Top Places To Visit In Croatia

admin  —  10:00 am

 

Top Places To Visit In Croatia

Croatia is a very interesting country to visit. It attracts more and more tourists every year. For  many people, Croatia is still unknown country. The climate is very nice, with warm summers and snowy, but not so cold winters. Many civilizations ruled over Croatia during history and all of them left unique historical and cultural monuments from Greek and Roman times to Renaissance, Baroque, and modern days. This journey will be by geographical order of appearance from the south to the north of the country.

  1. A Walk Around Dubrovnik Walls

Dubrovnik is often considered as the most attractive and most beautiful Croatian city. And for sure is. This awesome city has a long rich history and was even independent state-city for centuries. To protect the city, locals built unique Dubrovnik Walls which are today top Croatian tourist attraction, protected by UNESCO. You can notice visitors from all over the world which walk on the main street called Stradun. During summer, Dubrovnik offers a first class festival of culture and arts called Dubrovnik Summer Games from remarkable artists and performances from main European opera and theatre houses.

Old_town_of_dubrovnik

2 . Party with Celebrities in Ancient Hvar

Croatia is a country with more than a thousand islands and for sure one of the most interesting is an island of Hvar. The biggest city on this island has the same name. It is the city of very long and rich history. The climate is very suitable and offers the biggest number of sunny days in Croatia. Locals like culture which is easy to realize from the fact that Hvar is the home of the oldest civic theatre in Europe. Last years Hvar is transforming to the elite tourist resort which attracts even the biggest stars from the world of music and film like Beyonce, Brad Pitt or George Clooney. But Hvar is still affordable for any type of tourists so during summer days, you can notice local people, backpackers and music stars having great time together.

 

  1. Sunbathing On Golden Horn Beach

If you like sandy beaches, this is the right place for you. Golden Horn Beach is the most beautiful beach in Croatia. It has unusual, the strange shape of horn, which is even changing over time due to waves and winds. This beach is also on the island, but this time is the island of Brac and beach is near the village of Bol. Many people enjoy in the sea, sun and various sports like sailing or diving. If you don’t like strong sun, you can hide in pine tree forest, which smells really nice.

  1. Sightsee Roman Palace and Admire Beautiful Women in Split

The Roman emperor Diocletian who was very cruel to Christians was born near city of the Split and after he retired, what was unique example among Roman emperors decided to build a palace for his old days. The Diocletian Palace is today many city centre of Split. Locals think that Split is the most beautiful city in the world and also the craziest city in the world. There are so many interesting people from Split. Some became world-class sportsmen or creative musicians. Girls are very tall, slim with long legs wearing casual but fashionable clothes. Some of them achieved top places in various international beauty queen pageants.

5 Travel in Boat Between Hundreds of Islands in Kornati National Park

We mention before that Croatia is a country of so many islands. This is the best seen in Kornati National Park which consists of many islands which are mostly not inhabited, lonely and usually don’t even have trees. But they are so beautiful in their unique way and there are so many of them on little area. Probably the best way to experience beauty of Kornati National Park is from air but great way is travelling in a boat or yacht between island or to rest and swim in dark blue transparent sea.

6 Watch Awesome Plitvice Lake Watterfalls

Plitvice Lakes National Park is situated in region of Lika where are many natural attractions and the top of them are Plitvice Lakes.  On this Lakes are many amazing, fabulous watterfalls.  Deep forests with rich animal life and colorful meadows offer more natural pretiness. It’s possible to enjoy in various activities like hiking, cycling or discovering tastes of local food. Plitvice Lakes are in the center of continental and coastal areas of Croatia. Numerous wooden signposts warn that you pass by something special and you need to stop and find time to visit and enjoy in this unusual, fascinanting landscape.

7 Make Photos in Romantic Old Town of Rovinj

There are so many great seaside little towns on Croatian Adriatic and Rovinj is among best of them. Rovinj is the most popular Croatian tourist destination and the most photographed South-Eastern European city. Old Town is fascinating and full of interesting facts. Rovinj is ideal for walking, cycling and making photographs and is a very romantic city. Golden Cape is a wonderful park very close to beach and is easy to fall in love with it. There are nice shops with quality art, and at the market you can find a variety of wine, olive oil, honey, truffle products.

8 Enjoy culture in Zagreb, capital of Croatia

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia is located on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain next to Sava River. The city has rich cultural life with many theaters, museums, and art galleries. The movement of artistic life is very active here. Zagreb is an important city for the animation. It has its own style of animation called Zagreb School of Animation and popular International Festival of Animated Film which is an opportunity for many leaders of animation around the world to meet. The art collection of Ante and Wiltrud Topic Mimara, better known under the name Mimara Museum according to the historians could be the largest collection of fake masterpieces of art.

9 Come to the Centre of the World in Ludbreg

Town of Ludbreg (name means “Crazy Hill”) according to a legend is considered to be the center of the world. And really many of the cities in the world are on the concentric circles whose center is just in Ludbreg. On the main square is a point that represents the center of the world. Ludbreg has been known for centuries as a place of pilgrimage and is visited every year by thousands of pilgrims because local church has relic of Sacred Christ’s Blood after the eucharistic miracle, which happened in 1411 and was confirmed by Roman Pope.

