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Tag: Europe

5 More Reasons Porto Is So Epic
Portugal’s second-largest city of Porto manages to fit in almost everything that makes the country so very charming in one handy place. You can get a brilliant overview of Portugal when you spend time getting to know Porto. From lively and quaint coffee houses and an energetic and growing night scene, to intriguing vintage bookshops and countless wine cellars tucked away into the terraced hillside, Porto is certainly very captivating. It is a place ht you may never want to leave!
Ready to plan your trip? Here are some of the best things to do in Porto:
Porto Cathedral
Perched high on a hilltop and overlooking the city, Porto Cathedral, known as the Sé, is one of the city’s oldest buildings. An attractive sight, the religious building was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries. Once one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Portugal, it boasts an array of architectural styles.
Igreja de Sao Francisco
This church is an absolute must-visit when in Porto. Stunning and rich with details, the olden interiors and the grand exteriors cannot fail to impress and evoke that wow feeling. A Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century, it is most well-known for its later additions, the gorgeous 18th-century baroque details. Step inside and admire the gleaming gilded carvings and soak up the serene and tranquil air.
Port Wine Tasting
A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a stop to sample the city’s most notable export, port wine. There are many wine cellars scattered throughout Porto, some serving gourmet food and / or offering insights into the tasty wine’s production. Don’t miss trying port when in Porto!
Sao Bento Railway Station
Sao Bento Railway Station was built on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey. An eye-caching building, you’ll notice influences from the French Beaux Arts style of architecture. Inside, detailed hand-painted tiles depict Porto’s past. It’s a very beautiful sight, and one that is very interesting too.
Ribeira District
The UNESCO-protected district of Ribeira is a lovely part of the city, complete with alluring small streets and medieval architecture. Small and charming eateries line the streets, and you can wander around and soak up the atmosphere before calling in at one of the cafes for a drink and a bite to eat. The olde-worlde charm is sure to invoke your senses, with the somewhat decaying buildings whispering messages from times gone by. Stroll down to the riverfront and enjoy sights such as Sao Francisco Church and the Dom Luis I Bridge. Many tourists come here, and the main streets are thronging with people. Escape the crowds and wander through the quieter back alleys for a peaceful view of the area.
FC Porto Museum
If you’re a fan of football, this is one museum that you definitely shouldn’t skip. Home to lots of soccer memorabilia from one of Europe’s top teams, you can take a sporting journey through more than 120 years, reliving both the team’s victories and defeats. See the kits, learn about the players, enjoy the highlights, and more!
Still debating a trip? Other things to do in Porto include watching the sun go down from Foz do Douro, lapping up the atmosphere at the lively fresh market of Mercado do Bolhao, enjoying the harmonies at Casa de Musica, and admiring the views from the top of the Torre dos Clerigos.
June 23, 2016
Preparing for a European Interrail Adventure!
What better way to explore Europe than from the comfort of a train cabin – Watching the countryside fly by, getting lost in a good book and enjoying good company while whizzing to your next destination!
If this sounds good – Then the Interrail should be high on your bucket list!
The Interrail is simply an unlimited pass for trains journeys around Europe. No limit. Hop on and hop off! Want to travel from France to the Netherlands?! No dramas!
The Interrail website is packed with helpful advice and tips. From information about planning, buying your tickets, booking taxis and sightseeing when you arrive.
Here are some of our essential tips for Preparing for a European Interrail Adventure!
1. Head over to Seat 61
If you haven’t heard of Seat 61 – it’s probably the most in-depth train travel resources out there. Curated by train geek and travel guru Mark Smith, it’s been our go-to for years for all things train. Even when we travelled through Mongolia and China, it was packed with helpful pointers, timetables and must-see places. Highly recommended!
Read more: http://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm
2. Grab an European Health Insurance Card
The EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) is a UK resident specific service from the NHS that allows you to receive free or low-cost treatment or services while visiting European member states.
The EHIC is valid across the majority of Europe:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
So UK nationals – Grab your card before you head abroad. Too good not to miss!
Note: The EHIC card might not cover all your medical costs, your flight home, lost property etc.
That’s a job for some adequate Travel Insurance.
Read more: http://www.europeanhealthcard.org.uk
3. Pack light!
This is applies to most travel scenarios, but packing light is essential on the Interrail. The last thing you’ll want to do is wheel a massive suitcase up and down multiple carriages, annoying your fellow passengers and getting hot and bothered.
Just bring the essentials. You can buy everything when you get to your destination, probably for a better price!
Our Interrail essentials:
- Kindle! The new Kindle is amazing! We love ours. It has it’s own backlight and wifi… Say no more! This will save sooo much room in your bags if you’re a heavy reader!
