Page 27 – A Brit and A Southerner

Why the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai Is the Ultimate Experience?

United Arab Emirates

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Jan 2, 2017

Why the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai Is the Ultimate Experience?

Visiting the Middle East for the first time, I will admit that we were both a little apprehensive given that neither of us really knew what to expect. We heard a lot of great things about this part of the world, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where we were visiting, but of course, it’s never quite the same until you see it with your own eyes. Any lingering fears soon disappeared when we arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai, as we immediately fell in love with this ultra-modern and chic looking accommodation that typifies the Dubai culture.

Approaching Dubai from Abu Dhabi courtesy of the Etihad Luxury Coach, you immediately realize that you are arriving in a “modern day city”. Everything in Dubai oozes modernism and for the contemporary architecture aficionados out there, Dubai is THE place to be.

The stunning sight of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, undoubtedly takes the spotlight in the Dubai skyline, but there is much more to this city than just a series of iconic skyscrapers.

Staying at the Shangri-La offers not only the ultimate hotel experience but also the perfect location to get out and explore this city. We want to share why we think you will fall in love with the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai just as much as we did.

Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai Information

The Shangri-La Dubai Hotel offers 5-star luxury accommodation for visitors from around the globe. Part of the Shangri-La global chain, the Dubai location epitomizes the culture of both the brand and also the United Arab Emirates.

An elegant retreat in a desert sanctuary

I will share more about the dining experience later but staying at this hotel offers a culinary journey through a myriad of international flavors while experiencing a relaxing environment throughout the confines of the immaculate structure.

The friendliness of all the Shangri-La staff was evident from the moment we checked in to the day we left. Every moment we stepped into the lobby area, we were greeted and treated with the highest levels of respect and dignity. A truly memorable experience and it’s safe to say that we both felt like royalty for the 48 hours at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

Location

In terms of location, the Shangri-La Dubai Hotel is just a short walk from the Financial Centre metro station which gives easy access to the rest of Dubai.

Just one station from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, this is perfectly situated for those wishing to visit Dubai to sample a little retail therapy or visit the “At The Top” experience to appreciate the Dubai landscape from the world’s tallest man-made structure.

Address

Sheikh Zayed Road
P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (971 4) 343 8888

Website

Shangri-La Dubai Hotel

Nearest Metro Station

Financial Centre

Hotel Amenities

Fine Dining Experience

I’m sure the moment I mentioned the fine dining that you are all wanting to hear more about this. It’s a pretty bold statement to make but after experiencing two days of breakfast here, this is definitely the BEST breakfast buffet that we have sampled at any hotel around the world.

The diverse variety available makes the Shangri-La breakfast experience unique and prepares you perfectly for the day ahead.

Let’s take a look at what’s available. Whether you prefer to experience authentic, local cuisine or perhaps prefer a more traditional approach to what you are used to at home, there is likely to be something to spark your interest.

From a myriad of hot dishes to a number of perfectly manicured pastries and delicacies waiting to be indulged, the selection is almost too great to manage…don’t worry, it’s a nice problem to have!

The Dunes Café is the location for the amazing breakfast experience. A number of live cooking stations provide guests the opportunity to custom order delicacies from around the world if the array of dishes already available isn’t enough.

World-class chefs are readily available at your service to create that perfect breakfast dish, though the chicken noodle soup bar and fresh juice/smoothie station were two of the most intriguing spots.

It’s safe to say that regardless of your taste or mood, there will be something here to satisfy your palette.

If you prefer a more sophisticated dining experience, perhaps one of the alternative restaurants inside the hotel will satisfy your needs. Hoi An offers the perfect intimate ambiance for guests while offering Dubai’s only authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I’m not an expert when it comes to Southeast Asian nouvelle cuisine but the traditional bamboo platters and lotus leaves are a pretty good indication that Hoi An is as authentic as they come.

Other dining options include the Shangri-La famous Shang Palace, offering traditional Chinese cuisine in a setting inspired by Far Eastern decor and hospitality. Perhaps you are looking to sample a traditional Indian dish during your visit to Dubai, so why not visit Junoon, a trendy and innovative restaurant aimed at delivering the best dining experience while reflecting the Indian culture.

The Act Dubai is a unique setting on the 42nd floor as it offers a combination of theater, dining experience, and nightlife all in one location.

Health and Leisure

Having the opportunity to relax and take a moment to pamper yourself is certainly something you can enjoy at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai. The fully equipped health club provides everything you will need to ensure you remain revitalized and full of energy to explore Dubai.

Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La embraces the fundamentals of vitality, fitness and beauty to achieve balance and well-being.

The ultimate relaxation takes place in the spa at Shangri-La Dubai, Chi. Here, guests are taken on a tranquil journey to find their inner solitude while visiting with highly trained therapists that will cater to all your needs.

For those that prefer a more self-focused approach to health and wellness, the iKandy Ultralounge is perhaps a spot worth visiting.

A gorgeous rooftop swimming pool combined with a number of relaxing loungers ensures visitors can enjoy their favorite cocktail at the funky outdoor lounge before taking a quick dip to burn a few calories.

If a strenuous workout is what you are looking for, the gym on the 42nd floor is the perfect place with a variety of equipment available and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.

Take a quick swim in the indoor pool here as you wander to the edge and gaze down 42 floors and admire the Dubai landscape below you.

The Rooms

For most of us, the most important aspect of any hotel is the comfort and relaxation available inside your hotel room. The reality is that this is where you will spend the majority of your time during your hotel visit, so it’s critical that you have a room with a relaxing environment. This is a key component of all the rooms and suites available at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

Arabian-inspired, extremely spacious, ultra-modern and elegantly precise are all ways to describe the rooms throughout this hotel. We were fortunate to spend two nights in a Deluxe Room with panoramic views overlooking the Burj Khalifa. At just over 480 square feet, the palatial feel throughout the room was obvious and supported by the “earth-tone decor based on warm sycamore veneers.”

A variety of drinks and snacks are available in the mini-bar along with a delicious bowl of fresh fruit that is always welcome, especially with a glass of your favorite beverage as you admire the breathtaking cityscape views.

We both had the best intentions when it came to getting some work done in the evening and the spacious desk in front of the large windows was the perfect setting. Unfortunately, the views were way more attractive than the thought of work but you could find a lot worse spots to get some work done than overlooking the world’s tallest structure.

I’m sure you are wondering about the comfort of the bed. Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed. After a 13 hour flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi and another 2 hours to Dubai, we were ready to catch up on some sleep.

I think we saved the best part of the room experience until last – the bathroom. For those that prefer to soak in a spacious bathtub, this is readily available.

However, a warm shower in the amazing walk-in enclosure, creating a fully immersive shower experience, prepares you nicely to enjoy the comforts of the bed or before you head out to explore Dubai’s vibrant culture.

Summary

Have we inspired you yet to stay at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai? We would go back in a heartbeat to sample more of this luxurious accommodation because that’s exactly what it feels like when you stay here – luxury!

Frequent visitors to Dubai will know that there are a plethora of accommodation options available but it’s worth noting that there are not many that offer such incredible views of the Burj Khalifa.

Waking up every morning knowing that you have such an amazing breakfast awaiting you is just the tonic to make us book this hotel again. Hopefully, you will agree!

Disclaimer – We received a discounted rate at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

National Park Centennial – The Best Way to Celebrate 2016

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

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Dec 29, 2016

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National Park Centennial – The Best Way to Celebrate 2016

When you look back at 2016, what are the top things that stand out? Perhaps Donald Trump securing an unlikely victory in the Presidential election or maybe one of the many tragic events that took place around the world. Let’s take a moment to forget any negativity that may be floating around from the last 12 months and look at an epic event that we should all be celebrating. For the avid travelers out there, you will likely agree that the National Park Centennial is one of the best highlights of 2016.

2016 was a year to celebrate for many reasons. Our travel blog has escalated to great heights and our travels have continued to see us visit a myriad of amazing destinations, none more so than a variety of national parks that helped us celebrate the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service.

We can’t think of any better way to publish our final post of 2016, than by sharing just a few of our favorite national parks around the United States and hopefully inspire you to add these to your list in 2017.

What is the National Park Centennial?

August 25, 2016…this was the date to celebrate the National Park Centennial! But don’t worry, for those of you that weren’t able to visit a national park on that date, the National Park Service celebrated all year long…and why not!

The centennial celebrates the achievements of the past 100 years, but it is really about the future.

When you look back over the past 100 years, there are clearly a lot of achievements to celebrate. But it’s how we embrace the future and potential of the National Park Service to carry us forward for the next 100 years and beyond that makes this such an exciting time to experience the plethora of breathtaking parks around the United States.

In 2016 we have been fortunate to visit several national parks and listen to a number of expert park rangers share their thoughts on this centennial celebration. There was one comment in particular that I think eloquently summarized the fundamental principles behind the National Park Service.

When the park ranger described Denali National Park in Alaska as follows, I immediately realized this is how we should treat every national park that we experience.

An untouched wilderness that should be preserved and respected

Let’s take a look at 10 amazing national parks that we have visited over the past few years, many of which we explored for the first time in 2016.

Yellowstone National Park

Let’s start with probably the most famous national park around the world – Yellowstone! Located primarily in Wyoming just north of another gorgeous national park (more on that later), Yellowstone covers 3,500 square miles and spreads into Idaho and Montana. It’s also the oldest national park dating back to 1872.

From spectacular landscapes across canyons, including the amazing “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”, to an array of thermal activity featuring the world-famous “Old Faithful” geyser, Yellowstone is home to an abundance of attractions that make this an incredible place to explore.

We spent an amazing two days exploring Yellowstone and barely touched the surface. The scenic loop is a great way to drive around and visit some of the main attractions including the possibility of various impromptu encounters with wildlife. However, perhaps the best thing to do in Yellowstone, just like any national park, is to head “off the beaten path” and start exploring.

Yosemite National Park

Another of the oldest national parks across the States is the equally spectacular Yosemite National Park. Dating back to 1890, Yosemite is located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range.

A visit to Yosemite will immediately take your breath away, particularly if you arrive at the western entrance where you drop down into the canyon and catch a glimpse of the gorgeous natural attractions scattered around the landscape. Our time in Yosemite was limited but any time here is a fulfilling experience.

Beyond the obvious well-recognized landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is home to vast landscapes where wildlife roams and adventure seekers can test their skills on some of the nation’s most challenging yet rewarding cliffs.

Be sure to visit Yosemite Village where you can speak with knowledgeable park rangers before hopping on one of the shuttle buses to experience one of many hikes throughout the park.

Denali National Park

After falling in love with Yellowstone, we really didn’t think that national parks could get any more spectacular…that was until we visited Denali National Park in Alaska!

Whether it was because we were incredibly fortunate to experience two days in Denali with perfect weather and see the peak of Mount Denali every day to join the “30% Club”. Or maybe it was because we spent a full day exploring the inherent beauty of Denali National Park courtesy of a shuttle bus tour to Wonder Lake. Either way, Denali is breathtaking for many reasons and we can’t wait to go back.

Grizzly bear sightings, epic landscape photography opportunities and again, the possibility of seeing the peak of the tallest mountain in North America all create an amazing environment that makes Denali such an eye-catching national park.

When we look back on the National Park Centennial celebration in 2016, I don’t think we could have picked a better park to visit than Denali. Everything was pure perfection and we even had the fortune of seeing the Northern Lights during our stay outside the park.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Did you know that only California has more national parks than Alaska? What is most surprising about Alaska’s wilderness is that many of these national parks are incredibly difficult to reach. As we discovered, Denali is certainly the easiest but for those of you wishing to head south of Anchorage, perhaps Kenai Fjords National Park is worth a visit.

We enjoyed an amazing cruise courtesy of Major Marine Tours out of Seward and we can highly recommend this to anyone planning a trip to Alaska. The Aialik Glacier is an amazing landmark in the Kenai Peninsula and many of the cruises will take you here to enjoy the epic sound and sight of the ice calving. It’s the largest glacier in Aialik Bay and well worth a visit if you want the ultimate experience of watching glacial motion in Alaska.