 

 

Top Places To Visit In Croatia

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Best travel planning tools

admin  —  10:24 am

Best travel planning tools:

 

When it comes to travel I often struggle with what are the best travel planning apps and websites? For the readers benefit I have compiled a list of travel sites, which I refer regularly. Rather than directly jumping on to the list of websites let’s take step back look at the different stages of travel from traveler’s perspective. There are five stage of travel( thanks to folks at distancesfrom.us)

 

  • Dreaming
  • Planning
  • Booking
  • Experience
  • Sharing

 

This is not random categorization but this is how travel industry thinks about travel.

We shall go through the list of sites that cater of each of these stages. You will find plenty sites in each category.

rp_5517690091_0dfeeb54d0.jpg

Loneyplanet.com & Tripadvisor.com are one of the largest sites where most traveler start their search. Even Thomas cook holiday also falls under the same category. They create inspiration content. Lonelyplanet even sends its writers to these destinations and covers every minute detail of the destination. Lonelyplanet is one of my favorite places to start my destination search. Loneyplanet has tons of information about almost every destination in the world. The site also publishes destination guides in hardcover format. You could buy these on amazon or Lonelyplanet’s website.

 

Kayak.com- Once you have decided where you want to go, you move to the planning stage. Kayak .com is one of the best flight search engines out there. The site lets you compare flight prices across multiple travel sites, ensuring that you get best possible flight at cheapest price. If you are struggling with where to stay then you should no other site than expedia.com. The site has best hotel deals available and have close to 350k hotels listed on its site. Hotelstonight is another interesting deal site for finding last minute hotel deals.

 

Kayak, Expedia and hotelstonight let you book flight and hotel from their site as well. These sites focus on both planning and booking stages of travel.

 

After you are done with flight & hotel booking you could rely on uber for local cabs, google maps for finding routes to local hotspots and distance calculator for finding distances to nearby places. While google maps provides one of the best map services it doesn’t work in offline mode without internet connection. If you are on international traveler roaming data charges could burn a big whole in your pocket.

 

Finally you could share you holiday experience of social media sites such as facebook, twitter and instagram. If you would like guide you fellow travelers then you could visit tripadvisor leave feedback about the hotels you stayed in and places you visited.  Tripadvisor.com has one of the largest traveler communities in the world. Tripadvisor.com is only site, which is helpful in all stages of travel. You could even ask traveler community about which places should you visit or where do you stay etc.

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Things To Do In Bulgaria

admin  —  1:13 am

Things To Do In Bulgaria

Thinking of a trip to Bulgaria this winter or summer?  Then here are some travel tips for anyone travelling to Bulgaria this year.

Places to visit

Winter Resorts Bulgaria

Bansko

It is possibly the most popular winter resorts to visit and Banso is the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria. . A lot of people associate Bulgaria with a cheep and cheerful winter holiday. To your surprise Bansko, as well as many other resort can be also a luxury place to visit at an affordable price. Located in the picturesque Pirin mountain Bansko will welcome any ski and snowboarding lovers. Situated only 160 km(100miles) from Sofia Airport the resort is very popular not only among tourists, but alot of locals go there to enjoy excellent choice. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and hotels, too.

things to do in Bulgaria

One of the luxury hotels in Bansko

The ski season in Bulgaria lasts from 15th of December till the 15th of May  and since it’s sunny for the majority of those days you can be sure you will get plenty of winter sun. For many people ski holiday is also a great opportunity to enjoy a nice Spa and beauty treatments. Why don’t you book one in any of the modern hotels. Overall Bansko offers great value for money as well as great choice of places to eat and stay.

Pamporovo

Pamporovo is another jem of the Bulgarian family friendly ski resorts. Located only 85 km from Plovdiv airport and 240 km from Sofia airport,Pamporovo is a popular location for ski and snowbording lovers.  Nicely sitting on the sloapsof Rodopa mountain, this place will welcome with its 120 sunny days.

things to do in bulgaria

For advanced skiers there are difficult ski runs like “the Wall”.

Pamporovo specializes in beginners ski schools, so if you are a beginner or have a young family this is your place to be this winter. With it’s rounded mountain slopes the place is ideal for beginners.
Pamporovo will welcome you in one of it’s modern or traditional hotels. Most hotels offer affordable packages including lift passes, lesson and ski rental for up to 6 days. The ski season starts in mid December and it lasts till the end of April. For the whole time the slops are well maintained and looked after.

 

Summer Resorts Bulgaria

You can simply go skiing one week and next week you can go to one of the Summer resorts and enjoy the summer sun in Bulgaria. Without a doubt the most remarkable place in Sozopol is the Sozopol old town. You will see authentic Bulgarian architecture

Sozopol

By far this is one of the best kept secrets when it comes where you can go and enjoy beautiful scenery,amazing beaches and countless bars and restaurants. Sozopol is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria and it’s worth the visit. In Sozopol you will get the best of both world. You will get to enjoy the authentic old architecture , where some of the buildings date from the ancient Roman/Greek times,but at the same time you will get to see all the modern facilities and have great time with the family.

things to do in bulgaria sozopol

Green life Beach in Sozopol is waiting for you

Sozopol is located only 35km (less than 20 miles)  from Burgas airport and this makes it very attractive to all its visitors. It is a family friendly location as the beaches are covered with a nice soft sand  and there is plenty of sunshine from May till the beginning of October. A nice thing to do in the early evening would be to take a boat trip to the small unpopulated island near Sozopol which will give you wonderful views and plenty of reasons to take photos for.

