Author: Tiffany Spencer

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The Must-See Castles In Europe

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Beyond being remnants of the past, castles are a must-see when traveling in Europe. There is simply something so romantic about them, especially when you imagine how the royals spend their days inside them back then. Due to the many royal families in Europe, there is no shortage of castles to visit. Here are the ones you should not miss.

1. Carreg Cennen Castle, Wales

For such a small place, Wales has more castles for every square mile than anywhere else in the whole world. Carreg Cennen is also unique because it is in a state of ruins, but it does not mean that it will not fill you with awe.

2. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Given that the royal family of the Austro-Hungarian empire ruled most of Europe for centuries, it is not surprising to find one castle in Austria making it to this list. The views alone will enchant you, as you can see the Salzachtal Valley and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Being more than 900 years old, it has been home to kings, archbishops and even prisoners (it served as a state prison for some time).

3. Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Built on the side of a 400-foot cliff, it will remind you of Tolkien’s Helm’s Deep. The castle itself also boasts of so many dungeons, castles, and hidden tunnels. They also host an annual medieval tournament every July.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

No other castle is as well-known and as photographed as this fairy-tale castle. It has inspired Disney movies, computer games, and books.

5. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

This is also quite popular, thanks to being a popular feature in Highlander shows and in many postcards. It is also an important site during the 1719 Jacobite Rising. The surroundings, where 3 locks meet at the bottom of the mountain range will also take your breath away.

6. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

This castle feels like a dream, being literally in the clouds. While it is the 3rd to have been built on the site, visiting it can be surreal.

7. Hunyad Castle, Romania

The impressive Hunyad Castle is known for being where Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) was imprisoned. It is grand, especially since it has a Gothic-Renaissance influence. It has also been greatly restored after being neglected for years.

8. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

This medieval fortress has been fully restored, so locals can enjoy the views on top of an extinct volcano named Castle Rock. Since being built in the 12th Century, the Edinburgh Castle has been passed on from the English and the Scots and vice versa.

9. Versailles, France

No list of best European castles is complete without Versailles. While it started out as a hunting lodge, it is now the most popular castle in the world.

Thanks to the centuries of history of this continent, many relics remain for current generations to explore and enjoy. You can discover the different styles and use them to guess how old the structure is. Or you can simply walk through the halls and pretend to be a princess for a day.

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Rediscover Rome

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Rome, the sprawling, bustling Italian city that is known to the world for its inspiring architecture and art, still has more to offer besides the iconic Colosseum and the largest St. Peter’s Basilica. Look at a touristy destination like Roman with fresh eyes. Rediscover its beauty with this unique guide.

First, Gelato

It’s tempting to hit the big places right away when you’ve reached the city. But breathe for a little while and try the local Italian foods first. Tourists often prioritize sights over tastes but the best way to know the city is by filling the stomach.

Go on a food tour first. Take your pick, though it’d be nicer if you can go to the Trastevere neighborhood where you taste the very foods that put Italy on the world map street style – pizza, gelato, pasta, and more. There’s also another food tour offering near Campo Fiore, where you not only eat but learn how the Italians cook.

Climp up the Janiculum Hill, next to the tallest hill in metropolitan Rome, that offers a breathtaking city view. When in Rome, you definitely trade skyscrapers for leisure walks and stylish architectural sights.

Stroll in the City

Strolling is the best way to experience any city. You’ll discover nooks and crannies you haven’t heard of. If you’re coming from Travestere, take a bus all the way to the city center. You must see Plazza Navona, surrounded by palatial churches and fountains. The infamous fountain of Neptune is definitely not one to miss.

From there, you can go straight to the legendary wish-granting Trevi Fountain featured in many movies via the stately Pantheon building. The tickets are free in the beautiful temple Pantheon, so you can tour around at will. Then you can proceed and have your ice cream sitting on the Spanish steps.

The list of the many other must-see places in Rome are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the
Vatican, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. You can definitely have your desktop research and take a self-guided tour. But if you’re in for some deeper, more interesting facts about these sights, book a tour.