Up close and personal experiences with glaciers are not the only intriguing prospect of visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to see a plethora of amazing wildlife including orcas, puffins, and humpback whales while taking a cruise to explore Kenai Fjords.

Badlands National Park

South Dakota may not be the first state you consider visiting but after visiting Badlands National Park earlier this year during our visit to both Dakota’s, we can well and truly attest that this is a spectacular landscape worth experiencing.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller (ibn battuta)

For the geology aficionados out there, Badlands is the perfect destination to visit with a variety of layered rock formations and towering spires scattered around the landscape.

The scenic drive through the national park takes visitors past a number of awe-inspiring overlooks while encounters with bighorn sheep and prairie dogs are frequent occurrences throughout the rugged landscapes.

As Battuta eloquently described the concept of traveling, it’s noticeable as you explore every corner of Badlands that there is a different story to be told. Ancient fossil beds can be found throughout Badlands and we can only imagine the ancient mammals and tribes that once roamed this corner of South Dakota.

Grand Canyon National Park

If you are familiar with the seven natural wonders of the world, you will know that the Grand Canyon in Arizona is part of this elite list of natural attractions. Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts the most visitors each year, the Grand Canyon is the second most popular with over 5 million visitors.

The Grand Canyon is also the most iconic national park, given that the natural environment here is unlike anywhere else in the United States. Let’s look at a couple of incredible statistics regarding the Grand Canyon.

Over a mile deep;
18 miles wide in certain spots;
Over 5 million annual visitors;
Grand Canyon gorge measures 277 miles;
Erosion over the past 3-6 million years has formed the Grand Canyon that we see today although this process continues to shape the future of the chasm.

The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919 and this is understandably one of the parks that everyone has to experience at least once (I think it’s fair to say after your first visit, you will want to return!) Formed by the Colorado River, there are ample overlooks on either side of the canyon that offer breathtaking panoramic views.

We spent a couple of days here and couldn’t help but just sit and admire the scenery. For those that want to be a little more adventurous and hike from one side to the other, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted but it’s one heck of a rewarding experience.

Arches National Park

In terms of unique beauty, the “Mighty 5” national parks in Utah are certainly the most intriguing to explore. If you are considering visiting one or more of these, we highly recommend experiencing what we consider to be the quirkiest of them all – Arches National Park. Arches may be quirky but it’s undoubtedly breathtaking for many reasons.

The name of this national park speaks for itself. Scattered across the landscape of eastern Utah, Arches lies north of Moab and is home to more than 2,000 sandstone arches. This isn’t the type of landscape or variety of geological formations that you can expect to see anywhere else in the States, so be prepared for the ultimate unique experience.

Delicate Arch is understandably the most iconic of all the arches due to its size and presence in the national park but there are many other gorgeous formations such as “The Windows” and “Balanced Rock” which towers across the landscape.

A scenic drive through Arches National Park is beyond rewarding and the difficult part will be managing your time as every few minutes you will want to pull over and admire one or more of the amazing formations.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Let’s continue the theme of Utah’s Mighty 5 national park by heading west to the heart of the Beehive state. Bryce Canyon is just as spectacular as Arches given the uniqueness and stunning panoramas you can admire from a variety of overlooks that are strategically placed along the drive that runs through the park.

The iconic feature throughout Bryce Canyon is the hoodoo. Thousands of crimson-colored spires can be found grouped together, forming a gorgeous landscape unlike anywhere else. A number of challenging hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to get much closer to these hoodoos and gain a greater appreciation of how nature has formed such spectacular formations.

Bryce Amphitheater is hoodoo-filled depression that is one of the most sought after locations at the Golden Hour and just before sunset as the opportunities to capture stunning photography are endless.

Glacier National Park

Located in the heart of Montana’s Rocky Mountain range, Glacier National Park is a remote wilderness that offers plenty of breathtaking experiences that leave visitors speechless. The iconic “Going to the Sun Road” crosses a number of high peaks and valleys, offering nothing but a plethora of stunning scenery along this route.

Be sure to check in advance that the weather is cooperating with your visit, otherwise, you may face the prospect of this road being closed as we experienced during our visit to Glacier National Park. The winding road has a number of viewpoints overlooking the valleys that connect to create such an amazing natural environment.

Wildlife such as mountain goats and grizzly bears can be spotted throughout the park but in our opinion, the highlight here is the crystal clear lakes with the mountains creating a gorgeous reflection and picture-perfect scene.

Grand Teton National Park

Frequently left in the shadow of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is a part of Wyoming that you cannot afford to miss. Take the short drive from Jackson Hole and spend time exploring the Teton range before heading into Yellowstone.

Named after the tallest peak in the range, Grand Teton stands at just under 14,000 feet and is an imperious sight on the landscape. Jackson Lake creates the perfect reflection pool if you are fortunate to visit at the right time.

Regardless of this, it offers an opportunity for those interested in water activities to experience the gorgeous surroundings while enjoying the solitude out on the lake.

During our visit to Grand Teton, we were fortunate to see a variety of wildlife which supports the claims that this national park offers the perfect ecosystem for the flora and fauna that has continued to thrive for centuries.

Summary

The National Park Centennial is a fitting tribute to all areas that have been designated as national parks since Yellowstone was first declared in 1872. We have been fortunate to experience several of the most iconic parks across the nation but there is still a large number that we can’t wait to visit in the near future.

It’s difficult to pinpoint one park that stands out above the rest but I have to admit that Yellowstone and Denali are probably two of the most spectacular that we have visited for various reasons.

As 2016 draws to a close, we can look back and reflect on another amazing year of travel. National parks have been at the forefront of our travels and it’s a perfect way to end the year by admiring some of the most beautiful scenery around the United States.

Did you celebrate the National Park Centennial this year? Which is your favorite national park?

What to Eat in Prague? Amazing Czech Food Not to Be Missed

Czech Republic

Chris Boothman

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Dec 26, 2016

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What to Eat in Prague? Amazing Czech Food Not to Be Missed

When we think about Prague, it’s inevitable that historic landmarks such as the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical clock or St. Vitus Cathedral will be at the forefront of our thoughts. If you only have a short amount of time, such as 24 hours in Prague like we did, it’s inevitable that you will want to experience all of this and more. But what about all of the amazing cuisine you can sample while exploring the Czech capital. We decided to put together a post that will hopefully answer that million dollar question…”What to eat in Prague?”

During our short visit to Prague, we were fortunate to experience some of these delicious delicacies but we also left realizing that the Czech Republic is home to a myriad of dishes that we can’t wait to try on a future visit.

Whether you have a sweet tooth and can’t wait to demolish one of the delicious looking Trdelník pastries or perhaps you prefer a meatier option and look forward to the iconic pork knuckle, Prague is home to a wide variety of foods ensuring you won’t go hungry on your next trip there. Even the local supermarkets offer some pretty delicious food!

Rather than focusing solely on our limited knowledge of Prague, we are delighted to collaborate with some of our fellow travelers who have experienced the Czech capital and sampled some of this fine cuisine. Let’s take a look at what to eat in Prague and beware, if you haven’t eaten before reading this post, it won’t take long for you to be hungry!

Trdelník

Let’s start with one of the most popular options that you can find on almost every street corner in Prague – Trdelník. It is also one of the Czech Republic’s more contentious items given that it is commonly known as a Slovakian and Czech delicacy but the reality is that this pastry originates from Székely Land, Transylvania.

Trdelník is sold by street vendors throughout the city of Prague and is also available in a number of delightful cafes that sell both savory and sweet versions of this pastry.

We sampled one of these at the awesome Good Food Coffee and Bakery located on Karlova Street, just a short walk from Charles Bridge in the heart of this historic city.

What exactly is a trdelník? This pastry is made by wrapping dough around a stick and then heating it over an open flame until it is golden brown. It is then rolled in cinnamon sugar and prepared for whatever delicious fillings you want.

These ‘chimneys’ are incredibly popular around Prague and it’s pretty obvious why, especially when you see the amazing concoctions that local bakers create.

We couldn’t resist the strawberry and cream trdelník and taking a stroll through the Old Town Square with the Christmas festivities taking place, it was the perfect accompaniment for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Pork Knuckles and Pork Knees

Arguably the most famous item in the Czech Republic cuisine is the pork knuckle. Perhaps it’s not the most attractive but the obvious flavors of this delicacy (I can’t believe I just called it that but let’s just go with it for now!) make this an appealing meat for those wishing to sample traditional Czech food.

Charles Neville from JayWay Travel shares his thoughts on this classic Czech pub dish:

‘Pork knee’ or ‘veprove koleno’ is a classic Czech pub dish, typically presented on a wooden board or in a roasting tray. This plated version served at Narodni Pivovar, a microbrewery next door to the National Theater in Prague is one of the best. A delicious almost effervescent layer of crackling over tender meat, served as is the tradition with two varieties of mustard and some freshly grated horseradish.

Traditionally served with a piece of bread, this huge slab of pork may not have the most appealing appearance but the taste is clearly what makes this such an intriguing proposition for visitors to Prague. It’s usually marinated in dark beer and a selection of herbs, roasted, and then served with a number of accompaniments as Charles highlighted above.

Don’t be fooled by the appearance of Koleno. You may be fortunate to visit a high-profile pub that serves this with a delicate appearance but it’s likely the best will be those local establishments that prefer to care about the taste. I think it’s fair to say it’s one of those items you just have to try and you will likely want to have it more than once!

We would also like to thank Sarah Hughes from Live, Dream, Discover for sharing these images of this tasty looking pork knuckle.

Potato Chips on a Stick

Fried potato chips on a stick…come on, it doesn’t sound all that appealing right? Don’t worry, it’s a delicious snack that you have to try while exploring Prague. Take a stroll around the Old Town and at Christmas, there is nothing better than watching one of the local street performers and then experiencing the fine potato chips from one of the local market stalls.

If you prefer to indulge in these potato chips from a traditional bag (for those of you that are familiar with a traditional bag of chips in England, you will know what I mean!), those are available also.

For those of you that love to people watch, the Old Town is the place to do this in Prague. Grab those potato chips on a stick and take a seat while enjoying the world pass you by. Prague is certainly a city you can enjoy this experience while admiring the historic architecture throughout the city.

Potato chips in Prague are also a popular accompaniment to sour sausage. It may not sound the most appealing but according to Viktoria Urbanek from Chronic Wanderlust, this is a delicious combination. Did we mention that Viktoria suggests indulging in this dish in conjunction with a local draft beer? I don’t know about you but I’m ready to relax in a Prague restaurant with a beer and this snack!

Old Bohemian Soup

For those of you looking for the perfect way to start a traditional Czech meal, look no further than a bowl of old Bohemian soup. Typically comprising of sauerkraut, sausage, potato and cream, this delicious soup is certainly a great way to start your meal.

Sofie Couwenbergh from Wonderful Wanderings had the opportunity to experience this soup at Restaurant Zvonice (Jindrisska Vez), located at the top of a tower overlooking the Vltava River. Zvonice is decorated with gorgeous oak beams and serves everything from snails and carpaccio to the traditional Bohemian soup.

For those visiting in winter, this is definitely the perfect location to sample a hearty bowl of soup to keep you warm.

Apple Strudel

You could be forgiven for thinking that Trdelník pastries are the most common dessert in Prague but actually you will find apple strudel on every menu around the city.

A small shop in the heart of Prague is renowned for having some of the best apple strudel desserts across Europe. Susta Strudl sells foot-long strudels for only $2 and I can’t wait to sample these the next time we are in Prague. The intriguing aspect of this shop is that it’s one of those local establishments that you have to know.

When Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel visited Prague, she claimed the following about Strudl’s infamous desserts.

The best hot apple strudel in all of europe

Does it really surprise you when you see images like this? Talk about salivating at the mouth when you hear the words “apple strudel” while wandering around the streets of Prague.

Sofie from Wonderful Wanderings shares this delicious picture of apple strudel that she sampled at the Café Louvre. For those of you with a serious sweet tooth, these fluffy concoctions are waiting for you to indulge.