Sunny Beach

If you have heard of one place in Bulgaria, when it comes to summer holiday resort , it has got to be Sunny Beach. This is a resort build beside two all year locations-Nessebar and Sveti Vlas. Most people go to Sunny Beach simply to enjoy themselves and get a good value for money.

things to do in bulgaria sunny beach

sky line in Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is the most popular and the largest resort in Bulgaria and it welcomes thousands of tourists every summer. Sunny Beach is also popular with its wild night life and endless parties. If you like seeing yourself with a cocktail in your hand in a warm night at the beach this is a place for you. The most famous beach bars and night clubs are Cacao Beach, Bedroom Beach Club and Briliantin Beach Bar.There are also activities for the whole family There are two aqua parks,  an amusement park in the center and countless restaurants and cafes.

 

Bulgaria is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.Here are some travel tips for anyone travelling to Bulgaria this year.

Tips for travelling in Bulgaria

1. Make sure you have some Bulgarian currency at all times. A lot of places do accept card payments but you are better being sure.

2. Bulgarians shake their heads for a “no” when in reality that  means “yes”. So just to be sure the only two words I would recommend you to learn if you don’t want to learn any bulgarian are “yes” -“da” in bulgarian and “no”pronounced “ney” to avoid any confusion.

3.Most bulgarians understand English even if they will avoid speaking it . In the bigger towns you will have no problem ordering food or getting about, but if you are plannin to visit any of the rural places you are better off getting a guide to help you along the journey

4.In Bulgaria you can buy and drink alcohol any time and almost any where. Every garage and caffee has a rich choice of local wines, beers and spirits. They come at a very affordable price, so if you are not driving make sure you try some.

 

Booking Flights To Bulgaria

 

Things To Do In Bulgaria

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Travelling by taxi in Rome – tips and tricks

admin  —  1:01 am

Travelling by taxi in Rome – tips and tricks

Yes, it’s a known fact – Rome taxi drivers like to take advantage of innocent tourists. Overcharging is as predictable as the heavy traffic. So how does one travel by taxi without being ripped off? Here are some tips to help you next time you’re about to embark on a taxi ride in Italy’s capital city

Step 1 – Take a reputable taxi!
Make sure you choose one of city’s official white taxis. This way, you’re less likely to have problems, as there are set fares for different routes. These taxis are identifiable by the LED light with the word ’taxi’ on it. You’ll also see the Rome City Council logo clearly on the front doors of the taxi as well as on the interior rear door on the left, where the taxi license number and the taxi driver’s name is also located. Keep anote of this in case of problems.

Step 2 – Use the taxi meter, don’t arrange a fare
One of the easiest ways to get ripped off is to arrange a fare beforehand, or travel blindly without the taxi meter being switched on. So make sure that everything is above board, and that the taxi meter is switched on at the start of the ride. The taxi meter is either located above the car’s dashboard or it’s on the upper part of the windscreen, so it’s clearly visible from the passenger seat. When you get to your destination, be double careful. Ask for a receipt. That way you have proof that you paid the driver as well as the proof of what you paid for the journey.

Step 3 – Have a good idea of the route to your destination
Take a look at a map so that you have an idea of where you’re going. Take note of recognizable sights en route so that when you’re travelling to your destination, you will have an idea of whether you’re going in the right direction or not.

How to find a taxi in Rome
Unlike in New York, London or Paris, you’re not going to get a taxi by whistling, gesticulating or doing all the other things one normally does to hail a taxi. Not in Rome. Taxi drivers in Rome don’t stop for passengers – it’s a fact. You see, many of Rome’s taxis have already received a message via radio and they’re en route to pick somebody up. Or you’re hailing a taxi that already has a passenger happily ensconced inside. Either way, your Roman taxi is busy and isn’t about to stop and pick you up.

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

So what’s a passenger to do? Here are some tips:
1. SMS for a licensed radio taxi. There are various numbers to call. Here are a few to try. Text your address (include the name of the city, Roma) and if you wish a time to be picked up and you will receive a response. The service then searches for the closest taxi and radios the taxi driver to pick you up. They then SMS you back to give you an estimated time of arrival for the taxi as well as the taxi’s number and name.
* Text 366 673 0000
* Send an SMS to the City Council’s taxi service on + 39 060609

2. You can also phone for a taxi, however this can be difficult because of the language barrier. However, Rome taxi companies are used to foreign accents, so this is an option. When you phone, make sure to state your address clearly. Don’t forget to include the name of the street and the number of the building. The taxi company will search and send the taxi closest to your location as well as how long it will take for the taxi to get to you.
Here are the telephone numbers of some of Rome’s radio taxi companies:
• Radio Taxi: +39 063750
• City Council’s Taxi: +39 060609
• Pronto Taxi: +39 066645
• Mondo Taxi: +39 068822
• Le Capitale: +39 064994
3. Head for your closest taxi stand. These are marked with an orange sign saying ‘taxi’. If there is a queue, then join the queue and wait your turn. If there is no queue, you may have to find out who is first in the queue.
Here is a list of some of the best taxi stands in Rome:
• Largo Argentina (in historic centre)
• Piazza Barberini
• Piazza del Popolo (in historic district)
• Piazza della Repubblica
• Piazza Venezia
• Termini Station