- Travel towels. These are great space savers! They dry super quickly…if you need to leave your room in a hurry, just wrap it around your bag and it’ll be dry in no time. A large one like this, or and extra-large one like this microfibre beach towel ticks all boxes!
- Padlocks! Bring a few as you’ll probably lose the keys like we have a million times. We’re not really a fan of combination locks like this, as they can be quite easy to guess and hack. These padlocks come in a 4 pack and are very affordable for securing a hostel locker.
Pro tip! Secure your bags together with some thin security cable to stop someone running off with your goodies while you’re snoozing…
4. Hook yourself up with a YHA Card
The YHA card is the budget backpackers best friend! With YHA hostels all around the globe, it’s a great item to have in your wallet. Prices vary from country to country, but as of Sept 2015, an annual membership for under 26’s is £5, and £15 for those over 26.
There are too many benefits to mention here, but there are loads in addition to money off room rates!
Read more: https://www.yha.org.uk/membership
What did we miss? Can you think of any Interrail essentials?!
September 10, 2015
Things to do in Lapland
Commonly thought of as being a place where kids and grown-ups alike can go and visit Father Christmas in the magical wintery months, there are also plenty of things to do in Lapland all throughout the year. It offers a thrilling and mesmerizing trip at any time of the year, with gorgeous wild landscapes and heaps of things to do in the great outdoors. Lapland is a wonderful place for families, groups of friends, couples, or solo adventurers; it is a beautiful place, and one that is unlikely to be like anywhere else you have ever visited.
Lapland covers the areas of northern Finland and northern Sweden, crossing over the Arctic Circle – make sure you pack lots of warm clothes!
Things to do in Lapland: Winter!
Visit Father Christmas
No mention of Lapland would be complete without Father Christmas! There are several places in the area where youngsters can meet Father Christmas with wide eyes and awe, receiving a small gift to treasure. The Santa Claus Village in Finland’s Rovaniemi is a particular favourite.
Enjoy Winter Sports
An abundance of winter sports are available in Lapland, including skiing, snowboarding, and walking with snow shoes. Ice karting offers lots of fun and you can explore the exciting snow covered landscapes in a snowmobile or by horseback. If you are feeling really brave, take a tip in an ice hole!
Meet Some Huskies!
See how the native population traditionally relied on faithful huskies as part of their transportation needs. You can whoosh through the countryside on a sledge pulled by a pack of these magnificent dogs and led by an experienced handler. Perhaps you can enjoy a unique husky safari for a remarkable and memorable holiday!
Meet Some Reindeer!
Long associated with Lapland, visit a traditional Sami reindeer farm to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures, and maybe glide across the snow with a magical sleigh ride. You can choose either a short taster ride, or head off for the whole day, covering many kilometres.
Stay in an Igloo
What could be more novel than staying in an igloo, completely surrounded by snow? Creative, yet cosy, it offers an experience you will never forget!
See the Northern Lights!
The dazzling Aurora Borealis is often said to be the greatest light show on earth. Colours dance across the sky, captivating and enchanting all who see them. The best times to see the famous Northern Lights in Lapland are usually between January and April, although sightings can never be guaranteed.
Things to do in Lapland in all Seasons:
Enjoy a Sauna
Heat up and build up a sweat before cooling right off in an icy shower or plunge pool. And then repeat! The Finnish sauna is a deep-rooted part of local customs and traditions.
Visit Arkticum
A popular museum, at Arkticum you can learn more about the Finnish culture and the unforgiving Arctic region. Take a journey through time and discover elements from the past right through to the present day, and see a large number of displays and exhibitions.
Pay a Trip to SIIDA
This great museum allows you to learn more about the Sami people, their beliefs, culture, and way of life. Sitting alongside a beautiful lake, Lake Inari, it is the perfect place for fun and information.
Things to do in Lapland: Summer
Experience the Midnight Sun
Did you know that it never gets dark in Lapland in the middle of the summer? The sun shines around the clock, making for an unusual and exciting time. Other parts of the summer enjoy long hours of daylight, perfect for those who want to make the most of their time in this enchanting part of the world.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The summers are surprisingly warm and sunny, and there is a plethora of active leisure pursuits to suit all tastes. Whether you fancy hiking, biking, or horse riding in spectacular scenery, fishing in babbling streams and lush lakes, feeling the rush as you ride the raging river rapids, or a spot of gentler canoeing or kayaking, you will be really spoiled for choice in Lapland. Golf enthusiasts will also be pleased!
Relax on the Beaches
Yes, Lapland has beaches! There are great facilities for visitors on the sandy shores, and you could also take a swim in a lovely and warm lake.