Summary

Prague may be famous for history and gorgeous architecture but the availability of fine cuisine is certainly something that should not be underestimated. If you are visiting the Czech capital and considering what to eat in Prague, perhaps some of these dishes and delicacies will intrigue your taste buds.

Curious about finding the best places around Prague to find these dishes? Our recommendation is to take a stroll and any place that sparks your interest, try it out! We sampled several spots and were not disappointed anywhere.

We were fortunate to experience a few of these dishes and we would like to thank our friends from around the world for sharing several other delicious Czech foods that we cannot wait to sample the next time we visit Prague.

Have you visited Prague and sampled any of these foods? What are other traditional Czech dishes that we have to experience?

How to Experience the Perfect Christmas in Australia?

Australia

Chris Boothman

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Dec 22, 2016

4

How to Experience the Perfect Christmas in Australia?

Where are you planning on spending your Christmas this year? The majority of us will be thinking about keeping warm and perhaps hoping for the perfect White Christmas. However, I can attest that coming from England, the majority of us end the year disappointed because the weather never seems to cooperate. What about if you could experience the exact opposite? Don’t worry, why not head Down Under and have the perfect Christmas in Australia!

We have been fortunate to experience the Christmas festivities in Brisbane and this year we will be heading to Melbourne for the Christmas season. We are delighted to welcome our friend Kreete Tokman from Adventurous Trails who will share her thoughts on why Australia is the perfect getaway for those living in the Northern Hemisphere. Originally from Estonia, Kreete has experienced both, so we are intrigued to see why she thinks Australia is the ultimate place to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas in Australia

When thinking about celebrating one of the most popular holidays in the world, most people might get visions of snow, Christmas markets, and Santa Claus. I mean, who doesn’t love the thought of a stereotypical White Christmas? I know I do, as it has always been a norm for me growing up in the cold climate of Estonia.

For the second year running I will be celebrating Christmas on the other side of the equator in Australia and when everybody is having fun in the snow, I’ll be having a dip and a tan on the beach. In this post, I’ll be introducing what Aussies do during their most popular summer holiday.

Camping

Going camping over Christmas is an Aussie tradition. Everybody is on annual leave, kids get five weeks off from school during this time and that makes camping a great opportunity for a family outing in the bush. Venturing off the beaten path and enjoying a camping trip is the most Australian thing to do, given that an overwhelming number of people in Australia love camping and fishing.

Many own an impressive collection of must-haves and not so must-have camping equipment. I am talking 4WD vehicles set up with roof-top tents (yes, that’s us!), camper trailers folding out to a massive tent fortress with kitchens, toilets, and double beds to full on homes on the road.

No, Aussies don’t take camping lightly and Christmas in the summer makes camping one of the most popular activities during the festivities and with so much beautiful nature around you, why wouldn’t you want to go and play house in the bush?

Beaching

All Aussies hit the beaches at Christmas, it’s as simple as that! On Christmas Day there will be no available picnic tables or BBQ’s left after 9 am.

You will be lucky to pitch a towel on the sand next to some very jolly fellas enjoying a drink (which is illegal in most public places), a tan and a dip. The water has just gotten warm and everybody has time off… what’s not to like?

Pack your roast to go or make it a barbecue with all your family. Join other travelers from cooler climates living out their fantasy of spending Christmas on the beach under the hot summer sun. It has become a tradition for international visitors who are in Sydney at Christmas to go to Bondi Beach where up to 40,000 people visit on Christmas Day.

Skiing

Not fantasizing about Christmas on the beach? Perhaps you are not from Australia and think that it’s not right to have Xmas without snow? Can’t get into the Christmas spirit? Then going to the “snow” could be your answer. There are several ski resorts in Australia’s high country of the states of NSW, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania along with real snow to get you right into Christmas spirit.

The extensive skiable terrain in the South Eastern states is between elevations of around 1250 meters to 2200 meters. The accessible winter snows are generally found above 1500 meters. Thredbo, near Mount Kosciuszko, has Australia’s highest point accessible by ski-lift at 2037 meters.

Other well-developed downhill ski resorts include Perisher in NSW, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller in Victoria which has the largest snow village in Australia with accommodation of 7000 beds. Go skiing, snowboarding and stay in a lodge for the full experience. Book early and be sure to plan everything well in advance.

Christmas Lights

Many neighborhoods decorate their houses in elaborate light displays and compete with each other trying to beat others each year. Some do it for fundraising while others are obsessed with Christmas.

There is a house in Dubbo that has a shipping container in the backyard for 11 months of the year to store all the owners Christmas lights that the whole community will drive out to admire in December.

Next to the lavish jaw-dropping window displays at someone’s property, you’ll find a donation box for the Salvation Army and a guest book filled with names and countries from all over the world. When it gets closer to Christmas, the host will come out of his house dressed as a Santa to greet all the inspecting visitors.

Christmas Day Lunch

When most parts of Europe have their main meal at dinner time, Aussies prefer to have lunch on Christmas Day along with Christmas crackers and presents. When all the businesses close and public transport stops working, this is when Australians enjoy a substantial roast consisting of different roast meats and vegetables very similar to European Christmas food.

Many choose to have a BBQ instead and indulge in fresh seafood bought from the local fish markets on Christmas Eve. Throwing a “shrimp on the barbie” is not such an uncommon saying then after all.

And to top it all up, the feast is followed by Pavlova, a soft meringue cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Is it Aussie or from New Zealand will forever be a debate.

Sports

Some families play backyard cricket with their families after stuffing themselves full of oysters and pavlova while others have water balloon fights to cool down under the hot Australian sun.

The Christmas break is an opportunity for sports fans to enjoy two major sporting events. December 26th is the opening day of the “Boxing Day Test” between the Australian Cricket Team and an international touring side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In Sydney, one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, starts on Boxing Day from Sydney Harbour and is an awesome attraction to watch if you have the opportunity to be in either location at the start or end of the race.

Summary

Whatever your reasons are for visiting Australia during their summer break, experiencing Christmas on this side of the equator is a must for everyone at least once. So if you are wondering where to go this Christmas, Australia has got you covered!

From sun and sea to snow and skis with camping in the outback in between, Australia has it all! Have you ever spent Christmas in Australia? What would you add to the list? If not, would you ever consider it? Let’s talk in the comments!

We would like to reiterate our appreciation to Kreete for sharing such inviting experiences in Oz. Christmas in Australia is certainly something that we are excited about this year and definitely an experience you should all consider at least once in your lifetime.

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Alaska

Alaska

Chris Boothman

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Dec 19, 2016

3

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Alaska

When it comes to breathtaking natural landscapes and impromptu encounters with a myriad of wildlife, there is no other state quite like Alaska. Renowned as “The Last Frontier”, Alaska may have been admitted into the union as the 49th state but it certainly jumps right to the very top in terms of amazing beauty. If you have yet to visit Alaska, where have you been? Ok, so we only recently visited Alaska but we can attest that this is one spectacular state that we can’t wait to revisit in the future.

We are delighted to collaborate with Mary Solio from The World is a Book to discuss some of the best reasons to visit Alaska. This is one post that is near impossible to put together in just 5 reasons because there is so much to see and explore once you arrive in Alaska. It may be one of the two most difficult states to reach alongside Hawaii but it’s worth the effort!

Introduction

While some may envision Eskimos and igloos, Alaska is actually one of the best places to spend a vacation whether by land or sea. We’ve done the 7-day Alaska cruise twice during the summer and hope to do a land-based tour soon. It is one of the most pristine and beautiful places we’ve visited. Americas 49th state offers a myriad of adventures, history, and unforgettable scenery.

Scenery

Many visitors venture to Alaska to see the jaw-dropping scenery of unspoiled nature, majestic mountains, glaciers, fjords, crystal clear lakes, waterfalls and the National Parks. Cruising along the Inside Passage and seeing the remote villages with picturesque backdrop was one of the highlights of our trips. Some cities, like Sitka, are only accessible by water or air.

Alaska has some of the world’s most scenic highways like the Seward Highway or Denali Park Road perfect for an unforgettable road trip. The trains also offer memorable journeys through the stunning landscapes. Check out the Denali Star or Coastal Classic routes. If you’re on a shore excursion in Skagway, we highly recommend the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.

Wildlife

Alaska is one of the best places for wildlife spotting. It was incredible to see many magnificent bald eagles flying overhead. Cruising on Alaskas waters gave us many opportunities to see seals and sea lions on the water and even bears and whales from a distance.

Our land excursions included seeing bald eagles up close at Sitkas Alaska Raptor Center. Weve also seen hundreds of salmon swimming and jumping on a cove in Ketchikan. If you’re traveling further into Alaska, consider the Denali Park Road to see the US version of the Big 5: grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou and Dall sheep.

Native Culture and History

Alaska has a rich and varied history that includes the Native Indians, Russian fur traders and gold miners. Don’t miss visiting the unique museums and cultural heritage centers throughout Alaska. We loved learning about the state’s history and culture through the interesting paintings, displays, and artifacts.

Ketchikan has the world’s largest totem pole collection with several parks to see these unique hand carvings. They told the stories, heritage and legends of the Native Indians. Sitka was Russia’s major Pacific port for over 60 years and where the USA acquired it from the Russians. There are still Russian influences and historic buildings here.

Glaciers

The Alaska Almanac estimates that the state has about 100,000 glaciers. Glaciers are defined as a “body of snow and ice that moves”. They form when snow, ice, and rock debris move from higher elevations eventually creating layers of packed snow. Juneaus Mendenhall Glacier is the most accessible one.

Many cruises sail into Glacier Bay National Park to see these glaciers at a close but safe distance. One of our most memorable travel moments was watching the glaciers calve and hearing the thundering sound accompanying the glacial ice pieces break off. It was an incredible sight.

Unique Adventures

Alaska’s landscape offers some unique adventures on many travelers’ wish list no matter what time of year you visit. This is an outdoor paradise, especially during the summer, for kayaking, river rafting, hiking, sport fishing or scenic flightseeing.

Glacier hiking and ice climbing are also available. The midnight sun ensures you have plenty of time for these adventures. Winter is prime time for dog sledding in Denali National Park, ice fishing, hot springs dipping, heli-skiing and northern lights viewing (this tops my list).

Visit Alaska – Our Thoughts

Alaska has jumped right to the very top of our favorite states and for good reason! We spent an amazing four days exploring this beautiful state and yet we still feel like there is so much more to see. Two days in Denali National Park, one day exploring in and around Anchorage and an awesome drive from Anchorage to Seward to head out on a cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine Tours.

For the wildlife lovers out there, take a Denali National Park tour as this is something you cannot afford to miss. As Mary indicated, Alaska’s “Big 5” are all waiting to be discovered and we felt incredibly fortunate to experience all of these and much more. But for us the highlight has to be seeing the tallest peak in North America – Mount Denali. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Denali to keep you occupied during your visit!

We find ourselves part of the 30% club given that 70% of visitors don’t have the opportunity to see the peak given the frequent adverse weather conditions. Trust us when we say, if you have the opportunity to see Mount Denali, it’s well worth it!

Quirky towns such as Talkeetna make the drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park an awesome experience. Perhaps you would rather take the train north from Anchorage but I think road tripping is the way to explore Alaska. It’s pretty simple given that there is really only one road that goes north to south for much of the state.

Summary

We have fond memories from many of our travels around the world but there was something quite special about our trip to Alaska. It’s fair to say that we literally fell in love with the beautiful landscapes and experiences that we encountered during our short visit.

Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to revisit Alaska in the near future because this is one part of the country that is for the most part “untouched” and we can’t help but appreciate the beauty there.

Thanks to Mary for sharing her thoughts on why you should visit Alaska. In addition to her website highlighted above, you can also follow Mary on her journey exploring the world via her social media networks:

Twitter – @WorldBookTravel
Facebook – The World Is A Book
Instagram – The World Is A Book

Have you experienced the gorgeous state that is Alaska? Are you inspired to visit Alaska and if so, what are the top things you want to do there?

