The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica has a slightly different weather pattern. It rains here much more than the rest of the country, with two smaller dry seasons from March-April and September-October. They also provide a Foreign Travel Checklist but be aware that advice can change regularlyso please check regularly for updates. Music is a part of everyday life in The Gambia and there are a number of festivals that take place each year, most of these are based around annual Islamic festivals. A fantastic way to both entertain and educate kids of all ages, the Monaco Aquarium offers a chance to get up close and personal with all the creatures of the deep, from sharks to stingrays and so much more.
Kanaal by Axel Vervoordt & Co is a kind of city in the countryside, less than half an hour’s drive from Antwerp, where art, architecture and nature combine. Overlooking a dramatic diorama of mountains and valleys, this fun spirited luxury den threads the Heimat of Montafon with a modernist design aesthetic. Jürgen Haller is the gentle giant of a guy, a genius Baumeister in Austria’s Bregenzerwald. Over the past years, he has carved a name for himself with his imposing architecture, engineering, and design narrative. Dendrophiles, or lovers of trees, will enjoy the diversity here with over 1,400 species – including rarely seen palms and ferns from across the world. From Port to Wine – a new generation of winemakers is working with old vines and native grapes on the region’s dramatic slopes to craft a new wave of wines that speak of this unique region.
Costa Rica is a perfect first country to visit, where it is relatively easy to get around and even to learn Spanish. The nature here is unmatched, and there is https://softfootprints.com/ so much to do that you could visit from a short week to several months or even years. Costa Rica is probably my favorite country that I have been to, and I hope this guide has helped you learn more about traveling to this beautiful country.
Whilst you’re in the area, why not share a cup of coffee, fresh from the plantations, with the locals. Foodies should be sure to visit the Feria Verde de Aranjuez on Saturdays, when it is transformed into a bustling market offering local produce, delicious fresh food, traditional crafts and live music. The Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted mansion with charming tropical character, is the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day of exploring. Plan a weekend away or a short break in England with our regional travel guides. They’re packed with ideas of historic sites to visit, things to see and do, places to stay and practical advice for getting around.
I love this beautiful country and can’t wait to share everything with you. Lastly, any Game of Thrones fans will want to take a trip to Lovrijenac Fortress, the set for King’s Landing. A 14th Century fortress sitting atop a 37m high sea rock, it’s an absolute must-see for any visitors, and admission is included within the fee for entering the city walls. Read about the top five wine and food tours in Bordeaux here, or check out our blog on the best wine experiences in the South of France.
While we have not personally experienced this, stories of tourists and study-abroad students being threatened to give up even just their cell phones are unfortunately becoming more and more common. Manuel Antonio National Park, although small, is a gem, boasting stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the chance to spot monkeys and sloths. At Chirripó National Park, you can challenge yourself with a climb to Costa Rica’s highest peak, rewarding you with breathtaking views. Palo Verde National Park, located in the dry Guanacaste province, is a sanctuary for water birds and migratory species. Costa Rica’s bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching even remote areas of the country. You’ll find yourself rubbing elbows with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Spring can actually be a bit unpredictable (especially with rain – those April showers even extend to the Cote d’Azur!), so if you’re after a tan-topping stay with more time in the pool, plan your trip between May and October. In light of improvements to security within the country, as of 2019, Pakistan changed its visa restrictions to encourage more tourists to visit. If exploring history and culture is what you’re after, then Guatemala has your back. With a specialist guide, treading through the ancient jungle ruins of Tikal amongst long hanging vines and grey-green stone Maya temples, is somewhat surreal. In the dense canopy, monkeys, agoutis and turkeys will accompany your extraordinary expedition through this UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s like stepping into another world. We also recommend a visit to Iximiche, secluded Mayan ruins favoured by native Guatemalans, but rarely seen by travellers.
Sally helps thousands of readers discover the magic of Latin America. Sharing detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world. Our France travel guide is unlike any you’ll find online, we don’t mimic, sugar-coat or even skim over the important details. If you’re looking for the holy grail of information, then we’ve made sure you can access it all in one place. Get to grips with the do’s and don’ts in French etiquette, learn the key differences between Northern France, Central France and the South of France, discover the best times to visit and heaps more.