What you should be paying for a taxi fare in Rome
The going rate from a taxi stand
Currently, when the taxi picks you up, the meter will already register an amount, which is calculated as follows:
• During the day on weekdays (7am to 10pm) – € 2,80
• During the day on Sundays and public holidays (7am to 10pm) – € 4,00
• At night every day of the week (10pm to 7am) – € 5,80
Luggage costs
Passengers can travel with one suitcase. If you have more luggage, this is charged at € 1,00 per bag.
Costs to and from Rome’s airports
Transfer to and from Fiumicino Airport to or from a destination within the Aurelian Walls – € 40,00. Airport transfer to or from Ciampino within the Aurelian Walls – € 30,00
Waiting for the taxi
When you SMS or phone for a taxi, you will be told how long it will take for the taxi to arrive. The taxi meter runs from the time of your call or SMS, so you can expect to pay more when you call for a taxi than if you stand in a queue at a taxi stand.
If you are told the taxi will be arriving in 5 minutes, expect to pay an additional € 2,00. For a 10-minute wait, except to pay an additional € 4,00. If you have to wait more than 10 minutes, expect to pay an extra € 6,00
Calculating the cost of your fare in advance
There’s a very useful site you can use that helps you calculate what it will cost you in Rome to take a taxi. This is very useful in ensuring that you don’t get ripped off. Follow this link: http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Rome-Italy

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Top Places To Visit In Northern Ireland

admin  —  7:58 pm

Top Places To Visit In Northern Ireland

When it comes to Northern Ireland our weather certainly may not be the best in the world, but there are still a few things we can be sure of.

One of the great things about Northern Ireland is it doesn’t need to be a perfect day when it comes to visiting our attractions as we are generally well prepared for the rain..

Here Are A List Of A Few Places You Should Definetely, Visit Or Things To Do When You Come To Visit Northern Ireland.. 🙂

 

portrush northern irealnd

Recently awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award in 2014, Whiterocks Beach near Portrush has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for visitors.

1. Portrush – Via Torr Head And Antrim Coast.

One of my favourite places to drive is the coast road to Portrush and if you happen to get a nice sunny day then the views are amazing.

 

2. Mount Stewart – On Portaferry Road in Ards Peninsula.

Mount Stewart is a lovely place to visit there are also visits inside the house, but only during certain months of the year so would be an idea to find out when it will be open before visiting.

 

3. Ferry From Portaferry To Strangford.

You can drive from Newtownards or Bangor along the coast to Portaferry when you get there, then drive onto the ferry and go across to Strangford. From Strangford you are not very far away from Downpatrick, Newcastle and lots of other places that are in or around that area.

 

4. A Visit To Slieve Donard Park In Newcastle And A Hike Up The Mourne Mountains.

This is a lovely location for a walk up the mountain along the stream or is also really good for mountain biking with some crazy downhill paths on the way down. ( Not For Novice Mountain Bikers)

 

5. A Visit To Murloch Nature Reserve In Newcastle.

Again Murloch Nature Reserve is a nice place to go for a walk and you have the lovely view of the sea and the Mourne Mountains as well.

tillamore forest park

The Shimna River flows through the forest and it’s a great place for a picnic.

 

6. Visit To Tollymore Forest Park In Newcastle.

Definitely worth a visit 🙂 It is one of the best kept secrets around  Mourne  Slieve Dorard Area. It is known for it’s outstanding beauty. It is a place to relax, camp and take lots of pictures of the beautiful and wild natural surroundings. You have may be heard about from the movie “Game of Thrones” . It’s scenic views are good enough for a multi million production, but also a remarkable place for a nice long walk.Enjoy!

 

7. A Walk In The Silent Valley 15 Miles Outside Newcastle.

You have to walk in Silent Valley, to understand why it is called Silent Valley (Highly recommended one of my Favourite places)

 

8. A Visit To Scrabo Tower In Newtownards.

This place was a few miles from where I used to Live, in Newtownards has a bit of history to it also worth a visit.As a part of the Scrabo Park the Tower can be seen from many places in the area. If you are a fan of incredible views and stunning a few hours in the park will create nice memories.

 

9. A Walk Around Grounds Of Stormont In Dundonald.

This is the location of Northern Ireland’s parliament Buildings. As well as a picturesque place surrounded with beautiful trees the Stormbound grounds are popular among locals as a great location for taking a nice walk. If you are in the area of Stormont Estate I highly recommend you to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

 

the old inn crawfordsurn

The Old Inn is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner

10. Lunch Or Dinner In The Old Inn In Crawfordsburn.

“The Old Inn” is one of the oldest hotels in Northern  Ireland. It offers a unique venue for any occasion with it’s original features. Located  in the  heart of the Crawfordsburn Country park “the Old Inn” is a comfortable and luxurious place to enjoy a nice diner or lunch in a tranquil settings.

