6 years ago Lazy Destinations

santorini-sunsetSituated in the heart of Mediterranean Sea, Santorini has long been seen as the must visit destination of the Greek Islands. Filled with picturesque beaches, beautiful sunsets, awe inspiring cliffs with vista sea views and sailing excursions that will showcase the wondrous beauty of the caldera bay Santorini is a joy to the senses. Also filled with wineries and varied historical sites there is more to do in Sanotorini than just enjoy nature and the warm weather. A few things to do in Sanorini include:

Ancient Thira

Ancient Thira is the main historical attraction of Santorini. Originally settled by the Dorians of the 9th century B.C. Thira has ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. A wander along what was once  the main street of Ancient Thira will lead you past old mosaic houses, Roman baths, and the remains of what was previously an ancient market place. Don’t forget to partake in the wonderful views from the Terrace of the Festivals, which was once a place of great religious significance and the site of ceremonies that honoured the Greek god Apollo. Ancient Thira is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 3 pm and admission is around $5 US dollars.

Amoudi Bay

The most stunning views to be had on Santorini are overlooking the caldera bay in the tiny port town of Amoudi Bay. Surrounded by steep cliffs, that offset the beauty of the bay with their imposing aesthetic, Amoudi Bay has long been a place for visitors to Santorini to enjoy a meal and watch the sun set. People who have traveled to Santorini previously note this location as the best for views on an island that is reputed for wonderful views. While in the bay, also be sure to sample some of the delicious fresh fish on the menu in many of its restaurants.

Kamari Beach

The volcanic history of Santorini has led to some of the Greek Isles most lovely and unique beaches – Kamari Beach more so than any other exudes this. The black sands of Kamari create a unique aesthetic as contrasted to the crystal blue waters that run along them when the tide is high. Nearby to the beach is Kamari, the islands most developed resort area. In Kamari you will find shops, beachside bars, hotels and restaurants. Perhaps a little crowded, especially in peak season, still Kamari Beach must be enjoyed while on Santorini.

6 years ago Travel Tips

Lisbon is a lovely city that yearly draws in hordes of tourists. Visitors to the city enjoy its wonderful Manueline architecture and the intriguing tradition of Fado music that fills the city’s air. Many of the best features of Lisbon are of everyday occurrence such as the pleasant yearly temperature, friendly people, and the wonderful cafe culture. Visitors enjoy greatly discovering Lisbon’s great neighborhoods such as the seafront Belem district. A few of the best things to do in Lisbon include:

Tram 28

Travelers in the know, know to take Tram 28 it which has become an attraction of sorts in of itself. Just a tram that carries local residents this tram by its route through the Alfama district past city squares and Se Catheedral and finally concluding at St George Castle gives a splendid opening view of the city. Many travelers actually suggest using this tram for its initial track up many steep hills, then walking back as to explore the neighborhoods it passes by.

alfamaAlfama

While riding Tram 28 you will head through the lovely Alfama neighborhoods of Lisbon. Dating back to Portugal’s period with the Moors, Alfama is categorized by narrow streets, interesting boutiques, Fado Clubs, and tourist sites like Se Cathedral and St George’s Castle. This area has fantastic shopping and a second to none cafe cultures set up along its often hilly streets. Coming to Alfama is a chance to see the origins of the city’s aesthetic and also to take the chance to do some great people watching. A trip to Lisbon would not be complete without a nice chunk of time spent here during your trip.

Belem

Competing with the Alfama district for their charming facades and enjoyable urban essences is the Belem district of Lisbon. Located 5 miles from the center of the city, Belem is a seaside neighborhood that also has some of Lisbon’s most important and iconic monuments. Housed in the district are the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Museu de Arte Antiga but to name a few. In order to get to Belem a recommendation, for a scenic journey, is to take tram 15 which takes around 30 minutes from the city center.

6 years ago Travel Tips

Doing group travel has long been tarnished with the view by travelers that it is selling out the experience of travel. Around Europe companies like Contiki have been seen, and often rightfully so, by many as hedonistic travelers partying and shagging their way across the continent. This view is only one of many that connect to group travel as there are many benefits to be gleamed from traveling in groups; the opportunity to save on costs, and travel to dangerous and exotic locations that you couldn’t reach on your own are but just a few of then. Some reasons for doing group travel include:

381019_10100412309979871_975187456_nHaving Balance and Fun on Your Trip

Perhaps the single most feature that detracts from a person’s good times during a trip is effectively planning their itinerary. Often travelers feel guilty for not seeing enough of a place, or conversely not taking enough time to relax. When you do a group tour you can rest assured that the people organizing it will try to maximize the things you will see, while also – with the benefit of many tours done previously – allow for rest and relaxation time for the participants. Tours often will even give travelers a chance for some alone time too so they can do things independently. Remove the stress of planning and a lot of good times can be enjoyed and stress removed.

