Search Results

Ok, I’ll level with you. When we first discussed whether we should travel Europe by motorhome, I wasn’t convinced. Silly really, looking back now, but I just couldn’t understand WHY we would bother driving to places when we could fly. I couldn’t grasp how much more enjoyable a journey can be if you take your time over it and include it as part of your holiday, rather than just a means to an end. It was only after we bought our first motorhome that I finally got IT! Guest Blogger: Kat Bird, Wandering Bird Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Since buying that van just over 12 months ago, we have visited 11 countries around Europe and driven over 17,000 miles. The experiences we’ve had and places we’ve seen have been life-changing. Seriously- I handed in my notice and quit my career in order to travel the world more. By motorhome. Let me give you 10 reasons why travelling by motorhome is the best decision we’ve ever made. On the Road #1 YOU CAN SAVE MONEY A 2 week trip with flights, accommodation, car hire and eating out soon adds up! It amazes us how much money we can save doing the exact save trip in a campervan. Sometimes it can be as much as 50% cheaper! If that’s not a reason to buy a motorhome right now, ( http://wandering-bird.com/reasons-to-buy-motorhome/ )I don’t know what is! #2 QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES We’ve all done it- the ‘holiday’ away together where you barely spend any time with your family/ loved ones! It’s easy to do and if that’s your preference then fine, but one of the reasons we love travelling by Motorhome is that it gives us more time together. We don’t watch TV- instead we play games, chat, watch the stars spin overhead and tell stories around the campfire. Honestly, those moments and memories are priceless. #3 NO PACKING/ CARRYING LUGGAGE This is a major plus to motorhome life for me! I love being able to bring a selection of clothes- and have the space to store them all! (Don’t judge- my husband has some room for his stuff too… kinda…) But not having to pack up every 2/3 days, check under the bed  and in every drawer and then unpack at the next place is just so nice. After all, holidays are supposed to be easy! #4 YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SHOWER. AND TOILET. AND KITCHEN. I admit, if you don’t stay at hostels then this might not mean much to you, but having your own entire bathroom with you when you travel is AMAZING! Especially when you travel places like Europe and the public toilets are often….basic, at best. It’s great being able to use your own and know it’s clean! The same goes with having your own kitchen. You can eat how and when you like. We travel Europe in a motorhome regularly and the Europeans are very strict about their restaurant hours. Lunch is at lunchtime (normally 12-2pm) and then you can’t get any food until dinnertime, which can start as last as 8pm! Given that we prefer to have a late breakfast, and then an early dinner, it’s great being able to prepare our own foods without worrying. We also eat a lot healthier (come on- who turns down chips or dessert in a restaurant when they’re on holiday?!?!?) Motor Home Traveling #5 YOU’LL DISCOVER PLACES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF When we plan a motorhome trip to Europe, we often pick a rough area and find a few things we want to do there. But, invariably, our plans will change and we’ll end up doing something completely different! Like watching the sunrise on the Mont Blanc Cable Car  ride (http://wandering-bird.com/mont-blanc-cable-car/) in the Alps, or hurtling down a mountain at crazy speeds on the Todtnau Toboggan run. Whenever you plan a trip, I totally recommend leaving yourself some room to enjoy new experiences or go to new places you never knew existed. Take a break and enjoy the Nature #6 ENJOYING NATURE Motorhome travel is much more connected with nature and the ‘Great Outdoors’ than normal travel. We are not ‘hikers’ in general, yet we love to walk and explore when we travel by van. We also spend time sitting, cooking and chatting outdoors. We string fairy lights around our motorhome and it looks amazing! Not just that, but the stars and the places you’ll see them are beyond anything we ever imagined! My all time favourite night in our motorhome was in the Swiss Alps. We parked up for free on the side of the mountain and it was the very first time I had EVER seen the Milky Way. I struggle to find words to describe how amazing that was! I would happily have stayed there for another few days- but we weren’t meant to be in Switzerland at all!! Which leads me to… #7 YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PLAN WITHOUT WORRYING We were meant to be in Italy. In fact, we did go to Italy and it was beautiful and we’d love to go back. But we ‘accidentally’ invaded Switzerland…. seriously, we drove down a road by the lake and suddenly we were in Switzerland. No border. No security. If you travel  by motorhome in Europe that’s one of the biggest bonuses. Anyway, once we were in Switzerland, we decided to keep going and see what we found! As we had no plans or reservations anywhere, it didn’t matter one bit that we headed North instead of South. Getting Lost can be a great way to discover #8 IT’S WAY MORE COMFORTABLE THAN A PLANE OR A TRAIN Let’s face it, travelling with strangers is tiring. You can’t sleep properly, you can rarely relax and you’re always worrying about missing your flight or the right stop. But travelling on your own is calm. Chilled. If you want to stop and stretch your legs, just stop. See a pretty place for lunch? Pull over and have an impromptu picnic, miles away from anyone else. And you’re TRAVELLING with your own bed. Which has a mattress. That you can use whenever you want. #heaven #9 ITS AN EASY WAY TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS/ PETS Let’s face it, kids and pets have a lot of ‘stuff’. Toys, beds, food. Isn’t it so much easier to put all that stuff into one place and drive around with it? They feel more settled and secure because the environment isn’t changing regularly, which in turn makes everyone’s holiday more relaxed and fun. Motor Home Sunsets #10 FREEDOM But I think the biggest reason to travel by motorhome is the Freedom. We’d never experienced anything like it before. You choose where you go and how long you stay there for. Find an beautiful beach where the surf just keeps on rolling? You can stay there for an extra few days. Enjoy a city more than you thought you would? No problem, extend your stay. Hear about an amazing food festival happening in another town? Easy- you can head that way. With a motorhome, you are in control of your schedule. Even when you think you have a plan, you probably don’t- and that’s a good thing! Life is for living, not schedules. Allow yourself to being open to new adventures. What do you think? Have I convinced you to try travelling by motorhome? Let me know if you do- I’d love to head about your experiences. If you’d like to follow our journey, our motorhome travel blog is Wandering-Bird.com, where we’re exploring the world, one wrong turn at a time! In Summer 2018 we’re heading up to Norway via Sweden, Denmark and Holland. We’d love to have you join us. Gueast Blogger Kat Bird is a Motorhome Enthusiast blogging about her family travels on Wandering Bird. They mostly travel by RV, which consists of getting lost, stuck or eating too many snacks. The Bird Family like snacks. And even though they love RV's and Motorhomes they occasionally fly somewhere exotic or cold, just to mix things up a bit. Visit Wandering Bird and follow them on Instagram. # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

The city of Cairns is located in Tropical North QLD, Australia. It is often referred to as one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as being home to the beautiful Daintree Rainforest. It is not short on activities and there are many essential things to do in this city. In addition, Cairns is home to Kuranda, which is known as the ‘village in the rainforest’. It is one of the most popular attractions in Cairns and you are about to see why. Guest Blogger: Tash Matt, Find Tash Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. How do I get to Kuranda? The easiest way to get to Kuranda is via the scenic railway. The train leaves from the station, which is located opposite the main shopping centre. This shopping centre can be reached via car, bus, taxi or uber depending on where you are staying in Cairns. This train is available to reach Kuranda, as well as the journey back into Cairns. The other way you can get back to Cairns is via the Skyrail Cableway, which I highly recommend if you aren’t scared of heights. Kuranda is also accessible via public bus or car and there is adequate parking available. What's the Scenic Rail? The Scenic Railway is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. It starts it Cairns and travel through the rainforest to Kuranda. As a result, the train passes through the breath-taking Barron Gorge National Park. The train stops about halfway to admire and take photos of Barron Falls, which are located in the midst of the National Park. The scenery along the while train ride is beautiful and there is a running commentary about the area & history. Whats the Skyrail Cable? The Skyrail Cableway is a common way to end the day and travel back to Cairns from Kuranda. It travels through the same National Park as the Scenic Railway, but from a new perspective. It offers views from above the gorge, as well as of the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns City towards the end of the cableway. I want to point out that there is no transport into the city from the end of the cableway unless you have booked a tour with a private company. I suggest calling a taxi or using an Uber to get back to accommodation in Cairns. What Activities are offered? The Kuranda Village has a large variety of activities to experience. The first section you will see when you get off the train is the main food and shopping area. There are markets, as well as stores selling locally sourced/made goods e.g. art, jewellery, coffee sweeties etc. In addition, the village features a trio of animal attractions. These include the butterfly sanctuary, bird world and the koala gardens. I think these are a must do activity and particularly if you are not an Australian native, as you may see some animals you have not seen before. I’d recommend going to the koala gardens to be able to see the quokkas alone. ​ This is a particularly good activity is you have young children, as these sanctuaries can be interactive. For example, Bird Word allows you to walk inside a giant aviary. There is food to purchase and feed the birds, but the birds will come and sit on people’s head & shoulders even if they do not have food. This is equally as fun for adults as it is for all of the children. What Eating Choices are Available? This is an aspect of the day that Kuranda has covered. There are 32 choices of places to eat in the villiage. These include cafes, restaurants, pubs, fish & chips shops, tea rooms, takeaway pizza, sushi boxes and lots more! These good options are spread all over Kuranda Village and it’s best to take a look at a map if you have any specific places in mind to visit.  