Whether you’re looking for a pocket guide on the city you’re visiting or seeking inspiring for your next adventure, we have the perfect book. If you want to discover places out of your reach, indulging in some of the best travel writing is also a great way to escape the everyday. And then, you can head off to the awe-inspiring national parks of Patagonia, the captivating city of Valparaíso or the bucolic vineyards of the central valleys – to name just a few of the stand-out attractions.
Best hotels in San Francisco for location and style
Just the sheer abundance of France’s unspoilt beauty is enough to keep outdoor lovers happy, exploring for a lifetime. The beaches are simply breathtaking and the views are almost too good to be true. There is so much to explore in the region, but we’ve listed our must-sees, that stand out amongst anything else. Specific Card products or limited time promotions may offer additional Membership Rewards points, please see individual Card or promotion Terms and Conditions for more information. Additional Membership Rewards points cannot be earned on products which are not prepaid but are paid directly to the supplier, including cruise bookings and select hotel bookings. These bookings will not earn two Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent but will be earned at the normal rate of one point for every £1 spent.
- Just a heads up – accommodation in Japan can be expensive, especially in touristy places like Kyoto.
- Examples include, marketing officer, volunteer co-ordinator or visitor attraction manager.
- 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.
- On Bartholomew Island, snorkel alongside penguins and sea lions.
- Outside of its buzzing capital, Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 impressive wildlife species.
- The smallest of the three Trans-Caucasus nations, it holds its own in terms of history, hiking, food and wine.
- Plan your next trip with American Express Travel and discover where to travel including a selection of luxury hotels to complete the perfect stay.
Following in the Footsteps of Southern Icons
A think tank for the bold, the curious, the creators of tomorrow. Where minds collide, conversations spark, and urban life gets redefined. Jeffrey Gibson lands in Zurich with a visceral art takeover – part ritual, part resistance, all culture.
Building bridges with food-interview with soumaya
Walpurgis Night, the eve of 1 May, and they love to dance and sing – no surprise that the popular music group ABBA is from Sweden. 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.
- If you have a great experience with a tour guide, it’s nice to show your appreciation with a tip but it’s not expected and unlikely you will be asked to tip.
- Organised campsites are rare but wild camping is usually allowed.
- The winter months are far more preferable and pleasant with temperatures ranging from early 20’s to mid 30’s.
- It’s nice to round up your fare in a taxi (if you were fairly charged) and give a few dollars to anyone who assists you e.g. at a gas station, supermarket, or with your luggage.
- Many of the historic buildings have been turned into gorgeous boutique hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, bars and galleries.
- 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.
- I’m here to help you plan your next adventure with my informative travel guides, easy-to-follow itineraries and inside tips and tricks.
- There is so much to explore in the region, but we’ve listed our must-sees, that stand out amongst anything else.
- One of the remotest inhabited places on the planet, the UNESCO-listed Easter Island (known locally as Rapa Nui) lies more than 3,500km west of mainland Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Cumbria Walking guide: Stott Park Bobbin Mill to High Dam
- A trip to Belize is also incomplete without a visit to the Great Blue Hole – the largest ocean sinkhole in the world, best viewed by plane from above or by diving.
- Look for the colourful and warming borsch (beetroot soup), exquisite caviar, zharkoye (hotpot) and pelmeni (Russian-style filled dumplings).
- To educate potential tourists, inspire their wanderlust, and motivate them to venture across borders and explore far-off destinations.
- And, it’s guaranteed to be charmingly, quintessentially, uniquely French.
- In some touristy areas, like parts of Panama City and Bocas del Toro, some English is spoken, but you should never assume.
- Whatever you want to do in Chile, Latin Routes can help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Find the perfect place to watch the sunset during golden hour in Scotland. Your working environment may be physically active, outdoors some of the time and you’ll travel often. An outgoing and friendly personality will give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
Check with the FCO before travelling for the latest advice about danger zones. Once you arrive in the car parks, please follow the directions from the parking stewards to ensure everyone can be safely parked and the car park is fully utilised. Please ensure your car park pass is visible in the windshield of your vehicle. Michele is a South Carolinian living in Philadelphia and an adventure enthusiast. She travels throughout the Americas with her Costa Rican husband Diego, when she’s not home snuggling her two kitties Willow and Callie. You can catch her hiking the landscape, scoping out used bookshops, and snapping pics of tiny mushrooms wherever she goes.
