Travel Tips for Reykjavik Iceland Where to Eat Sleep and Tour in Iceland

You may think that Iceland is rather a complicated place to go to and one of Europe’s more popular tourist destinations is easier and quicker to reach and navigate but you’d be wrong! Iceland lies between Boston and London and takes about 4 hours to reach either from the U.S. or Europe. 

The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik has all the tourist amenities and conveniences as any other popular tourist destination but is not as over run or as over done.

You will find Iceland a refreshing travel destination with some unexpected plus points, like the beautiful women, the raving nightlife on weekends and the breath taking scenery and natural wonders.

These travel tips are just some interesting points which I picked up on during my visit to Reykjavik, Iceland and they may make your trip to Iceland more pleasurable.

1. Weather and visiting Reykjavik, Iceland in the winter

Although cold in the winter don’t think you have to go during the summer. The winters have been mild in the past 5 years, with hardly any snow fall in the south, although you still get the snow capped mountains and icy glaciers. This means you can still easily navigate the roads around Reykjavik during the winter even if you are not used to driving in winter conditions. Traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland in winter also means a chance to see the northern lights, cheaper prices, fewer tourists and all the tourist attractions are still open. The only things you would miss out on if traveling in winter to Reykjavik, Iceland is the whale watching and Puffin birds.

2. Whale watching in winter in Reykjavik, Iceland

There are whale watching tours during the winter but you are more likely to see dolphins. We took a whale watching tour in Reykjavik during January and enjoyed the boat trip, although you need to go knowing you will most likely not see the mighty mammal. If you can look at it simply as a pleasant trip along the Icelandic coast then do it but if you have your heart set on seeing a whale then rather go in the summer months to avoid disappointment. We did however see a school of about 100 dolphins who ducked and dived around the boat and that was great.

3. Neighborhood ice cream parlor in Reykjavik, Iceland

Using the tourist map of the city of Reykjavik which every hotel hands out, follow your nose and taste buds to this small neighborhood ice cream shop which overflows with locals and plenty of character. Get away from Reykjavik’s main street for a while, about a 20 minute walk west and you will find an ice cream parlor run by a regular mum. The place is small but locals love it. You can have regular ice cream or frozen milk, and either come topped or blended with a variety of about 30 toppings. You will find it at: 67 Hagamel Street and can read more about the most popular reykjavik ice cream parlor here. Don’t miss out on all the wierd and wonderful traditional Icelandic foods as well!

4. Where to stay in Reykjavik, Iceland

Look at a map and choose a hotel walking distance from the main street - Laugavegur . Reykjavik is spread out with many of the hotels being far from the main street which buzzes with cafes, pubs, restaurants and all the amenities you will need. Although many trips to Reykjavik consist of simply staying at a hotel and then being picked up everyday from your hotel and being taken on an adventure into the incredible Icelandic nature, you may want to leave your hotel at some point for a coffee, a beer or simply to window shop. If your hotel is not close to the center you will have a hard time getting to the center as buses are not that regular and there are plenty of hotels to choose from around the main part of town. Don’t miss out on the Reykjavik nightlife and café culture by choosing a hotel too far away from the center. I recommend one of the Centerhotel chain hotels, Thingholt, Plaza or Klopp, all of which are central, and vary in price range, there is also a hostel right on the main drag.

5. The Golden Circle Tour, Reykjavik, Iceland

Combine your trip to the Golden Circle with some other attraction. Although the Golden Circle is exciting, unusual and breathtaking you will find that it takes a while to reach the attractions along the way as you come from Reykjavik, however if you have some other distraction it makes the day just that bit more special. You can combine the Golden Circle tour with snowmobile riding, glacier climbing, super jeep rides, horse riding and even snorkeling or diving. We did the snorkeling and it just broke the monotony of driving from one site to another getting out, being amazed, taking a photo and returning to the van. A note about superjeep riding, ask your tour operator if the jeep will actually be going off road, otherwise you might as well be in a car or van.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland tours

I had read many times on the net that there is no need to book tours before you leave home, but I found this hard to believe and went ahead and booked all our tours in advance. Once in Reykjavik I found that there were other tour options, tours that combined tours I had booked separately and that we needed some breathing space between tours. So definitely don’t book all your tours in advance. However book your first day’s tour and any special tours that you are scared to miss out on. The hotel reception or the local tourist information can book tours for you on the spot. For example there is no need to book northern lights tours too far in advance. We even booked a tour which was leaving in 20 minutes time, and they came to pick us up from the hotel.

Writer: Petal Mashraki

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Head to Helsinki This Summer!

How does the seaside capital of one of northern Europe’s most distinct countries, Finland feel like?

Some people experience Helsinki as unpresumptuous and cool while others think it is delightfully retro. 70% of Finland’s foreign business happens here, 10% of the Helsinki population of 584 420 were born abroad and they speak 132 languages.

