Europe

Top 5 Affordable Hotels to Stay in London

written by Mae

^Top 5 Affordable Hotels to Stay in London: To Buckingham Palace

While travelling is on a halt, planning for when it’s allowed is a smart thing to do. We care for your safety, please take precautions and consider this article as suggestions for future travels.

If one were to think of great cities of the world with great hotels, the list would probably be comprised of New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Naples, Zurich, and Paris to name a few. However, no place is as adept at combining old world charm and new world comfort as London. With the passing of Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh), a visit to the Buckingham Palace is in order.

London and New York are famous for high priced real estate being reflected in the cost of a hotel. However, London gives so much for the dollar or pound. So, if you are planning a trip to London, here are the Top 5 affordable hotels to stay in London (among thousands).

April 24, 2021 2 comments

Europe Iceland

Ice-melting Attractions in Iceland

written by Mae

It’s gotten warm around. If you are in the same predicament as I (prefers the spring and autumn coolness), vacationing in the uplands would be a good choice. Iceland is definitely one of the more popular family go-to places. Planning an Iceland family vacation is best done by researching and getting as much information as it would with any city. Some things to consider are: the weather, the season you are arriving in, the tradition, food to enjoy, where to stay. How to go about (transportation, safety) is also a basic included in planning. It is the easiest and wisest choice to book tours tailored to your interests at best.

The Northern Lights tour to see auroras (best in winter), Snorkelling tours to see Sifra and the Tectonic plates are the most recommended. Summer tour packages to see plenty of waterfalls, a black sand beach, glaciers, and volcanoes, Photo tours in Iceland (if you are a photo enthusiast like me) are your other options.

To make your list of itinerary easier, here are some of the spots, attractions in Iceland that you should consider:

The Blue Lagoon

Consider the Blue Lagoon on your list. This spa is supposedly one of the most visited places in Iceland because of the characteristic of the water in the lagoon. Swimming in the waters will make you experience its curative powers. Be ready for the 40°C (104°F) water temperature though. The water is rich in minerals that has wonderful effects to the skin.

Blue lagoon, iceland
Blue lagoon

Nature Reserves in Iceland

If you are into hiking and you do enjoy going into an adventure in the wild, visiting the Thórsmörk mountain range is one of best choices to go to in Iceland. Thórsmörk offers 300 sq. kms. of land area. It is composed of valleys and natural landscapes which is best for amateur hikers. Thórsmörk is considered to be one of the most visited natural reserves in Iceland.

Thórsmörk,mountain range

Another reserve that deserves attention is Flatey. It is a cluster of about 40 islands with only a population of five people come winter. 😀 The oldest and smallest library in Iceland, established in 1864 can be found in Flatey.

Flatey

Hornstrandir, a 220 sq mi of tundra, fjord, glacier and alpine land with rich but fragile vegetation Nature Reserve since 1975 is Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. Visiting Hornstrandir is like going back to the past. It has been left relatively untouched by humans, there are no roads and no proper harbours. You can enjoy bird-watching and simply being in nature at Hornstrandir.

Hornstrandir, Click photo for related post

The West Fjords

The West Fjords’ landscape is consisted of beautiful mountains, steep hills, beautiful fjords. These are what most travel books feature. What are the things to do at West Fjords? Simply enjoy the magnificence of God’s creation. Every fjord has its own charm, every mountain is worth taking a photo of… It’s so worth just being there and taking in the moment of being.

The Latrabjarg cliff is one of the most visited spots in the West Fjords. It measures 14km long and up to 440m high, thus, Europe’s largest bird cliff. It is home to a million of birds. From there, visit the Rauðasandur beach (Raudasandur). The color-changing sand will be an awe to watch, it turns from yellow to red-black which is mostly the color of beaches in Iceland.

West Fjords Waterfalls

Take a peek (and thousands of photos) of Dynjandi (pictured below waterfalls section), Djupavikurfoss, and Fossdalur waterfalls – pick a favourite.

