Travel Tips

[ad_1] Bora Bora is a truly magical island. It is a place where a mighty, extinct volcano explodes out from amidst a gorgeous lagoon and its azure waters. Beneath the water lies an explosion of colors, from the many hues of coral to the thousands of species of sea life living abundantly mere inches below the surface. There truly is no doubt that Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and unquestionably the most renowned of the islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Thanks to Bora Bora’s picturesque qualities, a number of resorts in Bora Bora have popped up over the years. They’ve conveniently capitalized on the lagoon by lining the beaches with stunning beachfront villas, whilst overwater bungalows extend out from the shore to offer perfection to discerning travelers who will settle for nothing but the best Bora Bora accommodation. The good news is you can’t really go wrong when picking from any of the resorts in Bora Bora! When you’re in paradise, you could be staying in a tent and you’d still have an unforgettable trip. However, we wanted to make your decision a little easier by picking out eleven of the absolute best places to stay in Bora Bora. Read on to find out our top picks! Luxury Accommodation & Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora Are you the kind of traveller that wants to experience the best Bora Bora has to offer? Well, you’re in luck. Few places in the entire world cater better to luxury and high end travellers than Bora Bora. Expect to spare no expense with these picks, they are the absolute top 5-star resorts and luxury accommodation in Bora Bora. Expect to stay in overwater bungalows where you can wake up, step onto your private balcony and dive out into the lagoon. On-site restaurants and bars will offer the best in class dining experiences alongside comprehensive wine menus and some of the best cocktails you’ll ever enjoy. Choose any of these resorts and you’ll be guaranteed a magical and memorable holiday in Bora Bora. 1. InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort Facilities★★★★★ The InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana is the slightly more affordable sister hotel to the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa (which also made its way onto our list below). We consider the Le Moana resort to be the perfect balance of affordability and luxury. With the overwater bungalows extending out from Matira Beach you will get to experience Bora Bora the way you’ve always dreamt of. Step out of your room to dip your feet in the lagoon just mere feet from your bed. The glass bottom floors in the rooms will allow you to watch the tropical fish below your bungalow even while you’re inside cooling off with the air-con running. This luxury resort in Bora Bora unsurprisingly pulls out all the stops with staff who are there to provide everything you could possibly need. Entertainment is built around the lagoon with free snorkel equipment, stand up paddle boards, canoes and more provided. Whilst those looking to experience a bit of French Polynesia’s culture should definitely check out the regular Polynesian cultural show hosted here at the resort. At this price point, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana is amongst the best resorts in the world and it’s certainly the best value in Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows Helpful and attentive staff Free equipment (e.g. snorkels,. canoes, etc) Air conditioned bungalows Stunningly beautiful views Awesome included breakfast Polynesian show Location: Matira Point, Vaitape 2. Conrad Bora Bora Facilities★★★★★ With a host of infinity pools and located on its own remote island, Conrad Bora Bora is one of the best 5 star resorts in Bora Bora. When you have the budget to spare no expense then great service and modern rooms become a prerequisite to booking any resort. Conrad Bora Bora goes beyond this and offers private and shared infinity pools, absolutely gorgeous 5-star rooms and overwater bungalows overlooking the ocean. With the right room you’ll get to spend your evenings in your private infinity pool, sipping cocktails and watching one of the most impressive sunsets on earth. As a high-end resort be prepared to pay exorbitant prices for any extras. Airport transfers are pricey as you must be collected by boat and the food and drink prices are high. You’re already dropping thousands on staying here so we reckon budget for the extra costs and don’t let it affect your trip! We also particularly loved the modernness of the rooms, especially the bathrooms, which we find elevates the quality of your stay in French Polynesia. If you value isolation and you don’t want to see other resorts from your balcony, then Conrad Bora Bora Nui should be your top pick. Secluded location on a separate island Infinity pool Overwater bungalows Incredible views Modern rooms Location: To’opua Island 3. The St Regis Bora Bora Facilities★★★★★ The St Regis Bora Bora often tops these lists – and for a good reason. It’s arguably the must luxuriously, lavish resort in Bora Bora. You’ll have no difficulty finding luxury accommodation in Bora Bora, but if you want the best of the best then we’d recommend checking out St Regis Bora Bora right away! Located on Piti Aau, and nestled between the exquisite Four Seasons Resort and the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, the location is about as good as you can get in Bora Bora. This prime location positions the resort to perfectly watch the sunset behind the volcano of Bora Bora island. Of course, some other resorts offer more secluded locations (such as Conrad Bora Bora), however, we prefer The bungalows are best in class, perfectly combining the design elements of thatched rooves and Polynesian, cultural style that epitomizes what we visit Bora Bora for. Compared to other overwater bungalows across Bora Bora and Tahiti, The St Regis offers the largest with heaps of space for relaxation, activities and additional family members. As you would expect of all

