Ten Reasons to visit Romania

Romania is a small country in Eastern Europe that started attracting more and more tourists in the past ten years. It has many amazing places that are waiting to be discovered. eHe Here’s ten reasons to visit this beautiful country.

Romania
  1. There’s plenty of tasty food. If there’s one thing we love about Romanians, it is their traditional food. In the Medieval Era, Romania was the place where different cultures met. Romanians have a kitchen that’s inspired by the Turkish culture, the Slavic culture and the Austro-Hungarian culture. They have changed the recipes from these three big cultures and personalized them in a creative-Romanian way. The results are absolutely tasty. Jock from Enchanted Marketing who visited recently is in total agreement. He considers himself a gourmand gourmet. Good food in good quantities and Romania provided that.
  2. The Peles Castle. It was built by Romania’s first king (Charles the First) as a summer resort for the royal family and it is one of the biggest castles in Eastern Europe.
  3. Brasov City is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. It has a medieval city and there are many tourist attractions there. Not very far from Brasov there’s Bran Castle which is widely known as Dracula’s Castle. It was the home of Vlad Tepes, the man that inspired the Dracula legend.
  4. The Painted Monasteries from Bucovina are unique monasteries that have been built by Romanian leaders during the medieval era after every war that was won by them as a way to thank God for the victory.
  5. The Danube Delta is the second biggest delta in Europe and the most beautiful from the continent. It is home to no less than 330 different bird species and it is the most well preserved river delta in Europe.
  6. The medieval cities from Transylvania are impressive. There are many well-preserved medieval cities. The most beautiful is the medieval city of Alba-Iulia which is located right in the heart of the country but the medieval cities of Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, and Oradea are also beautiful.
  7. Bucharest, Romania’s capital is a beautiful city in the Southern region of the country. Here you can visit the Herastrau Park, the Natural History Museum Grigore Antipa and the biggest building in the country, The House of the Parliament, which was built by Romania’s last communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu.
  8. Romanians are friendly, welcoming people and they know how to organize a party. Wherever you go in Romania, you’ll meet happy people that love dancing and having fun in the traditional way. In Transylvania people love gathering around a camp fire and dancing traditional dances, drinking traditional beverages since the sun sets, until the sun rises again next morning.
  9. Romania has a rich architecture, inspired by many cultures. The Bucovina region has architecture inspired by the Slavic culture, Trasylvania has western influences in architecture, Dobrogea county has architecture inspired by the Turkish nation and the Bucharest is the place where all these different architecture types meet.
  10. The mountain resorts are amazing. In the Carpathian mountains you can practice different winter sports such as skiing and sledge.

Top 10 places to visit in Amsterdam for free

One of the most popular cities in Europe, is of course, the capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam. The city was built on water and it has 165 canals, 1285 bridges and 2500 ship-houses. The water is clean, it gets filtered every three months and the locals and the tourists can swim in Amsterdam’s beautiful canals during summer. During winter, if the canals freeze, here you can have a fairy-tale ice-skating experience. We just heard from Mark who owns Bel Air Stairs & Railings that he just had a great trip there and enjoyed a lot of the things below but didn’t take part in the red light district entertainment. Here’s a list with top 10 things you can do for free in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam for free
  1. Red Light District is probably the most popular district in the city. We recommend you take a walk on the district’s streets after the sun goes down, after 18 P.M. The erotic atmosphere is stirred by beautiful women dancing in the passionate, powerful red lighted windows.
  2. The windmill (Molen De Gooyer at Funenkade) is a windmill that’s not very far from the center of the Amsterdam. The windmills are specific buildings for Netherlands, so make sure you make time to visit it while you are here.
  3. The Waag or the Saint Anthony Gate is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam. It was build in 1488, and it was one of the main entrances in the city. You can see it in Nieuwmartk market.
  4. Do not forget to take a selfie at the I amsterdam sign at the Rijksmuseum. Every year, there are thousands of tourists that come here to take a selfie, and sometimes you have to wait a few minutes before finding a free spot to take your picture. The gardens of Rijksmuseum can also be visited for free. If you have already taken the selfie with the I Amsterdam sign, you can go visit the museum’s beautiful gardens.
  5. Vondelpark is the biggest park in Amsterdam and one of the most beautiful parks in Netherlands. If you want to have a really Dutch experience we recommend you visit the park by bike. You can even get a guided bicycle tour of the park, and find out the history of Vodelpark from a local.
  6. Museumhaven is an open-air museum that can be visited for free. It has twenty ships that are almost 100 years old. You can find it on Oosterdok street 12.
  7. The Buddhist temple in the Chinese district is the largest temple of its kind in Europe and you can visit it for free.
  8. Stadsarchief, the city archives tell amazing stories about the city. The displays rotate telling different stories about events that happened years ago. Among the most interesting records that you can find here is the report of Anne Frank’s stolen bicycle in 1942.
  9. The Main Library in Amsterdam is another attraction that can be visited for free. You can spend a day admiring the beautiful architecture of the place or reading an old international newspaper.
  10. The Cannabis college is a non-profit center where you can learn about Amsterdam’s most popular herb. There are educated professionals ready to have a serious conversation with you about the coffee shop etiquette, explain you the differences between indica and sativa strains and show you various hemp products.