Can I Stay at Kuranda?  ​ The most popular option is to do a day trip to Kuranda, but it is possible to stay on-site  There are a few different options including AirBnB, camping, accommodation park or resort. Find Cheap Accommodation in Kuranda How Accessible is Kuranda? ​  Kuranda is accessible for people of all ages and including individuals with a disability. There are coach transfers to Kuranda, which offer wheelchair accessibility. In addition, the Scenic Railway is wheelchair friendly, as well as the rainforest canopy walk and Barron Falls lookout. These are accessible from both Kuranda Village and as stops on the Skyrail. ​  The Skyrail Cableway is wheelchair accessible, but with certain restrictions. There are requirements in terms of the width, length and weight of the chair, which you can find out on this webpage. How do I Book Transport and Tickets? The day trip to Kuranda is offered through various different tour companies, which are available to be booked online or through accommodation and travel agents. However, QLD Rail is the main service provider selling the various packages to Kuranda. They sell the train and Skyrail tickets alone or packages for the day, which allows you to add various activities. Should I Include Kuranda in a Cairns Itinerary? Definitely! This is one of the best day tours in Cairns and is suitable for all ages. There are many activities on offer, as well as shopping opportunities. It is the perfect place to experience Australian wildlife and find some delicious spot to have lunch or dinner. This village has it all and offers a plethora of different activities to experience all in one place.  ​ References:  Kuranda. (2019). Kuranda Village In The Rainforest, Cairns, Queensland - (07) 4093 9311. [online] Available at: https://www.kuranda.org [Accessed 3 Aug. 2019]. Thetourspecialists.com.au. (2019). Kuranda Day Tour For Disabled Travellers. [online] Available at: https://www.thetourspecialists.com.au/travel-tips/disabled-travelers/kuranda-day-tour-for-disabled-travellers.544.html [Accessed 3 Aug. 2019]. Find Cheap Accommodation in Cairns # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

Bright and early on the morning of 7 November, I embarked on an experience with Magaliesburg Wines that was indeed true to its hashtag – #AdventureAwaits. After a 2 hour trip to the Ysterhout Gorge, situated in the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountain range, my inner Tarzan came out to play. Guest Blogger: Darren Meltz, More Than Food Mag Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Around 10am, in the now 37 degree highveld heat, we arrived at Magaliesberg Canopy Tours. The adrenaline had now really kicked in and even our guides jokingly asking if we were ready to “rock and fall” was not enough to dampen the spirits of The Dream Team (as we called ourselves). In no time at all we suited up in our harnesses and embarked on our journey across 10 slides, more than 30m above the canopy floor. What better way to take in the majesty of the second oldest mountain range in the world. Magaliesburg Wines is the new kid on the block from Overhex Winery with their Natural Sweet Red, White and Rosé. It is so refreshing to come across a wine label that truly makes its promise of adventure tangible for its drinkers. Overhex prides themselves on doing things a little differently and I was lucky enough to have Head Winemaker, Ben Snyman on my team. Between all the zipping and sliding, I was able to tap into his knowledge as well as hear about the future of this new wine label. Let’s just say many more adventures are on the cards. Find Cheap Accommodation in Magaliesburg Getting ready for a canopy slide Ready for dinner, nice talks and more wine! After hurtling from cliff to cliff, with minimal shrieks and screams I might add, we were all more than ready to sample the sweet rosé served as a refreshing tonic and lemon spritzer. The day was topped off by a light lunch with great conversation and yes, even more wine! This was truly an experience I enjoyed from start to finish. ​ All that’s left to say is a big cheers Magaliesburg Wines and here’s to the next journey. My inner adventurer has now been born. Guest Blogger Darren Meltz from More Than Food Mag is a self-confessed creative jack of all trades from South Africa with a huge interest in Food, Travel and Events. Follow More Than Food Mag online and Instagram for more! MORE GUEST BLOGS FROM DARREN MELTZ AND "MORE THAN FOOD MAG": La Rosa. Es una fiesta! ‘By appointment only’ at The Gentleman’s Arthouse # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

I wanted to go to a desert since I was a little kid, maybe it was because of watching Young Indiana Jones series. But never, ever, did I think I would visit Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. Not in my wildest dreams. When we were driving to San Pedro de Atacama there was nothing arround, just fields of wind plants and nothingness – wilderness of hot air and unfriendly soil, you could feel the unfriendliness of it to the animals and the people. It looked like in cowboys movies, and, yes, there were those balls made of branches rolling along the highway. In a funny way was it felt so peaceful. Guest Blogger: Zeljka Rajic Aralica, Travel Love Blog Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. San Pedro de Atacama Then, finally, San Pedro de Atacama! What a rush of adrenalin that my heart hadn’t felt in a long time and my eyes had never seen  – dirty road, with no concrete, but, literally – it’s just sand and dust. And somehow we didn’t mind, on contrary, it felt like such a relief. Like a scene from a western movie. There are some pavements, but they can’t be seen quite well under all the dust. The first thing I got an urge to do was to take off my shoes and run through a dusty road, like I did in the kids’ park when I was little. Tourists are walking around with clothes filthy from dust and sweat, but full of happiness with dazzled faces. It’s the primary happiness. ​ San Pedro de Atacama is a little village from where the most tours are operated, so we booked a room there. And then a slap in a face: a house with – A POOL ! For renting it to very rich people. I was so, so hungry and we sat in the first restaurant we saw. You have to experience this. While you sit and wait for your lunch, you can see the lady cooking another meal in a large pot in a backyard. Priceless! ​ This meal was one of the best in my life, lamb soup, fried chicken with rice and vegetables and coffee. About coffee…You get a jar with coffee, jar of sugar and boiling water so you can prepare your own coffee. From the moment we were driving from the airport, then eating in this restaurant I felt so „grounded“, so down to earth, so willing to let go everything, so freed. Everything felt so simple, as it should be. There's still a part of me regretting not just staying there, although it sounds ridiculous. After lunch we went for the tour I'd booked. It was Valle de la Luna and Valle del Muerte. Valle de la Luna As our group got to the Valle de la Luna and started climbing dunes, the fact of not wearing long trousers seemed quite stupid…it easy extremely hot and you could feel the sun biting your skin. I’ve never seen dunes before, so I forgot all about not wearing long trousers and discomfort of the burning sun, it didn’t matter any more.  It was remarkable. At that point I realized all the other tourists were overwhelmed and acting like kids again, running up and down the dunes, like little kids. ​ Our guide, George, had native ants esters so we heard some very interesting stories and facts, among which was – the name of one Andes peak means „The place where flying saucers take off“. ​ George explained that there are two explanation of Valle del Merete’s name. One was that many people had died of hunger and heat while trying to cross it. Another was that a missionary who had found it said it looked like a Mars (Marte in Spanish language) Valley, but later on it was wrongly pronounced and turned into Muerte Valley. Valle de Muerte in Chile After that our group headed to see stone statues called Tres Marias (Three Marys). Now days there are two and a half Marias, because years back a tourist climbed one and broke it. This is why we (tourists) are sometimes called the “lowest life intelligent species”… ​ I ate salt from the salt crystals on the ground, went to the caves (would not recommend this to claustrophobic people) , did a bit of climbing on a way out and then it was time to go to Valle del Muerte (Valley of Death) Canyon. The view from the top is something I could never describe with words. So magnificent and calming. When you capture that feeling how small you are, how all the things bothering you aren’t really problems and how all of us look at the same sunset and see the same moon. This specific moment, watching another day coming to its end, and watching it with hundreds of other people. All of us gazing, like paralyzed and finally being present at this moment. This is the feeling I recall again and again in my mind. Sunset at Atacama I’ve seen the most magnificent view in Atacama, trying to find its end, which couldn’t be seen as far as eye, can see. Literally and figuratively speaking. No photo can picture it and leave you with the same impression you have when you’re actually there. Left most of my grief in Atacama. Found my peace in Atacama. Fulfilled one of my oldest wishes of going to desert in Atacama. Had one of the best meals, I’ve ever had in Atacama. Tips and Tricks when visiting Atacama Desert There is no airport in San Pedro de Atacama, so you have to take on to Calama. When you get to the airport there’s a bus, but don’t take it, it goes to Calama city centre from where you have to go to a bus station in order to take a bus to San Pedro de Atacama. Instead take a combi cab from one of the providers at the exit of the airport. The price of a return ticket is 23000 pesos ($35/30€) , whic is not expensive as it's almost one and a half hour drive. Find Cheap Accommodation in Calama IF YOU GO: http://www.andes.org.uk/andes-information-files/travel-info.asp http://www.cacsa.cl/es/ https://www.viator.com/San-Pedro-de-Atacama-attractions/Atacama-Desert/d5499-a18558 ​ Thanks for reading about AtacamaValley and this fantastic Destination in Chile! Guest Blogger Zeljka Rajic Aralica from Croatia share her travels on Travel Love Blog'. She started to document her travelling when she couldn't start a Travel Company. Follow her on Travel Love Blog and on Facebook. # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

