada?

The climate is temperate in Canada, and this means that you can visit the region any time of the year. It all depends on your preferences when it comes to weather. If you want to travel during the warm months, then you should plan the trip from July to August. In case you want to visit the Maritime Provinces or the northern area of the Newfoundland then it is advisable to plan the trip from May to October, because during the winter months the tourist infrastructure shuts down. During the winter months, you can travel to Quebec or Ontario. Experienced travellers prefer to organise tours to Canada during the autumn months, because they do not have to deal with the crowds of visitors and the temperatures are warm and pleasant.

What places should you visit?

Canada is one of the biggest regions in North America and there are countless spots to explore. Therefore, it is not advisable to traverse the entire country during a single trip, because you will not be able to enjoy its beauty. You should first explore the places that pose interest to you, because every province has something unique to offer to travellers.

If you like to explore the outdoors

If you are the type of solo traveller who wants to get lost in the nature then you should choose Vancouver as your destination. The weather is pleasant here all the year round. When in Vancouver tourists have the opportunity to see grizzly bears feeding on salmon or the whales swimming in the ocean. If you are a golf lover then you have the opportunity to pay with the natives. In the Stanley Park, you can admire the Totem Poles and the oldest cedars from the region. And because you are a nature lover you should also put on your list the trail on the Grouse Mountain.

If you love rain

If you like long walks in the rain then Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary are top destinations. During rainy days, you can explore the surroundings, but you can also do things indoors. You can check the aquarium in Stanley Park, because it is not only an exhibition of marine life, but also a centre that helps at the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. If you are passionate about sports then you should have a hockey game with the locals, they are always welcoming and love to share part of their culture with the tourists.

If you want to relax

The ones who want to relax during their vacation should travel to Nova Scotia. The geographical position of this region makes it the perfect spot for Caravan.com guided tours, because you can visit some of the most important maritime provinces of Canada. If you choose to book a tour then you will have the opportunity to visit Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. In New Brunswick, you can check the Flowerpot Rocks at Hopewell Cape and have a glimpse at the gradual rise and fall of the Bay of Funny Tides. You will have great relaxing moments on the Prince Edward Island, especially when you will visit the Anne of Green Gables House in Cavendish. If you want to take some breath-taking pictures then visit Nova Scotia during October.

If you love parks

You have 45 national parks in Canada, all you need is time to visit them all. Only an outdoor enthusiast will have the patience to explore all the parks in Canada, because they are simply enormous. If you are a seasoned hiker then you should not miss the opportunity of exploring the pathways in the Glacier National Park in British Columbia and in the Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto.

If you love wildlife

Canada is famous for being the country where you can meet beavers, whales and bears. If you choose the time right, you can have encounters with wildlife animals. You can have a tour in the arctic region of Canada, where you can spot belugas and polar bears, or you can take a trip to the east coast where you can have a view of the 22 species of whales.

What transportation options do you have?

If you want to explore the urban regions of Canada, then it is advisable to avoid the train, because it can take you a long time to get from a point to another. In addition, it is quite expensive to buy train tickets. You should travel by train only if you have time and you book your tickets in advance. The conditions in trains are great on the other hand and they offer free Wi-Fi.

In case you want to travel fast from one place to another then you can take the domestic Canadian flights, but it is important you to note that they can be quite expensive if you do not book the tickets in advance. From time to time, there are promotional tickets and if you plan your trip with a couple of months ahead, then you have great chances to get a great price for the tickets.

You can have a caravan tour if you want to explore Canada guided by someone who knows what the main points of interest are. There are numerous companies that offer this opportunity and as a solo traveller, this is an option you should consider. Also, you have the option of renting a car if you want to be independent, or travelling with the help of the local transport.

