The Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide

This has cemented the nation’s reputation as a leading coffee exporter. The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica has a slightly different weather pattern. It rains here much more than the rest of the country, with two smaller dry seasons from March-April and September-October. I generally use a combination of local subways and trains, the high-speed Shinkansen “bullet train” and buses. I’ve also caught one or two taxis in cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa that rely more on the bus network than the subway, however taxis are pretty expensive in Japan.

My Top 12 Best African Countries to Visit

Michele is the writer and creative behind Adventures Abound – a travel blog bringing outdoor adventures, sustainable travel, and cultural appreciation to readers with limited time but eager to explore. She uses dynamic writing and beautiful photography to inspire adventure in the everyday. Lastly, Corcovado National Park, often hailed as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’, is a must-visit for any adventurous traveler, offering the chance to see rare wildlife like jaguars and tapirs. Each of these parks offers a unique glimpse into Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience. Driving in South Korea is possible as long as you have an International Driving Permit.

Towns and Villages

If you enjoy a slower pace of life, experience the charm and hospitality of small-town USA. Across the board, July is the time to visit Northern France for the hottest temperatures, with an average of around 18˚C . Make sure everyone in your party has a European Health Insurance Card. This will entitle you to access state-provided healthcare for free or at a reduced rate. It also covers you for existing medical conditions or routine maternity care (as long as you’re not heading to France especially to give birth!). These and many other sights make Tirol an unforgettable holiday destination.

• Sardinia’s north west coast shelters the most attractive seaside resorts on the island, interspersed with some really spectacular coastline.
• It is however, very tourist driven, very busy,  and isn’t a true representation of the Island.
• In my heart for more than a decade, South Korea is the country I dreamed to visit for a long, long time.
• It’s worth making a detour to ride the rails from Podgorica to Bar – the final leg of the legendary Belgrade to Bar train – which delivers incredible views as it ambles across the lake bridge.
• Lastly, any Game of Thrones fans will want to take a trip to Lovrijenac Fortress, the set for King’s Landing.
• The stark contrast of these cities and towns is what makes the South of France so special.
• Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ in the 19th century, Valparaíso was once one of the most important ports in South America, prospering from Chile’s silver and copper industries, as well as the California gold rush.
• Check out our Holiday Ideas page and learn more about the type of holidays we offer to the island.

Islam Channel Interview With Soumaya Hamdi, Halal Travel Guide

Overlooking a dramatic diorama of mountains and valleys, this fun spirited luxury den threads the Heimat of Montafon with a modernist design aesthetic. Is where design, history, and soul collide making it a rare private-hire house in Alentejo. Inside, postmodernist pieces beautifully marry with Portuguese heritage, vintage glamour and artistic rebellion. An architectural-statement, this minimalist hideaway in the Dolomites is the perfect basecamp for those who appreciate design, food, comfort and doorstep nature. Experience a minimalist, eco-faceted nest egg in Verona’s countryside, where sustainable design and natural beauty blend seamlessly to create a chilled escape rooted in Italian slow living.

Spectacular places to watch the sunset in Scotland

That’s why a percentage of revenue from your holiday, goes into our Education Bursary Fund supporting places on school trips with our sister company, Discover the World Education. Simply sign-up below to receive our newsletter with offers, exclusive event invites & travel inspiration. Life partners Dax Roll and Joyce Urbanus are at the helm of the interior design studio Nicemakers based in Amsterdam, creators of design hotels and beautifully conceived homes. Raw architecture, rusticity and a gallery of textured heritage narrate this design hotel outpost from its façade of dandy red shutters to the tales of twisted loft rafters and atmospheric exposed history. Restored within a former monastery, this fabulous design hotel and foodie hotspot brings together the stone mason, blacksmith and wood worker with the artisan makers. Creativity, nature, heart, design, deep comfort and food fuse at this house hotel and restaurant on the other side of Amsterdam, along the wild shores of Durgerdam, 20 minutes from downtown.