I find camping to be the best option if you want to stay here. A wee bit cold spring, a place that is not very much populated, such undisturbed nature, and a very safe surrounding.

Atlantic puffin, common at the West Fjords

Waterfalls in Iceland

Being named Iceland, I can assure you that the place is not full of ice. It has magnificent waterfalls and water forms.

Here are some of Iceland’s amazing waterfalls worth seeing:

Gullfoss

Dettifoss

Skógafoss

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The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights

Iceland being situated in the North Atlantic, late March to late September will have longer days opposed to the half of the year, when the Northern lights (Aurora) are most visible. With the sun still up late at night, it would be a wonderful photo opportunity, it’s like having dusk scenes of a beautiful landscape in a permanent time frame, that you do not need to hurriedly click your camera…you can enjoy the surreal moment and capture some chunks of reality too.

If you decide to go on the opposite months – be mesmerized by the dancing skyfires, or auroras. Whichever season you decide, expect the skies of Iceland to be breathtaking.

Midnight sun, Fjord

Attractions in Iceland

Visiting Iceland will give you a unique experience, seeing more than just the northern lights, sleeping under the stars, and diving between two continents are surely worth writing down your travel diary. Here, you will experience being close to nature, see how life is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and in effect appreciate the Creator a lot more.

Have you updated your bucket list yet? It’s time to save up and plan your travel budget. I guess you should have Iceland on your list.

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October 26, 2018 5 comments

Austria Europe

Top Tourist Attractions in Vienna

written by Mae

If Europe is a preferable travel destination for you, then fail not to visit Vienna. It’s quite a historic and wonderful hotspot. It is once again named the Most Livable City, that a feature here is a totally deserved one. The top tourist attractions in Vienna may not be all enumerated in this post since there are a lot of spots worth visiting.

Art Galleries and Museum

Both artists and art lovers even those who are not will really feast on the 45,000 drawings and the most comprehensive art graphics of the world when in Vienna. The collection was established in 1786. One good example is the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum). One of the finest museums in Vienna.

The Art history museum is opposite a similar building, the natural history museum. These two are dubbed as Vienna’s twin museums for having the almost similar facade, a visit to one is not complete without the other.

artmuseum, Kunsthistorisches museum Vienna

(Kunsthistorisches museum, art museum opposite the Natural history museum)

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere houses museums within its upper and lower palaces. The upper one has a museum full of Austria’s most famous painters Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele. There’s a botanical garden beside that those who enjoy a walk in nature in the middle of a busy city.

Belvedere in spring

Imperial Palace/ Hofburg

This tells about the rich European history – at a time in the middle of world wars. Alexander’s Apartment, Chapel Castle of Hofburg, Butterfly House, Elizabeth’s Apartment and the Treasure chamber can be found within the complex. The Imperial Palace should place either as number 1 or 2 our top tourist attractions in Vienna list.

Hofburg / Imperial Palace

The Ring (The Ringstrasse)

The Ringstrasse encircles the most famous and important buildings of Vienna that are all worth seeing. The street around houses the Parliament, the Rathaus, the twin museums, the Stadtpark on one side. On the other, one can see the the Bugtheater, the Hofburg, the Volksgarten, the Opera house and many more. Take a tram that goes around the Ring and get off at the stop near the building you’d like to see. Take the same tram then get off the next…

Ring at night

Wiener Prater

Athletic and adventurous tourists like this place. The Prater is the famous fun fair in Vienna and would also make it to the list of top tourist attractions in Vienna. You will have the opportunity to ride the giant Ferris wheel and jog or do cycling through the areas of parks, fields and vast forest lands.

Prater at night

Anchor Clock (Ankeruhr)

Can’t miss this eye-catching clock when you walk at the Altstadt

It’s an art Nouveau built in 1911 to 1917. The clock is decorated with mosaic designs and ornaments. The 12 hours presentations have twelve historical figures that also move. These famous figures include Walther von der Vogelweide, the medieval lyricist, Joseph Haydn, Empress Maria Theresa and Savoy’s Prince Eugene. The Ankeruhr is best to see at noon, when it has a sort of little show when the 12th hour strikes.