[ad_1] An advantage of living in such a vast country as India is that you can never run out of fun places to visit. There are countless bustling cities where you can experience unique local cultures, foods, and activities. Some people, however, may be tired of visiting the same few cities they travel to each time they have extended holidays. The good news is that you can take a commercial plane or a private jet charter and get to any remote destination in India within hours. There are countless beautiful villages and small cities that you may never even have heard about. Some of these picturesque locations are perfect holiday destinations. You can sample the local culture, enjoy their cuisine, and experience nature far away from the big city where you spend most of your time. Below are five of the best remote travel destinations in India. Chatpal, Jammu & Kashmir https://unsplash.com/photos/QBPddOh-hQE A beautiful location in the Southern part of Kashmir, Chatpal is the perfect holiday destination. If you are tired of the summer heat where you are living, you will be happy to know that temperatures are usually a lot cooler in this part of the country. Chatpal is known for its stunning green valleys, along with the clear blue skies that you will see most days. You can experience the natural beauty of the landscape, which includes yellow and white wildflowers most of the year. A trip to this part of the country will also teach you a lot about the local culture, which you may not have sampled as yet. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh A mysterious and charming location in the North East of the Himachal Pradesh region, Spiti Valley is the perfect spot to visit for adventurous people. If you have a group of friends who want to enjoy a holiday off the beaten path, this is your ideal place to go. The cold desert mountain valley is extremely beautiful throughout the year, although you may want to travel during the spring, summer, or autumn months if you want to avoid the extreme cold. You can hike, camp, and live among nature for a few days.The peace and quiet you will enjoy in this area is something you are not likely to experience anywhere else in the country. Kalap, Uttarakhand https://unsplash.com/photos/6RRAZbVeeWQ Kalap in Uttarakhand is an area that you have to visit if you want to get a sense of the local village culture. The location is around 7,500 feet in terms of altitude, which can make it a little challenging for people who have issues at altitude. However, if you have no problems with visiting a city that is much higher than sea level, you can have a lot of fun in this part of India. The villages in Uttarakhand are all incredibly charming, with the friendly locals ready to welcome people from around the country and the rest of the world. Those who want to steer clear of busy cities and loud metropolis locations during an upcoming holiday will love Kalap. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh The village of Ziro, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is an extremely remote spot in this part of the country. One of the best parts about visiting Ziro is that you are not near anything resembling a busy city. If you need a week to unwind from your regular routine, where no one can find you, then you have picked the ideal hideaway. The weather is excellent in the Ziro region throughout the year, which means you can have a comfortable traveling experience anytime you have some time off work or school. Edakkal Caves, Kerala https://unsplash.com/photos/Mt5jVH-8tYo The Edakkal Caves in Kerala are a historic landmark in India. Not only can you visit a remote area that is exceptionally charming and picturesque, but you can get a sense of the culture in this part of the world thousands of years ago. There are caves in Edakkal that have carvings that are said to belong to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. Historians have also linked these caves to the famous Indus Valley civilization. If you want to learn more about those eras or simply want to see these beautiful caves for yourself, then Edakkal should be one destination in your upcoming holiday. Travel in Style Those who want to visit remote locations in India may have some concerns about the time it takes to travel to such areas. While you can always drive, there is also the option of renting a private jet. You can cut short your travel time significantly, while there are many smaller airports around the country where private planes can land. Flying private can elevate any holiday, especially one that includes visiting remote and rural areas. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Travelling is one of those things that many people aspire to do at some stage of their lives. It might be that you have just finished a long stint of education at college and university and now want to take a break before starting your new career and working life. It might be that you have worked for a while and feel like a career break is on the cards. It may even be something you decide to do with your partner in later life, once the career is done, you’ve had a family and want to embrace a new chapter in your life. Many people have a bucket list, and often long-term travel or seeing different parts of the world from part of that list. So if you like the idea of heading off for an adventure, traveling for a few months, or taking a gap year, here are some of the things to consider.  