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Are you planning Vineyard and Winery or Food and Wine Tours in Europe? Find the best and the most unexpected Vineyard and Winery Tours at Food and Travel Guides. From our collaboration with talented and inspiring Food Travel and Wine enthusiasts, we are happy to guide you to some of Europe's finest Vineyards and Wineries that will welcome you at their Wine Estate, guiding you through their vineyard and winery, offering Wine Tastings with an unbeatable experience. Learn about Wine on the spot where it's made! Food Tourism, and especially Wine Tourism, has never been hotter, and planning a Wine Tour is the best way to start, so let us dive into a world of wine right away and the Best Wine Tours in Europe. The Team at Food and Travel Guides Table of Content: "Vineyard and Winery Tours in Europe" 1. Bolgheri Wine Tour in Tuscany, Italy by Intentional Travelers 2. ENOTarnowskie Winemaker Project in Tarnów, Poland by Tymrazem 3. Wine Travels in La Rioja Wine Region, Spain by Travel your Memories 4. Visits to three Vineyards and Wineries in Sweden by Sticks & Spoons Food Travel 5. Solomos Winery in Zakynthos, Greece by Travels with Eden Blog 6. Vineyards and Wineries in Ukraine by What Kate and Kris Did 7. Mikulov Wine Trail in the Czech Republic by Packing up the Pieces 8. Famous Wineries in the Republic of Moldova by Travel With A Spin 9. The Lavaux Vineyards in Switzerland by The Yogi Wanderer 10. Santo Wine from Santorini in Greece by A Princess Traveling with Twins 11. Discovering Wine of the Douro Valley in Portugal by The Orange Backpack 12. The Alsace Wine Route in France by Wyld Family Travel 13. Visit The Cradle of Wine in Kakheti, Georgia by Wander-Lush 14. St Emilion Vineyards in Bordeaux, France by Guide Your Travel 15. Champagne of Veuve Cliquot in Reims, France by Salut from Paris 16. Saraceni Winery & Vineyard in Sant'Andrea in Percussina by Travel Connect Experience 17. If you Love this - Pin it! 18. Ultimate Travel Hacks for Wine Travelers Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Bolgheri Wine Tour in Tuscany, Italy by Michelle Chang from Intentional Travelers The small town of Bolgheri brings together the very best of Italy - old-world village life, complete with the castle; warm climates and views of the Etruscan Coast; and bountiful landscapes, with wineries and olive groves in every direction. With the salty sea air, enclosed by the rich rolling hills of Tuscany, and the introduction of French grapes to the area, the Etruscan Coast has wines like no other. The unique micro-climate of this coastal region has produced award-winning Bordeaux and "Super Tuscan" wines. The area is home to world-class wineries like Sassicaia and Ornellaia. From the town of Bolgheri to the village of Castagneto, a road lined with cypress trees has been declared a national monument and continues through olive groves and fertile vineyards. This Wine and Olive Road is the perfect place to do a few tastings and admire the scenery. Top sites for wine tasting include Castello di Bolgheri, Giovanni Chiappini, and Michele Satta. To dive even deeper into the top-quality ingredients and food heritage of Italy, stay at Casa Toscana and try a tour with the local host and cook, Chicca, of Tuscan Food Tours. IntentionalTravelers.com inspires and equips everyday people to pursue life-changing experiences around the world. Author, Michelle, and her husband quit their traditional jobs in 2011 to serve as Peace Corps Volunteers. They have been location-independent digital nomads since 2014, running a freelance web services business while they explore new places. Michelle is the author of the book, An Intentional Travelers Guide to Unconventional Budget Accommodations. ENOTarnowskie Winemaker Project in Tarnów, Poland by Jakub Juszyński from Tymrazem More and more vineyards have been established in Poland in recent years. They are not big, but they have their charm, and the wines they produce have a lot of character. One of the interesting projects that were created is ENOTarnowskie. It is a project that brings together winemakers from the vicinity of Tarnów - a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. When it comes to vineyards, it is worth saying that these are small objects. They are certainly places run with passion, and winemakers are people who entered this world for various reasons, but their love of wine connects them all. These are family businesses, focused on promoting winemaking and spending time pleasantly in the bosom of nature. Certainly, each of the winemakers I talked to has ambitious plans. Among the vineyards that I recommend are, among others Dąbrówka, Manru or Bogumiła. Each of them has a different location and wine, but they taste delicious. The vineyards in this region produce white, red, and rosé wines. The Dąbrówka Vineyard has an excellent and picturesque location. The grapevines growing on the edges of the valley make an amazing impression. The vineyard was established in 2010 and covers 3 hectares. The vineyard grows the varieties Regent, Rondo, Monarch, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Cantor and Cortis, Leon Millot, Solaris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Johanniter, Hibernal, Jutrzenka, Muscat Otonel, Muscaris, and Seyval Blanc This Manru vineyard is situated at an altitude of 340 meters above sea level. It owes its name to the opera by Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The vineyard grows the varieties Rondo, Regent, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, Salome, Solaris, Seyval Blanc, and Muskat. The Vineyard Bogu Miła is often called the Zalipiańska Vineyard and it is located there. The vineyard grows the Regent, Roesler, Solaris, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Johanniter varieties. ENOTarnowskie is not only wine! Traveling along the wine route, it is also worth visiting Tarnów - it is an extraordinary city with an interesting layout and lots of monuments. If, on the other hand, this is not enough for you, the nearby Podkarpackie and Świętokrzyskie voivodeships also keep pace with wine production, and the vineyards located there will surely interest you. More Vineyards o Explore from Krakow: Jakub Juszyński from tymrazem.pl is a blogger, traveler, and marketer. Love to explore new places and try local products. Try to explore the world as much as possible! Wine Travels in La Rioja Wine Region, Spain by Cynthia & Alexander from Travel your Memories La Rioja is the wine region in Spain where the best wine in Spain is made. When traveling in La Rioja you notice that there aren’t a lot of other tourists, therefore you get a local travel experience. Visiting the Rioja wine region means that you can visit the best vineyards and wineries in Spain. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from a wine tour or a bodega, which are wineries in Spain. With a wine tour, you have a full-day program. First, you will visit the vineyards, see how the grapes go from the field to the factory and learn how the wine is produced. The great thing about the tour is that the guide will explain everything. Also, you are at a local farmer and therefore are able to enjoy the countryside of La Rioja! The other option is to visit a winery, this is an accessible way where you can combine the tour with other activities that you can do in the La Rioja region. There are a couple of wineries in La Rioja, we visited Bodegas La Rioja Alta in the village of Haro. This is an awesome wine tour where you first get an explanation about the process and at the end, you can try a couple of wines yourself. You can try Gran Reserva 890 – 2005 here, this is the best wine from the region according to the experts, and the 4th best wine in the world in 2019. This fact just shows how good this winery is, really recommended to visit. You can book a tour through their site. If you are a wine lover, you also have the opportunity to visit a wine culture museum in Briones. This museum explains the history of the wine of La Rioja and its influence on society. This article was written by Cynthia & Alexander, adventure travel bloggers from Travel your Memories. They travel the world to inspire people with busy lives to do the same. Via their travel blog their share all tips to help others to plan their next adventure. Visits to three Vineyards and Wineries in Sweden by Fredrik Goldhahn from Sticks & Spoons Food Travel This fall, I made a number of visits to Vineyards and Wineries on the Swedish West Coast, and outside Jönköping at Lake Vättern. Wait a minute? Vineyards in Sweden? Sweden as a Modern Wine Country is still very young but there are a lot of surprising things going on under the surface, and to say anything else than there's a huge Wine Boom in Sweden is an understatement, to say the least. With visits to these three highly driven winemakers - all of them with very different aims and ambitions in their winemaking - you will get an insight into Swedish Wine; and it's a force to take into consideration in the future of winemaking, for sure. Vista Kulle Vineyard outside Husqvarna, Sweden Vista Kulle Vineyard, Husqvarna - The Dreamers and Explorers Just outside Husqvarna on the hills high above Lake Vättern, you'll find one of Vista Kulle Vineyards plots, beautifully incorporated in the aromatic fields of Apples on the property of Vistakulle Apple Orchards. When Anders and Veronica Åberg retired they bought the old Tourist Hotel on Vista Kulle back in 2006. They had found their own Paradise. A huge interest in wine made them take a trip to Toscana, and during the journey, a crazy idea was planted as a seed. The Chianti Mountains reminded them of their home. Could they make a Vineyard on Vista Kulle? Back home, as they looked over the fields, the dream that had started as a seed grew stronger. The first 10 vines were planted in 2007 but the choice of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay didn't turn out well on the cold latitude of 57. The breakthrough came in 2010 with the varieties of Solaris and Rondo, which still mainly grow with small amounts of Cabernet Cortiz, Blau Frauburgunder, Leon Millot, and Phönix. The latter though is no hit according to the winemaker. In 2012 they planted 500 vines of Solaris. In 2013 an additional 100 Solaris and 25 Rondo. In 2014 they broaden their growing ground to three with the one I visited at Vistakulle Apple Orchards. Solaris is the most common Grape Varietal used in Sweden Anders and Veronica make wine they like themselves, still learning and exploring. Of course, they love to distribute to local buyers at Systembolaget, but in the end, their aim has always been the dream of their own Vineyard. Today they have 1150 vines and make quite good white wine of Solaris and rosé wine of Rondo that have a better finish. Sparkling Wine made with Solaris at Ästad Vineyard outside Varberg on the Swedish West Coast Ästad Vineyard and Winery, Tvååker - The Driven and Ambitious Outside the bigger city of Varberg, you'll find the much smaller Tvååker, and even farther away out in the countryside, you'll find Ästad Vineyards. From the beginning, a huge family farm but nowadays developed into a popular Food and Wine Destination and getaway; complete with a hotel, a SPA, and two restaurants which of one have been rewarded with a 1 Star in Guide Michelin, and of course; an organic Vineyard and Winery. Take a tour with one of the Sommeliers in the Vineyard, with a stop in the Winery, and enjoy a wine tasting. Winemaker and Sommelier Claes Bartoldsson lead the work mentored by Swedish Winemaker Lars Torstensson and have an additional team in Vanessa who is a winemaker and Leonard who is an oenologist who both have experience working in Germany. Ästad has two Vineyards; "Pengakullen" with 14 000 vines of Solaris at Ästad which has an Inland Climate and "Morup" about 20 minutes from Ästad at the sea, which has a Coastal Climate. On the latter Ästad also experiment on a smaller scale with the varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, besides the 14 000 plants of Solaris. I had an opportunity to taste 2021 newly made, still wine directly from a steel tank resting for a second fermentation on the bottle, and it sure had some potential! This year Ästad had an overall record yield with over 30 tons of grapes on their two plots when there were difficulties in many, many vineyards in Europe struggling with frost, so maybe 2021 will be their best year so far. Some of the interesting wines tested on Vejby Vineyard, with winemaker Appelin in the background Vejby Vineyard and Winery on Bjäre Peninsula - The Innovative and Wine-Hipster With a sign that says "Welcome to Sweden's Wine Country", it's easy to understand that here's a winemaker with a strong will, and a good sense of humor! And the Winemaker Jeppe Appelin is clearly a man that walks his own path. About 16 years ago, Jeppe had a look to the west where Danish Winemakers had begun to be successful and the question on his mind was how would wine from the Bjäre Peninsula taste. After tasting a lot of Danish Wine, he decided to go for the varietal Regent. A red grape varietal in Solaris-dominated Sweden? Yes, and probably just because of the fact all other winemakers were going for and planting Solaris. He also found some interesting piwi varietals in Cabernet Colonje, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Vineta och Pinotini. Coming from being an Architect, Jeppe was forced to learn all about viticulture and winemaking from scratch. He had the location already, so it was all about figuring out the how-to. He planted 2000 vines in 2007 (because a report from the Netherlands had pointed out that 2000 vines were a perfect number if you wanted to work full-time but still run a vineyard). Today he has 3000, and Vejby is open for visitors all days of the week. Because if you want to enjoy his wine you have to visit the vineyard and buy a Wine Tasting or buy his wine by the glass. He doesn't sell bottles of his wine as it's not allowed to sell wine (or any spirit) in any other place than in the state monopoly stores of "Systembolaget". He sees this as a "temporary" solution because, like many others in Sweden, Jeppe is hoping that it soon will be legal to sell the wine on the farm where it's made. The result is that he has vintages from 2009 to 2020 in the wine cellar. Every year he's making a completely new wine, in a new style or with new techniques. Every wine has its own diary. It can be made to be stored in bottles, steel tanks, barrels, concrete eggs, or even clay amphoras! Because this curious and adventurous way of winemaking made him build a Marani; a Georgian wine cellar with 19 Qvevri's, taking 10 months to be finished - all by himself (probably letting his architecture skills come in handy)! The inspiration came from his partner coming from a family with a tradition of winemaking in Iran, which has a lot in common with the Georgian style of making wine. He inaugurated the cellar with the Georgian Ambassador invited, with monk choirs and the lots! Jeppe likes to do things a little bit differently. And this Biodynamic Wine-Hipster style has really paid off well too! Not only has he become famous for taking a different unbeaten path when it comes to Swedish Winemaking - but he also has gained some international reputation as well. In 2019 he won a Bronze with the red wine "Vejby Regent Colonjes 2014" and this year he won another Bronze at IWSC in London for his Orange Wine "Gyllene Vejby" made in the Qveri with a cuvée of two vintages of 30 days and 420 days (!!!) macerated Solaris! His enthusiasm is probably contagious as well. Jeppe told me that recently over 20 old and new winemakers had applied to plant vineyards on Bjäre Peninsula just in 2021! Maybe that hand-painted sign on that small road leading to his single vineyard isn't so far from the future truth after all? Welcome to Sweden's Wine Country! Jane and Fredrik Goldhahn are Food Travel Writers blogging on Sticks & Spoons Food Travel; two devoted Foodies and a Travel Couple from Sweden, who mostly travel for food. Recently joined by their daughter in their mission to Travel to every new Destination to Explore Food. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest too! Solomos Winery in Zakynthos, Greece by Sylvie from Travels with Eden Blog Solomos Wines is a traditional family-run business built by Anastasios and Dionysios Solomos. The winery is located on the beautiful island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands group, off the west coast of the Greek Mainland. The winery is located at the base of a stunning castle that goes back to the Venetian era. Visitors to the winery can taste the wine - some of the best in the world, and tour the wine cellar where thousands of bottles of wine are stored as they build flavor. There are over 17 wine varieties to try, and the owners are very generous with the tasting sizes. Some of the best wines to try include the Caretta, Lianoroggi, and the Melitis Medium Sweet Wine. You can visit Solomus wines by hiring a car or booking a transfer, or you can book a guided tour. Most guided tours take in some of the other main sights of Zakynthos island. The food tours of Zakynthos come highly recommended, where you can visit the Zakynthos olive oil factory and visit the markets of Zakynthos Town and have a time of Solomos Wines. Zakynthos is the perfect island to visit with stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and delicious food served up in many traditional tavernas across the island. Go on a boat trip around the island, spot the local ‘Caretta Caretta’ turtles, or admire the blue caves surrounded by crystal clear water. Make sure you visit shipwreck beach, one of the most famous sights in Europe. To reach Zakynthos, you can fly into Zakynthos Airport or board a ferry from Killini on the Mainland or from the next-door island of Kefalonia. In the high season, there are also some ferries from Italy. Sylvie is a family travel blogger at Travels with Eden who tries to travel with her daughter as much as possible. She set up her blogs to help families plan the perfect trips away with the kids, from finding the ideal travel gear to discovering the best destinations. Vineyards and Wineries in Ukraine by Kate and Kris from What Kate and Kris Did Ukraine isn't the first country you'd think of when talking about European vineyards, is it? However, wine-making in Ukraine goes back to the 4th Century when ancient Greeks recognized that the climate and soil conditions in the South of Ukraine near the Black Sea were favorable for growing grapes. During the Soviet Union, Ukraine was the biggest provider of wine for the region, with 250,000 hectares of vineyards. Most vineyards now are in the regions of Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolaiv, but there are others all over the country. Many of them run tours and tastings. We've done several during our time living in Ukraine. Shabo Winery If you find our brief story about the history of wine in Ukraine then you shouldn't miss Shabo. The Wine Culture Centre is an excellent museum about all the history from the beginning to the present day, along with lots of information about how local wine is made. It's modern and very well-designed. There are tours in English you can take, which end in a wine tasting. It is more expensive to have an English tour, so we just did the normal one. There are signs on the exhibits on the way around in English so you generally know what's happening. Shabo winery is not far from Odesa, which is a beach and port city on the Black Sea. You can do a tour from there, or take a bus and do it yourself. It's one of many great things to do in Odesa. Prince Trubetskoy Winery Also worth visiting, but a little more off the tourist track is the Prince Trubetskoy winery. This is in Nova Khakovka in Kherson region, also in the south, and is apparently one of the oldest in the country. A member of the Russian aristocracy (at the time, Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire), Prince Trubetskoy created vineyards and a winery on one of his estates on the banks of the Dneiper River. He also built a chateau in the French style on the land. Telling you the whole history now would spoil your visit, but after falling into ruin during the Soviet Union times, Prince Trubetskoy's great-grandson restored it in 2006 and began making wine there again. Here there isn't only a tour of the vineyards and caves and wine tasting, but there are rooms in the chateau where you can stay. There's a swimming pool overlooking the river and a restaurant where you can enjoy their wines. It's a stunning place to stay. If visiting wineries, or generally just drinking wine in Ukraine interests you, check out our blog. We have lived here for 7 years and explored lots of the country. Kate and Kris are English language teachers currently living and working in Kyiv, Ukraine. Their blog is devoted to stories of places they have lived and worked, wildlife travels, and giving advice to people starting out teaching English. Have a look at What Kate and Kris Did and follow them on Instagram or Facebook for lots of photos of adventures around Ukraine. Mikulov Wine Trail in the Czech Republic by Megan from Packing up the Pieces In the Czech Republic, most of the country’s wine is produced in the little-visited South Moravian Wine Region. Shockingly, this region produces over 95% of all Czech wine. This beautiful area lies close to the border of Austria. Believe it or not, Vienna is less than an hour away. One of the best ways to tour this wine region is with a self-guided bike excursion of the Mikulov Bike Trail. The charming hilltop town of Mikulov is the perfect starting point for the trail. Not only can you rent a bike here, but wander the cobblestone streets, appreciate stunning vantage points like Goat Hill and Holy Hill, and visit the village’s very own Chateau. There are a few small wine producers here; however, it’s best to come around harvest season and on weekends to visit the actual cellars. Don’t fret, there are plenty of wine bars and restaurants in the town center that are pouring wine from nearby producers. The Mikulov Wine Trail is a circular bicycle loop that is 82 kilometers long. The trail twists along past vineyards, chateaus, tasting rooms, and palaces, and through the Pálava Protected Landscape Area. If you don’t have a lot of time to explore the region, a one-day Mikulov Bike Tour will suffice. Leave Mikulov and stop for a glass of wine in the village of Úlvay. Enjoy the outdoor garden patio at Villa Daniela. Continue into Valtice, where you will actually pass on by the border to Austria. This village has plenty of wine cellars and a chateau that offers samplings. Pedal into Lednice, which has an incredible palace and the sprawling UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. On the way back into Mikulov, stop in at the tiny hamlet of Sedlec, which has a few wineries to sip on local wines. Biking the Mikulov wine trail is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful countryside of the Czech Republic all while sampling spectacular wines of the South Moravian region. Megan from Packing up the Pieces has been traveling the world for over 10 years, sharing the most authentic and budget-friendly travel experiences. Find her hiking in the mountains on off-the-beaten trails, soaking in thermal waters, eating with locals, and seeking itineraries that help fuel local economies. Follow her on Instagram or Facebook. Famous Wineries in the Republic of Moldova by Raluca from Travel With A Spin The Republic of Moldova is one of the most beaten path destinations in the world. However, it is high on the list of wine lovers as an important producer in Europe. The quantity and quality of the wines made in this country are not unknown to them. Winemaking is deeply ingrained in Moldova’s culture, history, and, of course, economy. Almost every household has a tiny vineyard and a few have also gained international fame. Two of them are real underground towns used to store and produce exquisite wine, Mileștii Mici and Cricova. Mileștii Mici is the oldest storage for wine produced in Moldova and owns over 1.5 million bottles. This was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest quality wine collection in the world. Cricova has the largest underground wine cellar in the world and also houses the only remaining bottle of “Easter Jerusalem” liquor – “Ian Beher”, harvested in 1902. Both wineries share a similar history and natural conditions. The total length of the underground galleries of any of the complexes is hundred of kilometers long and can be visited with a guide. The streets of the ”wine towns” have strange names like Dyonisos, Cabernet, Sauvignon, or Lumiere. The galleries were initially part of stone mines, but due to their constant humidity and temperature, they started to be used for wine keeping around a century ago. Nowadays, international personalities keep their private wine collection at these wineries, because of the excellent conditions. The wineries produce different types of white, red, rose, and even ice wines. But Cricova is also well known for its sparkling wines, produced using the champagne method. Tourists can learn about the production processes, including the champagne method, and, of course, taste the final products. Traditional dishes and music that accompany the glasses are also a plus. Other wineries that are worth a visit are Purcari, Asconi, Brănești Caves, Castle Mimi, and Chateau-Vaterly. Travel With A Spin is a blog for people that like to travel on their own and get to know as much as possible about the places and people they meet on the way. The mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get a ticket to a new place and have fun without breaking the bank. At the moment, most of the articles focus on Romania and Europe. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. The Lavaux Vineyards in Switzerland by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer Wine lovers visiting Switzerland can’t possibly miss the stunning Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, on the shore of Lake Geneva. Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2007, Switzerland’s largest contiguous winegrowing region is best explored by foot or on board the Lavaux tourist train. Either way, visiting one of its many wine cellars or traditional restaurants and enjoying a glass of local Chasselas is a must-do! If you’re a walker, then you’re up for a treat. This easy Swiss hike is as beautiful as it gets and offers many wine-tasting opportunities along the way. I recommend doing it in September and October for harvest and fall foliage season, but spring and summer are also very nice. The trail starts at the picturesque wine-growing village of Saint-Saphorin and runs through the vines and a couple of small villages to Lutry. From Saint-Saphorin, you can simply follow the yellow signs to Lutry or route 113. Soon, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful vineyard terraces with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps as a backdrop – think breathtaking scenery everywhere you look! The whole hike is 11 kilometers of mostly flat and paved path and takes around 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. You can also walk only half of the trail and end your hike in Cully, another charming wine-growing village where you can take the train or boat back. Alternatively, you can hop on board the Lavaux Express tourist train, which runs from April to October and offers several routes and amazing views of the vineyards. For those wanting to learn more about this wine-growing region, the Lavaux Vinorama, in Rivaz, offers a selection of more than 250 local wines you can enjoy, as well as wine-tasting tours. Vanda is a journalist turned yoga teacher turned travel blogger. Combining her passions for writing, traveling, and yoga, The YogiWanderer is a travel website offering yoga-friendly travel advice for mindful travelers. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and let her help you explore the world and your true self one mindful experience at a time! Santo Wine from Santorini in Greece by Clotilde from A Princess Traveling with Twins Some tourists after a few days on the island wonder if Santorini is worth all the hype. Obviously, it may be a point of view influenced by personal experience, and although Santorini is a very touristic and expensive island, a victim of its own fame, it is undoubtedly also one of the most fascinating Greek islands. If you arrive on the island with the right expectations and you choose one of the impressive accommodations on the edge of the caldera, you will have an exceptional and unforgettable holiday. Do not however make Santorini your destination if you only want a beach holiday, there are other Greek islands where the sea is more accessible, come to Santorini for the poignant sunsets, the incredible views of the caldera, and to try some of its exceptional wines. Few tourists, before arriving in Santorini, know that on the island there are about 20 vineyards and a production of excellent wines. Many vineyards offer the possibility of tours and wine tasting, one of the best options is offered by Santo Wine. Santo wine is a cooperative made by different local producers, located in a fairly central and strategic position on the island, on the edge of the caldera, and not far from the picturesque and less touristic village of Pyrgos. You can visit Santo Wine just to try the different wines produced, but if you visit Santorini between March and November the best thing is to start with the winery tour and then stop for the wine tasting. Santo Wine is the winery on the island that produces the largest variety of wines (including some types of bubbles!). During the tour, you will learn that more than 75% of the island's wine production is based on Assyriko grapes and that some plants are centuries-old thanks to the particular soil where they live (made of lava, pumice, and sand) which makes them very resistant to diseases. You will discover the demanding manual work that takes place in keeping the vines very close to the ground model in a kind of circular basket, which helps to preserve humidity in the hot months, and finally, you will be able to appreciate the more mechanical part of the vinification carried out with modern machinery that guarantees the purity of the final product. The tour lasts about an hour and afterward, you can relax on the magnificent terrace tasting the wines accompanied by local snacks while admiring the breathtaking view of the caldera! If you can, book a table for sunset time! Clotilde is a mum of twins with a full-time job who, together with her husband, decided to start to help families that want to travel with kids but don't know where to start. On “A princess Traveling with Twins” you will find help to build adventurous itineraries for your trips from their personal examples, which you can simply copy, including all the details, costs, tips, and advice to make sure everything will run smoothly. Discovering Wine of the Douro Valley in Portugal by Maartje & Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack Whenever visiting Portugal, the Douro Valley will pop up when researching your trip right away. This stunning area along the Douro river east of the famous city of Port is one of the top destinations in the country. Why? Because the rolling hills along the river banks are filled with the best vineyards of Portugal, creating not just a stunning sight but also the famous port wine the country is known for. The Douro river is long – it actually starts all the way in Spain and the river is definitely worth a mini road trip, starting all the way at the Spanish border and finishing in Porto as the sea – but there is one specific area that draws in the crowds. It's close to the town of Pinhao, which itself is not that interesting besides its beautiful train station, but it is right in the middle of the most stunning vineyards. There are many vineyards along the Douro in this area – ‘Quinta’ in Portuguese, as you will soon learn from all the signs – and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. We did a wine tour and tasting at Quinta da Pereira, a lovely family-run vineyard and winery where we stayed for a few nights with our camper van and baby girl for free. The owner explained how they produce both the famous port wine and ‘normal’ wine and how each vineyard gets a port quota each year depending on the size of their vineyards and how the big brands buy many of those quotas to be able to produce port. It creates a fascinating insight into how the port business in Portugal actually works, along with a great tasting of the best this vineyard has to offer. And if wine is not your thing – or you can’t drink it as you are breastfeeding your baby girl – you’ll be happy to learn that Quinta da Pereira and many other vineyards in the area also produce the most delicious olive oil and you’ll get to try it during a tasting as well. Maartje & Sebastiaan – The Orange Backpack - decided to move their tenth date to Cambodia and have been the best travel buddies ever since. Their travel team just got a bit bigger, when their baby girl Linde was born in April 2021 and when they built their own travel van a few months later. The Alsace Wine Route in France by Bec Wyld from Wyld Family Travel If you love a glass or two of wine then a trip along the Alsace wine route will have you sampling some of the best wines in the world. This amazing area in Eastern France is world-renowned for producing some of the most delicious wines in the world and people flock to the region year-round to get a taste of it. From dry whites to robust reds there is something for everyone along the Alsace wine route. For many, their wine journey in the Alsace starts in 2 of the larger towns of Strasbourg and Colmar but it is in the smaller towns like Eguisheim, Ribeauville, or Riquewihr where you will get the best experience. Their wine caves although smaller are more personal and you have the time to talk to the sellers so you get the very best from your tasting. The Ribeauville wine Co-op is the oldest wine cooperative in France and is a great venue for you to sample their wines. Dopff Moulin and Wolfburger are brands that have extended themselves into the international markets although their roots are still deeply embedded in the Alsace. Wolfburger is now also branching into liqueurs and flavors for beer which is great for people looking to extend their tastes. If you want to venture out of the small towns and drive the route it will take you through what seems to be neverending fields of grapevines with vineyards you can drive in to sample their house wine. Visiting a vineyard in the Alsace is an amazing experience but most are shut during the winter months. The Alsace Wine route also weaves its way through some of the most picturesque towns on the planet and makes the drive even more spectacular with unique and once-off smaller wineries combined with some big-name vineyards as well. If you want to sit and relax in any of the towns you will find nearly all of the restaurants have a preferred winery they use to pair with their Alsatian cuisine. Wyld Family Travel is all about first-hand travel experiences from travel experts. Whether you enjoy family travel, couple travel, solo travel, or travel with teenagers we have the best and most detailed destination guides to help you plan your next vacation with ease. Also, check out Wyld Family Travel's Facebook and Instagram. Visit The Cradle of Wine in Kakheti, Georgia By Emily from Wander-Lush One for wine lovers who think they’ve tried it all, the Republic of Georgia offers a totally unique wine experience at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Sometimes referred to as ‘the cradle of wine, Georgia has an 8000-plus-year-old history of viticulture and one of the world’s longest surviving winemaking traditions, which uses Qvevri clay amphora to ferment grapes underground. Skin-contact wines (where the skins, seeds, and stalks are left on for part or all of the process) are a specialty in Georgia and produce the country’s characteristic deep amber wines. Vineyards can be found all over the country, with the Alazani River Valley in Eastern Georgia’s Kakheti being the most productive wine region. There are literally thousands of wineries one can visit here, ranging from tiny family cellars that produce a few thousand bottles a year, to commercial wineries, and even monasteries where the monks cork their own. A wine-tasting experience in Georgia is a bit different than what you might be used to. Instead of sitting down at a white-clothed table for a formal tasting, it’s much more common to sample wines over a meal. Usually, the winemaker is present so you can ask questions and learn about the vineyard and his or her process. Conversation and toasting are all part of the experience. It’s an intimate, social activity and a reflection of wine’s importance to Georgian culture. Most wineries also offer guests a tour of the grounds and a demonstration of the Qvevri fermentation process. A great time to visit Georgia is during autumn when the annual Rtveli wine harvest takes place. If your timing is right, you can lend a hand to pick and crush the grapes before tasting the last season’s wines. This is often accompanied by music, dancing, and lots and lots of food. Emily is the founder of Wander-Lush, a culture-focused travel blog and the internet’s most comprehensive resource for travel in Georgia. She is currently based in Kutaisi. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for more. St Emilion Vineyards in Bordeaux, France by Victoria from Guide Your Travel St Emilion is a beautiful little vineyard town located just outside of the city of Bordeaux. It’s the perfect day trip location and ideal if you’re seeing the area and are looking for a great vineyard tour to join. St Emilion is home to some of the best wines in the world including the notorious Grand Cru Classe wines. There are hundreds of chateau and vineyards surrounding the little town and there are plenty of things to see and do. Saint-Emilion has incredible architecture and rich history dating back to 56 BC when the first winemaking grapes were cultivated in the area. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the two most common wines in the region although you’ll find pretty much every single type of wine. In St Emilion itself, you can go to different caves where wine is stored and most of them have tastings. While free tastings are rare most are still very affordable considering you’ll be trying some of the best wines in the world. If you’re looking for a more in-depth tour of the local vineyards you should definitely buy tickets for the little tourist train. This costs less than 10€ and will take you all around the vineyards to different chateaux. You can choose between a tour with a tasting or another one that will just drive you around the vineyards to look at everything from the comfort of the little train. There are audio guides in several languages on board so you can learn all about the incredible history of the area. If you do decide to pay for the tasting you’ll be taken to Chateau Rochebelle which is one of the most famous in the area. Tour their caves and learn all about the winemaking process in this beautiful place. Victoria is a travel blogger and writer who loves to talk about bucket list destinations and how you can see them on a budget. Her blog Guide your Travel includes destination guides for Europe, Australia, and Asia and will help you start your own life as a digital nomad. Champagne of Veuve Cliquot in Reims, France by Lena from Salut from Paris An inevitable destination for everyone who enjoys a glass of exquisite and delicate champagne is of course the Champagne region in the East of France. While there are many sparkling wines out there, only wines produced in the Champagne region with locally sourced grapes are legally allowed to be called Champagne. Hence, it’s not surprising that a trip to the region offers you an unbelievable amount of champagne houses that are waiting for you to visit. One house you shouldn’t miss though is the famous and prestigious Veuve Cliquot winery. Conveniently located in the regional capital Reims, the Veuve Cliquot Headquarters is easily accessible as a day trip from Paris but also as a stand-alone vacation to savor the beautiful Champagne region. The wine cellars of Veuve Cliquot are just a short walk from the city center of Reims, and it is necessary to reserve your spot in advance. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and a jacket, it is a chill 11 °C in the cellars. In the company of your host, you descend to the wine cellars. The tunnels in the chalky underground are in total more than 200 km long, but of course, shared between different Champagne Houses and you will explore only a bit of it. Your host not only enlightens you about the history of Champagne making but shares also interesting information about the lady of the house, the Veuve Cliquot (Veuve - widow). After the early passing of her husband, she fought to continue their business, a rare undertaking for a widowed woman in the 17th century! After visiting different sections of the wine cellars, it’s time for the highlight of your wine cellar tour: the Champagne tasting! Your host and champagne expert invites you to taste two different Champagnes of the House Veuve Cliquot. Thanks to their expertise you get to discover a whole range of nuances and tasty delicacies, which helps to appreciate these exquisite Champagnes even more. If you are keen on more Champagne after your tasting, stop by the boutique. Apart from all sorts of merchandise and delicious champagne at appealing rates, the shop also has a Champagne tasting bar. For an additional fee, you can try different sorts and even the most exquisite vintages. Salut from Paris provides a perfect combination of an essential travel guide with valuable local insider tips. No matter if it’s about finding the best hotel, getting around town, or discovering secret spots and little-known sights - Salut from Paris has the answers. It’s a source of knowledge that helps visitors to navigate Paris by providing itineraries of sights and around neighborhoods, but also indicates where it’s worth leaving the beaten path to see more from Paris than the usual guidebooks suggest. Also, check out Salut from Paris Facebook! Saraceni Winery & Vineyard in Sant'Andrea in Percussina Lisa from Travel Connect Experience About 20 km south of Florence, in the heart of Chianti, there is a village of a handful of houses surrounded by vineyards. The landscape is enchanting and in the neighborhood, there are only a few souls. Travelers who pass through the village of Sant'Andrea in Percussina, even more than for the wine, do so to visit the house where Niccolo' Machiavelli, a political figure and philosopher who lived between the 15th and 16th centuries, lived. The "Albergaccio", which is what Machiavelli called the house where he was forced to retire after the Medici had chased him away from Florence, is a hidden gem in Tuscany. It is here that one of the most studied political theorists in the world wrote his main work "The Prince", dividing his time between the rooms of the house and the inn. Today the Albergaccio is a house museum whose rooms with original furniture can be visited with a guided tour. In the wine cellars of the house there are large barrels dating back to the 17th century. Machiavelli's house and its lands, cultivated with vineyards, are now owned by the Saraceni Family, which continues to produce white, red, and rosè wines as well as sparkling wines. Chianti, Brachetto, Moscato, Pinot, Chardonnay, Prosecco, are just some of the wines produced by Saraceni's wineries and they can be bought online as well. Villa Machiavelli, which is the name of the contemporary estate, is also a restaurant where it is possible to taste typical Tuscan dishes in different ways: -Classic Restaurant Menu -Bistrot with taglieri (cutting boards filled with different types of cheese and cured meats) and burgers for the aperitivo time. -Street food, for a quick and easy meal accompanied by the Saraceni wines. One of the dishes on the menu, among the appetizers, is the "pappa al pomodoro", (tomato mush), which was often ordered by Niccolò Machiavelli to the cooks who worked in his kitchen, which can be visited through the tour of the house museum. At the villa are also hosted banquets for ceremonies and events. In order to fully enjoy this place with more than 500 years of history, it is necessary to go there a couple of hours before the meal. In this way, you will have time to do the guided tour of the house museum and then sit down at the restaurant and taste the typical dishes of the region and the wines produced by the grapes of the vineyards which belonged to the author of "The Prince". Lisa is an Italian with a passion for showing the beautiful region where she grew up to travelers from all over the world. She writes about off-the-beaten-path-destinations in Central Italy on her travel blog - Travel Connect Experience - and she is also a tour guide and teacher of the Italian language. If you LOVE this - PIN IT! Thank you so much! Ultimate Travel Hacks for Wine Travelers Find Cheap Flight Tickets Online For a quick and easy meta-search for the cheapest flight ticket available, Expedia is outstanding. Find Airfare to the right price, right away, by scanning thousands of flights in one single search. Accommodation on Your Destination Want to book the best Hotel, Resort, Bed and Breakfast, or even an Igloo, perfectly matching your travel budget? Booking will guide you seamlessly to the most valuable accommodation possible. Find Your Perfect Travel Insurance A Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers, made by Travelers. No one understands your need better or knows what Travel Insurance should cover better than those who travel full-time. Travel Safely! Hassle-Free Visa Online in 3 Easy Steps Find out if you need a Visa to Travel, purchase, and get it delivered directly online as easily as 1-2-3! The benefits are simplicity, speed, and reliable service topped off with awesome Customer Support. Travel Plans made simple. 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With the diverse landscapes extending from North to South and East to West, India is blended with multicultural experiences. Known for its rich heritage and plentitude of attractions, it makes up for an amazing travel destination that attracts tourists from all across the world. Guest Blogger: Sunanda Ghosh, Banbanjara Travels Table of Content: "10 Amazing Destinations in India" Make India Your Next Destination to Travel Dal Lake, Jammu, and Kashmir Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, West Bengal Varanasi Ghats, Uttar Pradesh Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Make India Your Next Destination to Travel India stands apart from the rest of Asia, as the 7th largest country in the world, significantly marked off by its mountains and the sea giving it a distinct geographical entity. Home to the architectural wonders, the serene ghats along the flowing rivers, to the splendid landscapes and golden beaches and not to forget the lush green cover in some places. Get to discover the natural wonders as well as the rich culture and also be a part of the festivities and events celebrated around the year in our motherland, India so aptly described by the Ministry of Tourism as “Incredible India”. Our country is filled with delights and beauties, from the verdant landscapes and varied languages to its rich culture and mouth-watering delicacies. To find out more about them, we have listed down the 10 most amazing destinations to visit in India: Dal Lake, Jammu, and Kashmir Kashmir, popularly known as ‘The Paradise On Earth’ or ‘ Heaven On Earth’ owing to its natural wonders and its beauty which is incomparable. One of the most serene destinations to visit once in a lifetime. A lake in Srinagar, which got its name as ‘Dal’ which in Kashmiri means lake, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. A central point of tourism in Srinagar, Kashmir and is good for recreational activities, local vegetable markets, a floating market which usually can be seen early in the morning and is, therefore, named as “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an important source of earning livelihood for commercial activities such as fishing and water plant harvesting. One can enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the lake from the houseboats, go on a shikara ride even by traveling around the road by the lake. A shikara ride can really boost up the mood and there’s a feeling of peace and happiness instantly. How to reach: By Air: 22 km away from Srinagar International Airport By Train: Jammu railway station and then travel by road for 8 hours. Also 14 km away from Srinagar Railway station By Road: 5 km from Lal Chowk Srinagar; also accessible by road, through the largest tunnel, Jawahar Banihal Pass tunnel that connects Jammu to Kashmir Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand A bouquet of nature bestowed with the beauty of exotic flora, nestled in Western Uttarakhand is a peaceful destination flowing by the Pushpawati river, covered by the dense forests. It can be reached by crossing the glaciers, the pristine waterfalls, and many bridges on the way. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is an Indian National Park is attracted to travelers worldwide. The Valley of Flowers exhibits the alpine flowers, the fresh meadows, and the rich diversity of flora and fauna. The mystical beauty of this valley is favorite amongst adventure lovers, nature lovers, and botany specialists. The valley is surrounded by beautiful colors as it blooms innumerable flowers. A good spot for trekking it also finds its place among the bucket list of the trekkers and is a center of attraction for the photographers too. How to reach: By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, which is 284 Km away from Joshimath and then you have to go by road and finally trek for 13 km to reach the base camp By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the closest railway station By Road: Bus or taxi ride from Rishikesh, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, West Bengal One of the favorite places for nature lovers and photographers especially for wildlife photography and the existence of a variety of mangrove species. It lies on the Ganga- Brahmaputra Delta at a point where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. Sundarbans is among the wonderful places nature lovers can visit. Even if you are not lucky enough to sight the Royal Bengal Tiger, a boat ride amidst the mangroves will enchant you. Estuarine crocodiles and various birds are easy to spot. Sundarban was coined either from the forests of Sundari tree or the largest Mangrove tree with its branches spread across the water bodies far and wide hence the name Sundari-ban, or Sundarban. The most common tree found in this place. How to reach: By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and almost 2 hrs ride away to a small town Canning where one can go to Godkhali Port to enjoy a Jetty ride to reach the Sundarbans. Launch services are available at Sonakhali, Namkhana, or Raidighi. By Train: A suburban train ride up the route from Howrah or Sealdah to Canning town. Varanasi Ghats, Uttar Pradesh There are almost 100 ghats and 80 ghats are very famous, also known as Assi Ghat. Of all these ghats, the most famous and oldest ghats are the Dashashwamedha, Manikarnika, and Harishchandra Ghat. One can find spiritual bliss in one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi, the ghats overlooking the holy River Ganga, and attracts a number of pilgrims or devotees every year. The most famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple also exists here. Funeral rites were conducted at the Ghats. The age-old traditions and beliefs, the evening aartis, and prayers light up the ghats, the sunset scenes perfect for photography and the sweet essence of the incense and camphor spreads the bliss and adds charm and beauty to the atmosphere to make it wonderful. One of the famous visitor attractions is the morning boat ride on River Ganges, leaving imprints upon the memories of the visitors. How to reach: By Air: Varanasi airport, the nearest airport, well connected to major cities By Train: Varanasi railway station is the nearest By Road: A luxury bus or private car ride from Lucknow Sunanda Ghosh is an MBA HR Graduate as well as pursuing Bachelor in English Honours. She is presently involved in content writing work with Banbanjara Travels LLP and taking short-term courses on human resources. She is fond of reading books and magazines and writing articles, interacting with people, and is still learning every day. Sunanda is also interested in getting to know about new things, traveling, enjoying the scenic views, and cooking.

