Dublin in a Day - 12 hours in Dublin
/Dublin in a Day- Tackle Dublin in 12 hours
I am always saying how close so many countries are to the UK. Flights to most places are just under 45 minutes. Yep, you can hop to another country just for the day. What I find great is that the low cost airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet promote this and you can find flights to meet that tight schedule.
Flights make it happen
So I am sure you are wondering how do you make this work, right? I have done this about 3 times now so it’s totally tried and tested. Each time I try to see something I didn’t see before and its possible.
Well on our recent stop over to Dublin we grabbed the 6am flight out of Stansted and the 8pm flight back. It makes for a long day so if you have kids you and be assured that will be sleeping in route back to the UK. We have done this with my daughter when she was just 2 years old, and then again when she was 9.
Before you go I highly recommend picking up a Freedom Pass, this enables you airport transport, Hop On and Hop Off Tour, and free bus transport while in Dublin. Once booked online you print off your voucher and collect right in the terminal building. On arrival you will pick up you pass or chose to head straight out the main doors to the bus stop. You will see signs for AirLink buses. There is a machine at the bus stop to pick up your ticket if you decided not to go with the Freedom Pass Ticket. The cost of the ticket is around €6 each way at the time of my trip. From there I recommend getting off at the College Green and Temple Bar and taking a stroll through the Temple Bar district before headed onto the Hop On and Hop Off bus. If the Guinness Storehouse is top on your list I would highly recommend heading there on the bus first as the lines by midday can get long. The Guinness Storehouse was family friendly and offered apple juice or orange juice for the kids.
From here we headed to Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and then to Kilmainham Gaol. We headed back into town to grab a warm lunch at the Queen of Tarts. It was a quick pub lunch and offer breakfast for the better part of the day. After a quick bite to eat we headed to Christ Church Cathedral to jump on the afternoon tour of the church for a history lesson. This is great as they have traditional bell ringers in the church and you could have a chance to ring the bells if you catch it in time.
Relaxing Afternoon
At this point we had spent the better part of the morning touring and decided to head over for a Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour. This was kid friendly as well as they were talking about the science involved in the making and really tried hard to provide some educational learning for the kids. It was about 5pm now so we headed back into town to walk down through the Temple Bar area. We decided to have a relaxing sit down dinner at the The Oldstorehouse based on a friend’s recommendation to try the Guinness stew and she sure was right. We popped into a few tourist shops to pick up some fun gifts and headed to the airport on the AirLink.
We packed a lot in, but it is totally doable if you utilize the bus tour to get around. If you have family visiting it’s a great stop over and its far less crowded than a trip to London.
Good Tips:
Wear good walking shoes
Pre-book as much as possible to maximize you day
Don’t be afraid to ask directions. Dubliners are the friendliest people around.
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
Iceland – Glaciers, Hot springs and Waterfalls
/The only way to describe Iceland is down right magical. Everything from the mossy covered volcanic rocks, wooden framed houses and waterfalls around every turn there so much to love about this tiny country.
Blue Lagoon
We spent only 4 days in Iceland and we didn’t plan a thing before we arrived. We grabbed a map from the airport and we totally winged it. We knew we had to see the famous Blue Lagoon, but the rest of the island was up in the air. We started off from Keflavik airport and headed straight to Blue Lagoon as its just 20 minutes up the road from the airport. They have lockers on site so don’t worry about your luggage. Bring a bathing suit you do not love as the sulfur can do a number on your swimsuit and jewelry. 2hours was more than enough for us at lagoon as we had booked dinner at the very nice restaurant on site. I highly recommend it, but it was pricey. If you want some amazing bread bowl soup stop into Svarta Kaffid. We stayed in a quiet location with free parking right in the heart of Downtown. The apartment had a kitchen and it fit all 5 of us girls comfortably.
Golden Circle
We didn’t have a lot of time so we headed straight for the big sights. This is most known as the Golden Circle. The route heads through the national park Þingvellir, the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls"), and the geothermal area of Haukadalur, which has the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. This was about easily a days worth of travelling especially at Þingvellir, national park. There is a row of waterfalls right up the path between the split in the two continents as they call it. This was a great find and totally unexpected.
Side trips
We made a side trip based on a postcard we found in a gift shop to Glanni falls just north of Reykjavik. Also a trip to Selfoss waterfall is not to be missed as it spans over 144ft across the cliff side. The great thing about Iceland is while you can have a plan there is so much to see that unless you have a good month in the country you cannot see it all. So to cover the basics remember that at each main intersection they have huge maps along the road and signs to upcoming waterfalls and sights not to be missed.
Waterfalls and Abandoned airplane
The last day in the country we decided to head down to Vik to the black sand beaches. We headed next to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in which you can see two waterfalls from the road, but an amazing hidden waterfall exists just up the path past the first two. So don’t miss this on your trip over. We stopped along the way to see the volcano Eyjafjallajökull that was still smoking pretty heavily since we had arrived. You can see Skogafoss right as you start proceeding up the 1 headed toward Vik. This waterfall also offered a nice café to have lunch. As you are leaving here headed to Vik you can top in to see the US Plane Wreck. Once right past Skogafoss start looking right. You will see small opening after you pass the 221 but before you reach the 219. You can locate it through the following coordinates 63.459523 -19.364618. There are small sticks along the route guiding you to the airplane. It’s about a mile out onto the beach.
From here you can head to Vik to the top of the viewpoint down to the ocean. If you are there the right time of year you will be able to see seals sunbathing on the black sand beaches. Vik isn’t a large town, but we spent the afternoon strolling the beach. On our way back to Reykjavik our stops included Kerið volcano crater, Hveragerði greenhouse village, Skálholt church. We only had really 3.5 days so we totally made the most of the time. Rent a car and don’t be afraid to explore.