Cruise through the River

A unique way to experience the lively city of Rome is to traverse along the Tiber river. Tickets are available for anyone’s grab. The view from a boat deck offers you a quiet but rich experience in the middle of a bustling city.

As you cruise along, your tour will have stopovers at Roman landmarks like Piazza Spagna, Piazza Venezia, and the Castel S. Angelo (the impressive fortress originally built as a mausoleum for the emperor).

And if you want a more localized experience, you can get back to the Trastevere neighborhood and cross the river. The island called Isle Tibertina offers the best evening merriment with many outdoor activities and quality bars, especially during summer.

Cap the night at Campo de’ Fiori

Rome is a city worth walking every waking hour. Spend your last night at the cool district of Campo de’ Fiori, branded as the hipster ground. But really, anyone who’s up for fun and drinks, is welcome. The cobbled streets of the square look equally beautiful and colorful in the daytime, known for its fruits, veggie, and flower markets.

There’s so much more than the historical tours in Rome. Besides the known places, less mainstream districts offer you just about the same exciting and rewarding experience.

Convent de la Missio

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A holiday in Spain requires only the best accommodation. With the never-ending sightseeing, one definitely needs a daily refuge. I particularly found mine in the luxurious sanctuary of Convent de la Missio. Not only was it beautifully curated, the service I experienced was outstanding.

Location

The hotel is located in 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares, approximately 2 km from the legendary electric train railway in Ferrocarril de Soller. What made me ultimately pick the area is its proximity to the majestic 14th-century Gothic-inspired Bellver Castle, one of the few circular castles in entire Europe.

Interior Design

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The interior of this renowned boutique hotel is beyond description. I found the designs rich but not quite ostentatious. I particularly liked the play of earth tones and warm lights that filled every space, from the reception to the patio. The walls are painted white and cream, the furniture pieces are beautiful minimalist designs. Once you step into the building, you immediately sense the relaxed, calming vibe every traveler so desperately craves.

The exterior is equally gorgeous especially at night. Well-illuminated, this 17-century hotel is a spectacular Mediterranean beauty.

Amenities

All rooms look sophisticated, complete with WiFi access, study desks, television sets, and of course, mini bars. I checked into a room with a canopied bed, mini salon for receiving guests, and a balcony. The city view is dramatically splendid at night.

I have friends in the city who sometimes dropped by and together we would dine in the Michelin-rated restaurant right within the hotel – Marc Fosh. The dishes are flavorful Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. It also boasts of an Art Bar that not only offers a range of time-honored wine and spirits, but also an exhibit of gorgeous artworks.

Apart from the restaurant, Convent de la Missio has a pool, a bar, a fitness center, and a meeting room for those keen to meet clients and friends privately. I personally love lounging by the pool just before hitting the buffet breakfast table. It’s a nice reading nook when you want fresh air and sunlight. The area is non-smoking, so fresh air is guaranteed.

Staff

Concierge is available for those who need extra helping hands for carrying the luggage. This service is extremely helpful for me because I am never without at least 5 bags. I have been to many destinations and rubbed elbows with different hotel staff. I can guarantee that the service at Convent de la Missio is above par.

The staff, from the receptionist to the room attendants, are all friendly and accommodating. I may not be capable of speaking Spanish but I was able to put my message across without any hindrances. That is, there were no wrong food orders or directions.

Overall

Convent de la Missio gives every guest a truly rewarding stay. Choosing it is an ultimate value for money. The place is artsy but definitely not the distracting kind. Its atmosphere is warm, calming, and friendly. You don’t get intimated nor lost because there’s always a cheerful staff.

Since it’s within the commercial center, the shops are within reach and the transportation is convenient. I even availed of the hotel’s airport transfer, a rather wise decision especially if you are taking a late flight.

Fontelunga Hotel

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If you’ve seen Under the Tuscan Sun, then you know the kind of experience you should get when you book a hotel in Tuscany. I was not kidding when I booked a room at Fontelunga Hotel, expecting that I will get to see a sunset view of the fields and olive gardens just as the movie portrayed.

