Dream Destinations – Luxembourg

Chris Boothman
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25
Dream Destinations – Luxembourg

We are heading back to Europe for our next featured Dream Destination with the small yet beautiful country of Luxembourg. Landlocked by Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg rarely features in European tourism guides purely because of its geographical location among these other powerhouse nations. However, whenever you do some research on this country, you will see that there are plenty of attractions warranting a trip here at least for a few days to sample the beauty for yourself.

Most people who do take the time to visit Luxembourg only do so for a day or two given its small size, but please don’t let this convince you that there are only few things to do there. Here are just some of the top attractions worth exploring in Luxembourg.

Casemates du Bock

Casemates du Bock
Image courtesy of http://worldtravels.ro/

The Casemates du Bock are a series of defensive passageways that has helped Luxembourg gain a reputation of having serious military prowess despite it’s minnow size in comparison to surrounding nations. The first tunnels to this underground network adjacent to the castle built in by Count Siegfried, were developed in the mid-17th Century. They are well worth a visit by tourists and provide a unique look into Luxembourg’s deep history. Even if you suffer from a little claustrophobia, this is still an experience worth fighting that fear because you will learn a lot for only a small cost (3 Euros).

Pont Adolphe

Pont Adolphe
Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Pont Adolphe translated as Adolphe Bridge is an arch bridge in Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg. Constructed at the end of the 19th Century, this iconic structure provides a symbolic representation of the country’s independence. It has certainly become one of the main tourist attractions throughout Luxembourg and standing on the bridge provides scenic views overlooking the capital and surrounding areas. The bridge is very photogenic from the city and from the delightfully manicured park underneath.

Viaduc (Passerelle)

Viaduc (Passerelle)
Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Surrounding Luxembourg City are the Casemates du Bock but either end of the city are two massive viaducts, one in particular which is an impressive architectural design – the Viaduc Passerelle. This area of rural greenery is a perfect getaway outside the central business district and is a great setting for an afternoon stroll as you find a perfect solitude between urban sprawl and nature.

As with all viaducts that have such technological brilliance in their design, they provide excellent photography opportunities both of the viaduct but also looking back over the city.

Monument de la Solidarite Nationale

Monument de la Solidarite Nationale
Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/

The Monument de la Solidarite Nationale (Monument of National Solidarity, also known as the Monument of Remembrance) is located in the heart of Luxembourg City and is yet another iconic symbol of Luxembourg’s history. It is a dedication to the thousands of Luxembourg soldiers that participated in World War I, many losing their lives fighting for their country and Allies.

When visiting this monument you are also treated to some very awe inspiring views of Luxembourg which makes it a must see but also its central location makes this a perfect starting point to explore other key attractions in the city.

Luxembourg City Railway Station

Luxembourg City Railway Station
Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Set in the heart of the city, Luxembourg’s answer to Grand Central Station may not be quite as architecturally lavish but it certainly provides a very local feel and is well worth a visit even if you don’t plan on taking a train ride through the countryside or to a nearby location. The station was built in 1907 and in addition to being a beautiful national monument, it offers a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment options for locals and tourists.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

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Dream Destinations – Kuala Lumpur

Chris Boothman
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15
Dream Destinations – Kuala Lumpur

I know that Malaysia has been in the media recently for all the wrong reasons due to the Malaysian Airlines catastrophe but despite this negativity this country plays host to a number of gorgeous attractions, none more so than it’s capital city – Kuala Lumpur. We have been really considering visiting Singapore and trying to figure out if it would be feasible to visit Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days during this same trip.

Public transportation within this part of world is excellent but of course there are many cultural differences which all Western societies have to appreciate and be accustomed to when visiting Malaysia. Here are some of our recommended attractions in the Kuala Lumpur region.

Petronas Towers

Petronas Towers

Skyscrapers around the world are such marvelous pieces of architectural genius. One of the world’s leading buildings is located in Kuala Lumpur and offers not one but two towers. The Petronas Towers are just under 1500 ft in height and when it was first constructed in 1998 was the world’s tallest freestanding structure.

A differentiating factor over many other leading skyscrapers is the skybridge that connects the two twin towers and provides visitors with stunning views over the Malaysian landscape. If you don’t have any fear over heights, why not continue climbing to the observation deck on level 86.

Batu Caves

25 Batu Caves Sri Murugan, photograph by Anandajoti Bhikkhu

Batu Caves is both a series of beautifully structured caves on the side of a limestone hill and also a Hindu temple which attracts devoted Hinduism followers and tourists alike. One of the key attractions to this series of three caves is the large statue of the Hindu God located at the entrance, in addition to a steep 272 climb up its steps to provide a memorable view of the stunning Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Bird Park

World renowned as the largest free-flight walk-in aviary where birds can fly around to their hearts content, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located in the beautiful Lake Gardens. It provides a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city lifestyle. A popular relaxing spot for Malaysian families to take their children for a perfect family day out, it is also very popular for tourists around the world. We both love visiting zoos whenever we travel to different locations and although this is a little different as it uniquely focuses on various bird species, it is a great way to relax!

KLCC Park

KLCC Park

Much of Kuala Lumpur is like many other global cities with massive skyscrapers forming the skyline but because of this there is a distinct lack of greenery within the city center. Local authorities made note of this and the KLCC Park is one of their various attempts to bring a more rural approach to the city area.