Great tips:
Bring a rain poncho for the waterfalls
Lots of layers as the weather changes fast
Rent a diesel car if possible to maximize your fuel
Geneva - On a Budget in 36 hours
/Geneva – 36 hours and a budget
Before even arriving in Geneva all I had been told was prepare for how expensive it is. So with this in mind and my budget I did not know what to expect. Well the people were kind of right, but it is totally doable in a penny size budget.
On arrival into Geneva head towards the baggage claim area and you will see a silver machine near the exit with a sign that says free travel card. I pressed the button and there I was awarded a ticket for my onward journey into the city. I went for a city break, but Geneva is at the heart of many ski resorts so upon exit I found hundreds of people trying to locate their hotels signs to take their journey to their resorts. I was excited for a city break and that’s just what I got. I proceeded on to the train station which is located just on the end of the airport. From there I got the first train posted for city center which was about a 4 min wait. There is information staff in yellow shirts to assist you to the right track so do not worry. The journey into the central train station was about 15 minutes.
On arrival to Hotel Central I was given a travel card and explained what I could use it for. This in itself was already saving me about $5 a day and given to you at each hotel you stay in. The hotels photos on the website are outdated and they were recently refurbished. Breakfast was served in the room and you set this up on check in. I set off for the United Nations building and palace which was about a 1.5 mile walk from the hotel. You can catch the Bus 5 to Nations from just near the hotel. Your key card has this information and more about taking the Bus 10 back to the airport from the hotel. I decided to walk as I wanted to soak up the sun along the lake area and took advantage of the yellow boat trip across the lake to see the famous fountain. The United Nations tours run on the weekdays only in winter and from April to September offer weekend tours as well. Arrive early as this was popular from the time slots they had available.
I headed back to the hotel on the Bus 5 which brought me back to the edge of the river and lake. It was about a 5 minute walk back to the hotel from here. There is a market on Saturday right outside the hotel area in the square. I highly recommend getting one of the fresh rotisserie chicken and potatoes served there. There was a line each time I approached so come patient and hungry. I headed over to Jardin Anglais to watch the sail boats take off, see the famous flower clock and make my way to get a better look at the fountain (Jet d’Eau). With Geneva bordering France and Italy you get the feeling of family and the café culture that Europe really has to offer. I grabbed a cup of Joe and headed to the grass to soak up the sun with the locals. You can set up tours of the cities many chocolate and watch factories prior to arrival. I would highly recommend this as coming around Easter I was overwhelmed with the amount of chocolate around each corner. I did a lot of window shopping as some of the most exquisite watch designs exist in Geneva.
The next day I headed out around 9am to catch the Palm Sunday Mass at St. Pierre cathedral just up the road. The Cathedral is very simple on the inside, but what lies below was 2,000 years of history. Around the back of the church you can make your way into the archaeological site. The cost was under $10 and took about an hour if you follow all the signs and watch all the videos about the excavation. This is the largest of its size in Europe so it’s well worth a stopover for some of the Christian history in Geneva. During the tour of the site they provided some more places to see in Geneva that were part of the first settlements along the river. I headed to find the bus 10 and set off for the airport. Besides the splurge on a new swatch I spent less than $30 across the two days. So Geneva on a budget was a success.
Good Tips:
Bring a water bottle as there are water stations all over the city
Getting food to go and sitting at the parks will save you a hefty surcharge in most places
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
Taiwan- Taipei and Taroko Gorge
/Taipei and Taroko Gorge
Taiwan was on my 2012 Bucket list as it was known for the worlds fastest elevator and underground shopping throughout the city.
We chose to stay at the Taipei Garden Hotel which was a quick metro ride away from most of the site including Taipei 101. For Asia hotels the room was spacious and the hotel had a bar connected just outside. The city was easy to get around especially with the metro being less than $1 per ride. Major sites for us were the Presidental building, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Traditional Taiwanese Temple and National Palace Museum.
The city felt like any larger city in USA with shopping districts and restaurants lining the streets. It was a true shoppers paradise with high dollar items and lower priced items in the shops under the city which were connected to the metro links. The best shopping was under the main train station and it went on for miles with lots of markets and full of all sorts of clothes, shoes, and purses. The locals loved us in the city. We were seen posing with many of them as they would grab us to take photos with them and their groups.
We witnessed a changing of the guard at the palace which was caught really by surprise, but it was at 10am so this is something you could do if you made it over there earlier enough. The buildings in Taiwan can be overwhelming as they are vast in size. The courtyards are usually bigger than football fields. We found the local Hello Kitty sweet shop. It is well worth a visit if you want to enjoy everything in the shape of Hello Kitty. The place was decorated and staff were dressed in suits ready to serve your pastries on silver platters.
Taroko Gorge
We did a day trip to Taroko Gorge which was definitely the highlight the trip. If you have read my other posts you will know I am sucker for waterfalls and trekking. They collected us early morning for our flight from the tiny airport in the center of the city. The flight was about 45 minutes through the mountains and onto Taroko area.
We visited Eternal Spring Shrine, one of the most photographed scenes around the gorge. If in Taiwan it is a great stop over to beat the hustle and bustle of the city. Random fact we found a Cold Stone Creamery and tried the merlot ice cream. Booze and ice cream is was a tasty combination. After we finished the trekking through the gorge we headed to the rock beach for some fresh drinks and cool down after a long day.
Happy Traveling
Katrina
Portugal - Part 2 - the Azores
/The Azores
Not many people think of the Azores when they think of Portugal. They look at the big cities and the coast lines. With a new route added from the UK, it was added to the top of the bucket list. We headed there over Thanksgiving, which was perfect, as the weather was still in the high 60’s to 70’s. We picked the destination for waterfall trekking and hot springs. We stayed in the Azorean Urban Lodge which offered parking, pool and full kitchen. On arrival the owner mapped out all the sites on the island for us and provided us a list of places to eat. We rented the car through Europcar. If you feel inclined you can book some tours in advance, but I highly recommend getting a car and doing it all on your own.