New York is a city I have been fortunate enough to come back to time and time again over the years. There are spots I refuse to leave without returning to, and on every single trip, I also discover new dining options that reawaken my love for the metropolis. This time, I had just a little over 48 hours to get as much eating done as possible. Thankfully, my partner in devouring was my friend Joana, who is one of the few people in this world with an appetite as ginormous as mine. Below is all the good grub we got our hands on! Guest Blogger: Khamilah Khelili, Eat Your Calories 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: "48 Obese Hours in New York City" Magnolia Bakery Smorgasburg Market Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery Mexicure Levain Bakery Cafeteria Peter Luger Joe's Pizza Back Room Ivan Ramen Economy Candy Supermoon Bakehouse Rice to Riches The Magnolia Banana Pudding #1 Magnolia Bakery I started going to Magnolia for the same reason every other woman on this planet did: Sex and the City. While the cupcake craze has passed and there are a million other equally good cupcake shops in NY, the Magnolia banana pudding is unlike anything else in this world. Get the large tub for yourself. I bought just one for me and Joana to share. It was the worst decision I made this year. Perfect Mozzarella Sticks #2 Smorgasburg Market Famous for showcasing NY’s diverse street food scene all in one place, if you hit up the city during the warmer months, failing to visit Smorgasburg means you’re no real foodie. The market runs only on weekends in two different locations in Brooklyn, with different vendors being present on Saturdays and Sundays.  We kicked things off with classic mozzarella sticks from Big Mozz. Mozzarella in larger than life format makes the cheese porn more satisfying, my tummy happier, and my thighs fatter. Deep-Fried Brownie Batter The rest ended up becoming an accidental dessert fest. Firstly, we opted for the deep-fried brownie batter balls from Dō. If you’re a fan of cookie dough, this will blow your mind.  Next, was a mixed fruit whipped cream sando from a Japanese stall that I don’t know the name of because Smorgasburg isn’t smart enough to supply their vendors list on their website. Bon Appetit Magazine called this sandwich a “dessert filled with joy”. I’d say mild joy. Matcha Ok, time for a drink. Joana and I are matcha addicts. So obvs we stopped at Matchaful. Their Moon Berry cold drink is some confusing colorful concoction. But who cares when it’s 27 degrees with 80% humidity and if tastes delicious? Bonus, you get a free reusable bamboo straw with your order. New York: The Capitol of Cheesecakes #3 Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery We are all well aware that New York is the capital of cheesecake. Yet my love for the Japanese version has made me completely forget about the western original. Though when Joana’s New Yorker cousin told us that Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery makes THE New York cheesecake, our fat asses ran as fast as we could to get our slices before closing time.  We ordered the oh-so-rightly named Heavenly Cheesecake with lemon zest and vanilla bean as well as the fall special Pumpkin (of course) Cheesecake, which made all my basic white girl dreams come true. We were ready to leave when a group of people came in frantically asking if there were granola bars left. We figured that ought to be something good and bought one ourselves. If every granola was as decadent and delicious as this one, I would eat this stuff way more often. But I guess being unhealthy goes against the average principle of granola. Tex Mex at Mexicure #4 Mexicure I thought I was long over the whole idea of Tex-Mex until I visited Mexicue. According to an Eater article, most people’s idea of Tex-Mex is totally wrong. The cuisine isn’t watered-down Mexican, but food rather a real fusion between the two sides of the border that naturally took form in Texas. It’s a known fact that the state is famous for its BBQ. At Mexicue, traditional Mexican ingredients are incorporated with southern flavors seamlessly in a way that will make you want to further explore what Tex-Mex truly is all about. Food Porn at Levain Bakery #5 Levain Bakery Imagine a cookie and a cake had sex and made a fat cookie. Sounds amazing right? Get 100. It still won’t be enough. Food Coma coming up at Cafeteria #6 Cafeteria If you love SATC as much as I do, you already know why we came here. It’s where my four favorite gals have breakfast on every episode of the best show ever created. This iconic establishment is open 24/7, pumping out good food in portions hefty enough to fill two baby elephants like Joana and me. Discover New York City (Affiliate Link from CJ) Just perfect meat! #7 Peter Luger There are experiences that make me look at food, and life in general, in a whole new way. Peter Luger is one of them. This place hasn’t been around for 125 years for no reason. Forget every steak you ever had. Yes, you too you Argentinian reading this. I am Brazilian, so I can talk. Now forget every burger you ever had. And thirdly, every bacon. Did I just destroy your three favorite foods? Ya, I know. Peter Luger does them all better. So much better. You need everything on the menu. Even the creamed spinach and the potatoes. Even the sundae.  The restaurant is as old school as it gets from the waiters who have been there for 50 years to their cash-only policy to the classic no-fuss dishes. The meal is a splurge but I promise it is worth every penny. FYI, wear your stretchiest pants and book well in advance. After-Dinner Snack at Joe's Pizza #8 Joe's Pizza Joe's Pizza serves pizza by the slice, making it a great snack stop post-Peter Luger (don’t judge us) while you browse all the Williamsburg boutiques with clothes you won’t fit in after this trip. There’s a time and a place to order pizza with fancy toppings. Don’t do that here. Their 4 cheese and marguerite pies are as good as it gets. Speakeasy Bar Back Room #9 Back Room I don’t usually talk about bars. For one, I’m not a big drinker, and thus, I don’t go to them often. As we were waiting for a table at our dinner establishment of choice, we had time to kill. Our lovely host (hi Ana) suggested we check out Back Room, a real speakeasy from prohibition times where the drinks are still served in tea cups and paper bags just as they were almost a hundred years ago. It’s a hipster’s dream without it even being hipster; an authentic badass piece of New York history. Signature Ramen by the genius of Ivan Orkin #10 Ivan Ramen Thanks to David Chang and Chef’s Table, the world got to know the legend that is Ivan Orkin and Ivan Ramen. His restaurant has been on my list ever since. For some reason, his sun-dried tomato ramen is what made him famous in Japan. I guess cause tomatoes are exotic to the Japanese? I don’t know. The point is, it’s not the best thing on the menu. We were told that the Chicken Paitan Ramen is the most popular and Ivan’s favorite. It’s also the best bowl of ramen you will ever slurp in your life. Candy Heaven at Economy Candy #11 Economy Candy This store has been around since the 1930s. We stumbled upon it on our way to breakfast and were beside ourselves. Every possible candy that has ever existed in the USA can be found here; from current favorites to sweets you never got to try because they were discontinued before you were even born. Joana and I spent a solid hour, if not more, filling our baskets with our favorite throwbacks. We highly recommend you bring luggage to carry everything you will end up buying. A "can't go wrong" bakery #12 Supermoon Bakehouse The beauty of NY is that you stumble upon a meal on your way to your next meal. Before dinner the night before, we saw this bakery, and so, we came back the next morning. As if croissants, muffins, doughnuts, etc weren’t good enough as they are, Supermoon fills them to the brim with a million yummy combinations like dehydrated strawberries, raspberry jelly, and white chocolate shards. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, especially if you order the chai and butter croissant soft serve swirl. It doesn’t hurt either that the interior is ridiculously IG-appropriate. Rice Puddings 2.0 #13 Rice to Riches Joana is Portuguese. When I told her there was a rice pudding bar we couldn’t miss, she looked at me skeptically as if I just said we needed to go to McDonald’s. Rice pudding is as common to her as poutine is to my Canadian-raised self. No matter. I dragged her ass, telling her to trust me. Rice to Riches takes the humble traditional dessert and like anything in America, makes it bigger, and sweeter, while also creating many more varietals. They’re like an ice cream parlor but for rice pudding. I’ve been going there for the past decade and have yet to try a flavor I didn’t love. Don’t add any toppings unless your goal is to get diabetes. They’re luscious enough on their own. My doubtful friend was undoubtedly sold. Guest Blogger Khamilah Khelili runs the Instagram Eat Your Calories where she tells you about her "Foodie Bucket List"! She has a culinary school + spent some time in professional kitchens around the world on her CV too. Check out Eat Your Calories on Facebook and Instagram.