Image source Planning your and getting prepared trip  One of the first things you will want to do is plan your trip and then prepare for it. You might want to take time to think about the different destinations, and how and when you might travel. You may even want to consider who you are traveling with. If you are planning to travel with a companion, a group of friends, or family, then ensure that you consult them with any plan-making activities. This is so you can bounce ideas off each other for the trip you want to take. Here are some of the things to think about when planning.  Flights and making savings A lot of the time people choose to travel to destinations far and wide, and so flights are going to form a big part of it. Flying can be expensive, so avoid the high peak periods if you can, which tend to be the height of summer, and during holidays in which children have school. Traveling off-peak can save you a fortune, as well as traveling at unpopular times like during the night or first thing in the morning. Make savings by considering alternative airlines or opting to not fly directly, this could enable you to fly to your destination at a fraction of the price without it causing too much havoc to your plans.  Deciding on the route and where to go One of the most exciting things to plan is, of course, where you are going to go and what you are going to experience. Some of this can depend on exactly how long you have to spend traveling. Whether you are doing it for a month, six months, a year, or longer. Think about where you want to go but also explore surrounding countries and cities that you may want to tag on to your trip. For example, heading to Australia may seem far away, so don’t forget the beauty New Zealand could offer you as well as other places like Indonesia, Fiji, and other Pacific destinations you may not have ordinarily considered beforehand.  Where will you stay? Of course, like any holiday or traveling excursion, you will need a place to stay. This is when you also need to think about your budget and how much you have towards accommodation. Many people who travel consider staying in hostels, but if that isn’t your thing then websites like AirBnB could prove useful offering great accommodation with facilities to cook and maybe even wash clothes while away.  Preparing your home for while you are away You will want to ensure that you prepare your home for while you are away. Or perhaps you need to move out while you are away. This is when you need to think about security. Securing your home with alarms, putting things in holiday mode, and ensuring that everywhere is protected. If you need to move out but still want to keep certain bigger items like sofas or chairs then you may want to look at a storage unit where everything can be kept securely while you are traveling. You can leave a key with a family member for your home or the storage unit to ensure everything is safe while you are away.  Capsule wardrobe and easy-to-wear clothes and shoes when packing A capsule wardrobe can be a great way to pack for long-term travelling excursions. This is where you think about key pieces that work together and enable you to create different outfits by mixing matching items of clothing. Think about different colours, and textures of the clothes and materials, as well as adding different accessory options. There is some great advice online on how you can create the perfect capsule wardrobe for your travels. You will also want to pack easy-to-wear clothes and shoes. Think about the things you will be doing while you are there.  While you are traveling You may be thinking about what to do when you are actually on your travels. Apart from being excited about the things you are about to experience, and the places you are going to see, you also have to be practical about certain elements of travelling, especially if you are travelling alone. Here are some of the things to consider while you are on your epic journey.  Keeping in touch with friends and family  While you are away, you are bound to want to keep in touch with friends and family about your adventures and to also assure them that you are safe and well. Normally, you might avoid using your phone unless you are in an area that offers WiFi or updating your phone plan for international travel, you should be able to keep in touch with your family and friends as often as you like. This helps them to be involved and also gives you an outlet to share your fantastic experiences with the people you love the most.  Helping people stay aware of their travels  You may not always be able to give your friends