Western Part of Island
We started the first day off to explore the lakes and craters of Sete Cidades. This is the most photographic part of the Azores and it lived up to all expectations. You can reach this viewpoint if you follow the road up the hill to the abandoned hotel. We decided to enter the hotel, as the rooftop offered some incredible views of the island. It was there that we ran into some of the crew from National Geographic. We headed back down the mountain for the hot springs. Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha was gorgeous and easy to find along the road. There is limited parking, so go early if you plan to do this. Don’t forget a towel and flip flops. My daughter still raves about how cool it was to sit in a real life hot tub. There are two swimming areas both varying in temperatures. There is a trekking area which is open twice per day, that offers hiking well above the springs and onto more waterfalls.
Eastern Part of Island
The next day we set out for Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas area. Bring your swimming suit as there are numerous waterfalls and hot springs along the route. Now the Lagoa do Fogo area was a long winding road up the mountain. It took us about 1 hour to make it all the way to the top to capture this incredible photo. We stopped off at the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, which had so much to offer. Behind the large waterfall is an area to reach numerous other falls along the way, you have to cross the river where you see paving stones. From here we headed to Furnas and the hot spring river at Poca Da Dona Beija. Here they offered showers and a more spa experience versus Caldeira Velha, which was more the backpacker’s paradise. We spent the rest of the afternoon in Furnas relaxing and taking in numerous lagoons in the area.
Whale Watching and Dolphins
The final day was the day of our Whale Watching and Dolphin tour. We booked this experience through viator, which I am glad we did as it was sold out when we went to see about other excursions to do. We had an early morning arrival to the port of Ponta Delgada in which we were given full rubber suits, taught some facts about the animals we were about to see and a quick safety brief. Having done these kinds of tours before I expected a full catamaran of people, but on arrival to our boat I knew we were in for more than I bargained for. The boat was a long speed boat in which you sat it in like you were riding a horse. My daughter was thrilled with the speed of the boat and the joy ride past the island to where they had spotted a large variety of whales that morning. The Azores is a migration point so November through March is the best time to see most of the whales. After about 4 hours and many whales and playful dolphins putting on a show we headed back to port. Our tour guide stopped over to Ilheu Vila Franca Campo which is open for swimming and diving in the summer months. The sunken in volcano is limited to visitors and must be booked well in advance. It offers everything from coral, fish and turtle spotting’s as it protected from the oceans current. We ended our trip with a visit to the local cathedral which was decorated for the holidays.
Good tips:
Good hiking shoes, bathing suit and waterproof coat. If you plan to swim in the hot spring bring baby shampoo and a swim suit you are not fond of as the smell of sulphur from the springs is pretty intense and can ruin your clothes and jewellery.
Happy Traveling
Katrina
Croatia- The Dalmatian Coast
/After the quick stop over in Dubrovnik on earlier trip I decided a trip back to Croatia was in order. To see more about that trip click here.
When looking at flights from the UK I began to get flustered as the cost was high going to Croatia. I am bit of a budget snob and lets face it I have a lot to see and the cost of the flight plays a major factor of when and where we will go. I noticed there was an airport closer to Serbia in the town of Osijek and there were quite a few low cost flights from there. We checked into rental cars for the airport and it really fit the bill. We rented with a small company called Uni Rent. It was a No frills car and spacious for the ride down to Plitvice. We stayed about 6 miles from the actual National Park of Plitvce at Hotel Rubcic as this was the main attraction for us on this trip.
Plitvice National Park
The first day we headed down to the National Park before the park opened in hopes to beat the tour buses that are due around 10am in the morning. There are many entrances into Plitvice, but we chose the main one with the walkover bridge across the road. On arrival we bought a ticket that included the use of the transport and boat to the rest of the park. I would recommend this as the park is massive and after a long day of trekking walking back 4 miles doesn’t sound appealing. We headed right for the larger waterfalls and down many stairs, walkways and trail. It was a lot of walking and with the rain that had came the past few days many of the areas were flooded pretty badly. Heading to where you catch the boat was about a 2 mile walk from the start. The line to get on the boat was at least shorter than the bathroom, so Adam stayed in line, got some snacks and me and Aislyn held down the fort. It took about 45 minutes to catch a boat onward.
Once to the next part of the park you have the option to do the short crossing over to leave or go up the stairs through the waterfall walkway. We chose the waterfall walkway which lasted about another 2 hours. There are numerous little ferries that take you all over the park. There was another 4 to 5 miles of trail to the back park of the park, but at this point we thought we saw our fair share of waterfalls and nature. We did take our time to soak in the sites so 4-5 hours on the trail is what I would plan for if you are going. After a long day we grabbed dinner at a local café and headed back to the hotel to relax.
Split and Krka Falls
The next day we made our way down to Split and Krka Falls. I had read so many reviews saying Krka was not as great, but I am not quite sure what they were talking about as it was one of our favorite’s parts of our Croatia trip. The waterfalls are not as grand, but the trail through the forest along the falls was pretty incredible. There is actually a portion of this one you can swim in unlike Plitvice which you cannot swim in the national park from what I saw on the signage. We spent about 3 hours here eating fresh cherries, climbing waterfalls and soaking in the sun with some ice cream. This waterfall area was easier for the small kids as Plitivice should not be underestimated in size. After a morning of trekking we headed into the center of Split. There was a cruise in port this day so the city was crowded by midday making many of the sites unbearable to get into. We decided the better option was to head down to the promenade and walk along the coastline. We stopped in to see the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Diocletian's Palace as they were easily accessible in the city center without much walking. Split was smaller than Dubrovnik, but I thought it really had a lot to offer. There were numerous boating excursions leaving the city about once per hour to the outer islands. If we would have had more time I think this is a good add-on to the trip. Here are some suggestions for Split excursions.
We headed back to our hotel and then an early morning drive back to Osijek. Osijek was about 4 hours in the car from Plitvice, but the cost of the flights, car and gas were still under what it would have cost for 2 people to even fly in to one of the other airports. So this is something to consider if you plan on going on a budget.