I, like most of the travellers who make our way to the country down under, known as Australia, quickly learns that this large country has a lot to offer. We quickly scramble together a bucket-list, in a desperate attempt of seeing it all – which of course, is impossible. There is no secret that the eastern side draw the largest crowds, but you might be surprised over the popularity of some western locations. Guest Blogger: Nathalie Segelborg, A Piece of My Pie Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. I started off in the east but after a while my love for the wilderness and the off beaten path lead me to a job on an Island outside of Perth, in Western Australia. There I got to know the friendly locals who opened my eyes for this beautiful part of Australia. Deserted beaches that will make your jaw drop, less tourists, Snorkel friendly crystal clear turquoise water, red dirt that get in everywhere and so much more! It’s hard to not fall in love and I’m here today to tell you about the experiences you can’t miss in Western Australia. The Gorges of Karijini National Park #1 Karijini National Park If you read my blog, it’s no secret that I love the wild, rough and raw adventures you can take part of deep in mother nature’s astonishing creation. But to this date, Karijini is one of the most beautiful National Parks I have set foot in. A downside some may say is that you will have to unplug from your phone. But instead you get to spend some quality time with Mother Nature herself without distractions, is that really a downside? Eco-Retreat owned by Aboriginals With her carefully holding your hand you can spoil yourself by glamping at the aboriginal-owned Eco-retreat and take daytrips in the mighty gorges. In the gorges you will be able to swim in multiple freshwater pools, challenge your endurance and put your balance on a test while you wade through waist deep water as you explore the National Park. Karijini Lake If you want to take the adventure one step further, hire experienced guides to take you in to the class 6 area. An area you can only access with the help of these guides. Thanks to West Oz Active Adventures I spent almost 10 hours in breathtaking gorges beyond the area. Climbing up a 12 meter wall, abseiling down another and sliding down a waterfall are only a few of the amazing experiences I was fortunate enough to take part in during the day – all this while being fully equipped with climbing gear, safety lines and helmets of course. The ocean view from Rottnest Island #2 Rottnest Island Jump on the ferry and roughly 1 hour west of Perth in the middle of the ocean you will find Rottnest Island! Quite a small Island where the only reliable transport is by bike or your legs. If you’re unable to ride a bike there is also the occasional bus that goes around the island. Where the ferry departs from is a small settlement with all the necessities you need, along with some cafes and a general store. The Quakka of Rottnest Island As soon as you put some distance between the settlement and your bike you will find yourself in a very calm environment full of quakkas, the Island locals. The Quakka is a nocturnal animal that inhabits the Island and it looks like a cross between a miniature kangaroo and a guineapig! They love to snooze underneath bushes and trees, hiding in the shade which protects them from the sun. They are super cute and very friendly but please keep in mind that it is illegal to in anyway interact with a Quakka. That includes both feeding it and petting it, let’s keep them wild and respect their privacy. After all, we are tourists in their home. The Rottnest Island have many beautiful beaches to visit! Besides the friendly locals, Rottnest Island is paradise for surfers, other water activities such as snorkelling, nature lovers and well, the ocean! Here you can come to explore for a day, or wave the last ferry goodbye and stay the night. It’s completely different at night, most of the tourists have gone for the day and the Quakka’s are now roaming everywhere. You have to be very careful not to hit them if you’re riding your bike at night! Think about miliions and upon millions of shells - that's Shell Beach! #3 Shell Beach Up north, you will find quite a spectacular beach! From a distance it looks just like any other sugar-white beach but what’s unusual with this beach is that millions of tiny shells have formed it. The shells cover a stretch of 60km and varies in dept with a maximum dept of 10m. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset from or to simply cool off during a hot day! When you walk along the shore you can hear the tiny shells break beneath your feet and if you have sensitive feet I would recommend to wear something to protect them. No Sand! Just shells upon shells! The shells covering the shore are mostly from the cockle species Fragum Erugatum that lives in the area. Thanks to the high salinity level it has made it hard for predators to adapt, making it easier for the cockle species to flourish. #4 Pink Lake Home to more than one of the famous Pink lakes, Western Australia does not disappoint! The most famous Pink Lake is Esperance, close to the town with the same name. Thanks to the internet today the town itself has become famous for the pink lake but recently rumours have been spreading that the pink colour is currently fading away, leaving the town with an Identity crisis! Shark Bay's Monkey Mia Dolphins - now there's a perfectly good sentence with 3 (or 4) animals right there! ;) #5 Monkey Mia In Shark Bay, there is a Resort called Monkey Mia and although the name can be misleading the resort is not famous because of monkeys. Instead they are world known and famous for their dolphin program! Every day of the year they invite locals and tourists to come and experience these wild dolphins up close. ​ The Resort offers not only knowledge, but you are also able to stand on the shore with your toes touching the ocean only a few meters away from these magnificent creatures. A few very lucky individuals are then chosen to step into the water and stand only centimetres away from a dolphin as they feed it a fish, unfortunately I was not one of the chosen few when I visited. You can read about my own experience on my blog. Dolphins up close on steerboard side The feedings can occur up to 4 times a day, depending on the dolphins. Everything is on their terms, they are very smart individuals and choose whether or not they want to show up. They have a record over the dolphins and are only allowed to feed a selected few, each of them has a bucket with their name on so that they are not being fed more than they should. How much they are fed are carefully calculated and is more like a snack, they are very clear to inform you that this in no way disturbs their natural hunting habits. The dolphins choose to show up for the same reason we do, because they are equally as interested in us. We need to realize that animals belong in their natural habitat, wild and free and I feel that this is something Monkey Mia is excellent at portraying. Guest Blogger Nathalie Segelborg from Sweden blog about Food and Travel on this site, but she also has her own blog where she not only talks about travel, but also combine the subject with another one dear to her heart, Mental health! Check out apieceofmypie.com and follow on Instagram.

