Category Archives: Places

BackPacking Europe

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MY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BACKPACKING EUROPE
Thanks to Matt at nomadicmatt.com

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

Backpacking Europe is still one of my favorite things to as a traveler. There isn’t a year I don’t criss-cross the continent.

I’ve been doing it for over close to thirteen years and it never gets old.

During the summer, hostels brim with life, the Mediterranean sparkles, streets brim with people slowly drinking wine, and the late night setting suns leads to long wonderous days. During the winter, winter brings Christmas markets, skiing, fewer crowds, and lower prices! (Note: May and October are really the best months to backpack Europe in my opinion.)

Summary of Matt’s full article

Step 1: Plan Your Backpacking Europe Trip
How Not to Feel Overwhelmed While Planning – Planning the perfect trip to Europe can be daunting and overwhelming. I’ve been there and I understand, but I can tell you from years of experience that the more you plan your trip, the more anxiety you will face.

Step 2: Get Your Gear for Backpacking Europe
How to Pick the Best Backpack – It’s important to pick a quality backpack for your trip since it’s going to get beaten up as you travel!

Step 3: How to Get Amazing Accommodation in Europe
How to Find Cheap Accommodation – If you are looking to stay somewhere besides a hotel or a hostel, this article lists all the types of places where you can rest your head in Europe — from couches to farms and even monasteries!

Step 4: Get Around Europe on the Cheap
7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe – Even with the falling euro, traveling around Europe can still be fairly expensive. Here are seven ways to backpack Europe without breaking the bank.

Step 5: Save Money While Backpacking Europe
How to Save Money on Food – While traveling Europe, food often becomes a major expense. Here are some tips for saving money on food so you still can afford a nice meal out every now and then.

Step 6: Find Out What to do and See in Europe
What do you do while backpacking Europe? LOTS! Here are all my comprehensive budget travel guides for destinations around Europe with tips and advice on things to do and see, ways to save money, and typical costs for each of them. You’ll find country specific tips as well as a host of cities listed as well. I have over 100 guides to places in Europe! Everything you ever need to know about where you are going can be found in these articles!

Want All My Money-Saving Tips? Get My Guide to Europe
Nomadic Matt’s Backpacking Europe
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!!

Read Matt’s full review at … https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/backpacking-europe-guide/

 

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Family Holidays in Sydney on a Budget.

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We’ve just come across this great article about holidaying around the Sydney area.Sydney Camping

We all know how expensive it can be visiting Sydney but it doesn’t have to be and one of the many ways to spend a family holiday is camping. There are many holiday parks in Sydney and this article gives the lowdown on 21 sites in and around the city.

http://www.webuycaravans.com.au/campgrounds-caravan-parks-sydney/

Enjoy your holiday visiting this fabulous city.

Cliff

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*** MUNICH CITY GUIDE ***

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What to see, plus the best bars, hotels and restaurants

Outside Oktoberfest, the Bavarian capital is a graceful city – green in summer, atmospheric in winter, and buzzing with great museums and bars year round.

Munich

 

WHAT TO SEE

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO DRINK

WHERE TO STAY

Read more ..
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/nov/07/munich-city-guide-bars-restaurants-hotels-germany

And for links to great places to visit, where to stay and what to do visit us at traveljunkies.com 

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Affordable Places To Live in Europe

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Not Just For Retirement, These Are Great Places To Live …  

Europe’s Top 5 Affordable Retirement Havens

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Imagine the smell of freshly-baked croissants wafting through the air, or the satisfying swallow of wine made from grapes grown just down the road. Perhaps you muse about living on a sun-drenched Mediterranean beach or tucked down a cobbled lane savoring the cosmopolitan delights of a history-rich city…

A retirement in Europe is a dream for many folks. And it can easily be a reality. If it’s culture, history, and variety you’re after, Europe has it all, and at a cost much lower than you may think… Over the next few pages we explore the five best low-cost options for enjoying your perfect European retirement.

Each of these countries contradicts the dated view of Europe as a continent for the wealthy retiree

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France: Pleasantly Affordable, Great Quality of Life

By Barbara Diggs

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You didn’t expect France to be on this list, did you? Many people can never believe the land that gave the world the likes of Versailles, Chanel, and the term haute cuisine could be anything other than prohibitively expensive.

Don’t let France’s glittering reputation blind you. France is a wealthy, First-World country, but the average French person only makes about $30,000 per year. Outside of high-glamor zones like Paris, Provence, and the sun-soaked towns of the Riviera, the cost of living and real estate can be surprisingly reasonable…yet the quality of life remains very high.

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Spain: Sunny, Affordable European Living

By Glynna Prentice

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Warm, sunny days by the glittering Mediterranean, cool nights at an outdoor café, lingering over dinner until the wee hours, mouthwatering paella, mounds of fresh seafood, succulent roast lamb (and flavorful wines to accompany them), rich, ancient culture, hilltop castles, and vast stretches of countryside just made for hiking and cycling. Spain invites you to wax lyrical over its many charms and its laidback lifestyle. Here, having fun is expected and hanging out is an art.