Food and Travel Guides teamed up with some really talented Food Travel Bloggers to have a look at what Amazing Worldwide Street Food Spots they would recommend. We really love the outcome of this collaboration and hope you do too. Feel free to like, comment and share. Have you been to any of the following Food Destinations? Let us know in the comments what you think of them! Bon Appetit! Team at Food and Travel Guides Table of Content "Amazing Worldwide Street Food Spots" 1. Mexico City Street Food by Travel Mexico Solo 2. Office Para Street Food in Kolkata, India by Backpack & Explore 3. Empanadas in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo by Punta Cana Travel Blog 4. Palermo Sicily Italian Street Food by Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures 5. Street Food at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan by Greta's Travels 6. The Muslim Market in Xi'an, China by Grey Globetrotters 7. Street Food on Temple Street, Hong Kong by Knycx Journeying 8. Tasty Street Food from Tibet in India by Wayward Wayfarer 9. Polish Street Food in Warsaw by Wyld Family Travel 10. Camden Market Street Food in London by London Dreamings 11. Dotonbori District Street Food in Osaka, Japan by Directionally Challenged Traveler 12. Taiping Malaysian Street Food by Penang Insider 13. Fengjia Night Market, Taichung, Taiwan by Hop on World 14. Kuala Lumpur Street Food, Malaysia by Tara Lets Anywhere 15. Berliner Street Food, Germany by A World in Reach 16. Food Capital of Italy: Bologna Street Food by Italy Foodies 17. Seoul Street Food is Soul Food for Foodies by Truly Expat 18. Delicious Street Food in Hanoi, Vietnam by Uprooted Traveler 19. Yogyakarta Street Food in Java, Indonesia by Guide Your Travel 20. Roadside BBQ: Traditional Street Food in Samoa by Culture Shock Adventure 21. Night Market Street Food in Taipei, Taiwan by Claire Pins Travel 22. Ultimate Travel Hacks for Food Travelers Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. The King of all Taco: Taco el Pastor Mexico City Street Food by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo Mexico has a huge street food culture, but perhaps none is more famous than the street food of Mexico City. Known as the taco capital of Mexico, for street food lovers who want to sample the many different tacos from Mexico, you'll want to check out the street food in Mexico City — though it has much more than just tacos! The street food you'll see the most in Mexico City, day and night, are tacos. They come in so many different varieties, styles and flavors, though the king of Mexican tacos is "tacos al pastor". You will see these tacos all over town, and in fact, some streets even have two or three pastor tacos shops. To eat where the locals do, head to the famous Calle Lorenzo Boturini said to have some of the most delicious taco shops in the city. There are also other great street food tacos in Mexico City, like "tacos arabes" (Arabian tacos), tacos de canasta (basket tacos), "tacos campechanos" (tacos with a mix of two types of meat), and "suadero tacos". Suadero is a thin cut of meat, located between the belly and the leg. It can be from the cow or pig, but in Mexico City, it will usually be pork meat. This cut is very popular in Mexico City, and this is the second most popular street taco besides tacos al pastor. While everyone must try the tacos in Mexico City, there are other street foods to sample as well. Among the most popular street foods in Mexico City, many would be surprised to know that it's actually the "torta", which is a Mexican sandwich made on a soft bread called "bolillo". As tacos can be a bit messy, the torta is easier to grab and go — and not get a stain on your shirt from eating. There are tortas with every filling, but for a true locals' experience, try a "guajolota" (a torta stuffed with a tamale), or torta de chilaquiles (a torta stuffed with tortilla chips, salsa, beans, and more). Some other favorites are "elote", Mexican corn on the cob covered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder. The machete is basically a long quesadilla, which can hold a lot more ingredients than a regular quesadilla because of its long length. The "tlacoyo" is a football-shaped open-face taco that you can find for sale on street corners all over Mexico City. This is an ancient, prehispanic food that's been eaten on the streets of Mexico for thousands of years! Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After traveling solo to 16 states in Mexico, she settled down in Mérida, Mexico, in 2019. Today, she runs Travel Mexico Solo and helps travelers plan their perfect Mexico trip. Catch up with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Anchor, for Mexico podcast episodes. Office Para Street Food in Kolkata, India by Sinjana Ghosh from Backpack & Explore Office Para got its name from being the center of business in Kolkata long before the IT boom arrived and took over the traditional career choices of an average Indian. Located in the historic BBD Bag a.k.a Dalhousie Square, this has been home to government offices since British colonial rule. Even today it is home to major financial institutions, headquarters of some centralized banks, the Kolkata Reserve Bank, and the Kolkata Stock Exchange. And with so much work around comes the appetite for good food. The colonial architecture of the grand old buildings in this area fascinates many architecture-enthusiasts. But for long, the street food of office para has been the best-kept secret of the Dominique Lapierre’s City of Joy. Mouth-watering, hygienic, and fulfilling meals at the cheapest price that you can imagine- this is what makes office para special. This is a place where you can get your choice of customized meal freshly prepared before your eyes within Rs. 50 (that’s less than $1). Luchi Alur dom, Ghugni Porota, Chowmein, Roti Sabzi – these are some of the most popular choices of lunch at office para. Like a pure Kolkatan, you should conclude your meal with a dessert – a glass of Malai Lassi, or a bowl of Kesar Kulfi or the Bengali Mishti Doi. For snacks the options are plenty. From everyone’s favorite Fuchka (similar yet different from Golgappas of North India and Pani puri of Mumbai) to Ghugni chaat, eggroll, fish chop, and samosas, there’s no dearth of quick bites in Kolkata. But if there’s only one place in the city where you can go to quench your thirst for ultimate Indian street food it’s here. Post pandemic, the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry has taken an initiative to turn Dalhousie Square into a cultural and street food hub after office hours. This also necessitated an enormous training program for the humble and friendly street-food vendors to undergo a complete makeover. So next time, do not miss the experience of eating your heart out in office para when planning your Kolkata Trip. Sinjana Ghosh is a travel blogger and the author of the book Postcards from India. She blogs about her travels in India and beyond on her blog Backpack & Explore. It's full of practical travel guides for time-poor travelers as well as funny anecdotes, historic tidbits, and the back-story of places. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Empanadas in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog The Dominican Republic is not necessarily known for world-class street food, but there are certain dishes and snacks you have to try while on vacation. One of these is empanadas, a fried samosa-kind dough filled with all kinds of ingredients, typically chicken, beef, cheese, and/or vegetables. You can get empanadas everywhere in the Dominican Republic and at nearly every hour of the day. Dominicans mostly eat them either for breakfast or dinner. However, there are different kinds of empanadas. While the typical street food empanada is mostly a greasy dough with a random filling, there are certainly places in the country where it is highly recommended to eat empanadas. The top 3 empanada street food stalls in the Dominican Republic are the following: 1) Santo Domingo, Siciliy’s: the hands-down best empanadas in the entire country. They usually have around 20 different fillings, including approx. 7-8 vegetarian options. They have creative combinations for their fillings such as eggplant and ricotta, sweet plantain and cheese, or bacon and mushrooms. 2) Punta Cana, Delicias de Bavaro: the most local spot to eat in Bavaro and Punta Cana, with the freshest empanadas in the entire area with approx. 7-10 different flavors. 3) San José de las Matas, D’Leonora Empanadas: a street food stall with decades of history in the area. They are using yucca dough to prepare their empanadas, a unique variation. Pro tip: an empanada must be hot when eating. Refuse to eat any empanadas which have been fried more than 10 minutes ago – it just won’t taste good. But there are also other snacks and dishes in the country than just empanadas. In case you fancy something else, the following are popular street food options in the Dominican Republic as well: Plato del Dia – the most common lunch you get in every “Comedor” (a kind of open local restaurant where lunch is served) is the Plato del Dia, consisting of rice, beans, salad, and meat. Chicharron – a salty snack or dish, particularly sold at roadside stalls and on nightly hangout spots. Chicharron is a deep-fried pork rind, which gets usually served with lemon sauce and optional yucca. Yaroa – Yaroa is a favorite Dominican Street food consisting of three layers: French fries, meat, and cheese. Those ingredients are topped with loads of ketchup and mayonnaise, making it a super greasy and filling street food in the Dominican Republic. If you’d like to know more about Chris and his second home country, the Dominican Republic, check out his website Punta Cana Travel Blog. After traveling through all parts of the world, he is living in this beautiful and underrated country since 2015 - mostly in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Chris knows all the pristine beaches and secluded waterfalls you can explore in Punta Cana and the entire country and loves it if visitors leave their all-inclusive resort to discover the beauty, diversity, Caribbean smiles, and Latin vibes the Dominican Republic has to offer. Check out Chris' Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest too. Palermo Sicily Italian Street Food by Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures Sicily is well-known for its abundance of unique street food. The historical city of Palermo, Sicily has an amazing amount of street markets with food stalls vending all sorts of fresh Sicilian produce and other Sicilian treats for your tastebuds’ delight. There are two main outdoor markets for authentic Palermo street food. The Ballero and Capo markets are bustling squares and stone alleys crammed full of food goodies. The noise volume is always on high as some vendors yell out their daily special to get your attention and others strike up invigorating conversations with friends. The vibrant colors of the foods and the smells of the street market envelope you as you slowly stroll past each unique display. Palermo is notorious for serving up a spleen sandwich to the amazement of unsuspecting visitors. The veal or calf spleen is boiled and then fried in fat. It has a strong flavor that isn’t for everyone, but any true foodie would have to try the spleen sandwich while in Palermo. Equally unique for Palermo street food is the "stigghiola", or roasted intestines that are served as a kebap! After a helping of stigghola, there are many more options to choose from like "frittola", "sfincione", "panella", and "cazzili". Perhaps the most famous Palermo street food is arancini. The Sicilian rice balls are filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and sauce before frying them to a crisp. They are a very popular snack and are sold at many stalls throughout the markets. Make sure to save room for the Palermo desserts! Sicilians are the proud creators of cannoli. These delicious sweets treats are fried dough that can be filled with ricotta, ice cream, or gelato. Speaking of gelato, the Sicilian gelato is a lighter version that is still full of flavor. Is your mouth watering yet with the discussion of all the Palermo street food? The must-try list of unique street food is long when visiting any Sicilian food market. Michelle Moyer is from Ohio and blog at Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures. As an empty-nester, she gained more freedom to roam the world. She often travels with her hubby or her adult daughters. As a fellow member of the 9-5 workforce, she will help you maximize your vacation time by planning ahead. She writes detailed hints and advice so that those who follow in her footsteps to destinations unknown can reap the knowledge of someone who has been there and done that. Never Stop Exploring! Now go explore Michelle's Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Street Food at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan by Greta Omoboni from Greta's Travels If you’re looking for the best street food in the world, make sure to add Nishiki Market in Kyoto to your bucket list. This incredible street food market is a must on every Kyoto itinerary. Located close to the famous Gion neighborhood of Kyoto, this unique marketplace is home to a multitude of different delicacies. Here you can find pretty much everything, from wagyu beef sushi to dango skewers. You can also try traditional takoyaki or even mocha ice cream. The market is concentrated on one main shopping street, which runs for five blocks, even though you will find many shops and stalls in the streets surrounding it. Visiting Nishiki Market isn’t just a foodie experience. Nishiki Market has been around for several centuries, with the first shop opening in 1310. It started out as a fish wholesale district and evolved to include more street food options as it grew over the years. Many stores have been operated by the same family for generations. The market is obviously free to enter, and is open every day from around 9 AM to 6 PM, although specific timings and days off will vary from shop to shop. Nishiki Market runs parallel from the busy Shijo Avenue, and you can easily walk there in less than five minutes from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line or Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. Nishiki Market is one of the best places to try Japanese street food, as well as learn about Japan’s history. If you’re looking for the best street food in the world, it can’t miss from your bucket list. Greta Omodoni is an Italian travel blogger and content creator based in London. She started Greta’s Travels when she was working 9-5 as a management consultant, both as a way to share her travel stories, but also with the aim to escape the office life (spoiler alert, it worked)! Wherever she's in the world, you can usually find her hiking a mountain, catching a wave, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or tasting everything the local cuisine has to offer. The Muslim Market in Xi'an, China by Coralie Thornton from Grey Globetrotters The #1 attraction for most visitors to the Chinese city of Xi’an is a trip to see the famous Terracotta Army. Incredibly, many tourists return to their hotels afterward to eat in the hotel restaurant before setting off the next day, having ticked Xi’an off their bucket list. But those folk are missing a massive culinary treat. The Muslim Market is authentic foodie heaven and it’s totally unique to Xi’an thanks to its large Muslim population. This vibrant market is located within the old city walls of Xi’an, moments from the historic Drum Tower. The intoxicating aroma of spices and the cacophony of street vendors will draw you towards the myriad stalls that crowd the streets. The biggest dilemma is what to try! While you’re deciding, it’s fun to browse and watch Xi’an’s famous rice noodles being freshly made right in front of you. If you don’t speak Chinese, you don’t need to worry - just point to the pictures on the menu if you fancy trying something (and you really should). Don’t miss the fiendishly tasty, uber-popular local dish “roujiamo” or Chinese hamburger; marinated lamb or beef in a freshly baked bun. You’ll need to queue, but it’s well worth the wait – but do remember to pack some wipes as those buns are super juicy! We also tried insanely good crayfish that was absolutely dripping with fiery chili oil, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, mooncakes, and refreshing plum tea. This market is no tourist trap – it’s a favorite local haunt too, and very busy at lunchtime. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with city workers who flock here to pick up tasty bites. Visit in the evening and you’ll see all the stalls brightly lit up with neon. Expect to haggle for your food or treat yourself to a food tour with an experienced guide. Coralie Thornton blog about her travels at Grey Globetrotters. Whether you’re looking for detailed destination guides, off-the-beaten-track gems, travel tips, or information about safe solo travel for women over 50, you’ll find it all there. Also, check out Coralie's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more. Street Food on Temple Street, Hong Kong by Knycx Journeying Hong Kong is a food paradise with unique and diverse choices of cuisine from East to West. To truly take a deep dive into Hong Kong’s dramatic local food scene, there’s no way better than venturing into the streets and alleys in Temple Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, and not only sampling them but also it’s a feast to your eyes. While the entire Yau Tsim Mong area embraces an old-fashioned Hong Kong charm like you have seen in many Kung Fu, martial art, and gangster movies; Temple Street is the epic center of all the actions connecting Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. As the sun goes down and the neon lights turn on, the street transformed from a busy place to a night market, where hawker set up their stalls in front of the shop front, showcasing things from antiques, arts, and electronics, to fortune-telling and more. “Dai Pai Dongs” is a street food restaurant that has tables and stools set on the side of the road, and you could just enjoy snacks or a full dinner; no trip to Hong Kong complete without eating in a Cha Chaan Teng, and enjoy a cup of legendary milk tea, together with a regular set or a French toast. Hong Kong’s egg waffle has taken the world by storm in the last decade. This waffle-pancake hybrid is a treat that warms your heart with a crispy exterior but a spongy and soft interior. Hong Kong local bakeries offer an exciting choice of pastries that you may not usually see anywhere else in the world, too. The complete list of Hong Kong local food could go on and on, but a few things that you simply must try are fish balls with curry sauce, the stuffed “three treasures” (eggplant, bell pepper and bean curd”, imitation shark fin soup, fried squid tentacles, deep-fried intestine, siu mai; dumplings, ox offal, and stinky tofu. Knycx Journeying is a blog covering anything that interests us from history, culture, humanity, architecture, art, food, and music to outdoor adventure. The Blog made it the mission to inspire readers with guides, adventures, resources, tips, and more – for you to experience what this amazing and beautiful world has to offer. Find more at Knycx Journeying's Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter! Tasty Street Food from Tibet in India by Avantika Chaturvedi from Wayward Wayfarer Since the Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet and had to seek shelter in India in 1960, many Tibetan refugee settlements have formed across parts of India. While their history and struggle have been long and painful, Tibetans have brought with them such cultures and traditions in India that were not seen before. Tibetan food forms a major part of this, especially Tibetan street food. While momos have taken to Delhi's streets in hoards, the lesser-known Tibetan street food gem is "laphing". Laphing is basically a sheet made of mung bean, filled with chili garlic sauce and soy chunks, then rolled and cut into pieces and served cold. A soupy variant of this also exists, as well as a rice sheet variant which is white in color - as opposed to mung bean's yellow. Laphing can be found widely in most Tibetan settlements across India, such as Majnu ka Tilla in Delhi, Bir in Himachal Pradesh, and Mundgod in Karnataka. This savory and spicy snack has long been one of my go-to dishes when hunger strikes! Wayward Wayfarer is a travel blog run by Avantika Chaturvedi which mainly focuses on slow, solo, and sustainable travel across offbeat locations in the Indian subcontinent. Check out Wayward Wayfarer's Instagram as well! Polish Street Food in Warsaw by Bec from Wyld Family Travel Poland is a wonderful country full of history, marvelous buildings, amazing people, and some of the best food on the planet. That may shock you but if you haven't had the chance to dig into a bowl of Periogi or devour a "zapikanka" you definitely have been missing out! One of the best places for food in Poland is Warsaw. When you visit Warsaw and spend some time in the Old Town area you will be absolutely delighted with the street food you can just pick up and wander with. Many people will opt for a Zapikanka as they wander. Grabbing one of these mighty tasty pieces of deliciousness is a must and there's absolutely no sharing once you take the first bite! Zapikanka is like a sub or some people refer to it as Polish pizza. The size is up to you and so are the toppings although they do come in some set combinations. You can either get a half-size or a full-size, your choice of toppings, then it is toasted, handed to you and you are off! On a hot day get yourself some "Lody"! Lody is soft-serve ice cream and for some reason, it tastes so much better in Poland! There are little shops, more like holes in the wall or little dispensers on the streets where you can pick yourself up a cone. Another favorite is "Gofry". Loaded waffles are hard to eat on the run so I suggest pulling up a seat or a step from where you get your Gofry and enjoying it right where you stand. On a cold day, you can warm yourself up with a perfect hot chocolate from E. Wedels. While not technically street food this is bound to keep you warm in a takeaway cup as you walk. You can also get some of the popular Periogi from some small shops that offer takeaway. At Christmas time you will find so many little stalls dotted all over the old town as a part of all the markets held there. Here you can find just about anything to eat from grilled Polish sausage in bread, goulash with potato pancakes, shashlik, and fried whole potatoes with bacon and onion. Wyld Family Travel is all about first-hand travel experiences from travel experts. Whether you enjoy family travel, couple travel, solo travel, or travel with teenagers, we have the best and most, detailed destination guides to help you plan your next vacation with ease. Also, check out the Wyld Family Travel's Facebook! Camden Market Street Food in London by Greta Omodoni from London Dreamings If you’re looking for the best street food spots in the world, you have to add Camden Market in London to your bucket list. Located a short 5-minute walk away from Camden Town tube station, Camden Market is a vibrant hub of tasty street food, hipster vintage shops, tattoo and piercing parlors, and trendy outfit stalls. Here you will find a huge variety of street food from all over the world. There are stalls selling halloumi fries, traditional Italian piadina, Venezuelan arepa, Dutch poffertjes pancakes, and even Indian curry. There are street food stalls all over the market, but most of them are concentrated around the canal. Here there are also a number of tables and benches so that if you’re visiting with friends you can get food from different stalls but then still sit and eat together. Halloumi Fries at Camden Street Food Market Visiting Camden Market is one of the best things to do in Camden and features on almost every London bucket list. Being such a popular spot in London, it can get very busy. The best time to visit is around lunchtime during the week when there are fewer people around. However on weekends there are more stalls open, so it's up to you whether you prefer fewer crowds but less street food variety, or more people and more stalls open. If you do visit on a weekend I recommend taking the tube to the nearby stations of Mornington Crescent or Chalk Farm, as Camden Town station can get very busy. Don’t miss out on this incredible street food market, and add Camden Market to your list! Greta Omoboni moved to London in 2012 and quickly fell in love with this incredible city. She started London Dreamings to share her love and top tips for London. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trip or if you’re also a Londoner, London Dreamings will help you make the most of your time in London! Find more on London Dreaming's Instagram. Dotonbori District Street Food in Osaka, Japan by Pamela Drager from Directionally Challenged Traveler When one thinks of destinations to visit for incredible food, Japan is often at the top of the list. Osaka has been nicknamed "Japan's Kitchen" because of its diverse and wide assortment of food available. At the heart of the historic city of Osaka lies the entertainment district, Dotonbori. This area comes to life after 5 pm, with neon lights lighting up the sky. Dotonbori is home to plenty of shops, games, and even an oval Ferris wheel. However, people really come for the food. Literally, everywhere you look, food is being cooked. Smells radiate through the streets as you're stomach has difficulty deciding exactly where to eat in Dotonbori. The original Osaka street food is the most common - takoyaki. The traditional recipe consists of eggs, flour, octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. However, because there are so many restaurants that make it, there is healthy competition to make the best takoyaki, so you'll find plenty of variety around Dotonbori. Don't fill up on the takoyaki though - you'll find plenty of other street foods to indulge in. Okonomiyaki, or a Japanese savory pancake, can be personalized to your tastes and cooked at your table. Yakiniku is a Japanese barbecue - various pieces of meat on a skewer that are marinated and then grilled over an open fire. The only meat not marinated is Kobe beef - it doesn't need it! If you prefer fried instead of grilled, try Kushikatsu. You order by the skewer and make for a perfect snack. You can dip the skewer in a dark sauce for a delicious clash of textures. (Don't double-dip into the sauce - the pots are topped off and used for multiple customers!) No matter where you decide to eat in Dotonbori, Osaka, you won't be disappointed - and you won't go home hungry! Pamela is The Directionally Challenged Traveler - getting lost all around the world. She focuses on experiencing all the world has to offer - from camping in Antarctica to standing in awe at the Pyramids of Giza. Without editing photos, she hopes to show others the joys of travel. Check out her Instagram as well. Taiping Malaysian Street Food by Marco Ferrarese from Penang Insider When thinking about the best Malaysian street food, most think of Penang island and its delicious Penang food. Far fewer however consider a trip a mere 80km south to Taiping, a delightful small town in Perak state. Set at the foot of Maxwell Hill, colonial Malaysia’s first hill station, and developed around the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens, the city was also voted in 2019 as the world’s third most sustainable at the International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) travel trade show in Berlin. Taiping food is nothing short of amazing: start at the Peace hotel, or Kopitiam Hoe Peng, where you should try the famous char koay teow (fried noodles with prawn galore) and the lor bak, a typical Chinese meat sausage consumed with chili sauce. Nearby is the Larut Matang Hawker Center, the real foodie heart of Taiping: this covered market is filled with rows of stalls and tables where patrons eat all sorts of street food galore. A favorite is stall 78, whose koay teow goreng with fishballs are the stuff of dreams. Stall 47 is solid for chicken porridge, and chicken rice is available at stall 61. The Circus Ground Food Court (Pusat Penjaja Taiping) is another great place for scrumptious street food, especially for breakfast. The Chee Cheong Fun (flat rice noodles rolled into little tubes, sliced and soaked in the sauce of your choice, including curry and chili sauce) from stall C37 are the best option here. At night, don't miss the "Plane Naan" (yes, a typo that made the name of this stall) and its tandoori-baked chicken chunks. Amazing. Penang Insider is a travel and lifestyle blog focused on Penang island, the mainland part of the state, Seberang Perai, and the neighboring states of Kedah, Perak, and Perlis. Written by Rough Guides and Lonely Planet writer Marco Ferrarese (view his Writer Portfolio), who has called Penang home for a decade, Penang Insider offers the best local intelligence about the best food, activities, and meaningful travel in northern Malaysia. Fengjia Night Market, Taichung, Taiwan by Mariza from Hop on World It's often said that the best way to really get acquainted with a country is through your stomach. And if you're headed to Taiwan, boy, oh boy, are you in for a treat. Often dubbed as the culinary kitchen of Asia, Taiwan boasts a myriad of foodie experiences that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. From Michelin Star restaurants to mom and pop shops dishing up seemingly simple dishes bursting with flavor. However, for the ultimate foodie experience, a visit to one of Taiwan's lively night markets is a must! Taiwan is home to oodles of night markets, and for the crème de la crème of street food spots, don't miss Fengjia Night Market. Located in Taichung, the second-largest city on the island after Taipei, Fengjia Night Market is Taiwan's biggest and most famous night market. On weekends it's a bustling hive brimming with hungry patrons who've come to feast on an array of lip-smackingly delicious street food. You'll find all the usual local street food favorites here – from stinky tofu to scallion pancakes to pepper buns to flame torched beef cubes to braised foods to bubble milk tea, and so much more! Since there are dozens of food stalls here, come just before sunset and come hungry! That way, you can really take your time walking through the night market, snacking on grub, and enjoying the vibe. If you're unsure where to start your gastronomical adventure, the easiest way to find the best snacks is to follow the locals! Like elsewhere in Taiwan, the golden rule at Fengjia Night Market is to keep an eye out for the vendors with the longest lines! So if you see a line snaking around a corner, join in because the food will be worth the wait! Most of the vendors set up shop along Wenhua Road, but make sure also to explore the nooks and crannies jolting off from it as there's bound to be a hidden foodie gem somewhere in the mix! Oh, and travel tip, bring cash when you visit Fengjia. Street food in Taiwan, especially outside Taipei, is generally dirt cheap, and you could easily fill your belly on as little as TWD 200-300 (less than USD 10). Mariza is a former Pretoria-based Advertising Exec who left her job to travel in Asia. More than a decade later, she now calls Taiwan home. On her blog, Hoponworld, you'll find in-depth destination guides and stacks of travel tips to help you travel in Taiwan and Asia. Follow her travels here on Instagram or Facebook. Kuala Lumpur Street Food, Malaysia by Katherine Cortes from Tara Lets Anywhere Malaysia is known for its delicious cuisine, so if you’re looking for the best street food in Asia you shouldn’t skip doing a food tour here. The country is home to a diverse population (with Malay, Indian, and Chinese residents) and this is reflected in their flavorful and diverse food culture. The best place to find street food is the night market. Jalan Alor Night Market is the most famous one and every night it receives hundreds of hungry locals and foreign travelers. However, there are also lesser-known night markets in Kuala Lumpur, which the locals refer to as “pasar malam.” These night markets are less commercial and offer a variety of cheap, delicious street food for you to try. They are located all across the city and so you can visit a different one every day of the week. Some of the best ones include Sri Petaling, Taman Connaught, and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman night markets. Some of the must-try street foods in Kuala Lumpur include nasi lemak – a rice meal that is considered their national dish; chicken rice; satay; and various noodle dishes such as laksa, char kway teow, and chee cheong fun. You can also find other interesting food such as stinky tofu, roasted salt-crusted chicken, and the infamous durian. If you like skewers, there is often a rolling station that offers meats, tofu, and vegetables that can be either grilled or fried. Lastly, for dessert, it’s very easy to find cendol in most eateries or a special iced dish called bird’s nest in some night markets. In Filipino, “tara lets” is a fun slang for “let’s go.” Tara Lets Anywhere is a travel blog that encourages everyone to go out, have fun, and explore. Written by Katherine Cortes, it mostly features budget guides, hotels and resort recommendations, and food trips in the Philippines and other parts of the world. You can follow the blog on Facebook or Instagram. Berliner Street Food, Germany by Sydney from A World in Reach Berlin is an incredible city full of history, culture, and of course, delicious street food! The German capital is one of the best street food cities in Europe and is a contender for one of the best street food cities in the world. Berlin is known for its nightlife, and street food is a must after a night out on the town. Berlin’s streets are full of amazing spots for a quick bite before heading home for the evening. Street food is also perfect for a quick, cheap lunch on the go. If you’re spending a few days in Berlin, make sure to add some street food spots to your itinerary. Currywurst is one of the most popular street foods in Germany and can be found in stalls all over Berlin. For what is said to be the best currywurst in the whole city, head to Curry 36 in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods with some of the city’s best street food. Curry 36 is a small walk-up kiosk serving up delicious currywurst, which is pork sausage covered in curry ketchup (tomato ketchup mixed with curry powder) and typically served with fries. It’s quick, cheap, and easy to eat on the go. Curry 36 is popular among locals and tourists alike and is open daily from 9 am-5 am – so you can get your currywurst fix at any time of the day! Another Berlin street food staple is the döner kebab: seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) topped with vegetables and various sauces and served on a special kind of bread (similar to pita). Much like currywurst, you can find döner stands all around Berlin. Mustafa’s, located in Kreuzberg just down the street from Curry 36, is one of the most famous spots in town – and there’s often a long wait to get your döner fix. Pro tip: if you want to see if Mustafa’s is worth the hype, get there just before opening time to minimize your wait. If you want to skip the line, head to the nearby Original Chicken Gemüse Kebap, just a 10-minute walk from Mustafa’s. Here, you’ll find a delicious döner similar to the one from Mustafa’s without the long wait. After falling in love with traveling the world while studying abroad in college, Sydney started A World in Reach to inspire other students to see the world while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences. Also, you should check out A World in Reach's Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Food Capital of Italy: Bologna Street Food by Lori Sorrentino from Italy Foodies Eating street food in Italy is an adventure into the local culture, and one of the amazing worldwide street food spots in Bologna, Italy, long considered the “food capital of Italy”. Many visitors look to a city’s top restaurants as the prime indicator of the local food scene. Those in the know, however, will gravitate toward the authentic dishes that can only be found on the street. The northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is world-famous for producing over 40 of Italy’s most iconic foods. Three of these foods — Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, aged prosciutto hams, and balsamic vinegar — can be found at both hole-in-the-wall osterias and high-end restaurants. And they are ubiquitous in local sandwich walk-ups to be eaten al passegio, or on the go. Start a conversation with a street vendor and you’ll likely get a lesson on their family, what local foods are in season, and the best places to find them. Most street stands vendors love to chat. A favorite Bolognese street food, especially for breakfast, is gnocco fritto, a simple and airy bit of fried dough that yields an inside pocket that begs to be stuffed with prosciutto, mortadella, local salami, and cheeses or sometimes just a bit of sweet fruit relish. Although good street food can be found almost everywhere in Bologna, the best place for it in the city is the Quadrilatero adjacent to the main square, Piazza Maggiore. This is Bologna’s oldest market and home of the traditional food guilds. In the narrow lanes that make up this historic medieval market, you’ll find small cafes and markets where you can order a fresh-baked roll and the cured meat and cheese of your choosing, to eat as you stroll. For your sweet tooth, there are gelaterias and espresso counters on nearly every block. And of course, the street food scene makes for amazing photos! Lori loves eating her way through Italy and publishing her food finds on Italy Foodies, a travel and food website dedicated to the regional food culture and food experience throughout Italy. She has a special fondness for the foods of her family’s homeland in Campania. Check out Lori's Facebook too. Buon appetite! Seoul Street Food is Soul Food for Foodies by Paula Barnes from Truly Expat Seoul (especially in winter) is a foodies delight! There are many pop-up stalls on the side of the street in plastic-like covers (to ensure you don't freeze to death while waiting for your food). In other words, there is nothing quite like stopping by a street stall in the middle of winter for something to warm your belly. Or you will find loads of street stalls in places like Namdaemun Market all year round. If you are hunting around for something warm but sweet, you can not go past Bungeoppang; it is a fish-shaped pastry generally filled with red bean paste. However, sometimes, in other countries, it is filled with all sorts of things. My favorite street food in Seoul would have to be Pajeon, a savory pancake (the crispier, the better). The scallions make this treat special; there are other types you can also purchase that are full of seafood, kimchi, beef, or mung beans, to name a few. Kimbap is South Korea's version of a sushi roll. Sometimes the filling might be different to what you would find in Japan, but it is the same otherwise. Filling, which also includes rice, is wrapped in seaweed. The Kimbap is a great little snack to eat on the run. The tornado potato known as hweori gamja is a potato cut and twirled on a stick and then fried. It doesn't sound like much, but it is a fun way to eat a potato. You can find them in other countries like Taiwan but flavored differently. It was so hard to narrow down all the delicious street feed you can find in Seoul. However, my last pick is a must - Dakgangjeon, better known as Korean fried chicken. So no description is needed, really. Paula has lived in 7 countries in 15 years, and Seoul, South Korea, was one of them. Now splitting her time between Singapore and Sydney, Australia, she always looks for new and exciting places to eat. Through Truly Expat, she can share her knowledge about all things expat-related. Delicious Street Food in Hanoi, Vietnam by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler Hanoi is the largest city in Vietnam, a country known for affordable living and delicious food- so is it any surprise the street food scene here is thriving? To find the best street food in the city, head to the famous Old Quarter, whose streets are lined with colonial buildings, zooming scooters, and hawkers. More importantly, if you walk down any given street here, you’ll find a plethora of food stalls set up on locals’ stoops, stewing up enormous vats of pho, a savory noodle-based soup, with veggies and broth. Pho is traditionally eaten at breakfast, although it’s not uncommon in Hanoi to see locals and tourists alike happily slurping up steaming bowls of it at all hours of the day, while perched on those infamous tiny plastic stools. And while pho is the most pervasive street food here, there are dozens of other dishes to be tried. For a cheap yet delicious breakfast, grab a banh mi, a staple that harkens back to France’s colonization of the country. This sandwich, while simple, can be incredibly tasty and consists of a crusty baguette, slathered with mayonnaise and stuffed with protein, carrots, and plenty of cilantro. Looking for something a bit more on the sweet side? Keep your eyes peeled for chuoi nong, which literally translates to “barbecued bananas”. For this dish street, vendors grill bananas over hot coals, and then smother the warmed fruit in thick coconut cream and crunchy peanuts. Another great dessert option served up by countless street vendors is tao pho (tofu pudding), a silky parfait made of silken tofu, spicy and sweet ginger syrup, white jelly, and coconut milk. And, finally, this wouldn’t be a complete description of Hanoi’s street food scene without a brief mention of Ta Hien, the backpacker hub of Hanoi. Here, you’ll find throngs of folks in search of bia hoa (incredibly light, house-drafted beer), served up for 50 cents, as well as a dizzying array of stick-to-your-ribs food that’s frankly best served with some bia hoa, like khoai tay loc xoay. This dish consists of a sliced potato skewered on a stick, deep-fried, and served with various sauces like chili or mayonnaise. There’s no shortage of wonderful street foods to delight you in Hanoi- just follow your nose and your taste buds won’t be disappointed! Jessica Schmit is a corporate attorney by day and a travel blogger by night at Uprooted Traveler, focusing on adventurous and responsible travel, both in her home of the Pacific Northwest and abroad. She enjoys exploring off-beat destinations, finding a really good deal, and hunting down the best craft beer a city has to offer. Before 2020, she spent her free time diving into international destinations, from Budapest to the Angkor Wat, but has recently taken to having more local adventures in her home of the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on backpacking, hiking, and RVing. You can follow her on Instagram at @uprootedtraveler. Yogyakarta Street Food in Java, Indonesia by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel Yogyakarta is a beautiful city located in Java in Indonesia. Most tourists only come here to visit Borobudur Temple which is one of the largest tourist attractions in the country. Located just under an hour from the city, it has turned Yogyakarta into a hotspot for tourism. However, there is far more to the city than just ancient temples. Yogyakarta doesn’t only have plenty of things to do and is actually a prime location for street food and delicious local foods. Thousands of regional tourists come to the city to enjoy the night markets and little stalls that pop up every evening along the popular Malioboro Street. The chicken satay skewers are especially popular and you can find a portion for only around $1. They’re served with a delicious peanut sauce and grilled over an open fire. Another delicious treat is the authentic spring rolls filled with vegetables and chicken and served with minced garlic and chili. The rolls are very large and only cost around the US $0.20 per piece. They’re also available as vegetarian options if needed. One of the most iconic parts of street food in Yogyakarta is the old women that sell unique dishes in the streets in the early mornings. They all have their own stands and have gained a certain level of fame worldwide. Netflix has a documentary series called Streetfood where Mbah Satinem and Mbah Lindu, which are the names of the vendors, were featured. They begin preparing their food in the early morning and only sell until around 9:00 am so one needs to be quick to grab a plate. Mbah Satinem sells Jajan Pasar which is a sweet snack that dates back as far as the 8th century. Mbah Lindu sells Gudeg which is one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic dishes made from jackfruit. Both women are estimated to be close to 100 years old and have kept their traditional dishes alive for centuries. Victoria grew up in Germany. Right now she's studying at a university in Scotland and is about to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Full-time travel is Victoria's dream and she has spent the last few years slowly building an online business. Guide your Travel is technically a travel blog, but I also write about photography, social media, and how you can start blogging. Also, check out Victoria's Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Roadside BBQ: Traditional Street Food in Samoa by Luke from Culture Shock Adventure If there is one thing Samoans do well, and that is a roadside barbeque. As you drive around the islands, you will notice the hand-painted signs “FRESH BBQ”, and it is a must-do dining experience for your Samoan lunch. Every BBQ is slightly different, usually, it’s a massive hunk of chicken, maybe two big hunks, and a collection of grilled vegetables. Popular vegetables include taro, potato, and banana. Sometimes they turn it up a level and serve it with sausage, pork, or lamb rib. On occasion, you can get a wildcard side, like potato salad or chop suey! Because it’s always made to order, the chicken is cooked to perfection and never dry, and any of the fancy sides are good old-fashioned home cooking. I even found one serving of some fresh oka (raw fish) as an aside. Ultimately, it is a huge amount of good, hearty food for only around 10 Tala (approx. $5). On top of that, you know you are doing something good for the community because a lot of these BBQs are set up as fundraisers, usually for a church, community group, or a family raising money for a big event. The next time you’re driving around rural Samoa, keep an eye out for the hand-painted signs. Help a community group out by grabbing yourself a massive feast, and enjoy it while you sit back and relax watching a game of kilikiti. Luke is a New Zealand-born Sydney-sider with a passion for travel and culture. He writes Culture Shock Adventure, a blog focused on the fun, quirky bits of culture we encounter while traveling. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia and is currently rediscovering his own region in Oceania. And do check out Luke's Facebook and Instagram too! Night Market Street Food in Taipei, Taiwan by Claire Bee from Claire Pins Travels Taiwan is home to some of the best street food in the world and the extensive street markets in the busy city of Taipei feature a wide range of dishes. The night markets in particular are an important part of the local culture, and food stalls usually specialize in one particular dish, so service is fast and portions are affordable. There is enough variety that you could try something new every night! Most night markets open around 4 or 5 PM and start closing down after 10 PM, with peak times between 7-10 PM. Due to the island location, many well-known street food dishes in Taiwan feature seafood that may be deep-fried, barbecued, or served in soup. Start with an oyster omelet with shrimp vermicelli noodles or sample some a-gei, a local dish made with fried tofu, stuffed with noodles, and sealed with fish paste. Popular meat-based dishes include beef noodles or braised pork rice and Taipei is well known for soup dumplings filled with meat and broth. Vegetarians can also find tofu prepared many ways, and you may smell the distinctive scent of stinky tofu in most markets, the strong smell is produced by fermentation and it is usually served deep-fried or in a spicy broth. Pick up some green onion flatbread-style pancakes and fried sweet potato balls or the more adventurous can choose from a variety of fermented and specially preserved eggs. For dessert, a popular option is shaved ice which can be customized with toppings like tapioca balls, mango, red beans, grass jellies, condensed milk, sweet syrups, taro, and even sweet potato. Other tasty choices are peanut ice cream wraps served with cilantro or sugar-glazed fruits and miniature tomatoes served on a skewer. If you would like a drink to accompany your meal, try the Taiwanese classic bubble tea, which features tapioca balls in an iced, sweetened milk tea, or consider a green tea with taro or other fruit jellies, there are endless combinations you can order. The biggest and most famous night market in Taipei is Shilin, which is popular with tourists. Other recommended options are Ningxia night market, which is much smaller, or try the Tonghua or Jingmei night markets for a typical, local experience with fewer tourists. If you would like to venture beyond Taipei, many other cities and towns also host night markets or serve regional specialties, try visiting Tamsui on the coast, the mountain village of Jiufen, or the famous night market in Keelung, all of these destinations can be easily visited on a day trip from Taipei. Claire from Canada wants to help you get inspired to plan your next trip with useful information about budget travel, with a focus on Canadian destinations, exciting festivals, special events and other once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. On her website, she shares travel tips and destination guides along with helpful, comprehensive reviews of travel experiences like tours, day trips and other activities. On Instagram, she features highlights from her collection of 700 souvenir travel pins from destinations all around the world. Check out Facebook and Pinterest. Ultimate Travel Hacks for Food Travelers Find Cheap Flight Tickets Online For a quick and easy meta-search for the cheapest flight ticket available, Skyscanner is outstanding. Find Airfare to the right price, right away, by scanning thousands of flights in one single search! Accommodation on Your Destination Want to book the best Hotel, Resort, Bed and Breakfast, or even an Igloo, perfectly matching your travel budget? Booking will guide you seamlessly to the most valuable accommodation possible. Find Your Perfect Travel Insurance A Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers, made by Travelers. No one understands your need better or knows what Travel Insurance should cover better than those who travel full-time. Travel Safely! Hassle-Free Visa Online in 3 Easy Steps Find out if you need a Visa to Travel, purchase, and get it delivered directly online as easily as 1-2-3! The benefits are simplicity, speed, reliable service, topped off with awesome Customer Support. Travel Plans made simple. Find Experiences, Activities, and Tours Join a Cooking Class, learn about Local Cuisine, Skip the Line to Museums and Attractions, Take Guided City Walking Tours, and much, much more. Get Your Guide here. Create New Memories! Travel Resources for Travel Planning We have gathered our best travel tips and travel hacks to start travel planning your next trip and vacation today in our Travel Store, Complete with Travel Resources. Plan how to get there, where to stay and what to do.

