Archive for Alex

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?

How my traveling changed after years on the road

February 11, 2015 travel No comments
in Barcelona

A few days ago I was answering 10 questions for yet another interview about my trip and some of them really got me by surprise. They were asking me about the way I travel. Short trips? More relaxing time? Or do I try to see as much as I can in a very short time? Do I ever go back to the same destination?

And then reading online, I found this blog post highlighting tips that will change the way you travel where 11 travel writers and bloggers gave their best tips about how to visit Europe.

I could not agree more with all the tips. No wonder, they are all influencers in the travel industry and they know very well what they are talking about.

 

Looking back years ago, my traveling changed a lot.

 

More than 4 nomadic years on the road changed not only my way of thinking and my personality, but also the way I travel. Since the first trip when I fell in love with traveling, so many things has changed.

 

Before, I would have called myself a quick traveler. I used to buy the cheapest ticket, hop on an airplane and visit a destination in Europe for a couple of days, mostly 2 – 4 days, and maximum 5. In such a short time I would run like crazy from museums, to towers, shopping malls and main streets to buy the souvenirs (I am collecting postcards and snow globes), then to castle ruins and all the main attractions I could possibly squeeze into a few days. I would spend the days sprinting to check off most of the hotspots from the bucket list, and then just drop in bed with no energy at night. The very same thing would follow the next day. I just felt like it was a waste of my time not to do as much as possible. I mean, why would I revisit the same destination with millions of others in this world?

 

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However, I changed. A super active traveler transformed into a slow traveler who allows herself to indulge in the moment. Nowadays, I let myself relax. I spend time at different beaches instead of waiting in lines for 10 museums in each city. I go to spa to regain energy. I practice yoga and meditate watching sunsets. Now I prefer to spend more time in every destination, sometimes even a few weeks, or months at a base from which I do shorter trips to the surroundings. Now I want to spend some time with the locals and get to know all the hidden gems where they go.

The touristy places are touristy for a reason, so I still try to visit some of them, but not all any more. I prioritize.

Now, I take less flights. Usually I just fly somewhere and stay in the close-by area for a few weeks. Let’s say on the same continent for 3 – 6 months where I move by trains and buses to get to know more of the local culture and everyday life. I don’t tend to fly back to the same place every few days any more. Just after a couple of months I go back home to Eastern Slovakia to relax, visit my family and friends, and then do the same on a different continent.

I believe many people change their way of traveling after a certain time. Being permanently on the road changes many things and it is more tiring than you might think.

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.

Things to do on Mauritius

January 30, 2015 Africa, beach No comments
Seven Coloured Earths

I have traveled to more than 45 countries, and if you’ve been following me, then you know, I am all about exotic destinations where I can just lie down on the beach and indulge in the sun beams.

Yet, for some strange reason I have not had a chance to visit Mauritius.

It is definitely one of the top countries on my bucket list, though and I cannot wait to fly there for a few weeks.

Thinking out loud … Maybe I have not been to Mauritius yet because I am still single and it looks more like a perfect honeymoon destination to me. However, I am pretty sure once I get to that stage of my life when I will start thinking of having a family, I will check out honeymoon resort packages to Mauritius, no doubt.

But for now, I can only day dream of 2,000 square km small island located around 2,000 km Southeast of the African continent.

 

Palm trees, beach, sunsets and a cold drink in my hand while letting go of every negative thought on my mind. Yeah, life on a sunbed with birds singing above my head and pleasant breeze playing with my hair?

Sounds like paradise to me!

 

Seven Coloured Earths

Seven Coloured Earths

*photo credit: Moongateclimber.

Searching online, I found out there are many different things to do on Mauritius.

 

Nature and wildlife

Knowing me, you can bet I would spend the most time just beach bumming on one of the white sandy beaches and then in between visit the main spots. It seems like the nature of Mauritius would capture my eye straight away. From the tea plantations, Crocodile Park (where I could observe my mum’s favorite animal), to the Ile aux Aigrettes Nature or the Reserve and Casela Nature & Leisure Park known for its zebras, birds, lions, and also quads and zip line adventures.

The island is known for its unique wildlife species not found in other parts of the world. Before the year 1500, there were no terrestrial mammals which allowed a lot of reptiles and flightless birds to develop on the island. Now Mauritius is home for example to the cutest green and brownish ornay day gecko with red dots on it.
And have you heard of the Seven Coloured Earths geological formation in Chamarel? These surrealistic sand dunes of yellow, red and brownish colours have been the main island tourist attraction since the 1960’s and are definitely on my bucket list.
If you are into pleasant hiking, then the Mauritius mountain ranges of volcanic origin are there for you. The highest peak Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire is just 828 m a.s.l. (which is still 178 m less than the mount next to my home town Sninsky Kamen, also of volcanic origin which seems like my kind of hiking.)

The world’s third largest coral reef surrounds the island which gives its visitors a perfect reason to snorkel or dive, as well. Many other sporting activities, together with the catamaran cruises around can be done on the island.

 

Culture

Due to the history, the mixture of different cultures makes it very intresting to visit – Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, African, etc. Many colonial houses are also among the things to do on Mauritius. Tourist markets attract the island’s visitors in search of souvenirs for their family back home.