The Ankeruhr can be found at Hohen Markt 10–11 at Vienna’s old town. It is on a footbridge at the Helvetia insurance building. Miraculously surviving the bombs during the wars. It can be accessed via the train station Schwedenplatz, to a little detour going to the city center or from Stephansplatz station going to Schwedenplatz. It is also opposite the Römermuseum.

A few walks from the clock, one will find the fountain Vermählungsbrunnen, which like the clock is an art Nouveau made of marble and bronze.

Schönbrunn Palace

A tour of the palace will direct you to magnificent apartments of Maria Theresia. The parlour and the bedroom where Mozart played for the Empress when he was 6 years old can also be seen. The apartments and parlours of Imperial couple Franz Joseph and Sissi are also on exhibit. You can also see other glass ornamented ceilings and gold-plated walls. The entire palace has a total of 1441 rooms!

Back of the Schönbrunn Palace

Danube Tower (Donauturm)

Danube Tower – at 170m is a rotating restaurant

Vienna’s awesome city view is most clear from this site. The tower which is fondly called as “Concrete needle” with 352 meters high is located between the two Danube intersections. History tells the tower was only built within 20 months. The tower has a rotating cafe-restaurant offering Viennese specialties. You can enjoy the 360° panoramic scenery of Vienna while enjoying your melange up here.

The tower can be reached via the train station Alte Donau. If you’re up for a walk, it can also be reached from the Vienna international centre, where you can pass by the big park. The tower is located in the man-made island Donauinsel. The island was created to prevent floods pestering the 21st and 22nd districts of Vienna and was developed as a family-friendly park.

Football fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, restaurants and cafés, humongous playgrounds, gardens, and even a Korean concert house are in the area.

Spanish Riding School

This riding school was founded in the year 1572 making it the oldest in the world. To watch the horse show, you must have booked the place month in advance.

Inside the Riding school (photo by David Mark https://pixabay.com/users/12019-12019)

Other Top Tourist Attractions in Vienna worth seeing

The oldest buildings and historical structures of Vienna truly manifest man’s ingenuity. The structures adorned with different pieces of ornaments made of various materials also showcase the European’s love of art.

Take for example the Hundertwasserhaus and other buildings by the known architect of the same name. The Secession building, the Rathaus, Parliament building and many other historical works of art.

Vienna has been one of the most famous destinations in Europe. You will surely feast on the colors and the wonders of art that are mostly man-made. Seeing those on this list of top tourist attractions in Vienna may make you want to stay longer.

The top tourist attractions in Vienna may not be all enumerated in this post since there are a lot of spots worth visiting.

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 photos courtesy of MarieKhan.com

March 28, 2018 5 comments

Beaches Europe

7 Amazing Spots to Visit in Greece

written by Marie

Greece is considered to be the birth place of the European civilization. This country is known for its culture and heritage. Many would say that compared today, Greece is a lot different from how it used to be. Though modernized, you can still explore the charming ruins and walk around history in all is glory.

Greece has always been on the top of my bucketlist of countries to visit. That was why I was so ecstatic when I at least was able to go for a short time.

If you want to visit the amazing spots in Greece, here are some of our suggestions. We hope these will help you select the best places where to spend your vacation at.

Dionysiou Monastery in Halkidiki

Halkidiki is probably one of the more unpopular spots in Greece, but it’s not a place one should ignore when visiting Greece. There’s a Byzantinian-style monastery built upon the mountainside hanging above the sea that you can’t miss when you go on a cruise by. There are also a lot of beaches where you can rent one of Halkidiki villas that are just a few steps away from the shore. We really enjoyed Hanioti’s simple everyday lifestyle and the white sand beaches, walking barefoot doesn’t feel tiresome at all.

Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

The Acropolis in Athens donkey. 😀

No cars allowed, travel by bike, donkey or foot

The National Archaeological Museum

Visiting this museum in Athens, make one really appreciate fully Greece’s culture. This Museum displayed the mysterious kouroi, archaic statues of gods, and other historical artifacts of ancient Greece. They also have a good many collection of Egyptian artifacts for you to explore. I was in historical bliss while moving about trying not to stumble onto any of the valuable pieces.