From Lord Byron and Mary Shelley to Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury, Lake Geneva has both inspired and provided a sanctuary for the celebrated and the infamous for generations. Guest Blogger: Pearce Gunne-Jones, Xcapia Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Lake Geneva in Switzerland For any visitor to the Lake, (known as Lac Leman to the locals), it is not hard to see why. Vineyard-clad hillsides gently descend to the crystal clear, deep blue waters of the lake, with the snow-capped Alpine peaks providing the most dramatic of backdrops. Throughout the day, the lake takes on different colors for an ever-changing panorama of nature, reflecting the sky and mountains. The lake waters are typically smooth and serene, gently lapping onto the shore. The historic belle epoque paddle steamers that ply the waters of the lake seemingly cut through the water like glass, momentarily disturbing the stillness of the lake. Along the northern shore of the lake, a string of classic resorts faces out across the water. One is never far from a palatial Belle Epoque mansion or hotel, for the lake is as appealing now as it was for the tourists of the Grand Tour. From Lausanne to Montreux, each of the Lake’s resorts has its own character and attraction. Vevey, the former home of Charlie Chaplin, is surely one of the most picturesque. Its delightful quayside of graceful mature trees, home to a regular antique market, and the odd street performer is a favored spot for a gentle lakeside walk. Here on the lakefront, one can find the Grand Hotel du Lac, its magnificent setting almost, but not quite, surpassed by its intricate belle epoque façade and elegant grounds. One could easily while away many an hour under the white parasols, overlooking the pristine green lawn to the lake, and be none the wiser. The hotel was notably the inspiration for Anita Brookner’s novel, Hotel du Lac. The old town of Vevey is a delightful melee of narrow lanes and small alleys, with the briefest of glimpses of the lake around every corner. Shutter-clad buildings house an eclectic range of independent shops and art galleries. Charlie Chaplin certainly made an inspired choice to make Vevey his home. Nearby Montreux has a similar collection of Belle Epoque masterpieces, interspersed with the odd modern addition. Along its lakefront, subtropical palms and radiantly colored flowers give it a Mediterranean feel. The town is famous for its annual jazz festival, with a stage aptly positioned on the lakefront itself. However, the town’s most celebrated music connection is surely that of Freddie Mercury of Queen infamy. He famously once said that ‘if you want peace of mind, come to Montreux.’ As well as being a resident here, he also recorded six of his Queen albums during his time in the resort. The legendary statue of Freddie Mercury now stands on Montreux’s lakefront, with the view that undoubtedly inspired him so much, and provided him with sanctuary in his more troubled times. Further around the lake from Montreux lies one of Switzerland’s most iconic sites, which has frequented many a tourist poster for hundreds of years, the Chateau Chillon. Located adrift in the lake, attached to land via a wooden bridge, it appears like a medieval warship moored to the lakeshore. It is an architectural masterpiece with a dramatic flourish of turrets and rounded towers, surrounded by the most insurmountable of walls. A visit to this region would surely not be complete without spending time in the city of Geneva itself. Set in the far western corner of the lake, this city belies its size on the world stage. Countless international organizations have their headquarters here, and the city has a decidedly cosmopolitan feel, akin to Paris or London. On its streets, one is likely to hear a full repertoire of languages. Characterized by wide boulevards of elegant buildings with trams and outdoor cafes, the city’s principal attraction unsurprisingly is its setting on the lake, with the iconic Jet d’eau as its centerpiece. Set on the grand Rhone river, the city is spread over several small islands at its center, and one is never far from the water. Whilst Geneva may not have the same number of traditional tourist attractions as some of Europe’s great cities, its setting and environment are undoubtedly one of the most sublime, set around the lake, with views of Alpine peaks. It is not hard to see why the city is frequently near the top of the countless quality of life indices. The Lake Geneva region is relatively small, and one that can be explored easily in a few days. However, the real attraction for the casual visitor is taking the time to enjoy lakeside living in this most beautiful of locations, where Alpine mountains meet the silky smooth lake waters. A view that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Only then will you be able to truly appreciate why this spot has been a sanctuary and source of creative inspiration for so many, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. Travel Plan Your Next Geneva Trip This is a Travel Guide to Geneva and Guide to Lake Geneva. To start planning your travel to Geneva, check out these helpful Travel Tips and Travel Resources: Always start your Travel Planning by using a Trusted VPN Service like NordVPN to avoid Algorithms interfering with your multiple searches for the best price. It will save you a lot of money in your overall Travel Budget. Check out Expedia for flights, stays, and car hire at your destination. Find Hotels, Accommodations, and Rentals at Booking. iVisa has the latest Travel recommendations and hassle-free online Visa applications. Make sure you always Travel Safely and Awesome with Travel Insurance for Travelers from Safety Wing. Create Travel Memories on your destination. Get Your Guide and find Tour Guides, Activities, and things to do in Geneva. Guest Blogger Xcapia is a Travel Website created by Pearce Gunne-Jones and designed to give you an insight into Global Destinations - both familiar ones and new ones. Xcapia will show how well-traveled destinations still can be experienced with new eyes as they are ever-changing. Visit Xcapia and follow on Instagram.

Why should you visit New Zealand? You might think traveling to New Zealand doesn't have that much to offer a tourist. You couldn't be more wrong. The two main islands; North Island and South Island, have surprisingly a lot of tourist attractions and activities for all types of travelers to enjoy. How many islands does New Zealand have? If the two main Islands aren't enough, you have over 600 more islands to discover! The New Zealand Travel Guide with the Best Tourist Attractions will show you that two is more than enough to explore on your New Zealand vacation. Add amazing nature experiences that will leave you breathless and the next thing you will add-in will be New Zealand to your ever-growing Travel Bucket List. Guest Blogger: Fredrik Goldhahn, Sticks & Spoons Food Travel 2023 Travel Guide to New Zealand In this comprehensive travel guide, you will find what to do in New Zealand, where to travel in NZ, what to see, and maybe most importantly if you ask us, what to eat. This New Zealand blog post will help you find the best tourist activities like fast-paced outdoor sports for the intrepid traveler, stunning scenic environments for your travel photography, NZ vacation ideas and attractions, travel advisory, city tours, and if you're lucky; even Hobbits! Table of Content: New Zealand Travel Guide and Travel Planner for 2023 1. Travel to New Zealand 1:1 When is the best time to visit New Zealand? 1:2 How long should I plan to stay in New Zealand for vacation? 1:3 How much does a New Zealand Vacation Cost? 1:4 Where do I find cheap flight tickets to New Zealand? 1:5 Do I need a Visa to visit New Zealand? 1:6 Can I travel to New Zealand from USA? 1:7 How long can I stay in New Zealand with a Visa? 1:8 Where do I find New Zealand vacation rentals and accommodation? 2. New Zealand North Island: ”Te Ika-a-Māui” 2:1 North Island Facts 3. New Zealand North Island: City Guide 3:1 Auckland 3:2 Whangārei 3:3 Tauranga 3:4 Hamilton 3:5 Rotorua 3:6 Gisborne 3:7 New Plymouth 3:8 Hastings 3:9 Napier 3:10 Whanganui 3:11 Palmerston North 3:12 Wellington 4. New Zealand North Island: Tourist Attraction and Activity Guide 4:1 Playing and staying in Huka Falls, Rotorua Region 4:2 Bay of Islands Region 4:3 The Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata 4.4 The Coromandel Peninsula Area 5. New Zealand Māori Cultural Heritage 6. New Zealand South Island: ”Te Waipounamu” 6:1 South Island Facts 7. New Zealand South Island: City Guide 7:1 Nelson 7:2 Blenheim 7:3 Christchurch 7:4 Wanaka 7:5 Queenstown 7:6 Dunedin 7:7 Invercargill 8. New Zealand South Island: Tourist Attraction and Activity Guide 8:1 Complete Guide to South Island National Parks 8:2 Kaikoura Seals, Dolphins, and Sperm Whale Watching Experience 8:3 New Zealand South Island Vineyard Discoveries 9. New Zealand Food Culture 9.1 New Zealand Lamb, Māori Hāngī, and Hokey Pokey Ice Cream 9:2 New Zealand is a Foodie Paradise 10. New Zealand Travel Bucket List 11. Travel Plan Your Next New Zealand Trip Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It might though give us a small commission which will help us remain this site a free resource for travelers like yourself to explore. Thank you so much for your support. Cable Car in Wellington, New Zealand Travel to New Zealand Travels to New Zealand are hot on the travel market! The World Travel Market in London has frequently rated New Zealand as one of the most beautiful and natural places on Earth through the years. To that fact, you can add that New Zealand has been recognized to have some of the safest cities and the most friendly people in the world today. Being located though in a far corner of Mother Earth, your trip needs to be carefully thought through and planned. Luckily for you, we have made this Travel Guide to help you plan your upcoming New Zealand vacation easily. Let us start by answering some of the common and frequently asked questions about traveling to New Zealand. When is the best time to visit New Zealand? Depending on what you want from your vacation, season, and popularity to visit may play a role when your personal best time to visit New Zealand is. If you want to catch the sun, visit the beach, have a variety of adventurous activities available, and spend a lot of time outside you should visit New Zealand in the Summer. The summer months in New Zealand are between December and March. With average temperatures ranging between 60° and 75° Fahrenheit, or 15° to 24° Celsius, the weather is perfect for sporty activities, hiking, and outdoor barbeques with long and sunny days. In January you will experience the hottest days, especially on the New Zealand North Island weather in the Bay of Island, where you can enjoy tropical conditions and North Island Beaches. Summertime is also the most popular time for locals to travel and tourists to visit New Zealand, so expect more people but also more tourist attractions to choose from. How long should I plan to stay in New Zealand for vacation? A travel advisory is that you'll need at least a 2-week stay in New Zealand to get out most of the two main islands. A good measure is to plan your New Zealand Itinerary with a 1-week stay on the North Island and 1-week stay on the South Island, or vice versa. With that said, depending on your holiday goals you might want to consider extending the north or south visit by a few days. The New Zealand lifestyle and food destinations may want you to stay longer too. Maybe some new exciting destination to explore turns up? Shortly speaking, Travel Plan your New Zealand vacation with a little bit of margin. Your travel memories of New Zealand will only get better and your travel-infused brain will thank you later. How much does a New Zealand vacation cost? Of course, it's highly individual how much you want to spend on your vacation, but let us imagine you fly from the USA to New Zealand. What is the cost of a New Zealand vacation? When doing researches for this New Zealand Travel Guide, we found out that an average weekly budget for travel and stay is around NZ$ 1200/ per person or roughly $ 850/ for one week. And also in US dollars, if you have a spending budget of approx $110 - 130 USD / per day you can travel around discovering the country, eat really well, take part in some tourist attractions and tours of your choice. and If you're planning a New Zealand Family Vacation, or traveling on a tighter budget, we have gathered more travel tips and hacks to save some travel money at the end of this travel guide in New Zealand Budget Travel and Travel Hacks. Where do I find cheap flight tickets to New Zealand? As the high season to travel in New Zealand is during summertime, naturally, that's when flight tickets are the most expensive. In the Summer months, from November until January, airfare peaks. A recommended Travel Hack is to Search Skyscanner for the Cheapest Flight Ticket, if wanting cheap flight tickets to any destination, at any time. You could definitely visit New Zealand all year round, and if you want to grab the cheapest flight months to New Zealand, they are between April and June. , Do I need a Visa to visit New Zealand? Yes, you need a Visa to travel to New Zealand. Visa required is called eTA, or Electronic Travel Authority. It's the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand that requires this Visa documentation for 60 countries but don't worry, it's real easy to get an eTA Visa for New Zealand Travel online. The Visa is valid for transit and vacation in New Zealand for two years with multiple entries from the purchase date. Buy your eTA Visa online in just three easy steps and the Visa is delivered within 24 hours. And you have a choice if you are in even a more hurry! Can I travel to New Zealand from the USA? Yes, of course. For instance, if you are a US Citizen and travel to New Zealand from the USA, the New Zealand eTA Visa costs approx $57 within a 24-hour window. Choosing a Rush delivery of your eTA Visa within 4 hours will cost you $77, and if you are in a Super Rush and need the Visa right now, or within 30 minutes, that will cost you $97. Get your eTA Visa online now! How long can I stay in New Zealand with a Visa? The general rule is that you can stay 90 days on vacation with every entry and a valid eTA Visa. There is no limit to how many times you can visit in the 2-year validity. For many Backpackers and Digital Nomads, it could be tempting to work and increase the travel budget while being in New Zealand, because there are a lot of good opportunities to work in NZ. Unfourtanly you are not allowed to work with an eTA Visa. You are allowed to search for a job during vacation, but if you intend to work while traveling you will need a Working Holiday Visa. Where do I find New Zealand vacation rentals and accommodation? You have plenty of accommodation choices when visiting New Zealand. Choose between anything from luxurious accommodation options like high-end hotels, to more budget-friendly apartment rentals or Bed and Breakfasts. Always make Travel Plan in advance and do a travel itinerary with accommodation to fit your travel budget. If you find something nicer or cheaper later or at your destination you can find sites with free cancelation online. Try to find some beautiful New Zealand vacation rentals, hotels, and accommodation on Expedia or Booking. We found a lot of nice options there while doing research for all travel budgets. Map of the Northern Main Island of New Zealand New Zealand North Island: ”Te Ika-a-Māui ” The North Island; or "Te Ika-a-Māui" in Māori, is maybe the most famous of the two main islands, with fantastic bays and a breathtaking archipelago. North Island has an exciting volcanic activity going on and great National Parks with hot springs are located here. You'll find the Capital of New Zealand; Wellington down in the south-western part of the North Island. On the northern Island, you also find New Zealand's largest city; Auckland - commonly known as "The City of Sails". On North Island, you'll have amazing nature combined with cosmopolitan cities. Almost 4 million of New Zealand's 5 million population live on the much smaller North Island which makes the north an obvious choice for any tourist and traveler to visit when going to New Zealand. North Island Facts The quick facts you need to know about New Zealand's North Island: Population: 3,896,200, almost three-quarters of all the NZ population Area: 113,729 km2 (or 43,911 sq mi) making it the 14th largest island in the world Biggest City: Auckland with a population of 1,470,100, NZ largest city Highest Peak: Mount Ruapehu with 2,797 m (or 9177 ft) Three Facts making North Island Famous: Definitely everything about the Māori culture, volcanic activity (see next picture), and the "home" of the Hobbits. One Funny Fact: The hill Taumata's full name in Māori is the longest name for a place referring to Guinness World Records: "Taumata­whakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukaka­piki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­ki­tana­tahu". The beautiful name can (roughly) be translated as "The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his kōauau (flute) to his loved one". And believe it or not, sometimes an even longer version of the hills name is used, but hasn't become the official one! White Island, or "Whakaari" in Māori, is located in the Bay of Plenty. The New Zealand North Island Vulcano is New Zealand's most active Cone Vulcano. New Zealand North Island: City Guide North Island has twelve urban areas and half of them are officially cities. Let's find out more about New Zealand North Island Cities, in the City Guide! Night Skyline of Auckland Auckland: "Tāmaki Makaurau" Auckland is the most populous metropolitan city in the country with 1,4 M people. First settled by the Māori who valued the richness and fertility of the surroundings, Tāmaki Makaurau was peaking at a 20,000 population around the year 1350, followed by the arrival of Europeans. A short while Auckland was the Capital of New Zealand before Wellington took over that role. The cost of living in Auckland is the highest in the country but the popularity of the city hasn't diminished. Auckland has been growing steadily through the years and today the city has been recognized and ranked 3rd in the annual Mercer Quality of Living Survey as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and will become understandable for any tourist visiting the metropolitan city. And there are a lot of tourists! The Auckland Airport serves approx 2M international passengers per year, and to that, you can add alternative domestic travel. In Auckland, you can experience big city pulse, cafés, restaurants, architectural landmarks, culture, festivals, and arts. Entertainment, activities, thought-through city planning combined with quality living, and the home of NZ's country's largest university, make Auckland the most beloved city for both tourists and New Zealanders to visit. Whangārei Falls Whangārei Whangārei is the most northern city on the North Island and has a population of 54,400 people. The city has several mottos: Love It Here, Non-Nobis Solum in Latin which can be translated to Not Only to Us, and City of 100 beaches. The latter is probably true too; you find a lot of beaches where you can chill out in the Northland Region. Even though being a thriving city with a quite big art community with galleries and museums, the tropical climate with a lot of sun hours will struggle for your attention. Whangārei is a great place to embrace the city's laidback and carefree lifestyle sunbathing, playing in the sea, and BBQ on the beach. "Throw another Shrimp on the Bar-B!" You have a few adventure opportunities and outdoor activities to choose from too, but quite frankly it's more likely you will stay longer on the beaches, just hang around the harbor restaurants and café looking at the ocean, loading your batteries, and enjoying life. Notable though, the city has some street art spots in the city core you should look up, with 15 large-scale Mural Paintings to admire. Tauranga on the North Island of New Zealand located in the Bay of Plenty Tauranga Tauranga is located in the north-western corner of the beautiful area Bay of Plenty. Being one of the most important NZ Cities for business, it has become New Zealand's fifth biggest city and urban area with extensive international trade, culture, fashion, and horticultural science as their main trades. But you should be prepared to get your fill of Nature Experiences while visiting the Hamilton urban area and surroundings too. Around Tauranga, you can experience astonishing nature with geothermal pools, visit the Waimarino Adventure Park, take the scenic hiking trails through the Kaiate Waterfall and McLaren Falls Park, swim with dolphins, and be amazed by the Mount Maunganui main beach with a breathtaking view over the beach, Pilot Bay, and the city from the mountain itself. The landscape just outside Hamilton in New Zealand Hamilton: "Kirikiriroa" Hamilton and its surroundings have been the settlement of many different Māori villages, making the Māori culture well-represented in the area. One of the villages; Kirikiriroa has given Hamilton its present Māori name. Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth most populous and fastest-growing city with 176,500 people living in the urban area. While being located on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is offering a wide range of natural gems, wildlife, and a National Park. Hamilton has been awarded the most beautiful, large city in the country. Education and Research are also important for the city's economy. Being a city with a large student population, Hamilton, naturally, has a lot of vibrant and interesting venues with eateries, bars, and entertainment located along the old Town Belt and Garden Place for instance, and several large-scale kinds of music- and street festivals, but also world-class classical music events. The Rotorua Museum of Art and History Rotorua: "Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe" Rotorua is a small city with a population of 58,500, making it just the 12th largest urban area in the country, but has a lively, adventurous, and active vibe. In the Rotorua region, people's free time and visiting tourists' vacation goals are mostly concentrated around water and outdoor activities. Speaking of activity, there's also a fair amount of the Thermal kind going on and that together has become Rotorua's main tourist appeal. The Rotorua region has 17 lakes that definitely will encourage you to try some water activities out, but also have amazing forests to do off-the-beaten-path excursions, hike or why not mountain bike? The latter has a worldwide reputation as Red Bull Magazine awarded Whakarewarewa Forest as one of the Top 8 locations globally with its over 100 km of mountain-biking trails to discover and explore! The volcanic and thermal action in the Rotorua region span from smaller bubbling, muddy pools to full-blown Geysers. There's even a place called The Buried Village, or Te Wairoa in Māori, named after it was buried after the fierce eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Rotorua is the home of Huka Falls, and we write more about the Rotorua tourist attractions and activities in the section Playing and staying in Huka Falls, Rotorua Region further down. Statue of James Cook, Captain, and Navigator of the Endeavour in Gisborne Gisborne: "Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa " Gisborne's historical importance of New Zealand is inevitable. For centuries the area has been inhabited by the Māori tribes of Te Whanau-a-Kai, Ngaariki Kaiputahi, Te Aitanga-a-MahakiRongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, and Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, descending from the very first Māori voyagers; the Te Ikaroa-a-Rauru, Horouta, and Tākitimu waka arriving in Aotearoa over 1000 years ago from the Polynesian islands of Hawaiki. Much later, a ship called Endeavour showed up on Kaiti Beach in Gisborne. The Captain and navigator of the ship were James Cook, and the landing is declared to be the first arrival of the first Europeans in New Zealand. The city of Gisborne is a coastal city, located on the east cape of the North Island, but is surrounded by vineyards and farms towards the more hilly, fertile inland. There are a few real good Food Markets with local farmers' produce and beverages from the region's wineries and breweries, so there's plenty for the foodie to explore. A slow-paced beach lifestyle with surfing, walking, and relaxing is given, just enjoying the environment and the local cuisine and culture. Maybe an Adventure on a Railbike? Gisborne is also the home of The Tairāwhiti Tamararo Regionals; annual Haka Competitions held in memory of Karaitiana Tamararo, so managing to time your vacation with that event should be an awesome experience. New Plymouth: "Ngāmotu" New Plymouth; not surprisingly named after the English ditto, is the major city of the Taranaki Region on the west coast of the North Island. Here you'll find coastal walkways, hiking trails, botanical gardens, and a laidback lifestyle. However, within just a 30-minute drive you can go from skiing or snowboarding to water skiing or surfing, and how cool is that? Maybe only surpassed in coolness by golfing on the famous golf course that also is inhabited by sheep! Funny thing; the pronouncement of "Fore" actually translates to "sheep" in Swedish. Double Pun intended. The city was recently chosen as one of two walking & cycling "Model Communities" by the New Zealand government and also grabbed an award for Community Sustainability. Hastings: "Heretaunga" Hastings is located on New Zealand's east coast and has a population of approx 50,000 people. The motto of Hastings is "Great things grow here" and it's suitable. The city is found to the east of the Central Plateau of the Hereatunga Plain and the Kaweka Ranges, a location perfect for agriculture. Here you'll find some of the best red wine wineries and vineyards in New Zealand, which calls for wine tasting and vineyard tours. Besides winemaking, this region produces stone fruits, pome fruit, kiwifruit, and vegetables. By the way. We haven't mentioned why New Zealanders are called Kiwis. Now might be the time. A Kiwi is a flightless little bird and also a symbol of the country. Now, maybe you think that sounds a little bit offensive to call someone a Kiwi. Don't worry. The nickname came around in World War II when soldiers from NZ were referred to as "Kiwis". It got stuck afterward and today it's embraced with a sense of pride and unity, as it's a common self-reference used by most New Zealanders. Napier: "Ahuriri" Napier is a small seaport city with a population of 66,000 people. With the closeness to the city Hastings, the two cities are referred to as "The Bay Cities" or "The Twin Cities", where Napier is located by the sea and Hastings is inland. Welcome to Art Deco City! With its well-preserved city core of 1930's architecture and love for the era, Napier is a must-visit for anyone fancying Art Deco. Take a guided tour with an authentic vintage car from the '30s to explore the beautiful city. Visit the Art Deco Centre or why not plan to visit in February when the popular and annual Art Deco Festival is held? Napier is not only "the capital of Art Deco". It's also the home to many fine wineries with the acknowledgment of being one of the 10 Best Wine Destinations to travel