Part of the Korean culture is their love (more kinda of obsession) for their celebrities. Once in Korea you will see, billboards, buses and entire shops dedicated to K-pop singers, actors and other famous personalities. Something that, of course, is kinda unthinkable in the UK or any other western country. Imagine to have an entire shop with Ed Sheeran pictures and merchandising for both home and wardrobe. But if Ed Sheeran was a Korean idol, his merchandising would have probably gone sold out in minutes in Seoul.
But while the local economy fell into decline, the city’s treasure trove of architecture remained largely intact. Moreover, a host of artists, writers and musicians were attracted by the cheap rents, giving the place an enduring bohemian vibe. There’s a thriving tradition of street art, public murals and graffiti too, while hip neighbourhoods such as Barrio Concha y Toro, Barrio Brasil and Barrio Yungay are filled with boutique hotels, bars and cultural spaces.
The Aficionados is an established reference for design hotels, travel culture and lifestyle. Bound into neat edits of fantastic hotels, places, creators and crafted products; we are a kindred emporium of beyond ordinary. We’ve been connecting the dots of creativity since 2009 in a deliberate line-up that cleverly knits the threads of travel, design, craft, and architecture into an emporium of all things nice. The best time to visit is in the dry season between December and May, although it can be very hot during this time.
Indeed, it’s a great advantage to learn Korean etiquette for basic interactions and understand what is behind the social behaviour of Koreans. My suggestion is to deep dive into Korean culture as much as possible before your trip. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America.
In general, round your drink bills up by any small change, and just leave a couple of euros after a meal. Museum and tour guides will expect about 10%, and cab drivers around 5-10%. To make things simpler, apps like Tipping Guide help to decipher how much is appropriate and Tip N Split will take care of the calculating for you.
Situated in a national park, the Río Dulce is also a must-see feast for the senses. The river, a lifeline and a key method of transport for many locals, is encircled by flourishing vegetation, and is home to chirping choruses of tropical birds. Welcome to postcard-perfect Peru, where rich cultural heritage strikes a balance with trend-setting modern society.
Very few universal travel adapters actually work with both types, so check if yours does. Otherwise, you will likely be unable to charge your electronics. There are plenty of ATMs in Sri Lanka, so it is hard not to find one. In the last 20 years, the infrastructure in North Pakistan has seen big improvements. Headscarfs are not mandatory, but you will often discover that in more metropolitan and densely populated areas, women wear a headdress. Both men and women should cover their legs and women should also cover their arms.
Resident howler and spider monkeys swing effortlessly between the branches of the same trees you’ll find lazy two- and three-toed sloths snoozing in, and lucky visitors might even catch sight of a puma or margay on the prowl. Colourful toucans and bright scarlet macaws also soar through clear blue skies, a reminder of the incredible biodiversity Costa Rica boasts. For the avid adventurer, Ecuador’s national parks are paradise. A number of traditional haciendas also offer horseback riding through the park’s Andean grassland, an exciting challenge for all the family.
MasterCard and Visa have the biggest acceptance, but more and more places accept Amex. Otherwise, you will not be able to buy amazing food at streetside stalls. We believe that all students should benefit from educational travel, whatever their background.
They can also offer additional services to help you promote your guide, such as social media management and SEO optimization. Yes, a well-written and informative travel guide can greatly impact your audience’s decision to visit a certain destination or use your services. It can also establish your brand as an authoritative source in the travel industry and attract potential customers. Michele is the writer and creative behind Adventures Abound – a travel blog bringing outdoor adventures, sustainable travel, and cultural appreciation to readers with limited time but eager to explore.
If you need a little assistance, Tripit is a great app that organises your flights, taxis and check-in info for you. And restless travellers will benefit from Calm, tried and tested by the Oliver’s Travels team – this handy app will help you unwind in no time. Feel the history packed between the covers of literary classics.
Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Cardmember’s name, and that Cardmember must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent.