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Top Ski Resorts in Canada That You Have to Try This Winter

Canadian winters are perfect for an unforgettable ski vacation, powdered with snow and sprinkled with fun. There are plenty of resorts which you can enjoy throughout the winter… CONTINUE READING >> 

Canadian winters start early in the autumn and end late in the spring. These are the perfect coordinates for an unforgettable ski vacation, powdered with snow and sprinkled with fun. With generous volumes of snowfalls, there are plenty of resorts which you can enjoy throughout the winter. But the best aspect of Canadian ski resorts is the fact that they are avalanche-proofed, unlike the slopes in Europe. If you travel from Europe, expect higher costs on your ski vacation.

This is usually due to the flight ticket prices practised by airlines. But above the slightly higher costs of winter holidays in Canada, there comes the impressive value for money which is intrinsic to all resorts here. If you come from the US to enjoy your stay in one of these impressive resorts, you will end up spending less than you would normally do in the US. Canadian vacations have a price index of approximately $800, while US resorts have an index of $1,400. But enough with all this data, let’s get to our top ski resort list.

Fernie, BC

If you’re a real adrenaline junkie, then Fernie in British Columbia is a cult and skiing staple. You’ll be able to enjoy wooded slopes, which are a rare occurrence in Europe, as well as ungroomed territories, unlike in other ski resorts around the world. Now friendlier with beginners, everybody can enjoy a great ski experience in this location. Passionate travellers claim that although the minuses that you can find here exist, you get to ignore them, as the resort gets under your skin. Why visit Fernie on your next winter vacation? Below is a list of great things about this location that will most likely win your heart.

It’s conveniently located. You will easily find accommodation in the resort but also in the town. Regular buses link the two, and if you miss one bus, there will be another in approximately an hour.

• The views. The scenery is a breath-taking one. The resort has two impressive peaks, the Grizzly and Polar. The charming setup will make you want to spend more than a week here.

A charming village. While the town is typically for the locals, given the fact that the resort has developed amazingly over the past few years, you will be able to enjoy some fun bars and incredible restaurants.

Great slopes, above all. The terrain is amazing and you will certainly enjoy a ski experience here, regardless of your experience level.

Sun Peaks, BC

Skiing enthusiasts claim that Sun Peaks in BC is one amazing resort for those with different experience levels. Especially appropriate for those who want to start learning how ski and snowboard work, Sun Peaks is an attractive and friendly location for everybody who needs some relaxation. The vast majority of the accommodation facilities in the resort are ski-in/ski-out, which makes everything incredibly convenient. If you reach this destination, you will be able to choose from three major ski areas. Mount Tod is the main one, followed by Sundance and Mount Morrisey. Mount Tod knew a well-deserved expansion of its slopes in the 2014-2015 season, now accounting with 500 acres more than it previously did. If you still don’t know all the skiing secrets out there, you must know that in Sun Peaks you will find several ski schools open throughout the season. Today, Sun Peaks is one of the largest ski resorts in Canada, after Whistler.

The Sun Peaks Grand is the best hotel where you can stay, according to specialists. Besides having some impressive rooms, fully equipped, the hotel is also conveniently located at the base of the slopes and lifts.

The Northern Escape Heli Skiing Resort, BC

With a surface of 1.4 million acres of powdered ground, you can rest assured that this is one of the safest resorts all over Canada. Northern Escape Heliskiing experiences are widely appreciated by all ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The seasonal snowfall volumes registered each year revolve around 20-30 meters, which is indeed impressive and the snowpack is more than reliable. These experiences have a small group format, which allows you to fully enjoy and profit from the experience. There are three packages that you can choose from. The Classic Package is obviously, the most popular package and allows you to bring your own group. Alternatively, you can also privately book the package. The Elite Package is a more intimate experience because you will be staying in a rustic lodge. For the best experience and value for money, book this package with your group of friends.

The Yellow Cedar Lodge Private Package is the last option that you can choose. But as you can already notice, this package will offer you a premium experience in one of the cedar lodges available. The package is best when booked by groups of 4-5 individuals.

Yes, the snow is incredible and the scenery breath-taking, so hurry up and book a lodge for this winter vacation.