Good Tips:
Waterproof shoes for the waterfalls, while trekking shoes were nice I did bring flip flops to wear through the waterfalls as it was much easier to dry my feet.
Pack water and a little jacket, even in the spring it was really chilly down by the waterfalls.
Happy Traveling
Katrina
Portugal - Part 1 - Algarve, Sintra and Evora
/Tapas and Port
When I think of Portugal these two things come to mind Tapas and Port. While I am not much of a drinker I do love some amazing cuisine. Living in the UK in winter can be quite drab and lack of sun can really ruin your mood. With a long weekend ahead in January I needed that my daughter and I should jump on a small trip. We knew we wanted south and began to look at sunny and warm places in January. We came across Faro, Portugal in the Algarve. With 300 plus days of sun in Portugal we were headed to the right place.
Benagil and Sagres
On arrival to Faro we picked up the rental car and headed straight into the city center to our quaint hotel for a good night’s rest. We headed out to Benagil to try and catch the first excursion to the famous caves. Due to a storm in the Med the waves were too high and it was deemed about 9am unsafe to begin our journey. We didn’t let this affect our day and decided to head down the Sagres Fort at the edge of the Algarve. The Algarve is quite easy to get around as the toll roads provide easy connections to all the smaller cities along the coast line. Based on some recommendations we headed to Restaurante O Telheiro Do Infante on the beach near the fort to have fresh fish and the largest tray of mussels we have ever seen. We enjoyed the day down on the beach taking photos of the honey colored sand and blue skies.
Sintra and Evora
As much as we were in love with the Algarve and what we were seeing the rough seas really affected our ability to see the caves which was a main attraction for me. So we decided we would head north to Lisbon for the day. We had been to Lisbon on two occasions already, but we really missed out on the city of Sintra. We got into Sintra about lunch time and headed straight over to the Quinta da Regaleira to see the famous unfinished well and the gorgeous castle that still existed on site. Words cannot describe how gorgeous and mysterious this place is. My daughter said she felt as if we were in a fairy-tale with the moss covered trees, hidden tunnels and gorgeous landscape. We headed for Sintra Castle for the afternoon on the way to lunch. This castle is at the top of the mountain making it quite the adventure in our car. Once at the top we were able to get some amazing photos of Lisbon from afar and the gorgeous castle and gardens.
After our adventure in Sintra we headed for Evora, known for its Greek theatre and wine. We stopped over in some of the wine shops in route, but many were closed for the season. Getting into Evora at dusk we headed straight for the theatre and town center. Evora was such a quaint town and I am sure in summer it is livelier, but there was not much to see in January.
Silves and Olhão
The next morning we headed out to the market in Silves and then onto Olhão based on the hotels recommendation to see the national park area. It was a great day out walking along the wooden platforms along the Ria Formosa area. Olhão is such an easy city to walk around and take in some of the colourful Portuguese churches. We were looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun and that is exactly what we got. A great 3 days in Portugal with a stopover in one of the prettiest cities that it has to offer.
Happy Traveling
Katrina
Egypt - Cairo and Giza with On the Go Tours
/Egypt with On the Go
Egypt was one of the biggest highlights in my traveling. Many say do it on your own, but as two women traveling alone we decided to entrust On the Go Tours. There have a large array of things to do and see. We chose the 5 day package which included Pyramids, Giza, River boat cruise and museums. It was the best bet for our short trip.
On arrival we were met with a transport van and transferred to our hotel. We stayed at the Mena House Oberoi which was classified as 5 star deluxe, but for us the view of the pyramids was the true seller. As it was a late night flight we got some rest to be ready for the next days adventure.
On Day 2 we set out for Cairo to visit the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek listed seven wonders of the world. Whilst here, you we could have opted to enter the inside of one of the pyramids, but chose to observe from outside due to the narrow passages. The guide offered to set up camel rides for us if we would like. From Giza we traveled to the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, to explore the many tombs and temples and see Zhoser’s step pyramid. After the sites we washed up and headed to the river cruise for our dinner and entertainment. This was great until I realized I had melted ice in my drink. Things went down hill from here for my night.
On Day 3 we headed out to visit the famous Egyptian Museum, and enjoyed the guided tour and free time to browse and explore the famed treasures of King Tutankhamen. After a long morning at the museum seeing artifacts I had read about in school books we headed to the Citadel of Saladin and a highly rated perfumery market and Papyrus Museum. I bought some amazing paintings from here. This market was more touristy so the vendors were not as pushy as in the local markets.
On Day 4 we spent the time relaxing by the pool and when perfume bottle shopping at some of the local markets. This was a day on our own and my feet were killing me from all the walking so it was quite enjoyable to put my feet up for a day. We took in an early dinner at the hotel and got ready for our early morning flight. Our guide Mena with On the Go was amazing and found us a nice jeweler to get our cartouches made.
Good tips:
Egypt could be done on your own, but I would recommend that a guide be used as the city is large. The traffic in the city can have you waiting around hours if you do not start early. On the Go was a best bet to maximize our stay.
Happy Traveling
Katrina
Singapore - Fun for all
/Fun for all ages
Singapore is a great stopover location in Asia. Many low cost carriers leave from Singapore and the it has many direct links to Malaysia and beyond. We stopped in Singapore for a total of 3 days as we embarked on our cruise through Asia. The best way to describe Singapore is envision Disneyland. There is so much to do and see for all ages.
Zoo and promenade
On arrival we negotiated a fare with the taxi to watch our bags and take us around Singapore before we set sail. We set off on our first stop to the zoo. It is known as one of the largest and most prominent zoos in the world so we had to check this out. Take my advice and pay the extra money for the tram, as I cannot explain how huge the zoo is in words, but rather blisters and sweat. There is a reason it is deemed worlds best zoo and it did not disappoint. the pandas were visiting from China on our visit so that was an exciting experience. After the zoo we set off into town to see the famous Merlion and the Marina Sands Hotel. A walk along the promenade, a detour to Starbucks and off we set off on our cruise.