Location

Fontelunga Hotel is located at Arezzo, Italy. If you’re coming from Florence, then it will just be an easy one hour drive away. An hour of driving does not seem appealing especially if you are coming from a long flight or a business trip but I recommend staying awake to take in the routes going to the hotel. If this is your first time in this side of Italy, then you would love to know that there are several tourist destinations like the Pienza and Siena are just less than an hour away.

Interior Design

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When you approach the hotel, you will suddenly wonder if you are going to a local’s house or a building. Don’t be fooled by the facade as with its simple exterior comes with a sense of calming sensation for anyone who wants to escape the city life. It was nice to see that all the blue shutters were open which made the place feel more inviting.

Upon checking in, I was directly led to my room. To my amazement, it did not look like anything from the outside. Instead of having brick walls as I would think Tuscan homes have, I have a room that was stark white with shades of light blue and cream. It is somehow reminiscent of Greece in the age of Mamma Mia.

Amenities

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For a boutique hotel, Fontelunga Hotel offers a lot of things. It has its own pool and tennis court. However, they don’t have an in-house spa which is understandable. Nonetheless, I appreciate their effort to get me a spa appointment in my room. During my stay here, I also availed of their guided tours. They don’t hold these tours themselves but I just gave them the places I wanted to go to and they sent me a few quotations to choose from.

Staff

What I love the most in this boutique hotel are the services they offer to make every guest have that Tuscan experience. I was fortunate enough to reserve a seat at their bi-weekly dinners. These bi-weekly dinners, as I was told, were made to replicate how life is in Tuscany – where people (even strangers) gather around a long table and get to know each other. This became the highlight of my stay here. People were so welcoming and kind and seeing the stars above our heads just painted a very serene picture.

Overall, there is nothing I would change in this boutique hotel – not more rooms, not more furniture. It is lovely the way it is. I also loved the fact that they made sure they gave what they can to all their guests. Whether it was a car rental or a cooking class, they didn’t miss out on the services that can make your stay enjoyable. If you are planning to stay here, I recommend booking some of their tour packages like the cooking classes and the horse rides.

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Four Tips to Make Your Tropical Island Getaway More Memorable

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More and more folks love nothing better than having the cooling effects of water and the gentle rocking lullabies of the ocean breeze to make up their day. And if you’re feeling like you need to check out the wonders of a tropical island paradise, get ready to beef up your much-anticipated experience with these four tips to make your tropical island getaway more memorable, meaningful, and safe.

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Keep your travel documents with you at all times.

Your passport is one of the most important travel documents alongside your tourist visa. Make sure that you have these papers with you wherever you go as they serve as your principal form of identification when establishments in the island ask you for one. While some would actually recommend leaving these documents in your hotel safe, it usually isn’t a good idea if you’re going to avail of a particular service where your identification will be needed. Hot, tropical islands are not recommended for pets so if you plan to travel with a dog, you might want to check some cooler countries.

Protect yourself against the sun, bugs, and many more.

Aside from the usual sunscreen or sunblock lotion, you may have to get prophylactic treatment for some of the more common tropical diseases like malaria. It is quite rare to find an island that doesn’t have malaria-carrying mosquitoes especially those in the Pacific so it is a lot better to be prepared. Also, if you have medications with you, make sure that these are properly documented and that you have an appropriate prescription for them. Local authorities don’t really like the idea of foreign tourists bringing in undocumented drugs into their localities even if there is a medical need for such.

Don’t be afraid to mix with the locals.

Unlike major cities where walking in the street can almost always lead to something truly eventful, local tropical island life is friendlier, warmer, and definitely more hospitable. This is true for most of the inspirational travel destinations around the globe. Many of these folks would love to share with you whatever they have. That being said, you will need to make sure your stomach is up to the challenge. Or, you can find a more polite way of saying ‘no’. The important thing to remember is to share some time with the locals as their knowledge of the island is simply incomparable. Who knows, you might be receiving a real treat before you conclude your trip.

