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Reasons to visit Florida

May 20, 2015 tips, travel, USA No comments

Florida, named as Flowery Land by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon already in 1513, is the US state known for its longest coastline and subtropical to tropical climate. tickets to Disney world Orlando

I have a lot of friends who come from Florida, or moved in there but also many foreign friends who were attracted by its charm to pay a short visit at least. Some of them even decided to travel around in an RV renting it via RVshare website.

As well, I do know a few people who went to Miami or Key West to work for a couple of months, some of them were even my ex high school classmates from Slovakia.

Fortunately, I am one of those people who has had a chance to visit this paradise already. But I only managed to spend a few days in Miami with Colombian and German friends on my way to Aruba island.

beach Florida

 

Reasons to visit Florida:

 

  • Disney World – recently I’ve been visiting many amusement parks so visiting Florida could not go without getting tickets to Disney world Orlando. Would you join me?
  • animals – crocodile, manatee, alligator, panther, dolphins, whales, eagles and much more can be found in Florida – after my experience of swimming with caimans in the Amazon jungle of Bolivia, I would love to see the difference between them, crocodiles and alligators
  • Mockingbird is the state bird – I so love the birds! I honestly could spend days observing different birds flying, feeding and just cleaning themselves up.
  • Around 1,000 km of beaches – enough said about the Sunshine State to convince not only me to

 

florida beaches

*photo credit

beach Florida

  • Florida has more than 4,500 islands! Island paradise, here I come …
  • Hispanic community – I am one of the biggest fans of Latin American culture so Florida is definitely a place for me. It’s said around 20% of Florida’s inhabitants speak Spanish so I could discuss just anything with them talking in my favorite language ever.
  • Historic districts of towns
  • Fresh fruit and veggies – citrus, watermelon, tomatoes, celery and strawberries, yum! Around 40% of the world’s oranges is produced in Florida so the state drink is my favorite fresh orange juice.
  • Mild winters in Miami – no more freezing! (I am officially allergic to cold if you didn’t know)
  • Wikipedia states there’s more than 3,000 wildflowers in Florida and who doesn’t like flowers?
  • Caves, springs and sinkholes (I’ve visited more than 15 sinkholes in Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and am dying for more!)
  • Great for a city break – Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah etc.
  • Unique architecture – Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Revival
  • Sports – such as baseball, tennis, golf, car racing, soccer, basketball, ice hockey
  • Special Flash of Green phenomenon can be sometimes witnessed after the sunset
  • Canoe, Kayak, Sailing, Fishing, Boating and Air Adventures – anything is possible in Florida
  • Perfect Wellness – there’s nothing better than relaxing in a spa after a cool adventure. That’s why I started my Adventure and Spa project and as far as I know, Florida is definitely a place to go for both.

 

All the points above make Florida top travel destination of the world, and no wonder why …

Would you add any more reasons to visit Florida? Have you been?

Island Hopping in the Caribbean

April 28, 2015 beach, Central America, tips No comments

I always wondered what one of my biggest travel dreams was. The famous Machu Picchu built by the Incas, cold Antarctica, white-sand beaches of Australia or the Caribbean? All these destinations are high on my bucket list, that’s for sure.

 

If you have been following me for a while now on my main blog, then you might know already that I am more of a beach and spa person than anything else. I truly love islands, there’s always so many cool things to do there and then you can relax in between all the those moments when you are trying to stay active! No matter how many times I try to think about, one of the best paradise beach destinations to me is definitely the Caribbean.

 

To be honest, I have not visited as many Caribbean islands as I would like to. Not yet. But I am so planning on spending at least half a year island hopping in the Caribbean as soon as I get a chance. Probably the best way to explore all the lush tropical islands with idyllic beaches would be a cruise, don’t you think? And after my first week cruise around the Mediterranean sea back in 2013, I am all about cruising now. If you haven’t been on a cruise yet, check out my article about what to expect on a cruise.

 

But just to give you my modest opinion, I can mention 3 of my very favorite islands in the Caribbean in no particular order (I could not pick as they are all incredibly awesome!)

 

A-cruise-ship-in-Port-Zante-on-St.-Kitts

1. Isla Mujeres

I fell in love with Isla Mujeres – the so called Women’s island already during my first time in Mexico back in 2011. After spending a month traveling around the Yucatan peninsula, Isla Mujeres very quickly became one of my favorite places. Snorkeling in the underwater museum, hundreds iguanas or the Southernmost tip of Mexico? They all belong to top 10 things to do in Isla Mujeres.