[ad_1] Turkey is an incredible country packed with breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, tasty food and a unique culture. It is also huge and working out all the logistics of your own Turkey itinerary can be complicated and just about impossible. We found budgeting difficult thanks to the extremely high inflation and navigating the transport system was terrifying (until we worked it out). That’s why we decided to put together this extremely detailed itinerary, which when complemented by our Turkey travel guide, should give you everything you absolutely need to plan the perfect trip to Turkey. Below we’ve outlined our perfect itinerary which ensures you hit all the essential, most impressive sights across Turkey, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale and Ephesus. The itinerary is extremely detailed, including prices (in US dollars due to the inflation in Turkey), timings, accommodation picks and our top tips. You should be able to plan your trip completely right here without needing to look anywhere else, however, we always encourage additional research prior to arriving at each of the sights – especially if you aren’t booking guides along the way. The Perfect Itinerary We spent weeks travelling around Turkey to come up with what we consider to be the perfect itinerary for first timers. It is designed around a fast-paced, whirlwind 14 day trip, however, you can easily adjust it for shorter trips by removing any destinations below. Similarly, if you have extra time, I’d highly recommend adding extra time to either Istanbul or the coastal towns of Antalya, Kas and Fethiye. Istanbul has so much culture and history to soak up whilst the coastal towns perfectly combine beachside relaxation with ancient ruins. If you prefer a slower pace of travel, then you could easily cut out the coastal towns of Antalya, Kas and Fethiye and add some days to the other destinations. I guarantee you won’t regret spending more time in Istanbul or Cappadocia. Taking into account geographic proximity and the number of things to do in each location, here is our recommended guide: 3 days: Istanbul (must-do) +3 days: Cappadocia (must-do) +2 days: Antalya +1 day: Kas +1 day: Fethiye +0.5 day: Pamukkale +2 days: Selcuk (Ephesus) +2 days: Cannakale (Gallipoli) This route is what we recommend as the ‘standard’ Turkish holiday route and it really is perfect for first-timers. It ticks off all the must-dos and for this reason we consider it the perfect two weeks. If you only have a week in Turkey, go with 4 days in Istanbul and 3 days in Cappadocia, or maybe squish in Selcuk for Ephesus. What is Missing From the Perfect Itinerary? Well, we’ve had to leave out a lot. Turkey is a huge country and it is packed with incredible tourist attractions. We’ve made the call to only include the essentials in the Turkey itinerary above, but we’ve left out about half the country. If you have extra time and enjoy exploring further off the typical tourist track, then consider visiting Ankara (the capital), Uzungol, Lake Van, Trabzon, Karz, Gaziantep, Adana and Mount Nemrut. Although we’ve left a lot out, don’t worry, we’ve also included a lot. We’ve made sure that you’ll tick off the best of Turkey in just two weeks with this itinerary. Two Weeks in Turkey With the outline above, we’re ready to dive into a day by day breakdown of how your trip will look. Remember, it’s generally pretty easy to remove any of the destinations below if you have less time. Day 1 – Istanbul Sim Cards & Cash Firstly, you’re going to need to sort a few admin things before you get your trip started. I recommend reading our entire Turkey travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting Turkey.  To get set up with a sim card, head straight to Airalo and purchase a Turkish esim online here for around $12 or $18 USD. You can do this from your hotel’s wifi or with the free airport wifi. The tourist sims in Turkey are essentially scams at roughly $41 USD each. They don’t deserve to have customers which is why we wrote an entire guide to purchasing a tourist sim card in Turkey. You can also read more about buying Turkey sim cards here. Next, make sure to withdraw a few thousand Turkish Liras from an ATM. Locating your nearest Ziraat Bankasi ATM will enable you to save ATM withdrawal fees, but pretty much any ATM is safe to use in Turkey. Top Travel Tip! We’ve been using Wise travel card to pay for EVERYTHING while we travel all around the world! Trust me, it’s better than your bank card and it costs less than $10 then it’s free forever. If your phone doesn’t support esims then you’ll need to seek out a Turkcell or Vodafone shop and pay the extortionate prices. Transport Now you’re ready to get your day started. Today we will be exploring the touristic centre of Istanbul, Sultanahmet. If you’re staying in Karakoy (which we highly recommend) you’ll want to catch the T1 Tram. If you’re staying in Sultanahmet then you’ll be able to walk everywhere today. To use the tram (or any public transport in Istanbul) then buy an Istanbulkart from a ‘Biletmatik’ machine and load some cash onto the card. To help you navigate Sultanahmet, you can save the Google Maps Route for today here. Hagia Sophia – 8:30am Head straight to the Hagia Sophia mosque in the heart of Sultanahmet. It is only a few minutes walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop. If you are running early, I recommend walking to the Fountain Sultan Ahmed III located here. This location offers a lovely view of the mosque. At 8:30am, join the queue which will begin forming around the courtyard. At 9:00am sharp the mosque will open and the queue will begin moving into the mosque fairly quickly. If you arrive later than 8:30am then you may be waiting a lot longer to get in. I would ignore the