Hampi is an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra. Hampi is surrounded by big heavy rocks that can be dis-balance at any time as it seems but they never will, endless fields of banana tress, perfect blend of nature and architecture. Guest Blogger: Anjali Indurkhya, Ghumakkadbandi Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Guide to the Hampi Temple area of India There are several ways to get to the Temples of Hampi. These are my tips and suggestions! ​ How to reach : By Air : Nearest airports are Hubli and Bangalore. After that you can take train or bus or taxi to Hampi directly. ​ By Train: Nearest railway station is Hospete. After that taking a taxi is around 250–300 rs. to reach Hampi. Hampi is around 13km from Hospete. (I'm sharing one of the taxidriver's number here: Nagarjuna (9731970755) very helpful!) ​ By Bus: Hampi is connected to all major stations like Pune, Banaglore, you will get directly bus to Hospete. ​ Where to stay: Hampi is partitioned by Tungabhadra River so you can stay on either side of the river. By crossing the river you will reach Hippie island (that's what people called it). On Hippie Island there are many hotels and cafes. Also night life with late night party, booze and all available after 8 pm. You have nothing to do until then other than roaming in a Hampi Bazaar or spending some time in cafes like Mango Tree. We stayed in a hut provided by Mango Tree (1500 rs per night). How to explore Hampi: On bicycle: You can rent a bicycle in 150–200 rs for a day and can visit all the monuments as all the places are within 22 km. On Moped: If you are planning for a moped, book in one day prior! They will provide you all fuel up as there are no petrol pumps. It will cost you around 400–500 rs per day. ​ On Auto: Yes, you can hope in a auto too, no exertion, no tanning and yes no fun! It will cost you around 750 rs per day. On Foot: Yes, you can even explore whole Hampi on your feet too, all places around Hampi Bazaar you can explore on your feet effortlessly but for some places you have to trek. King's Balance Temple ruins of Hampi, India There's so much to Explore around Hampi! Don't forget to take a break to enjoy the moment and the fantastic Hampi sights! Five more helpful tips from me! 1. Stay at Hippie Island if you are looking for nightlife with beer and non-veg. 3 days are enough to explore all main places. 2. Carry Cash! Hampi is not as much digitized and ATM is in Hospet, yes wi-fi works but still good to have cash. ​ 3. People are good so help each other, maintain peace, don’t write on any rocks and keep it clean. Help preserving this beautiful heritage village. ​ 4. Spend many days in Hampi! The Temple area has a total of 83 marked buildings and temples. ​ 5. Enjoy your stay! It's the best place for trekkers, travelers, photographers, writers, and artists! Respect the heritage of Hampi Temple area! Be good. Be peaceful. Be happy! Don't forget to eat local and be part of the Hampi hospitality together with locals! Find Cheap Accomodation in Hampi Guest Blogger Anjali Indurkhya from Ghumakkadbandi is a solo female traveller from India (also doing travels with friends of course) discovering all corners of India. Visit Ghumakkadbandi or follow on Instagram for more Indian Travel. # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

No matter your preference in food, Taipei has something for you! We implore you to get out and explore this wonderful city and go on a food adventure. Your taste buds will thank you and you’ll have some great travel memories! Guest Blogger: Darah and Garret, Where Food Takes Us Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Gua Bao Gua Bao is the best Taiwanese snack you can get your hands on. If you don’t believe us, take CNN’s word for it in their list of 40 best foods in Taiwan. Lin Jia is your go-to restaurant for this tasty snack that’s also known as the Taiwanese hamburger. Wash it down with some bubble milk tea! Bubble Milk Tea What better place to drink some bubble milk tea than in its home country? Whether you want your tea loaded with sugar and packed with ice or hot and unsweetened, bubble milk tea is available on practically every corner. Bring some with you to dinner or as you stroll through one of Taipei’s parks. It’s the perfect addition to anything in Taiwan! Xiao Long Bao You can’t visit Taiwan without making a stop at one of Din Tai Fung’s many locations and trying their mouthwatering xiao long bao. What is xiao long bao, you might ask? Well, it’s a mouthful of heaven. But really it’s (traditionally) pork mixed with gelatinous broth and wrapped in unleavened dough, steamed in a bamboo basket. You don’t have to go to Din Tai Fung for xiao long bao, many soy milk restaurants offer great dumplings at a fraction of the price. Beef Noodle Soup Beef noodle soup is a classic Chinese dish and you’ll find many small vendors offering this hot delight throughout Taipei. Not to be confused with beef tendon soup, which is much chewier, beef noodle soup is simply as the name implies, beef, noodles, and soup! ' The broth is what makes this dish a winner. If you really want a local experience and some delicious beef noodle soup, venture to “號, No. 8, Lane 263, Zhuangjing Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220”. That address seems crazy, we know, but Google Maps will help you find your way! Shao Bing An unleavened sesame flat bun cooked in a very hot oven, shao bing is a soy milk restaurant staple. We usually enjoyed our shao bing stuffed with an omelets and pork or if you’re feeling something a little more greasy then you can try it with you tiao. You tiao is a fried bread stick, similar to a churro, but instead of being sweet it’s rather salty. Soy Milk Soup Mostly known as Taiwanese breakfast, you’ll find plenty of people queuing up outside of soy milk restaurants in the morning. We always liked to go around lunch time since the crowds were a little lighter. Soy milk soup was always on our table. Be prepared for a salty rush of soy milk, the crunch of crumbled up you tiao and the slight hint of chives! It’s hot as well. There’s nothing like trying it for the first time as it’s not what you’d expect! Dumpling Soup We lived near a dumpling chain (八方雲集) and they had the most amazing soup we have ever had. It was a delicious and thick hot and sour soup with veggies, tofu and little bits of pork and a generous amount of large pork dumplings swimming in it. We ate this soup in all kinds of weather: sweltering hot, pleasantly cool, pouring down rain. We honestly couldn’t get enough of it. Hot Pot Walking around Taipei you’ll see many restaurants where people are sitting around a table with a big pot in the middle and steam is blowing in their faces. What they’re enjoying is a meal called hot pot. In most restaurants you get your choice of broths and your choice of meats then you approach the buffet and fill your plates with different types of vegetables, seafood, dumplings and other treats. Once you have your food and your meat you stick it all in the broth to cook and enjoy. Try and find a hot pot restaurant that offers all you can drink wine and beer and all you can eat ice cream. Yes, all you can eat ice cream! Burnt Octopus Don’t let the “burnt” description turn you away. They use a blowtorch, a famous Taipei night market tool, which gives the octopus that little bit of burnt. It’s perfect! The right amount of crunchy and chewy, burnt octopus is a great night market munchie. Have it doused in cheese or different flavors of sauce as well! Fried Sweet Potato Balls Walking by a stand that sold sweet potato balls was reminiscent of state fairs back in the States. So we had to try these and they did not disappoint! Surprise, there’s cream on the inside so even more reason to get excited. They can really make your mouth dry so grab some fresh juice (sold everywhere in a night market) or, of course, bubble milk tea! Cheesy Blowtorch Chicken It was our second night market experience and the first thing we saw was a guy with a blowtorch. When we got closer we realized he was a culinary artist. Cheesy blowtorch chicken, as we like to call it, is fried chicken tossed in a wok with, what we assume was, soy sauce and pan fried some more. Once he was done tossing it around he placed it in a box, threw some cheese on top of it and used a blowtorch to melt the cheese. This. Is. Amazing. Candied Strawberries on a Stick Melt in your mouth, warmy goodness, perfect crunch, these are all ways to describe these sweet eats from a Taipei night market. You can find them at other night markets as well, like the famous night market in nearby Keelung where we tried ours. ​ Hope you enjoyed our Food Tour and Food Photos! Find Foodie Adventures and more on Where Food Takes Us! Find Cheap Accommodation in Tai Pei Guest Bloggers Darah and Garret from Where Food Takes Us is a travel couple from USA that love to experience new destinations through the local food. Find more delicious food on Where Food Takes Us and on their Instagram! # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