The Chance to Meet Lots of Different Types of People

A hidden element of traveling in a group is to be thrust into different locales and experiences with some people that perhaps you would not have been around in your regular life. These are the experiences that help develop patience, tolerance and truly help individuals grow as people. The opportunities for friendships on group trips are high, but equally important are the opportunities that people have to expand themselves beyond who they normally are. One of the greatest elements of travel are the opportunities it gives to grow as a person.

Maybe You Find Love

Being in a foreign land is a great recipe for love to blossom. Like minded people who enjoy travel and adventure are placed in close confines for an extended period and it means that romantic sparks can fly. Moments of heightened experience draw people to together in attempts to share them. With that said more than one lasting flame has begun as people in group travel are near each other and have a wonderful chance to connect. Maybe the next group trip you take leads you towards ever lasting love.

6 years ago Travel Tips

So fate has brought you to Orlando, but you don’t have a lot of money to spend. Orlando has long been a place where cruise ships dock and the money that is aboard these cruise ships descends upon the city, but doesn’t just have to be this way. A good time can be had in Orlando on a shoe string budget too if you follow a few of these suggestions.

Accommodations

A lot of visitors to the city like to stay at one of Orlando’s resorts, which are often right next to Disney World and Universal Studios, this is a no, no for budget travelers. Just a few miles away from Orlando’s marquee attractions are much more reasonable priced hotel rooms and even a smattering of hostels. If you come to Orlando out of season too you can also find even better deal on budget and premium accommodations.

orlandoVisiting the Attractions of Orlando

Naturally people who visit Orlando want to enjoy going to Disney World and the other attractions near it too. Shopping online for various special savings for park entrance is always a good idea. When you have paid for your tickets to enter Disney World you must do your best to maximize the time you have there. A few suggestions how to do this include showing up really early and visiting the most popular attractions then before huge line ups development. When the major crowds are there that is the time to enjoy the less popular rides. Bring your own picnic lunch with you as eating in Disney World is basically a rip off and will spend your days meal money in one meal.

Places to Eat

The main concern of the budget traveler in Orlando is to visit the major theme parks that drew them to Orlando without breaking the bank on the over priced foods there. Now we aren’t saying that a person should starve themselves as not all these costs can be avoided, but some planning ahead trying to eat meals before entering or even bringing a lunch can really help offset trip costs. A travel tip is to eat a large breakfast then just try to snack – maybe even with your own snacks – inside the parks.

More Tips to Save

A few more tips on how to enjoy Orlando includes considering buying an Orlando GO card, for allotments of one to seven days, that provides free and reduced price and often free admission into Orlando’s different attractions. Though Orlando is best navigated by a rental car it also an option as well to get a bus pass and get around that way to save on money. Under no circumstance cheap out on sunscreen as the intense Florida sunshine can and will burn you bad and ruin a trip. It costs a little to get there, but be sure to visit things in and around the Orlando area like Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Centre and the nearby Dali Museum in St Petersburg Florida.

6 years ago Travel Tips

While it’s always great to get away from it all, it’s still preferable by most travellers to have a lifeline back home. Whether it’s for emergencies or just to let people know you’re okay (or even to brag about all the fun you’re having!), being able to make free international calls is definitely a plus for any world weary traveller.

Let’s face it, it can get lonely out there and staying in touch with loved ones can bring great comfort to people who just want to hear a familiar voice every now and then. Sure, you meet a ton of people at festivals or just out and about – some of which will become lifelong friends, others momentary acquaintances and some that if you see again it will be too soon – but hearing from those you already know and hold dear to you can perk you up in an instant.

Whenever I go on holiday, I’m always pestered by my mom to let her know I have arrived okay, regardless of where I’m going to or the situation. Years ago on my first trip overseas, I literally had to search for hours to find a working phone so I could make a call back home so she wouldn’t freak out. When I finally made contact, I think she was amused (and hopefully touched) by the great efforts I made to connect. And as much as I hate to admit it, making that connection was just as much for my benefit as it was for hers peace of mind.

That was prior to the days of smartphone apps and 3G networks taking over much of our lives so to say I would’ve benefited from that kind of direct access is a no brainer! Now when I hit the road, I don’t need waste time and brain cells (of which I have so few!) searching for a rapidly disappearing phone booth but instead I can swap out my SIM card and use my phone. Or, even easier, just find a wifi zone and use a company like Rebtel’s calling app to get my call out. People these days have it too easy!

I love getting off the grid as much as the next traveller but it just makes me feel better to know home is just a phone call away. It lets me know the world is mine to explore but I still feel like I’m right in my own backyard.

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