Author Archives: Jeremy Albelda
7 Tips to Enjoy Rome on a Budget!
Rome may be the seat of the Catholic faith but this city has so much to offer than just its churches. Compared to other European countries, staying here becomes really affordable once you have set yourself up in one of the nice places to stay in the area. Even if you have to enjoy Rome on a budget, you can still get to see much of the city without missing the most important stops by getting attuned to how the locals live.
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Eat a full meal at lunch rather than dinner. Weight conscious individuals will love this because dinner is deemed to be that meal when you should eat like a slave. The same idea goes for people on a tour to Rome because most restaurants offer all inclusive lunch at competitive prices but during dinner, you could be charged double the price. Hence, it would be better to eat snacks or go on a picnic at dinnertime.
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Don’t tip more than 5% unless you are really impressed by the service. Contrary to the practice in the US, the waiters in Rome do not expect a 12% tip and Romans do not leave tips which are greater than 5%. So, do not feel obliged to leave more money on the table when you are in Rome.
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Stay on your feet while grabbing your meal. A sweet croissant or cornetto and a cup of cappuccino is the perfect combination but when you are in a café or a bar, do what the locals do, stand up and move on. Since the prices for table services can double, standing at the bar to save is definitely an option.
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Taste the Gelato. Ice cream happens to be one of the best things about Rome. To those who have a sweet tooth, Rome is just the place to get a lot of it. One good place to eat ice cream is the Piazza delle Province. Ice cream comes in a lot of flavors such as yogurt with strawberries, smarties and anything you want. Just follow the crowd and you’ll know the best place to get ice cream.
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See Vatican at Night. Getting inside the Vatican Museum is a must when you are in Rome and as one of the places with the most extensive art collections; it’s not surprising why there are tons of people. To avoid the foot traffic and for thinner crowds, catch the last entrance. The tour will be self-guided but you can peruse the paintings and other museum display at your leisure.
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Drop by the cat sanctuary. There is much to see in Rome and one of these is the cat sanctuary which sits beside the ruins of Torre Argentina. This sanctuary is in a cave-like area which is run by volunteers. The location is actually where Julius Caesar was stabbed by Brutus. You can feed the felines and drop by the cat shop.
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Get an art pass. There is so much to see around Rome and if you love the arts, a Roma Pass is just what you need. You will have free access to 2 sights or museums, unlimited rides in public transport and reduced fees when gaining entry to various events and sights. Research is essential to plan ahead and get the most of your pass.
People in Rome are known to live beyond their means and by getting some hints from locals, you will surely relish your stay in the city without worrying about overspending. These are just some of the tips that can help you plan a smoother trip while living within your financial capacity.
Your Road Trip Guide To 2014: Five Destinations Worth The Mileage in the US
A road trip can be a way to refresh your spirit after a hectic year of work and family activities. Cruising down an open road, with new sights, sounds and personalities along the way can be the best way to spend time away from home. A number of destinations are recognized as always worth the trip – Check out some of these worthwhile locations in the US:
The Grand Canyon/Sedona
One of the classic road trips for Americans is the trip to north central Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. The canyon itself was the site of human habitation
Today, you can walk along the South Rim, enjoy the museum, browse the bookstore or listen to one of the ranger-led programs. Visitors can stay in one of the six lodges within the park, hike down to the bottom of the canyon or ride the mules on canyon paths. A short distance away along some extraordinarily picturesque byways, are the red rocks of Sedona, a city devoted to artistic endeavors and spiritual growth. There, you can enjoy a class, hike through the rock formations and discover one of the energy-filled vortexes that made the area famous.
Miami/Everglades National Park
At the southern end of the Florida peninsula is the exciting city of Miami, a place that offers many cultural exhibits, ethnic restaurants and beautiful beaches. The Miami Metro Zoo, South Beach restaurants and viewing the historic architecture of the 1920s are some of the most popular activities for visitors. Off the far western edge of the area lies the Everglades National Park, where travelers of all ages can find an extraordinary ecosystem in the renowned “sea of grass,” with its unique variety of wildlife and plants. An afternoon at the park can provide fishing, kayaking, photographic opportunities and a wildlife tram tour to see some of the many alligators that inhabit the park.
Santa Fe-Taos, New Mexico
Just an hour outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, travelers can find the charming city of Santa Fe, a Mecca for artists nestled in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. The city offers numerous historical sites, and a number of places of archaeological interests are also nearby. Restaurants, shops and many cultural events make Santa Fe one of the favorites of road trip enthusiasts. Drive a bit further into the mountains, and you find the more pastoral city of Taos. A destination for skiers in winter, Taos also offers horseback riding, art galleries and a variety of historical sites. Take time to see the Taos Pueblo, once a settlement for Pueblo Indians now the traditional site for tribal ceremonies.
Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma
Riding across the middle of America, you will find the amazing opportunities of Chickasaw Country in Oklahoma. Located outside of Oklahoma City, the area offers entertainments for every taste. Recreation areas offer fishing and hunting; scenic drives; camping; hiking and boating. The Native American cultural influence from the Chickasaw tribe is strong in this area and provides numerous educational opportunities for children. Ride a zip line or hike to a waterfall. Adults can enjoy some time at the casino. A variety of resorts and lodgings are available to make your stay comfortable.
Take the time on your road trip to explore the neighborhoods, foods and people that make these destinations so unique.
Hanoi or Saigon?
Many people coming to Vietnam on holiday, ask me the same question, “I want to see a big city as well as some of the countryside, which is better Hanoi or Saigon?” It is an almost impossible question to answer, but I will at least attempt to give you some information on which to base your choice.