A quarter of the population of the country, 29% of jobs, eight universities, six technology parks, and a third of Finland’s GDP can be found in and around Helsinki, founded in 1550.

How to Go Around Helsinki

At 42 € for 48 hours and giving unlimited travel on the excellent public transport system and with free access to 50 museums, the Helsinki Card is a great bargain.

Wake up with coffee and breakfast at Café Esplanad (Pohjoisesplanadi 37) or Café Strindberg (Pohjoisesplanadi 33).

A short walk away is one of the market squares, Kauppatori, full of tourists browsing handicrafts stalls. Locals buy fish, fruits or vegetable in this popular open-air marketplace overlooked by the red brick built Russian Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral on Katajanokka Island.

On the Senate Square, walk up the high flock of steps of the huge white Lutheran cathedral to get a beautiful panoramic city-view.

19th century neoclassic buildings like the imposing main building of the Helsinki University are around the square. A small side street, Sofiankatu, is paved with cobblestones and has street signs in Russian first, Swedish next and Finnish last as it was two hundred years ago. The stately parliament house built with red granite has a modern annex and modern glass buildings opposite.

Classical art-lovers shouldn’t miss the Ateneum Art Museum with Finnish art from the 18th century to the 1960s and foreign art from the 19th century onwards. Modern art-lovers have the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, an ultra-modern building designed by American architect Steven Holl. The National Museum, has an interactive exhibition to take you through Finnish history. Temppeliaukion Kirkko, a church hewed out of solid granite rock with a rolled copper roof hosts many concerts and is a tourist must see. You don’t need to have children tagging along to scream in childish delights at Linnanmäki amusement park. Many parks in Helsinki, like Esplanade park provide free WLAN Internet, so you can sit there in the sun with your laptop, people watching and posting updates on Facebook.

Helsinki has a glitzy and pricy Flamingo if you want that spa kind of pampering. The wood fired Kotiharjun Sauna (Harjutorinkatu 1) is a dare for the culturally brave. The Russians prescribe vodka for solving all the problems of life. The Finns use the sauna to that end. With separate saunas for men and women, the traditional relaxation solves all the problems of life, but no drinking alcohol in the sauna. You can experience swimming naked at the classical Roman style baths round the year at Yrjönkatu pools. Separate places and times for men and women. The Finnish Sauna society has eight different kinds of saunas for you to brag about back at home.

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO-listed group of islands only a 15-minute ferry ride away and Seurasaari is an open-air museum (in summer) a short bus-ride away with farmhouses, churches and manors to show how people lived in Finland hundreds of years ago.

FOOD, DRINKS and NIGHT-LIFE in Helsinki

The not-so-cheap restaurant Aino (Pohjoisesplanadi 21) serves excellent Finnish food. Lappi (Annankatu 22) and Saaga (Bulevardi 34B) serve exotic Lappish cuisine. Jailbird, located in a former prison is a restaurant for people who want to pay for dining in a jail.

The young party bums should check out Baarikärpänen (Mikonkatu 1), Fever (Annankatu 32) and KY Klubi (Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21). Seasoned partygoers try the following: Ahjo (Bulevardi 2/4), Fennia (Mikonkatu 19). Then there’s Millionaire’s Club (Kaivokatu 12) or Gentleman’s Club (Iso Roobertinkatu 4-6) for the really naughty men.

For gay and lesbian clientele, Bar Loop, the trendy Jenny Woo, Hercules nightclub, DTM offers you free WLAN, Mann’s Street is for real Finnish men who happen to be gay.

In the last two decades small boutiques in Helsinki have moved over to shopping centres like in all major cities. In summer, Helsinki is full of tourists - Americans coming in large cruise ships, Russians from Moscow and St Petersburg coming for bargains and for holidaying, the Japanese strolling around and buying Finnish design clothes at Marimekko. Check the latest on what’s happening in Helsinki from the Trip Advisor

WEATHER in Helsinki

When you come up so far north, weather can be very fickle, so dress appropriately. The average Helsinki daytime temperature is 17c in July and the daylight hours are around 20 hours then. Nights can be cooler. Check the latest weather here 

Two Finnish words Anteeksi (excuse me/sorry) check pronunciation here and Kiitos (Thanks) check pronunciation here will help you a lot. Most of the people in Helsinki speak a fair amount of English.

As a city, Helsinki symbolises the Finn’s penchant for the understatement. 

Source: factoidz.com

A Tourist Guide to Bruges, Belgium : the Venice of the North

Bruges can be considered as a crown jewel in Belgium and is located in the northwestern part of this small country of Europe. 

This beautiful city is the capital and largest city of West Flanders and attracts yearly more than 2 millions of tourists from all places over the world. Bruges is one of the most popular medieval cities all over the world and its historic center of is recognized by the UNESCO as world heritage center since 2000. Het Brugs beertje (the little Bruges bear) is the symbol of Bruges and represent, according to a legend, the oldest inhabitant of Bruges.