[ad_1] Being the capital, Sofia is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. This city is packed with culture, history, architecture and amazing people. There’s plenty of fantastic things to do in Sofia ranging from churches and mosques to beautiful, scenic locations. Exploring the sights in the city center are a must-do for everyone visiting Sofia.  Following this, we reckon it’s a good idea to head out on day trips depending on how much time you have remaining. Rila Monastery and Vitosha Mountain are the obvious picks, but Belogradchik is another breathtaking option. You can even visit Plovdiv from Sofia if you aren’t already planning to spend some nights there. Things to Do in Sofia 1. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral It should come as no surprise that the incredible Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is at the top of this list. This Eastern Orthodox cathedral was completed in 1912 and built as a tribute to the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.  This was a particularly pivotal war for Bulgaria as these soldiers fought and died to liberate Bulgaria from the reign of the Ottoman Empire, returning Bulgaria to the people who live there. The cathedral is monumental, standing 53m high with a capacity of 5,000 worshippers; we were told it was the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world until the year 2,000 when the Serbs bought a larger one. Entrance to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is absolutely free and it is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sofia. 2. Take a Day Trip to Rila Monastery Being such a small country, there are a lot of achievable day trips from Sofia. Visiting the Rila Monastery is the most popular one and we’d recommend it as the most important day trip. If you have more time, of course, you can check out some others but look into doing this one first. Unfortunately, getting to Rila Monastery is just about impossible by public transport, especially if you wish to explore the nearby lakes. It is a roughly two hour drive so your best bet is to book a tour that includes the 7 Rila Lakes as well. We recommend this popular one which takes 12 hours and is pretty cheap. Make sure to check that the chairlift is operating for the lakes. The monastery itself is a pivotal part of Bulgaria’s history, having been built around 1,000 years ago by the students of the hermit Ivan of Rila, who the monastery was named after.  It is also a UNESCO world heritage site, however, many people visit to see the unique designs of the buildings, particularly for their striped paintwork. This makes it one of the most impressive and unique monasteries in the region, as well as one of the most important historically. If you’re on a budget, or the lakes are inaccessible (this happens outside of Summer), then this is the best tour. It is really cheap as it combines Boyana Church with Rila Monastery, but skips the Rila Lakes. We reckon the lakes are worth the extra cost if you can afford it, though. Top Travel Tip! We’ve been using Wise travel card to pay for EVERYTHING while we travel all around the world! Trust me, it’s better than your bank card and it costs less than $10 then it’s free forever. 3. See the Regional History Museum aka Central Mineral Baths The Central Mineral Baths were originally, as the name suggests, the place where residents headed when they needed a bath. It was used up until 1986, however, from the early 20th century it became increasingly common for people to have water plumbed into their houses, reducing the need to head out for a bath. These days, don’t bring your towel when visiting the baths. They’ve since been converted into the Regional History Museum which is a fantastic museum displaying the history of Bulgaria. 4. Visit the Saint Sofia Church Located next to the much more famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church is the oldest church in Sofia dating back to the 4th century.  Interestingly, there was a statue of Saint Sofia erected in the city by the Bulgarian government which incorrectly assumed the city was named after the Saint. Instead, the city was named after the Saint Sofia Church.  This is because many people visiting Sofia, known as Serdika at the time, were actually visiting the Saint Sofia Church and the name became essentially synonymous with the city so they decided to change it. As a result, everyone hates the statue in Sofia, but they love the church and we can see why.  5. Hike to Boyana Waterfall The Boyana Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located on Mount Vitosha. It is easy to take public transport to the starting point of the hike at the foot of the mountain here.  We found the hike to the top somewhat challenging and the footing quite slippery without hiking boots but absolutely do-able in May. The waterfall itself is beautiful and the park is peaceful and tranquil. 6. Explore the Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex When the council was digging the tunnel for the Sofia subway they came across ruins from the ancient city of Serdica. Construction of the tunnel was paused to allow archeologists to excavate the ruins, unveiling what you can see today. The ruins date back to the 2nd Century and it’s cool how you can see them preserved, for free, as you walk through the train station.  7. Sit Inside the Banya Bashi Mosque During the Ottoman rule of Sofia the Banya Bashi Mosque was constructed. There was once hundreds of mosques around Sofia, however now it is the only functioning mosque in Sofia as most of the country has converted to Orthodox Christianity. It is an imposing construction, standing tall in the middle of town and made entirely out of bricks. The name Banya Bashi translates to ‘many baths’, likely due to its location on top of natural thermal spas.