How to Plan for an Epic 3 Week Round the World Adventure?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

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Dec 15, 2016

2

How to Plan for an Epic 3 Week Round the World Adventure?

Planning any trip can be difficult but imagine trying to put together an action plan for an epic round the world adventure! Throw into the mix this trip will be accomplished in only three weeks and it’s starting to get a little ambitious. Well, that’s exactly what we have been doing over the last few months as we prepare to embark on a journey that will see us visit five different countries, four continents and literally circumnavigate the globe. What are your plans for Christmas and New Year?

Our Round the World Adventure

We want to share some of our plans for this upcoming trip and give a brief insight into what to expect over the next three weeks. Our desire to achieve as much as possible in a short time is being pushed to the maximum on the trip but of course, the highlight of this adventure is visiting a number of new destinations and experiencing different cultures.

The hope is that we will have some pretty consistent Internet connectivity throughout our journey so that we can keep everyone up-to-date on our adventures because I think it’s safe to say we have some pretty amazing experiences awaiting us.

Let’s take a look at exactly where we are going and what you can expect us to get up to in each country. Don’t worry, there will always be room for some spontaneity so be prepared for anything!

Flights

Ok, so it’s likely you are going to want to know how much this is costing and whether it’s feasible for you to experience such an adventure yourself. I did quite a bit of research and planning to come up with the routes and fares that we found but ultimately it’s going to be about timing, desired airlines and undoubtedly a little bit of fortune to ensure that you can make this as affordable as possible.

Leg 1 – Memphis to Chicago

Airline – Southwest Airlines

We are flying from Memphis to Chicago on Southwest Airlines. We have been owners of the Rapid Rewards credit card by Chase for a couple of years and have accrued enough points to pay for this leg of the flight. In fact, we purchased these tickets during Southwest’s semi-annual sale which meant that the fare was around 4,000 points each or $69.

Legs 2 and 3 – Chicago to Abu Dhabi to Singapore

Airline – Etihad Airways

Chicago to Abu Dhabi was the most expensive flight that we booked at $1270 each. However, this includes a 3-day layover in the United Arab Emirates plus the onward flight to Singapore. We are flying Etihad Airways and we have heard a lot of great things about this airline so we are excited to experience them on this 13-hour flight.

Leg 4 – Singapore to Melbourne

Airline – Jetstar

Our ‘luxury’ leg that we are most excited about is our flight from Singapore to Melbourne with Jetstar. Not only are we flying on the new 787 Dreamliner, we have purchased tickets in business class. We are really looking forward to this experience. This flight was $750 each.

Leg 5 – Melbourne to Auckland

Airline – Virgin Australia

After a week Down Under, we are heading to Auckland courtesy of Virgin Australia. There were a number of options but we wanted to fly late in the evening to make the most of our final day in Melbourne so Virgin was the best airline and reasonably priced at $260 each.

Leg 6 – Auckland to Honolulu

Airline – Air New Zealand

Probably the best value fare that we purchased was with Air New Zealand for our flight from Auckland to Honolulu. $460 was a pretty good price and again we will be flying on a 787 Dreamliner for this flight to arrive in what will be our 50th and final US state!

Leg 7 – Honolulu to San Francisco to Dallas

Airline – Virgin America

Our journey home begins with a route from Honolulu to San Francisco where we will spend overnight and then catch a midday flight to Dallas before heading back home. The cost for this flight was $370 each.

Leg 8 – Dallas to Memphis

Airline – Southwest Airlines

After this amazing journey, our final flight will be a short one hour route from Dallas to Memphis with Southwest Airlines. We again took advantage of the semi-annual sale and purchased these flights with points (approximately 5,800 which is equivalent to around $89).

Total Flight Cost

When we add up all eight legs of this flight, we have spent around $3200 each. This could have been less had we opted for economy class on our route from Singapore to Melbourne and also found a cheaper flight en route to New Zealand. You could likely do all of this for around $2500 per person.

Google Flights

Rather than listing a whole bunch of alternative search engines to find the best flights, we would rather focus on one option that we have found to be an awesome resource for this trip – Google Flights. I LOVE the flexibility of the search feature and how you can enter destinations or use the map feature to find the cheapest flight based on your departure airport and dates.

If you have flexibility within your schedule and also don’t mind which airport you fly into, there are a lot of great deals to be found. You can also schedule a multi-city itinerary which is how we found the Etihad deal from Chicago to Singapore via Abu Dhabi.

Forget Expedia, Skyscanner, Travelocity et al. and use Google Flights…it’s the best resource out there for planning an exciting round the world adventure like we have done!

Hotels

When you are booking a trip like this, you have a couple of options when it comes to booking accommodation. You can try to plan in advance and book everything and for those that prefer a more structured itinerary, this is probably the best route to take.

However, we have adopted a more spontaneous approach and only have a few different hotels booked allowing us a little more freedom to explore and travel away from the above cities if we want to.

United Arab Emirates

Given that we are only spending three nights in the United Arab Emirates, we already have those hotels booked. We are spending two nights at the gorgeous Shangri-La Dubai hotel before heading back to Abu Dhabi and experiencing the beautiful Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana. I think it’s safe to say we are having a luxurious time in the Arab Emirates…it’s Christmas right!

Singapore

Unfortunately, we are only spending two days and one night in Singapore but we have a great hotel booked at The Westin Singapore which is in a great location and offers the perfect gateway to explore this beautiful city.

Australia

Our plan is to spend the majority of our time in Melbourne though we may take a day trip or two to spots outside of the city, the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles are particularly intriguing which may require an overnight stay. However, we are spending a couple of nights at the Pullman Melbourne On The Park next to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (yes, we are heading to the Boxing Day test match also!).

And The Rest…

Beyond the above-mentioned hotels, the rest is going to be spontaneous! We are planning on renting a car in New Zealand to explore the North Island after spending a day or two in Auckland but we are not sure exactly what we are doing yet.

We love following the philosophy of ‘spontaneous travel’ and we certainly got used to that during our amazing two-week Eurail adventure around Europe last year.

Packing Tips

Let’s talk about packing for a three-week adventure across a number of countries. Fortunately, we are heading to places that are going to be warm so it makes it much easier than if we were heading to Iceland and then to the Southern Hemisphere on the same trip.

We prefer to travel as light as possible so it’s likely that we will take one bag between us and then a backpack each. Given that all our flights are going to be ‘international’ (except for the internal US flights), we feel pretty comfortable checking in one bag with the knowledge that we won’t have to deal with additional baggage fees (we have checked that all our tickets have at least one checked bag for free).

A couple of the top tips that we can provide based on our experiences are as follows:

Spare Clothes – If you are checking a bag, be sure to take a spare change of clothes in your carry-on bag. You never know what may happen to your bag and we have experienced on several occasions that we arrive but our bag didn’t.
Technology Items – Keep all of your electronic/technology items with you. Not only are they likely to be high-value products that you don’t want to lose or break, you never know when you might need them!
Overpacking – Don’t overpack! You can always reuse t-shirts, shorts, jeans. Heather can attest that even the females shouldn’t worry about taking too much…novice travelers always overpack and end up returning home with unused items.

Things to Do

We have spent hours researching websites, reading travel guide books and taking tips from friends that have traveled through the countries we are visiting. The reality is there are plenty of attractions in every country we are visiting and we are only going to catch a brief glimpse of what each one has to offer.

Here are some of the top attractions we would like to experience during our trip.

Things to Do in United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa – It’s the tallest building in the world and we love skyscrapers so it’s pretty obvious this will be top of our list of things to do when we arrive in Dubai!
Burj Al Arab – Ok, so we can’t afford to stay at this high-end luxury hotel, but it’s certainly dubbed as a ‘symbol of Dubai’ courtesy of its stunning architectural design.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Considered to be the key site for Muslim worship in Abu Dhabi, this breathtaking construction is the epitome of grandeur.

Emirates Palace – Another gorgeous hotel in the United Arab Emirates, Emirates Palace offers a distinctive “blend of splendor with the latest technology to create a magical and memorable experience.” (Visit Abu Dhabi)
Ferrari World – Amusement park located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is the only Ferrari branded theme park in the world.

Things to Do in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay – In the heart of downtown Singapore is an area of green space spanning over 100 hectares. Comprising of three waterfront parks, the Gardens by the Bay is a gorgeous collection of plant life waiting to be explored.
Tiger Sky Tower – For the best panoramic views across Singapore, the Tiger Sky Tower stands at 361 feet tall and is located in the center of Sentosa Island.
Marina Bay Sands – The Marina Bay Sands resort is possibly the most iconic hotel in the world and it is highlighted by the gorgeous infinity pool on the rooftop overlooking the city.

Things to Do in Australia

As we are planning on staying primarily in Melbourne, the top attractions we want to visit are all focused in this part of Australia.

Melbourne Cricket Ground – Visiting Melbourne at Christmas gives us the opportunity to experience the infamous “Boxing Day Test” and this year the Aussie cricket team are playing Pakistan. We have tickets for Boxing Day and look forward to this experience at one of the world’s most iconic cricket venues.
Eureka Skydeck – The tallest structure in Australia is the Eureka Tower and we look forward to visiting another modern-day skyscraper. “The Edge” is a glass cube offering visitors the thrill of a lifetime as you extend from the 88th floor surrounded by glass.
Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles – A day trip we would love to take is along the Great Ocean Road to admire the amazing scenery outside of the city along the south coast of Australia. The iconic Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks making this a frequently visited tourist attraction.

Things to Do in New Zealand

Given that we are spending less than a week in New Zealand, we are focusing our attention on the North Island and in particular the region around Auckland.

Sky Tower – We are visiting skyscrapers everywhere else so why not visit the tallest building in New Zealand. The Sky Tower in Auckland stands at just over 1000 feet tall and offers stunning panoramic views across the city and beyond.
Rotorua – Renowned for the geothermal activity and Maori culture, Rotorua is just a couple of hours south of Auckland.
Waitomo Caves – Known for its population of glowworms, Waitomo Caves is another spectacular day trip from Auckland.
Auckland War Memorial Museum – Heather is a huge history fan, so visiting one of New Zealand’s most historic museums is near the top of her to-do list.

Things to Do in Hawaii

We will be spending a couple of days on the island of Oahu and as we won’t have any time to explore any of Hawaii’s other islands.

Pearl Harbor – It has to be the most popular attraction in Hawaii so any first-time visitors to Oahu will need to pay a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona. The history of Pearl Harbor is such that this needs no explaining to anyone around the world, so iconic spots like this just have to be experienced to understand the poignancy and history behind them.
Diamond Head – Diamond Head State Monument offers breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in Honolulu, take the short journey to Diamond Head to experience walking trails that will take you to the edge of a 300,000 crater.
‘Iolani Palace – Known as the royal residence of Hawaii, ‘Iolani Palace was home to King Kalakaua and Queen Lili`uokalani, the last monarch in the state. This attraction also serves as the only state residence of royalty in the United States.

Summary

That is how you come up with one amazing round the world adventure! It’s taken us quite a bit of planning but we are done with all of that and we are ready to head on our first flight and get this epic adventure underway.

We are focused on sharing live updates throughout our journey so that all of our followers can keep up-to-date with some of the attractions we experience. We are delighted to be partnering with KnowRoaming to ensure that we are connected 24/7 throughout all of the countries we are visiting. There will be more details soon on this amazing service but for those of you that know all about data roaming charges, this service is certainly something you should be aware of!

Please feel free to share any recommendations on things we cannot afford to miss in any of the cities/destinations we are traveling to. We hope that you enjoy our journey as much as we do but most importantly, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

How to Celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas as a Traveler?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

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Dec 12, 2016

3

How to Celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas as a Traveler?

“On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me”…it’s a traditional song that I am sure you are all familiar with around the world. Known collectively as the Twelve Days of Christmas, this Christmas song is built cumulatively on the previous verse, creating a series of increasingly beautiful gifts.

We decided to put together our own version of this song and create series of twelve awesome activities and destinations around the world that we would all love to experience as avid travelers. When you think about gifts to offer the travelers in your family, I’m convinced that all of these experiences would intrigue everyone.