Bruges is also called “the Venice of the North” because this city has plenty picturesque canals which flow together in the River Reie. A boat trip on the Reie will show you why Bruges is called the Venice of the north and may never be missed if you visit Bruges. It is a boat trip of 30 minutes where you pass many bridges and you can view the most important buildings and places of Belgium. You will surely enjoy such boat trip because the driver informs you about the history and tells funny anecdotes which even many habitants of Belgium don’t know.

Traveling to Bruges can best be done by train because it is difficult to find a parking in this beautiful city of Belgium. The streets are narrow and often covered with cobblestones and it is already an art to drive with your car in Bruges. From the station, you can start your walk through the square‘t Zand which is located close to the shopping streets and the historical buildings. It is only a 5 minute walk from the station and you view as first the new concert hall which is built in red and a little bit further the fountain with sculptures by Stefaan De Puydt and Livia Canestraro.

From there; you can take the bus to the Market square to start your tour in Bruges. The market square in Bruges can be called the heart of this medieval city and you can already view from there the Belfry, which is likely the most famous monument in Bruges. The tower of the Belfry which dates back from the 13th century has a height of 88 meters and you need to climb 365 steps to reach the top and to view the impressive clock mechanism. From there, you have a breathtaking view of the entire city Bruges.

The Market square is surrounded by Guild houses, the Provincial Court (built in neo-gothic style), terraces and other beautiful houses.

In the middle of the market place, you can see the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter De Koninck which remind us the battle of Golden Spurs.

The Minnewater (Love Lake) and its lovely Minnewater Park can be considered as the most romantic place in Bruges. Most tourists will certainly visit this lovely park. No matter, when you visit this park you will always see some swans and ducks on the lake. The swan is also called the symbol of Bruges. The Minnewater Park is a peaceful place in Bruges where you can take a rest and for lovers the place to be for some moments romantic. You will often meet lovers who kiss each other in this beautiful Minnewater Park. It is the perfect place to be if you search a destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Behind the Minnewater Park, you can view the Beguinage. The Beguinage of Bruges (also called Beguinage “Ter Weyngaerde” was founded by Margaretha of Constantinople, the Countess of Flanders in 1245. It is peaceful and quiet place in Bruges and reflects a group of white houses surrounded with large trees. The Beguinage became a monastery in 1937 with Benedict sisters. The most beautiful period of the year to visit the Beguinage is April when daffodils are blooming. The beguinage is one of the most photographed places in Bruges.

Bruges is also a city of many churches and cathedrals. The Church of Our Lady is the most impressive one and has been built from the 13th until the 15th century. The exterior of this church is built in a gothic style while the interior is in a baroque style. The tower of this beautiful church has a height of 122 meters. One of the most famous art treasures in this gothic church is the sculpture of Madonna and child made by Michelangelo in Carrara Marble. The splendid tombstones of Mary von Burgundy are another reason why so many tourists visit this impressive gothic church in Bruges. The Saint Salvador Cathedral in Bruges is another important church in Bruges and originally not built with the intention to become a cathedral in Bruges. Saint Salvador was originally built as a paris church in 850. Nowadays the Saint Salvador Cathedral is a gothic cross church.

Bruges has also many museums and the Memling Museum (nowadays called Saint Jan Hospital) is likely the most impressive one. This museum exhibits 6 works of Hans Memling and the Shrine of St. Ursula is the most admired masterpiece. The other masterpiece which is exhibited in this museum is “the Altarpiece of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the evangelist”. The Groeninge museum is another important museum and known as the museum of fine art. This museum collects arts work from the 14th until the 20th century.

It is also worthwhile to visit the Chocolate Museum: Choco Story. Belgium is well-known for its excellent chocolate and they inform you in this museum about the history of the chocolate and the process of making chocolate. You can also taste some chocolate and it’s certainly the place to be for chocolate lovers. Bruges is the only city in the world where you have more than 50 shops of chocolate in such a small area.

Bruges is also a city of beautiful statues. The most famous statues are these of Jan Breydel and Piet De Koninck, Hans Memling, the Apocalyptic Rider, Albert I, Jan Van Eyck, the “Brugs Beertje (the Bruges little bear), Guido Gezelle, Madonna and Child, Jacob van Maerlant and many others.

An often forgotten place to visit in Bruges is the side along the channel where you can view windmills. You can make a riverside walk to the east and visit the two windmills which are left. It is a quiet area and you can enjoy some beautiful sights. When you walk a little bit further, you can visit the Guido Gezelle museum where you can view documents, books, souvenirs of the Flemish poet Guido Gezelle. The Guido Gezelle Museum in Bruges is located in the house where the poet Guido Gezelle was born.