The Maltese islands in the Mediterranean Sea are underestimated by most but were home to me for almost four months, where I had the time to explore all that Malta and Gozo have to offer. Whatever your vice, these Maltese islands are bound to cater to your travel needs and are sure worth a visit! Guest Blogger: Jasmine Jenkins, Make You Wander Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Colorful and vibrant Harbor on Malta A Medieval Mediterranean Archipelago; abundant with rustic sandstone architecture, cultural influence and live music echoing through veins of cobbled streets Southern Malta is mostly untouched by tourism and offers an intriguing insight into Maltese history combining Northern Africa, Southern Europe and the Middle East in the Mediterranean Sea. This little island is bursting with culture and history, and there are plenty of museums and historical attractions to explore around the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Southern Malta is mostly untouched by tourism and offers an intriguing insight into Maltese history combining Northern Africa, Southern Europe and the Middle East in the Mediterranean Sea. Grand Harbour Marina with Yachts and historical architecture side by side Here, you’ll find the oldest examples of Malta’s architecture including churches, forts, bastions and palaces. We used Rolling Geeks to tour the cities and highly recommend renting one of their pre-programmed GPS buggies to take you on the perfect tour complete with an audio guide, it was really great fun to be able to explore the area at your own pace and drive through the Maltese streets. Rolling Geeks is located inside the Grand Harbour Marina, Vittoriosa just before the bridge. ​ The busy Grand Harbour marina itself is a grand spectacle, crowded with lush white yachts glinting in the sunlight it makes for a stark comparison to the Maltese landscape. Malta is often visited by superyachts as big as 110m lulling in the bay and is well worth a stroll down the dock just to see how the other half live! The Capitol of Culture Across the Grand Harbour Marina from Birgu, Valletta is connected by pedestrian ferries every 30 minutes for a £3 return trip. Alternatively, local water taxis resembling Venetian gondolas cruise the harbour for £2; some play music, they’re often bickering and if it’s windy you could get a little wet… but it’s much more fun! Whichever you choose, crossing the harbour between Birgu and Valletta is more affordable and much quicker than by taxi and is recommended as you get to bypass the superyachts on the way! From Valletta’s waterfront, the Barrakka Lift is the quickest way into the centre and takes you directly into the heart of the city. Located just across the zebra crossing, entry is free if you crossed via ferry, or otherwise a simple €1. From here, be sure to snap the panoramic views overlooking the Three Cities on your right as you exit the lift. This year, Valletta was crowned the European Capital of Culture and this city will certainly charm you with its veins of quaint cobbled streets lined with walls of sandstone and terracotta. The rustic architecture of Malta romanticizes this small island and provides the perfect setting for this cultural hub of activity which thrives all year round. Island Romance of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea Valletta is a quickly developing city brimming with quirky bars, cafes and restaurants. Some noteworthy establishments of Valletta include The Thirsty Barber, StrEAT Whisky Bistro, Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar and Cafe Society. There is a heavily Westernised influence on cuisine, however, a multitude of local eateries offer traditional Maltese dishes which I can only describe as simple with ingredients but rich in taste. ​ Rabbit is a popular speciality, served either as a stew or in garlic and wine. Many restaurants also offer fresh locally caught seafood and European dishes. ​ Malta is among the most densely populated countries in the world and receives a significant amount of tourism during the Summer months and can feel like a bit of a concrete jungle in places. I recommend avoiding the peak Summer season if you value your personal space and visiting either between March and May or September as Valletta especially can get very crowded. The Party District Malta also has a vibrant nightlife, in particular, the party district of St Julian’s and Paceville. Mostly a hub of Gentlemen’s Clubs, Paceville can be great fun on occasion to let off some steam with plenty of clubs and shisha bars. Most nights we found ourselves in Hugo’s establishment. You name it, Hugo probably owns it, with the largest chain of Hospitality outlets in Malta comprising of restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs and hotels. The busy bar/restaurant Hugo’s Lounge, in particular, felt like a central hub for the area’s nightlife and always looked after us very well. They do some fantastic cocktails and sushi and accommodate large parties but booking in advance is recommended. We visited often whilst in Malta and celebrated New Year’s Eve here. Although guaranteed to be great fun, there is little sign of culture to be found in St Julian’s or Paceville. The Silent City Mosta is one of the largest towns on the island, located inland and most famous among locals and visitors for the Rotunda church, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. ​ Just east of Mosta lies the Old Capital of Malta, Mdina which goes by many names including the Silent City and the Noble City. Together with the neighbouring village of Rabat, this region is highly regarded for its rural character and natural beauty. Internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and boasts an extraordinary mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Diving in the North Malta is highly regarded in the diving community for the many shipwrecks dotted around the archipelago, in particular, Cirkewwa, Mellieha on the Northern tip. This is probably the best dive site in Malta as there are several dive sites of interest within a 40m proximity including the P29 and Rozi shipwrecks, Paradise Bay, Susie’s Pool and the Right Arch. I visited these sites with Dawn Diving from St Paul’s Bay, who I highly recommend. I dived with Trevor and Ian who are friendly, fun, experienced dive instructors and well respected in the area. You can expect to see groupers, barracudas, eels and a variety of flora and fauna. However, the Mediterranean is heavily overfished and you’ll find most of the marine life ashore in the fish markets. Mellieha is also home to Malta’s most iconic beach, Golden Bay, which is surrounded by unspoiled countryside and popular among locals. The Maltese islands offer some of the best diving in the Mediterranean Sea with their clear azure waters and wide variety of underwater features. Popeye Village on Malta (photo from Pixabay) Further North, there is Popeye’s Village which was the film set for the musical production. Filled with colourful, fun activities it’s a great place to visit with young ones and for those that are young at heart. ​ There are plenty of affordable accommodation outlets dotted around the island, especially in the tourist hotspot of St Paul’s Bay. These can be easily found online through Booking.com. I used Bugibba Rooms to rent a shared apartment for the weekend diving here which was very affordable and conveniently in the centre. Go to Gozo! Neighbouring Malta is the island of Gozo; a hidden gem in the Mediterranean Sea, there is more greenery here and a couple of beaches. Smaller than Malta, you could easily travel and experience the whole island in a weekend, however, we only visited for a diving weekend away with Atlantis Diving and based ourselves in Masalforn; an idyllic seaside town with chilled vibes and a coastline brimming with locally owned bars and restaurants. Gozo also has some fantastic dive sites. Most noteworthy is the Blue Hole in San Lawrenz, Western Gozo and Inland Sea, formerly referred to as the Azure Window. Here, the rock formation has collapsed into the sea, so although not so spectacular above water, below the surface the avalanche created a network of underwater caves and chimneys which contribute to the diversity of flora and fauna. Advanced divers recommended due to the cave systems and access to the dive site is a little dodgy. We found ourselves trekking across slippery algae and climbing around cliffs… in full equipment with 12L tanks! Also, the inlet resembles a churning whirlpool, aptly nicknamed the ‘washing machine.’ But don’t let that put you off! The diving is stunning with a dramatic coral reef drop off, and marine life including nudibranch, groupers, moray eels, scorpion fish, tuna, amberjack, octopus and stingrays! If you’re in need of a beach day, Gozo’s Ramla Bay in the Northeast has a beautiful stretch of golden sand and one solitary restaurant/cafe, however, this is the best beach you will find on the island. Although small in size, Malta is big in character and was a home away from home to me for four months. The Maltese people were so warm and accommodating and I hope to return one day but now it is time to continue with my travels… where on earth to next? =) Find Cheap Accommodation on Malta Guest Blogger Jasmine Jenkins from Make You Wander from UK is a traveller devoted to travel writing, sustainable and responsible travels. Follow Make You Wander on her Instagram! # Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.