Must See Destinations in Dubai

Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most famous and popular tourist attraction sites in the world. It is an idyllic place for a first-time family trip and it will set the pace for more amazing destinations to come. It is also a romantic destination, and great option for friends looking for a travel destination. This city associated with glitz and glamour is located on the Persian Gulf Coast of the United Arab Emirates. Here are the three absolute must-see destinations in Dubai.

1. Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates

The Dubai mall grants access to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Aquarium. This neighbourhood offers endless family-friendly activities such as a gaming zone, ice-skating rink, cinema complex, underground zoos, and much more. The mall also gives you a shopping experience like no other with shopping festivals conducted at certain times of the year. Shopping comes highly recommended as part of your to-do list to give you some souvenirs for your travel experience. You get to also experience local exquisite cuisines as you sample sumptuous meals in the numerous elegant restaurants found in the mall.

Dubai

Not far away is Mall of the Emirates with more shopping and places to eat and its main claim to fame is the indoor downhill ski slope.

2. Burj Khalifa

The sky-piercing building stands taller than any other building worldwide. Touring the neighbourhood should be among your top priorities and this is a great place to start. It is a picturesque work of art that boasts of intricate architecture. It gives a beautiful view of the city as you go up the 124 floors and it is no surprise that the locals have nicknamed it ‘Jewel of Dubai.’ It is an exhilarating experience to share as a family with your kids.

3. Al-Fahidi Fort

The Dubai museum housed by the Al-Fahidi Fort will blow your mind away. This spectacular desert fort is a path down history lane that reveals the city’s rich history and local culture. It has an underground section that displays different traditional artefacts, handcrafted weapons, and remade Al-Qusais tombs using the latest technology.

4. Dubai Fountains

These fountains were designed by the same people who designed the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. However, Dubai has gone for bigger is better. Some of the fountains shoot 500 feet in the air, the equivalent of a 50-story building. The patterns are constantly changing and at night the lights change color  for quite a show.

Other things include the Burj Al Arab hotel with its popular high tea and great views, Off-road tours in the desert nearby, several waterparks, boat tours, city tours, Dolphin Bay to swim with the dolphins, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the Dubai Miracle Garden.

World Best Romantic Destinations

Romantic destinations are the most sought after by millions of couples and singles looking to quench their long desire for love. For a destination to be termed as romantic, it must have all or some of the known characteristics including beautiful and unique sceneries, startling beaches, loads of romantic activities, fine dining with exceptional cuisines, and erratic atmosphere among much more.

So whether you are looking to reignite the sparks with your lover, celebrating an anniversary, or just spending time with your special someone, consider the following destinations.

1. Paris

Paris is prevalently known as the city of love. Paris receives millions of visitors looking for a taste of the romantic atmosphere due to its reputation of being the worlds most romantic destination. True to its word, Paris sets the bar high with beautiful sceneries including the icon of love, the Eiffel Tower. Paris, France’s capital, is located on the river Seine, north of France.

Romantic Destinations

The city is graced with beautiful parks for lovers to have a romantic picnic and amazing romantic themed restaurants for sumptuous meals and wine. This city offers a full romantic package and would be the best destination for anybody looking for the romantic magic.

2. Hawaii

Hawaii is the decisive destination for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing experience. Most popular for couples’ honeymoon adventure, Hawaii is an island in the U.S and the only state conjured entirely of islands. This destination is best known for the warm spirit of the locals who have unique cultures and very warm personalities.

Apart from the warm locals, Hawaii boasts of the best tropical beaches in the world. The island also features luxurious suites, ocean surfing, and spectacular wildlife. Hawaii is a must visit for all couples looking for a nice quiet and relaxing romantic destination. Check here for some more specific ideas.

3. Venice

Venice is a city in Italy known for its beautiful sceneries, adventure, romance, artwork, and intricate architecture. The city is united by 118 small islands separated by channels and bridges to form Venice. The reputation of Venice will make you fall in love again or bring back your long lost romance charm.

Common romantic adventures include a ride in the gondola, (an ancient symbol of romance and love), walking through the beautiful architectured streets, and finally wine and dine in the elegant restaurants incorporating with both local and international cuisines.

4. Maldives

A unique name for a unique destination, Maldives is an island nation sited in the Indian Ocean. It comprises of an amalgamation of 23 islands. The place is best suited for those who find peace, love, and romance in the ocean and marine life atmosphere.