Forget two turtle doves or five gold rings and instead, think about dog sledding in Estonia or snowshoeing in British Columbia. These magical encounters are something that I’m sure we will all be inspired to try in the future but at the very least, they provide a great way to celebrate Christmas this year from a traveling perspective.

Twelve Days of Christmas for Travelers

If you read our recent post trying to get all of you in the Christmas spirit by sharing our very own travel advent calendar, I’m sure this post will just increase your festive mood.

Let’s take a look at how our very own unique version of the infamous Twelve Days of Christmas song. How does this sound for twelve awesome experiences to celebrate Christmas either this year or perhaps in the future?

Snowshoeing in British Columbia;
Entertaining at the Rockefeller Center in New York City;
Skiing at Blackcomb in Whistler, British Columbia;
Enjoying Christmas in Iceland;
Wandering around Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London;
Charming Christmas experiences in Copenhagen;
Building snowmen on the beach in Bali;
Dog sledding in Estonia;
Shopping Christmas markets in Berlin;
Experiencing a Czech Christmas in Prague;
Celebrating an Australian Christmas;
Enjoying Christmas in Austria.

Snowshoeing in British Columbia

Soft, white powder as far as the eye can see, dotted with white trees that look like otherworldly sculptures. It is silent except for the occasional flurry of snow falling off the branches above and the faint tread of snowshoes moving through the snow. Quiet, calm and as picture perfect as any Christmas card.

Snowshoeing in the wilderness of British Columbia at Christmas is a magical experience and almost guaranteed to get you in a festive mood. It can be pretty romantic too; my brother proposed to his now-fiance last year while on a pre-Christmas snowshoeing trip!

One of my favorite things about snowshoeing is how easy it is; if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Best of all, you can really feel like you’ve earned that turkey dinner with all the trimmings as snowshoeing also provides an awesome cardio workout alongside a lot of fun.

We would like to thank Gemma Taylor from Off Track Travel for sharing this awesome experience of snowshoeing in British Columbia. What a cool way to explore such beautiful scenery!

Rockefeller Center in New York City

Rockefeller Center is an iconic location in NYC at any time of year. But in December, when a giant 80-foot-tall tree is decorated with 45,000+ lights and the ice skating rink is active, it becomes Christmas central.

I visited last year and felt the excitement in the air as thousands of people gathered to view the spectacle. And after, you can easily walk south along Fifth Avenue to enjoy the magnificent window displays in the town’s big department stores.

Thanks so much to Carole Terwilliger Meyers from Travels With Carole for sharing what I’m sure you will all agree is an amazing experience in New York City! Christmas in the Big Apple is one of the best times to be there and we cannot wait to have the opportunity to go back and enjoy the NYC celebrations.

Skiing in Whistler

Where are all the Vancouverites in December? They’ve headed for the hills with their skis, boards, and friends in tow. Skiing at Blackcomb in Whistler is one of the coolest winter activities to do in British Columbia.

Climb to high heights with the ski lifts and gondola then swoosh your way down to a hot chocolate or well-deserved beer at one of Whistler’s cafes and bars. The resort is bustling at the weekends (look out for the discounted weekend special at the start of the season) but quieter during the weekdays.

If you really are snow mad, why not work there for a season, with the rest of Australia!

WOW, skiing in Whistler is certainly an epic experience and a great way to celebrate Christmas! Thanks to our friends, Gemma and Craig from Two Scots Abroad, for sharing this inspirational experience in the heart of Canada.

Christmas in Iceland

Some people love spending Christmas in the sunshine, not me! My best Christmas ever was in Iceland when I woke up to 3ft of crisp white snow! I couldn’t resist making snow angels and throwing snowballs. It was magical, the stuff kids’ dreams are made of … and mine!

Iceland is a special place at any time of year, but at Christmas, with it’s larger than life decorated trees and shop windows adorned with lights, it’s even better. For the true Icelandic Christmas spirit, head up to Hallgrimskirkja Church for 6pm mass but be warned – it’s very popular so standing room only!

Christmas Day is one for families, so there are not many people are about, making it the perfect day to experience the “The Golden Circle” tour and visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.

If you want to bring the magic back to Christmas and feel like a child again, then head to Iceland!

Thanks so much to Simon and Angie Briggs from Feet Do Travel for sharing these amazing experiences in Iceland. We have been fortunate to visit this gorgeous nation in December and we have to admit, it’s right at the very top of our list of favorite countries around the world…it’s that spectacular!

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

When you’re caught out being Australian while in London, Christmas can be a little bleak. It’s cold, endlessly dark and a far cry from the festive season we’re used to. But there’s a cure and it involves pop culture and nostalgia.

Sure we’re enjoying the summer months as Chrissy rolls around Down Under but that doesn’t mean that our TV (and laptop) screens aren’t filled with images of snow, ugly jumpers, and roaring fires. So dig out your beanie and mittens, wrap a scarf around your laughing gear and get yourself down to Hyde Park in London for the Winter Wonderland.

Fall over multiple times on the ice rink while kids half your age skate circles around you, shop the European Christmas markets, eat all the delicious German potatoes and sausage, then get on the rides till you’re sick.

There aren’t enough words to explain how fantastic it is…and that’s why it’s a Winter Wonderland!

Our twelve days of Christmas post wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the Winter Wonderland experience in Hyde Park, London. We have visited here on a couple of occasions and it’s a really awesome setup. We would like to thank Katherine Fenech from Bright Lights of America for recommending this spot.

Charming Christmas in Copenhagen

Danes are crazy for Christmas and Denmark’s capital Copenhagen is chock full of charm this time of year. It starts the first Friday in November with the delivery of special Jul beer from Carlsberg. Shortly thereafter streets are suddenly festooned with swaths of twinkly lights and bright red hearts gleaming out in the dark.

How to make the most of the cozy Danish Christmas hygge? Don’t miss Tivoli, Copenhagen’s amusement park in the middle of the city. Even if you aren’t up for the rides, enjoy the lights and savor the displays. Try the gløgg – Danish warm spiced wine while you wander the Christmas market.

Enjoy a traditional julefrokost (Christmas lunch) along the classic and colorful Nyhavn canal. Stroll the Strøget with shops full of Danish design. Munch æbleskivers or brunkager and cuddle in close. Christmas in Copenhagen is all about candles and cozy corners in cute coffee shops.

Thanks to Erin Gustafson from Oregon Girl Around the World for enlightening us with these awesome experiences that you can expect in Copenhagen at Christmas. We can certainly imagine what it is like here in December after our visit to the Danish capital but hopefully we will have the opportunity to experience this for ourselves in the next few years.

Snowmen Building in Bali

Who says Christmas has to include snow? An epic way to spend Christmas is on the beach building snowmen in the sand! There are a ton of things to do in Bali and it’s a great place to spend Christmas.

One of my favorite Christmas memories was spending it on the beach with my family. I am originally from Wisconsin which is always freezing and covered in snow, so sunny and 80 degrees was something magical to me.

Can you imagine building a snowman on the beach in Bali? I mean that’s pretty cool right! Thanks to Hannah and Adam from Getting Stamped for sharing this seriously cool experience and we can all spend the rest of this year thinking about relaxing on these gorgeous beaches.

Dog Sledding in Estonia

Animal lovers and adventurers will love the wild side of Estonia, especially during Christmas time when the snow falls and the lush green landscapes turn pearly white. It’s during this time that you can also enjoy a wild ride through the snow while dog sledding with Alaskan Malamutes.

You’ll feel like a modern day Santa Clause as your little dog pack, in their lines of two, hurtle you across the icy snow and through the snow-capped forest. The dogs are extremely energetic and enthusiastic to get out and run, so hold on tight and let them steer you through the trails.

But be sure to pack some warm clothes as the cold winter air whips at your face and leaves your fingers frozen to the handles. If you’re planning on traveling to Estonia then dog sledding is one Christmas time activity that can’t be missed.

We had an awesome experience watch dog sledding in Denali National Park, Alaska, so I can only imagine what it’s like to see these huskies in action in Estonia. Thanks to Jules from Don’t Forget To Move for sharing this cool encounter with these lovable dogs.

Christmas Markets in Berlin

Germany is home to a number of amazing festivities at Christmas but none more so than the markets that line the squares around Berlin.

In fact, Germany is just one of many nations around Europe that present the typical Christmas market experience throughout December.

Whether you want to pick up a locally handcrafted Christmas ornament or perhaps sip a glass of mulled wine, Berlin is the perfect location to appreciate everything amazing about European markets.

We have been fortunate to stay in the Alexanderplatz district of Berlin which is home to a gorgeous market but regardless of where you are staying in the German capital, the likelihood is that a market won’t be too far away.

Enjoy a Czech Christmas in Prague

If you have the opportunity to experience Christmas in Prague, we highly recommend grabbing this chance. We were fortunate to explore the Czech capital a few days after Christmas and we were still able to admire and appreciate all of the Christmas celebrations that were taking part throughout the city.

The Old Town Square is the perfect setting to celebrate Christmas. A tall tree decorated in all its glory among a myriad of market stalls is a gorgeous place to relax with a picture-perfect Disney castle (Tyn Church) in the background.

Why not enjoy a sweet or savory Trdelník while taking a stroll around the city and then head over to the historic Astronomical clock to watch this great treasure in action every hour.

Christmas in Australia

When thinking about celebrating one of the most popular holidays in the world, most people may get visions of snow, Christmas markets, and Santa Claus. I mean, who doesn’t love a stereotypical White Christmas? I know I do, as it has always been a norm for me growing up on the cold Estonia.

Why not join other travelers from cooler climates living out their fantasy of spending Christmas in Australia and relaxing on the beach under the hot summer sun? It has become a tradition for international visitors who are in Sydney at Christmas to go to Bondi Beach where up to 40,000 people visit on Christmas Day.

Whatever your motive is for visiting Australia during their summer break, experiencing Christmas on this side of the equator is a must for everyone at least once. So if you are wondering where to go this Christmas, Australia has got you covered!

Christmas in Austria

It’s no surprise to hear that Austria shares many of the same Christmas traditions as neighbors Germany. Consider a visit to Austria during the Christmas season and explore the quaint markets throughout the country while enjoying the stereotypical delicacies of Gluehwein and cookies.

Christmas is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Austria and this is noticeable throughout cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Decked in full festive decorations, the towns offer the perfect setting for visitors to get in the Christmas mood while enjoying the local flavors and festivities.

For those wishing to enjoy Christmas in the Austrian Alps, a stereotypical sight involves families descending from high in the mountains to the valley below, while illuminating the night with torches held high.

Regardless of where you choose to visit in Austria, you can be assured that the delicious looking “Sachertorte” will be readily available along with the seasonal Austrian Christmas cookies known as “Weihnachtsbaeckerei.”

Summary

Whether you are an adventure seeker or just want to relax amongst the ambiance of Christmas festivities, there are destinations all around the world ready to inspire you to visit this Christmas season. As you can see from our twelve days of Christmas travels, there are countless amazing destinations and experience awaiting you if you are ready to get out and explore.

We would like to reiterate our appreciation to all our friends around the world for sharing such awesome experiences. Regardless of where you will be spending Christmas this year, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Have you experienced any of these destinations at Christmas? Where are you planning on celebrating the Christmas season this year?

Starbucks or Local Coffee Shops – How to Enjoy the Best Drink?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

-

Dec 8, 2016

14

Starbucks or Local Coffee Shops – How to Enjoy the Best Drink?

If you love drinking coffee as much as I do, you will frequently face the ultimate choice of visiting Starbucks or local coffee shops. Is it really that difficult to make a decision? I wanted to take a deeper look into what decisions we all have to make before deciding which route to take. Convenience, loyalty, taste and price are all common factors that we should consider before deciding whether to visit Starbucks or a local establishment.

I want to start by stating I love Starbucks! For convenience reasons, I visit Starbucks most days for my daily coffee. Although I realize I am spending on average $20-$25 per week, in my opinion, it’s worth the cost and it’s more than just the quality of espresso available.