Culture
We stopped in Singapore again on Day 4, but this time armed with a map of sites to see. We decided to focus on the temples and cultural side this visit and then headed to Little India area which is the oldest area of Singapore. We used the MTR to get around which had great connections all over the city and a short walk from the main cruise terminal.
Sentosa
Day 8 we stopped over for our last stay in Singapore, but this time porting on the island of Sentosa. This can too be reached by the MTR if you are on the other side of Singapore. The island has Universal Studios, Hard Rock and numerous outdoor and indoor activities. We just spent a few hours walking around and located the bridge that led us to the southernmost part of Asia sign. The beaches provided lots of facilities for families. We rode the Luges down the side of the island, if you have older kids this is a nice way to get the adrenaline running.
Good tip:
A great tip while in Singapore its the hub for most Asia airlines so for under $50 you can get to Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Indonesia, Thailand and even India.
Balkans - 5 countries in 5 days - The adventure with a 9 year old
/Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, Croatia and Kosovo
As Spring Break approached I had to find a place that I could take my daughter. A full 7 days off from work and Europe in the back yard. We started by looking at photos on Pintrest to become inspired. We came across the Ostrog Monastery and the trip began to come together. I knew nothing about this country Montenegro, except it often some gorgeous scenery and was nestled between lakes, rivers and mountains.
5 countries in 5 days
We flew into Podgorica, Montenegro, we rented car through Europcar as it was the only agency I found in Montenegro which offered an automatic and full coverage to all the neighboring countries. You will need the cars insurance paperwork close by as you will need it, your driver’s license and passports for the numerous border crossings. I suggest you invest in the extra 11 Euro a day in the excess as the driving there was quite hectic with locals passing on blind turns and making very close calls. We rented a Polo and it was the perfect size for the roads and parking spaces. Again, I did this alone with my 9-year-old daughter.
We used Kotor and Neum, Bosnia for our base to start to see the sites. We stayed in various apartment rentals with our favorite being Hotel Nancy in Kotor, which overlooked the bay from our balcony. The apartments were located next to local markets, eateries and just a few minutes walk down to the seaside. I bought a Garmin Nuvi 2597 as it was the best Sat Nav I could find that had all of Central and Eastern Europe. It literally had every road within each of the countries and I was super impressed that it navigated me around traffic and congestion during peak border crossing times.
We landed midday and set straight off for the Ostrog Monastery .From the airport it took about 1 hour, the road there is a little crazy. There is a cliff either side and you must take it slow looking for oncoming traffic at all times. After the monastery we headed back to Kotor for some amazing dinner at the local pizza place right up the road. Nancy can make some recommendations if you have a cuisine in mind.
The Dervish House
The next morning we setoff to Mostar, Buna Blagaj, Ston island, Kravice Falls and then to Neum to our hotel. In Mostar we were able to park with pay and display right on the main road near the Old Town. The pay machine took Euro and their currency. At Buna Blagaj,there is a car park on the top of the hill where you are able to park for 1 Euro the whole day and then walk 5 minutes down to the Dervish House. Bosnia is truly where I felt the people were super friendly and there were police everywhere so I felt pretty safe. The tourist information is right near the bridge in old town Mostar. I would suggest stopping in there first as it had detailed directions to Dervish house, sites highlights and more places to see. All the reviews I read about Bosnia talked about landmines. I would like to say we did not encounter any, but I did get a little risky and took a dirt path to one of the sites. I would not recommend this though.
The following day we headed to Dubrovnik and on the way back to Kotor. We made a few stops along the way as there are numerous beach towns and sites just along the coast. Dubrovnik was a gorgeous city, but arrive before 9am if you plan to find parking. It was super crowded on the Thursday morning and we ended up parking about 1.5 miles from old town and having to walk down the hill. There is pay and display parking throughout the city. It takes Euros and Kona at the machines we found. While the Euro is widely used it is not the official currency.
Bullet hole filled building in Old Town, Mostar
Only Montenegro used the Euro officially at the time of our trip. If you get down to the port you can do a boat trip for about $10 per person around the neighboring islands and through the caves on the bay. It was totally worth every penny. Dubrovnik was the pricier of all the cities as it is a very heavy tourist spot for ships. There is a cable car, which you can take to the top to view the city, and it ran about $15 per person. We stopped in quite a few small towns on the way back down to Kotor as there is large parking areas along the route to capture photos of all the gorgeous bays.
Dubrovnik
The next morning we had an early start off to Kosovo. We took the main road leaving Kotor to Bar and then into Albania. The wait to get into Albania even at 8am was about 45 minutes. Once to the border this is the only one where they asked a ton of questions and wanted to see all my paperwork. Once through the country you will follow the main road for about 45 minutes until you reach the dual carriageway towards Kosovo. The route there you will see numerous Spain settlements atop of hills and scenic lookouts.
In route to Prizren
The route to Prizren was about 2 hours in total with good conditions even with fresh snow in the mountains. The border crossing for Kosovo was simple and took about 15 minutes. See below post about entering Kosovo from other neighboring countries. You will require additional insurance at the border if you are taking your own car. You will see numerous booths set up to pay. Once in Prizren, just follow signs to Old Town or Stari Gard. Parking was easy and the city had a few sites to enjoy. We had dinner and it was time to head back to Kotor.
Kukes
On the way back we took the turn off to Kukes and enjoyed the views of the lakes, mountains and blue skies. The color of the water is a blue like I have never seen before. There were numerous waterfalls, churches and historic site seeing posted along the way through all the countries. If spotted a sign that said a site was ahead and it was less than 10k we usually took the turn off and explored it. The trip needed minimal planning as I used the sat nav and found all the locations prior to arriving so just started the day with plugging in saved places. I did a total of 2,000Km in 5 days and only had to fill the car twice and it was under 35 Euros each time.
All in all, it was a great trip for me and my daughter. We were able to see once amazing sites and what felt like an area untouched by tourists.