Big White, BC

This may be the best solution if you search for built-for-purpose ski resorts. While the North American ski resorts aren’t particularly notorious for the convenience offered, this gem will make your stay a comfortable and relaxing one, sprinkled with adrenaline, joy and plenty of snow. ALL accommodation facilities in the Big White are ski-in/ski-out and you will find modern and fully-equipped rooms in all hotels and apartments. The snowfall is generous throughout the season, like in other Canadian ski resorts and if skiing and snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea, you can visit the Happy Valley and enjoy an hour or two of ice-skating.

These are four of the best ski resorts in Canada that you will come to love, in spite of their small imperfections. You can always find ski-in/ski-out accommodation facilities, for added convenience. Hit the slopes this year in one of the presented resorts and enjoy generous volumes of snowfall and reliable slopes. The security levels of these resorts beat their European competition with noticeable success.

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11 interesting facts about Cape Town that will convince you to book your next vacation there

Cape Town is mostly known for iconic locations such as the Lion’s Head and the Castle of Good Hope, there’s much more to this beautiful city than meets the eye. Here are just 10 of the lesser known things that make Cape Town a unique and complex destination for your next vacation… CONTINUE READING >> 

From adventurers to nature lovers, Cape Town appeals to all category of travelers, which is one of the reasons why in recent years it has become a rising tourist attraction. However, Africa’s newest star is far from becoming overcrowded and still offers some pleasant surprises to first time explorers.

Although Cape Town is mostly known for iconic locations such as the Lion’s Head and the Castle of Good Hope, there’s much more to this beautiful city than meets the eye.

Here are just 10 of the lesser known things that make Cape Town a unique and complex destination for your next vacation:

1.      The weather in Cape Town is similar to California and the Mediterranean

Are you looking for a destination with warm, Mediterranean weather, but you’re tired of the same Greek and Italian vacations? Then you’ll love Cape Town, because the climate is exactly the same. With a long summer season spanning from November to March, Cape Town is just the getaway you need when temperatures in your country drop below freezing point.

2.      Africa’s only penguin colony is near Cape Town

In the 1980s, two pairs of African penguins appeared near Cape Town. Now, in the same spot there is the only penguin colony in Africa. Counting several thousands of African penguins (also known as Jackass or Black-footed penguins), the colony is the only one of its kind on the continent.

3.      Cape Town was the first city outside Europe to get Blue Flag status

Blue Flag is a certificate issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education to acknowledge that a city meets the highest quality living standards, respects and inhabitants and develops sustainable environmental actions. Cape Town was the first non-European city to receive the highly prestigious award in 2016, thanks to its clean beaches and modern facilities.

4.      New York Times chose Cape Town as the best place to visit in 2014

Every year, The New York Times choose a notable city as the best place to visit. In 2014, the winner was Cape Town. According to the publication, Cape Town is again reinventing itself, and the world is invited to its renaissance, pointing out that it offers an irresistible combination between dynamic nightlife, innovative architectural designs and serene natural attractions.

5.      You can go on a long wine tasting tour

If you love wine, Cape Town will greet you with a pleasant surprise: the open-sided Franschhoek Wine Tram can take you on the long wine tasting tour, where you can explore some of the oldest and most sophisticated vineyards in the region.

6.      Cape Town houses the largest African art museum in the world

Another good reason why you might want to book cheap flights to Cape Town for your next vacation is that here you can find the Zeitz MOCAA- Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Not only is this the largest art museum in Africa, but also in the world, housing no less than 100 galleries and nine floors of superb art pieces.

7.      Cape Town has a toboggan track

Are you looking for an unconventional activity to try on vacation? Why not try tobogganing? In Cape Town, you can go on the largest toboggan track in Africa, which reaches up to 40 km/hour and has 17 corners, S-bends and a tunnel.

8.      The famous Robben Island is just 12km from Cape Town

12km off the coast of Cape Town is the brutal Robben Island – famous for incarcerating many political prisoners over the years, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years here. However, before functioning as a prison, Robben Island housed leprosy patients voluntarily and was also used by the British as a training station during World War II.