Many popular events, which attract visitors from all places of the world, are organized in Bruges. The Holy Blood Procession is an annual event which is organized in the month May on Ascension Day. It is a colorful parade where almost 1500 habitants of Bruges show the history of the relic of the Holy Blood. This parade memorizes the relic of the Holy Blood which was brought to Bruges by the Count of Flanders in 1149. The Parade of the Holy Blood shows as well scenes from the Bible as the relic of the Holy Blood to Bruges through the Count of Flanders.

Every 5 years, the Pageant of the Golden Tree takes place in August. This Parade commemorates the marriage between Charles the Bold and Margaret of York in 1468. This popular event, organized in the center of Bruges, the Venice of the North, represent the history and origin of the houses of Flanders and Burgundy. Many actors, dancers, singers show as well the romantic scenes of the marriage as the medieval scenes.

The Festival of Flanders is a musical event which takes place every year in the months July and August. This musical event is organized in cathedrals, churches, abbeys, concert halls and belfries. The festival of Flanders in Bruges is especially famous for its international Musica Antiqua competitions.

Bruges is a wonderful place in Belgium and can be considered as a city for all seasons. You best spend a few days in Bruges to discover all the beauties of the Venice of the North. It is not only a place for sightseeing but you also can enjoy the excellent cuisine and everyone will certainly enjoy the best Belgian chocolate. Bruges has many hotels for every budget and you may never forget to drink a Brugge Tripple, a typical beer of Bruges. Bruges is a popular travel destination for travelers from all places of the world. This city, well known as the Venice of the North, can be considered as the number one in your top ten places to visit in Belgium and many will choose this destination certainly in their list of top ten places to visit in Europe.

Willy Lustenhouwer, an habitant of Bruges made a song of the beauty of Bruges. This song "Brugge die scone" and sung in the Westflemish dialect descrbes perfectly how beautiful Bruges is. You can enjoy the video with a tour of the beauties of Bruges with the voice of Willy Lustenhouwer and the song : Brugge, die scone (The beauty of Bruges).

Bruges is beautiful from the morning until the evening. It is charming, lovely, romantic and has many popular places of interest. Everyone can enjoy Bruges; there are attractions for everyone. Bruges has always kept the medieval image of the city. The cobblestones streets, the medieval buildings, the canals make Bruges unique and the quantity of tourists proofs that Bruges a top travel destination is in Europe.

Source factoidz

Beautiful Popular Landmark Tourist Attractions in Germany

According to the German Tourism Association these eight buildings are the most visited landmark tourist attractions in Germany.

The list is for landmark buildings only and does not include places like the Black Forest or the city of Berlin or Europa-Park which in total probably see more tourists than these landmark buildings. All of these beautiful buildings are popular tourist attractions in Germany today and all have fascinating rich histories and are well worth seeing by anyone traveling to Germany. Indeed a trip to Germany will not be complete for tourists without seeing these beautiful landmark tourist attractions.

Cologne Cathedral 

 

The beautiful Cologne Cathedral is visited by over 7 million tourists a year. That works out to an astonishing 20,000 visitors per day. Cologne Cathedral was built from 1248 to 1880 and has the 2nd tallest church spires in the world. Located in Cologne, Germany this Roman Catholic church is the 15th largest church in the world today.

The Reichstag

The Reichstag building is located in Berlin and was built from 1884 to 1894 for the purpose of housing the parliament of Germany called the Reichstag. A purpose the building filled until 1933 when a fire in the building was used as an excuse by the Nazis to essentially ignore and override the Reichstag or Parliament of Germany. After the fire the Reichstag building became a ruin until it was repaired in 1961-1964 and then renovated to its present glorious form in 1992. When the Berlin Wall fell and the the country of Germany was unified in 1990 the unification ceremony was held at the Reichstag building which is located close to the wall in what was West Berlin. Today the magnificent Reichstag building is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Berlin.

Hofbrauhaus in Munich 

Hofbrauhaus is a large brewery or beer hall in Munich owned by the state government that receives some 1.8 million visitors per year most of whom come to the brewery building beer hall in the fall for the Oktoberfest. The original brewery building or Hofbrauhaus am Platzl dates dates back to 1607. The beer hall building was completely remodeled in 1897 and then again in 1958 and only serves its own brewed beer and is located right in the heart of Munich not far from most hotels so tourists celebrating Oktoberfest do not have to travel far while loaded up with beer.