Have fun.

Just because you’re in a largely secluded island, away from civilization, doesn’t mean you can no longer have fun. Whether it is on the beach, in the waters, or even in the jungle, there are plenty of adventures just waiting to unfold right before your very eyes. These are best lived, not merely to see. The only way you can truly enjoy them is to have an open mind and try things you normally won’t even dare think about.

Tropical islands can be exceptionally marvellous places to create fantastic memories that should last a lifetime. By adhering to these tips we’ve shared, you can feel more confident about writing your own life story in the sands of the best tropical islands on the planet.

Amangani Luxury Hotel and Resort

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Found at the top of a small hill by the foot of the Teton Mountains is Amangani. When I first heard about it, I didn’t understand that it was an American-inspired hotel save for the location that it’s in. But just a quick search on Google and I found it to be one of the most American hotels I’ve ever seen. This immediately made me want to book a suite there. And I did.

Location

Amangani is located at the crest of the East Gros Ventre Butte and is at least 7000 feet above sea level. If you’ve heard about the Jackson Hole Mountian Resort, then Amangani is just a 20-minute drive from there. Thanks to its location, you can already expect wilderness everywhere. When it’s spring and fall, you will be able to see all sorts of animals around the area. Luckily I was able to book a room here during the time when wildlife was abundant.

Interior Design

When I was approaching the hotel, I was greeted by a wide driveway. Upon entering, I was welcomed by a very warm room. Even if it’s not winter, it gave me the impression that it was cold outside. The walls were lined with rocks and the banisters and furniture were wooden. Even the reception was designed with varnished wood.

My suite didn’t fall short as well. I booked the Spring Gulch Suite which was spacious enough to accommodate four people but I had the room all to myself. Although the suite has the same color palette as all the interior of the hotel, it had a modern air with it. I guess it’s because it had a modern fireplace by the windows. My room was overlooking the Snake River so it was perfect that it had a lot of windows.

Amenities

In terms of amenities, Amangani has all the basics – dining areas, a fitness center, and a spa. I particularly didn’t do much inside the hotel because they were offering a lot of outdoor activities. I myself felt excited to go out and try the hot air balloon and visit the stables. The stables were just a short walk from the hotel which was very convenient. They also have a huge infinity pool overlooking the mountain. I recommend dipping there during the morning so you can watch how serene everything is.

Service

After enjoying the stables and the hot air balloon on my second day, I booked a massage in my room. I ordered the healing therapy which focused on removing the tension in my body. The masseuse was very professional and I can say the massage made me feel calm and stress-free. In fact, every staff at the hotel was very professional and all of them gave me a warm welcome especially when I first arrived at Amangani. It’s obvious that they are used to giving world-class service.

Overall, my stay at Amangani is one of the best. The design of the whole place definitely complemented the location and I would definitely visit for another time. I have yet to experience Amangani when it’s winter.

Sea Five Boutique Hotel

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Beyond being a few steps away from the beach, one of the most important things for me when looking for a hotel in Camps Bay is finding one that is peaceful and relaxing. I live in a big city, which is why being in the middle of so much action during my holiday is really not what I wanted. I found this and much more during my stay at the Sea Five Boutique Hotel.

In fact, it feels much less than a hotel and much more like a huge beach house. While it is only about 300 meters away from the beach and a few blocks away from the sunset strip, you cannot find a better location.

Location

Thanks to being close to the beach, you can expect wonderful views of the sea. If you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, you cannot be any closer to the water. Plus, you cannot imagine how beautiful the sunsets are from your balcony or from the beach.

The Sea Five Boutique Hotel is located at Camps Bay, which is not just the most accessible beach in the area, but  is also where everyone goes for a night out. But because it is several blocks away from the bay, it is much quieter compared to the other hotels around.

Interior Design

This hotel does not have huge signage but its beautiful architecture, which is more ostentatious than others in the area, is not easy to miss. The design has both South Africa and Mediterranean influences, with the building looking like a huge beach house. Its size is just big enough to give guests ample space to enjoy their holiday, but not too big that people feel lost.

