Many people like traveling. When you travel you go from place to place, you meet different people, you get to know a lot of interesting things and keep your memories for a long time.
I want to tell you about the most impressing place I have been to. I think that the most beautiful thing is not the thing created by people, but the thing created by nature.
Are you seeking a captivating summer getaway? Look no further than the magnificent city of Vienna, Austria. With its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Vienna becomes an enchanting playground during the summer months. Join us as we delve into the reasons why you absolutely must visit Vienna during this magical season.
A Symphony of Architecture:
Vienna's architectural wonders come to life in summer. Explore the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, marvel at the grandeur of St. Stephen's Cathedral, and be captivated by the intricate details of Belvedere Palace. The warm weather provides the perfect backdrop to immerse yourself in Vienna's architectural splendor.
Embrace the Great Outdoors:
Vienna blooms in summer, revealing its hidden natural gems. Escape the city's bustle by strolling through the charming Stadtpark or basking in the beauty of the Prater Park. The Danube River offers a picturesque setting for boat rides, cycling adventures, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk along its banks.
The Rhythm of Music and Culture:
Vienna, the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, boasts an unrivaled musical heritage. Summer unveils a symphony of cultural events, including the renowned Vienna Summer Night Concert and open-air performances at the Vienna State Opera. Immerse yourself in Vienna's musical magic, and let the city's cultural richness envelop your senses.
Indulge in Viennese Coffee Culture:
Vienna's coffee houses are legendary, and they truly come alive during the summer months. Discover the art of Viennese coffee culture as you relax in the historical cafés, sipping a perfectly brewed cup while savoring delectable pastries. The warm summer breeze adds an extra touch of bliss to your coffeehouse experience.
Night Markets: A Feast for the Senses:
Experience Vienna's vibrant summer nights at the bustling night markets. Explore the Naschmarkt, where a tantalizing array of international cuisine awaits, or wander through the stalls showcasing local produce and unique crafts. Let the aroma of spices and the vibrant energy of the markets transport you to a world of culinary delights.
Vienna Woods: A Natural Haven:
For a refreshing escape from the city, Vienna Woods beckons. Just a short distance from the bustling streets, this tranquil oasis offers picturesque hiking trails, the historic Heiligenkreuz Abbey, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Lose yourself in the serenity and beauty of Vienna's surrounding forests.
Vienna's charm reaches its zenith in the summer, captivating visitors with its architectural splendor, cultural riches, and abundant outdoor activities. From indulging in Viennese coffee culture to immersing yourself in the city's musical heritage, every moment spent in Vienna during summer is an experience to treasure. So, pack your bags, let the warm embrace of Vienna's summer welcome you, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Cuba’s classic cars are a key attraction in Habana Vieja, or Old Havana
So you think travel to Cuba from the U.S. is a slog? Try flying in from Asia.
The
flight times alone are a test of endurance, stretching over 40 hours if
you’re jetting off in Sydney. In fact there’s not a single direct
flight to the Caribbean island from the entire Asia-Pacific region.
That may help explain why you’re unlikely to spot hordes of
Asian travelers whizzing down the streets of Havana in candy-colored
classic cars or knocking back mojitos in the smoky jazz halls of
Trinidad. Only four Asia-Pacific nations—China, Japan, Australia, and
the Philippines—rank in Cuba’s annual list of major visitor sources. Put
in perspective, Canadians outnumbered Chinese visitors 30 to one,
according to Cuba’s 2016 tourism statistics.
That’s a missed opportunity. According to UN figures,
Asia-Pacific tourists spent $473 billion on trips abroad that year,
accounting for 40 percent of total international tourism expenditure in
2016. That type of cash could go a long way in helping Cuba meet
its goal of tripling tourism revenues by 2030, as it strives to revive
an economy straining under trade sanctions and U.S. President Donald
Trump’s tighter travel restrictions.
Here are three key challenges Asia’s tourists face on the journey to Cuba.
A World Away
Distance
and a lack of direct flights mean airfares to the Caribbean island can
be steep. Return economy flights from Brisbane, Australia, to Havana,
with at least two stopovers, range from $2,000 to $5,000, according to
Dallas-based fare tracking firm FareCompare.
Meanwhile, tickets from Hong Kong with one stop can set you back as
much as $3,000—almost double the cost of flying to nearby Cancun,
Mexico.
Fancy a beach trip? Try idyllic Varadero, on Cuba’s northern coast. Photographer: Jane Sweeney/AWL Images RM
Visa Issues
Some
unhappy trekkers have found themselves stranded at U.S. or
Mexican airport gates, where their long-haul flights might connect for
onward travel to Havana. Unlike others boarding the same plane, many
Asians are unable to travel with the usual pink-and-green tourist cards
commonly available at airline desks.