9.      You can stand at Africa’s most South-Western Point

Cape Town is known for quite a few records and if this is one of the things you want from your destinations, you won’t regret coming here. For example, if you choose to visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll hear that this is Africa’s most South-Western Point. Apart from that Cape Point Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination on its own, offering spectacular views of Table Mountain, functioning lighthouses and endangered wildlife.

10. Cape Town has some of the most amazing roads

Are you one of the adrenaline-loving tourists who would rather drive to their destination instead of hopping on a plane? Cape Town will not disappoint you. Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria Road and Boyes Drive are just three of the dozens of scenic roads that wind across the mountains and amaze you with unforgettable views.

11. Cape Town is the best place to get married

If you’re not looking for a place to visit on vacation, but a place to plan a destination wedding, you simply cannot go wrong with Cape Town. Offering an overwhelming number of superb wedding venues, from ballrooms to beaches, Cape Town has a world class wedding industry. And don’t forget, after saying I do, you can go on one of the famous Cape Town wedding cruises.

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Places of interest in Budapest that are a must visit for curious travelers

Are you curious to know what are the most-visited tourist attractions in Budapest? If the answer is yes, then keep on reading…

CONTINUE READING >> 

If you have never ever been to Budapest, then you don’t know what you’re missing. The Hungarian capital has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world and awesome nightlife, whether you prefer drinks with acquaintances or renowned DJs. You don’t need a reason in particular to go to Budapest. However, if you still need convincing, all you have to do is take a close look at the buildings. You will absolutely fancy the Roman architecture that exists at the same time with multi-story buildings. All of the greatest sights are completely free to visit. Well, almost. Are you curious to know what are the most-visited tourist attractions in Budapest? If the answer is yes, then keep on reading.

Buda Castle

Towering over the Danube is the Buda Castle. This historical castle and palace used to be the home of Hungarian kings. It was built in the 15th century, after the marriage of King Matthias Corvinus and Beatrix of Naples in 1476. Nonetheless, most of the massive building that occupies the site at present was constructed between 1749 and 1769. The Buda Castle was built in Romanesque style, being afterward replaced by a Baroque and Gothic-style royal residence. Almost nothing remains of the early glory. When the Hungarian capital was invaded by the Turks, the construction was in ruins. The new masters – in other words, the Habsburgs – built a new dwelling that was meant to protect against Mongol and Tartar attacks. It was highly ornate and even extravagant.

With time, the Buda Castle transformed into a cultural center. Outside of the castle walls, you will discover many tombstones. In front of the impressive building, there is the equestrian statue that depicts Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the greatest soldiers of his generations. He bravely fought the Turks. When you get tired of walking along the streets and discovering things at your pace, you’ll certainly want some refreshments. There are all kinds of cafes and restaurants where you can stop by. Not only is the castle beautiful, but also it provides one of the most beautiful views of the city. It’s highly recommendable to take a long walk and discover all the details. The magnificent home is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.

Danube Promenade

Originating in Germany, the River Danube passes through Hungary. It’s about 400-500 meters wide even in the heart of Budapest. The beautiful river has inspired painters, musicians, and poets. And it will inspire you as well. why don’t you go for a riverside walk? The Danube Promenade is the perfect place. It is located on the Pest side of Budapest. What is so interesting about the Promenade is the fact that it boasts in masterpieces. It’s impossible to not see the statue of the Little Princess that is sitting on the railing or the statues of the statesman Istvan Szechenyi. The Danube Promenade wins over people who love to stroll. It has been a preferred place for leisure time ever since the 19th century. In the old days, the riverside walk had plenty of room for luxury hotels like the Ritz. As for you, you can find an apartment for rent in Budapest. There’s no reason to stay in a fancy hotel. On the banks of the Danube, you’ll find the shoes that were left behind by the Jews who were brutally murdered. The sight of the footwear is chilling.

