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.
As a travel destination, few places in Europe can rival what Spain has to offer. Whether you enjoy the historical old world feeling or the warm sunny Mediterranean climate, Spain is your answer to the winter blues and is a perfect place to visit any time of year. The hardest part might be figuring out a way to squeeze it all in so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything!
The answer of course, is you can’t see it all in just one trip – you really need to come back a few times. Most people will opt to start in the bustling metropolis of Barcelona because, well, it really is incredible on all fronts. Those looking to relax in the sun will head to one of the islands, like Ibiza, Majorca or the Canary Islands, and let all the worries of the mainland life drift away. Still more will head to Madrid, the capital, or road trip it between the smaller locales on the way to Grenada to recreate the true Spanish feeling. The truth is though, every place is part of what makes Spain wonderful and as lofty a goal as it may be, you really need to see them all.
Still not sure about Spain? Take a look below to see just some of what makes this a great destination for all travellers.
Fun in the Sun
Those not familiar with Europe might be surprised to learn Spain is one of the top winter getaway locations on the continent. Blessed by its southern location and straddling the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Spain is a lot warmer year round than almost any other European country. Of course the weather is all the better in the summer, but for those looking for a break from the winter blues, grab flights to Lanzarote or other warm spots in Spain to split up an otherwise dreary month – you can find more at http://book.flythomascook.com/cheap-flights/to-affecife-lanzarote-spain
History Galore
Museums and old castles can be inspiring but they can get a bit exhausting, particularly if you’ve been spending a lot of your trip doing that kind of thing. Thankfully, Spain makes history stand out as much of its history is living and still fully functional! Heading to Barcelona means you get to see the Cataln culture in its modern form set against a very traditional backdrop – concerts held in old market squares at midnight, a hospital that looks like a castle and their most famous church, Sagrada Familia, still under construction after over 100 years – and that’s just Barcelona!
Rich, Vibrant Culture
As much as Spain might seem to be one unified nation, keep in mind it is the amalgam of many different groups of people that still see themselves as distinct from Spain as a whole – the result is a different country everywhere you go! Whether it’s the capital of Madrid where the power of the Spanish empire still resides; the Basque region in the north along France; or the islands that remained independent kingdoms until only a few centuries ago, they each bring something special to Spain that makes it a one of a kind tourist destination you aren’t soon to forget.
If you want to be in San Francisco and not spend money, which is hard as it has become one of the US’s most expensive cities, the answer is simple head down to Haight Ashbury to wander around. Once the epicentre of the hippy movement, Haight Ashbury still provides much diversion for visitors to the city as it doesn’t cost anything to enjoy its parks and green spaces. If you have a few dollars or you’re just an avid window shopper you can also do some great shopping down in this district too. After you have done that just zone into the areas great architecture too.
Parks of Haight-Ashbury
There are several great parks in near succession to each other in Haight Ashbury. The two that are most often enjoyed are Buena Vista Park – which is canvassed by sun in the summer and offers breathtaking views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, and Golden Gate Park, a massive park that stretches from Haight Ashbury all the way down to the Pacific Ocean. If you’re hanging around Haight Ashbury be sure to spend at least a little time in and around hippy hill which is easy to hear, see and smell from the sounds of rhythmic drums and the notable aromatic smoke that emits from it and forms small hazy clouds above it. There’s always plenty of free things to do while in the park.
Haight Ashbury Architecture
One of the calling cards of Haight Asbury has long been the Victorian style architecture built from brick. One of the best examples of this is the Red Vic – which is a bed and breakfast, slash museum. Wandering ever so slightly up the street and you can find the Victorian style former home of the entire Grateful Dead at 710 Ashbury. This was the residence that housed the band and the varied and ever changing “friends” who stayed there too. Wandering the streets of Haight Ashbury is free and promises to be a very pleasing aesthetic experience.
Shopping in Haight-Ashbury
Haight Ashbury is a well known shopping locale and is famous for having several independent shops that specialize in various alternative items. Even if you don’t want to spend money just looking around, window shopping, and people watching will make it well worth your while to wander around the various shops. If you are at all a lover of books make sure to wander and read a little in the famous City Lights Book Store, which was a centre of the beat and hippy movements in its day.