Northern California in general and San Francisco in particular is a foodie’s paradise. There are so many good restaurants here and lots of great food to try. But if you are visiting just for a short while you cannot possibly try everything. So what are those must-try foods in San Francisco that you cannot miss? Below are my favorite three. I chose them because they originate in San Francisco and they are a local staple. Guest Blogger: Tatiana Sorokina, Family Roadtrip Guru 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. Seafood Lovers Paradise: San Francisco, California! #1 Seafood in general and Dungeness crab in particular Dungeness crab lives in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean close to the California coast. Crabbing season in San Francisco is roughly between November and June. There are many dishes you can try that are made with the Dungeness crab such as soups, salads, sandwiches and of course, the best one of all is the crab itself, boiled with special seasoning and served whole. There are many restaurants in San Francisco that specialize in local California seafood including Dungeness crab. Restaurants at and around Fisherman’s Wharf are usually a safe bet. Sour Dough in all shapes and forms at Boudin Bakery, San Francisco #2 Sourdough Bread at Boudin Bakery Soughdough bread is very popular in San Francisco. Boudin Bakery was established in San Francisco in 1849 and they claim they serve the Original San Francisco Sourdough. Over the years Boudin Bakery has expanded its menu. Now you can try various baked goods, sandwiches made with their bread, and my favorite San Francisco staple – clam chowder soup in a sourdough bread bowl. ​ There is a museum inside the original bakery building on Jefferson Street and you can take a tour of the bakery to see how the bread is made. Chocoholic Must-Visit when in San Francisco, California: Ghirardelli Chocolate! #3 Ghirardelli Chocolate Ghirardelli Chocolate is famous all over the world and it comes from San Francisco. The company was established in the City in 1852. Currently, you can visit their chocolate and ice cream shop at Ghirardelli’s Square and taste the yummy goodness yourself. Their hot chocolate is great too. Ghirardelli Square is magnificent during the holiday season with a huge Christmas tree right in the center of it. ​ All three places mentioned above, Fisherman’s Wharf, Boudin Bakery, and Ghirardelli Chocolate store are located in close proximity to each other. So you can easily get from one to the other if you walk on Embarcadero and then Jefferson Street ending your food tour with dessert at Ghirardelli Square off Beach Street. Discover San Fransisco Attractions (Affiliate Link from CJ) ​ This area of San Francisco is the heart of the city and lots of its best tourist attractions are located in the vicinity so while you are doing your food tour you can also check out the Exploratorium museum, seals at Pier 39, beautiful San Francisco Bay views and much more. Guest Blogger Tatiana Sorokina travels blog on Family Roadtrip Guru. Her goal is to help families travel more by sharing her ready-to-go itineraries for the family that wants to experience vacations and travels that are educational, fun, and affordable! Visit Family Roadtrip Guru and follow her on Instagram.

Discover some of the best off-the-beaten-path locations in southeast Asia! Find out where to go, how to get there, where to stay, and other helpful information for off-beat adventures in South East Asia. Avoid the crowds and travel somewhere adventurous in Asia today. Guest Blogger: Caden Allison, The Wandering Westerner 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: "Off the Beaten Path in South East Asia" 6 of the Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations in South East Asia Sagada Sablayan Ipoh Phitsanulok Hsipaw Hpa-an Travel Plan Your Next Trip to South East Asia 6 of the Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations in South East Asia The secret is out, Southeast Asia is a popular tourist destination. With thousands of visitors heading to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia every month, you may think it impossible to find destinations that are off the beaten path in southeast Asia – but you would be wrong!  For the intrepid traveler, adventure is everywhere in Asia, and for those wanting to have a truly unique experience, there are a few top spots that are still devoid of tourists and large tour groups (I know, awesome right!).  Whether you are looking for cultural experiences, love outdoor adventure, or simply want to relax during your trip – you can have it all in southeast Asia (if you know where to look)!  So, what are you waiting for, ditch the desk, fire up the old camera, lace up those hiking boots and travel somewhere adventures on your next trip?  Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path locations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma)! Sagada For lovers of pine-scented mountainous air, beautiful vistas, addictive coffee, and non-stop adventure, Sagada in northern Luzon is the place for you! Located above the clouds in the central cordillera of the Philippines' biggest island (Luzon) this sleepy hillside town boasts lush green terraced rice fields, powerful waterfalls, underground caves, high-altitude lakes, and vast limestone valleys. Mountain biking, village trekking, camping, climbing, and caving are just a few of the activities available for the outdoorsman. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more 'chilled-out' and relaxing time then you can spend your days walking to breathtaking waterfalls, dining at cozy cafes with spectacular vistas, or sampling as many local dishes as humanly possible! You should know: The local indigenous people of Sagada are known as the Igrot people. They are incredibly friendly are immensely proud of their heritage and still practice their burial tradition of hanging the deceased from the walls of Echo Valley! Getting there: •    Bus from Manila to Banaue (10 hours overnight). Banaue - Sagada (3-4 hours) •    Bus from Baguio to Sagada (7-hours) Close to: Banaue - UNESCO World Heritage town that is larger and more popular compared to Sagada. Where to stay: Residential Lodge (inexpensive private rooms)- Book it now! Sablayan Well off the beaten path in Occidental Mindoro, the charming coastal town of Sablayan will show you a side of the Philippines that you didn’t know existed!  Made up of vast rural areas, Occidental Mindoro supplies nearly all of the Philippines with salt, corn, and rice! But don't let its agricultural nature fool you. Occidental Mindoro is going to be the next 'must visit' destination in the Philippines – and Sablayan is perfectly located to take advantage of this!  Today, however, it is a region devoid of both local and western tourism, meaning you can have the place (and its adventures) all to yourself. You can take a boat trip to the nearby nature sanctuary of Pandan Island where you can swim with turtles, choose to hike the impressive Mount Iglit, explore the surrounding farmland and nature reserves, or take a diving trip to Apo reef, which has some of the best diving in the Philippines (some say worldwide). Alternatively, you can simply relax on the dark volcanic sands of the Sablayan coastline, wander through the bustling town and even go zip-lining between islands! You should know: The infrastructure of the region is quite unreliable. It is slowly being improved upon, however, roads aren't the best and transport options are few and far between - be prepared for lengthy waits! Getting there: •    From Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro): Take a ferry from Balatero to Abra. Then take a bus to Sablayan (2-3 hours). •    From San Jose: Take a local bus to Sablayan (2-3 hours) Close to: San Jose – The capital of Occidental Mindoro is a busy, yet small coastal city, which you can use as a base to explore the Magsaysay Caves, hike Devils Mountain, or take a ferry to Coron! ​ Where to stay: Gustav's Place (private beachside bungalow) – Book it now! Ipoh Although Ipoh is considered a popular city amongst local tourists, it is still well off the tourist trail in peninsula Malaysia. Most head straight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, but if you are looking for delicious inexpensive food, interesting attractions, and incredible street art, Ipoh is the place for you.  A quieter version of the bustling George Town, the old town in Ipoh has a rustic charm that is matched by few! Wander around the old town streets in search of pieces of street art, delve into the local markets and street food stalls at Tong Sui Kai night Markets, and visit the incredible Sam Poh Tong temple or the Tambum Lost World Adventure Park! Make sure you have a meal at Sri Ananda Bahwan (Indian food) in the old town and try the famous Old Town White Coffee. You should know: The old town is best explored during the day, as all the stores, cafes and restaurants shut at around 5 pm. How to get there: Bus from Penang or Kuala Lumpur (2 hours) Close to: Cameron Highlands: A perfect mountainous getaway for outdoor adventure and tea plantation hiking! Where to stay: 1981 Guest house (dormitory rooms) - Book it now! Phitsanulok The perfect stop off on your way north to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Phitsanulok has something for everyone.  