11. Lunch Or Dinner Traditional Style In McBrides On The Square In Comber.

Comber is a very small town in Co.Down, but it would be a great place to stop for lunch if you are touring around County Down I highly recommend you to stop there for a nice traditional lunch. The staff are incredibly friendly and they will create a meal for your requirements. You will leave feeling well looked after.

drawing room the culloden hotel, Cultra

the Drawing room at the Culloden hotel is a perfect way to enjoy your afternoon

12. Afternoon Tea In The Culloden Hotel Cultra In  The Drawing Room.

If have heard of any place in Northern Ireland you are very likely to have heard of the The Culloden Hotel  in Cultra. Nicely located on the slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking the Belfast Lough the Culloden Hotel is a perfect location for an afternoon tea. The Drawing room has a unique set up and a very informal and relaxing way to spend a few hours of your afternoon. It is also nice in a late evening after a long busy day.

 

13. A Visit To Belfast Castle On The Antrim Road Belfast.

Belfast Castle is located on one of the highest spots in Belfast. apart from amazing surroundings you will also enjoy breathtaking views. You will feel inspired by the beautiful gardens and breathtaking views. If you are in Belfast, Belfast castle is a place to visit and enjoy.

 

14. A Visit To The Ulster Folk And Transport Museum In Holywood

You have all heard of the Titanic , but going to the Ulster Folk And Transport Museum In Holywood will expand your knowledge about transportation in Ulster. It is a wonderful place to visit with the family, if you have young children as the all the areas are child friendly and the all the outdoors offer lots of space for them to run about and enjoy. As well as an indoor and outdoor museum the place is also very popular for seasonal venues where you can join in and enjoy.

15. A Visit To The Ulster Museum In Belfast.

Ulster Museum is the National Museum in Belfast  and it’s located in Botanic gardens. It explores modern history  and art. It is a free place to visit and if you happen to be here in a rainy day it would make a good day out. If you are interested in history I highly recommend you to visit it.

 

 

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

16. A Walk Around Lady Dixon Park Off Upper Malone Road In Finaghy.

This is a place to visit in the summer. Remarkable garden with incredible collection of roses and plants this parks is one of the most popular parks  in Northern Ireland. There are rolling meadows, wild woodland and it is also a home of a wide range of animal and plants. The park also contains camellia trials, Japanese-style garden, walled garden with water features which are ideal for some quiet time.

 

17. The Marble Arch Caves In County Fermanagh.

The caves are a rare gem and a place to truly create memories with your loved ones. Make sure you book in advance to ensure all the weather conditions are in order. Visiting a cave might me a daunting activity, but once you get there it’s worth every effort. The caves themselves are of unknown age but date back in part over 380,000 years and if you are interested in stones and glaciers is a must see place.

 

18. A Visit To Delamont Park Near Downpatrick.

Delamount park offers stunning views across the Lough to the Mourne Mountains. It is a perfect place to visit with the family. During the summer there are activities for everyone to enjoy, including a trip around the park in a mini train, outdoor adventure playground, BBQ area, boat trips along the Lough. Spending a few hours in the park of a whole day would be a day to remember for you and everybody in the family.

 

19.A Visit To The Odyssey arena Arena In Belfast And A Visit To W5.

The Odyssey arena is the biggest venue hall in Northern Ireland and a place where some of the most popular shows and presentations take place. During the day the arena is also a place with a good choice of restaurants, bowling room, but the most remarkable place is the Discovery centre at W5. This is a place for children to learn about almost anything in the most fun and interactive way.  As well as the paid interactive show, there is also a free season events for the family to enjoy.

A Visit To Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle in the evening

20. A Visit To Carrickfergus Castle.

Carrickfergus castle is located in Carrickfergus and if you are coming from Belfast, may be on your way to Portrush you will enjoy taking a walk around it. There are also visiting hours so you can visit it inside. You can learn more about the history and spend a few hours in unique surroundings.

 

21. A Visit To Queens University In Belfast.

The Queens University is one of the most popular and beautiful buildings in Belfast. It’s architecture is unique and it is one of the land marks of Belfast. The Lanyon Building located in the grounds of the university are open to anybody and you can enjoy exhibition by local artists.

Botanic Gardens In Belfast

22. A Visit To Botanic Gardens In Belfast.

Botanic gardens is a home of many tropical plants and a wide collection of plants, that are unique and a must see. The gardens are also a venue for events, concerts and workshops. Highly recommended!

 

A Few Tips To Remember When Visiting Northern Ireland.

 

1. Things tend to get a bit heated in July most people from Northern Ireland Either Join In Or Leave On Vacation during this time.  So unless you are a fan of bands, drunks and bonfires you may want to avoid Northern Ireland at this time of year.

2. May And June normally, tend to have slightly better weather and can end up getting a few nice sunny days around this time of year.

3. Bring a raincoat just in case and keep an umbrella handy 🙂

4. Be careful there are a few areas of Belfast better to avoid just in case if in doubt ask the locals ..

5.Enjoy yourself and go with the flow!

 

 

 

Top Places To Visit In Northern Ireland

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TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

admin  —  12:45 am

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

No matter where you’re travelling in Rome, one of the most efficient ways to get there is to rent a private taxi with a driver. Renting a vehicle with a driver means that you can reach every destination on time, without any hassle. The driver knows the routes around Rome, is able to manage or avoid the traffic, depending on the time of day, and is unlikely to get lost. This means that if you’re on a business trip or need to get to a destination without any fuss, the driver will get you there. Everything is taken care of … you just have to enjoy the ride.