One of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a rich tapestry of ancient art and natural beauty. You can explore Roman tombs and Byzantine art, take a traditional Turkish bath, or visit the largest Ostrich Park in Europe, depending on what mood seizes you. There’s a gothic castle on a hill and a speckling of monasteries, all of which make admirable daytime adventures. But as the sun sinks below the horizon, Cyprus crackles into an indomitable neon light-storm of thumping beats. Here’s an overview of the best places to be and things to do on Cyprus, whether the sun is coming up or sinking down…
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is one of the world’s liveliest clubbing destinations, and a popular choice among the 18 – 30 crowd. Clubs like Black N’White, Castle Club and Starsky’s bring the noise for dancing queens, and opportunities to spot reality stars and footballers abound. Organised bar crawls and fantasy boat parties – though not for the faint-hearted – are the order of the day, and when the hangover kicks in, there’s always the massive Waterworld Waterpark to get you rehydrated. If clubbing isn’t your scene, activities range from the enlightening to the bizarre. Explore Ayia Napa’s sea caves on a boat tour, head to the abandoned ghost town of Famagusta, or laze away in the Marrakech Spa accompanied by Moroccan tea and pastry.
Paphos
It’s the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, and there’s plenty to love in the pretty coastal city of Paphos. Historians will cherish the opportunity to explore Kato Paphos Archeological Park, an ancient ruin which includes Roman villas with original mosaic floors and an ancient Odeon carved from limestone blocks, while adventurers can learn to scuba at the Dive Point Diving Centre. Once you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, visit one of the many tavernas in Paphos to sample some freshly prepared Greek cuisine, then relax with a cocktail in Notos Café Bar, and look out over the Harbour as the clubs begin to throb.
Limassol
Cyprus’s second-largest city mixes beach life, activities and a fairly sophisticated night scene. With everything from paintball and off-road driving to archery and go-karting, start with Sayious Adventure Park for an action-packed day out. Animal lovers should visit the donkey sanctuary, where you can help care for the animals, or the Limassol Zoo, where you can see baboons, wallabies and lemurs. As night falls, whether your taste is in trance, rock or jazz, there will be a club to accommodate, or if you’re looking for something a little more mellow, check out Retro, a club for the over 30s, playing the hits of yesteryear.
Of course, outside the main hubs, there are plenty of picturesque spots you can include in your holiday itinerary, from hiking the remote Karpas peninsula to enjoying traditional Cypriot tavernas in villages like Tochni and Kalavasos. Whether you’re more active in the day or at night on holiday, you’ll find something to absorb, entertain and astonish in Cyprus.
Images by lix – and David Evers used under Creative Commons
Every August Edinburgh comes ablaze with its yearly festival of the arts. Though the main component of the festival is a fringe theater event there is much more than that going on in the city. In a shout out to the arts, the fringe is accompanied by a comedy festival, a literary festival, a film festival all at the same time. Despite the perpetual gloomy skies of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh becomes a vibrant place for this month. Here are a few reasons you should go to the Edinburgh festival at least once.
There is a festival for all types of art
Whatever the art form that you love there will be plenty of opportunity to explore it. The festival also is the ideal locale in which to explore different art types that you previously haven’t been strongly acquainted with. Now is the chance to see Irving Welsh give a book reading, or watch famous actors and directors discuss their newest films. Art in all of its pedigrees is here and it on you to explore it as thoroughly as you can.
The Nightlife Extends
During the festival Edinburgh extends it already thriving night life by 2 hours. This means pubs that would ordinarily stop at 11 pm are now open till 1 am and bars and night clubs go longer also. The result is that you have a whole slew of culture lovers getting drunker for longer together. Many people rave about the full bars during the Festival. The extended bar times and the mayhem that ensues because of this is yet another solid reason to be at the Edinburgh festival come August… even if art is only sort of your thing.
The city expands with art lovers
The diversity of different arts represented brings a wonderfully eclectic mixture of art lovers into the city which provides a great chance to meet some really interesting artistic people. As comic con in San Diego brings slews of comic and pop culture lovers to San Diego the Edinburgh festival brings many an art lover to Edinburgh. The increased crowds bring a dynamic quality to the streets that can be easily seen on a walk up Edinburgh’s famed Royal Mile, on Princess Street, or while wandering through the meadows. Be sure to say hi to the person in the pub chair next to you and meet an interesting person.