Passport
holders from India and the Philippines join 18 nations (Syria, Iraq,
and Nigeria included) in needing a special passport sticker to enter
Cuba. Procuring one isn’t easy: If you find yourself in a place without a
Cuban consulate, such as Manila, it requires an additional trip to a
neighboring hub to apply for the sticker in person. And if that
neighboring hub is Beijing, you might even need to apply for a visa (to
China) in order to get your visa (to Cuba).
A further caveat: If your flight is via the U.S., you must
also get a permit from a U.S.-based consulate or airline. Agencies such
as California-based Cuba Travel Services can handle visas by mail, though processingtimes run up to 30 days—during which time the agency will keep your passport in hand.
The National Capitol Building in Havana. Photographer: Eliana Aponte/Bloomberg
Lack of Marketing
“A
lot of travel agencies aren’t focusing on the Asian market,” says Marla
Recio Carbajal, the Cuban founder of luxury travel specialist Havana Reverie,
which has been hosting corporate retreats, galas, private dinners, and
fashion shows for clients since 2016. Due to their proximity, Cuba’s
government has focused on luring tourists from Canada, Latin America, or
Europe with cruise tours and package stays at beach resorts. “But
because more Asians are coming, I think tour operators realize there is
big potential there,” she says.
Of the 50 to 60 events Carbajal’s
company hosts a year, only one has involved an Asian group, which flew
in for a cigar festival. Havana Reverie plans to tap the Asian market
with Chinese- and Japanese-language versions of her website.
“I do think [Cuba has] missed the Asian market,” says Collin Laverty, president of Cuba Educational Travel.
“It’s gotten better, but not long ago it was a challenge to book a
hotel room in Cuba, something that can be off-putting to someone
considering flying across the world to visit.”
Still, there’s no shortage of Cuban attractions to entice those who live thousands of miles away. There’s no longer a shortage of great places to stay, either.
Relatively new on the scene is Kempinski Hotels’ 246-room Gran Hotel Manzana
in the heart of Havana—the city’s standard bearer for luxury—while
construction on Spanish hotel group Iberostar’s own five-star property, Grand Packard,
is underway. Golf courses and resorts in the country’s wild
agricultural west have also been planned. Don’t wait until they open to
plan your trip. As it stands, there’s a rising crop of trendy restaurants,
such as tapas restaurant Lamparilla 361 in Havana, plus plenty of
charming bed-and-breakfasts to make the 40-hour trip worth it, all on
their own.
When I first went to London
11 years ago, I was fascinated by its beauty, liveliness, cultural
diversity and rich history. I’ve since made many more trips there, each
time learning more about — and discovering more of — the UK’s storied
capital.
With its wide variety of free museums, unique shops and consistently vibrant atmosphere, London
is a fantastic destination for travelers of all ages. Despite its fast
pace, the level of safety and excellent public transportation system
make it among the most youth-friendly places to visit. Here are a few
experiences and activities I’d recommend to any teen visitor.
1. Stop by Shoreditch
Shoreditch, located in East London, is my favorite neighborhood. This
hip and artsy community is home to restaurants, stores and some of the
best street art in the city. Right next to the Shoreditch High Street
station on the London Overground is Boxpark, a collection of one-off
popup shops and cafés inside old shipping containers that’s a fun place
to explore.
Head down the street to Brick Lane and go shopping for fantastic
vintage clothes at Rokit and passion fruit chocolates at Dark Sugars.
Don’t miss the Brick Lane Market each Sunday, when local vendors spill
into the streets and Truman Brewery fills with food vendors selling
Burmese, Chinese and Singaporean cuisine — Indian food in this
neighborhood is also some of the best outside India. Brick Lane comes alive every Sunday morning with its bustling market. Image by the author.2. Explore Southwark
If you want to get away from the intense atmosphere of Piccadilly and
Oxford Street, head across the Thames to Southwark, an ancient borough
of London
dating back to Roman times. The impressive Southwark Cathedral, a
neighborhood icon, has a thousand-year-old history and is definitely
worth a visit. Inside the magnificent Southwark Cathedral. Be sure to have scones in the Refectory. Image by the author.
Next door is the equally old Borough Market, an excellent food market
that’s been held since the year 1014. Visit year-round for inexpensive
and authentic Ethiopian, Indian and contemporary English cuisine.