However, that’s nothing to take away from local coffee shops because I love visiting those whenever we travel around the world. Let’s take a look at the benefits of visiting either the world’s largest coffee brand or a local coffee shop. We will then take a look at the opinions of some of our travel blogging friends from around the world. Whether you are a Starbucks fan or prefer the local coffee bistros, it’s fair to say everyone has a unique opinion.

Why Starbucks?

It all started in Seattle, Washington in 1971 when the first Starbucks coffee shop opened its doors. Today, there are almost 24,000 Starbucks locations scattered around the globe so it’s fair to say they have been pretty successful since that first store opened in Pike Place Market, Seattle.

Starbucks represents something beyond a cup of coffee (howard Schultz)

When Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, spoke the above words about the philosophy of a Starbucks experience, it certainly resonated with people around the world. Having experienced a number of locations globally, it’s fair to say that the original founders and the present day leaders are doing a great job at driving this philosophy home.

But how? Let’s take a look at some of the key components for justifying a visit to Starbucks.

Affordability

Ok, so I am starting with a concept that many of you think is the reason why you shouldn’t visit Starbucks. In terms of producing quality drinks consistently, I think that Starbucks is a pretty competitive brand in the coffee market.

Regardless of where you drink your next grande/medium espresso drink, the likelihood is that you will be paying anywhere from $3.50-$5.00 which is comparable with what Starbucks charges. This is exactly the same in the majority of local coffee shops, so for those of you wanting a complex drink, be prepared to pay the price for it.

If you are just wanting a plain coffee, Starbucks offers their blonde roast brew at a very affordable price which again makes it competitive with other brands in this saturated industry.

Customer Experience

Starbucks generally produces quality drinks (in my opinion!) but I honestly think the atmosphere and experience of visiting this chain are what makes it so rewarding. There is certainly a reason why there are so many return visitors to Starbucks around the world!

Looking to catch up on some work or just relax with your favorite book? There is no better public place to do this than Starbucks. Free high-speed wi-fi in most locations makes it easy to stay connected to the world while enjoying your favorite beverage.

Or perhaps you just want to do a little people watching. I can certainly attest to doing this in New York City. Taking a sip of a white chocolate mocha while watching the world go by on Times Square is a pretty awesome experience.

Starbucks recently announced an integration with Spotify, the world’s leading streaming service so that visitors can listen to their favorite music while in the store and immediately know what song is being played in the background.

Beverage Quality

Did you know that Starbucks arabica beans are different than regular arabica beans? The best coffee beans grow at higher altitudes so it’s no surprise to hear that Starbucks helps farming communities all around the world.

Exceptional coffee can only come from exceptional beans.

However, I think it’s fair to say that Starbucks doesn’t create the best coffee. That’s a pretty bold statement to make but given the size and scope of Starbucks growth around the world, it would be pretty difficult to create the best coffee especially with so many competitors around.

Starbucks does create a consistent blend that coffee connoisseurs can enjoy on a regular basis. In my opinion, consistency is key when it comes to finding a preferred coffee shop. If you have a preferred beverage, surely you will want to know that it will taste the same every time you order it.

Coffeeology – the study, the art, the culture, the love of coffee

I have experienced several coffee shops around the world where I have visited one day and then the morning after the same drink tastes completely different.

Why Local Coffee Shops?

Although Starbucks may be the first global brand to introduce gourmet coffee, there are nowadays many local shops that offer similar beverages. The main difference is that the $5 that you spend goes back to the local community rather than a global conglomerate.

Adding value to a local community in a local “mom and pop” coffee shop is a great way to sample authentic coffee. It’s rare to walk around any town or city without seeing a coffee shop on every other street corner. Why is that? Because the coffee business is prosperous for many local ownerships that choose to enter this market.

In order for a local coffee shop to compete, they have to provide an environment and experience that will draw customers through the doors rather than a chain brand. The quality of coffee is crucial as is customer service. Guests want local coffee shop baristas to be sincere and offer something different than those at Starbucks.

I have visited several local bistros where the staff member offered to bring my drink to my table which is for the most part unheard of at Starbucks. If you are planning on spending several hours in a coffee shop, you may also gain the trust of the local coffee shop to create your own “tab” and pay at the end of your visit. All of this combines to create an experience that ensures customers are 100% happy with their visit.

Starbucks or Local Coffee Shops – You Pick?

Rather than focusing solely on my opinion, I asked several of our travel blogging friends to share their thoughts and opinions on their coffee shop preferences. It’s interesting to note that many of these are pro-local coffee shops and in some cases, very anti-Starbucks. But as we all know, it’s personal preference and certainly a valuable debate to discuss.

Let’s see what our friends have to say and perhaps you can share your thoughts on this discussion.

Contented Traveller

I am a die-hard coffee snob from Australia. The very few Starbucks that exist in Australia are only for tourists and free Wi-Fi. The reason that Starbucks can’t make a go of it here in Australia is that we value and know very good coffee, and local coffee shops rule our day.

We are pedants for coffee and know our local coffee shops and our baristas like we know our mothers. We expect and only accept the finest ground beans, and the perfect temperature milk.

The reason that we Australians have become such coffee snobs, and why chains like Starbucks cannot make it, is that we have such a rich multicultural history. We learned from our Italian, Greek and Lebanese friends, and we melded them into our discerning taste for really excellent coffee.

We nearly died when we were in the US for 2 months last year with the terrible coffee. There is no choice but local coffee shops for us, with an excellent coffee machine and a knowledgeable barista. I need to be caffeinated now.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Paula from Contented Traveller for sharing her thoughts.

Along For The Trip

Since Starbucks continues to insult my intelligence by insisting the words ‘small’, ‘medium’, or ‘large’ don’t exist, I always choose local. Even if they made more than three flavors besides burnt, more burnt, and really burnt, local wins.

My favorite joint is DoubleShot in Tulsa. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Starbucks sells a drink by the same name. In fact, Starbucks tried to bully them out of business by threatening to file a patent infringement suit.

Unfortunately, they didn’t take into account that many of our local attorneys frequent DoubleShot. Since they clearly could not afford to battle it out with behemoth Starbucks, their loyal clientèle worked pro bono and forced them to drop the frivolous suit.

Because of this, I’ll always be fiercely loyal to the local coffee scene in Tulsa. Order an Americano or Chemex pour-over and you’ll understand.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Carrick from Along For The Trip for sharing her thoughts.

The World Pursuit

I hate to say it, but I loathe Starbucks. I would always much prefer to support a local coffee shop than a chain retailer like Starbucks. When I travel the only reason I may duck into a Starbucks is for a free toilet.

Instead, I love having cappuccinos at quaint cafes around the world. They usually have some sort of local ground and they are half the price of what Starbucks charges. My favorite place to grab a cup of coffee would be in Italy, where cappuccinos are drunk standing up and are less than a €1.50.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Natasha and Cameron from The World Pursuit for sharing their thoughts.

Once In A Lifetime Journey

In Spain, coffee is quite particular. We drink it in small cups, like in Italy or France, and usually, it is not that hot that you burn your tongue. We typically enter into one of the corner bars, sit at the bar, order a “cortado”, down it and go. Yet I never really had coffee back home.

I became addicted to coffee in London when I started traveling and I found it cool that everyone would go to work in the morning with a large cup of Starbucks coffee. But I did not quite understand the enormous size of the drink and the very hot temperature; I always had to wait for a long time before I could drink it or risk numbing my tongue for a week. Plus, why did I always have to add sugar despite the disproportionate amount of milk vs. coffee?

When I quit my management consulting job a couple of years ago, I took some time off to start several projects among which was opening a coffee shop. I learned to be a barista through courses and finally understood the whole specialty coffee lifestyle and fashion that was taking over Singapore, where I live. Since then, I have never entered a Starbucks store again. Why? Their coffee is just not good for two reasons.

Firstly, the proportions are not right. A good coffee needs to have 5 parts of milk to 1 part of coffee, measured in 30ml espressos. Starbucks coffees contain much more milk and so you are not really having a coffee with milk but a large glass of milk with a little coffee.

Secondly, and most importantly, was the eye-opening considerations of the milk temperature. Milk “burns” at 70 degrees Celsius. That is, below that temperature, the natural lactose in the milk changes texture and becomes sweeter so you don’t need to add sugar to your latte.

Above that temperature, and so at the temperature Starbucks serves its coffees, at 95 degrees Celsius, the milk is burnt and no longer sweet, so you need to add sugar to your coffee. Not to mention its texture is no longer smooth and soft but thin.

With these two points in hand, I always choose specialty coffee shops and, if nothing else is available, I order a Starbucks coffee at “children temperature” which will be closer to the 70 degrees.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Mar from Once In A Lifetime Journey for sharing her thoughts.

Victor’s Travels

Wherever I travel, a good cup of coffee can always be found. The good thing about Starbucks is their consistency in providing “good enough” coffee in all of their branches, but in my opinion, it can’t beat a cup of proper filter coffee.

I especially love to try a new type of exotic beans every time, and by doing so I learned which kinds of beans I like best. Some of them even hardly taste like coffee and more like a fruity tea, take for instance the Kenyan beans. My favorite? A slow-drip coffee made from full-flavor, aromatic Ethiopian beans.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Victor from Victor’s Travels for sharing his thoughts.

Always Travelicious

I go to both but I prefer local coffee shops because there is a lot of excitement involved. Every coffee shop has a story and every brew is different. In my local city, Ipoh (in Malaysia), there’s a particular type of coffee known as the White Coffee that’s roasted with margarine.

I love it so much that I decided to find out which one is my favorite by going to 9 different places that offer this drink and wrote a story on it – 9 Places to Drink Ipoh White Coffee. It’s fun going to these coffee shops because they are lively and somewhat amusingly chaotic.

As for Starbucks, I go once in a while because they are usually conveniently located and it’s an easy meeting point. I like their drinks too although less excitement is involved because everything is pretty generic.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to KJ from Always Travelicious for sharing her thoughts.

An Epic Education

When I moved to Tokyo in 2001, I found the coffee shop scene dismal. Japan consumes 80% of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain beans, but most cafes were hard-seated chains like ‘Doutor’ or dingy salaryman dives like ‘Renoir.’ Even worse, they were all thick with cigarette smoke!

Starbucks was the first chain to offer Japanese customers comfortable seating, clean, spacious bathrooms and a no smoking policy. They also didn’t pressure you to leave quickly, and this was a revelation for millions like me who moved through the Metropolis all day.

Today, Tokyo is having a bit of a coffee renaissance. The west side has standards like Streamer and Bear Pond, while the east side is booming with Arise, Blue Bottle, and several Allpress franchises. My favorite spots sit next to Yoyogi park. Little Nap is cozy and quality, while Norwegian import Fuglen serves a mean AeroPress, and even meaner cocktails after dark.

Verdict: Both

Thanks to Jason from An Epic Education for sharing his thoughts.

Solo Sophie

Is there anything more French than sitting in a Parisian café, sipping on an espresso and watching the world go by? If you’re heading to Paris for the first time, then I highly recommend ditching Starbucks and heading to one of the hundreds (if not thousands) of coffee shops that the city is known for.

Plus, espressos in independent cafés are normally priced between €1 and €3 – so a lot cheaper than your average Starbuck’s visit! Contrary to popular belief, many independent cafés throughout the city also have WiFi and therefore provide the perfect place to work or study in.

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Sophie from Solo Sophie for sharing her thoughts.

Sid The Wanderer

In my opinion, coffee is as much of an experience as the drink itself, and nothing can ever beat the pleasure I experience when I stumble upon a small local cafe tucked away in a street corner in a new city. These are also the cafes where locals come to buy their coffee or their bread and where conversations flow around each small table.

Local cafes often serve not just coffee, but also local foods which may never make their way to a nearby Starbucks. I also often pick conversations with cafe owners as well as other local patrons at such cafes and come back much more educated about the local way of living and cultures. Even language is not a barrier in local cafes and if you are lucky you may even make some new friends there!

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Sid from Sid The Wanderer for sharing his thoughts.

There She Goes Again

While I occasionally like going to Starbucks for their more unique drinks in Korea, my basic coffee and coffee shop needs are more than met by local businesses.