First, a bit of background information. Hanoi is the capital of the country and is based in the north. It was already the capital of North Vietnam and when the country was reunified in 1975, it got the nod ahead of its southern rival. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, as it is now officially called, is 720 miles south of Hanoi. The former capital of South Vietnam it is by far the largest city in the country, and one of the largest in Asia. It is home to about 12 million people and a staggering 3.4 million motorbikes.
One of many broad tree-lined boulevards in Saigon
Choosing a holiday destination is about, of course, more than just what is available inside the city. The surrounding areas and local hot destinations have to be taken into consideration. In the north you have Sapa and Halong Bay. These are the two biggest attractions in the country, with Halong Bay considered one of the finest destinations anywhere in the world. However, in the south you will find the Mekong Delta and no Vietnam trip can really miss out on seeing one of the world’s truly great rivers.
Saigon, as it is still known by most people, is quite simply one of the greatest cities anywhere. It is a huge sprawling city with a mixture of architectural styles that is very easy on the eye. Ancient Asian structures, fabulous French Colonial buildings and ultra modern glass towers, all rub shoulders here, in a riot of design. That it all works is something of a miracle, but work it does. The broad sweeping, tree-lined boulevards and the many parks, bring space and give the city its lungs.
Hanoi on the other hand, is smaller, quieter and not so dramatic. Of course the same three types of architecture are present, but the buildings are not quite so imposing and iconic. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is all very fine and much loved, but compared to the Notre Dame Basilica in Saigon, there really is no contest. Whilst the two highest glass towers in the country, The Landmark 72 and the soon to be completed Lotte Centre are found in Hanoi, the boldest and most iconic one, the Bitexco Financial Tower, is in Saigon.
The iconic Bitexco Financial Tower in Saigon
For culture and entertainment, most people head, in Saigon, to District One. There are many bars, restaurants, stores and cinemas. Everything you would want for a great night out. But Hanoi does it with more style. The Old Quarter is a fabulous maze of small streets with incredible restaurants and bars lending an almost Mediterranean feel to an evening out. However, if it’s shopping you want, then head to Saigon, the fashion stores here rival Paris or Milan.
A view of the old district in Hanoi.
So what is it to be, Hanoi or Saigon? There really is only one solution. Take a longer break and do both!
Keith Hancock is a singer/songwriter and writer based in Saigon, Vietnam. He has lived in Asia for more than 5 years and travels throughout the continent researching and writing. He owns and writes for Saigon Districts, an informative website about life in Vietnam’s largest city, aimed at the expat community. Keith is one of only two DIAMOND STATUS rated writers on Ezine articles in the whole of Indochina He has had work published in magazines and websites in the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and Asia. His great loves are music and travel, but he writes on a whole range of subjects.
The 5 Most Underrated European Cities
Europe might be the most popular continent for tourism with amazing beaches, cultures, cuisines, languages and of course cities. The most common cities visited by tourists, including: Rome, Athens, Paris, Barcelona, and other popular places, hold true beauty and a music in the air that no one can resist. But, behind these well-known wonders, there are cities that do not shine as brightly. It’s a shame, because these urban centers hold mysteries and a magic of their own that are dying to be revealed. The list below will enlighten individuals to the 5 most underrated European cities that truly need to have their voices heard!
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is dotted with astounding castles, with crumbling stones, that announce their age and endurance throughout time. Inside the walls, history replays the stories of the royals and their scandalous affairs. The air of this historical city rings with the clash of swords from the feuds between the clans. The stories of Edinburgh date back to the Celtic rituals and Christian fathers. The city is now bustling with thick-accented locals; yet, needs tourists who are interested in understanding one of the most mystical and romantic cultures known to man.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Who could resist visiting a city that the real life Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, called home? Capital of Romania, Bucharest came into existence in 1459 and since then has grown into a beautiful city with elegant architecture. The wide tree lined boulevards of this city earned its name as the “Little Paris” for its grandeur. You can’t visit this city without going to see the towering Arch of Triumph and the stunning Cantacuzino Palace that were both built in the early 1900s. Bucharest is definitely a fun place for a city break with its unique food, culture and awesome nightlife.
3. Oslo, Norway
Oslo was founded by King Harald Hardrade and became the capital of Norway in 1300 AD. Tourists can enjoy a tour through the Royal Palace or take stroll through the medieval castle, Akershus. The numerous parks and museums tell stories of Oslo’s interesting past. The devastating fire of 1624 left ruins for tourists to visit and lands that were turned into farms. Unfortunately, the fire ruined most of medieval Oslo; however, you can research the history and see it displayed in their museums and enjoy the beautiful modern city that emerged from the ashes.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
This beautiful capital of Estonia lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The first fortress ever built was in 1050; however, it is believed that this city dates much farther back. The city has many wounded memories from World War 2 when the Soviets bombed it extensively in order to regain it from the Nazi Germans. Today, with its towering glassy buildings, its 400,000 residents have made it a charming and rustic town. Tallinn has some of the most beautiful cathedrals found in Europe. Visiting inside them will take you back to a simpler time that was uprooted by devastating war.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a prominent tourist town with its glistening clear blue beaches. The beauty of its essence has had it nicknamed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” When visitors come to this stunning place, they must visit the most beautiful church possibly ever built, the Church of St. Ignatius. The artwork can take anyone’s breath away, instantly. With its beaches and a multitude of synagogues, this tourist town is incredibly humble and the perfect place for a comforting vacation.
Welcome to Home Town Travel Guides.com , your source for travel guides written by locals and those who've been there and done that! ~Jeremy