[ad_1] Italy is a fascinating place to visit any time of the year, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. But if you’re wondering the best time to visit the country, our guide below can help you. Whether you plan to visit the wineries, beaches, or sporting events, we offer insights into the best time to visit Italy to make the most of your holiday. The Best Time to Visit the Wineries Italy’s grape harvest season, or “vendemmia,” typically occurs from late August to early October. It’s an exciting time to visit the country to witness the grape-picking process and participate in grape stomping in various wineries across the country.  Spring, from April to June, is also an excellent time to visit the Italian wineries. During this period, vineyards come to life with lush greenery, allowing you to enjoy them in all their glory. Furthermore, spring enjoys mild weather, which makes exploring picturesque landscapes and enjoying wine tastings more favorable. The best time to visit Italy’s vineyards can vary depending on the wine region. For instance, Tuscany, Piedmont (literally meaning “at the foot of the mountain”), and Veneto have distinct microclimates that influence the timing of grape harvest and wine festivals.  It’s crucial to research individual regions and their wine-making seasons to tailor the visit according to personal preferences and activities you wish to do, whether it’s witnessing the grape harvest or enjoying the scenic beauty of vineyards in full bloom.  The Best Time to Join a Tour For visitors looking to join a tour in Italy, you will need to consider an array of factors. The crowd levels and weather preferences are aspects you will want to think about before booking your excursion. Generally, the spring months of April to June and the autumn months of September to October are considered optimal for sightseeing across the country.  The spring months have mild and pleasant weather, with fewer tourists crowding the popular attractions. You can explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, or the art-filled streets of Florence with ease and comfort. In addition, the shoulder seasons offer opportunities to witness cultural events and festivals from different Italian regions. From the vibrant Venice Carnival to the Palio horse race in Siena, Italy comes alive with colorful celebrations during these times. While bustling with energy and activity, summer can also be hot and crowded, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Rome and Venice. You may find it challenging to navigate through crowded streets and long queues under the scorching sun. Winter in Italy runs from November to February and has a much quieter atmosphere than summer. However, some attractions may have reduced hours or closures. Still, it’s an excellent time to experience Italy’s festive holiday traditions and soak up the charm of historic sites adorned with holiday decorations. The Best Time for Beaches The summer months of June to August are the most popular times to visit Italy’s beaches, especially along the coasts of Sicily, Sardinia, Amalfi Coast, and Puglia. Summer’s warm and sunny weather is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The vibrant beach culture comes alive with beach clubs, seaside cafes, and lively waterfront promenades. However, it’s essential to note that the beaches can become crowded, and accommodations may be more expensive in summer since it’s the peak season. Those seeking a quieter beach experience with milder temperatures can visit during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and the beaches are less crowded, offering a more tranquil atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying water activities. Winter is generally not considered the best time for beach visits in Italy due to cooler temperatures and reduced amenities. However, some may still enjoy the serene beauty of coastal landscapes and off-season rates at beachside resorts. In general, the best time to visit the beaches of Italy varies depending on personal preferences and other factors. Each season presents a unique charm and experience for beachgoers to enjoy. The Best Time for Sporting Events  The best time for sporting events in Italy largely depends on the type of sport and the specific events you wish to attend. Italy is renowned for its passionate sports culture, with diverse events throughout the year. Football is the most popular sport in Italy, and the Serie A football season typically runs from August to May, with matches held on weekends. Witnessing a football match at iconic stadiums like San Siro in Milan or Stadio Olimpico in Rome is a thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts. In early September, motorsports fans gather at the iconic Monza Circuit to witness the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Italian F1 race is one of Italy’s most prestigious sporting events, creating an unforgettable experience for motorsports fanatics. In addition, Italy hosts various cycling races, such as the Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events, usually held in May. Tennis, basketball, rugby, and volleyball also have significant followings in Italy, with events and matches happening all year round. The Best Time for a City Break Generally, the spring months of April to June and the autumn months of September to October are ideal for city breaks in Italy. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring Italy’s vibrant cities without the intense heat or heavy tourist crowds of summer. Springtime brings blooming flowers, outdoor cafes, and cultural events, making it an enchanting time to visit picturesque cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. The autumn months offer similar advantages, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing through historic streets. Summer (July to August) can be hot and crowded in many Italian cities, with high tourist numbers and some businesses closing for holidays. However, it’s still a popular time for travellers seeking lively atmospheres and cultural festivals. Winter offers a quieter city experience, but some attractions may have reduced hours or