Koreans take their coffee shops very, very seriously, and they often enjoy hanging out there. Most of the time when I meet up with friends, it’s a random, beautifully designed cafe we both know well. By the third or fourth time I visit, they already know I’d like an iced vanilla latte with whipped cream or Jeju Hallabong tea, freshly made.

Even if I grow bored of these calming cafes, I have plenty of unique options that cost just as much or less than Starbucks, whether it’s a raccoon cafe, Hello Kitty cafe, or even a coffee shop shaped like a teapot. Why bother with Starbucks when you can go to a “Poo Cafe” for less?

Verdict: Local Coffee Shops

Thanks to Samantha from There She Goes Again for sharing her thoughts.

Summary

As you can see, it appears there is a strong trend towards local coffee shops over Starbucks. Honestly, there is nothing surprising about that because we should all be helping local establishments maintain their presence among a myriad of global conglomerates that dominate the market. However, rather than fighting the global brands, why not embrace them?

We all have individual tastes and preferences and I am proud to take a stance that I like BOTH. I also respect all of the opinions that have been shared and would like to thank everyone for contributing to this collaboration.

Feel free to comment below to continue this discussion and let us know whether you prefer Starbucks or local coffee shops.

Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz – Why This Is Great at Christmas?

Germany

Chris Boothman

-

Dec 5, 2016

2

Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz – Why This Is Great at Christmas?

Germany is the place to be at Christmas! There is no other country like it when it comes to amazing Christmas markets and celebrating the festivities with a stereotypical German brew. Whether you are visiting Berlin for the first time or you are a return visitor, we strongly recommend staying at the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz. Why? It’s the perfect hotel in the perfect location to celebrate the Christmas season in Berlin!

We had the opportunity to visit Berlin for a couple of days during the holiday season and we had an amazing experience. The moment we arrived at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof and headed on the S-Bahn to the Alexanderplatz district, we knew we had made the perfect choice staying in this area.

Berlin at Christmas is amazing, regardless of the district you stay in. Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city but we were fortunate to have one within a couple of minutes walking distance from our hotel…more on that later. If you are considering staying in other neighborhoods, check out this handy guide on the best areas to stay in Berlin.

Alexanderplatz – Berlin’s Most Famous Square

Having spent some time in Frankfurt during our only other visit to Germany, we were comfortable in the environment but of course a little nervous as we didn’t know what to expect from the Alexanderplatz district. Any nerves we had were quickly calmed as we realized that this was a perfect neighborhood to stay, with no concerns of safety even at night.

Alexanderplatz is one of the most famous squares in Berlin and certainly the largest.

Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, the Alexanderplatz square quickly became a transportation hub for Berlin when the central station was constructed here in 1882.

Today, the location is a focal point for many corporate organizations that have locations here in the modern high-rise structures that surround the historic square.

Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz Information

The Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz in Berlin offers a luxury yet affordable experience for visitors looking to find an ideal location to explore Berlin. Minutes away from the Alexanderplatz Station where you can hop on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn, the hotel offers convenient access to all corners of the city.

Iconic attractions such as the Berlin Wall, Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and more are all within a short distance from this neighborhood. Dubbed as a ‘contemporary’ hotel, the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz is located in close proximity to the amazing German beer house, Hofbräu Berlin.

Why not head here for some fine local German cuisine while sampling a couple of the local beers that make Berlin such an iconic location for amazing German brews. Don’t worry, given the proximity to the hotel, I’m sure you won’t have any problems stumbling back even if you have one too many brews!

Address

Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 32,
10178 Berlin, Germany
Tel:+49 30 30104110

Website

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/berlin-germany/ramada-berlin-alexanderplatz/overview

A Warm German Welcome

There is an unfortunate stereotype attached to Germans around the world regarding their rude, unfriendly demeanor. I am so happy to say that we don’t associate ourselves with that and this was just reiterated during our last visit to Berlin.

Our experience with ‘friendly Germans’ started during our stay at the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz. The concierge and receptionist couldn’t have been more helpful as they made us feel at home and immediately went out of their way to ensure that our stay was perfect.

We spent some time relaxing in the lobby of the hotel and who could blame us when you see the awesome decorations that were set up to celebrate the Christmas season.

The Christmas tree stood tall, brightly illuminated by the traditional lights that we associate with this time of year, along with intricately crafted ornaments sparkling from the incandescent glow of the lights. Even the beauty of the tree couldn’t outshine the bear that was relaxing on the thrown that was the focal point of this decoration.

Relaxing Rooms

What do you expect from a hotel? Are you simply looking for a spot to rest our head for the night and enjoy a warm shower in the morning to revitalize you and prepare you for the adventures ahead? Or do you prefer to enjoy the overall ‘experience’ that a hotel offers?

I think we fall into both categories given that our primary intention visiting any new destination is to explore and enjoy the region. However, at the same time, we want to maximize our time in the hotel and take advantage of all the amenities and luxury within the hotel. At the end of the day, that’s what you are paying for right!

The Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz offers the perfect blend of amenities and relaxing rooms that will not only entice you to take advantage of the hotel but also allow you the time to get out and explore the destination. Let’s take a look at the rooms.

At first glance, the rooms may appear to be basic but the reality is that they everything you could wish for in a hotel room. The beds were extremely comfortable and we both enjoyed a great night’s sleep before heading out the next day to explore Berlin.

The bathroom had a gorgeous walk-in shower which is always a huge positive for us when we review our overall hotel experience. We both prefer this over the traditional shower and bath tub combination.

The overall feel of the room was spacious, bright, comfortable and most importantly, relaxing! The free wi-fi (and quality of connection!) in the rooms was another huge benefit and I am sure you will all agree that this is a critical component of any hotel review, especially in today’s society where we always need to stay connected 24/7.

Any hotel that leaves free Haribo in your room has to be awesome right? When you throw in the Christmas edition…we are well and truly sold! Thanks Ramada, you made our day with this nice touch!

Enjoy a Delicious Breakfast

What better way to start the day than by enjoying a delicious German breakfast. This is exactly what we experienced at the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz. An array of hot and cold options are available to satisfy all taste buds.

We were shown to our table close to the window so that we could enjoy the early morning activity in Berlin as locals headed to work.

The modern decor throughout the restaurant was perfectly designed to match the rest of this hotel, emphasizing that contemporary feel that we continued to recognize throughout our stay.

If you are unfamiliar with a typical German breakfast, let me introduce you to German rye bread which is a standard item on any plate. “Berliner Landbrot” is one of those classic loaves of bread that typifies the German culture when it comes to cuisine in the morning.

Perhaps you would be more intrigued by the wide variety of ham and prosciutto selections that were on offer. I think it’s fair to say that guest at this hotel are spoiled for choice when it comes to a wide breakfast selection.

On a lighter note, the quirkiest aspect of this breakfast had to be Heather stumbling across one of the hot trays containing hard-boiled eggs and chicken wings…Anyone care to guess which came first, the chicken or the egg? Sorry folks, we couldn’t resist!

Summary

A city like Berlin is spoiled for choice when it comes to hotel selection. Location, budget, and level of luxury are all factors to be considered on your next trip to the German capital. But we think we have found the perfect hotel that satisfies all of these aspects – the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz certainly checked all our boxes and we look forward to staying here again on our next visit to Berlin.

If you are planning a long Christmas vacation in Germany or perhaps you just want to explore Berlin in a day, the Ramada Berlin Alexanderplatz is the perfect hotel for all types of traveler. Thank you to everyone associated with this hotel for making this such an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Berlin…we can’t wait to return!

Have you visited Berlin? What factors do you consider when looking for a hotel in a major metropolitan area?

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Berlin for hosting us on this trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Travel Advent Calendar – 25 Amazing Places You Need to Visit

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

-

Dec 1, 2016

16

Travel Advent Calendar – 25 Amazing Places You Need to Visit

It’s the time of the year where we all let our inner childhood take over our emotions and remember what it was like to count down the days until December 25th. Do you remember having an advent calendar and every day in December opening a different window to reveal a delicious piece of chocolate? We want to take a similar theme and create our very own travel advent calendar where we reveal 25 awesome destinations around the world that we should all think about experiencing.

Christmas is all about celebrating and preparing for the “big day” where we all hope that Santa Claus will bring us something we have always dreamed of. We are delighted to collaborate with a number of our travel blogging friends from around the world to create this awesome advent calendar of destinations.

If you have a love for travel and need some inspiration, be sure to keep reading. If you are getting a little tired of the long, dark days in the heart of winter, be sure to keep reading because there are a few destinations that may inspire you to get away from the freezing cold winters.

Travel Advent Calendar

A travel advent calendar is exactly how it sounds in the traditional sense…a series of 25 breathtaking and inspiring locations around the world waiting to be uncovered. Why not consider bookmarking this post and revisiting every day to reveal the next day’s destination.

Don’t worry, we will be featuring each destination on our Facebook and Twitter accounts every day in December and perhaps you will be inspired to book a trip to one of these spots in 2017!

Some of these destinations are great to enjoy the Christmas festivities. Or perhaps you just want to get away from all the Christmas celebrations and relax in a secluded location full of solitude. This array of destinations covers pretty much everything you could wish for in an amazing Christmas bucket list.

Let’s dive straight in and see where we are heading first. December is here and that can only mean one thing…it’s time to start traveling the world!

Mexico

Zipolite, Mexico, is an amazing hidden paradise. The entire town rests on the beach, while the whole beach is also clothing optional. It’s always good fun, and the town attracts a very open minded, fun type of crowd.

Shy? Don’t worry, you can totally swim with clothes on too – anything goes in Zipolite! A normal day for me consists of lying in my hammock watching the ocean while drinking a Corona with salt and lime – perfection!

Thanks to Danielle Ditzian from Like Riding a Bicycle.

Ukraine

Ukraine must be the most misunderstood country these days. While in the news it appears as a battlefield, the truth is only the east part of Ukraine must be avoided, the rest of the country is perfectly safe to travel to and offers so much for every traveler’s taste.

From beautiful Central European architecture of Lviv or Chernivtsi to golden domes and impressive Soviet buildings in the capital Kiev, from Black Sea beaches to lush Carpathian mountains – Ukraine has it all!

Now, due to the unstable economic situation, Ukraine is a huge bargain and going there might be your cheapest holidays ever! Don’t hesitate and visit Ukraine!

Thanks to Kamila Napora from My Wanderlust.

Vietnam

I love Vietnam in general, for its culture and food. On Con Dao, all that is combined with stunning nature. Con Son, the main island of the Con Dao archipelago, is remote enough to be fairly untouched but developed enough to provide you with anything you need for a week of exploring.

Discover stunning beaches, ride a scooter around the island or go hiking through the jungle in search of monkeys (it’s not much of a search really, they’re everywhere). Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear!

Thanks to Edwina Dendler from Traveling German.

Martinique

Martinique is a magnificent year-round destination for every type of traveler, but it is especially magical during Christmastime! Martinique has a time-honored tradition called “Chante Nwel,” where people gather together and sing traditional Christmas hymns at the top of their lungs to the rhythm of a creole band.

If singing isn’t your thing, then you can skip the parties and head straight to the beach instead. With volcanic black sand in the North and white sand like powdered sugar in the South, the options are endless!

Thanks to Francesca from One Girl One World.

Austria

It’s a snowy wonderland all year round amongst Austria’s highest mountains in the Hohe Tauern National Park and numerous cable cars take you up to 3000m. The Kitzsteinhorn is a must for the best views in Austria and my all-time favorite attraction.

Summer unlocks the most exhilarating drive on the Grossglockner high alpine road to the country’s highest mountain and glacier, as well as Werfen Castle, star of film ‘Where Eagles Dare’ and an abundance of gorge walks such as Kitzlochklamm.

Top resorts of Zell am See and Kaprun provides delicious favorites of gluhwein, schnitzel, and apple strudel: it’s all totally scrumptious!

Thanks to Tilly Horseman from Travel Junkie Girl.

Kyrgyzstan

Although we have to admit that we still can’t spell it without thinking twice (even after two visits and six weeks spent traveling around the country), Kyrgyzstan is easily our favorite destination in Central Asia.