What surprised me personally is for example the sugar cane plantation which for some reason I had no idea I should expect in this part of the world. It reminded me of my visit to St. Kitts and Nevis islands in the Caribbean with many old cane plantations around that were transformed into chick tourist accommodation.

 

Luxury

 

According to Wikipedia, ”Mauritius received the World Leading island Destination award for the third time and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012.”
Luxury, luxury and more luxury – if you just need to switch off and pamper yourself, then there is no better place than Mauritius. The island is full of all inclusive four and five star hotels and it would be a great fit for my Adventure and Spa project as there are awesome spas and the island also offers many adventure activities.
I can tell you for sure now that I am going to plan a longer visit to Mauritius, stopping by at Madagascar and more countries in Africa. Until now I have paid only 2 visits to Egypt (Hurghada both times) and 1 to Tunisia, but all the other African countries are still waiting for me 🙂

When In Singapore – Where to Go According to Concierges

May 8, 2014 Uncategorized No comments

When you are new in Singapore, you might surely want reliable information about where to go. You might be poring over maps to find out the local centers for entertainment, food and other activities. Let me tell you who to ask for this information – the hotel concierge.

In this article, three concierges from Singapore’s top hotels are sharing their knowledge with us to let us know where to start our trip. All the unusual places and amazing attractions will surely give you memorable experiences that will make you come back to Singapore.

Singapore is considered a “City in a Garden” with its bustling population and lush greenery which covers only about 710 sq km of land. It is also popularly referred to as the “Little Red Dot”.

 

Attractions To Visit

Botanic Gardens – This 154-year-old garden is where you will also find the National Orchid Gardens and best for people who love horticulture. Who doesn’t love flowers anyway especially if they are abundant and vibrant in color? The Botanic Gardens is now waiting for the result of its bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Raffles Hotel – Get a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar in what is considered a National Monument in Singapore. This is a rite of passage for tourists and travelers and you would surely enjoy the majestic interior of the 125-year-old hotel.

Sentosa Island – For some, it might be overrated but tourists, who seek a retreat from the city and want to enjoy the sea, Sentosa is a great place to escape and unwind. There are theme parks, spa retreats, golf courses and outstanding hotel accommodations surrounded by beaches and rainforests.

Exhibitions To See

National Museum of Singapore – If you want to trace the history of Singapore and have a better understanding of how it become what it is today, you should see the Singapore History Gallery and Singapore Living Galleries. Make sure you go to the Food, Fashion, Film and Wayang, and Photography exhibitions.

Peranakan Museum – If you’re interested in the local heritage, you should seek the Peranakan Museum. The Peranakans are unique to only a few areas in Southeast Asia and Singapore is one of them. Know the unique cuisines, costumes and traditions that the Peranakans have. Buy ornate brooches and other souvenirs while you are there.

Restaurants To Dine In

Restaurant Andre – Have dinner in Andre’s, by Chef Andre Chiang. It is one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and it is also included in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Guide by S. Pellegrino. Enjoy the sophisticated cuisine and elegant ambience of this top-rated restaurant when you are in Singapore.

Catalunya – Want to have an unforgettable dining experience? Try the Catalunya – a wonder encased in glass floating in the Marina Bay waters. Aside from the exquisite food, you’ll have amazing views from inside the dome. The Spanish cuisine prepared by world-renowned chefs will surely make your Singapore trip remarkable.

Hawker Centers to Explore

Maxwell Food Center – One of the most popular hawker centers is along the 1 Kadayanallur Street . Every tourist should really explore the food stalls there especially the chicken rice which is a very famous dish all over Singapore. Check out Stall #01-10 Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre – To relish a variety of local food, the concierges agree that you should not miss a visit to the Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre. Look for the steamed rice cake or “chwee kweh”, satay and chili crabs. You’ll find another local food by going across the road on the housing estate and looking for the fruit stand which sells delicious jelly served inside a coconut husk.

Surviving Singapore

Tipping – Though tipping is not encouraged as there is already a 10% service charged included in your bill, you can certainly leave a tip (from $5 to $10) if you experienced excellent service to encourage the staff.

Phrase or Slang – A bit of knowledge of Singlish (colloquial Singapore English) is important when you are traveling to Singapore. End your sentences with “lah”, or express your gratitude after a meal with “Shiok”.

Etiquette – If you see a piece of tissue paper on a table at hawker centers, which means the table is already reserved. This is customary that people leave tissue papers to indicate that the table is occupied while they buy food from the stalls. So, don’t forget your own tissue papers.

Shopping – When in Singapore, there are plenty of places to shop and Raffles City is probably among the most popular. People can find international brands there for cheaper prices. If you have gift cards from Giift, then you will have the best deals from Singapore’s malls! There are shopping centers that are open for 24 hours a day such as Mustafa Centre.

Laws – Keeping Singapore clean and green is of great importance. Spitting and smoking in public as well jaywalking and littering a big no-nos.

Whether you are in or about to go to Singapore, this article will surely help guide you through what is best and interesting there. Make sure your itinerary includes the places we mentioned to get the most out of your trip!

 

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