2. Isla Contoy

Just 30 miles North from Isla Mujeres you will find Isla Contoy, a bird and beach paradise. The island has a limited number of tourists allowed per day so you will be able to find a small part of the beach just for yourself. In addition, 152 species of birds reside on the island which was claimed a National Park in 1998 also for that reason.

 

3. St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis islands surprised me the most out of all the Caribbean islands I’ve been to. And of course, in a positive way. There is a huge difference between the two islands, but both St. Kitts and Nevis could be called one paradise. Up to old sugar cane plantations rebuilt into hotels, cheeky monkeys, fresh tasty fish with rice and beans, and not so high yet beautiful mountains? Then St. Kitts and Nevis are a place to go!

the-view-of-South-East-Peninsula-with-North-Friars-Bay-on-the-left

 

4. Aruba

One of the last Caribbean islands I’ve personally visited was Aruba in October 2014 and I was so amazed. The beach on the tiny Dutch island at the Divi All Inclusive hotel I stayed at was perfect, with crystal clear turquoise water and the best sunsets ever! Aruba is also a perfect getaway for adventure seakers. You will have so much fun on a jeep tour around the island, I promise! Just remember to bring a good mood and a smile with you. And get ready for a lot of bumps and dust 😀

5 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Jet Lag

April 16, 2015 tips, travel No comments

Jet lag is an inevitable part of travelling, especially if you are travelling long distances across the world. It usually occurs when crossing two or more time zones, as the rapid travel throws off your circadian rhythm and causes it to be somewhat unstable. Some people may feel the effects of jet lag more than others, and this may be attributed to age and how often they travel this way. Jet lag can never be eliminated, but there are some ways to reduce its effects once you arrive at your destination.

Adjust your schedule

If you change up your schedule a little to match the time zone you are travelling to, this will help you greatly in combatting jet lag. These don’t have to be massive changes – just try going to bed earlier if you are travelling east and later if you are travelling west. If you can eat your meals according to your destination’s times, this will also help you out.

Stopover

Try and plan a stopover if you can, as this will give you some time to adjust to the difference in time. When I had to fly from Bangkok to Divi hotel in Aruba, I stayed in Miami for 2 nights. Flying can be a tiring exercise in itself, so take this opportunity to take a nap and have some food. If you have an extended period of time in your stopover, you might even want to take a shower before lying down for some rest.

Sleep!

Getting enough sleep before, during and after your flight is extremely important in ensuring you are as unaffected by jet lag as possible. Before you leave, make sure you get a decent night’s sleep. Don’t make the mistake of trying to stay awake so you can get to sleep better on the plane – it is better to be well rested at all times. During the flight, try and get as much sleep as you can. This might mean using eyeshades, bringing your most comfortable pillow, or playing music that helps you sleep – pharmacies, department stores and luggage specialists such as Luggage Direct often have a range of pillows, ear plugs and eye masks to choose from.

 

DSC_0549

Keep hydrated

When you aren’t sleeping on the plane, try and drink as much water as possible. Dehydration will be your enemy, so avoid caffeine and alcohol, as tempting as they may be.

Exposure to Daylight

Get as much sun as you can once you arrive at your destination. The light will make you feel better and less lethargic, and will allow you to adapt to the time change with more ease. If you really want to kick it up a notch, you might even want to go for a run to get your endorphins going.

These are five different ways to reduce the effects of jet lag if you are travelling across many time zones. Sleeping well is one of the best ways to combat jet lag, but different people may have different strategies, so find something that works for you and stick to it. Happy travelling!

Do you travel often? Do you have a list of things you do to combat jet lag? Do you agree with the tips above? Leave your thoughts and advice down below.

 

If you need more tips on how to stay fit when traveling which might help you fighting jet lag, visit my other blog 🙂

Top 4 east coast Australia Tours

March 24, 2015 Australia, tips, travel No comments

It’s very funny what life brings you … The last time when an inteview with me was on the Slovak radio Expres, they mentioned there I wanted to visit Australia and stay there for longer. It made me remember the summer 2 years ago when an Australian friend of mine visited me in my home town in Slovakia for a few days. I had met him a few months ago in Thailand and ever since had a chance to meet many interesting Australians, mostly guys (btw all so good looking!)

Right now it’s my last days in India which I am spending at the famous Varkala beach. And guess what? There’s 2 Australian friends staying int town, too. Both are from Melbourne which just made me to think of visiting Australia really soon. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Planning my trip to Australia, I can say for sure I would not only visit Melbourne, but also took many east coast Australia Tours while there.