by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and it has a fabulous food scene with ambitious restaurants, cozy bars, and cafes. And while being the Street Art enthusiasts as we are, the Sea Walls collection of more than 50 murals painted around the city sounds like a reason by itself making Napier worth visiting. View over the Whanganui River in New Zealand Whanganui Whanganui is a city located on North Island's west coast at Whanganui River. The name could be translated to "big bay" or "big harbor" and referred to the River, the longest river in New Zealand, that is navigable. Whanganui was one of the first cities to be founded and once was the 5th largest city in the country. Nowadays, the city is known for its architectural beauty with picture-perfect heritage buildings, gardens, and parks blending in with the natural beauty of Whanganui surroundings. National Park, canoeing, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities are highly appreciated here. Palmerston North: "Te Papa-i-Oea" Palmerston North is an artistic city with a population of 90,000, located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Artistic in the sense that it seems like the majority of New Zealand's best artists come from or have lived in Palmerston North, at some point in their career. It's no coincidence that you will find a lot of independent galleries, art exhibitions, and the Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science, and History. Cultural events, motorsport, music scenes, and theatre events help living up the city all year round, and if you're into sports and especially Rugby, you might not want to miss the New Zealand Rugby Museum with an impressive selection of memorabilia and rare rugby artifacts. Wellington Skyline at Night Wellington: "Te Whanganui-a-Tara" Wellington is the Capital of New Zealand and is located on the southwestern cape at Cook Strait, separating the North and South Island. The location is perfect by itself; on the east side, the Remutaka Range is dividing the city from the Wairarapa Plain, the internationally respected wine region. North of Wellington you'll find the golden beaches of the Kapiti Coast and on clear and sunny days, if looking south you have a marvelous view of snowcapped Kaikoura Ranges across the strait. Sound pretty awesome, right? In Wellington, you have a wide selection of cultural attractions, award-winning restaurants, and an almost ridiculous amount of cafés. Coffee seems to be important in Wellington. There's no other way to put it knowing the fact that Wellington has more cafés per head than New York City! The epithet "Capital of Culture and Creativity" is well deserved being the host of cultural celebrations, festivals, and high-profile events all year round, which may have been a reason for Lonely Planet to call Wellington "the coolest little capital in the World". With nature just around the corner that can blow any nature enthusiast off the chair, you are surrounded by opportunities. Take scenic and beautiful walks in the hills, like Makara Peak trail or the city to sea walk, go ocean kayaking, and experience nature and wildlife along the waterfront. For the Foodie, Wellington is a goldmine! Highend restaurants are mixed up with a casual dining food scene, food trucks, night markets, and world-class craft beer and wine to go with it all. Māori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay New Zealand North Island: Tourist Attraction and Activity Guide Let's find out the highlights and what North Island offers you as a tourist. This list could actually go on forever, there's so much fun you could do! But we have to restrain ourselves here. These are just a few of the must-see and must-do, tourist attractions, and New Zealand North Island Tours you shouldn't miss. Playing and staying in Huka Falls, Rotorua Region The city of Rotorua has exciting surroundings with the Huka Falls on the Waikato River that drains Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo was created approx 26,500 years ago when a supervolcanic event took place and caused the caldera that later became the lake. What to do in Huka Falls Volcanos are therefore our first tip for a great activity. You can find scenic chartered flights in helicopters or floatplanes for an adrenaline-powered experience with spectacular views of Rotorua from above, the crater rim, the hidden lake district, and more distant volcanos, and that is something you should try. The best value is those operated by Volcanic Air in Rotorua. Take a River Cruise and check out some of the beautiful Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings on site. Bathe and release your inner child and have fun in the Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs Waterpark. Be amazed by the scenic waterfall on the Huka Falls Walkway with a lot of viewing platforms for great aesthetic travel photography. Marvel over even more nature hiking and trails in the Whirinaki National Park, spanning over 5600 ha with California Redwood offering fantastic walks or mountain bike rides. There are many tourist attractions in the Rotorua and Taupo area for Nature lovers and fast-paced activities, so here you will find them for all ages and needs. Going on Adrenaline Activities in Rotorua and Huka Falls in a nutshell For the adventurous and intrepid traveler, you have found a daredevil tourist paradise. Do a Bungy Jump, Tandem Skydiving, Zipline Canopy Rides, or take part in an exciting Jet Boat Experience. Shortly, you have a lot of options for outdoor sports activities and the northern island's diversity of natural attractions will satisfy all your needs. That's a promise! Where to stay and eat in Huka Falls Huka Lodge; is a luxurious resort just by the riverside with an ambitious kitchen in the restaurant Quality Suites Huka Falls; is a laidback place to stay with a nice pool and restaurant Lakefront Lodge Taupo; is a modest hotel with a great location by the shore with a swimming pool and restaurant More Accommodation and Hotels in Huka Falls to fit any of your needs or travel budget. Bay of Islands Region In this fantastic area, you should take the opportunity to experience North Island from a boat on a shore excursion. With 144 islands you are about to get your full dose of vitamin Sea and it's a perfect way to see the beauty of New Zealand and the Bay of Island. You not only have a variety of islands to choose from; but with Urupukapuka being the largest one, you will also have a wide selection of sailboats, dolphin cruising boats, and even fully tall ship sailing. Marvel over ocean life, shorelines, and carved rocks like Hole in the Rock in a refreshing activity. The Bay of Island area is one of the most popular for fishing, renowned internationally for being a big-game fishing destination. If you want to say hello, take a guided deep-water dive excursion with some of the dive companies. And while speaking of diving. Another thing to try for the more fearless tourist is skydiving into the Bay of Island, which will reveal a mindblowing visual experience during the 85 (!) seconds of free fall in the 20,000 ft of skydive! Don't worry, there are also skydives not that high. The food scene is naturally focused on local seafood and shellfish. We'll get to the food later in the section New Zealand Food Culture. Finally, mentionable is that the Bay of Islands also has been found to have the second bluest sky in the world, after Rio de Janeiro! Hobbit Houses in Matamata The Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata This guide to the best tourist attractions of New Zealand wouldn't be complete without a visit to Hobbiton in Matamata on the North Island! The Movie Set was constructed in 1999 for the film adaption of the epic Trilogy of J.R.R Tolkiens magnum opus: "Lord of the Rings". When doing several aerial research finding filming locations of the North Island for the first movie "The Fellowship of the Rings", Peter Jackson found Alexander Farm and immediately saw that it would be a perfect location for Hobbiton, one of the many homes for Hobbits in the Shire. After the first Lord of the Rings movie, New Zealand Government decided to keep the movie set Hobbiton village as it was with the 37 Hobbit holes intact, perfectly blending into the nature of the 1250-acre big Alexander Farm. It was a good decision because now a never-ending stream of J.R.R Tolkien fans and movie lovers has made Hobbiton one of New Zealand's most popular tourist attractions, with an astonishing 350 000 visitors per year! How to get to Hobbiton in Matamata from Auckland, "There and Back Again" Itinerary Map, and a perfect North Island Road Trip, especially if you're a Lord of the Ring fan. Here you can experience the laid-back, philosophic and lovely Hobbit Life up close. Relive some favorite iconic scenes from Lord of the Rings with the Party Tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and famous Hobbit Houses or "Hobbit Holes" (or "smial" as they are called by Hobbits), like Bilbo Baggins "Bag End" at the end of "Bagshot Row". You also might get some extra, astonishing Hobbit Trivial knowledge, even if you're a huge Lord of the Ring fan like us, from the Tolkien Expert Guides of the Hobbiton Tour! Peaceful view by the Lake in Hobbiton, The Shire, Middle Earth...in New Zealand! A five-hour drive south of Auckland on the West Coast you'll find Taranaki Region Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula The Coromandel Peninsula Area The Coromandel Peninsula is not only a popular tourist destination, this is where many Kiwis go on vacation. The beaches and shores of Cathedral Cove invite visitors to long coastal walks, scenic kayaking, and water adventures like locally guided dive tours. Also, check out the Rapaura Watergardens, Coromandel Forest Park, or some of the many hiking trails in the area. Traditional Māori Warriors New Zealand Māori Cultural Heritage Central to the historic and without doubt the present identity of New Zealand is the "tangata whenua"; Māori, the indigenous people, and their "Māoritanga"; the Māori culture and traditions. Māori came to "Aotearoa"; the collective Māori name for New Zealand, over 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian islands of "Hawaiki". According to the Māoritanga mythology, the two islands of New Zealand were born when Māui, the demigod, and his brother were fishing. Their canoe was actually from the southern island, and Māui caught a really big fish and pulled it from the sea. While looking away, his brother fought and chopped it up, creating mountains and valleys when intensively hacking at the fish. The name of the Northern Island in Māori; "Te Ika-a-Māui" means "The Fish of Māui". The "Treaty of Waitangi" was signed in 1840 between Māori and the Government Daily life in New Zealand is highly influenced by the Māori tribe's culture, customs, traditions, and language. Almost 20% of the population identifies themselves as Māori. Moko; the ultimate expression of Māori identity is reflected in their facial tattoos Here are 5 things you should know about and activities to experience, while learning more about the Māori Culture: 1, Māori Language You can't avoid seeing Māori words or hearing the beautiful Eastern Polynesian spoken Māori language "te reo", which appropriable translates to "the language" when visiting New Zealand. When traveling, learning some simple phrases in the local spoken language is appreciated and a door-opener for your experience wherever you go. Something you will hear a lot is "Kia ora" which is an expression that has multiple meanings; saying hello, expressing your gratitude, when sending someone your love or when you want to make a connection. Take some time to learn about the Māori language! Translate from English to Māori, or the other way around, listen to the pronunciation, download the Apps, and more on the Māori Dictionary! 2, Māori Arts and Crafts Māori Art is world-known for carvings, especially expressed in masks, sculptures, houses, and on wakas; the traditional boats. Other crafts are weaving, paintings, and, of course, traditional tattoos. 3. Māori Tattoos Māori tattoos are awesome! As the Māori strongly believe that the head is the most important part of your body, "Moko"; or the well-known and recognizable Māori face tattoos, are the ultimate expression of Māori identity. 4. Māori Marae A "Marae" is a sacred, religious or communal place of great importance for the Māori. The word itself could be translated to "cleared" or "free from trees", and Marae's is often an open place, rectangular in shape with stones or wooden poles in the corners, and sometimes a center stone; called Ahu. Marae also is a verb meaning "to be generous, hospitable", and as the Marae is used for ceremonial purposes, these almost always include food. And Haka's, maybe the most famous of all the Māori Traditions! 5. Māori Haka What is a Māori Haka? Traditionally, the Haka was a war dance, a challenge, and a war cry. Synchronized moves with big gestures, loud chanting, stamping of feet, and sticking out the tongue with bulging eyes may seem to be hostile, intimidating, and threatening, and originally that was probably the purpose. The sticking-out-the-tongue pose was originally a way to say "my mouth waters and I lick my lips for soon I will taste your flesh" to an enemy. Through time there are a lot of different Haka's created and used traditionally, many of them are performed by men but Māori women also do Haka. Maybe you have been lucky to experience a Haka before a rugby match? Māori All Black's Haka "Ka mate, Ka mate" was performed between 1888 and 2006. What does the Māori All Blacks Haka Ka mate, Ka mate mean, what do they actually chant? "Ka Mate! Ka Mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Ka Mate! Ka Mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Tenei te tangata puhuru huru Nana nei I tiki mai Whakawhiti te ra A upa … ne! ka upa …ne! A upane kaupane whiti te ra! Hi!" This first piece of the Haka was originally written by Te Rauparaha, who was a Māori warrior chief living in the early 1800s. The story is that he escaped his enemies from another tribe and hid in a pit where he composed the piece. The translation: "I die! I die! I live! I live! I die! I die! I live! I live! This is the hairy man Who fetched the sun And caused it to shine again One upward step! Another upward step! An upward step, another… the sun shines!" In 2006, the Haka composer Derek Llardelli, created Kapa O Pango as the second edition of the Māori All Blacks Haka repertoire, and it has been performed since then: "Kapa O Pango kia whakawhenua au I ahau! Hi aue ii! Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei! Au, au aue ha! Ko Kapa O Pango e ngunguru nei! Au, au, aue ha! I ahaha! Ka tu te ihiihi Ka tu te wanawana Ki runga ki te rangi e tu iho nei, tu iho nei ihi! Ponga ra! Kapa O Pango, aue hi! Ponga ra!" Kapa O Pango translation is as follows: "All Blacks, let me become one with the land This is our land that rumbles It's my time! It's my moment! This defines us as the All Blacks It's my time! It's my moment! Our dominance Our supremacy will triumph And will be properly-revered, placed on high Silver fern! All Blacks! Silver fern! All Blacks!" Rugby Team Maori All Blacks awe-inspiring "Haka" performed in 2017, at a sold-out BC Place in downtown Vancouver before facing Canada's Men's Rugby Team Map of the Southern Main Island of New Zealand New Zealand South Island: ”Te Waipounamu” The much larger South Island only inhabits one-fifth of New Zealand's population, making this island the wilder of the two, literally speaking. The South Island of New Zealand is also considered to be the more beautiful of the two main islands with long coastal shores and an amazing inland with fiords, mountains, and scenic nature. And as the South Island is famous for its nature, here is where you'll find most of the nature experiences and adventure activities in New Zealand. Explore the best tourist attractions like trekking trails of the less beaten tracks, combine them with some peaceful ocean kayaking, and get really adventurous in the "Capital of Adventures": Queensland". When visiting the South Island you should get ready to get wild! South Island Facts The quick facts you need to know about New Zealand's South Island: Population: 1,187,300 or 23% of the inhabitants of New Zealand Area: 150,437 km2 (58,084 sq mi) making it the 12th largest island in the world Biggest City: Christchurch with a population of 383,200 Highest Peak: Mount Aoraki with 3,724 m (or 12218 ft) NZ highest peak Three Facts making South Island Famous: Nature, nature, and nature. I mean, in other words, Fiords, the Alps, and even Glaciers. The nature on South Island is beyond amazing. One Funny Fact: As late as 2009, the New Zealand Geographic Board realized that the South Island didn't have an official name (not North Island either)! It took some public consultation, and it wasn't until October 2013 that the island was officially named South Island or "Te Waipounamu" (and North Island ”Te Ika-a-Māui") Satellite photo of Glaciers on the South Island of New Zealand The South Island of New Zealand is well known for its snow-capped mountains, many lakes, and even glaciers. As you can see in the satellite photo above, the Southern Alps run along the complete length of the Southern Island. This is the home of New Zealand's highest mountain; Mt. Cook or "Aoraki" at 3724 m above sea level. So if scenic mountain views are your thing, the South Island of New Zealand is a must. New Zealand South Island: City Guide With just a fifth of New Zealand's population living on the South Island, you will experience smaller cities, small villages, and more open landscapes. Some cities just have a population of around 10,000 or less, and there's a bunch of them. So we decided to just list those we think may have importance for your South Island travel planning, with shorter descriptions. If you miss one you think should be in the City Guide, let us know in the comments! Nelson: "Whakatū" Nelson is located facing Tasmanian Bay and has roughly a population of 52,000. Being known as one of the places with year-round sunshine, magnificent golden beaches, and the fantastic Abel Tasman National Park. Be sure to check out vineyards and local cuisine as well. Blenheim: "Waiharakeke" Blenheim is the gateway to one of New Zealand’s best wine regions; Marlborough, located west in the Wairu Valley. In the town of Blenheim, you'll find the Marlborough Museum which chronicles the development of winemaking, as well as the early Polynesian settlement of the region. The Marlborough Wine Region regularly records the highest and longest sunshine hours in New Zealand, while being cooled down by ocean breezes making Marlborough perfect for winemaking. Old Church in Christchurch, New Zealand Christchurch: "Ōtautahi" In Christchurch, there's an urban regeneration meeting heritage, culture, and explorations. The city is the largest on the South Island, with 383,000 people living there making it an ever-evolving and vibrant city, so you will always find new things to do, from exciting thrill-seeking activities to zen-like green spaces for recreation. Find Street Art, innovative projects, friendly hospitality, restaurant and cafés, and stunning nature, as Christchurch is the base camp of exploration of the Banks Peninsula. Avon River, as well as the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains, are within reach, so Christchurch is the perfect destination for combining laidback city life with astonishing nature and wildlife. In Wanaka, you can visit Wineries and Vineyards from Top Wine Producers in New Zealand Wanaka Wanaka has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast and traveler for scenic, nature experiences. In this small town, with only 9000, you will have a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from; hiking, cycling, walking, skiing, skydiving, mountaineering, canyoning, and biking - all with the impressive Mt Aspiring National Park, as a backdrop. Why not try to combine a morning skiing adventure with beach life in the afternoon? Spending time outside is the Wanaka Way of Life! The amazing nature will invite you to explore and encounter Mother Earth in an unforgettable way as well as being Otago's second resort town after Queenstown. Otago as a region is also highly appreciated for its moody landscape, food, and especially the wine produced here. Scenic and amazing view over Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand Queenstown: "Tāhuna" On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the home of adventure and sports. Queenstown has a population of 15,000 and 48,000 live in the region. It's a smaller town but with a lot of things to do for the traveler seeking adventures, surrounded by towering mountains of the Southern Alps. White Water Rafting Adventures in Queenstown Queenstown is the Capital of Adventures and a premier four-season alpine retreat and is considered the number one resort town of New Zealand's South Island. Here you find all kinds of sports activities as well as more extreme ones like bungy jumping, ziplining, river rafting, jet boats...and if you're a real daredevil, try the Nevis Catapult! Don't forget to be adventurous when it comes to your tastebuds as well. In Queenstown, you can taste local cuisine, world-class chocolate and pastry as well as fine dining at one of the many restaurants, and award-winning Pinot Noir from the Gibston Wine Region. Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand Dunedin: "Ōtepoti" On the southeast coast, you'll find the second-largest city of the Southern Island, and the oldest; Dunedin, with a population of 105,000. The City is strongly influenced by Scottish traditions with Edwardian and Victorian architecture, but also the Maori heritage is present. The urban area is located on the shores of Otago Harbour, with suburbs along the Otago Peninsula and reaching the Otago hills on the remains of an extinct volcano. Being one of the largest student populations as well in New Zealand, the urban student lifestyle has made the city interesting in many ways. There are a lot of cultural events, you have great places to eat out, and amazing street art is nearly on every street corner! Invercargill: "Waihōpai" Invercargill has a population of 50,000 and is one of the southernmost cities in the world. In the heartland of Southern Plains, on the New River; or Oreti, with rich farmland; Invercargill is bordered by large areas of conservation land and marine reserves, including Fiordland National Park covering the south-west corner of the South Island and the Catlins coastal region. Wildlife is really interesting here with breathtaking nature and ocean views. Seals having a nap in Doubtful Sounds New Zealand South Island: Tourist Attraction and Activity Guide Where else in the world can you ski snow-capped mountains in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon? Where else in the world can you find glaciers surrounded by rainforests and rugged beaches? The island has a 5,842 km long coastline, with the Pacific Ocean on its south- and east coasts while the west coast belongs to the Tasman Sea. The spectacular Southern Alps divide the island, running from north to south. Visiting South Island will give you an overflow of Mother Earth's natural beauty that will leave you breathless. Fully understandable, the South Island has constantly been acclaiming the epithet "Paradise on Earth" by travelers from all corners of the world. Fiordland National Park in South Island of New Zealand Complete Guide to South Island National Parks The importance of New Zealand to preserve nature and wildlife can't be emphasized enough. Adventure tourism, the hospitality industry, and event businesses evolve because of skillful people, tour agents, and guides, but are at the same time highly dependent on the government taking care of forests, wildlife, natural heritage, and National Parks. There are 13 national parks in New Zealand with over 30,000 km2 of amazing nature to be explored, and even more amazingly you'll find 9 of them on the South Island and one below. Abel Tasman National Park So let us start with the smallest National Park in New Zealand; Abel Tasman National Park. It may be smaller but is the perfect spot for relaxation and if you visit, you should take the opportunity to sleep beneath the stars one of the nights. The night sky is marvelous. Explore Abel Tasman National Park from land, water, or air. Here you'll find tours of all kinds, including heli-tours, and boat- and catamaran sailing cruises. Be sure to check out the fantastic beaches! Kahurangi National Park The trademark for Ktahurangi could be the scenic marble mountains, relaxing beaches with soothing palm trees, and the rough wilderness. However, the real trademark for this National Park is fossils and geology. The Kahurangi National Park is a paradise if you're into this kind of nature experience! The park has a complex landform, and here you can hunt for fossils, fluted rock, arches, caves, rock formations, sinkholes, shafts...you name it. A 540 million years old fossil was found in the park! The two marble mountains; Mount Owen and Mount Arthur, have a number of extensive cave systems to explore too. Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand Nelson Lakes National Park With its 102,000 hectares of awe-inspiring Alps, forests, valleys, and alpine lakes, Nelson Lakes is one of New Zealand's largest and most visited National Parks. From easy hikes along the lakes to more challenging ones in the Southern Alp region, this park offers walking, hiking, and trekking for all kinds of nature enthusiasts. Arthur's Pass National Park The Arthur's Pass National Park, as the name gives a hint, divides the Southern Island in half with the Southern Alps. Climate is quite diverse too. On the east side of the pass, you'll find wide, shingle-filled riverbeds, and majestic, lush, and vast beech forests. The west on the other hand will give you a more wet climate, with the typical deeply gorged rivers flowing through the dense and wild rainforests that have become significant for Artur's Pass, with the alpine landscape in the middle filled with snow-capped peaks, slopes, and glaciers. Westland Tai Poutini National Park And speaking of glaciers; Westland Tai Poutini National Park is commonly known as Glacier Land. This is the home of the two most famous glaciers; Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. And those glaciers move really fast for being glaciers! With a movement of 4 meters per day, this is extremely fast for glaciers! At the foot of the glaciers, you can actually hear the grinding and crushing of the ancient ice as it moves at its high pace down the mountain. The whole area of Westland is also blessed with the natural beauty of lowland rainforests, grasslands, a magnificent coastline, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, making Westland Tai Poutini National Park one of the most visited ones in New Zealand. Aoroki Mount Cook National Park Aroki Mount Cook National Park is a mountaineer's paradise! Here you have the highest peak in New Zealand; Aoroki situated lovely by Lake Pukaki, but also no less than 23 additional peaks over 3000 meters high! Many mountaineers have this destination as a stage in preparation and training for climbing some of the major peaks of the world like Mount Everest. Select one of the many base camps, plan your route, and climb the mountains! And you don't need to be a skilled mountaineer to enjoy the majestic wonders of this National Park. All skill levels will be satisfied and for alpine activities, the Aoroki Area is considered to be the best in the Australasia Region. Opaque water, surreal milky lakes, glaciers, herb field, and encountering the Cheeky Kea; Mountain Parrot, is all part of the marveling views, as well as the extreme stargazing you can experience in the lack of city lights. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is naturally therefore the majority part of the New Zealand International Dark Sky Reserve. Mount Aspiring National Park Named for Mt Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and alpine lakes. Here both national and international hikers have their full need of trails to wander. Viewing points are many, with crystal clear pools, snowfields, wildlife, valleys, passes, and rock formations. It can easily be forgotten that Fiordland can be sunny too! Fiordland National Park On the west coast of the Southern Island, lies the Fiordland National Park. It was famously described by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world", and it's understandable why. Travel the fiords with totally breathtaking mountains, waterfalls and lots of water - also rain - so be sure to bring raincoats and water-proof clothes! Enjoy cruises and marvel at the nature of Fiordland, Milford Sound, and New Zealand's Wild Side, at its best. Your trip to Fiordland will be a travel memory for life. Don't miss the Te Anau and Waitomo Glass Worm Caves for a magical tour! Rakiura National Park Known for its Flora and Fauna, the Rakiura National Park is made up of a network of former nature reserves, scenic reserves, and State Forest areas. Many New Zealand native birds are found here and you probably will have the best chance of meeting a Kiwi in the wild or the curious and flightless Weka which only can be found on the offshore islands, in Rakiura, as well as the yellow-eyed penguin. For animal and bird lovers, Rakiura National Park is the perfect destination. Kaikoura Seals, Dolphins, and Sperm Whale Watching Experience After about a 2-hour drive from Christchurch, you are in Kaikoura Country. Kaikoura is the base for all kinds of wildlife, especially oceanic wildlife. Seals, Dolphins, and Sperm Whales are the perks of taking a tour along the coastal waters. Whale watching is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kaikoura, so there are a lot of tours available to choose from. Don't forget it's not only about Oceanic views in Kaikoura! A foodie travel tip is to be sure to eat crayfish as this is a specialty of Kaikoura as well. In the Māori language "kai" means food and "kōura" means crayfish! New Zealand South Island Vineyard Discoveries Before I write about my favorite topic; food, I need to write about my second-best topic: Wine! New Zealand as a wine country has really evolved, and if you are not familiar with New Zealand Wine, I can guarantee you will be more than satisfied. There are a lot of wineries, vineyards, and wine to discover, and it would be huge to cover it all, so I imagine the most famous will do in this travel for food and wine guide. Five Grape Varieties and Four Vineyards of New Zealand Starting with the world-trendy Pinot Noir; the famous black grape variety on everyone's palette these days. Preferably as a single grape variety makes Pinot Noir highly suitable for the cool and moderate climate of Martinborough on the North Island and Marlborough on the South Island. On the South Island, you also find Central Otago, and despite the southern and warmer latitude, this wine region produces ripe, powerful, and fully aroma-flavored Pinot Noir. Central Otago is protected from freezing breezes and lies in a rain shadow, due to a ring of mountains embracing the vineyards. This allows full sun hours to ripen the grape and cooler nights to develop a fresh acidity. The result is a wine with pronounced fruity flavors of strawberry and red cherry, perfect to enjoy by itself or with some kiwi barbeque for the gently oak-aged examples. Chardonnay is one of the wine world's most used white grapes, especially as it grows in all kinds of wine climates, with a myriad of or opportunities for the winemaker to use, making the epitaph "winemakers grape" full justice. In the north-eastern region of Marlborough, the grape produces some really high-quality Chardonnays with developed ripe lemon, peach, and melon characters, a high and natural acidity that is caressed by subtle flavors of oak. Heading to the cooler moderate climate, in wine terms, of Hawke's Bay located on the east coast on the North Island will give the Chardonnay wines a full-body, balanced with a satisfying freshness and often heavily stone fruit flavors. If your favorite white grape variety is Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is closely associated with high-quality wines made from the grape. The wines are much more pronounced than their ditto's from the Loire Valley of France and are typically harvested at all ripeness levels. Therefore you will find a broad range of fruit in the wines like lemon, peach, and passion fruit alongside green-bell-pepper and asparagus aromas. The grape is widely experimented on in Marlborough, making very interesting wines far from the classic style, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has recently become world-famous for it. The black grape Merlot is mostly grown in Hawke's Bay with a range of light fruity through full-bodied examples as a single grape variety or usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to make fresh, red- and black fruit-flavored wine with herbaceous notes of green bell pepper and capsicum. New Zealand Lamb has made the country world-famous New Zealand Food Culture We maybe not entirely Travel for Food, but we like to think about it like a Pareto Principle. You know the 80/20 rule; 80% of the outcome is a result of the input of 20% in any given event? We often find ourselves planning to eat 20% of the time we're awake when traveling. The 80% left is getting there, trying to imbibe as much as possible of the country's culture and sights - and eat obviously! For some reason, I always thought of New Zealand as a "secondary" food destination and the Pareto Principle would probably be the other way around, but scratching the surface reveals a lot of great food and food experiences to enjoy. New Zealand Lamb, Māori Hāngī, and Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Traditionally, food in NZ was basically British-based and as recent as roughly 30 years ago, simple comfort food like "meat and three veggies" was the staple food and what most families eat. Being an island that is highly dependent on its agricultural economy, New Zealand food for natural reasons is based on seasonal, locally produced ingredients. However, with 14,000 km of coastlines and major oceans surrounding the islands you would be surprised if you couldn't find one of the world's best seafood here. Here are five foods and dishes you have to try when traveling to New Zealand as a Foodie: 1. New Zealand Lamb You can't travel to New Zealand without eating Lamb! The quality is really high and has made New Zealand one of the world leaders in producing quality lamb products. Enjoy eating with equally high-quality New Zealand Wine. 2. Traditional Māori Hāngī The thousand-of-years-old tradition of cooking in earth ovens in the Polynesian and Māori cultures is a must to experience! In the northern regions of Northland, Auckland, and Rotorua, you should visit a Marae to learn more about the Māori heritage. At these gatherings, there are often served Hāngī. Pork, mutton, lamb, and chicken in generous portions of kumara; sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, onions, and other root vegetables will give you a feast of earthy flavors you'll not forget in the first place. And if you're lucky, you can round up the meal with a delicious hāngī-steamed pudding for dessert! 3. Super Seafood With that much coast and ocean surrounding New Zealand, you can be assured to find world-class seafood here. You should try Fish 'n Chips and whitebait fritters of course, but don't miss oysters, lobsters, green-lipped mussels, sea urchin; or Kina as it's usually called, crayfish, local fish called paua, and orange roughy fish. 4. Local Produce and Unique Foods Being an agricultural nation, highly depending on what the islands may produce, you can visit a lot of seasonal fairs, food festivals, and farmers' markets when traveling to New Zealand. Being influenced by British Cuisine for a long time, you might notice that staple food and comfort food is widely spread, like Fish 'n Chips, Kiwi Burgers (with beetroot and a fried egg), and Pie's. But something has happened just in the last decades, which we'll cover further down. Nowadays, even Pie is trendy and interesting! Where you only could find minced meat pie earlier, you now can find flavorful pies of lamb, salmon, bacon, and venison to mention a few. Try the local cheese, as New Zealand has several diaries producing milk from goats, sheep, and cows, the country is packed with high-quality cheese as well. Another thing you shouldn't miss is local craft beers! New Zealand hops have a reputation for being highly pungent with fruity varieties making the beer something quite spectacular, and the trend of craft beer isn't missed of course, especially by the younger generation. Another beverage that has evolved rapidly is New Zealand Wine, as we already covered above. New Zealand's unique flora and fauna are the solid ground on which food is produced, add a new wave trend of regional-, seasonal-, and locally produced food, and you have a winning concept. 5. Sweets and Treats Ok. First of all. Don't argue with a Kiwi that Pavlova originally is an Australian dessert! It could get intense because any New Zealander will argue this delicious dish was invented here, and it's actually New Zealand's National Dessert. Does it matter? Probably not, because the dessert is utterly delicious! A mix of textures; meringue, whipped cream, and fresh and flavorful fruits - what could go wrong? Next thing. What on earth is Hokey Pokey? Making it is really easy. Make a brown caramel of water and sugar, add baking soda and the magic happens; the caramel froths up rapidly while stirring, pour it up into a prepared tray, and leave it to cool. The color and taste of this honeycomb toffee are pure yum, break it up into smaller pieces and serve it with ice cream. Voilà! Hokey Pokey Ice Cream. Pro Tip! Try adding a small amount of Manuka honey; famous for its taste and medicinal effects, to boost the Hokey Pokey and you'll have pure magic too! New Zealanders have a real sweet tooth and enjoy desserts and pastries. And they have a thing for chocolate, like the Jaffas; chocolate balls coated with sugar scented with orange, original New Zealand Chocolate Cookies with corn flakes and walnuts for instance which are national treasures, but also premium chocolate of course. New Zealand is a Foodie Paradise As mentioned, for a long time New Zealand Food was influenced by British Cuisine. The heartbeat of a Foodie seldom went over the resting heart rate. However, modern days mean modern food and even if New Zealand was kind of sluggish, the culinary innovation and cultural diversity in just the last decades have made a reputation for itself as a Foodie Nation. Truly, the gourmet experience is relatively new for both locals and tourists. Nowadays, as everyone on the Islands becomes more cosmopolitan, you'll find a more up-to-date version of New Zealand Cuisine with Mediterranean and Pacific Rim influences and the fusion of unique, high-quality produces from local farmers mixed with ethnic influences, which almost have made the culinary scene stand alone as a Kiwi Food identity. Add locally, unique beverages in wine and beer, and your bon vivant and foodie lifestyle will flourish! And we'll leave with a strong foodie fact; Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, actually has more food haunts and eateries per capita than New York with over 300 cafés and restaurants only in the city center which spans just over 2 km square! New Zealand Travel Bucket List So have you decided to put New Zealand on the Bucket List yet? This is our own Bucket List for New Zealand, rating the Top 5 things to do when visiting NZ, and the Best Travel Hacks and Budget Travel Tips at the end of this New Zealand Guide, to help you start Travel Planning. The NZ Bucket List Get Adventurous and Active Take Aesthetic Nature Photography in the National Parks Enjoy a bunch of Vineyard and Foodie Tours Visiting the Bay of Plenty by boat, watching Whales and Sea Wildlife Visit Hobbiton Travel Plan Your Next New Zealand Trip This is a Travel Guide to New Zealand and a Guide to the North and South Island of New Zealand. To start planning your travel to New Zealand, check out these helpful Travel Tips and Travel Resources: Always start your Travel Planning by using a Trusted VPN Service like NordVPN to avoid Algorithms interfering with your multiple searches for the best price. It will save you a lot of money in your overall Travel Budget. Check out Expedia for flights, stays, and car hire at your destination. Find Hotels, Accommodations, and Rentals at Booking. iVisa has the latest Travel recommendations and hassle-free online Visa applications. Make sure you always Travel Safely and Awesome with Travel Insurance for Travelers from Safety Wing. Create Travel Memories on your destination. Get Your Guide and find Tour Guides, Activities, and things to do in New Zealand. Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment! And do feel free to share with family and friends, share or pin it on your Social Media, or Link to our "New Zealand Travel Guide and Travel Planner for 2022" on your site if you found the Travel Guide valuable for your readers. We appreciate that a lot. Thank you so much! Jane and Fredrik Goldhahn are Food Travel Writers blogging on Sticks & Spoons Food Travel; two devoted Foodies and a Travel Couple from Sweden, who mostly travel for food. Recently joined by their daughter in their mission to Travel to every new Destination to Explore Food.

Getting away is fun and good for you, but it can be pretty costly. Thankfully, whether you are traveling locally, nationwide, or internationally, there are always some unexpected ways to save some money. Food and Travel Guides offers some amazing travel hacks to help you take that trip you’re dreaming about without going broke. Guest Blogger: Vivek Mukherjee, Inspired Expatriates Table of Content: "Travel Hacks for a Mind-Blowing Getaway That Doesn't Break the Bank" Start with Your Phone Saving Money When You Fly Pack to Save Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Start with Your Phone There are a lot of ways your cell phone can help you save big bucks on your trip. Start by making sure your phone is up to snuff. The last thing you want is to be in a strange place and have no way to contact family and friends or not be able to access your GPS when you need it. Then load your phone with apps that will help you make the most of your money and your adventure. Some apps help you find the best tours and low-cost attractions, connect you with public transportation, and help you save money when you eat out. It’s easy to see how your phone can be the backbone of your frugal getaway, and the key to having fun! Saving Money When You Fly Mention a plane ticket, and people automatically assume it is going to be a pricey purchase with at least a few surprise fees. In truth, it isn't hard to find a comfortable, pleasant flight for a sliver of what everyone else is paying—if you know where to look. You may not mind being uncomfortable for a short trip, but comfort is much more important if you're flying across the country or the world. The problem is that business and first-class tickets are quite expensive. The best-kept secret in air travel may be premium economy seating. A little more expensive than economy seats but not as pricey as business class, the premium economy gives travelers more legroom, a more comfortable seat, better restroom options, and other amenities. What’s more, TaxAct points out that you can snag lower prices when you travel during less popular times and seasons. Bear in mind too that if you use deal aggregator sites when you search for affordable airfare, you can usually tap into coupons or promotions that bring extra savings. Pack to Save Packing can save you money when you consider what you are packing and not how you are packing. There are several easy, cost-cutting items that you can pack that will significantly reduce your travel budget. Collapsible bottles, universal power adapters, and a luggage scale are all small, simple items that can save you a lot of money on your travels. Consider also packing clothes that are interchangeable and easy to clean. Don't pack anything that you can't replace easily. Any item of clothing you bring on vacation should be easy to take care of to avoid dry cleaning fees and extra laundry charges. And only pack clothing you know you’ll need—leave those “just in case” items at home. If you hit a hiccup, you can always thrift shop for a bargain that fills the gap. There are a lot of ways to save big while still having a blast on vacation. The key is to identify where you are spending the most and consider where the most value is. Put your phone to good use, be smart about comfort, and pack sparingly. And most of all, have fun! Guest Blogger Vivek Mukherjee is a passionate Business Blogger with great knowledge about starting a business overseas at Inspired Expatriates. Luckily, he also loves traveling around the world and as a frequent flyer, he has some good advice and Travels Hacks to book that cheap Getaway of your dreams!

With 239 miles of coastline and 200 islands and cays, it’s easy to see why tourists flock to Belize. As Belize re-opened to tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic, it provided my home away from home during a 3-month sabbatical from my hospital work. Decreased cross–border movement allowed some of the inland inhabitants to staycation in their “own backyard” and discover why Placencia is one of the favorite spots in the country. Better still, it’s a quick 22-minute flight from Belize City to Placencia. Guest Blogger: Gail Clifford, ABLE Travel & Photo Table of Content: "Why I Loved My Sabbatical in Placencia, Belize" 1. Beach Life in Placencia, Belize 2. About Belize 3. Climate in Belize 4. Why Travel to Placencia? 5. Placencia History 6. Great Food in Placencia, Belize 7. Find the Best Beaches in Placencia, Belize 8. Jungle Adventures and World-Class Fishing in Placencia 9. Placencia Reef Adventures 10. Travel Plan Your Next Belize Trip Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. "Wave to Belize City as you fly over. No need to stay" - Photo by ©Gail Clifford "Belize City from the air" - Photo by ©Gail Clifford Beach Life in Placencia, Belize Be ready to embrace the beach life when you touch down in Placencia. Whether you start with lunch at The Shak, dinner at The Quarterdeck, or breakfast at your condo or hotel, you’ll be able to slow down, exchange your shoes for flip flops and let your cares slip away. At sunrise, on my first day in town, empty docks and moored motorboats were my tropical backdrop as a light rain fell just as I began a walk on the beach. The palms waved in the soft breeze. My walk along The Sidewalk reminded me of its Guinness Book of World Record as the narrowest Main Street in the world. Across the sand, the blue-green water turns to aqua as you look further out into the Caribbean Sea with splashes of aquamarine blue unsettled only by the rare speed boats. "Palm trees" - Photo by ©Gail Clifford About Belize Belize, formerly British Honduras, located on the east coast of Central America, south of Mexico, and northeast of Guatemala, became its own nation in 1981. Perhaps, for scuba diving and the Blue Hole, the country known best has become popular with American ex-pats who stay in Belize due to decreased cost of living and favorable tax benefits. Residency can be obtained after staying 50 of 52 weeks in a year. With that comes the ability to work in the country. Yet still, be an easy plane ride to the grandchildren. "Don’t gain the world and lose your soul" - Photo by ©Gail Clifford Climate in Belize While the rainy season lasts from June to November, the equatorial temperature is typically 72F to 86F and humid. That makes it an ideal place for Americans seeking to escape frigid winters. Why travel to Placencia? Placencia, a fishing village on the south coast, attracts tourists with the ecotourism excitement offered by water activities and historic hikes thru Mayan Ruins or tropical jungles. And the best soft white sand beaches in the country. Ex-pats stay for the simplified, less materialistic lifestyle available, yet maintain multiple restaurant options, active lifestyle, and a great place to invite friends and family. And, for added convenience, the official language is English, the currency is the U.S. dollar and the electrical current is the same we have in the United States. No need for adaptors or converters. Colorful Beach Cabanas – Photo by ©Gail Clifford From Placencia, in addition to diving the Belize Barrier Reef (second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), there are many excursions to enjoy, including sport fishing (go early in your trip and you’ll have all the protein you’ll need for your stay), the Monkey River tour, Mayan ruins and a surprising number of enjoyable restaurants. Spending a few months there gave me the chance to experience most of them while still maintaining my project schedule. The Placencia peninsula is a 16-mile spit of land that runs north to south, narrowing to just 80 feet at some points. To the east, white sand beaches and luscious palm trees frame the Caribbean Sea. Placencia Lagoon, a nature and water playground to the west, in the foreground to the Maya Mountains, with a protected Manatee area and a great place for early morning kayaking. Wherever you land on the peninsula, you’ll notice its laid-back attitude. It’s one Placencia consciously cultivates. While adding the amenities you want in a boutique space. Placencia History Settled in the 1700s by Puritans from Nova Scotia, the Spanish-American War in the 1820s led to the population dying out. Later in the 1800s, the Spaniards are said to have named it “Punta Placencia” as it became re-established, now adapted to Placencia. However, its Mayan history takes you back 3000 years, where the Placencia Peninsula was said to have been an important producer of salt. Great Food in Placencia, Belize At the intersection of many cultures, Placencia food covers traditional Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mayan. Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola chose Placencia for one of their Family Hideaways and remains one of the most captivating places to stop – for a meal or a stay. We enjoyed their Cuban burger, refreshing watermelon salad, and excellent choices from the well-stocked bar. Whether you stick to the Placencia Sidewalk at the Barefoot Bar, Tipsy Tuna, Cozy Corner or The Shak, or move over to Placencia Road with Wendy’s, Omar’s, Ruth’s, Rick’s or Tutti Frutti, there are enough choices that you could go to a different place each day. "Tutti Frutti Gelato" – photo by ©Gail Clifford Then up the road from the village, options like Turtle Inn, The Quarterdeck, and the Maya Beach Resort offer exceptional meals just a drive away. "The Quarterdeck" – Photo by ©Gail Clifford Try some Belizean specialty items I’ve not seen elsewhere: Specialty meats and seafood: Gibnut (aka The Royal Rat), spiny lobster, iguana (aka Bamboo Chicken), conch. Deep-fried conch fritters are a popular appetizer around the country. Belize Fruit Cake: a traditional Belizean rum cake is popular around holidays, It’s a cake with preserved fruits baked in and then stored for a couple of days after being generously doused with dark local or Caribbean rum. Fruit wines: Belizeans make wines from all kinds of local fruit including cashew, craboo, blackberry (not the berries of the north), star fruit, sorrel (a hibiscus), and soursop. Many of these are homemade, overly sweet, and the alcohol content is uncertain. Find the Best Beaches in Placencia, Belize People arrive in Placencia ready to enjoy the white sand beaches with sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, or kayaking in mind. "Footprints in the Sand" – Photo by ©Gail Clifford You can kick off your flip-flops or tie up your sneakers. Enjoy the most relaxing 90 min sunrise walks (or run) along the crescent beach as the sun quickly enters another day (average sunrise takes 3 minutes here). "Beach Chair Lounges" – photo by ©Gail Clifford It’s easy to see why people focus on the dreamy beach lifestyle Placencia offers. Jungle Adventures and World-Class Fishing in Placencia But there’s even more to do. Hike. Horseback ride. Explore Mayan Ruins. Explore Monkey River and see the howler monkeys (and maybe some crocodiles, too). "Monkey River Village" – Photo by ©Gail Clifford Wildlife tours are available to see jaguars, macaws, and anteaters. When you’re ready for the “reel action” above the water, hire a boat and go out for sport fishing. Pro Tip: If you have access to kitchen facilities and eat fish, plan your fishing trip early in your stay – you’ll have all the protein you need for the rest of your visit. Typical catches include tuna, snapper, grouper, and barracuda. When my neighbors brought some tuna over, I made a pineapple poblano salsa that was the perfect complement, with rice or tortilla wrap. Placencia Reef Adventures Placencia is only 20 miles from the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It’s easy to see why scuba and snorkeling are such a big deal in Placencia. Whether visiting Silk Cayes or the Blue Hole or Half Moon Caye, you’ll find different constructions of reef creating different environments to explore. All levels of experience can be accommodated by the Placencia tour operators. "You Better Belize It" – Photo by ©Gail Clifford It’s also a great place for ecotourism, where the mangroves offset our carbon footprint. "Hank and Mary in the Mangroves" – Photo by ©Gail Clifford Whether in Placencia for a working holiday, staycation, or to retire, you’ll find plenty to see, do and eat with a welcoming community who all wish to embrace an active lifestyle close to nature. Travel Plan Your Next Belize Trip This is a Travel Guide to Belize and Guide to Placencia. To start planning your travel to Dublin, check out these helpful Travel Tips and Travel Resources: Always start your Travel Planning by using a Trusted VPN Service like NordVPN to avoid Algorithms interfering with your multiple searches for the best price. It will save you a lot of money in your overall Travel Budget. Check out Expedia for flights, stays, and car hire at your destination. Find Hotels, Accommodations, and Rentals at Booking. iVisa has the latest Travel recommendations and hassle-free online Visa applications. Make sure you always Travel Safely and Awesome with Travel Insurance for Travelers from Safety Wing. Create Travel Memories on your destination. Get Your Guide and find Tour Guides, Activities, and things to do in Belize. Gail Clifford, MD, a physician for more than 25 years, has traveled to five continents and all 50 United States. An avid traveler, despite meager means in school, she has enjoyed trips with her parents, her siblings, and her daughter. She happily goes on new adventures, and blogs about her discoveries as a Travel Writer and photographer at ABLE Travel and Photo.

