Posts for Travel Tips Category

Amazing Things to Do in Ghana

Travel Tips - Shelia - October 1, 2015

Whether you’re a first time visitor to Ghana or you are returning for a repeat trip, there are lots of things to see and to do in this country. Over 1,000,000 tourists visit Ghana annually, and therefore the year round tropical climate makes the region a preferred destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Find out which attractions you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Ghana.

Kejetia Market

Located within the center of Kumasi, the Kejetia Market is usually referred to as the largest market in West Africa. With over 11,000 stalls and 40,000 staff, this shopping hub sells food, knick-knacks, Ashanti sandals, glass beads, jewelry, and shoes. This destination is not a major tourist attraction, so shopkeepers are often pleasantly surprised to see visitors. You can also go with a guide who can help you to find obscure goods and will provide tips on bargaining.

Cape Coast Castle

Cape Coast CastleThe imposing, whitewashed castle found at the heart of Cape Coast could be a historical marvel. You’ll visit dungeons and slave quarters, that contrast sharply with the grand Governor’s bedroom. The castle also features a museum that details the history of Ghana, Akan culture, and the slave trade.

Kakum National Park

If you are interested in the wildlife of Ghana, the Kakum National Park is a great place to check out. This pocket of rainforest features endangered forest elephants, 300 species of bird, the colobus monkey, and about 600 butterfly species. The canopy walkway that is suspended nearly 100 feet above the forest floor is the main attraction.Kakum canopy walk

The Kumasi Voodoo Experience

If you’re curious about a unique experience when visiting Ghana, consider an exciting tour of the world of voodoo in Kumasi. Visit a voodoo shrine and meet with native monks who make a case for antique spells, rituals, dances, and other practices. you’ll conjointly watch a voodoo dance completed with ritualistic chants and costumed dancers.

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

This small community-protected forest is that the best place within the country to urge a close-up encounter with 2 completely different monkey species: the black and white colobus monkey and the Lowe’s mona monkey. Both species are held sacred by the area’s local villagers.


Image By andryn2006,Stig Nygaard Under Creative Common License.

 

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Best Beaches in Spain

Travel Tips - Shelia - September 25, 2015

Spain boasts miles and miles of extraordinary coastline (3,085 miles of coastline) that is home to a number of the world’s most opulent beaches. Spain is that the ideal place to stroll enchanting beaches and enjoy the breathless ocean views of its coasts. There are a number of the most effective beaches Spain should provide. Don’t worry! Not all of them are expensive places to go to. Just make your travel plans well in advance to save some cash and time.

Ses Illetes, Formentera

FormenteraOften regarded as the best beach of the Balearic Islands, Ses Illetes might not boast the party scene that its neighbor Ibiza will, however it will provide this idyllic white sandy beach that’s postcard-worthy in each respect. Travelers come to this beach to soak up the sun and dip into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. It’s also a great place for those who seek peace and quiet.

Puerto Banus, Marbella

The Costa del Sol city of Marbella boasts twenty-four beaches. Puerto Banus continues to be one of the most popular with its marina. From the beach, it’s captivating to watch the yachts on the glittering sea. More than five million people visit this extraordinary beach each year. Why not be one of them? This beach is definitely worth visiting!

Playa de Cofete

Playa de CofeteIf you plan to visit the extraordinary Canary Islands, Playa de Cofete is a breathtaking beach to visit, especially if you prefer pristine natural settings. Its romantic atmosphere is perfect for losing worldly cares. Because the waves are invariably high, it’s not the ideal place for swimming with children, but it is outstanding in its beauty.

Playa de Los Lances, Tarifa

Home to major kite surf championships, Playa de Los Lances is stunning in every respect. As a protected natural area, the beach is the perfect place to witness high Atlantic rollers and marvelous sunsets. Come to watch the kites against the backdrop of the majestic ocean. Playa de Los Lances is a great places for couples and families with kids.

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

La Concha BeachBreathtaking La Concha Beach has all the beauty of a classic painting, but it’s real! The hilly city of San Sebastian rises above the beach on its hilltops. The beach itself is crescent-shaped and hugs a glittering bay. Often called one of the most stunning urban beaches, La Concha Beach is a must-visit destination. Last year I visited La Concha Beach alone and had no problems, so I can easily recommend this place to solo travelers.


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Best Japanese Restaurants in Europe

Travel Tips - Shelia - September 15, 2015

When you wish to enjoy Japanese cooking in Europe, these venues should top your list of the most effective places to eat. You’ll not solely enjoy the food, however the pleasant atmospheres too!

Yamazato, Amsterdam, Netherlands

KaisekiThis award-winning restaurant serves everything up from dish to ten-course meals. situated within the Okura building, Yamazato is one among the city’s most famous Japanese restaurants. Serving elegant delicacies like shiizikana and favorites like sushi and tempura, this building boasts a full menu that’s certain to delight fans of Japanese cooking.

Kyoto, Athens, Greece

With its view of the Acropolis, it’s no marvel that this Japanese favorite is fashionable guests to Athens similarly as locals. The authentic delicacies are revered for his or her freshness. Although little as compared with alternative European favorites, this restaurant makes admirable use of the space by feeding throngs of loyal fans.

Sasaya, Berlin, Germany

sushiNoted for its amazing Japanese cuisine, this is as close to Tokyo cuisine as you’ll find in Berlin. In a city that is not especially known for its great Asian restaurants,Sasaya actually shines as one of the best places to order sushi on the continent. If you love Japanese food and happen to be in Berlin, this venue is well-worth checking out for a meal or two!