Antikythera Ephebe

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How about cruising through Greece from Venice? – Read here on what to expect on a 7-day Cruise.

Knossos in Crete

A very tempting spot in Greece. This is where you can find the Minoan Palace. The Minoan palace was built during the rule of King Minos over Aegean. Because this structure is kind of disorienting, there is a chance that one can easily get lost his way. But nothing to worry about, because there are available paid tour guides ready to rescue you.

ruins in Knossos

The Temple of Poseidon

Set in a position which overlooks Aegean Sea, this tourist spot is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Greece. The ruins, at Cape Sounion, will make you feel like you are in that epic movies you usually see. 😀 Watching the sun set from this spot will make it even more attractive and romantic.

Temple of Poseidon, east view

Crete Island

Crete Island is known because of its beaches and natural wonders which most tourists love. It’s friendly atmosphere would make one come back again and again. The Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour was worth a day’s trip, going about museums and eating fresh seafood then topping the day of with shopping. Vai, the largest natural palm forest in Europe might be difficult to access but it’s also worth seeing how this once garbage-laden shores turn out after clean up.

Vai, Crete

Island of Santorini

When you are looking for fun and adventure, this lovely island is a must! It’s paradise here and now. Santorini is considered to be one of the greatest tourist spots not only within the country but also in the entire globe. True, it could get crowded and touristy but it also comes as a charming factor.

Known because of its fine restaurants, Atlantis legends, wines, missing Minoans and magnificent sunset scenes, you will surely enjoy every second of your visit in Santorini. The sunsets, will make you fall in love all over again.

The overly used Santorini shot, still took it anyway 🙂

Greece is, by far, one of our favourite countries. After all the history it has gone through, it was able to cope up with the changes of the world, yet it was also able to retain its rich culture and tradition. Plus points!

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November 14, 2017 1 comment

Europe Italy

Spiaggia di Tuerredda – A Bucket-List Worthy Destination

written by Marie

The beach is, perhaps, the most sought-after travel destination by vacationers, beach bums (obviously!), and families seeking to enjoy wholesome fun and relaxation that’s fit for people of all ages. In fact, tourism in many countries thrives because of the influx of tourists to various beach destinations. In Asia, there’s Bali in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand, Amanpulo and Boracay in the Philippines. There’s Cape Town in Africa, and California and Florida in the United States.

All these places have one thing in common – beautiful, breathtaking, and captivating beaches. Hence, it’s not surprising that tourists flock to these places all year round. Of course, Greece, Australia, and Italy boast of beautiful beaches, if not the most picturesque too.

spiaggia di tuerredda

A particular municipality in the province of Cagliari in the Italian region of Sardinia called Teulada is home to Spiaggia di Tuerredda (Teurredda Beach).

Spiaggia di Tuerredda lies on a beautiful bay between Cape Malfatano and Cape Spartivento. If it were your first time to see the beach, you would think you’re looking at a captivating Caribbean landscape because of its clear and fine sand, as well as the clear waters of the sea that’s almost transparent. It’s little wonder, then, that it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

September 22, 2017 1 comment

Beaches Europe Greece

The Amazing Red Beach of Santorini

written by Marie

One of the most famous and desired holiday destinations in Europe is Santorini, Greece. This island is supernaturally beautiful, with an amazing landscape and wonderful colored beaches. It has become one of the most popular honeymoon spots for newly married couples who want to bask in the glow of love amidst breathtaking sunrise and sunsets.

Aside from that, Santorini boasts of beautiful beaches, cozy villages, world-class restaurants, and luxurious hotels. In the villages, you’ll see dazzling white buildings, narrow streets, snow-clad mountains, gorgeous landscapes, and museums – attractions that would surely make your stay at Santorini very memorable.