Teenagers are well-known for being hard to please. If you have a child, you probably understand the situation better than anyone else. In particular, vacationing with teenagers would be an adventure you don't always want to remember. To avoid facing boredom and an unhappy child, you should choose and plan a summer vacation with your kid in mind. Guest Blogger: Khoi Ngyen, The Broad Life Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Table of Content: How to Choose a Wonderful Destination for a Teenager's Summer Vacation 1. Having a Summer Vacation with and for the Teenager 2. Amusement Park or Theme Park for a Teenager? 3. Cruise Trip with Your Family 4. White Water Rafting with Youngsters 5. Family City Tour with Kids 6. Final Say Having a Summer Vacation with and for the Teenager When selecting a summer vacation, it is essential that you examine your child's interests and dislikes. Just because a kid enjoys video arcade games does not mean yours will. Choosing a holiday destination that caters to adolescents and ensuring that your teenagers will enjoy or use the activities and services on offer is vital. In addition to determining their vacation preferences, you might consider having youngsters to assist you in selecting the next vacation destination. Yes, allowing your teen to help plan the summer trip can make everyone spend more time together while also ensuring that you choose a destination they like. If you can decide on a summer vacation destination jointly, it will be one of the best moments well spent. Anyways, below are some of my suggested destinations that you may want to plan and go to with your child for the summer vacation. Amusement Park or Theme Park for a Teenager? Amusement parks and theme parks are popular vacation destinations for teenagers. Furthermore, depending on the length of your trip, there are several traditional amusement parks that you can go to within a single day as well as amusement park resorts for staying in a few days. If you live in the US, I have some suggested amusement park resorts such as Disneyland, Disney World, and Orlando Studios. In addition, smaller parks like Six Flags may offer onsite camping or hotel accommodations too. Cruise Trip with Your Family A cruise ship is one vacation spot for kids that often goes unnoticed. You can easily find cruise trips around the world and book them online easily. Several of the most popular cruises take place in the Caribbean and Europe. You can also find some of the trips in South East Asia. Many cruise lines have a large fleet of ships fully geared toward families. Indeed, they have many onboard activities to help bond your family and burn your child's energy such as swimming, dancing, playing video games, watching movies, rock climbing, etc. Another cruise trip's advantage is the educational feature it brings to your child. To elaborate, the ship will land your family at different destinations across the route. As a result, the teenager can even learn more from places they visit. Who knows if there is a thing that surprisingly interests the kid? That would turn out to be the most incredible part a cruise trip can provide. White Water Rafting with Youngsters Apart from theme parks, white water rafting can be exciting for youngsters. In fact, white water rafting tours are available throughout the United States. Particularly, the activity is popular in West Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. If you wish to take your family white water rafting, consider your children's level of rafting experience. Inexperienced whitewater rafters should take a guided tour. Family City Tour with Kids There is a long list of attractive cities that can be found throughout the world. Definitely, these cities are famous for a variety of reasons. If your family wants to spend a holiday with your adolescent, try visiting one of these cities. Taking North America as an example, tourists frequently visit New York City, Hollywood, Toronto, Quebec, New Orleans, etc. Many of these locations provide a variety of activities and attractions that your adolescent may enjoy. Final Say You and your family should have a great time regardless of how you pick or where you go for your next summer vacation. Just making sure that you and your teen's unique experiences are memorable in a good sense by carefully planning your summer vacation before making your reservations. Enjoy, and have a great summer vacation with your teenager! The Broad Life Food and Travel Blog is built with the fire and desire to inspire people to go exploring the world and live a more interesting and adventurous life when traveling. Most of the Travels take place in Asia but you'll find more Destinations in the blog. Visit The Broad Life and follow on Instagram.

This is a short Restaurant Review that will help you find three food spots and where to eat when visiting the Capitol Reykjavik on the magic island of Iceland. Guest Blogger: Cait Williams, Cait Kontalis Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. View from Kaffivagninn. We went in the winter when there is a lot of darkness — so this is 9:30 AM! Kaffivagninn Iceland’s oldest restaurant! A true, authentic taste of Iceland. To this day, this is my favorite meal I’ve had overseas. While the food was a nice hardy breakfast before exploring Iceland, the atmosphere is what I’m still dreaming about. Wander into this local fisherman favorite, and be greeted by elderly Icelandic gentlemen catching up with their pals, reading the latest Reykjavik news, and sipping on their coffee. Located in central Reykjavik on the water, easy to add to your journey. RELATED POST: Top 3 Travel recommendations for your upcoming Iceland Adventure Bryggjan Brugghus Bistro & Brewery I was fortunate to be in Iceland in December, so many festive decorations lit up this brewery. More restaurant than a traditional brewery, we were seated at a table looking out on the water. Sunset views mixed with holiday decor and delicious brews made for the perfect celebratory dinner. This brewery serves classic (and good) bar food, alongside an impressive array of brews and wines. Me and my mama on our American Thanksgiving Iceland long-weekend Caruso Ristorante The best darn pizza I’ve had in my life (and I’m from Chicago). This intimate restaurant is a magical must. Its located in a quaint, almost home-like structure, filled with locals. Its dark light is perfect for a “treat yourself” night, while still being affordable…or as affordable as Iceland can be! Travel Plan Your Next Trip to Iceland This is a Travel Guide to Iceland and a Guide to Where to Eat in Reykjavik. To start planning your travel to Iceland, check out these helpful Travel Tips and Travel Resources: Always start your Travel Planning by using a Trusted VPN Service like NordVPN to avoid Algorithms interfering with your multiple searches for the best price. It will save you a lot of money in your overall Travel Budget. Check out Expedia for flights, stays, and car hire at your destination. Find Hotels, Accommodations, and Rentals at Booking. iVisa has the latest Travel recommendations and hassle-free online Visa applications. Make sure you always Travel Safely and Awesome with Travel Insurance for Travelers from Safety Wing. Create Travel Memories on your destination. Get Your Guide and find Tour Guides, Activities, and things to do in Iceland. Guest Blogger Cait Kontalis from the self-named Travel Blog is a Greek-American Travel Blogger based in Chicago, Illinois. The most important thing in her life is to travel. Her motto is: "I firmly believe that the more people travel, the better global citizens we will become"! We agree 110% with that! Visit Cait Kontalis and follow her on Instagram! Cait is also featured in our Collab-Post Staycation. Check it out! Three fantastic restaurants in Reykjavik on Iceland. A quick and easy Restaurant Review on Reykjaviks Best Restaurants to fill your belly if you ask Cait! Find three Recommended Restaurants in the Capitol of Iceland; Reykjavik, in this review of Kaffivagninn, Bryggjan Brugghus Bistro & Brewery and Caruso Ristorante, top icelandic comfort food at it's best! #restaurantsinreykjavik #reykjavik #reykjavikoniceland #restaurantreview #reykjaviksbestrestaurants #recommendedrestaurants #capitoloficeland #kaffivagninn #bryggjanbrugghus #bistro #brewery #carusoristorante #topicelandic #comfortfood

Originally posted in the Staycation Collab post; this Guide is perfectly working as an inspiration to get to know your neighborhood and backyard better. Here are some Day Trip Tips you can make from Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and Southern California. Guest Blogger: Kailey Portsmouth, USA Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. I’ve never been more grateful to live in Southern California than I have this year. I work a steady 9-5 job with little vacation time each year, so I’ve always taken advantage of drivable weekend destinations near me. However, before this year, I spent much of my time focusing on flying out of town for the weekend or saving up vacation days for an out-of-country vacation. I was always daydreaming of getting away. Day Trips Tips in Southern California But this year, with Stay at Home orders in effect, I’ve gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the area in which I live. I mean, I’m within a 40-minute drive to several beautiful beaches! Who would want to leave that?! I’m also about three hours from some of the most iconic desert parks in the States, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. Santa Barbara is just an hour and a half north, and downtown LA is a stone's throw away. You’re never lacking for choice in SoCal. My husband and I bought our first townhouse and moved literally 2 weeks before Stay at Home orders were issued in California. Our move took us 20 miles north, outside the San Fernando Valley, into the Santa Clarita Valley. Before COVID-19 hit, we had weekend getaways or big activities planned for 9 of the first 13 weeks at our new place. There is absolutely no way my husband and I would have explored our new area like we’ve been able to under normal circumstances. We’ve taken drives through the canyons surrounding our valley. We’ve biked in town and on local bike paths. We’ve picnicked at several local parks. We’ve hiked on open trails. We’ve even gotten to check out and support our local restaurants by ordering take-out. Some of my favorite memories from this year are early morning drives to see the sunrise around the Santa Clarita Valley and at our closest beach in Ventura. Initially, I was quite disappointed to cancel our travel plans for the year. Now, however, I honestly feel grateful for the reprieve, although certainly not for the reason it came about. My husband and I have been able to settle into our new home, spend time getting to know our new area, and also take a step back and reflect on past travels and the reasons we love to travel. One of the major reasons I love to travel is to see and experience new things, often with new people. But during the pandemic, I’ve come to realize how much I have yet to explore my own area. Greater Los Angeles is massive. Although I’ve been very lucky to get a chance to do a lot of things here, there is still so much more to see, do, and learn. I know many people plan their big vacations to come to Southern California, and here I am, planning my trips elsewhere. Most importantly, my husband, my cats, and I are healthy and safe. That’s the greatest blessing of all, and something this year has taught us not to take for granted. As things open back up, I want to ensure that I continue to seek out experiences and new locations right in my own neighborhood. Not only does it foster a greater love and respect for where you live, but it also brings you closer to neighbors, friends, and your community. Guest Blogger Kailey Portsmouth from the USA is a CA-based photographer with a passion for adventure and travel. She's also a frequent Travel Blogger at her self-named site under "Valley Girl Travel Guide Blog". Visit her site Kailey Portsmouth and follow her on Instagram! Also, be sure to check out our Staycation Collab Blog Post for more.

Originally posted in our Collab Blog Post Guide to an Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel Lifestyle; this experience from Travel Bloggers Francois and Alexandra visiting Costa Rica is inspiring for you who want to choose stays that are eco-friendly or outspokenly conscious about our world's environment when planning your next destination. Guest Blogger: Alexandra and François, VireVolte Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Sustainable Tourism and Nature Preservation in Costa Rica In 2020, we were lucky enough to travel 3 weeks in Costa Rica and to come back to France just a few days before the lockdown. On our final days in Costa Rica, we went to Corcovado National Park, in the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica is a country we have a lot to learn from in terms of Sustainable tourism and nature preservation (the country will be Carbon neutral in 2021!). Each national park is very well preserved, due to many rules: entries are limited, incoming and outgoing waste are checked, paths are marked and monitored, and the locals are very aware of the protection of nature. And that is why it is working so well because people care! In the Osa Peninsula, we have found some people who do not only care but who are doing their best every day for the country and the fauna and the flora of the peninsula: the people working at Luna Lodge, an eco-lodge, in the middle of the rainforest. No, you are not dreaming. The Luna Lodge is an amazing place, where nature is celebrated and preserved in every possible way. The people working at the lodge are coming from local communities, the hotel purchases everything it can from small businesses nearby, the hotel is 100% self-sufficient energetically and produces clean energy, using solar energy for water heating, for instance. Guests are informed, made aware, and invited to care for nature as well, by sorting waste, saving energy, using their own water bottles, and not disturbing the nature of the wildlife. Single-use plastic is excluded from the hotel, and the Luna Lodge quantifies and compensates any Greenhouses Gases they are not able to limit. Lana, the owner of the Lodge, is also a Yoga teacher, and she will teach you how to reconnect with nature, listen to yourself but also the rainforest, and take good care of it. What a relief to see that yes, it is possible for the hospitality industry to shake things up and provide an amazing and sustainable experience, in the middle of the rainforest, for the most astonishing experience! Alexandra and François, from VireVolte are traveling the world while working remotely. They are very fond of nature, treks, drone photography, and food! On Virevolte they talk about their favorite destinations, detail each of the itineraries, and give advice for digital nomads working remotely as they do! Follow them on Twitter!

Covid-19 hit Ireland and like most other people destroyed any travel plans this year. Disappointed I decided there was no reason to despair, I live in a beautiful and exciting place and I decided it was time to travel and discover more of Ireland. Guest Blogger: Callum James, Travel Cult Disclosure:Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases.Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Exploring Dublin during Covid-19 In the first couple of months, I couldn't travel far from my house, so it was time to explore Dublin. When you live in a city for long enough, you forget about all the wonderful things you can do. Walking stretches of the canal I had always planned to walk, walking through neighbourhoods I never knew about and discovering monuments I never knew existed was an unexpected treat. Capital cities located on the coast are fantastic. You have an outstanding balance of city life and city breaks, trips to the beaches are glorious, but nothing felt better than trips to the ‘Forty Foot’ where I got to rekindle my love for open water swimming. The freezing cold water never failed to take my breath away, but the swim always provided a fantastic feeling when coming out. There is a perfect cycle lane that goes up the coast to one of my favourite villages, Howth a beautiful harbour only an hours cycle out of Dublin city centre. I never knew Dublin had mountains and walking trails in the city, so I discovered new paths and admired the city from a different view. One day in the summer when restrictions eased, I decided to walk the Dublin Mountains Way, a 26 mile (42km) walking trail through the Dublin Mountains. It was a stunning walk bringing fond memories of the previous summer when I hiked the Camino de Santiago. What I learnt from the walk is that it doesn't matter how well the route is signposted I will still get lost and the next time I decide to walk 26 miles, I will do it over two days as I wasn't able to walk correctly for a couple of weeks. Despite living in Dublin for a while, I feel there is so much more to discover and despite spending this unexpected time discovering the city I live in, I feel maybe I don't know it at all, which is very exciting. Dublin City Breaks suitable during a Pandemic As time went on, I could leave the city and explore other cities. I visited Belfast and it felt terrific to be in another city. It felt weird only travelling 2 hours from Dublin and changing currency it felt like I was travelling abroad to unknown land again. I see city breaks as a great opportunity to relax and see as much as possible and learn about the city and its history. It's dark and troubled past haunts the city, however, it creates a fascinating city break brimmed with history and events that are still in people's memories. My visit to Limerick felt like we were living through better times, streets full of people, shops back open and industries running again. The city is full of history, castles, river walks, great food and drink. It was a great change from being in Dublin. Galtymore In July a friend and I walked up Galtymore, the 12th biggest mountain in Ireland and is 1 of 13 Furths (mountains over 3000ft) located in County Tipperary. What a stunning walk! Surrounded by forests, heather, bogs and steep slopes, the hike was worth every minute of pain and effort for the beautiful views along the way. The walk was another gentle reminder that I have a terrible sense of direction. Sweat constantly dripping down my face, I never thought my Covid shaved head would create a problem on the mountains, it turns out hair is a good mop as it absorbs the mountain workout sweats. The Irish bipolar weather couldn't make its mind up if it wanted to rain or shine, I thought I was prepared, armed with my waterproof and woolly hat but I was surprised when I got a sunburnt face. Tired and worn out, I had never been so happy to see a cross that was erected at the top of its peak. Connemara One weekend I jumped onto my bike and set off around Connemara National Park and I fell in love with the place. Connemara's bleak and beautiful landscape and it's deep browns and greens on uneven surfaces was mesmerizing. The National Park reminds me of past adventures in Iceland due to the gorgeous lakes, the vast, rugged landscape and the huge rocky mountains as a backdrop. The ride never got boring. My eyes were fixed on the beauty in front of me, my mind wandered drifting from different worlds keeping well away from reality while singing out loud with no one to hear my horrendous singing voice. Wicklow The county of Wicklow is connected to the Dublin transport system, making it easy to get away from city life and into the mountains to explore some of the beautiful sights. Wicklow could be my favourite county in Ireland because it is full of mountains, cycle routes, stunning scenic views and is a county full of adventure. On one sunny summer day, I cycled The Sally Gap, one of Ireland's finest scenic roads. The windy roads among a spread of bogs, intertwined between tall mountains. This high mountain pass was made during the 1798 rebellion by the British Army looking to flush rebels from the hills. The hills were tiring, but the scenery was worth it. The cycle was stunning with a few stop-offs on the way. Glendalough is a beautiful valley with many walking trails that take you all around the area past two great lakes and a 6th-century monastery. Powerscourt is a large country estate renowned for its house (originally a 13th-century castle), landscaped gardens and its stunning 121-meter waterfall. During this Covid-19 period, I took a few mountain walks and now I've started exploring, I can't stop, there is still so much more to see. There are so many routes to be explored, 39 mountain peaks to conquer, the county is a hiker's dream. Around the Mourne Mountains Many years ago I cycled around the whole of Northern Ireland but was slightly gutted that I didn't get the chance to cycle around the Mourne Mountains, I felt this was my opportunity. The 53 miles (85km) lap from Newry around the Mourne Mountains was breathtaking. The surroundings are stunning, the heather and moss-covered peaks made you think you were in another world. It was the same landscape that inspired CS Lewis to create the magical land of Narnia. Killarney A weekend away with friends, alcohol flowing never fails to push the Covid blues away (social distancing of course). Killarney is a small town in County Kerry to the west of the country. The Killarney National Park surrounds the town. It is home to Lough Leane, Ross Castle, Muckross House and Abbey, MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Lakes of Killarney, Purple Mountain, Gap of Dunloe, Mangerton Mountain and Torc Waterfall. There's so much you could do here, but it is also a great little town to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life to eat out, laugh with great company, have far too much to drink and try to forget our Covid problems. My travel plans this summer may have been ruined, but I have learnt that taking advantage of the situation can be as rewarding. Getting to know the country I Iive in has been great fun. Adventure is everywhere. We don't need to go far to foreign lands to have an adventure. Find Cheap Accommodation in Dublin Callum James was brought up in Shropshire, England and currently works as a Bartender in Dublin, Ireland. Callum has started The Travel Cult a new website that provides a new way to learn and discover new places through 360-degree tours telling stories, history and sharing culture in Ireland and the UK. Callum travels as much as his money allows him to, travelling all over Europe, India and Vietnam. Callum enjoys setting himself endurance-based challenges, cycling through countries, walking through the mountains and enjoying writing about them. Visit the Travel Cult Website and follow Instagram.