Get inspired with our walking and cycling guides, designed to help you take in multiple nearby sites in one day. You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members. To be honest, is not much in terms of exploration of the country. However, I studied Korean for the past 4 years and researched my trip in every single details for the last six months.
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. You can do this in person at the ticket office, or at ticket machines which have an English option.
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. You’ll feel the buzz in the capital cities, but feel at peace in some of the smaller towns – and it’s honestly pretty blissful.
Go beyond the guidebooks on a thrilling tour of Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Perth. 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. I’m here to help you plan an epic adventure in Mexico or Central America. If you’re looking for authentic, helpful and detailed information, you’re in the right place.
I have a peculiar passion for this country as Korean dramas literally saved my life when I had PPD and PTSD after my very traumatic pregnancy. So, not only I learnt a lot about Korean culture in the past years, but I think I owe something to this beautiful culture and country. Our guide gives you the tips you need to make the most of your trip, from where to go to the best time to visit. Find out more information on how to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation which is required for visitors travelling without a visa. If that’s not possible, you can get SIM cards from most supermarkets or phone shops.
Cascading 741 feet (226 meters) from the Potaro River into a gorge below, it’s not only one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls globally but also one of the most mesmerizing. 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.
On Bartholomew Island, snorkel alongside penguins and sea lions. Other swimming spots like Los Túneles are teeming with green sea turtles, manta Day Trips from Interlaken rays, and seahorses. Winston Churchill called it the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ and he wasn’t wrong!
She uses dynamic writing and beautiful photography to inspire adventure in the everyday. Private shuttles, often called private transfers, are available to popular tourist destinations all over Costa Rica. This can be a great option if you are traveling with a big group, have lots of luggage, or don’t intend to move around much between destinations. Navigating Costa Rica on a budget doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the adventure, it just takes a bit of planning and savvy travel tactics.
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. There was a terrorist attack in 2019, so it is recommended to stay away from political and larger religious events. Due to this attack, there is a larger military presence at some places including the airport and some roads.
Towards the end of his life, Henri Matisse helped design the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, which is now considered one of the most important religious buildings constructed in the 20th century. Public Transport – One of the world’s fastest trains can be found in France, running between the South of France’s major cities. 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.
Lastly, Corcovado National Park, often hailed as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’, is a must-visit for any adventurous traveler, offering the chance to see rare wildlife like jaguars and tapirs. Each of these parks offers a unique glimpse into Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience. Along with neighbouring Georgia, Armenia is the cradle of viniculture, so a wine tasting in the Areni Region should also be on your agenda. The Armenian table is one that has been laid over the course of many centuries. Every city, town and small village offers its own incredible cuisine, making this country a real treat for foodies.
You just have to navigate any language barriers to get on the right prepaid plan! I’ve specified any particularly helpful ones in my relevant destination guides and pinned them on my Panama map. 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. Most sailing trips depart from Cartagena in Colombia and sail to the Caribbean Coast in Panama over 5 days, including a few days island hopping around the archipelago. Panama only has one major international airport, the PTY – Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. A few other airports around the country have the ‘international’ label, but they only receive flights from Costa Rica.
Indulge in organic farm-to-table dining and immersive experiences—where heritage meets eco-conscious living and design for an unforgettable escape. 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.
You can learn more about how to become a tourist guide from the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Most restaurants (unless they are very informal/street food) will usually add a 10% service charge to your bill, this is sufficient. To see the highlights across a broad range of destinations, I think you need at least 3 weeks, 4 weeks would be more leisurely. If you’ve got 2 weeks or less, you would need to start making choices (Boquete vs El Valle de Anton for hiking, Santa Catalina vs San Blas Island vs Bocas del Toro for beach time). We travelled across the border from Costa Rica, so we naturally travelled one-way south in a very linear route and flew out of Panama City.
In this list, we take you to the most beautiful places in Tirol. Fly into Podgorica, Tivat or Dubrovnik, (Croatia); train from Belgrade; drive/bus from any neighbouring country. If driving, allow 10 days for the highlights; 2 weeks to see (almost) everything. Many people use the terms ‘United Kingdom’, ‘Great Britain’ and even ‘England’ interchangeably but they’re all describing distinct parts of the British Isles.
Those who look for action during their villa holidays will love Central France. 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.
Accessed via creaking funicular lifts from the downtown area, the most attractive hills are neighbours Alegre and Concepción. Best explored on foot, their narrow, steep and often cobble-stoned streets are lined with elegant homes originally built for wealthy merchants, as well as a churches, museums and viewpoints. Many of the historic buildings have been turned into gorgeous boutique hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, bars and galleries.
Be sure to go on a Saturday rather than a Friday, when the show is in English. Croatia’s southernmost town, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in the country and home to a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. A popular destination for tourists, Dubrovnik has become a must-visit location for anyone visiting Croatia. If you’re ready to book your very own stay in this beautiful region, check out our range of villas in the South of France. Our concierge team are on hand to help organise any added extras to elevate your trip. 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.
The official taxis in San Jose are red with a yellow triangle. Always confirm they will turn on the meter, called “la maria” or agree on a set price ahead of time. This is an excellent option if you’re traveling in a group, as you can split the cost. Drivers are usually locals who can offer valuable insight and recommendations along the way. Before you go, you should seek up the date advice from the UK FCDO about travel to, and within, your chosen destination, noting the importance of regurlarly checking for the latest information. Aditionally, with regards to vaccinations and health requirements, you should check with your GP surgery or for specific advice.
Set among the wide streets and historic buildings of downtown Manhattan, for decades Tribeca has been an understated artist haunt, a fusion of easy-going European charm and New York ambition. Conceiving of NOA as an ever-changing network of architects, interior designers, graphic talent to even psychologists and much more, NOA is able to incorporate a multitude of ideas and styles into its hotel projects. Our Favourite Femmes of Style – hotel matriarchs, interior gurus, fashion femmes, and women of effortless charm who make the world a better place from the entrepreneurs to the skincare disruptors.
However since the price of Japan Rail Passes rose nearly 50% in 2023, I generally do NOT recommend getting a JR pass as they do not offer good value anymore for most travellers. I generally use a combination of local subways and trains, the high-speed Shinkansen “bullet train” and buses. I’ve also caught one or two taxis in cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa that rely more on the bus network than the subway, however taxis are pretty expensive in Japan. Japan is very much a cash reliant society, though I’ve noticed that more places take cards after returning post pandemic. However, many smaller businesses still operate with cash, and you will need to keep some yen on you at all times.