You will be able to step inside the original cottages to find out how the crofter lived and also see some indigenous Manx animals. The Manx Museum is a great way to find out about the Island’s 10,000 year history. It has a range of artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. Sardinia’s north west coast shelters the most attractive seaside resorts on the island, interspersed with some really spectacular coastline. Shopping in Sardinia is somewhat low-key with a handful of craft shops in the main tourist areas. Sardinia has been populated since Neolithic times; the enigmatic domus di janas or “fairies tombs” cut into rock around the countryside date from this period.

Best hotels in Milan: From luxury escapes to budget B&Bs

This can save you time and hassle, especially if you have multiple projects or a tight deadline. Writing about travel in a way that captures the essence of a destination requires skill and knowledge. So, we’ve put together this article for travel companies looking to create effective guides.

• Latin Routes’ 10-day Andean Wonders itinerary allows you to make the most of your time in the Atacama, and also includes a trip across the nearby Bolivian border to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, consider either a pad with air con and a pool or timing your visit for the balmier months of June and September.
• Meanwhile, a traditional umu (or curanto) – a delicious mix of meat, fish and root vegetables slow-cooked in a pit in the earth – offers an insight into the unique culture of the island’s Indigenous inhabitants.
• Altyn-Emel National Park is also home to the ‘singing sand dunes’, which have been dubbed so due to the sonic vibration which emits when the wind blows in a certain direction.
• Full Terms and Conditions apply, please visit americanexpress.com/uk/travel/terms-and-conditions/.
• Our Favourite Femmes of Style – hotel matriarchs, interior gurus, fashion femmes, and women of effortless charm who make the world a better place from the entrepreneurs to the skincare disruptors.

Cruise the Southern Coast

We’ve been connecting the dots of creativity since 2009 in a deliberate line-up that cleverly knits the threads of travel, design, craft, and architecture into an emporium of all things nice. The best time to visit is in the dry season between December and May, although it can be very hot during this time. Hurricanes are most likely in September and October and we do not recommend travelling to this region at this time. The longer days mean hours of playtime during your Easter holiday and nature is bursting into life. The island of Jeju has also its own dialect but, of course, Korean is the national language there too.

Europe

• Find the perfect place to watch the sunset during golden hour in Scotland.
• Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
• Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding amount will be issued to the American Express® Card account used.
• If you’re into fine dining, high-adrenaline sports, pristine beaches or historical masterpieces, you’ll find them all in your holidays in France.
• This is something you kinda have to embrace in Korea to get closer to Korean culture.
• Dens of creativity, art and playfulness, each of these hotels play host to countless cultural events where boho meets highbrow.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). On the coast you’ll have a choice of fish – grilled, steamed or deep-fried; rice, avocado and plantain are standard sides. Try mangú (mashed plantain with onions and salami) for breakfast–an energy boost for a day of outdoor activities. Expect to pay around RD$100 for a sandwich and around RD$300 for fresh fish and tostones on the coast. The winter (November-April) is the cooler time to visit but good for trekking; expect mid to high 20s with cool nights.

Something that, of course, is kinda unthinkable in the UK or any other western country. Imagine to have an entire shop with Ed Sheeran pictures and merchandising for both home and wardrobe. But if Ed Sheeran was a Korean idol, his merchandising would have probably gone sold out in minutes in Seoul. This is something you kinda have to embrace in Korea to get closer to Korean culture. If you are planning to travel to Korea, there are a few tips that I can share with you to make you ready for your trip.

Foodie Places

For a glimpse at the history of the Lake District, head to the regional capital of Valdivia, one of Chile’s oldest cities. As well as enlightening museums, it has some impressive 17th-century forts, a lively fish market and – thanks in large part to the German immigrants who made their home here – excellent locally brewed beer. Nestled between the Biobío River in the north and Patagonia in the south, the Chilean Lake District is carpeted with dense, emerald-green forests of monkey puzzle and alerce trees, some of which are thousands of years old. As its name suggests, this lush region is interspersed with glimmering lagoons, rivers and waterfalls, and backed by ranges of snowy mountains and volcanoes. Most travellers fly into Santiago, the dynamic capital of this distinctively long, thin country in southwestern South America. Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they’re recommended for travel to a certain area.