With so many things to do in Lapland all throughout the year, it really is an excellent option when planning your next holiday. 🙂
February 12, 2014
A Few Reasons to Visit Wales!
Along with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. It is on the mainland of Great Britain, sharing a border with England and boasting a long, splendid coastline.
Wales boasts some of the finest scenery in the UK, has numerous historical sites, offers a distinctive Celtic heritage, is home to some very pretty beaches and coastal areas, and also offers modern cities and thriving towns. With such a great variety, there are plenty of reasons to visit Wales!
There are numerous places to sleep, eat, and drink in most parts of Wales, and you should definitely try and taste some local dishes that are difficult to find in other parts of the UK. Rail journeys make it even easier to admire the country.
Some top reasons to visit Wales include:
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Towering mountains, undulating hills, rolling plains, and lots of lush greenery can be found right across Wales. It also has many nice waterfalls and rivers and offers terrific opportunities for numerous outdoor activities. Whether you want to go hiking and biking, try abseiling or rafting, or have a go at some extreme adventure sports, you will find something to keep you happy in Wales. There are three national parks, as well as other fantastic picturesque areas.
The Snowdonia National Park is home to the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon Mountain. At the Brecon Beacons there are four different mountain ranges, caves and caverns, numerous ancient monuments, various outdoor activities, and an abundance of wildlife. The Pembrokeshire Coast combines fine beaches and wild and rugged coastal areas, and Skomer is a favourite with bird watchers.
Castles Galore
History fans will love the huge selection of castles across Wales. You can find those that are really well preserved as well as those that are little more than a few stones and the remains of the foundations. Built to protect the country from invasions, it is easy to wander around the grounds and imagine the days of power struggles and bloody battles.
Climb towers and lookout points for incredible views, walk around the protective walls, poke around in various quarters and chambers, and discover part of Wales’ history and heritage. There are over 150 castles across Wales, with some favourites being Caernarfon Castle, Criccieth Castle, Harlech Castle, Chirk Castle, Conwy Castle, Boddylwyddan Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Ruthin Castle, Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, and Monmouth Castle.
You can also enjoy a plethora of historic sites, ancient burial grounds, pretty churches, impressive stately homes, and other architectural gems.
Beaches
With over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, a great way to spend a sunny day is on the lovely beaches of Wales. You can find those that attract visitors by the hundreds, with great facilities and amenities, as well as those that are fairly remote with little to disturb the peace.
North Wales is especially noted for its wonderful beaches, in particular the island of Anglesey. Llandudno offers a quintessential beach break, with animated puppet shows on the shore, a cable car, and fine architecture. There are also stunning beaches along the spectacular Pembrokeshire coast. Some top beaches to check out include Barmouth Bay in Gwynedd, Tenby Castle Beach and Saundersfoot, both in Pembrokeshire, Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, and Trearddur Bay in Anglesey.
Longest Place Name
On the island of Anglesey you can visit the place with the longest name in the United Kingdom. It is also the longest place name in Europe and one of the longest in the world! The local train station proudly displays the name on an extra long sign – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – it’s a bit of a mouthful! Breaking it down, it sounds like clan-fire-poof-gin-gill-go-gerith-win-drob-lan-ti-sill-ee-o-go-go-goff. It means “Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of Saint Tysillio with a red cave”.
Myths and Legends
The whole country has places that are steeped in interesting myths and legends from long ago. Churches, mountains, stones, ancient sites, dwellings, and more can have wonderful and expressive tales attached to them.
Hear about the ill-fated faithful dog at Beddgelert, try and spot the Lady of the Lake at Llyn y Fan Fach in the Black Mountains, and learn about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and Merlin the Magician at numerous sites, including Arthur’s Stone on the Gower Peninsular, Llyn Llydaw, which is said to be where Excalibur was hurled, Carmarthen, the birthplace of Merlin, and the site of King Arthur’s last battle at Bwlch y Saethau.
The Welsh flag bears testament to another great legend – the red dragon that is said to have helped Wales in times of trouble and now sleeps in a cave waiting until the land needs him again.
A Lively Capital City
The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is a modern city with a long past and plenty of attractions. It also boasts great shopping and a lively night life. Cardiff Bay is very popular, and the city is home to several top class museums and three important performing arts venues. The Senedd is found in Cardiff.
Underground Delights
Take an underground tour of various caves and mines, and learn about previous industries that grew from Wales’ natural resources. You can venture into former slate mines, copper mines, coal mines, tin mines, and gold mines. Some are eerie, some are educational, and some are surprisingly modern – all, however, offer lots of fun!
In the village of Corris you can go on a fascinating adventure in a previous slate mine – ride an underground boat through King Arthur’s Labyrinth!
These are just a few of the myriad reasons to visit Wales on your next UK adventure!
January 23, 2014