And these days, that appealing lifestyle is very affordable. Spain has long been one of the least-expensive countries in Europe. And today, with real estate prices at their lowest in decades and the euro weaker than it’s been in years, Spain is a downright bargain, whether you’re looking to live here full- or part-time.

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Malta: The Best of European Island Life

By Gigi Griffis

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Ask any expat why they upped sticks to relocate to the tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta (all 122 square miles of it—not a whole lot bigger than Nantucket) and the same three reasons keep cropping up: sea, sunshine, and the friendly and welcoming population of English-speaking locals. I encountered all three in abundance on my journeys through this captivating island chain. And having traveled throughout Europe, I can honestly say that Malta fits the bill for an ideal retirement destination.

In Malta, you’ll find abundant sunshine even at the height of winter. Valletta, the nation’s scenic capital and adorned with historic buildings, is renowned as the warmest capital in Europe—and with less than 7,000 inhabitants, a highly manageable one, at that. Even in January, you’ll still find temperatures in the 60s F, rising to the 80s F during the glorious summer months.

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Italy: A Passion for Apulia

By Steenie Harvey

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It’s understandable why many Americans regard Italy as expensive. I would, too, if I’d ever been foolish enough to pay $20 for an ice cream near Rome’s Trevi fountain or take a $120 gondola ride in Venice.

Thankfully, I spend far more time outside “tourist Italy” than in it.

Venture beyond the country’s big-ticket destinations, and you’ll likely be amazed at how inexpensive it can be. It’s not a case of compromise either—just like art treasures, history, and luscious landscapes, good living is everywhere.

Leaving aside hotspots like Capri and Sorrento, the farther south you go, the more prices fall. A quick example: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Milan is $1,000 and in Florence it’s $700. But in Lecce, a flamboyantly baroque city in the Apulia region of Italy’s deep south, it’s $436.

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Portugal: The Last Bastion of True Old World Living

By Eoin Bassett

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Ask your average European to describe England, Italy, or France and they will have an answer—even if they have never been. But beyond its southern beach towns and the elegant old capital of Lisbon, Portugal will have them stumped.

Few folks—not even the neighbors—have a clear picture of this small country. It’s Iberian but not Spanish. It nowhere touches the Mediterranean Sea yet it is in ways Mediterranean.

It’s small—no bigger than Indiana—but diverse, with each region distinct. You’ll spend the afternoon eating lamb in a mountain hamlet where wood smoke wafts from ancient stone homes, and that same evening dine on fresh fish on a sandy Atlantic beach.

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Many thanks to International Living Magazine

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5 Must See Attractions in Australia

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Known for its endless beauty, exotic animals, awesome cafes, and infinite beaches, Australia is an adventure traveller’s paradise.

The Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures on our planet and can be seen from outer space. To protect the thousands of marine animals and coral reefs that call it home, it was established as a marine park in 1975. It stretches 2300 km long (1430 miles) along the Australian coast of Queensland. With more than 1600 species of fish, sharks, turtles, and giant clams the crystal clear waters make the Great Barrier Reef a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise. For the extreme adventurer many tour companies offer White Shark cage diving. For the not so adventurous the wonders of the reef can be seen from the safety of glass bottom boats. Whichever way you choose to see this amazing reef is a must see when traveling to Australia.
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Photo Credit: oz-about.comUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Listed as a World Heritage Site, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, also known as “shadowy place” by the indigenous Aborigines, is a striking red monolith rising 348 m (1,141 ft.) from the surrounding plains. It has become one of the most photographed natural wonders in Australia, sunset being the best time to capture its splendor. The best way to experience the sacred structures is to hire a local Aboriginal guide or ranger.
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Blue Mountains National ParkBlue Mountains National Park
A short 81 km (50 miles) from Sydney lays the Blue Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Gaining its name from the blue hue that radiates from the eucalyptus trees covering the mountains, the 664,000 acres comprises waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, spectacular gorges, and almost 150 km (87 miles) of gorgeous hiking trails. The Three Sisters sandstone rock formations are one of the most popular points within the National Park.
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Bondi BeachBondi Beach
No visit to Australia is complete without experiencing the beach in all its glory and there is no better place in Australia to do it than Bondi Beach. Here is where you’ll find beautiful sand, refreshing blue water, gorgeous tanned bodies, and fantastic food. In the mood for some fun, the people at Bondi are more than happy to share their volley ball game, help a novice surfer, or include you in their picnic. There are various cafes, shops, and restaurants along the 6 km Bondi to Bronte coastal walk if a long stroll is what you want. A word of caution…the riptides off the beach can be treacherous so if you’re not used to swimming in the ocean stay in the shallow water. Of course there are those famous Bondi lifeguards to save you!Photo Credit: www.holiday-n-adventure.de
Broome and the Kimberley Region
Infinite white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise seas make up the Cable Broome and the Kimberley region beach. Located off the town of Broome that was once known as the pearl capitol of the world, this thriving tourist town is known for its “Staircase to the Moon”. Visitors to this area in the months of March and October can witness a phenomenon that occurs during certain conditions in which the moonlight creates an optical illusion of stairs that appear to lead straight to the moon. Another famous must do activity are the sunset camel rides.

