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. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to stand out less, and always carry any bookbags or purses in front of you, with a hand against them at all times.
- Central France is home to swathes upon swathes of vineyards, some gorgeous undiscovered stretches of coastline and the infamously beautiful chateaux.
- This is an excellent option if you’re traveling in a group, as you can split the cost.
- Regardless, it’s better to visit any country with a few basic phrases – the locals will appreciate the effort even it’s a nightmare to grasp.
- While Easter Island’s statues are, understandably, the main draw for travellers, there’s plenty more to discover on the island.
- A visit here often turns into an impromptu safari, with magical encounters with these species and many more.
- 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.
- Though Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, it’s been operating for years and is often a cheaper alternative to taxis.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
- Come and see standing stones at summer solstice this year, or chase the sunrise in a beautiful Scottish location.
- Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
- The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies.
- Hiring a car – If public transport isn’t your thing, hiring a car can be a fantastic way to see another side of the region.
- Many smaller towns have their own airport but be aware that facilities are often extremely limited.
- However, with my great surprise 3 on 4 Koreans don’t understand a word in English.
- 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.
- Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Please follow your designated route map and road signage that will ensure you arrive at the correct car park. I’m Michele, a former corporate girlie turned full-time traveler who is obsessed with finding adventure, even in the everyday. Costa Rica is a perfect first country to visit, where it is relatively easy to get around and even to learn Spanish.
The ultimate Malta travel guide
Just watch out for smaller subway stations that might not have escalators (but should have a lift). 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.
Culture Kids
For guidance on searching for work during this difficult time, take a look at our advice for job hunting during a pandemic. Where Guatemala is more populated, there’s also plenty to explore. The active city of Antigua (the country’s former capital), is marked by its traditional buildings coloured in pretty pastel shades, and setting against a backdrop of volcanoes. Dotted throughout its buzzing markets, churches, and plazas, are meticulously maintained architectural reminders of Guatemala’s colonial history. Belize, perched on the eastern periphery of Central America, is full of surprises.
Designated in 2020, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia is the USA’s newest national park.
At meal times, pair local food with those locally produced wines, with crisp whites complementing fresh-from-the-ocean seafood dishes such as ceviche and seafood stews. Or get involved with local cowboy culture and enjoy a fireside barbecue of local meats paired with a glass or two of red. Plan your next trip with American Express Travel and discover where to travel including a selection of luxury hotels to complete the perfect stay. Yes, a travel copywriting agency will have expert writers with experience in the industry.
South of France Travel Guide
- Our Antarctica guide provides both practical and inspirational information to help you get the most of your holiday.
- If there is an actual Tigo or Más Movil store at your first destination, I would recommend going there to purchase the SIM card and have them set it up for you.
- Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.
- If you fancy a walk along the sea, Sveti Jakov Beach is just a 15-minute walk from Old Town and is a hugely popular spot among the locals.
- It is not essential to bring yen into the country with you, thanks to the ATMs found in every 7-Eleven which allow international cards to withdraw cash.
- Tortuguero National Park is a labyrinth of mangrove forests and navigable lagoons, where you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting.
- The visa supporting documents must be issued by a company officially registrered in Russia.
- One of Croatia’s most famous islands, Hvar is renowned all over the world for its gorgeous waters, incredible sunshine and much-touted nightlife.
- The intention is that the tax collected will be used for investments in tourism infrastructure.
Summertime in Scotland brings big dreamy skies, the perfect backdrop to our ancient attractions. Come and see standing stones at summer solstice this year, or chase the sunrise in a beautiful Scottish location. From crashing waves on our rugged coastlines to live trad music in our local pubs, step away from the everyday and experience a true Scottish welcome.
Travel Guide
Come on a little excursion through our mountainous range of travel books. 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. This goes to show that although the way people access travel information has changed, the need for it has not. And digital travel guides can still play an important role in inspiring and informing travellers. In the age of Google and Instagram, physical travel guides have indeed become outdated.
- Poseidon’s Sanctuary, the Ilha Verde or the basecamp of cashmere, these wild island hush outposts of myths, folklore and cultural soul are well worth finding your sea legs.
- The name might suggest refuge, but for most who came here, salvation was the furthest thing from reality.
- The route also passes the Futaleufú Valley, which offers adrenaline-charged whitewater rafting and kayaking, and the village of Puyuhuapi, home to a set of soothing hot springs.
- To make things simpler, apps like Tipping Guide help to decipher how much is appropriate and Tip N Split will take care of the calculating for you.
- Indulge in organic farm-to-table dining and immersive experiences—where heritage meets eco-conscious living and design for an unforgettable escape.
How to get around in Costa Rica
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. If you’re willing to trade a bit of comfort for the pocket-friendly option, public transportation could be your go-to. Be sure to start your Croatia holiday planning by chatting with one of our travel advisors.
Start planning your seasonal break
JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities. 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. The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Anchorage, Alaska city guide: What to do and where to stay
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 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.
Experiences
Panama is such an underrated destination, that truly has something for everyone. We were able to pay with a credit card in most towns around the country with the exception of Santa Catalina. However, you should always have cash for things like buses, markets, entrance fees at trails, natural sights etc. The more remote you get, the less likely you will be https://softfootprints.com/ able to pay with a card, or if you can, there will be a hefty % fee attached. The only other safety concern we had was on certain hiking trails.
From echoes of the country’s past into its present, the lively capital city of Lima is not to be missed. Latin America does big adventure just as well as it does relaxed retreat. So often it’s at the top of our bucket lists for offbeat, vibrant and adventurous escapes (not to mention a much-needed dose of warm sunshine). The natural wonders of its landscapes are matched in splendor by those of its diverse and dynamic cultures. In the 20 countries that comprise Latin America, many of the richest treasures to be uncovered lie in the smallest nuances of character. Cut travel time, fly directly across the Cyclades, and unlock adventure with every landing.
Where to go in Latin America
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. Citizens of many nationalities can enter Panama without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. The Caribbean Coast has a more tropical climate with a chance of rain year-round.
But that doesn’t mean travel guides have gone away entirely – they’ve just changed their form. From Google Maps to digital guides and travel blogs, travellers today rely heavily on online sources for information and inspiration. 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.
They also provide a Foreign Travel Checklist but be aware that advice can change regularlyso please check regularly for updates. Despite the growth of tourism, the economy of The Gambia is still predominantly agricultural, with the majority of Gambians earning their living from the land and sea. Music is a part of everyday life in The Gambia and there are a number of festivals that take place each year, most of these are based around annual Islamic festivals. A fantastic way to both entertain and educate kids of all ages, the Monaco Aquarium offers a chance to get up close and personal with all the creatures of the deep, from sharks to stingrays and so much more.
Best Cotswolds hotels 2025, reviewed
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. If you’re coming north from Colombia, you will be able to achieve the same thing in reverse, sailing via the San Blas Islands.
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.