Things to know before you go
I used DK guide books to help plan my trip. Note that if you plan Kosovo best bet is to enter from Albania and you cannot go into Serbia via Kosovo. To this day, Serbia considers Kosovo to be part of Serbia — and that causes implications for travelers. If you enter Kosovo via an international border, as I did from Macedonia, you can’t exit through a non-Kosovo Serbian border. If you do so, Serbia will declare that you entered Serbia illegally.
If you want to visit both Serbia and Kosovo, I recommend to do either of two things: 1) Arrive in Serbia, travel to Kosovo (there is no border crossing between Serbia and Kosovo), then return to Serbia and exit Serbia. 2) Arrive in Serbia, travel to Kosovo, and exit via Kosovo.
Though I can’t definitively confirm this, I’ve heard rumblings that Serbia will not be happy if you arrive with a Kosovo stamp in your passport, so consider taking option 1 if you want to visit Serbia again on the same passport. All this info is featured in the following blog focusing on Kosovo: http://www.adventurouskate.com/kosovo-a-warm-welcome-from-a-newborn-country/
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
Israel and Jordan - A New Year to remember
/Road tripping through Israel
With the end of the year nearing it was hard to decide where I want to spend the upcoming New Years celebrations. I usually allow Ryan Air or Easy Jet's sales determine where the next adventure awaits and the place we chose surely surprised everyone we spoke to. Israel known for its conflict in the Middle East and Petra known for its Pink City was high on my bucket list, but I did not think it would be something I would do without a tour.
We decided the most effective way to travel through the country was by car. So the hardest decision came we had to decide if we should rent a guide or do it on our own? Looking at costs and efficiency it looked as though the Budget rental car was going to be the way to go. So we boarded our flight from London to Tel Aviv and the adventure began.
Eilat and Jordan
On arrival we collected the rental car, opened the Waze app and on we went for the 5 hour drive down to Eilat. We stayed at a local hotel called Motel Aviv as it was close to the bus station and just a short walk from downtown. Remember I talked about how Israel was portrayed in the news? Well on arrival to Eilat we found a thriving city right on the banks of the Rea Sea. Jokingly we did say its appearance was more Miami than what we thought Israel would look like. Bright city lights, night clubs and restaurants full of people. We caught a quick nights sleep before we made our onward journey to Jordan at 6am the next day.
We arrived at the border for one of many checks before we were able to cross. We decided to go with Desert Eco Tours as they had high reviews and were efficient in responding to my many questions about Israel and Jordan. Petra was one of the highlights of our trip and we knew on arrival we made the right decision not to skip this easy day trip from Eilat. We left all the planning to the tour group and enjoyed the journey with not a fuss in the world. On the way back into Israel we came into issues crossing as we had asked for our passport to not be stamped leaving, but a form fixed the issue and we were on our way to celebrate New Years.
As we came to Israel we did not pack our best clothes as we honestly didn't know what to expect. Threw on a maxi dress and a cardigan and headed out for the "Sylvestor" as they call it in Israel. We booked in advance through our hotel a South American restaurant called El Gaucho's. We were not disappointed. Welcomed with warm sangria shots to warm the pallet this place effectively kicked all my cravings for some southern cuisine. After an eventful dinner we headed to popular hot spot called the "Three Monkeys". Be warned cocktails in Israel are expensive, I am talking $14-20 for a beer. So drink in moderation, or until your pocketbook empties. From here we got an amazing glimpse of the fireworks show and embraced the New Year with some lovely locals.
Dead Sea and Jerusalem
The next day we made our way to the Dead Sea through the Arava valley area. We descended on the 'Snake Path' driving from there to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea. By the looks from the pictures and information we have seen we figured it was a great day for a dip. Well a polar plunge is the best way to describe the experience, but it was done and I guess another bucket list item was ticked. I could not believe you could actually float. A quick shower and back on the road to Jerusalem for the night. We were pressed for time due to a late start (you know those cocktails I discussed earlier). We had to get to the city before Sabbath started and the car was to be parked as the city shut down. We arrived into the city about 5pm and set off to the Agripas Boutique Hotel for the night. After the eventful day we had we ordered in a Dominoes pizza and called it a night.
After a bit of research we decided to take on the "Free City Tour" as it covered the majority of the highlights and we really wanted to take in a lot of the city on our own. The tour was great and our guide was very informative about all the history. Link to tour: http://www.newjerusalemtours.com/daily-tours/new-jerusalem-free-tour.html
Here is what was covered:
ON THIS 2 HOUR WALKING TOUR WE COVER:
All four Old City quarters: Jewish, Muslim, Christian & Armenian
View of the Western (Wailing) Wall
Visit the hidden rooftops of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Excavations of Ancient Jerusalem
Incredible rooftop views: Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Dome of the
Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Mount of Olives
Jaffa Gate
David’s Citadel
Roman Cardo Maximus
Hurva (Ruined) Synagogue
Suq - Covered markets
Leave in evening head to Tel Aviv for the evening.
Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa
After our tour we headed to Tel Aviv. We used this day as a relaxig day just covering areas of Old Jaffa and the coast. Old Jaffa offered some great shopping and boutiques within the walls. We visited the shop of the famous http://www.frank-meisler.com/ which you must stop in to see some of the masterpieces.
All in all, the trip was a trip of a lifetime. A little courage and you could do this trip on your own too. This book was a lifesaver for everything we needed to know. http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sue-Bryant/Israel-Travel-Pack/16581764?gclid=CKDw4bCkkMoCFRcYGwodG7cFNQ
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
India- The Golden Triangle and Taj Mahal
/
Taj Mahal and beyond
With less than a month before we left Asia I knew I had to tick off a big bucket list item, a trip to India to see the Taj Mahal. I decided the best time to go would be in May as it is low season. While the temps peaked at 117 degrees there, but the cold water and A/C made it worth it. I went with three other women and it was an amazing time.
Things you should know before adding India to your bucket list:
3-star in India is far lower than 3-star in the states, meaning it is like a road side motel. However, the price is right.