Musashi, Dublin, Ireland

When you get a craving for spicy tuna rolls, this is the place to head to in Dublin. Known for its sushi and noodles, Musashi is nearly always crowded with sushi lovers. With remarkably elegant presentations, the chefs prepare delectable cuisine that continues to garner rave reviews.

Shunka, Barcelona, Spain

sashimiSushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies are prepared fresh and delicious – unfailingly so. Loyal customers boast that the quality of the sushi is as good as one may find anywhere outside of Japan itself. Each created dish looks as beautiful as it tastes delicious. If you are celebrating an important day or just want to experience some Japanese food that won’t disappoint, this venue is a Barcelona mainstay when it comes to Japanese cuisine.


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Why You Should Stay At A Japanese Ryokan, For The Best Relaxing Holiday – El Take It Easy

Travel Tips - Shelia - August 16, 2015

Mostly, we decide to take holidays for relaxation, after working too hard. If you want an experience that feels more like a spa weekend than a hotel stay, a Japanese ryokan is definitely for you. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, which is usually more than 100 years’ old, and you should be able to find one with an array of nearby temples or shrines. But what’s so great about ryokan anyway?

 Next Level Hospitality

 At a ryokan, you will encounter hospitality like you’ve never experienced before. As a guest, the members of staff will bend over backwards to make sure that you have a relaxing stay, and you’ll barely have to lift a finger. Nothing is too much trouble. You’ll know exactly what I mean, when you experience your first stay in a ryokan – Japanese hospitality at its finest.

 Dress Code

 There are a few things to bear in mind, when you visit a ryokan for the first time. As you walk in, you’ll find yourself in an entrance space called the ‘genkan’ – the ground is lower than the inn’s floor. Here, you will have to remove your shoes, and you’ll be given slippers to wear. Yes, while indoors – you will always wear slippers.

Within your room, you will find yukata (a summer kimono) – it’s likely that a member of staff will show you how to wear it, or dress you. It’s really comfortable, and many ryokans have pretty patterns for female guests to choose from.

 Traditional Japanese Food And Culture

If you are fussy with your food, and rarely eat anything other than chips, burgers, and macaroni, a ryokan isn’t for you. However, those who are open to new cuisine will be spoilt with an array of amazing, traditional Japanese dishes. Often, breakfast is included within the price (and sometimes even dinner too).  A ryokan is a really great opportunity to be surprised at every turn, in terms of culture shock (in a good way). You will have a really special time.

 Onsen

One of the best things about ryokan is that you will be able to use the ryokan’s bath house, or onsen. Soak in there for half an hour, and you will be addicted to how rested and youthful you feel. You will have to get naked in front of strangers, however, if your room doesn’t come with its own private onsen, but that’s just how they do in Japan. Even if you are initially shy, you should be fine.

 Getting There

Many ryokans provide a shuttle service from certain areas, as ryokans are often out-of-the-way. If you’re nervous about using public transport to reach your ryokan, you can often get a private car from the airport, if your ryokan is close to a main city, such as Tokyo. Blacklane offers a really fantastic service, and it’s nice to have everything sorted out for you, after an extremely long flight.

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Once in a Lifetime Experiences in Thailand

Travel Tips - Shelia - July 18, 2015

When it comes to far off adventures at a price that can’t be beat, Thailand is always a sure thing. Whether it’s the fabulous weather, the parties that never seem to stop, fantastic nature or a dynamically rich culture, Thailand has something for everyone from the north to the southernmost tip. You could be a first timer or an old pro when it comes to visiting this tropical paradise but the country always offers a chance to see it anew and is particularly appealing when the weather turns cool elsewhere in the world.

Take a look below at some suggestions for the best ways to experience what Thailand has to offer depending on your tastes and time frame. Whether it’s a few days in Bangkok or a few weeks lounging in Phuket or Ko Phi Phi, the only thing you’ll regret about this holiday is not taking it sooner!

Bangkok Heritage

If you’re looking or a city that will continue to surprise you around every corner, look no further than Bangkok, the capital city that has many flights connecting it to the rest of the world. It has every modern amenity you could hope for at a fraction of the price you could find it back home. Use it as your base to see the amazing temples and shrines dedicated to Buddhism or the imperial grounds of the royal family and be amazed at how much there is to do and see within this incredible metropolis.

Full Moon Parties

So much has been said about Full Moon Parties that I won’t go into too great of detail about what they are about, except that they are definitely for those who like to party. Taking place, as the name would suggest, around the full moon, these parties see travellers from all over the world revelling in the electric atmosphere on the beach and just generally going nuts – often with a little extra ‘help’, if you catch my drift.

286_603876170731_8738_nBeautiful Ruins

As a country that has been around for a very long time in various forms, Thailand has its share of old buildings that have fallen into disrepair – the result is a hauntingly beautiful setting for exploring a piece of Thailand’s incredible history. If you think checking out old British castles is a good time, you’ll be blown away by the ruined sites in Thailand.  Just outside of Bangkok lies the old capital of Ayutthya, a city burnt by the Burmese many years ago but a must see for anyone who has the chance.

Wartime Past

Thailand has been host to many battles and wars over the years, but you may be interested in checking out those sites relating to WWII as many are the final resting places of soldiers from all over the world. Of particular note is the bridge on the river Kwai, made famous by the movie of the same name, which was blown up and then rebuilt not long after. Nearby is the JEATH war cemetery, an immaculately kept allied war cemetery that will humble you long after you’ve returned home.

 

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