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is a massive ruin of a medieval castle sitting on a hillside overlooking the city of Heidelberg in southwestern Germany. The original castle dates back to before 1200 and from that time until the 1700’s Heidelberg Castle was home to a number of kings and royalty and was often being rebuilt or destroyed depending upon who was in power and how good they were at holding off their enemies. Heidelberg Castle has been a tourist attraction for a long time at least since the 1800’s when French writer Victor Hugo fell in love with the place and wrote about its history. Today renovations are ongoing at the castle which is visited by some 3 million tourists per year. The castle is also a popular wedding spot and a magnificent architectural structure to behold.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle is a spectacular Romanesque Revival building located atop a rugged hilltop in southwestern Bavaria, Germany. The castle was built beginning in 1869 by King Ludwig II as a temple of friendship to his friend the German composer and conductor Richard Wagner whose music the king loved. King Ludwig died in 1886 having lived in the castle for only 174 days and Wagner who died in 1883 never even stepped foot in Neuschwanstein Castle. As soon as the king died the castle was opened up to tourists and at least 60 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. Today some 1.3 million people visit Neuschwanstein Castle which was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castles at Disney theme parks.

Zwinger Palace in Dresden

Zwinger Palace is a magnificent German Baroque building located in the city of Dresden in eastern Germany. Zwinger Palace was built beginning in 1710 for Frederick Augustus also known as Frederick the Strong who had visited Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles and wanted a similar palace for himself. Zwinger Palace suffered great damage during WW II but has since been rebuilt and today is a beautiful tourist attraction in Germany that draws well over 1 million visitors per year.

Fernsehturm Tower in Berlin 

The Fernsehturm Tower is a 1,207 foot high observation tower that is a very popular tourist attraction located in the center of the city of Berlin, Germany. The tower was built from 1965-1969 by the East German Communist Government as a symbol of East Berlin and a television tower. Ironically the Fernsehturm Tower became something of an embarrassment to the Communists who did not believe in religion because when the sun shines on the stainless steel dome of the tower the reflection forms a very visible cross.

Today over 1 million people a year visit the Fernsehturm Tower which has two elevators to lift the tourists up to the observation deck for fantastic views of Berlin and as far away as 26 miles on a clear day. There is also a rotating restaurant where visitors can eat with a fabulous view.

Aachen Cathedral or the Imperial Cathedral 

The Aachen Cathedral which is also called the Imperial Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in western Germany in the city of Aachen. Built beginning in 792 by the Emperor Charlemagne the Aachen Cathedral was renovated around 1100 and restored in 1881. When Charlemagne died in 814 his remains were placed in a vault in Aachen Cathedral with Charlemagne’s body placed sitting on a throne with a golden crown on his head and holding a scepter in his gloved hand. His remains were placed in a casket in the vault in 1215. Aachen Cathedral was the church of coronation for 30 kings and 12 queens which earned it the name of Imperial Cathedral. Today the Aachen Cathedral is a very popular tourist attraction in Germany that sees over 1 million visitors per year.

Europe Travel

Travel Guide : Essential Things for Your Carry-on and Luggage Bags

Planning your travel is the first and foremost activity before a scheduled trip whether it is for business or personal purposes....

Careful planning will save you from forgetting something (imagine the stress when it happens), and for unexpected buying of necessary things which is usually costly at destinations. Here are some tips on planning, and a list of essential things to bring :

Write it down. There is no better way to start planning than making a list of things to do and things to bring. This will guide us through the whole preparation process.

Travel lightly. Every traveler do not want to be bothered about carrying a burden of luggage, so make it a goal to pack all things as lightly as possible.

Things for Carry-On Bag

For carry-on bag, it is advisable to have a large outsize zippered compartments as well as multiple compartments inside.

Airline tickets, passport, visa, tour vouchers, travel insurance (give copies of your travel insurance and itinerary to any of your relatives or trusted person in case of emergency), a list of contact details ( or have it saved in your mobile) of your accommodation, relatives, or any business contacts at destination.

Valuables such cash, credit cards, traveler’s checks, keys, and jewelry. Other valuables such as camera or if you opt to bring a notebook computer.

Basic personal things and toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup and lipstick (for women), comb or brush, tissue, sunglasses or eyeglasses, contact lenses (with case and solution), mobile phone, religious items (if the traveler used to carry these items), small writing pad and pen.

Handy personal books or other reading material to keep you occupied while waiting on line or for any flight delays.

Bring some cookies or chocolates to keep your energy until the airline in-flight meals are served.

Essential Things for Luggage

Make sure that your luggage bag is just enough for your things, some travelers also prefer to have a distinct color rather than the common colors such as black and blue. This will help you easily spot your luggage during arrival. Make sure luggage tag is complete with your name and correct contact details.

Essential toiletries. Bring small containers of your toiletries and take only as much as you need. Zip-lock plastic bags are useful for small things and compressing the items.

On clothing, bring enough underwear and socks up to the last day of the trip. Choose clothes that are neutral colors, and can easily mix and match. Carry a light trench coat so you can still manage to bring your carry-on bags.

Bring two pair of shoes. Wear one and pack one. Traveling usually takes a lot of walking so make sure that you have a good pair of walking shoes to fully enjoy your trip.

