We’ve broken down our favourite cities, towns and villages to be a helping hand. Regardless, it’s better to visit any country with a few basic phrases – the locals will appreciate the effort even it’s a nightmare to grasp. The language of love is a bumpy road, and while we hope you don’t make any language blunders, here are the 10 mistakes you should avoid making.
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- If you can avoid July and August, you’ll have more space to sunbathe during June and September.
- If you’re travelling through the region long-term with no fixed onward travel plans or departure flights, this can be problematic.
- Here at Oliver’s Travels, it’s undoubtedly one of our favourites, too.
- Soaring cliffs, buzzing little towns and a way of life forever inspired by the sea, that’s what you’ll find on the world’s longest defined coastal touring route.
Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to stand out less, and always carry any bookbags or purses in front of you, with a hand against them at all times. Though Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, it’s been operating for years and is often a cheaper alternative to taxis. Costa Rica’s high-altitude and volcanic soils yield beans with a distinctive taste profile, highly sought after by consumers worldwide. This has cemented the nation’s reputation as a leading coffee exporter.
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- Once serving as a destination for enjoying epic shows, it’s now one of the most well-preserved spaces from our ancient past.
- The city’s Centro Histórico features perfectly preserved colonial buildings, palm-lined plazas, and churches, convents and chapels built by indigenous artisans centuries ago.
- I mean this literally and figuratively, as I actually ended up falling in love and marrying a Costa Rican.
- They’ll make suitable recommendations for you and create your unique itinerary, in no time at all.
- Is where design, history, and soul collide making it a rare private-hire house in Alentejo.
- Sign up for weekly travel inspiration straight to your inbox – all lovingly packed by our team of Travel Experts.
- Our science fiction books will take you through time and space.
Inside, postmodernist pieces beautifully marry with Portuguese heritage, vintage glamour and artistic rebellion. An architectural-statement, this minimalist hideaway in the Dolomites is the perfect basecamp for those who appreciate design, food, comfort and doorstep nature. Antwerp is one of Europe’s cultural hotbeds with historical landmarks and art institutions. And while Antwerp has plenty of those – we turn our focus on the smaller-scale contemporary culture must-sees the Flemish city has to offer. Nestled in Sicily’s wild farmlands, Susafa blends sustainable luxury with rustic charm.
Find all the Scottish holiday inspiration your need in our https://softfootprints.com/ Scotland travel blog. Summertime in Scotland brings big dreamy skies, the perfect backdrop to our ancient attractions. Come and see standing stones at summer solstice this year, or chase the sunrise in a beautiful Scottish location.
Uganda & Rwanda Group Trip (2nd – 17th July
Moving between Central France is much easier than Northern France. Transport links run much smoother, catching trains are hassle free and you can even move around on bicycle to see your beautiful surroundings up close. As always, we’ve broken down the cities with the best transport links. The euro is used as the currency and is legal tender, having replaced the French Franc.
Very few universal travel adapters actually work with both types, so check if yours does. Otherwise, you will likely be unable to charge your electronics. There are plenty of ATMs in Sri Lanka, so it is hard not to find one. In the last 20 years, the infrastructure in North Pakistan has seen big improvements. Headscarfs are not mandatory, but you will often discover that in more metropolitan and densely populated areas, women wear a headdress. Both men and women should cover their legs and women should also cover their arms.
The ultimate guide to Le Havre, France
If you need a little assistance, Tripit is a great app that organises your flights, taxis and check-in info for you. And restless travellers will benefit from Calm, tried and tested by the Oliver’s Travels team – this handy app will help you unwind in no time. Feel the history packed between the covers of literary classics.
Another must-see, Yasuní National Park is an extraordinary area of unspoiled, protected rainforest, where you can expect to set eyes on a medley of exotic creatures found nowhere else on earth. Read our guide below for an introduction to our top five Latin American destinations, why you should visit each, and what you should do while you’re there. Or, if you know where you’re headed and want to explore, click the menu below for individual country guides.
TRIP GUIDES
Most tourists base themselves in the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood which is generally safe but is closely bordered by some sketchy neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo and Santa Ana. I’ve got more info about staying safe in Casco Viejo in my guide. Just like light and shade, Central France is a fusion of the best of both worlds. You’ll feel the buzz in the capital cities, but feel at peace in some of the smaller towns – and it’s honestly pretty blissful.
The ultimate guide to Bath
We discovered that in small neighbourhoods like Seochon, ATM machines are only for Korean cards. Therefore, out of the airport you will have to withdraw in more central areas like Myeong-dong. For personal experience, I can grant you that you will return with much more stuff than you have departed. On top of that, foreigners don’t pay the VAT on any purchase above 50,000.
Popular Destinations
Look for the colourful and warming borsch (beetroot soup), exquisite caviar, zharkoye (hotpot) and pelmeni (Russian-style filled dumplings). Vegetarians should note that borsch is often made with beef stock. Organised campsites are rare but wild camping is usually allowed. For something different, try staying in a turbaza – a basic Russian style holiday camp with outdoor activities thrown in. Russia has everything from 5 star palaces, ghastly Soviet-era concrete mega-hotels to friendly homestays and cheap crashpads.