 

Top 4 east coast Australia Tours I would definitely like to do:

 

1. Brisbane

Not only another friend of mine lives in there and I haven’t seen him for more than 3 years, but Brisbane is also famous for its restaurants, lagoons (such as the South Bank sandy lagoon) and gardens. The capital of Queensland is a great place for adventure lovers where you can do anything from Kangaroo Point cliffs abseil, kayaking or sand boarding on Moreton Island close by. I can already imagine myself there on one of the leisurely river cruises observing the sunset.

 

2. Sydney

It might sound like a cliche but visiting Sydney has always been on top of my bucket list. I am not the biggest fan of huge cities, but although Sydney is the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania, for sure, I will enjoy the coastal beaches there, the Opera House, all the museums and one of the largest natural harbours in the world. I would need to plan to visit Sydney on the New Years Eve to watch the magnificent fireworks I’ve seen on TV only, and also for the Mardi Grass festival.

 

3. Uluru

Uluru rock located in the Kata Tjuta National Park is no doubt one of Australia’s best-known natural landmarks. The Ayers Rock, how it is sometimes also calld, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. I can bet that every single person on Earth have seen at least one photo of this well-known orange rock formation. Paying a visit to Uluru at sunset would be the best as the colours are even stronger at that time.

 

4. Melbourne

After Sydney, Melbourne is the second most inhabited city in Australia. Situated in the state of Victoria, the city attracts visitors also because of the landmarks such as the Eureka Skydeck, Sea Life Aquarium, the Puffing Billy Steam Train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges; or the Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you’ll see Australia’s penguins and other wildlife. Hopping on the observation wheel Melbourne Star is a must do, too.

 

City View

 

Would like to hear your thoughts. Any other east coast Australia Tours I should put on my bucket list?

Three Best Destinations On A Backpacking Tour Of Serie A’s Clubs

February 2, 2015 Europe, Italy, tips No comments

Italy’s Serie A is one of the most historically successful and internationally recognised soccer leagues in the world today. It is perhaps only eclipsed by England’s Premier League and Spain’s Primera Liga. Therefore, it is not surprising that millions of backpacking soccer fans are embarking on Serie A-themed tours around Italy, witnessing the high-class sporting action whilst submerging themselves in the sights and sounds of Italy’s most stunning and scintillating cities.

Not only are Serie A’s teams spread out beautifully within Italy but each club’s home city offers a distinctly different flavour. Therefore, following the path of the Serie A’s fixtures is not a bad way to explore Italy, especially if you are a sports fan. Of course, not everyone is going to be able to see every match and visit every city. So, for those interested in such a football tour of Italy, here are three locations and teams that are not to be missed.

 

Cagliari Calcio, Cagliari

Cagliari Calcio call the Stadio Comunale Sant’Elia its home. It hosted three matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup and has existed since 1920. Nestled within the ancient city of Cagliari, it is not just this longstanding club that is brimming with history.

Above ground, this diverse city is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and striking monuments. However, below ground, lie several remains of human settlements from thousands of years ago. Beneath Cagliari lies a Roman amphitheatre, a huge necropolis from the Carthaginian era and even a prehistoric Domus de Janas.

Situated on the coast of the autonomous Italian island of Sardinia, Cagliari has a stunning coastline which features one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, within the city centre, one will find several museums, theatres and libraries. Moreover, given this and the city’s historic underbelly, Cagliari is currently favourite to become the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

 

*photo credit: berlinrider 

 

Palermo, Palermo

The winners of Serie B last season, Palermo has sadly failed to dominate the top Italian league in the same way. They languish mid-table, with odds of only 2000/1 in the Serie A betting to win the league. However, even if they lose the league, Palermo’s location is definitely a winner!

Palermo is located on the iconic island of Sicily and is known to be the cultural, touristic and economic capital. One of the largest Mediterranean cities, Palermo is known for its exceptionally sunny and warm weather.

Besides having a world-renowned collection of beautiful churches, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque styling, Sicily is also known for its gastronomy and restaurants. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife that centres around Sicily’s long history involving live music.

 

Juventus, Turin

The champions of Serie A in 2014, and favourite to repeat this feat, Juventus is a legendary soccer team. How appropriate then that the team is located within perhaps the most important city in northern Italy, with Turin being the capital of the Piedmont region.

With the Po River to its right, the Susa Valley behind it and the Alpine arch circling it, Turin boasts some truly awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes. Besides this natural beauty, Turin is known for its art galleries, opera houses and theatres. All built in a variety of styles, including Renaissance, Neoclassical and Rococo.

However, perhaps the most famous object within Turin is the controversial Shroud of Turin. This beautifully illustrated cloth depicts the image of Jesus Christ and is at the centre of a debate surrounding the authenticity of the claims that it was his burial cloth. With carbon-dating proving this false but a variety of other campaigners, such as Jeffrey Skurka, claiming otherwise.

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