Hotels do not have hot water, and most hotels have the shower, toilet and sink in one area.
Pack toilet paper (lots of it); TP is hard to come by in many places in India as people there tend to spray their underparts clean.
The season to get sick in India is monsoon season which runs June to September. This time of the year it rains a lot and food is harder to transport, so many things get ruined and are still served. I avoided the “Delhi Belly,” as they call it, by taking a Pepto daily for precautionary measures, eating lots of bread and NO dairy. Just do not go crazy and eat off the street vendors and you will survive.
India is cheap in a sense, but the places you will eat will be 5-star standards, so you are fine. Do not drink the water, but ensure you stay hydrated for the tours.
Pickpocketing is the worst in Agra and Jaipur, so keep your belongings close. As far as clothes, you can see in the picture(above) we dressed modestly and covered our shoulders and knees at all times. Many times I thought it was still not enough in most temples.
This was our itinerary:
This did not include tips for guides or driver. The standard is $5 per person per day. The driver is with you the whole time and for 5 days a $100- $150 tip is the norm. Also extras such as elephant rides, temple fees and camera fees are right at $70 a person.
Day 1: Arrival-Delhi – Arrival at Delhi airport and pickup by representative, then proceed to hotel. Later city tour of New Delhi & Old Delhi covering Birla Temple, India Gate, PM House, Lotus Temple, Humayuns Tomb, Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Gandhi Memorial, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk (by walk or Cycle Riksha), one of the main oldest markets of the Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi-Sikandra-Agra- 205 km – After breakfast proceed to Agra. On the way visit Sikandra, the mausoleum of Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. On arrival at Agra check into hotel. Later city tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal, the symbol of love,Agra Fort and Tomb of It-Mad-Ud-Daulah. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Agra –Fatehpursikri-Jaipur- 235 km – After breakfast proceed to Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri – Akbar old capital city. Visit Shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Palace of Jodha Bai, Panch Mahal and various attractions, then continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur check into hotel. Evening visit to Chokhi-Dhani (an ethnic resort) to enjoy rajasthani food, cultural program, and folk dance. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur-Delhi- Tour Completed – After breakfast proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the Fort. Amber Fort is the classic romantic rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in1592. Later visit Water Palace, Royal Palace Museum, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall and Birla Temple. Return to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi, dinner and then transfer to airport for return flight.
Accommodations:
Delhi – Nandkartar Suites
Agra – Taj Galaxy
Jaipur – Residence 66
We booked all the local stuff through the agency below. They have solid reviews on Trip Advisor and our experience was enough to know we made the right choice. My biggest recommendation is to get the flight from Jaipur to Delhi the last day. The roads are non-existent on that route home and two of the girls were feeling car sick from the bumpy adventure.
A-1 Tours & Travels
Shop No- 51, First Floor, Arcade International Complex, Civil Line, Ajmer Road, Jaipur- 302006
Phone No : +91-141-4108278 / 2224870
Mobile :.+91-9829014553, 9829214575
E-mail:. a1toursindia@yahoo.com or a1toursindia@gmail.com
Website: www.rajasthantraveltrip.com or www.a1toursindia.com
All in all it was an amazing trip and a MUST do. The food, people and the culture was something that will last a lifetime in memories.
Tips to stay safe: The theory is to not smile or make eye contact with men and you will be safe. I would advise DO NOT take public transit if you are a woman traveler in India.
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
Siem Reap - Cambodia - An Adventure of a lifetime
/Ankor Wat and Siem Reap
The adventure to Cambodia was an amazing one. With an abundance of temples and delicious food it was a top choice for myself and friends to visit on a long weekend.
We stayed at the Tara Angkor, which was centrally located. The staff at the hotel were so respectful. We were greeted on arrival with cool towels and tea. The rooms were large and spacious. We shared a triple and found it the perfect size for everything we brought. The hotel has a full-service spa, which was pricey based on Cambodia standards. When I say pricey, a one-hour massage cost $25 versus $18 in town. The spa was gorgeous and inviting. The pool area and court yard are picture worthy. We were on tours most of the time so no pool time was really available.
We went during May and the weather was doable. We were told it was the start of the rainy season. It rained at night and a few spurts during the day, but not enough to ruin the days. Again, I would recommend booking a private tour as it was nice to sit in the air conditioning after we had been trekking through temples all day in the heat.
The time frame we went was perfect, as I was able to get nearly every picture with no one in them. It was hot and humid, but not as bad as it gets in summer. I wore a dress one day and was not allowed into a temple because my dress was sleeveless. So when packing, bring capris, cardigans, Bermudas and some t-shirts.
Another note: English is widely spoken and the U.S. dollar is preferred currency, but you can get the Riel if you like from small vendors.
You will notice the people are nice and accommodating to your every desire. I wanted to ride elephants and they made that happen. Right down from Angkor Wat complex is a place where monkeys live, and we were able to feed them twice on our stay. The monkeys really didn’t care for the bananas the children were selling so I recommend highly recommend picking up some fruit from market for them. Lychees are cheap and they enjoyed them the most. We also ventured to the temple where the famous painters live and observed them painting some very large murals. The paintings were incredible and quite affordable–less than $50 for a huge one!
We went to the dinner theater one night and it was a fantastic experience. The hotel can book this advance for you. Watching the traditional dancers and trying some local cuisine was indeed a highlight from the trip. The last day was a free day so we went shopping for some local goods and went to Tonlé Sap Lake. That was an experience in itself. The people live, bathe, and wash dishes in the lake that can only be described as a wasteland. The lake experience is not something I would recommend if you have not done your research on the region as most of the people living on the lake are Vietnamese and living in poor conditions. It was $20 for the tour and lasted about an hour. We headed to the alligator farm at the end (more like alligators piled in a small pen). All-in-all the experience was great and a learning curve even for the well traveled explorer.
Take note, if you decide to drink the fresh coconut please do in moderation. Apparently it’s a natural laxative! I brought right at $250 cash and was able to buy everything I wanted with that over the course of 4 days.