[ad_1] If you’re visiting Turkey then you’re undoubtedly going to need a sim card. Having access to the internet when you’re travelling makes navigating new cities easy. You can find the best restaurants, directions to your accommodation, book a taxi and send photos back to your family – all whilst on the go. Roaming is always an option, but the fees quickly add up when travelling internationally, so we always recommend either an eSIM or a local sim card to get access to local phone rates. Fortunately, getting either an eSim or local sim card in Turkey is super easy, but it helps to know which one is best!  We were recently in Turkey and were shocked to find the prices of sim cards to be amongst the highest we’d seen in any country we’ve visited. We quickly realised the stores in Istanbul are indirectly colluding to fix the price of tourist sim cards in Turkey high. Lovely. This guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know about buying a sim card in Turkey, including up to date pricing and the absolute best sim card for you to buy. Best Sim Card in Turkey for Tourists The best sim card in Turkey is actually to not get one in Turkey at all. We visited all the different sim card providers in Turkey, we even visited numerous stores for each provider, and came to the conclusion that the prices are essentially fixed and they’re all ripping tourists off. We hate it and think you should boycott it. For this reason we recommend that anyone with an eSim compatible phone purchases an Airalo eSim here before arriving in Turkey or on arrival. Why? Well, Turkey is one of those unique countries where it’s actually significantly cheaper to buy an eSim than it is to buy a local sim card. And it’s not just cheaper, it’s also way more convenient. The process of buying one of the local sim cards in Turkey can be elaborate, requiring navigating the traffic to the nearest store and then waiting while they register your passport and set up your sim card – usually at LEAST half an hour. Your eSim can be up and running in minutes from the airport wifi or your hotel room. We have an entire section later in this guide dedicated to eSims in case you need more information, so more on this later. But long story short, buy this eSim before you arrive in Turkey – don’t buy one there. The eSim prices are below, buying a sim card in stores in Istanbul costs around $30-40 USD (we were there recently) – and that’s if you get a good price. What about people without eSim compatible phones? Most phones produced these days are compatible with eSims (including all iPhones produced since 2018). But some aren’t. If you’re not yet one of the lucky people with an eSim compatible phone then your only option is to purchase a local sim card. The good news is you can use any of the three sim card providers in Turkey: Vodafone, Turk Telekom and Turkcell. Though we’d give the edge to Turkcell if you get to choose.  The bad news is unless you are a Turkish citizen, you will not get to choose your sim card. You will have to purchase their tourist sim which will be registered with your passport. It will take a while and it will cost you way too much. Turkey Sim Card Prices A Tourist Sim Card in Turkey costs around $30 USD, or 28 EUR, but they can easily cost as much as 40 USD, or 37 EUR, depending on the store you visit. A Turkey eSim will cost between $4.50 USD and $26 USD depending on how much data you require, but for most travellers the $12 USD eSim is perfect. As you can see, sim card prices in Turkey are extortionate. We enquired at the airport, as well as Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom stores all around Istanbul and received similar prices from each store. An Airalo is undoubtedly your best option right now and we highly recommend this option. Note on Currencies: Turkey has extremely high inflation which causes all the prices you see online to be out of date within a matter of weeks. Even though we just visited recently, the price in Turkish Lira has likely already changed so it is more useful for us to provide the price in USD or EUR, even though you will need to pay in Turkish Lira once you arrive in Turkey. Turkish Sim Card Providers Turkey has several prominent SIM card providers that offer reliable services and extensive coverage.  Turkcell, as the largest mobile network operator, provides a wide range of prepaid and postpaid plans with flexible options for data and calling.  Vodafone Turkey is known for its strong network infrastructure and appealing package deals, including affordable international calling rates.  Türk Telekom, the national telecommunications company, offers reliable service and diverse plan choices.  Other notable providers include Avea, which provides competitive rates and package options, as well as MVNOs like Turk Telekom Mobile and PTTCell.  With these providers, customers in Turkey have a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences and needs. Turkcell Tourist Sim  Turkcell provides excellent tourist SIM cards in Turkey, ensuring seamless connectivity during your visit. With wide coverage and fast internet speeds, you can navigate, communicate, and share your experiences effortlessly.  Turkcell offers flexible data plans to suit your requirements, allowing you to stay connected throughout your journey.  You’ll experience reliable and convenient communication with Turkcell’s tourist SIM cards. Turkcell Turkey Tourist Sim Price The price of a Turkcell tourist sim card in Turkey varies between $30 and $40 USD, or 28 and 37 EUR. It is not possible for a non-Turkish resident to purchase any other sim plan from here. The plan offered by all Turkcell stores includes 20 GB data + 200 minutes + Free