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

Effortless airport transfers
Whether you’re travelling to or from either of Rome’s two airports – the city’s international airport, Fiumicino, or the smaller Ciampino, used by budget airlines, renting a taxi with a driver takes away all the hassle. After a long trans-continental flight, you’re exhausted, and whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, having to navigate from the airport to your hotel in Rome can take a lot of time and effort. However, if you have pre-arranged a taxi with a driver, you will be met at the airport when you arrive in Rome, and taken to your hotel. You don’t have to worry about a thing. And when you leave Rome at the end of your trip, your pre-booked taxi with driver will ensure that you get to the airport on time and in comfort. That’s the perfect way to end a holiday.

Sightseeing outside of Rome
If you’re interested in visiting Castelli Romani, which are hill towns outside of Rome that are home to ancient Roman castles, the best way to get there is by car. Of course, you can rent a vehicle and drive there yourself, but you’re guaranteed to get there faster with a driver who knows exactly where to go. So if you’re pushed for time, or are unsure about travelling to by car in a strange country, the best way to get there is to hire a taxi with a driver. Of course, there are numerous other locations to visit just outside of Rome, and the best way to explore them, especially if you have limited time, is with a driver who knows how to get you there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Travelling by train or ship?
If you’re travelling from Rome by train or by boat, your taxi with driver will ensure you get there on time, or can pick you up on arrival. There are numerous car rental companies that come with drivers to take you to and from Civitavecchia port, as well as to and from Termini Station.

Why rent a private taxi?
Of course, there’s a certain amount of cachet involved in having your own private taxi driver, but when you’re visiting Rome, there are a lot more advantages to renting a taxi with a driver, too. Aside from being able to relax knowing that you’re being taken care of, and enjoying a comfortable ride with no hassles about payment, you’re also assured of the taxi arriving on time to get you to your destination, and being there to fetch you when you need to be fetched as well. Reputable car rental companies also offer reliable, even luxurious vehicles to ensure your ride is as comfortable as possible.

So what does it cost?
The price differs depending on the number of passengers in the taxi, so this is an important point to remember when calculating the costs of a ride. It’s best to shop around with the different reputable car rental companies to find the best and most affordable deal.

In Rome
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Car, van, coach and bus rental in Rome

admin  —  9:04 pm

 

6. Car, van, coach and bus rental in Rome

 

If you’re traveling in a group of between four and 69 passengers, whether on a school, corporate or private tour, why not consider hiring a luxury bus or coach to explore Rome? This way, travelling from the airport on your arrival, and through Rome for the duration of your stay, right up to travelling back to the airport on your return journey home, is all taken care of. You are sorted with transport for the duration of your trip. And this can also work out to be a very reasonably priced option.

Transportation+in+Rome

 

Best of all, you can arrange transport for the entire trip before you travel, giving you one less thing to worry about while you’re on holiday. Before you leave, you can arrange airport transfers to and from one of the two airports in Rome as well as plan itineraries for day tours or sightseeing trips in and around this famous city. So, by the time you go on holiday all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourselves.

 

Reputable vehicle hire companies usually offer a choice of vehicles to suit the size of the group. So, you can choose from a choice of sedans carrying up to five passengers, a minivan for up to 21 passengers, a mid-sized bus that seats a maximum of 43 people or a coach (even a double-decker if need be) for up to 69 people.

 

How to arrange coach hire in Rome

The most important thing to remember is to choose a reputable rental company that offers a wide selection of vehicles so that you can find exactly the right size car, bus or minivan to suit your group. Also, reputable companies not only offer excellent vehicles, but they also offer excellent service. And when you’re paying good money to hire a big car, minivan, coach or bus for the group, you except good service as part of the package.

 

Why renting a bus or coach in Rome is such a great travel option

  • You can arrange everything before you leave so that when you arrive it’s all pre-arranged and you can relax and have fun
  • Vehicle hire for a group is more affordable than hiring different modes of transport for airport transfers, sightseeing tours, special trips and taxi fares to different destinations in Rome
  • By organising the trips beforehand, you can make sure you are on time wherever you go
  • Using a reputable coach and vehicle rental company means you’re paying less for reliable vehicles and services. Vehicles will be recent, not old models, offering comfort (air-conditioning and comfy seats) and safety (seat belts, excellent brakes, etc) as well as entertainment (entertainment systems)
  • You can personalise the vehicle to suit the size of the group
  • Airport transfers to Rome’s two airports – Fiumicino (30km away) and Ciampino (12km from Rome) – can be expensive if done individually. By hiring a bus, minivan or coach, you’re saving a fortune and you’re guaranteed arriving on time to take your flight, and being fetched timeously, too
  • There are so many exciting sights to see in Rome, and you will have transport to visit all of them, saving you time, hassle and money.

 

 

 

 

In Car Hire, Coach Rental, Rome , ,
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Navigating Nicaragua on Chicken Buses

admin  —  12:00 am

 

Navigating Nicaragua on Chicken Buses

 

If you plan on traveling Nicaragua on a budget, learning how to use the chicken buses is going to be essential. One tool that we found very helpful on our travels is the website www.thebusschedule.com. While this is a great resource to see if you can get between two cities on the bus, it doesn’t really tell you what to expect while you’re on the bus. We’ve been traveling Central America, mostly Nicaragua, for a year now relying solely on the chicken buses to get around. We may not be experts, but we’ve learned a whole lot along the way.