For men : a travel electric shaver

For women: cosmetics kit and other beauty regimen products that might not be available at destination place.

For overseas trip, check the country voltage in advance. It is always safe to bring a 110/220 volt power converters.

An emergency medical kit that contains basic medicines for a cold remedy, upset-stomach, band-aids, and liniment oil to warm the body.

Always check airline luggage policies to avoid hassles at the airport.

Europe Travel

The Wild Beauty of Europe

Do you want to visit a place of unspoiled natural beauty? Then Montenegro is the place for you. Montenegro is a small country with a little over 620,000 citizens.

Montenegro is surrounded by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania. There is access to the beaches on the Adriatic.

Montenegro has two international airports: Podgorica and Tivat. The Airports Council International named Podgorica (TGD) Airport the best airport serving fewer than one million passengers in 2007. If your main objective when visiting Montenegro is to go to the beach, fly into the Tivat airport. If not, fly into the Podgorica airport.

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro. The population of Podgorica is just over 130,000. It is the meeting place of the five rivers: Zeta, Moraca, Cijevna, Ribnica, and Sitnica. Podgorica is in the Zeta Plain. This is one of the only flat land areas in Montenegro. There are many things to see and do around Podgorica. If you want to shop, go to the Delta City. There is a hypermarket, which is similar to an American supermarket. You can buy clothes at Zara, Esprit, Mango, Strativarius, Pull and Bear and many others. You can also shop on several of the upscale streets near the town center, or you can go to the two open-air markets that are popular with the citizens.

If you want to go to the beach, there are several options; the first is Budva, which is very popular with the younger population. Budva has an exciting nightlife and has many concerts from performers such as Madonna, Lenny Kravitz and David Guetta. There are several other beach destinations including Ulcinj, which is the southern most beach city in Montenegro. Ulcinj has the longest beach in Montenegro. It is also near Ada Bojana, which is a unique river island. There is excellent seafood near Ada Bojana. You can also visit Bar, which has an olive tree that is over 2000 years old. Near Bar is Sutomore where you can find an inexpensive place to stay in a house. You should choose the beach that fits your desired vacation.

You can also spend time in the mountains in Montenegro. If you want to go somewhere that is beautiful and relaxing during the day and lively at night, visit Kolasin. While in Kolasin, you can stay at the beautiful Bianca Resort and Spa. During the day, walk around, take in the beauty of the area, and drink a cup of coffee. During the night, you can go to one of the bars or discotheques where you can dance until early in the morning.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your visit to the most beautiful country on the Adriatic!
Europe Travel

Top 10 Places to Visit in Belgium and Why

Belgium is a small and beautiful country in northwestern Europe and offers many places of interest for every tourist. There are many interesting architectural buildings, monuments, museums to visit and nature lovers can enjoy their time in the beautiful parks, on the beach or even in the hilly Ardennes.

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The top ten places to visit in this lovely country of Europe depend on the interest of every traveler and will vary from person to person. Most everyone will surely pick some of these places in their top ten of places to visit in Belgium:

1. Bruges

Bruges can be considered as the most popular city of Belgium and its historic center is recognized by the UNESCO as World heritage center. This charming and medieval city, also called the Venice of the North, has preserved its authenticity and dominated by many historical buildings, the romantic Minnewater Park and its picturesque canals.

Most of the streets in Bruges are narrow and covered with cobblestones. It is difficult driving in this beautiful city of Belgium and it is often difficult to find a parking. It is impossible to sum up all the beauties of Bruges but you may never miss the Belfry Tower, the Market square, the Church of Our Lady and the Beguinage.

You can view the Belfry Tower already when you are on the Market square which is surrounded by medieval buildings. The Belfry Tower has a height of 88 meters and you can reach the top after a climb of 88 steps. From there, you have a beautiful panoramic view on the entire city. The Church of Our Lady is likely the most famous church in Bruges and especially visit for viewing the painting of the Madonna by Michelangelo and the Gothic tombs of Burgundy.

A boat trip on the Reie can’t be missed in Bruges. It is a tour of 30 minutes where you tour around the most beautiful places of Bruges and a guide will inform you about the history and interesting stories of Bruges. The Minnewater Park is the most romantic place is Bruges and you always see swans swimming on this lake.

2. Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city of Belgium and also called the city of diamond and fashion. If you are searching for a Valentine’s Day gift for your love, Antwerp is the perfect place for you. The World Diamond Center is located in Antwerp and 70% of all diamonds arrive through Antwerp in Belgium.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is the most important building in Antwerp and can be considered as one of the most famous gothic cathedrals of Europe. The cathedral has a height of 123 meter and you can view this building from almost any place in Antwerp. The town square can be considered as the heart of Antwerp and you can view the Brabo Fountain with the statue of Silvius Brabo. This Roman soldier killed the giant Antigoon who asked exaggerated tolls from the sailors. He has cut his hands and throws this in the River Scheldt.

3. Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a highlight for every traveler who wants to visit historical buildings, museums and important monuments. The Grand Place Square can be considered as the heart of this beautiful city in Belgium. It is one of the most beautiful squares in the world and surrounded by baroque guildhouses, neo-gothic buildings and museums. The town hall is the most impressive building on the Grand Place square and built in gothic style. Many events are organized on the Grand Place Square and one of the most beautiful ones is the Flower Carpet which has been organized every two years in the third week of August. This Flower carpet is created from more than eight hundred thousand begonias and covers more than three hundred square meters.

The most famous statue in Brussels is Manneke Pis and well known worldwide. It is a bronze statue of a little man of 58cm who urinates in the fountain’s basin. When celebrations take place in Brussels, Manneke Pis is dressed in different costumes. This statue can be considered as the symbol of Brussels.

It is impossible to visit all important buildings in Brussels and even to sum them up all. The Saint Michael and Saint Gudula cathedral, originally built in Romanesque style but transformed to gothic style may never be missed. It is impressive through the glass-stained windows and portraits of several kings. Brussels is also the place to be for the best Belgium chocolate from chocolatier Neuhaus.

4. Ghent

Ghent can be considered as the flower city of Belgium. Begonias and azaleas from Ghent are sold in most countries of the world. The Floralies of Ghent is a popular event which takes every 5 year place and exhibit a variety of different flowers and plants. The Citadel Park is a beautiful park where you can view a statue of king Boudewijn I and surrounded by many plants and flowers.

The Gravensteen is a popular monument in Ghent and also called “the castle of the count”. It is a castle and constructed by Philip of Alsasse. This famous building is a “must see” in Ghent and it is maybe recommended to choose for a guided tour. A panoramic view from the top is worth your time to visit. The Belfry tower is another important building in Ghent and has a height of 91 meters. The Saint Baafscathedral houses paintings of the famous Flemish painter Jan Van Eyck. Most everyone will visit this cathedral to admire The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb of this painter.

5. Ostend

Ostend is the largest city of the Belgian coast and a popular place for people who like to spend some time on the beach at the Nordsea. When you walk along the beach you always see some birds flying in the air. It is a perfect place for bicycling or walking in one of their parks.

The Leopold park is the most famous park in Ostend and popular because of its famous Floral Clock. This clock is made from 20.000 different plants and looks adorable through the variety of the different colors of these flowers and plants. When you visit this Floral Clock in summer, you can see the exact date. Another important park is the Maria Hendrick Park where you find a beautiful lake (Mirror Lake).

6. Hasselt

Hasselt is likely the most sociable city in Belgium and also called the city of the taste. It is the perfect place for shopping and enjoying from different delicatessen of Hasselt. It is located at the Demer River and the Albert Canal. The market square is impressive and you can admire the Town hall, built in gothic style, and the statue of Katrien and Hendrick who represent the two first habitants of Hasselt.

The Japanese garden in Hasselt is the largest authentic garden of Europe and constructed with the help of the Japanese city Itamy. This garden is 2,5 ha large and is divided in different areas. A typical feature of this garden is the rich use of rocks. There is also a waterfall which has been inspired by the one in Kyoto.

7. Leuven

Leuven is the university city of Belgium. The statue “Fonske” represent a student who is reading a book and has a glass of beer in his right hand. This statue can be considered as the symbol of the University of Leuven. It is wonderful to visit this city in June when students are lying in the sun to study for their examination. The University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven) is the oldest catholic university in the world and is likely the most important building in Leuven. The ground floor of the main hall is in gothic style.

The Saint Peter’s church is surely your visit worth, especially for the decoration inside, and is built in gothic style. The botanical garden “Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis” may not be missed and contains plants of therapeutic power, herb gardens, greenhouses and some statues.

8. The Haspengouw

The Haspengouw is a beautiful region in Belgium and especially popular for its beautiful landscape. There are many farms and agriculture is the main activity in this area of Belgium. A visit to this region in Belgium can best be done when you can see the blossoms of fruit trees. Sint Truiden is the market center of the fruit industry in Belgium. You can even see some statues of fruit (apple, pear) on the Market square of this city.

Tongeren is another beautiful city in the Haspengouw and besides the beautiful landscape well known for the statue of Ambiorix. You can also visit many impressive remains of the Romans in this city, for example the Roman wall, the Gallo museum and it is possible to make a tour with the Ambiorix tourist train where you can view the most beautiful sights of Tongeren.

9. Kortrijk

Kortrijk is a city which holds many remains of the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. An important monument is the Maiden and is located in the Groeningepark. You can enter this park when you go under the Groeningegate. The Groeningegate is an arc de triomphe which commemorates the Battle of the Gulden Spurs.