The rooms have been designed by top South African interior designers, with the color palette a neutral mix of sand, blue, and brown. The end result is luxury while not compromising on comfort.

Amenities

The whole boutique hotel has 7 rooms for you to choose from, and I splurged on the one with the view of the sea. The rooms are all beautiful and with all the comforts you can expect from a luxurious hotel, plus extras like Nespresso station and underfloor heating in the bathroom.

The hotel also has open amenities, the favorite of mine being the lounge-bar area where you can chat with fellow guests. It also leads to the deck and the swimming pool. There are lounge chairs where you can work on your tan or go for a dip.

Service

The Sea Five Boutique Hotel is small enough to be able to offer its guests a very personalized service, with guests being able to request for nightly turn-down service. Breakfast is on offer and when guests are hungry, the staff is eager to prepare them a snack anytime.

From the very first time I saw the hotel, I knew that it would be a unique experience. The prices are quite reasonable for a luxurious beach house, especially during low season. Not only is the hotel beautiful and complete with the amenities that will make your stay comfortable, but the location is fantastic.

It is perfect for couples without kids or those looking for a weekend break (kids under 8 are not allowed). After a couple of nights with these views and the attentive service, you can truly destress and have the beach holiday you have been craving for.

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Hong Kong’s Hottest Tourist Attractions 2019

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Almost everyone knows that Hong Kong is one of the world’s best places to shop. It is both a tropical paradise and a cosmopolitan city known for its vibrant multicultural makeup. Restaurants fill tummies round-the-clock while two of the largest theme parks slug it out for the attention of kids and kids at heart. Despite having only 428 square miles of territory, almost all of the world’s best are already in this financial, fashion, culture, travel, and retail center. It is not surprising why more than 65 million tourists flock to this Asian pearl of a city every year. This year, 2019, is not going to be any different, especially with Hong Kong’s hottest tourist attractions.

Monopoly Dreams

Starting June 2019, visitors who are fans of the classic board game Monopoly will get the chance to play a life-sized version of the classic game. Monopoly Dreams is for enthusiasts as well as anyone who would like to have a different kind of fun. Creators integrated 4D interactive projections and state-of-the-art augmented reality technology into classic games like Water Works, Jail, and Chance cards. Keep in mind that this attraction will change the way you play board games. It is best to think hard before going as you will no longer want to play your standard-sized board games from then on.

Marvel Hits Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is welcoming a new brand of characters to beef up the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. The theme park is on a 6-year expansion program that will showcase a larger Disney castle as well as the entry of Marvel’s iconic superheroes at Tomorrowland. When the Marvel Universe at Disney gets completed by 2023, expect the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Panther, among others to be permanent fixtures in the Hong Kong attraction.

Impossible Burger 2.0

In 2018, Impossible Foods wowed the Hong Kong crowd with their take on vegetarian-inspired burgers that boast of nothing but plant-based meat patties. Today, there are more than 150 HK restaurants that serve Impossible Burgers. This year, the brand has done the impossible. The Impossible Burger 2.0 boasts of meatier and juicier burgers that its creators, Castelo Concepts, says will make you unable to differentiate between a plant-based meat and a true meat. It may not be a place to visit, but the Impossible Burger 2.0 is one of the best experiences you should try this 2019.

Maruju Aburi Farm

You don’t need to go to Kobe, Japan to enjoy luscious Wagyu beef. You can have one at the recently-opened Maruju Aburi Farm. This is a restaurant that serves ranch-to-table wagyu. This means you get only the freshest and most succulent steaks you will ever have in the world. However, Maruju Aburi doesn’t only serve premium cuts. It is a restaurant that offers nose-to-tail dining. The best part of it is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to enjoy a prime wagyu cut. Now that’s an awesome deal worth having this year.

The year 2019 opens up more fascinating Hong Kong sights and experiences for the whole world to see. And that’s just the tip of an ambitious tourism upgrade of the crown jewel.