Sandomierz: A Tapestry of History and Beauty
There’s a good chance this will be your first real encounter with the Armenian Genocide – an unspeakable atrocity that much of the world seems to have forgotten. Tsitsernakaberd, the national Genocide Memorial and museum, is a must-visit. There are some minor scams you should look out for, but it is easy to avoid them. Do not accept any ‘free’ tuk tuk rides to a mostly unknown temple and check if they reset the counter at gas stations.
Our team of experts have scoured the globe and travelled extensively in order to identify everything from the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies. Russian Visa SupportE-visa applicants are not required to submit an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to Russia. For a regular or paper visa you need to present a voucher and invitation document (called visa support).
A Night at the Sevan Writers’ House: What It’s Like to Stay at Armenia’s Iconic Soviet Hotel
Spend a day on sparkling Lake Sevan, Armenia’s jewel, spend a night at the Soviet-era Sevan Writers’ House, find solitude in Dilijan National Park, home to the country’s best hiking trails. Oban is best known as the gateway to the Hebridean islands and as a popular tourism destination. As the Seafood Capital of Scotland, the area is endowed with world-class tourist attractions and a variety of unique marine and land based experiences unsurpassed in Scotland.
What is the food like in Pakistan?
Sign up for handpicked travel inspiration and expert advice, sent to you every week by email from our Travel Specialists. 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. In built-up areas women should have a veil or light scarf to drape loosely over their heads, but when in more rural areas, particularly when trekking, western clothing is fine. The simple answer to this question is, yes, Pakistan is safe for travel.
Countries starting with O
Dip your toes in the capital, Podgorica, a city everyone loves to hate on, before heading for the incredible Lake Skadar. Shared between Montenegro and Albania, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula is as picturesque as it is bio-diverse. It’s worth making a detour to ride the rails from Podgorica to Bar – the final leg of the legendary Belgrade to Bar train – which delivers incredible views as it ambles across the lake bridge. Alternatively, you could simply kick-back with a glass of award-winning carmenère, cabernet sauvignon or merlot and watch the world drift by. The fertile valleys of central Chile are the heart of the country’s internationally renowned wine industry. A patchwork of green hills rolling south from Santiago towards the Biobío River, the region is sprinkled with picturesque vineyards, ranging from small-scale, family-run concerns to major household names.
Full Terms and Conditions apply, please visit americanexpress.com/uk/travel/terms-and-conditions/. Bright, diverse, and captivating, Guatemala is one of Latin America’s lesser-explored hidden gems. In its relative seclusion from the travelling masses, seldom visited by busy hordes of tourists, Guatemala is a special country that most know little about. Expect a warm welcome and the chance https://softfootprints.com/ to delve into its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, all while staying in some outstanding boutique hotels.
Local contacts/resources:
Whether you’re drawn by its sheer scale, lush surroundings, or the sense of untouched… If you insist to pay by card you have to get yourself a card valid in Russia like UnionPay bank card (Chinese) or to purchase a bank card in Russia. There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter Panama.
The hotels, the people, the products and a natural sense of creativity, meet our friends that made us smile. Just off the coast of French Guiana, the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) shimmer like emerald jewels in the Atlantic, enticing travelers with their beauty and enigmatic past. The name might suggest refuge, but for most who came here, salvation was the furthest thing from reality. The islands were so named because they offered a safe haven from the deadly diseases that ravaged French Guiana’s…
While 9/11 caused severe unrest, and Pakistan has definitely had ups and downs as far as security, we like to say that these rumors are often fueled by negative media. Pakistan has landscapes unique to several different areas of the world, and one of the few mountain ranges with some of the world’s highest peaks. I often think that travel is, to quote Lawrence Durrell, about spirit of place; the traces that we leave behind and the stories that connect us through time. I quit my corporate 9-5 to pursue a life filled with adventure, freedom and storytelling. You can buy individual tickets from the station in advance or on the day of travel.
The more remote you get, the less likely you will be able to pay with a card, or if you can, there will be a hefty % fee attached. You don’t have to pay the full amount for the flight, just their service fee (currently $16). Panama City as a whole is a safe city, but there are certain areas you shouldn’t visit. Most tourists base themselves in the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood which is generally safe but is closely bordered by some sketchy neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo and Santa Ana. I’ve got more info about staying safe in Casco Viejo in my guide. Just like light and shade, Central France is a fusion of the best of both worlds.
Find a destination that’ll keep your family active and busy from powdery slopes to beautiful parks. If you enjoy a slower pace of life, experience the charm and hospitality of small-town USA. However, the general rule is that visitors are allowed to walk across lands at a reasonable distance from houses, yards, gardens, and fenced-in areas.