The Golden Age: Adventure in Uzbekistan Tour

It’s designed for tour operators, travel agencies, and municipalities, offering them a solution to connect people and places using mobile guides and games. Locatify’s product provides local contextual information, easy branding, and monetization options, all with a pricing starting at 350 euros per month. The Isle of Man is the world’s first entire country to be awarded the UNESCO Biosphere status thanks to its natural beauty and remarkable projects that help make the island unique. Guanacaste, known for its stunning Pacific coastline and sun-splashed beaches, is a paradise for surfers and sun-seekers. Puntarenas, the largest province, boasts national parks and a diverse wildlife along the Pacific Coast that adventure lovers would relish. Inland, you have Alajuela, beckoning with its mighty volcanoes and lush coffee farms.

One of the remotest inhabited places on the planet, the UNESCO-listed Easter Island (known locally as Rapa Nui) lies more than 3,500km west of mainland Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This tiny speck of land was settled sometime between AD 800 and 1200 by pioneering Polynesian seafarers, who subsequently created a remarkable collection of monumental statues known as moai as a form of ancestor worship. Today, the thousand or so moai that remain on the island are a mesmerising sight. As you discover on Latin Routes’ nine-day Spirit of Chile itinerary, which includes a two-night stay in Valpo, there’s also a vibrant creative scene with plenty of exhibitions, performances and concerts to check out. And as an added bonus, some of Chile’s finest beaches are close at hand. Today, Valparaíso (or Valpo, as it’s known locally) is one of the most beguiling cities on the continent.

JORDAN TRIP

Sardinia will dazzle you with its breathtaking scenery and immaculate unspoilt beaches. The untamed splendour of Rugova Canyon and the Accursed Mountains are worth a mention, but it’s the cities that really make an impression. Pristina, the capital, is a cacophony of cafes, street art, restaurants and creative spaces. Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument, a sculpture that evolves its appearance every year to keep pace with Kosovo’s ongoing metamorphosis.

• Always confirm they will turn on the meter, called “la maria” or agree on a set price ahead of time.
• Tours and games are created using the Locatify Builder, where you can edit, publish, and manage your content in real-time.
• April-September (great weather, perfect for hiking, still uncrowded).
• As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it’s also a good opportunity to make sure your other vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster vaccines if necessary.
• A new country, a new map – but rest assured you’re able to download offline maps from Google straight to your smartphone.

Headscarfs are not mandatory, but you will often discover that in more metropolitan and densely populated areas, women wear a headdress. Both men and women should cover their legs and women should also cover their arms. In built-up areas women should have a veil or light scarf to drape loosely over their heads, but when in more rural areas, particularly when trekking, western clothing is fine. Historically, there has been a number of notable incidents occurring, particularly in the south and centre of the country – and particularly concerning secretarial issues between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The simple answer to this question is, yes, Pakistan is safe for travel.

• Nestled between the Biobío River in the north and Patagonia in the south, the Chilean Lake District is carpeted with dense, emerald-green forests of monkey puzzle and alerce trees, some of which are thousands of years old.
• Pick-pocketing and robbery are a problem in populated areas and on public transport, so stay vigilant.
• Although the island isn’t big, there are so many unique and interesting things to do and see.
• After the stop at Charyn Canyon, I continued through open and empty grassland to the small village of Saty.
• The international flights were comfortable with delicious food, a friendly and helpful crew, and lovely selection of films to watch.
• But while the local economy fell into decline, the city’s treasure trove of architecture remained largely intact.
• There are myriad to choose from across the Lake District with one favourite being the Geometric hot springs linked by wooden walkways hidden in the forest in Villarica National Park.
• Whilst it was extremely beautiful and a great location, driving east was a hassle, with it taking minutes one way to reach some of the must visit locations.

Heading out in the evening rewards you with a bustling nightlife to immerse yourself in during your visit. From staying up dancing and singing at the karaoke bars to admiring beautiful works of art at some of the city’s most prestigious galleries, there are plenty of nocturnal experiences to fall in love with overnight. In light of improvements to security within the country, as of 2019, Pakistan changed its visa restrictions to encourage more tourists to visit.

How to Plan a Trip to Japan: Ultimate Japan Travel Guide

You can do this in person at the ticket office, or at ticket machines which have an English option. You can rely on Japan’s efficient and relatively straightforward public transportation system to get around. Common chains to look out for include APA Hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Dormy Inn, Tokyo Inn and my new favourite, Via Inn. We stayed at three different Via Inn properties on my last trip alone! To save money on accommodation in Japan, consider staying at business hotel chains.