You can spend your day exploring the sleepy town, visiting museums, and unique temples (one even had a sauna and exercise area) before visiting (in my opinion) the best night market in the whole of Thailand for dinner! Also, you should head just out of town and find the temple complex where there was a vegetarian buffet, which costs as much as you are willing to pay (no joke)! Google maps don't show it but I'm sure most locals know of its existence! Wat Phra Sorn Kaew is just a short bus ride away and is home to an intricately designed temple, and the incredible five-seated Buddha statue, which is perched on top of the mountain. On your way back to Phitsanulok, stop off at some of the refreshing waterfalls in the surrounding national parks or head up to Ban Kaeng Wa and spend the afternoon relaxing on the lake (beer in hand of course)! Day trips to Sukhothai, Sri Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks can also be made from Phitsanulok. Simply catch a bus from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, and then onwards to your chosen historical park. You should know: If you have always wanted to try hitchhiking, now's the time! Hitching is very popular in the area and is a great way to meet some locals and save some coins! Getting there: •     Train from Bangkok: 7 hours •     Bus from Bangkok: 5-6 hours Close to: The ancient city of Sukhothai (1.5 hours by bus) great for a day trip or a more length stay, it has a similar atmosphere as Phitsanulok! Where to stay: Karma Hostel (dorm rooms only) – Book it now! Hsipaw Located in the Shan state of northeast Myanmar, this region is famous for breathtaking scenery, delicious tea, incredible hiking, and mouthwatering Burmese dishes! Home to only a handful of hotels, Hsipaw is well off the beaten path, and although tourism is present, you will definitely get that isolated mountainous village feels.  You can hike through farmlands to Nam Tuk waterfall, visit the world peace pagoda, explore the surrounding indigenous villages, or learn about the history of the price of Hsipawat the Shan Palace.  Don't miss trying famous dishes like Shan Noodle Salad and Laphet Toke, which are made fresh top order and were some of the biggest servings I had during my time here - Yuan Yuan Restaurant / Mr. Shake's is a must!  You should know: The train ride from Pyin Ool Win to Hsipaw is a must. It travels through incredible mountainous scenery and lush green farmland, stopping at small villages and passing over a massive canyon on a seemingly 'rickety' bridge – an adventure in itself!   Getting there:      •    Train from Mandalay to Hsipaw (10 -hours)     •    Bus from Mandalay to Pyin Ool Win (2 hours) then train to Hsipaw (6 hours)     •    Bus Mandalay to Hsipaw – 10 hours  Close to: Lashio – The capital of the Shan state!  Where to Stay: Mr. Charles Guest House (private and dormitory-styles rooms with a great breakfast) - Book it now! Hpa-an Located just 5 hours from Thailand in southern Myanmar, Hpa-an is a must-visit when crossing the land border into Burma!  With a landscape similar to that of Vang Vieng in Laos, this region is perfectly primed to take explode onto the tourist scene in the coming years. Bustling markets, delicious local foods, friendly locals, and stunning sunsets are just a few of the attractions of Hpa-an. You can hike the ominous Zwegabin Mountain to visit the monastery on its peak, visit the incredible Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda and cave temples of Saddan and Kawgun Caves, and relax by the Yae Ta Khon swimming pool and waterfall, all before hiking the smaller Hpa-Pu hill for sunset.   You should know: Hpa-an is a university town, as so is filled with great cafes, restaurants, and local hangouts perfect to chill out and take a few selfies with locals!  Getting there:     •    Bus from the Myawaddy border crossing (5 hours)     •    Bus from Yangon (6-7 hours)  Close to: Bago – An city of rare beauty, Bago is filled with amazing pagodas, temples, and a palace all worth visiting!  Where to Stay: Soe Brothers 2 Guest House (private rooms) - Book it now! Hopefully, this list of the best off-the-beaten-path locations in southeast Asia has inspired you to travel somewhere different during your next holiday! Travel Plan Your Next Trip to South East Asia This is a Travel Guide to Destinations in South East Asia and Guide to Off the Beaten Path Adventures. To start planning your travel to South East Asia, 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 Canada. Our Guest Travel Blogger Caden Allison is an Adventurous Off Beaten Path Traveler from Australia, who do a lot of travel in Asia. Follow him on Instagram for more Adventure Travel On the Beaten Track and Travel Inspiration. Find the Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations in South East Asia. Off the Beaten Track locations in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines. Adventure is everywhere in South East Asia and you should travel Off the Beaten Path if you're an Intrepid Traveller. Discover the Best Off the Beaten Track locations in South East Asia here.

Mallorca is reputed to be a party island full of Germans and Brits – not really something that would call my attention.    However, I decided to give it a try during off-season and visited the Spanish island in November. To my surprise, I loved Mallorca and found it a bit sad that this beautiful island is mainly known as a party tourism destination. The Capital Palma have a lot to offer with natural areas and scenic views of small villages on the island. Guest Blogger: Maria Stadler, A World Of Destinations Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together. Cathedral of Palma #1 Wander the streets of Palma Palma has a beautiful old town with lots of shops, bars, restaurants and bakeries. Especially the cathedral and the area around it portray impressive architecture. What I loved most about being there off-season was that there were no tourist crowds. You can easily spend a whole day wandering through the alleys of the old town and discovering cute places and squares. Cathedral of Palma Find Cheap Accommodation on Mallorca View of the "Torrent de Sa Riera" #2 Have a drink in the Bar "Abaco" This bar is an insider tip we got from a local. I will guarantee you that you've never seen a place like this before. It's like a combination of garden eden, a museum and a bar. There's also a garden-like outdoor area with fountains and birds. It's prohibited to take photos and only few people know about it, so it's not touristy at all. The ground floor is used as a bar while the first floor is used as a small museum and can be visited as well. The drinks are quite pricey, but one glass of wine is totally worth it. This bar is a unique  place and a must-see if you're in Palma. #3 Rent a car and explore the island Mallorca has picturesque coasts and beaches, beautiful nature and cute villages. Make sure to rent a car and do a roadtrip around the island. We had our car for two days. The first day we headed north-east to visit Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller. Initially we planned to go further north but due to the bad weather we decided to head back to Palma earlier. Even though it was raining, the nature was impressive and the green scenery next to the coast looked extremely beautiful! ​ All those villages are worth visiting and are for sure even more beautiful when the sun is shining. Banyalbufar Backstreet in Banyalbufar On the second day we were luckier with the weather and the rain stopped. We headed south-west to visit Cala Santanyi, Cala Figuera, Cala d'Or, Portocolom and Santuari de Sant Salvador. Cala Figuera: a cute little Fishing Village Cala d'Or Cala Santanyi With around 16 degrees Celcius in November it was too cold to go swimming. But I loved that there was nobody else on the beach and we had the whole place for ourselves. The calmness and peacefulness of the nature was so relaxing. I suppose that those beaches are full of people in summer so I'm glad to have visited off-season. #4 Try Coca de Trampó Coca de Trampó is a local snack which looks a bit like pizza, but it doesn’t taste the same. The dough is different and it’s usually topped with veggies. I always love trying the local cuisine and Coca de Trampó was delicious. You can buy it in most of the bakeries or coffee shops. #5 Watch the sunset at Santuri de Sant Salvador Santuari de Sant Salvador is a place on top of a hill with a stunning view. You can drive up the hill by car and then you're rewarded with this insane view. We were up there all alone and the atmosphere was magical. There’s a lot of plants and wildlife around and we discovered a small herd of goats. Mallorca is definitely worth visiting and it has so much more to offer than just beaches and parties. The island is more crowded in summer so if you don't only go there for a beach vacation, I recommend visiting during shoulder season or off-season. Everything is way calmer and you can experience the true essence of the island without being surrounded by tourists everywhere you go. As I’m generally a lover of Spain and the Spa nish culture I especially loved all the tapas restaurants and the Spanish atmosphere on the island. Find Cheap Accommodation in Palma de Mallorca Guest Blogger Maria Stadler from A World Of Destinations is a Travel Blogger from Austria, writing about travel tips on how to combine being a student and travel, sustainable travelling and doing solo travels. Visit A World Of Destinations and on Instagram for more. Mallorca Guide Find out things to do on Mallorca, Spain in this Travel Guide to Isla de Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. Activities on Mallorca, beautiful villages, scenic views and more in the Mallorca Guide. #mallorca #spain #mallorcaguide #mallorcaspain #travelguide #islademallorca #mediterraneansea #activitiesonmallorca Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purshasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small comission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travellers to explore our world together.