Marie Hernandez

Marie Hernandez is a Destination and Hotel marketer, full time traveler, travel writer/blogger and the founder and author behind SeriouslyTravel.

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Nightlife In Stockholm

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Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, might be better known for its medieval history, art galleries and famous waterways than its nightlife for now, but this is all set to change in 2014.

The Summerburst electric dance festival has really put Stockholm on the map of best party destinations, rivalling Ibiza, – with past headliners including Avicci, Calvin Harris and David Guetta. As well as festivals, Stockholm attracts big name music acts with recent visitors including Rihanna, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus.

However it’s not all pop music and dance festivals, the foundation of Stockholm’s nightlife is based on a good mix of exclusive VIP nightclubs juxtaposed with relaxed live jazz music clubs and bohemian bars.

Whatever you consider a good night out, Stockholm can provide. The best areas to go out in are Stureplan and Södermalm, two different areas with two very different nightlife styles. Find out which one suits you best below:

Stureplan

Described by the Swedish tourist board as ‘Glamorous Stureplan’, this part of town will really appeal to visitors who want to see how the other half live. As well as designer shops like Versace and Gucci, here you’ll find the most expensive bars and restaurants, which of course are also Stockholm’s most famous.

Laroy, Spy Bar and Sturehof are just some of the more well-known nightlife venues to visit, but there’s plenty to pick from with Stureplan’s extremely dense concentration of bars and nightclubs.
Many of the venues are decadent, with lots of white and purple furnishings and guests who regularly splash out on bottles of champagne.

A number of the clubs, like the posh sushi restaurant East, start as restaurants before transforming into clubs – but forget bar snacks of fries and chicken wings, you’re far more likely to dine on red snapper carpaccio or beef tenderloin sashimi here.

  • Word of advice: If you’re going to do Stureplan’s nightclubs properly get on a guest list. It’s not as hard as it sounds; usually you can sign-up to a guest list online at the club’s website. Although open to the wee small hours, the best clubs reach maximum capacity very quickly, so head there before midnight to make sure you get in before they fill up.

Best of Stureplan

 Spy Bar

  • Although it now attracts Stockholm’s fashionistas, hipsters and anyone working in media, Spy Bar used to be reserved for just B-list celebrities and wannabe stars.

    The door policy can still be tough however, and although the bar really gets going between 3-5am, it’s worth getting there before 1am to increase your chances of making it past security. But once you’re in, the long queue (and pricey drinks) don’t seem to matter – the decadent rooms, beautiful locals and visitors and excellent music make it all seem worthwhile.

Sturecompagniet

  • Stockholm’s largest nightclub is also one of the city’s oldest, giving it a legendary status. With four halls over two storeys, there are different music themes in each room with an elaborate interior of period ceilings, marble and carved roses. Sign up to the online guest list to increase your chances of getting in.

The Wall at V

  • A club within a club, you can only access The Wall by going through Sturecompagniet to get to the V Club. The Wall is the al fresco courtyard within the V Club, complete with its own conservatory style bar. The secret location makes the club very alluring to those with enough swagger to try their luck at getting in.

Södermalm

Forget pretentious staff and unforgiving bouncers, Södermalm is Stockholm’s more inclusive part of town. The bars here are all about the music and prefer to focus on creating their own niche style rather than creating a contrived VIP scene.

Pet Sounds Bar

  • Ran by Pet Sounds Records you can rely on this bar for top class music and guest DJs. With Rock history inspired cocktails and a restaurant serving up decent food at reasonable prices, Pet Sounds provides the whole package for a solid night out without any self-important attitudes.

Snotty Sounds Bar

  • Don’t be put off by the name, Snotty is another bar that’s all about the music. Specialising in loud indie rock, (both in music and décor) Snotty is popular with locals and visitors alike as a relaxed hangout during the week and attracting larger crowds over the weekend.

Debaser Medis

  • THE venue for live music in Södermalm, Debaser Medis spreads over three floors with live gigs, DJs and clubs. A laid-back atmosphere, choice of restaurant and bars and brilliant live performers all contribute to make this a must-visit club in Stockholm mid-week or at the weekend.

Jazz Bars

 

Glenn Miller Café

Stockholm has a really strong live jazz scene, with a number of high and low profile clubs and cafes all over Stockholm.
The Glenn Miller Café is Stockholm’s most highly rated jazz café, with a 1930’s eastern European feel and a hideaway location in a very central part of the city.
The café has a loyal, local crowd and is always busy yet still very welcoming to visiting music lovers. Guests can enjoy a drink or make a reservation for dinner and the café boasts a live music program practically every day of the week.
See more jazz bars and reviews in Stockholm here.

Find out more

As well as this short snapshot of Stockholm’s nightlife, find out more about Stockholm’s restaurants, hotels and museums with these videos from London City airport.

Guest post by Stephanie Sheehan
Propellernet.co.uk

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