For sublime views, catch a cable-car to the 880-metre summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, home to Santiago’s biggest park. And, if you fancy a change of scene, sensational skiing and snowboarding, dozens of hiking trails and numerous vineyards all lie within easy reach of the city. Just off the coast of the Lake District is the Chiloé archipelago, whose relative inaccessibility has helped to preserve its distinct culture and way of life.

local experience

Summer in Japan can be humid and sweltering, which I would find unbearable in built-up cities like Osaka and Tokyo. On the plus side, the countryside is beautiful and prices should be cheaper for things like hotels and flights. Our team are destination specialists with many years experience in creating holidays and can tailor make to suit you. Established in 1878, the quintessentially British brand Connolly is a perfect London pitstop for those who love heritage, crafts, bespoke leather goods and the fashion essentials for travel, design, and adventure. Find our latest member boutique hotels, luxury villas and design B&Bs to join The Aficionados collection of creative places to stay. A fantastic collection of private-hire holiday houses, small hotels and luxury villas for vacation rentals or simply retreats of ‘private isolation’.

• The rare forest ecosystems make for great hiking opportunities, where you may see the 37 plant and 30 animal species.
• Costa Rica is a perfect first country to visit, where it is relatively easy to get around and even to learn Spanish.
• Most restaurants automatically include a 10% service tip in listed prices, so adding an additional tip is not necessary.
• A JR Pass is a rail pass you need to purchase before getting to Japan that offers unlimited travel within a 7, 14 or 21 day period.

This year’s Ultimate Travel Guide is dedicated to transporting you to parts unknown. It’s not a cliché to say that when our writers return from their respective voyages, they invariably describe them as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘life-changing’. There and plenty of snack bars dotted around the island where you an pick up a light bite or sandwich for around €2-7. If you are a anxious driver or someone who struggles with steep or narrow roads (and big drops) then you might not enjoy driving in Madeira.

I’m Michele, a former corporate girlie turned full-time traveler who is obsessed with finding adventure, even in the everyday. While we have not personally experienced this, stories of tourists and study-abroad students being threatened to give up even just their cell phones are unfortunately becoming more and more common. Set on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is a blend of thriving coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and coastal rainforests, offering snorkeling and wildlife viewing opportunities galore. Tortuguero National Park is a labyrinth of mangrove forests and navigable lagoons, where you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting. Costa Rica’s bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching even remote areas of the country. You’ll find yourself rubbing elbows with locals and fellow travelers alike.

Equidistant between Europe and Africa it’s an island full of allure and intrigue boasting a rich history with an abundance of Neolithic sites and much more. Fly into Pristina; bus from any neighbouring country; train from North Macedonia. 2 full days each for Pristina and Prizren; 7-10 days for the highlights.

How to write a travel guide

They created the original Five-Star rating system, https://softfootprints.com/ and we are the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality. For more than 60 years, they have traveled the world to give guests the most reliable information on where to stay, dine and relax. Although you don’t need winter gear, it can get chilly windy up on the summits, so it’s good to bring and carry a three tiered layering system. I recommend wearing and carrying a merino or synthetic T shirt, a lightweight jumper or fleece, and then a lightweight waterproof jacket or wind breaker. I booked my car rental through discovercars.com, I have used them all over Europe and they search both international and local operators for the best deal. By having a car it allows you freedom to visit the locations you want, whenever you want, in the shortest time possible.

Cherry blossoms are one of the most iconic features of South Korea and Japan and are a total must-see. It transforms the traditional settings into a dreamlike painting. Korean cherry blossoms are symbolic in their culture, meaning time of renewal… In partnership withThere is no feeling quite like seeing your first Thailand temple. From the bright and colourful pagodas to the stunning Buddha statues and a rich sense of living history, these are the moments that take your breath… When visiting the Philippines do not get involved with drugs of any kind as penalties are severe.

Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. At VAMS, we provide top-quality travel content writing services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our team consists of experienced writers with a passion for travel, who can create engaging content for your travel guides.