- It’s not uncommon to encounter a stranger who will invite you for tea and conversation.
- Come on a little excursion through our mountainous range of travel books.
- If you’re on a budget, there are some fantastic hostels around the country.
- The southern Corcovado National Park, which spans almost half of the wild Osa Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful locations in which enthusiasts can spot them.
- We couldn’t compile a South of France travel guide without including some of our favourite foods from the region.
- And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
Thinking of a trip to Ireland?
Similarly, Pakistan has its own brewed beer and carbonated drinks. Tea, sweetened with milk, is usually served throughout the day, as is Roh, the region’s sugarcane juice. The area is endowed with world-class tourist attractions and experiences, so here is a list of recommendations that will be useful for a trip to Oban and the surrounding area.
Credit Cards & ATMs
They have the skills and knowledge to help you write well-researched and polished content that will entice readers. Creating a travel guide can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you’re not an experienced writer. This is where using travel content writing services can be beneficial. You could say that the modern definition of a “travel guide” has broadened. Today, any content that covers a destination – from blog posts to podcasts – can be considered a travel guide.
With this right comes the responsibility to tread carefully and show consideration for landowners and others. They are very professional and their rental always include the full waiver in the price, so you don’t need to worry about anything. Part of the Korean culture is their love (more kinda of obsession) for their celebrities.
Within its network of protected areas, divers and snorkelers will be lucky enough to witness schools of fish in a rainbow of colours darting between a mesmerising mosaic of luminous coral. Canoeing at Barton Creek, you’ll take to the waterways with paddle and torch in hand, and float along meandering streams through ancient Mayan caves, lined with geological stalactite and stalagmite mineral formations. A trip to Belize is also incomplete without a visit to the Great Blue Hole – the largest ocean sinkhole in the world, best viewed by plane from above or by diving.
Charming towns of the Causeway Coastal Route
There are some truly spectacular towns and villages in Tuscany from medieval hilltop villages…. Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ in the 19th century, Valparaíso was once one of the most important ports in South America, prospering from Chile’s silver and copper industries, as well as the California gold rush. The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 brought the good times to an end by providing a handy short-cut between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Travelling to Tuscany
While there’s never really a bad time to visit the South of France, it’s a good idea to plan when you go with the weather in mind. 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.
Experience a minimalist, eco-faceted nest egg in Verona’s countryside, where sustainable design and natural beauty blend seamlessly to create a chilled escape rooted in Italian slow living. Antwerp is one of Europe’s cultural hotbeds with historical landmarks and art institutions. And while Antwerp has plenty of those – we turn our focus on the smaller-scale contemporary culture must-sees the Flemish city has to offer. Nestled in Sicily’s wild farmlands, Susafa blends sustainable luxury with rustic charm. Indulge in organic farm-to-table dining and immersive experiences—where heritage meets eco-conscious living and design for an unforgettable escape.
Therefore the best time to visit the East of the country is between April or May to September. If you want to visit the West, the South or the hill country in the center, it is best to go there between December and March. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on what you want to do and where the location within the country. Due to its geographical location, Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The traffic in Sri Lanka can be slightly insane even if you are already used to driving in bustling Asian mega-cities. And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
View all» What people say about us
Earthy cycle routes, natural parks and ‘Green Venice’ – find our best natural picks below. Central France is home to swathes upon swathes of vineyards, some gorgeous undiscovered stretches of coastline and the infamously beautiful chateaux. However, not everyone can rely on a car so here is a quick breakdown of the need-to-knows. The pastures, orchards, forests and farmland of Northern France are rolling and peaceful.
Many of the historic buildings have been turned into gorgeous boutique hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, bars and galleries. Today, Valparaíso (or Valpo, as it’s known locally) is one of the most beguiling cities on the continent. Located in central Chile, flanked by snow-topped Andean peaks, Santiago is the country’s political, economic and cultural hub.
Research shows that around 7 out of 10 people use search engines when planning their trips, while over a third use social media to get travel ideas. The travel industry is also growing – it was worth $637.7 billion in 2022 and with a growth of around 10.5% each year, it’s predicted to hit $949.6 billion by 2026. Top of your list of things to do should be exploring the old town, known locally as Upper Town. You’ll find plenty of fascinating history and architecture, as well as historical characters strolling through the streets taking pictures with people. Be sure to check out Stone Gate while you’re there – the only remaining gate from the Old Town. If you visit between May and September, you can also take part in the Secrets of Gric – an interactive theatre night tour that lets visitors discover the historical side of the capital.