While we have not personally experienced this, stories of tourists and study-abroad students being threatened to give up even just their cell phones are unfortunately becoming more and more common. Manuel Antonio National Park, although small, is a gem, boasting stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the chance to spot monkeys and sloths. At Chirripó National Park, you can challenge yourself with a climb to Costa Rica’s highest peak, rewarding you with breathtaking views. Palo Verde National Park, located in the dry Guanacaste province, is a sanctuary for water birds and migratory species. Costa Rica’s bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching even remote areas of the country. You’ll find yourself rubbing elbows with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Accessed via creaking funicular lifts from the downtown area, the most attractive hills are neighbours Alegre and Concepción. Best explored on foot, their narrow, steep and often cobble-stoned streets are lined with elegant homes originally built for wealthy merchants, as well as a churches, museums and viewpoints. Many of the historic buildings have been turned into gorgeous boutique hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, bars and galleries.
In general, round your drink bills up by any small change, and just leave a couple of euros after a meal. Museum and tour guides will expect about 10%, and cab drivers around 5-10%. To make things simpler, apps like Tipping Guide help to decipher how much is appropriate and Tip N Split will take care of the calculating for you.
The best hotels in Barcelona
Furthermore, it is one of the best safari destinations in the world. Follow in the footsteps of adventurers near and far, whether to Swedish Lapland to see the Northern Lights, or to Patagonia on a hair-raising road trip. Plus, there’s the Bazaar editors’ expert recommendations on where to go, what to pack and who to go with. A JR Pass is a rail pass you need to purchase before getting to Japan that offers unlimited travel within a 7, 14 or 21 day period. They used to be very popular as they were a good value option if doing a return Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka-Tokyo trip in 7 days versus buying individual tickets. Where Guatemala is more populated, there’s also plenty to explore.
Best for culture seekers: Easter Island
If you’re willing to trade a bit of comfort for the pocket-friendly option, public transportation could be your go-to. Be sure to start your Croatia holiday planning by chatting with one of our travel advisors. They’ll make suitable recommendations for you and create your unique itinerary, in no time at all. Named after the Krka River, this stunning national park covers 142 square kilometres, including two thirds of its namesake river.
In general, Pakistani cuisine features a lot of meat like kababs. Additionally, only upscale restaurants serve wine and it’s usually expensive. Similarly, Pakistan has its own brewed beer and carbonated drinks.
What are the highlights of travelling in Pakistan?
The traffic in Sri Lanka can be slightly insane even if you are already used to driving in bustling Asian mega-cities. And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka. There was a terrorist attack in 2019, so it is recommended to stay away from political and larger religious events. Due to this attack, there is a larger military presence at some places including the airport and some roads.
It’s also recommended to avoid the Mosquito Gulf on the mid-northern Caribbean Coast, and while there is not a strict warning not to visit, the city and province of Colon are a bit seedy too. Government travel advice from the United States, Australia and New Zealand has Panama at risk level 2 – exercise a high degree of caution with higher levels for certain areas. Canada rates Panama as level 1 – exercise normal safety precautions. We fell in love with Panama City with its historic old town and glistening modern skyline. We found tropical heaven in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands and loved hiking through the misty cloud forests of Boquete and the extinct volcanic crater of El Valle de Anton.
It’s easy to feel a little out of your depth when you visit a new country for the first time, but after a few days you’ll easily pick up your bearings. To find a good spot to eat close by, FourSquare uses your location to recommend user-reviews restaurants in your direct vicinity. Tipping in France is a complicated business and there’s no hard and fast rule.
- It is definitely one of the more developed countries, meaning it’s A LOT easier to travel around, but costs are slightly more than say, Guatemala, El Salvador or Nicaragua.
- Get to grips with the do’s and don’ts in French etiquette, learn the key differences between Northern France, Central France and the South of France, discover the best times to visit and heaps more.
- But Croatia’s fourth largest island has more to offer than just sun, sea and hangovers – Hvar also delivers wonderful countryside, stunning lavender fields, incredible food and fascinating history and culture.
- Remember there may be road closures, roadworks or congestion that isn’t picked up by Sat Navs so please follow event signage as you near the festival.
- This goes to show that although the way people access travel information has changed, the need for it has not.
- Named after the Krka River, this stunning national park covers 142 square kilometres, including two thirds of its namesake river.
- If you’re on a budget, there are some fantastic hostels around the country.
No Ordinary Hotel Directory
The islands were so named because they offered a safe haven from the deadly diseases that ravaged French Guiana’s… Some places pull you in with their beauty, others with their mystery. It’s not a country you stumble into—it’s a place you choose, a place that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Our journey took us through its bustling capital, deep into the jungle, across colonial relics, and to breathtaking waterfalls, but more than… We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. The official rate of the bank you can find on many websites, check the location of the bank and the working hours.
- It also covers you for existing medical conditions or routine maternity care (as long as you’re not heading to France especially to give birth!).
- To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room.
- Organised campsites are rare but wild camping is usually allowed.
- The smallest of the three Trans-Caucasus nations, it holds its own in terms of history, hiking, food and wine.
- Please ensure your car park pass is visible in the windshield of your vehicle.
- Nestled in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, the mighty Machu Picchu stands steadfast, awaiting the arrival of eager explorers.
- It’s all about lodging in luxury here, where a small yet incredibly indulgent selection of hotels offer world-class service, beautiful rooms, enviable cuisine, and lavish spa treatments.
The desert oasis of Las Vegas goes all out to stimulate the senses. Copywriting for the travel industry typically requires a more personable and storytelling approach, as it aims to evoke emotions and inspire readers to travel. It also involves extensive research on destinations, activities, and cultural aspects to provide accurate and informative content.
North America
Sheremetyevo-2 (28km from Moscow), Domodedovo (22km from Moscow), Pulkovo 2 (17km from St Petersburg). Many smaller towns have their own airport but be aware that facilities are often extremely limited. If you’re buying caviar to take home, look for the label CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), an international trade-control to reduce sturgeon poaching.
