Hidden Film and TV Destinations in Europe
“Stop!” he yelled at me from across the courtyard. “Yes, you!”
“Show me your student card! How did you get in here? The school is closed today. You’re not supposed to be here!”
The ironic thing was he actually looked like Vernon Dursley and was about to have a palpation that I had snuck past the guards.
The many colleges of Oxford University were closed for orientation day, and tourists were being turned away as students passed through the gates. Though I hadn’t traveled from Australia to see my Harry Potter trail go cold, and as an 20 year old employing the idea that if I didn’t look suspicious, they wouldn’t have reason to stop me, I walked myself straight through the gates.
read moreTop 10 Classic European Ski Resorts
If you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, Europe is home to some of the World’s most iconic ski resorts. And while skiing might have originated in Norway and Sweden, it’s the southern ski destinations that have cemented their names as a classic.
“From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920’s and James Bond in the 1980’s to the snowboarders of today, the mighty Alps provide both framework and backdrop for skiing in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.” You’ll find reliable snow, vast skiing terrains, legendary night life and family friendly facilities. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels and destination spas with ultra-luxury chalets.
Europe has literally hundreds of ski resorts to choose from, though only a couple of classics. Here are our favorite top 10.
read moreCountries Which Won’t Let You In Without Health Insurance
There are many, many reasons you should purchase health insurance when traveling abroad, the most obvious being to protect yourself in the case of an emergency, though some countries are beginning to require health coverage as a mandatory condition of entry, meaning travelers no longer have the choice to travel without a plan.
Expat hubs around the world are beginning to require mandatory health insurance before issuing a visa, and more and more countries are deciding to refuse entry without it. Many travelers don’t realize that without the correct insurance, they could be turned away from the destination they are visiting before they make it past airport arrivals.
The following countries are among those jumping on the trend of making health insurance mandatory for those wishing to travel or live overseas.
read moreWhy You Should Visit Umbria In Italy
Move over Rome and Venice, Umbria – the green heart of Italy- is offering tourists an authentic Italian experience without the bustling crowds!
Cascading green hills, speckled meadows and luscious warm sun await you on your Umbria villa holidays, and with a colourful and equally fascinating history and culture, you’ll be left captivated and head over heels in love with this glorious region. The only region in Italy that does not border either coastline or another country, the green heart offers an authentic Italian experience that has not been diluted by globalisation.
For travelers who have visited Italy in the past and already ticked off the more renowned destinations from their bucketlist, you may want to consider visiting the beautiful region of Umbria for your next trip.
read moreThings to Do in Italy This Winter; Ideas for an Unforgettable Winter Break
Many travellers and tourists fall into the trap of thinking that Italy peaks in the summer. However, when winter comes around and the crowds die down there are some truly extraordinary things you can see and do.
Spending winter in Italy may not be something you’ve previously considered, but the country is just as spectacular at this time of year as it is over summer (maybe even more so!). So, take a look at some of the wonderful events and experiences you can attend, making your winter break to Italy unforgettable.
read more5 European Gems You Have to Visit This Year
Travelling through Europe is a must for anyone looking for a fabulous vacation. It is full of historical sites, lush landscapes, and offers up many exciting kinds of accommodations for explorers.
Here are 5 gems that you must visit this year, including Ireland, Croatia, Italy, Holland and Iceland.
read moreAuthentic, Italian Experiences You Can Have With Locals in Rome
There’s a famous saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. And this is always the goal when traveling; to immerse yourself fully in a new culture, and engage in authentic local interactions and experiences.
With the emergence of local experiences marketplaces that are English-language friendly and offer low-cost travel options, seeking local experiences is easier than it ever has been before. There are friendly locals in every city in the world willing to show you around, and invite you into their home.
Withlocals is one such marketplace, a platform connecting travelers with locals through food and experiences. This eliminates the overcrowded tour buses, cliche dining options, and stereotypical activities by instead offering private tours and dining experiences lead by locals themselves.
For those looking to roam Rome like a local, and literally “do as the Romans do”, the following are some fantastic Withlocals offerings for Rome. 7 ideas for authentic, local Italian experiences available for travelers.
read moreThe Best Cities in the World for Shopping
For those who love to shop, this can be as much an international sport as any you will find in the program at the next Olympic Games.
It’s the thrill of haggling in international markets, the strained faces of people fighting for items in a mall, and the stamina to get up at ungodly hours for a city’s sample sale stampedes. It’s the bragging rights in finding a souvenir or luxury item for so little that you’re the envy of your friends and family on returning home. For some, just the search for that must-have item can be as fun as owning the actual product.
Yes, shopping is a sport. And some cities offer shoppers a variety of options. So, where are the top shopping destinations around the globe?
The following destinations are some of the most fashion-frenzy, shopping capitols of the world. And, if getting paid to shop for people while you’re overseas sounds like the dream, you should set up a free account on Grabr; a peer-to-peer delivery service where travelers get paid to shop for people and bring home hard-to-find items for a sweet delivery fee. Your travels take you to distant places…why not make some extra money shopping for people while you’re there?!
read moreSingle in Florence: Resisting the Charm of Italian Men
Women from all corners of the world flock to Italy to enjoy Italian art, history, and cuisine. But what they don’t tell their husbands and boyfriends is that a little part of them may secretly lust after the scenario where a Latin lover will conquer them with a smouldering glance and whisk them away on their scooters to woo them in some secluded olive grove! The rest of us? We do our best to resist!
The charms and flirtations of Italian men are well rumored throughout the world to be a feminine vice. Though for the unsuspecting female traveler, well, many before me have found themselves caught in disastrous encounters with Italian flirts.
And that was without advertising that they were ‘single and ready to mingle’! My bad.
read moreTips For Attending the Venetian Carnival
For one week every year, Venice transforms itself. It leaves behind the calm atmosphere it is known for and transforms into an explosion of colours and emotions.
I’m talking about the Venetian Carnival.
This recurring holiday is famous all over the world, but to participate can be a little bit tricky. Venice is a labyrinth of small streets and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction if you don’t know what you are doing.
But follow these tips for attending the Venetian Carnival and you’ll be fine. You’re in for an incredibly memorable time!
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