The first thing we realized, the hard way, is that almost every city we’ve been to has had multiple bus stations, depending on which city you’re heading to. In order to get to the correct city, you need to know which bus station your bus departs from. In some towns, such as San Juan del Sur, there isn’t even a station, just a stretch of road where the bus normally sits and waits. Finding where to get on your bus can prove more hectic than the trip itself. Luckily, once you’re in the vicinity of the bus you can usually hear the bus drivers assistant yelling out the name of the destination city. The first few times we hopped on a bus with our full backpacks, the assistant would take our bags and disappear with them, either on to the roof, or to tuck them away in the back of the bus. While it can be a little unnerving to have your bags disappear like that, we’ve never had any problems with theft. Now, your personal bag, with your passport, electronics, and money, is best kept on your lap, assuming it’s not too big. While we’ve never encountered any problems on a bus, we’ve heard a few stories about people putting their bags on the rack above them, only to find them missing at the end of the trip. Best to be safe and not sorry.

 

Once you’ve found your bus, and have your bags safely put away, find a seat and stay there. Seats are a luxury on these buses, and there’s nothing worse than standing in the isle for a 2-3 hour bus ride. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Once you get moving the assistant will come through and collect the money. Prices differ for each bus depending on the length of the trip, but you can expect to pay around $1usd for every hour traveled. If your plan is to get from one coast to the other, you can expect to get on about 4 different buses, and pay less than $10. I can’t even get across town in the states for less than that.

Once your fee has been collected, and you’re on you way, you can expect many, many stops to be made. People will be getting on and off at multiple stops in between each city. Along with picking up passengers your driver is also going to pick up an assortment of vendors. We’ve seen people come on the bus selling; popcorn, soda pop, fried chicken dinners, enchiladas, vitamins, homemade juices, razors, and even clothing. If you get a chance see if you can find someone selling jugo de cacao. It’s a delicious drink made with milk, sugar, water, and crushed cacao seeds. Very refreshing while sitting on a hot, crowded bus.

 

So, if you find yourself in Central America, and are looking to get around from town to town, skip the expensive taxis and private buses and travel like the locals do. You won’t be saving any time, but you’ll save a whole lot of money.

 

Navigating Nicaragua on Chicken Buses

In Bus services, Nicaragua
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Day Trips from Granada, Nicaragua

admin  —  10:16 pm

Day Trips from Granada, Nicaragua

Nicaragua (2)

 

One of our favorite cities in Nicaragua has got to be Granada. While traveling around Nicaragua my girlfriend and I always make sure to layover in Granada for a few days. With its colonial architecture and fantastic restaurants, not to mention incredibly low cost of living, Granada has become a haven for American and Canadian retirees. Oddly enough, at least for now, this city has been mostly overlooked by the backpacking crowd. I have a feeling that will be changing soon. While Granada may never attract the surfing crowd, there are still plenty of things for the adventurous traveler to do while staying here. The best part of staying in Granada is that there are many, many things to do, all within a short drive. While all of these excursions can be done with tour guides, we prefer to take a more hands on approach. Not only is it far less expensive, but the journey on the Nicaraguan chicken buses is part of the adventure. If you find yourself in Granada for a few days, here are a few of our favorite day trips.

 

Volcan Masaya

This volcano is going to be your best opportunity to look into the crater of an active volcano. Just a short drive out of Granada, Volcan Masaya is a great way to kill a few hours. Any taxi in Granada will take you here, but we usually just take the buses. Your best bet on a bus will be to find the UCA terminal near Parque Central. Hop on one of the UCAs to Managua, and ask the drivers assistant to drop you off at Volcan Masaya. The bus ride shouldn’t cost you more than fifty cents American. Once they drop you off you have a couple of choices to make. Grab a quick taxi to the top of the volcano, or hike to the top. I’ve always found hiking to the top of this volcano to be particularly exhausting. There are no trees at all on the volcano, so walking up in the scorching sun can be brutal. Best to just pay the one dollar and let the taxi do all the hard work. Once at the top you will be rewarded with amazing views, and the opportunity to look straight down into an active volcano. This is one trip that should be missed.

 

Volcan Mombacho

This volcano is ever present while staying in Granada. You can see it from almost every corner of the city. Most of the time the top is shrouded in cloud, but the site of Mombacho on a clear day is quite stunning. Even though Mombacho and Masaya are quite close, they’re worlds apart as far as the experience is concerned. Getting to Mombacho is pretty easy. Again, any taxi will take you there for between $15-$20 American. We prefer the bus though. The bus that passes by Mombacho can be found in the market area in Granada. Once at the station find the bus headed to Rivas, and tell the drivers assistant to drop you at Mombacho. Once you’re dropped off you will see numerous “tuk-tuk’s” on the side of the road. Just hop in one and for around one dollar per person they will take you right to the ranger station at the bottom of the volcano. Once you pay the entrance fee to the volcano you have another decision to make. You can hike three to four hours straight up the side of the volcano, or pay  $15 to have a shuttle take you to the top. The first time we went to Mombacho we decided to save the $15 and hike to the top. That was a mistake that will never be repeated again. Once at the top we were just too exhausted to hike around any of the four craters. I suggest dishing out the $15, and enjoying the hikes at the top.