Budapest Opera House

The Opera House in Budapest brings rich musical programs all year long. An artistic performance at the Budapest Opera House is a once in a lifetime experience. The opera makes you see and feel the world in a different manner. When it’s performed live, the opera is very powerful and moves spectators emotionally. In its bare essence, opera is a mixture of music and text where the outcome is greater as compared to the components. So what if you’re not into operas or classical ballets? You can still enjoy the architecture. The theatre designated for the performance of opera is a stunning Neo-Renaissance building. The design was authorized by the emperor of the time, Franz Joseph. It was modeled after the Opera House in Vienna. So it’s no wonder that the building is so magnificent.

There are daily tours and the great news is that they are available in different languages, such as English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The Emperor Franz Joseph didn’t step inside the music hall too many times, but you shouldn’t make the same mistake. There are plenty of statues inside out, representing famous composers and the first director of the Budapest Opera House, Ferenc Erkel. What you need to know about Ferenc Enkel is that he was the composer of the Hungarian national anthem. During the day, you have nothing better to do than to visit the music hall. As far as the repertoire of the Opera House is concerned, it comprises both classical Hungarian and international operas. The thing is that you’re not likely to see finer masters at their crafts.

St. Stephen Basilica

St. Stephen Basilica is the largest temple of the Hungarian capital, being capable of accommodating 8000 individuals. Not that many people are aware of the fact that the cathedral holds one of the most sacred treasures. We are talking about St. Stephen’s mummy. More precisely, about his hand. The hand was removed from the body due to the fact that it was believed it had miraculous powers. At present, it’s known as the Holy Right Hand and it’s taken out for a walk once a year. Okay, okay, maybe you’re not interested in such gruesome details. You’ll be happy to learn that a great many musical programs are organized throughout the year. And that some of the most talented sculptors and painters have brought their contribution to the decoration of the interior. If this doesn’t move you, then the view of the city certainly will. In case you didn’t know, you have the possibility to go up to the roof and gaze upon Budapest.

The bottom line is that there are a great many places of interest in Budapest. Time is not enough to take delight in them all. Yet, you can do your best with the few time you have. Enjoy your trip.

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East Texas Towns of Note

When visiting Texas don’t miss East Texas. It’s undeniably Texan, which means it’s full of friendly folks and excellent food… CONTINUE READING >> 

When visiting Texas, it’s easy to focus on the major metropolitan areas, but if you do, you’ll risk missing most of East Texas. East Texas is rural, often folksy, and hard to define; is it the beginning of the Deep South or something else entirely? It’s undeniably Texan, which means it’s full of friendly folks and excellent food. That’s not all it has going for it, though. Here are three towns in the Eastern portion of the Lone Star State that are worth exploring, even if only for a few hours.

Tyler

Tyler is proud of its roses. You’ll understand why if you visit during the annual Texas Rose Festival, which will celebrate its 85th year this October. If you think Texas is full of dust and tumbleweed, East Texas will make you think again. There’s a reason they call this part of the state the Piney Woods. When you’re in Tyler, you can experience beautiful roses sprinkled amongst the legendary pine tree cover. If you want to focus solely on the roses, head to the city’s municipal rose garden. The 14-acre garden showcases around 500 kinds of roses, making it the biggest municipal rose garden in the United States. If you can, try to visit between late spring and Halloween, as everything is in full bloom then. The flowers are so dazzling that it’s worth popping allergy pills before you go.

The city has a population of a little over 100,000, making it one of the biggest cities in the East Texas region. It’s located 100 miles east of Dallas, which means Tylerites have relatively easy access to the largest metropolitan area in the state, minus all the traffic and gentrification.

Texarkana

Texarkana is in Texas. Texarkana is also in Arkansas. The city straddles the state line, with two separate City Halls and municipal governments. In fact, the name Texarkana is a mix of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Texarkana, Texas, has more people and a larger tax base, although it only began allowing convenience stores to sell beer and wine after a vote in 2013.  Previous attempts had failed at the ballot box thanks to vehement opposition from local churches. Now you can get alcohol on both sides of State Line Avenue, a unique arterial where one side of the street is in Texas and the other is in Arkansas.