One unique vacation destination in Santorini is the Red Beach. It is located near the ancient site of Akrotiri. The first thing you will notice when you set foot on Red Beach is the startling display of large red and black rock slabs that surround the beachfront. The beach is aptly named because of this and because of the red sand, which are actually volcanic ruins. These deliver a striking contrast to the cobalt blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

This dazzling display attracts thousands of beachgoers and adventure-seekers year in and year out. In fact, some tourists visit the Red Beach simply because of the photographic scenery that can be summed up in one word – amazing.

July 6, 2017 7 comments

Europe Spain

The Breathtaking Rock Formations of Playa de las Catedrales

written by Marie

Europe is home to many breathtaking beaches, one of which is Playa de las Catedrales in the Eastern European region of Galicia, northwest of Spain. Officially, Playa de las Catedrales or “beach of the cathedrals” is called “Praia de Augas Santas” or Beach of the Holy Waters.

The regional Ministry for the Environment of the Xunta de Galicia has declared Playa de las Catedrales a Natural Monument. This recognition is due to the marvelous rock formations and cliffs that serve as the focal features of the beach. The natural arches and caves of the beach, which are best seen when the tide is low, remain the most characteristic feature of the place.

As Catedrais beach

Low tides will give you the best chance to appreciate the size of the magnificent cliffs. It’s also the best time to take snapshots of the sea caves. Imagine yourself creating your own picture story with the picturesque view as your subject. You could lose yourself taking pictures of caves that start out as small cracks on the rocks and leading to gigantic caves with collapsed roofs (the roofs eroded due to the giant waves of the beach).

June 30, 2017 15 comments

Beaches Europe Spain

Gandia Beach – Far from the Maddening Crowd

written by Marie

Spain is probably one of the most beautiful countries one can explore. It is a traveler’s haven, what with its awesome historical places, delightful scenic spots, and stunning beaches.

One area in Spain that is famous for its beaches is Gandia, also known as La Safor. This gorgeous area is located on the mid-eastern seaboard of Spain and just below Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. It’s on the cusp of northern Costa Blanca and southern Costa del Azahar, both long stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Hence, it’s not surprising that the delightful smaller towns, estates, and villages of Gandia extend inland and along a breathtaking coast of beaches that have earned their Blue Flags. (A Blue Flagged beach means that a beach or a marina has been certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for meeting its rigorous standards).

Nevertheless, despite the seemingly attractive promises that Gandia holds, it’s quite odd that it doesn’t get as much attention from international travelers unlike other places in Spain. Imagine 11 kilometers of wide, golden, unsullied beaches left untapped by many tourists.

Ironically, it is those savvy locals who spend time in Gandia. Apparently, they have made it their alternate destination to get away from “rowdy” tourists (who may have had one drink too many) and just enjoy a blissful day at sea.

June 26, 2017 8 comments

Denmark Europe

Top Tourist Attractions in Denmark

written by Marie

Denmark is actually one of the happiest places on the planet and is also on top of the list of countries having the finest quality of life. Visit Denmark and find its top ten beautiful and most visited tourist attractions.

Tivoli Gardens

If you are in Denmark, a visit to the Tivoli Gardens is a must. It is the most visited tourist attraction in the country and also third most visited tourist spot in Europe. This amazing amusement park is the second oldest in the world, next to Deer park Hill (also known Dyrehavsbakken).

There are a lot of things to do in Tivoli Gardens. Experience one of the 25 exhilarating rides, try over 30 restaurants, smell any of the 40000 flowers around the area, and be in awe at the arts and crafts displayed all-over. This park is perfect for family, friends and even lovers who wants to just spend time together.

Dragon Boat lake

Dyrehavsbakken (Deer Park Hill)

Deer Park Hill is the oldest amusement park in the world. Its history started way back in the late 16th century. This park may be old but it is known as one of the finest amusement park in the word.