[ad_1] Best Beaches In Costa Smeralda Near Porto Cervo Costa Smeralda beaches are indeed a dream come true for every beach lover. Do you love the Caribbean Sea? Then you’ll love the beaches in Costa Smeralda, maybe even more! Click on your favorite beach to read about it and check my suggestions for the best hotels near each beach. Enjoy my beautiful Sardinia! Costa Smeralda Best Beaches Map If you want to know where they then stop here! I will guide you through the most enchanting ones with my map of the most popular Costa Smeralda beaches. I’ll give you advice on the best hotels and where to stay close to a specific beach, and how to get to the beach as only a local could do! The Costa Smeralda, located on the northeast Sardinia coast, is one of Italy’s most famous and beautiful beach areas. In this article, I will list all the best beaches in Costa Smeralda and everything you need to know about them. From the beaches’ principal activities and amenities, the closest and most excellent hotels to the beach, tours, and things that not everybody knows. You’ll learn how to get around if you stick with me till the end! Costa Smeralda might be expensive (even tough, not impossible for a Holiday on the cheap side). Still, its vibe is second to none of the poshest destinations in Italy, and its beaches are just the cherry on top of a fabulous location in Sardinia! Tips On How to Get to the Costa Smeralda Beaches You must rent a car to get to the beaches in Costa Smeralda. Without a car, you won’t be able to reach 90% of the best beaches in the area. If you want to move freely around Sardinia (and in Costa Smeralda) you’ll need to rent a car. Posters on sites like TripAdvisor and in the comment section frequently ask for recommendations for rental companies, so much so that this is one of the “Top questions about Sardinia.” The information linked here aims to give you tips about having a good experience with car rental on the island. I recommend one of the sites I’ve used myself more than once, which will find the best deals for car rentals in Costa Smeralda (from Olbia or any other major city in Sardinia like Alghero and Cagliari). Check out the link below and if you want to experience the best of what the Costa Smeralda beaches have to offer, you can get ahead and rent your car online. It’s sometimes much better than stressing yourself at the airport. I highly recommend you book as soon as possible, especially for the Costa Smeralda, because the prices close in on the summer season and the cars’ availability becomes scarce. SPIAGGIA DEL PRINCIPE Below is a video you can NOT miss! In Arzachena (a pretty convenient place to stay near the Costa Smeralda beaches but not on the sea), this lovely place is called Aldo B&B. The owner shoots amazing videos, including several of the beaches I mentioned. If you watch this, you’ll fall in love with Sardinia before you even arrive and want to book your holidays immediately! Principe Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Costa Smeralda for its wild beauty and its proximity to the lovely village of Porto Cervo.  The pristine waters and the typical rock formations at the end of each side of the beach make it an unmissable spot in Costa Smeralda. Spiaggia del Principe is also known by many as one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Sardinia but in Italy (and Europe). I lived in Mexico and the Philippines for a while and I can guarantee you that this beach has nothing to envy to the Caribbeans, the Philippines or even the Maldives! For this reason, Principe Beach is at the top of my list of the best beaches in Costa Smeralda. Its wow factor will sweep you away, and you’ll love swimming and snorkeling in its turquoise and transparent waters. The 250-meter-long beach is not far from the famous village of Porto Cervo and is easily reachable by car. It is perfectly perfect in every possible way! Parking Fees at Spiaggia Del Principe: It only costs 1,5 euros per hour or 7,5 euros for the whole day. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is around 10 minutes. Beach Main Features SnorkelingSuitable For Families and kidsParking space (free and paid)Small bar for drinks/lunch Hotels On The Beach There are NO HOTELS ON the beach near Spiaggia del Principe. This is one of the reasons why it is so wild and beautiful. Even without beach hotels, Spiaggia del Principe can easily be reached by car. I’ll list my favorite Hotels close enough to Principe Beach. WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS NEAR SPIAGGIA DEL PRINCIPE Cala Di Volpe This is my absolute favorite Hotel on the beach near Spiaggia del Principe. It’s a dream come true in Costa Smeralda. Ratings: 9.1 Villa Carola It is one of the most luxurious villas near Porto Cervo, perfect for families. Close to Spiaggia del Principe. Ratings: 9.2 View More Hotels Check out the other Hotels and Villas near Spiaggia Del Principe. Usually, the most convenient accommodations to stay and reach this fabulous beach are located in the nearby villages, at 5-10 min max by car: Porto Cervo | Abbiadori Nearby Beaches In Costa Smeralda The lovely Capriccioli Beach is one of the most famous ones in Costa Smeralda (we went there in August). Don’t do that! 🙂 It’s amazing only close to sunset, before the people are way too many for the beach. The water is incredible! This is a list of every jaw-dropping beach in Costa Smeralda (not far away from Spiaggia del Principe beach and Porto Cervo), and these are also the ones I’ll be talking about in this article. So, if you are interested in checking out a particular one or looking for specific Hotels, Villas, or