The neighborhood lies in the shadow of The Shard, Britain’s tallest
building at over 1,000 feet tall . Its observation deck offers sweeping
views of London in its entirety. Bring a jacket, though — the top floor is open-air and it gets windy up there! Borough Market is home to some of London’s best street food. Image by the author.3. Watch a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre — for Five Pounds
While you’re in Southwark, be sure to walk along the Thames to
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a modern reconstruction of the original
built in 1599. Faithful to its predecessor, the Globe still puts on
Shakespearean plays almost every day.
A seat will set you back £20-£45 (~$25-$56; £3 or $4 off for minors),
but the best way to experience a play at the Globe is to get standing
room tickets. At £5 (or ~$6), they’re a steal, and bring you within a
few feet of the actors — I got to see Antony and Cleopatra there
that way, and the performers even interacted with the audience! Of
course, after three hours of standing, my legs were killing me, but it
was absolutely worth it. Standing room tickets at the Globe will bring you up close with the actors. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.4. Traverse the City Like a Londoner
If it’s your first time here, scope out the city early on in your
visit so you can get a feel of the atmosphere. One easy way to do this
on a budget is to take a double-decker bus around town, which only costs
£1.50 (~$1.86) or £2.60 ($3.23) if you aren’t paying with a refillable
Oyster card. Many routes, like 15 and 9 (my favorite), will take you
past sights like the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus and Westminster
Abbey. Be sure to ride on the upper deck and step off from the lower
deck when you like what you see.
If riding a bus doesn’t appeal to you, you can also tour the town
from the Thames, the river that gave rise to London and remains its
vital artery. Catch the River Bus boat from many London piers
for fantastic views of London’s riverside attractions, including Big
Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
A quick side note about Oyster cards: save yourself some time and
money by buying one on your first day in town, as the £5 (~$6) deposit
will get you discounts on every kind of London public transport. Using
an Oyster card is faster and cheaper than using paper tickets, and when
you leave town, you can even turn it in and get your deposit refunded.
Or if you’re coming back, keep it for next time — it’ll never expire! 5. Enjoy Some Fresh Air at Hampstead Heath
London is home to some fantastic green spaces, like Hyde Park and
Green Park, but none offers an escape from the city quite like Hampstead
Heath. This vast park, located along the northern outskirts, is
conveniently accessible by the London Overground. While few tourists
make the trip out, locals love Hampstead Heath’s decidedly rural
atmosphere, and because the entire park is at an elevation, there are
several lookout points with fantastic views of the city. Hampstead Heath might not feel like London, but it’s just minutes from the city center. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.6. Walk from Trafalgar Square to Covent Garden
This walking route, my favorite in London, takes you through some of
the city’s most famous sights. Start in Trafalgar Square, home to the
National Gallery, which is definitely worth a visit — and is free to
enter. Just across the street is St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a gorgeous
18th-century church where you can eat in the crypt’s café — just try not
to think about the bodies buried in the floor!
Head down the scenic Strand, Britain’s most famous avenue and home to the famed Savoy Hotel, the Courtauld Gallery and the flagship store of Twinings Tea.
Turn left at Southampton Street and head straight until you get to
Covent Garden. There, visit the fascinating Transit Museum (don’t forget
to check out the gift shop), the Royal Opera House and the converted
vegetable market, which now hosts various restaurants and shops, in the
center of the square. Trafalgar Square is the bustling epicenter of Central London. Image by the author.7. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in a Historic Venue
A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without at least one afternoon
tea and, lucky for you, there are hundreds of restaurants and cafés in
the city offering the quintessentially British meal of fresh tea, finger
sandwiches, pastries and scones. If you can convince your parents to
splurge, tea at the Savoy Hotel’s Thames Foyer can’t be beat — the tea
is bottomless and you’ll even get free refills on the pastries and
sandwiches! A less expensive favorite of mine is at the Kensington
Orangery, part of a palace that’s home to the British Royal Family,
where tea is served with a lovely view of Kensington Gardens. Afternoon tea in the Savoy Hotel’s Thames Foyer is a luxurious treat. Image by the author.Bottom Line
Every time I’ve visited London, I’ve been dazzled by something new.
There’s no single right way to explore this city of nearly nine million.
The UK’s capital has many sides — it is at once traditional and
cosmopolitan, ancient and modern. London is a living, breathing story,
one that gladly invites travelers to stroll through its pages. You
really can’t go wrong here, so pick a Tube stop, go there and spend an
afternoon exploring. What are your favorite things to do in London? Leave your tips in the comments below.
Grab your mates, your extended family or multiple families and rent
out a luxury house. The initial price may seem huge, but when you split
it per person, it will often end up cheaper than staying in a cramped
hotel.