Happy Traveling,
Katrina
Essential Websites for Things to do in the UK
/Well, there's no exuse for staying home and being bored. Get out and explore the UK. A lot of these sites have current things to do if you check back regularly.
Travel - All of UK:
Days out in the UK (mainly London area) - http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk
Day out with KIDS - http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk
With DOGS - http://www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk/
Beaches - http://www.goodbeachguide.co.uk
Best 50 Beaches - http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/the-50-best-uk-beaches-125-480372.html
Plan a pub crawl - http://barcrawl.co.uk
Castles - http://www.castlexplorer.co.uk
Castles - http://www.castleuk.net/list.htm
Free things to do - http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=315&cat_cd=ARTCULTURE&p=1#slide
UK Travel - http://www.picturetheuk.com
Holidays in the UK (mainly outdoorsy) - http://www.holidayuk.co.uk
National Trust (England and Wales) - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Travel - England:
Quite things in London - http://www.timeout.com/london/features/1607/The_A-Z_of_Quiet_London.html
London - http://www.frommers.com/destinations/london
The Lake District - http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
Tour Norfolk - http://www.tournorfolk.co.uk/index.html
Norfolk Broads Cycling - http://www.norfolkbroadscycling.co.uk
Great Yarmouth - www.great-yarmouth.co.uk
Hunstanton - http://www.norfolk-on-line.co.uk/hunstanton/pages/index.php
Cambridgeshire - http://www.familiesincambridgeshire.co.uk
Cambridge - http://www.visitcambridge.org
Cambridge - http://www.cambridge.co.uk
East Anglia - http://www.eastanglia24.co.uk/wp
Ipswich - http://www.visit-ipswich.com
The Midlands - http://www.visitheartofengland.com
Northeast England - http://www.visitnortheastengland.com
Suffolk - http://www.suffolktouristguide.com
English Heritage - http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Travel - Wales:
Wales - http://www.visitwales.co.uk
Cardiff - http://www.visitcardiff.com
Travel - Scotland:
Scotland - http://www.visitscotland.com
Scotland - http://www.welcometoscotland.com
Scotland top 10 - http://scotland.costasur.com/en/ten-must-see.html
Edinburgh - http://www.timeout.com/edinburgh/features/220/20-great-things-to-do-in-edinburgh
Edinburgh - http://www.edinburgh.org
Physical Activities/Sports (all of UK unless otherwise noted):
Walking/Cycling/Horse riding - http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Hiking guides - http://www.contours.co.uk
Walking and hiking guides - http://www.walkingandhiking.co.uk
Biking - http://www.cycle-route.com
Mtn biking trails - http://www.moredirt.co.uk
SEASONAL
Christmas:
UK Christmas Markets - http://www.christmasmarkets.com/UK.html
Bury St. Edmunds Christmas market - http://www.burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk
Other:
Pick your own - http://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk
Pick your own - http://www.localfoods.org.uk
Top 5 Things to do in the UK that are not in London
/After living in the UK for nearly 7 years the first thing I get asked is what is there to do in London. I get it, home of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. What is there not to love about one of the oldest bustling cities in Europe.
The thing is there are so many gorgeous places to see outside of London. There are traditions and events to take in that really give you the feel of the UK.
#1 -Punting in Cambridge
If you have never gone down to Cambridge and took part in this age-old tradition you are missing out. Punting down the River Cam and taking in 8 of Cambridge’s 31 colleges is a must do. Punting in Cambridge goes back to the early 1900’s when the river was once used for commercial use.
The great thing about punting is you can either rent your own punt to wander down the river. Or you can chose one of the many guided trips along the river, giving you a brief history lesson about one of the most scenic areas in Cambridge. Scudamore’s was the original punting company in Cambridge and now has a fleet of over150 boats. http://www.scudamores.com
#2 Medieval Festivals
What is there not to love about watching age-old traditions take place on castle grounds. Each summer numerous castles in the UK host jousting and medieval feasts. Many of the actors that take part in these events practice for months. Watching trebuchets catapult boulders in competitions and knights on horses going head to head for their glory.
This is truly an experience for people of all ages. As you walk around old castle walls as reenactments of the medieval events takes part it, makes you feel you have experienced traditions going back years. Check English Heritage and National Trust for up to date info.
#3 Waterfall Trails
A detour up to Yorkshire should not be passed up on your vacation to the UK. I mean it rains 300 days a year; the waterfalls in the country are overflowing with beauty. One of the most memorable trips was through the Ingleton Waterfall Trail just North of Manchester.
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail boasts some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. With its fascinating history, breathtaking views and a rich variety of plants and wildlife, a visit to Ingleton Falls is a great family day out or education field trip. Source: http://www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk
#4 White Cliff’s of Dover
Well if you took the ferry over to the UK you might have got a glimpse at one of the fascinating landscapes along the English Channel. These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. The best time of year to visit the White Cliffs is in spring when the green grass surrounding these breathtaking cliffs are covered in fresh flowers.
The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. You’ll get a great view of the cliffs and also see the chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects like the chalk hill blue butterfly and the pyramidal orchid.
The cliffs also have a special place in our national history and they were used for defense in both World Wars. You can see reminders of this past at the newly opened Fan Bay Deep Shelter a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk. Source: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover
#5 Royal Ascot
A chance to spot the Queen on her Royal Carriage or in the Grandstands, well this is the place. Royal Ascot is the highlight of the year for anyone the UK. It’s second to none to the Kentucky Derby in the USA. Ladies are glammed up from head to toe in their finest attire donning gorgeous boutique hats and fascinators. UK Horse racing season kicks off in June or July making this a must visit in the summer.
Royal Ascot is just a few miles from the Windsor Castle and well worth a stop over on your way home with winnings. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to reserve before April for the best seats. Want a more casual experience, visit on family day where there are kids playing in the various parks and people with their packed lunches sunning on the lawn. Source: https://www.ascot.co.uk/Royal-Ascot