You can do a lot of things in Deer Park Hill. If you are fond of food, the park has more than 40 bars and restaurants that will surely full your appetite. The restaurants are not just fastfood genre but you will find gourmet servings too.The park has a lot to offer for entertainment such as musical performances, slot machines, games, bars and also circus shows. If you are a music enthusiast, you will hear different kinds of music played by different bands, and of course you should not miss to watch the performance of the world renowned Circus Revyen. And if you want some adrenaline rush, you can ride on their huge roller coasters.

LEGOLAND at Denmark

Kids and adults alike would surely love to see toys made from LEGO, right? Let your children experience riding on vehicles made from LEGO bricks. You can also visit their water parks, rides or watch 3D movies. You can also stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel, which is a tourist attraction itself.

Observation Tower, Copenhagen Zoo

May 30, 2017 5 comments

Europe Spain

Wonderful Days While Vacationing in Culturally Diverse Spain

written by Marie

When you think about colorful festivals, diverse culture, and rich history, one of the countries that come to mind is Spain. This country in the Iberian Peninsula has a lot to offer to tourists.

Side-by-side with its cosmopolitan European neighbors, Spain is considered to be an exotic destination with a lot of the traditions and festivities still alive to this day. The sights to see include a number of beaches, lush forests, and lively festivals. There are also a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are located in this country. Of course, the islands around the peninsula are not to be missed. This is definitely a destination to include in your travel list.

Punta teno (Teno massif) in Tenerife

With the assortment of activities you can enjoy in Spain, you can plan your vacation as you wish. Your itinerary would, of course, depend on who you are travelling with. While you might think that a lot of the activities to do in Spain are for adults, there are actually places that cater to children’s interests as well. The beaches and the islands are always fun for kids and kids at heart. For those looking for outdoor adventure with the gang, hiking on the trails or camping in the forests is a great way to explore the islands. The not so adventurous can stay in the city or at the beach fronts to enjoy the bustling night life.

As you plan your vacation, check out these top three islands to visit in Spain:

1. Tenerife is a popular destination for people coming from the UK and Germany. This island is also frequented by locals. As with many other beaches around the world, this destination is known for diving and water sports. The difference is that you can dive into Tenerife’s waters anytime of the year. Diving tours can take you to Las Galletas where you can feed the stingrays and to the harbour wall in Puerto de la Cruz where you can marvel at the volcanic rock formations that have been sculpted by time and nature.

On dry land, you can immerse yourself in the community by visiting the markets, the old towns, and the historic sites in the island. There is a beautiful botanical garden to see just off Puerto dela Cruz. If you happen to schedule your travel in February, don’t miss the fancy dress parade held in the island by the locals. This parade is said to rival those held in Rio and Notting Hill.

Sunset at Ibiza

2. Ibiza is the island of choice for partygoers and holidaymakers. It is also an attraction for those who are planning to propose or to get married. There are studies that show an increase in the number of couples, usually from the UK and Germany, flying into the island to get married. There are a number of wedding planners and organizers in the island to make sure that this special day goes perfect for the couple. There is no need to fly out to another destination for the honeymoon as Ibiza offers a number of romantic places to visit. If you can find a local who knows where Atlantis is, you can visit this hidden cove. You can also choose to head out to, Cova de Can Marca, one of the island’s biggest natural caves located in Puerto de San Miguel. There’s also the mystical island rock Es Vedra just off the island’s west coast. What’s a honeymoon without time to lounge lazily at any one of the many beaches in Ibiza?

3. Majorca offers plenty of possibilities for groups of friends out on a budget getaway. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy at affordable prices. Even food and lodging can drop in terms of prices. It is no wonder that millions of tourists visit this island during the peak season alone. Exploring the island can be an adventure in itself with plenty of cultural sights to see in Palma, the island’s capital. Deeper into the mountains and forests are places where you can go hiking, camping, and birdwatching. For those looking for extreme activities, there is the psicobloc or deep water soloing for rock climbers.

There’s a whole lot more to Spain than these three islands. The internet is a wealth of information today. You can do a search of the most interesting places to visit in Spain or in any other place in the world. Get those fingertips working and start planning how to spend your dias felices in Spain.

Pollensa Bay, Majorca

May 28, 2017 5 comments

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