Now you’ll feel like the rich and famous; you can all throw in to
share food costs, which means you can go a little more deluxe with your
food choices – don’t forget the champers and morning mimosas!
We stayed in a luxury house on the waterfront on the Gold Coast with 14 of my friends for my 40th.
2. Luxury for less
We recently shared a new search aggregator
by Travelex that helps you find luxury holidays for less and breaks it
down into flight, accommodation and currency costs according to your
budget. You’ll be surprised by how far your money can go.
3. All-inclusive holidays
There are plenty of travel destinations or experiences (like cruises)
that offer all-inclusive deals, which can be a great way get more for
your money. You know how much to budget before you go, your food,
accommodation, and sometimes alcohol and activities are all included.
All inclusive holidays are suited to those type of holidays where you
don’t want to do too much but relax and spend time with those you love,
rather than exploring, adventuring and tasting the local life.
4. Repositioning cruises
Cruise ships often have to relocate to start a new itinerary or
season. Instead of sailing the ship empty, they sell discounted
tickets – on average up to 50% off. Repositioning cruises travelling to
and from Australia frequently stop in Tahiti or travel via Hawaiian
ports such as Honolulu, Lahaina, Kailua, and Kona. Other repositioning
itineraries that journey to and from Asia include ports such as
Singapore, Bali, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and Puerto Princessa and
Manila in the Philippines.
If you’re planning on a one way trip to a destination, this could be a
cheap way to get yourself there, making the journey part of the travel
adventure. I considered it as an option to get to Hawaii on our America
Unplugged road trip, but couldn’t find anything to suit.
5. Chauffeur driven transfers
Travelling business or first? Top tier airlines such as Qantas and
Emirates offer complimentary chauffeur driven transfers to and from the
airport on selected major flights.
If you have a big travelling party, it might even be worth you
investigating the price of this in comparison to other forms of
transport. Go lux for less when you can!
We stayed in Denver, Colorado recently using hotel reward points,
saving us around $300 a night. It’s beneficial to sign up to hotel
chains loyalty programs. Get on their email list as they often have
special deals come out for their members such as double points and free
upgrades.
It doesn’t always have to be direct with that hotel chain. American
Express Membership Rewards have two Hotel Guest Partners. You
can transfer your points into your preferred program and book directly
with the partner.
2. Access Club Lounges
Some hotel chains, like Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton, have Club Lounges.
You may get access to these depending on your program status, or you
can purchase a pass with your points.
These club lounges have free food and drinks. We saved a lot of money
eating out when we stayed at the Ritz in Denver as we could eat in the
Club lounge!
3. Ask for upgrades and best price
Don’t be shy to ask for an upgrade when you check in. We often get
upgrades without even asking. Hotel chains will often upgrade you if
they have space as they want their customers to have incredible
experiences.
Golden Rule – be kind, courteous and friendly. It’s just karma baby!
Ask the accommodation what is the best price they can do. They can
often reduce the rate for you if you book directly with them. On our
road trip around Australia, we often asked the caravan parks/hotels upon
check-in if that was their best price. We’d often get the kids thrown
in for free! If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
4. Use Airbnb
Airbnb is my favourite
way to book cheap accommodation. Plus, you get to live like a local and
have the facilities to cook your food and save more money.
Apartment rentals often come with free Wi-Fi, are in good locations,
and other perks, like tea and coffee, use of kayaks and bikes, and a
local’s guide to the area.
I stayed in an Airbnb in LA, and the host even offered transfer
services to the airport which were on par with Uber prices. She was also
a wealth of inside knowledge, and it was way cheaper than staying in a
hotel – by at least $1000 in total.
5. Find the deals
Two for the price of one, discounted rates, kids stay for free –
there are multiple ways to find cheap accommodation. Travelling outside
of peak times will give you the biggest chance.
Stay connected to your favourite hotel chains and search engine
providers via email or social media to quickly grab the deals as they
come through.
6. Book your travels with points
As outlined in this post,
I used the American Express Travel booking service on their website to
book flights, accommodation, car rental and even tours. I found their
deals very comparable to other sites, if not better – they had some
great discounted deals on accommodation!
You can book using points, or a combination of points + pay. If you
use up all your points, and still have more to book, you can pay for
whatever’s left with your American Express Card and collect more points
for travel!
With American Express Travel Online there are no restrictions, no blackout dates, and no fees. Simple.
For some eligible American Express Cards offer a complimentary Travel
Credit, which can be used to book eligible prepaid flights, hotels or
car hire when booking with American Express Travel Online.