It is secluded, quiet, and peaceful which will give you lots of time to bond with your lover.

5. Tahiti

Tahiti is filled with wonder worth island sceneries that will leave you breathless. The island is found in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island incorporates excellent luxurious suites and beach bungalows. There are a lot of romantic activities including morning and late evenings stride along the beaches, watching the sunset and sunrise from the comfort of the beach bungalows, fine dining, massage while sipping the best wine the world has to offer, among other romantic activities. Tahiti is indeed an idyllic paradise.

Tips for Travelling in Big Groups

You may be planning a holiday trip with your friends, family, bachelor parties, etc. On the upside, it means you get to explore the world with your favorite people but there are plenty of downsides too; bickering, indecision, and worse, fights. You may not get a chance to spend a lot of quality time with your group so you must be looking forward to memorable experiences which will be pleasant to look back on.

Travelling in Big Groups

In a group, there is bound to be a difference of opinion so it is important to know how to handle such situations before they arise or when they do. We don’t want you feeling like taking a vacation from your vacation. Here are some tips that will make your trip run smoothly.

Appoint a leader

Assigning a travel group leader is important to keep everything and everyone moving. Depending on the different strengths of the group members, other responsibilities can also be assigned. Those who can read maps quite well, who is most comfortable asking strangers for directions, handling money, speaking foreign languages, etc.

Communication

Consider setting up a group text for constant communication amongst yourselves. It can come in handy when you are separated by choice or by accident. Make sure each person knows the name of the hotel or has a plan/itinerary. You can also create a Google doc and share all the relevant information from the hotel, groceries list, phone numbers, etc. Also, be open to new ideas and suggestions from group members. Everyone should feel like they have a voice.

Plan alone time

The group doesn’t have to be together from dawn until dusk. Make sure you plan some alone time to give everyone a chance to do their own thing. Sleep, read a book, visit some historical sites, etc., and maybe meet up for dinner with the rest of the group. The group members will appreciate this. This might be a good time for people to check off some places from their checklist that they may not be in the group itinerary. You are paying for the trip so you might as well wander off and tick off your own must see and must do.

Plan in advance

There are some details of your trip that you may want to plan in advance. Examples are adjoining hotel rooms, dinner tables, reservations at some attractions site, minivans, etc. While at it, look for large group discounts which are best purchased in advance. It will save you some bucks too. Sometimes you can ask if they offer such discounts. If you have kids on your trip, you might also want to see if you can find a babysitter to watch your kids and many more minute details.

Planning Services

You could opt for trip planning services, travel agents, or tour groups to handle all the logistics for you. They cover everything necessary so this takes the hassle off of you. Of course, there is a service fee involved but it may save you more, in the long run, trying to figure things out on the go.

Five common travel packing mistakes to avoid

There are many common packing mistakes we are likely to make regardless of how long we’ve been traveling across the world. Whether you get to your destination and realize you forgot to pack something or have to pay extra baggage fees when traveling, learning a packing lesson the hard way is something that many travelers experience from time to time. Failure to pack your bag till the last minute is one of the sure recipes for making mistakes. There is the right and wrong way to pack for a trip, and you need to be informed. Here are common packing mistakes you can avoid the next time you travel.

Not packing appropriately for your destination

The first thing you need to know is about your travel destination. The type of clothing you pack has to go hand in hand with the situation of your travel destination. For instance, when touring a city during winter, you don’t need to carry capris and short-sleeved shirts. You should identify the current weather of the region you’re traveling to so as to know what is appropriate for you to pack. Pack heavy clothes for cold places and light clothes for warm places.

Overpacking

While some people are likely to forget to pack things, other people pack too much. There is the rule that you lay out everything you think you may need on the bed and then pack only half of them. Avoid packing “just in case” items in your bag since you may not use them. Having a light bag will not only save you money you would pay for an overweight bag at the airport but also save you backaches as well give you space to carry a souvenir back.

Not making a packing list

Creating a packing list is very important for your trip preparation. Without a packing list, you may end up packing too much or forget something very important. Use a packing list and finish packing at least a whole day before to avoid the last minute rush.

Assuming your hotel will have what, you need

If you’re going traveling to stay in a hotel, it is important to avoid assumptions that the hotel will have whatever you will need. It is a good idea to make a quick call or email and inquire about what is available for guests. Stay clear on the availabilities of little extras such as charging stations, toiletries, adapters, bathrobes and even blankets. You will save yourself the cost of buying items you never carried for assuming they will be provided.

Not reading up on your airline’s baggage policy

Airline fees keep changing from time to time. It is therefore essential to check out the extra fees your airline is charging at the time of your travel. Get finer details regarding the booking fees, baggage fees as well as the change fees before you go to travel. You will save yourself the risk of getting stranded after incurring unplanned costs.

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