Sberbank / Сбербанк is the biggest and also a state-owned bank. If you arrive outside the opening hours we recommend you to exchange only a minimum in the airport. How to enter RussiaTo enter the largest country in the world we recommend to use air transport – and within Russia you have busses, railways and domestic flights at your disposal. When planning your visit, be sure to check the individual property pages of the sites you’d like to visit for the most up-to-date information. One of our knowledgeable Travel Specialists will now be assigned to your enquiry.
It’s also recommended to avoid the Mosquito Gulf on the mid-northern Caribbean Coast, and while there is not a strict warning not to visit, the city and province of Colon are a bit seedy too. Government travel advice from the United States, Australia and New Zealand has Panama at risk level 2 – exercise a high degree of caution with higher levels for certain areas. Canada rates Panama as level 1 – exercise normal safety precautions. We fell in love with Panama City with its historic old town and glistening modern skyline. We found tropical heaven in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands and loved hiking through the misty cloud forests of Boquete and the extinct volcanic crater of El Valle de Anton.
France is a beguiling place, bustling and cosmopolitan on one hand, calm and contemplative on the other. If you’re into fine dining, high-adrenaline sports, pristine beaches or historical masterpieces, you’ll find them all in your holidays in France. And, it’s guaranteed to be charmingly, quintessentially, uniquely French. Plan your next trip with American Express Travel and discover where to travel including a selection of luxury hotels to complete the perfect stay. Yes, a travel copywriting agency will have expert writers with experience in the industry. They can help you create high-quality and engaging content faster than going at it alone.
Due to the country’s colonial history, most people speak English. There are many incredible things you can do in this small but diverse country. And once you have been there, it is impossible not to love it. Sign up for handpicked travel inspiration and expert advice, sent to you every week by email from our Travel Specialists. Share your ideas and initial plans below, and let’s start planning your next trip.
From echoes of the country’s past into its present, the lively capital city of Lima is not to be missed. Latin America does big adventure just as well as it does relaxed retreat. So often it’s at the top of our bucket lists for offbeat, vibrant and adventurous escapes (not to mention a much-needed dose of warm sunshine).
The country has had its ups and downs recently so understandably many people have concerns about visiting. Wild Frontiers has been offering tours, including mountain escapes, ancient cities, trekking adventures, and summer tours to this wonderful country for 25 years. In this article, we offer some practical tips and try to answer any concerns people may have about visiting. Speak to our travel experts and start planning your trip, tailored to you. Situated high in the Andean foothills, Ecuador’s capital Quito is a one stop shop for an abundance of culture, history, art, food, and music – the more you explore, the more you’ll discover. The city’s Centro Histórico features perfectly preserved colonial buildings, palm-lined plazas, and churches, convents and chapels built by indigenous artisans centuries ago.
Furthermore, it is one of the best safari destinations in the world. Follow in the footsteps of adventurers near and far, whether to Swedish Lapland to see the Northern Lights, or to Patagonia on a hair-raising road trip. Plus, there’s the Bazaar editors’ expert recommendations on where to go, what to pack and who to go with. A JR Pass is a rail pass you need to purchase before getting to Japan that offers unlimited travel within a 7, 14 or 21 day period. They used to be very popular as they were a good value option if doing a return Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka-Tokyo trip in 7 days versus buying individual tickets. Where Guatemala is more populated, there’s also plenty to explore.
Despite Korean-dramas stories are quite far from real-life romantic behaviours of Korean couples, they still teach you a lot about the culture, food, social interactions and thinking of the people. By watching those K-drama in original language you can even pick-up some common expressions and use them to interact. If you are planning to travel to Korea, there are a few tips that I can share with you to make you ready for your trip. Don’t miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals. Find real and unique Scottish experiences on our Scotland travel blog. From the rugged coastline to sparkling city lights, the ancient Caledonian forests of the Highlands to the rich history of the Lowlands, there are plenty of places to start your Scottish adventure.
The country code for dialling in France is +33, and to dial a UK number you’ll need +44. Buying a roaming package from your mobile provider is always a good idea, or apps like Viber and Whatsapp use wifi to make calls and send messages to friends and family, keeping costs down. In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register. Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us consular access.