It’s got fantastic horse riding, remote trekking routes, sublime lakes, off-the-beaten-track adventures and even a decent dose of concrete in Bishkek and Osh for lovers of Soviet-era architecture.

Kyrgyzstan is also tourist-friendly: quite a few nationalities can now visit visa-free for up to 60 days and the level of accommodation, be it yurt, hostel or homestay, is improving all the time.

It’s what we call a quality destination – somewhere that has a bit of everything. And if that’s not enough, just think of the points you can earn if you manage to land Kyrgyzstan on a Scrabble board!

Thanks so much to Kirsty and Mark from Kathmandu and Beyond.

Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake is a big surprise for visitors to Taiwan. Known for its thermal hot springs, the area is popular with locals as a getaway and for weddings. The lake is reachable from Taipei by high-speed rail in about 2 1/2 hours.

My favorite sites are the magnificent Wenwu Temple, with its two gigantic red stone lions guarding the gate, and also a lovely restaurant that specializes in healthy, tasty fruit-enhanced dishes.

Thanks to Carole Terwilliger Meyers from Travels With Carole.

Scotland

Whisky and waterfalls, fairies and fishing villages, haggis and the world’s biggest new year’s eve festival, Hogmanay – these are a few of my favorite things about my home country, Scotland. Scotland is a country known for rain and native men that wear skirts, I can tell you now that one is more common than the other!

2017 is a great year to visit us here in Scotland as Edinburgh Festivals (it’s not just about the Fringe!) celebrate their 70th anniversary so the annual program promises to be even bigger and louder than previous years. Been before? Haste ye back!

Thanks to Gemma and Craig from Two Scots Abroad.

Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey is unlike any other place on earth and in fact, you may feel like you have left this planet and landed on the moon. The landscape is quite surreal with the bizarre rock formations formed by centuries of erosion of the volcanic ash and basalt columns.

You can explore dwellings, churches and caves dug into the rock or you can soar above the “fairy chimneys” in a hot air balloon…something not to be missed. You can even stay in a hotel built into these unique rocks. For all these reasons and more Cappadocia should be on everyone’s list!

Thanks to Sarah Hughes from Live, Dream, Discover.

Rwanda

Known as “the land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda’s location in the volcanic Virunga Mountains makes it one of the most stunning countries we’ve visited. Most people visit to see the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, which were made famous by Dian Fossey.

But there are also Chimpanzees and several monkey species in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the picturesque scenery of Lake Kivu, and uncrowded wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.

More than 20 years after the horrific genocide that divided the nation, Rwanda has been rebuilt to become one of the world’s brightest emerging ecotourism hotspots.

Thanks to Bret Love from Green Global Travel.

Iran

Where to even begin listing the awesome features of Iran?

Home to one of the greatest ancient empires on Earth, now an archaeological gem; a country of fierce cultural pride and continuity; beautiful and widely varied landscapes with unique features such as the sculptured sand “kaluts.”

Spectacular architecture in mosques and former palaces; fascinating bazaars; a culture obsessive about picnicking and tea-drinking; delicious food; nomads living traditional lifestyles; gardens and reflecting pools everywhere you turn; unparalleled friendliness and hospitality; it’s a bit off the beaten track.

I could go on, but surely my adoration has been sufficiently explained.

Thanks to Shara Johnson from SKJ Travel.

The Azores

The Azores is Europe’s answer to Hawaii. With its lush landscapes, beautiful water, and friendly people, the Azores is truly a magical place to visit. Add to that the affordable prices to fly, stay, and dine in the Azores and you can’t go wrong.

A visit to the Sao Miguel’s Terra Nostra Botanical Garden with its incredible volcanic thermal spas are worth the trip alone!

Thanks to Cathy and Frank from RoarLoud.

Thailand

The town of Chiang Mai, in Thailand, is a special place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Not only is it the home of hundreds of ornate Buddhist temples, but also the famous Loy Krathong Lantern Lighting Festival. The local Thailand culture will humble you with their gracious and kindhearted attitudes.

Upon arrival, you will be struck by the breathtaking beauty of the tropical lush landscapes. There is a mystical quality that is emphasized by the morning sunrise that peeks through the mist framing the sprawling rice fields throughout the area.

To maximize the experience, a stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai is a luxury splurge you will not regret. The level of service and luxury will astound you and the resort is committed to creating memories that will last a lifetime. Between nature, culture, cuisine, and the hospitality of Thailand you will leave feeling you gained an unbelievable experience that will be forever be cherished.

Thanks to Pam from Always 5 Star.

Ecuador

Ecuador may not sprawl across the map like Brazil or host the wonders of Peru, but the tiny little country is nothing short of amazing. With high-altitude treks to crater lakes, endemic wildlife like you’ll see nowhere else in the world, and low cost of travel, you can experience nearly all the best of South America with just a couple of months in Ecuador.

Thanks to Taylor and Daniel from Travel Outlandish.

Patagonia

If you’re into hiking you’ll want to add Patagonia to the top of your “places to visit” list. This vast land is full of granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and giant glaciers — nature doesn’t get much more dramatic than this.

The W Trek, on the Chilean side of Patagonia, is one of the world’s most highly rated multi-day treks. It’s well worth the effort but it’s pretty tough, especially if you have to carry all your camping gear and food!

Thanks to Jon Algie from Jonistravelling.com.

Jamaica

Jamaica is home to white sandy beaches, reggae music, great food, and lots of rum! Local Jamaican food is cheap and delicious. You can’t go wrong with Jamaican food, especially the jerk chicken! Lush greenery, windy mountains, cascading waterfalls, and crystal Caribbean water; Jamaica has it all!

Interacting with the locals was one of our favorite parts of our trip, as they are so friendly and inviting. Take a trip to the mountains, to the waterfalls, go cliff-jumping or just enjoy the gorgeous beaches with the local beer, Red Stripe.

Thanks to Tarah from Fit Two Travel.

Japan

Is Tokyo a good idea for December? Definitely! First of all – it’s completely different than you may expect. When Europe is having fun drinking mulled wine on colorful Christmas Markets, Tokyo turns into the city of lights. There is fantastic light and music shows (thanks to the LED technology they are also eco-friendly) all around the city, where you can see icy gardens, faraway galaxies and anything you can ever imagine.

Tokyo is also a very romantic city because the Japanese treat Christmas a little bit like St Valentine’s Day. Traditional Japanese Christmas meal – a cream cake with fresh strawberries is a must-eat!

Thanks to Izabela Krawczyk from Love Traveling Blog.

Jordan

Jordan is an oasis, surrounded by conflict in the Middle East. Although its neighbors struggle with civil war and religious conflicts, Jordan is a safe-haven and a wonderful place to visit.

Experience its diverse landscapes, marvel at the wonder of Petra, float in the Dead Sea at the lowest point on Earth, and ride camels across Wadi Rum desert as the sun sets. Go for the history, but fall in love with the culture and the Jordanian people.

Thanks to Lindsay Nieminen from Carpe Diem Our Way.

Panama

Turquoise blue waters and powder white sand backed by lush palm trees, the San Blas Islands (yes, there is more than one!) are some of the world’s most beautiful islands. Set in the Caribbean coast of Panama, these idyllic islands offer raw beauty – no water villas, no fancy resorts, no distractions.

Owned by the local Kuna people, many of the islands in San Blas are uninhabited – like virgin islands that are rare to find nowadays. The best part, you can island hop across these stunning islands on your way from Panama to Colombia.

Thanks to Gia Kristel De Guia from Mismatched Passports.

Indonesia

If someone asked me to name a place I love, instantly Lombok, Indonesia would come to mind. Bali’s lesser-known neighbor is full of culture, beauty, friendly faces and countless places for relaxation. For these reasons, this is a place I have visited numerous times and will continue to visit.

Whether I want to snorkel in pristine waters, hike to waterfalls, surf on epic breaks or relax by a quiet pool Lombok has this covered. It is cheap and less crowded than Bali and provides me with the place I go to disappear and get away.

Thanks to Lauren from The Traveller’s Guide By #ljojlo.

Alaska

Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is magical for me. Alaska represents fauna and true wilderness, an environment for viewing with a startling backdrop of mountains, rain forests, and glaciers. The greenest, greens of old growth trees, the bluest turquoise of floating ice approaching on a river.

As I sailed the Inside Passage aboard the historic MV Westward, all of this magic came to life: humpback whales, the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the world and more seals than I had ever hoped to see in my lifetime.

I realized how appropriate it was to be called The Last Frontier and how important it was to keep Alaska unspoiled and protected for all to enjoy in the future.

Thanks to Alison Abbott from Green With Renvy.

South Africa

Imagine a perfect city with an obstinate mix of natural and man-made landmarks competing for the tourist mind space. Stretch that imagination to include a city which is the historical locus of the country and still remains glitzy and glamorous enough to become a cultural hotspot. That’s Cape Town in a nutshell.

We were warned of it being unsafe but discovered a sea of amazing warm people some of whom went out of their way (literally) to help us out. The food and music scene is vibrant, the open spaces beautiful and towering above them all, Table Mountain, a breathtaking sight. A city to lose oneself in for sure.

Thanks to Rishabh Shah from Gypsycouple.

Iceland

There are plenty of places that offer breathtaking landscapes but there is something quite spectacular about Iceland. Whether it’s the amazing natural features such as Gullfoss and Geysir or perhaps the quirky yet beautiful architectural design of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland is a destination that everyone should consider exploring.

It’s no surprise to hear that Iceland is one of the most popular up and coming destinations around the world. When you visit Iceland for the first time, it’s fair to say that the majority will fall in love with this place. We visited during the winter where that was very little daylight each day but even during those short windows, we were able to admire the beauty around this island.

Did I mention that Iceland is the proverbial hotspot for seeing the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights? If you are not yet sold, just take a chance and take a cheap flight to Reykjavik and you will soon realize what we are talking about.

Spain

If you love history, architecture, and delicious cuisine, there are not many places better than Barcelona to experience all of these. Not only is Barcelona a beautiful city with a myriad of amazing attractions, there are a number of destinations within a short drive that makes this part of Spain the ultimate European vacation spot.

Having spent a few days wandering the historic streets of the Catalan capital, sampling the best tapas and admiring Gaudi’s finest works, we realized that there is much more to Barcelona than you may imagine.

It’s no surprise to hear that Barcelona locals wish tourism would cease to exist in their city given that much of the metropolis is now devoted to this concept that clearly helps boost the economy yet has a negative impact on the overall feel and appearance of the city.

A short drive outside of Barcelona leads you to the rural landscapes of Catalonia. Montserrat is a popular location and for good reason, with a mountain-top monastery providing the iconic attraction in the rugged range outside of the Catalan capital. If you are seeking a coastal beach adventure, why not head across to the Costa Brava and sample the gorgeous terrain at Lloret de Mar.

Utah

The Mighty 5 national parks make Utah a destination that you can’t help but fall in love with. We have been fortunate to explore three of these and we cannot wait to head back to experience the other two. Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef are five distinctive areas in Utah that have been deservedly designated with national park status.

Arches National Park is possibly the most unique in terms of iconic geological features. As you drive through this park, you are surrounded by arch shape sandstone formations in addition to other quirky landmarks such as Balanced Rock which is one of the most popular attractions inside the park.

Bryce Canyon is typified by hoodoos or tall spires that group together creating a gorgeous amphitheater that you could admire for days. Hiking trails offer up close and personal encounters with these hoodoos but it is the breathtaking views from the various overlooks that make this such a popular national park.

Summary

If this collection of 25 amazing destinations around the world doesn’t inspire you to take a trip somewhere in 2017, nothing will! We are delighted to have the opportunity to share such an amazing variety of diverse locations thanks to our friends from all corners of the globe who have visited these breathtaking destinations.

As we look forward to what lies ahead in 2017, we can look back and reflect on an amazing 2016 and we hope that this travel advent calendar will give you that little bit of inspiration to travel somewhere in the near future.

Which of these epic destinations are you most intrigued by? How many of these spots have you already visited?