Alcohol may be relatively new in parts of town, but the barbecue is well-established and delicious. There are a lot of options, but Big Jake’s is a homegrown barbecue joint with a rabid local following. Once you’ve had your fill of ribs, head downtown for a photo opportunity unlike any other in the country. Texarkana is home to the only post office in America that sits in two states. You’ll want to get a photo of yourself with one foot in Texas and one in Arkansas, so make sure to stop by one of the many AT&T stores in Texas for a suitable selfie stick.

Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is in Deep East Texas, about 120 miles north of Houston. Its status as the oldest town in Texas means it draws a fair amount of history buffs, but Nacogdoches isn’t living in the past. See, it’s also home to Stephen F. Austin State University, home of the 13,000 or so student Lumberjacks. The school has a well-known forestry program, and its basketball team has gotten attention in recent years for pulling off a few upsets in the NCAA basketball tournament.

The 400-acre campus is especially picturesque in the springtime, especially if you stop by the azalea garden. When you get hungry, head off campus for some lasagna at Auntie Pasta’s, an Italian restaurant that’s always packed to the gills during graduation weekend.

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Don’t Let The Monsoon Season Keep You From Exploring Vietnam

Summer is the best time to travel, but Vietnam can claim an exception to that impression because even during rainy months, Vietnam has got all the best experiences and palatable dishes to offer for tourists all year round… CONTINUE READING >> 

Summer is the best time to travel, but Vietnam can claim an exception to that impression because even during rainy months, Vietnam has got all the best experiences and palatable dishes to offer for tourists all year round.

The Best Time To Travel

The best time to tour the country is during spring or autumn when the temperature is cooler and with less rainfall. The rainiest months are roughly from May to September, but don’t let these downpours keep you from getting the best experience of the season and getting to know its people better.

The Perfect Rain Gear

A poncho is a two-headed plastic rain gear that the locals, maybe two or three, wear when riding a motorbike. Don’t be surprised if you find a ratio of only 10 cars versus 100 motorbikes on the road; motorbikes are the basic medium of transportation in Vietnam.

Sights To See

Sip your early morning coffee in Hoan Kiem Lake and get the feel of ancient Hanoi or be astonished by the mystical view of terrace fields in Lao Cai.

If you go there in July and still want to enjoy a day in pristine beaches, head to the south central province of Phu Yen, and you might just want to consider hopping to Giang province for a nice traditional boat ride in August.

And do you know where to sight different sizes and colors of the famous Vietnamese lanterns? Visit the old town of Hoi An. You will pass by small wooden houses, moss covered walls and street vendors in streets filled with beautiful lanterns of different shapes and colors, a remarkable and nostalgic travel destination in Vietnam.  

Cuisines To Crave For

Keep yourself warm by the exotic taste of Pho (noodles soup) which may come in variety of flavors like pho cay (spicy beef), pho bo vien (with beef meatballs), pho tai (with thin beef slices), pho hai san (seafood), spiced up with jalapeno, sriracha, hoisin sauce and the firm noodles in hot broth – all these will surely make you ask for more.

But if you happen to be in Ho Chi Minh City, indulge in the wide array of barbecue dishes in Saigon Grill in Pasteur street. Ho Chi Minh city exhibits foreign influence in Vietnam, hosting various foreign owned restaurants like American, Korean and Brazilian cuisines.

Spring rolls the Vietnamese way! It’s called Goi cuon – salad greens, meat or seafood, coriander rolled in translucent rice wrappers, which perfectly tastes when dipped in fish or peanut sauce.

While sandwich lovers will surely love Banh mi. A hefty meal of colorful and healthy combination of vegetables, sausages, fried egg, fresh cilantro, chilli sauce and cheese in a French baguette.

Vietnam is just a small conservative country in Southeast Asia, but was greatly visible in the eyes of its mighty predators like China, Japan and America. The invasion may have left a blot in the country’s history, but culture and authenticity remained, which is widely exhibited in the places and their food.

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