Designed by a Brazilian architect, it’s interesting to note that the specific idea behind the KLCC Park was to “leave the world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature”. Does it achieve this? Well, looking at images and reading reviews of this park it certainly provides a hub of relaxation and also helps portray the Petronas Twin Towers in a different light rather than just as a t0wering skyscraper that many environmentalists probably cringe about.

Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

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The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a great way to get a close-up look of Malaysian elephants. Day trips from Kuala Lumpur are available to provide a rare opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures protected by this orphanage. There are so many cool attractions here including the opportunity to take the elephants down to the river and help give them a bath.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

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La Fresh Travel Lite Wipes – Product Review

Heather Boothman
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10
La Fresh Travel Lite Wipes – Product Review

Packing for a trip is always a mad rush and last minute process! I always try to justify why I shouldn’t take some of my essential items because of what liquids they contain and the struggles this incurs trying to get through TSA lines at the airport. Well, we think that we have found the perfect solution! La Fresh is a company that is making an impact on people’s lives by providing a product that is effective and convenient.

The La Fresh Travel Lite wipes selection is vast and offers something for everyone’s needs. They offer single and multiple packets of shoe shine, hygiene, make-up remover, insect repellent, lens cleaner among many more. You can check out their extensive selection here.

La Fresh Travel Lite Wipes Full Line

We have already started to see this travel range in airports. On our recent weekend trip to Minneapolis we noticed that La Fresh travel range was for sale inside the airport terminal which clearly indicates where the market is moving with these types of products! The best overall advantage of this product range is that it is officially carry on approved which makes this a must have for any traveler!

Lens & Screen Cleaner

I always try to keep screen cleaner in my bag to take care of my Apple products and of course glasses. I was looking for a different cleaner because the one I was using previously was left streaks and an overall poor performance – obviously not ideal when traveling.

I started using the Lens & Screen Cleaning wipes from La Fresh and immediately found these to be different from other products. I opened the packet and to my surprise no water but a large damp wipe. At first I thought something was wrong, how could this dry wipe clean anything – how wrong was I! I cleaned every screen I own (iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro with Retina) with one wipe, no sticky hands or residue and the best part of all no streaks.

La Fresh differs from others because their products contain small amounts of water and pursuing their ecological philosophy, products are made from biodegradable materials.

La Fresh Travel Lite Wipes Lineup

The Pros

  • Great design
  • Small and Carry-on approved
  • Variety
  • Biodegradable
  • Convenient
  • No residue
  • Made in the USA

The Cons

  • Some may consider the price to be a drawback but overall for a convenient, travel-size item it is reasonable

Conclusion

When you are packing for a trip and do not want to carry all of your liquids, I would recommend buying La Fresh Travel Lite wipes for your needs. It’s a great product and from our experience is certainly worth the price.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from La Fresh for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Dream Destinations – Japan

Chris Boothman
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13
Dream Destinations – Japan

After a series of Western Hemisphere locations in our series of Dream Destinations, it’s time we headed East to Asia and the magical land of Japan. The heart of Japan – Tokyo, is a splended mix of modern day living and old-fashioned cultures along with the stereotypical high-tech gadgets we all associate with the Japanese.

We all probably have very different opinions on the top attractions in the Land of the Rising Sun, but I would not hesitate to suggest that at the top of many of our lists include a combination of sights, shrines, parks, gardens, restaurants, museums, or neighborhoods.

Some of the top recommended attractions of note worth visiting in Japan are as follows.

Mount Fuji

mt fuji

Located in the heart of Honshu island, Mt Fuji is a striking presence in the landscape. To visitors it offers a sense of excitement and beauty but to locals there is still that fear of a looming volcanic eruption. I think that the day tour of Mt Fuji and the surrounding Hakone National Park would be an awesome experience but at the same time realizing that nature can strike at any time so it’s not all pristine photographs and sights that many of us probably imagine.

One word of warning if you plan on visiting Mt Fuji is that visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer as low lying cloud frequently covers the summit of Japan’s tallest mountain.

Kyoto

kyoto

Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is full of history and plays host to one of Japan’s most iconic structures – Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion Temple. Kyoto also is home to 16 additional World Heritage sites providing an indication as to exactly how historic and beautiful this city really is. This city is littered with shrines and temples, each captivating a unique aspect of Japanese culture in its own way.

Bullet Train

bullet

Come on guys, you can’t go to Japan without experiencing the famous Bullet Train right? The network of lines can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go in Japan with speeds exceeding 180mph. If you are staying in Kyoto and then decide you want to take a day trip to Tokyo, well it’s only a short 2 hour journey on one of these magnificent ‘flying machines.’

Tokyo

tokyo

Whether you want to experience the Tokyo Tower because you love climbing or learning more about Japanese culture in the Meiji Shrine or Imperial Palace, you will certainly find plenty of amazing attractions in the Japanese capital.

Public transportation here is second to none in the Eastern hemisphere so getting around is not really a problem, unless you decide you want to drive along the crammed streets of Tokyo.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market

Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market may seem like a strange attraction but when you consider that it is the world’s largest and busiest fish market, you will soon realize that it is a tourist haven.

However, one word of note is that this fish market is not always open to the public so be sure to check well in advance to ensure you can get in there – oh yeah, and be prepared to get there really early to ensure you will be one of the few folks allowed through the doors. Surely it has to be worth the wait!

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

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