Kortrijk is a wonderful place in Belgium and lies on the river Leie. This river enters Kortrijk on the site of the Broeltowers which are remains of the former city fortifications. The Belfry tower (located on the Market square) and the Beguinage are two important monuments which are recognized by the UNESCO as world heritage center.

Kortrijk is a beautiful city to visit and most monuments are located on a short distance from each other.

10. Knokke

Knokke is a popular place on the Belgian coast which attracts every year many tourists. People can walk along the beach but they likely also prefer to visit “the butterfly garden” and “the Zwin” which can be considered as the two top attractions of Knokke. Nobody may miss to walk along the Zoutestraat and the Kustlaan which are the most famous shopping streets in Knokke.

The butterfly garden is a place where you enter first a forest of exotic plants. There are more than 300 butterflies from different countries which flutter and flit where ever you go in this garden. It is possible some will land on your hand and it is amazing to see the variety of different colors of these beautiful insects.

The Zwin can be considered as the most beautiful nature reserve at the Belgian coast. Every year, many thousands of birds reach the Zwin to lay their eggs and even looking for food. With a little bit of luck, you can view some rare birds like the little egret, the avocet and the harrier. When you enter the Zwin, you come first in a place where you can view some birds in cages, for example owls and some others. A little bit further, you come along a park with many pelicans. You can spend hours in this natural park without boring one minute.

Belgium offers more interesting places to visit and some may even belong to your top ten places to visit in Europe. It is really difficult to narrow this list to only ten places and everyone will have other preferences but most everyone will pick some of these places in their top ten list of Belgium. Belgium is really a wonderful country with beautiful architecture, many beautiful parks and excellent food.

Europe TravelMore information about Belgium here

Tips on Finding a Good Travel Agent and Travel Agency

Many people travel with expectations of encountering something new and unexpected, but of course, everyone wants the surprises to be pleasant ones. 

This is where a good travel agent comes in. It is the travel agent’s task to match the clients’ expectations, as closely as possible, to reality. Because travel consultation is a skill that gets better with practice, it is also useful to know the length of the time the agent has been in the business. An agent who has at least five years experience in the industry would be ideal.

Because the travel industry is information-intensive, it is best to deal with an agent who knows how to work through the quagmire of date, which includes the thousands of daily changes in airfares among the millions of fares in the agent’s data bank.

Ask about the agent’s credentials. Briefly inquire about the certifications. This will give you an idea of how serious the travel agent is about the business.

The travel industry constantly changes. It will be helpful to know if a travel agent constantly updates his or her skills, or is working to maintain or receive a certification.

Before giving an advanced deposit for a product that you will use or avail on a later date, such as a grand tour involving a significant amount of money, be ensured that the agency is financially stable. Ask which travel association the agency is affiliated and check if no complaints have been filed against the agency.

It is very important that you feel comfortable talking with an agent, because you need to be honest in discussing your travel dreams and how much you can really afford to spend. You should need to be comfortable discussing your vital eccentricities that can affect the enjoyment of your planned trip. This will also help the agent determine the accommodations and tour spots that will be suggested to you.

A good travel agent asks plenty of questions regarding your past travel experience/s, what you liked or didn’t like, the airlines and accommodations you prefer, any medical conditions, etc. A good agent keeps this client information on file because this will greatly speed up the process of satisfying the client’s travel needs.

An agent who is willing to provide you with competitive information as a result of careful research is a good one. A good travel agent will recommend several travel options, explain penalties and restrictions, help you in obtaining travel needs such as passports and the other requirements, obtain amenities and other value-added benefits for you, and will be available to help solve problems should something go wrong. A working contact number of the agent is very important.

A good travel agency is able to command a much better price for an accommodation for you than what you can get if you do it on your own.

Brochures and other literature from the travel agency should provide good details such as names of specific hotels, resorts, and even transportation. If there are no such details mentioned, it may mean that the agency has not locked in any reservations. Meal programs must be clearly stated. Know if the menu is a preset one or an a la carte. Are the actual tour leaders mentioned? It is important to know who will handle the tours—is it the owner, the employees, or interns? Small companies have tours that are usually led by the owners themselves. Middle-sized to large companies hire knowledgeable guides or train them in-house. Either practice is fine. You might be taking a chance if your tour will be conducted by an intern without the guide of an experienced agent along.

A good travel agent and agency with a proven track record can give you a list of people and companies who provide accommodation and transportation services at various destinations which have been developed through years of experience and networking. You may contact these operators to have an idea of regarding their experience with the travel agent or agency.

Find out the agency’s policy regarding deposits and refunds. Ask how the agency handles tour cancellations, because this is a reality that happens, say, for example a political unrest or natural disasters that unexpectedly occur in the destination.

These are just some of the things you have to consider when planning your travel and choosing your travel agent.

Source Athena Goodlight