 

Las Isletas

This little trip departs right from Granada itself. The isletas (islands) are situated in Lake Nicaragua, and were formed thousands of years ago when Volcan Mombacho blew its top, raining down millions of tons of dirt which eventually formed the 365 islands in the lake. A tour of these islands couldn’t be easier. There are numerous tour salesmen wandering around both Parque Central and the lake front. Trust me, if you look even slightly like a tourist, they will approach you to see if you’re interested in a tour of the isletas. Here’s where your bargaining skills will come in handy. The isleta tours typically cost between $15-$20 dollars. You tour guide will probably start at $30. Just be polite, yet persistent, and you should be able to get them down to $20 per person. Once on the tour you’ll experience a leisurely ride on Lake Nicaragua with a guide who will point out all of the attractions to you. To wrap up the tour you’ll be brought to a restaurant on one of the islands where you can enjoy some food, beers, and a refreshing dip in the pool.

nicaragua

Laguna de Apoyo

Situated just a short drive out of Granada is Laguan de Apoyo. This lake was formed thousands of years ago when Volcan Apoyo collapsed in on itself. The crater eventually filled with rain water, and the result is one of the most relaxing places to visit anywhere around Granada. Again, you can take a taxi here for around $10, or just hop any bus headed to Managua and ask them to drop you at the lake. Going this route you will find yourself at the public beach which has a few restaurants where you can enjoy a cold beer, and a great little Nicaraguan lunch. Another alternative would be to just coordinate a trip with one of the hostels on the lake. For a small fee, usually around $10 they will shuttle you to and from the lake, set you up on their private beach, and give you access to all of their toys; kayaks, rafts, floating docks, etc. If you’re wanting to get out of the city for the day, and do nothing but relax, this is the place to do it.

In Nicaragua , , , , , ,
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7 must see things in San Francisco

admin  —  11:33 am

7 must see things in San Francisco

 

America’s glorious West Coast, is home to some of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. One that really stands out in this area is San Francisco. This incredible city that is the most technically advanced in the US due to being built on the San Andreas fault is one of the most oft mentioned cities in the world when it comes to must see.

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Visitors flock here from across the globe thanks to an American visa and there is so much to see and do that creating an itinerary can be daunting.  We’ve done the hard work for you by compiling the following list of 7 must see things in San Francisco.

 

Take a Bus Tour

 

Walking around this city which its steep hills is not an easy task to the best way to see all of it is by taking an open top bus tour. This shows you everything there is to see in San Francisco and gives you a better idea of the sheer size of the place than any other way possible.

 

Visit Chinatown

 

Vibrant, loud, colourful; San Francisco’s Chinatown is ranked as one of the best in the world and is the largest outside of Asia. This taste of the orient boasts markets, restaurants, bars and the perfect place to pick up some great souvenirs. A highlight is a visit to the fortune cookie factory that is up a little back alley on the corner of Washington Street and Ross. The food here is outstanding as you would expect and don’t be surprised if you have to pass through a kitchen to get into the dining area, this is often the way things are done here.

 

Eat!

 

Within an area of 7sqm there are 4500 restaurants in San Francisco. Yes, you did read that correctly, 4500.  Top notch restaurants include the world famous Slanted Door and Ozumo, which is reckoned to be the best sushi restaurant in town. Fancy something a little different? Head across the bay to Oakland for the Eat Real Fest. This consists of 60 plus food trucks and vendors packed into one small space and no item of food will cost you more than $5. To wash it down there are numerous beer trucks also in attendance. Food heaven? Very possibly.

 

 

Visit Alcatraz

 

The infamous island prison in San Francisco bay is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions and the best tip we can give you is to book your trip way in advance as the chances of just turning up on the day and getting a seat on the boat are remote to say the least.

 

Take a Ride On a Cable Car

 

You’ve all seen them on the TV and in films and now you have your chance to ride on one of these famous cable cars which are the second most famous iconic image of San Francisco after our next attraction.  There are only 3 trolley lines and queues can be lengthy, Those with a spirit of adventure however can hop on and off the cable cars riding on the outside on the side runners. Hold on tight mind and don’t have anything sticking out as these cars pass within close proximity of each other and many a bag has been snatched by somebody on a side runner going in the opposite direction.

 

Hang Out in Fisherman’s Wharf

 

One of the coolest places in the city, Fisherman’s Wharf has been a setting in numerous films and TV shows.  Encompassing the northern most waterfront of San Francisco this neighbourhood boasts restaurants, bars, numerous other attractions and is a great place to kick back and relax with a glass of local wine and watch the world go by. You may even be lucky enough to spot a celeb or two.

 

Cycle Across the Golden Gate Bridge

 

You’ve seen it 100 times before and you have to visit it, as simple as that. Cycling is big in San Francisco and visiting the bridge on a bike is hugely popular. You pay around $9 an hour to hire a bike from Fisherman’s Wharf, you will never pay more than $40, then cycle along the National Park Bike path, across the bridge then onto the small town of Sausalito. If you aren’t up for the ride back then a ferry will take you back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

7 must see things in San Francisco

In San Francisco
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