Category Archives: Travel

Travel to Beautiful Bermuda

Bermuda is the world’s oldest British colony, and its pastel-colored mansions, pink beaches, and turquoise waters make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. It is a diverse island with West Indian, Portuguese, African, North American, and British influences adding to the unique cultural blend. Some friends of mine that own Albatross Roofing in Edmonton, Alberta absolutely loved their time in Bermuda and highly recommended it as a vacation destination. Despite its tiny size, Bermuda’s art galleries and museums add touches of sophistication and its varied topography makes it perfect for all sorts of hiking, golfing, and water sports. Here are the top must-see attractions in Bermuda.

National Museum of Bermuda
Taking up the whole of the 19th-century fortifications of the Dockyards, this museum is divided into 2 parts. The Queen’s Exhibition Hall is a gallery showcasing the treasures found on some shipwrecks. Slave chains, armaments, pottery and goods from South America and the Orient have been salvaged from the ships. The Commissioner’s House on the upper grounds is the first cast-iron building in the world and it features displays on different aspects of this island’s history, from Bermudian participation in World War 2 to slavery.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
The exhibits at this entertaining and educational institute set up visitors into the deep’s mysteries. The fun but tacky diving simulator takes you to about 12,000 feet depths and there is an amazing display of diving apparatus from many years ago. In the Tucker gallery, there are also treasures from the many shipwrecks in Bermuda dedicated to the island’s most prolific diver. Also, you can learn about the shark-protection program or participate in a virtual yacht race.

Fort St Catherine
Fort St Catherine is Bermuda’s most impressive fort and was built originally on a rocky promontory. A drawbridge leads visitors into the air-conditioned museum, featuring replica Crown Jewels and dioramas of the fort. Head to the subterranean tunnels to see the armaments room, shell lift, and gunpowder storage room. There are also costumed mannequins illustrating the living conditions inside this fort.

Elbow Beach
Imagine an expanse of swaying palm trees, cerulean waters, and pristine white sand. Elbow Beach has it all, and it is one of the loveliest in Bermuda. Although this beach is mostly flanked by exclusive resorts, the majority of it is in public territory. Often, kite surfers take over when the waves get choppy.

Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
In 1995, when the US Navy pulled out, Bermudians were given access to this nature reserve made up of rocky shores, salt marsh, unspoiled beaches, and woodland. There are nature trails running through the mixed woodland of olive woods and cedars, along with introduced growths of allspice and Brazilian pepper. The beaches here are quite tranquil and great for snorkeling, and the marsh is a key habitat for giant land crabs, kingfishers, and herons.

Santiago, Chile Travel Guide

Business orientated, ambitious, and with none of the hot-headed flamboyance of its more showy Latin neighbors, Santiago is the kind of city that doesn’t wear its charms on its sleeve but take the time to peel back the smoggy layers. You will discover a city that’s embracing its history, culture and the best location in the Americas all with a newfound sense of fun. Located smack in the middle of super slim Chile, the country’s capital lies in the shadow of the Andes.

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas was the first space to be created when the Spanish founded Santiago back in 1541 and it’s still the best place to take the city’s pulse. It’s not only kilometer zero, the point from which all distances and the rest of Chile are measured, it also has some of the city’s most impressive colonial buildings.

 

Iglesia de San Francisco

Santiago is notorious for its earthquake-prone location. The oldest building still standing is the Iglesia de San Francisco. Built in 1572, it has endured hundreds of quakes although it has lost its tower three times along the way.

La Moneda Palace

The city’s political history has been as unstable as its geographical one. History buffs should seek out La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace to see the spot where Chile’s military coup took place in 1973. Then head to the state-of-the-art Museo de la Memoria or memory museum for an in-depth assessment of the Pinochet regime and its impact.

Mercado Central

For a taste of everyday life, you can’t go past the colorful Mercado Central. Once a colonial rubbish tip, this is now the city’s most important produce market and is the best spot in Santiago to try Ceviche. It is made from raw fish and lime juice, this is the nation’s favorite dish.

Central Park de Forest Isle

On Sundays, the Central Park de Forest Isle is a magnet for musicians, street performers, and craft vendors who share the space with the city’s love-struck youth. It’s also home to fine and contemporary art museums. Art takes over the streets in the district of Bay Avista where brightly colored houses sit side by side with revolutionary murals.

La Chascona

Tucked into the hillside here as Santiago’s most famous residence, La Chascona was built by the poet Pablo Neruda as a hideaway for his third wife Matilda. He named it after her messy hair. Rising above it all is San Cristobal Hill where hikers, bikers, and picnickers make the most of the city’s largest green space. Hire bikes at the bottom for a challenging ride to the top or take the easy route to the summit via cable car.

Indian Peaks

On a clear day, Santiago enjoys one of the most spectacular urban settings in the world. Snow-capped Indian Peaks dish up world-class skiing just an hour from the city. So if you are visiting in the winter, head for the hills.

Portillo

Portillo is Santiago’s most famous ski resort and is widely considered to have the best powder on the continent. With so much to offer, there’s definitely more to Santiago than meets the eye.

7 things you didn’t knew about Serbia

Serbia, with its capital Belgrade is located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, where the Eastern culture clashes with the Western ideology, mixed like an abusive cocktail. Now when we think of Serbia the first thing that pops into our mind, are its beautiful landscapes, historic relics, the EXIT Music Festival and the number 1 tennis player in the world Novak Djokovich. However Serbia is a fairly unknown destination for the rest of the world and even for most Western Europeans, so here are some interesting facts you probably never heard about, which might lead you to this magnificent wonderland.

Serbia has its own Grand Canyon
The Temshtice Canyon or otherwise known as the small Colorado canyon has a striking resemblance to the world renowned canyon in Colorado, for its distinctive red cliffs. Even though the canyon is much smaller when compared to its bigger counterpart, it offers equally as much beautiful scenery and thrilling outdoor activities.

Highest Number of Roman Emperors
Serbia was the birthplace of 18 Roman Emperors, putting Serbia second only behind Italy, the most famous of them all being Constantine III born in Nish, who elevated Christianity to the role of state religion.

Vampires
Serbia was the birthplace of the first vampire in the world and no, it was not Dracula. The first vampire that we come across in historic writings arrives from Serbia and his name is Petar Blagojevic, interestingly enough the word vampire also derives from the Serbian word, Vampir.

Raspberry Heaven
If you like raspberries than you’ll love Serbia, more than 90% of the world’s raspberries come from this place as Serbia is the global export.

Stone Village
The village of Gostusha, which is located on the slopes of the mountain “Stara Planina” has all of its houses built from natural materials such as stone, mud and wood. Surprisingly most of the houses still stand today, despite being built more than hundreds of years ago.

The first image in Space
The first image that was ever sent to space was in 1963, as the Cuban Missile Crises came to an end, the nations of Europe came together and sent a Serbian fresco known as Beli Andzeo (white angel) to the United States, as a sign of peace. The image was later sent into space in hopes of contacting extra-terrestrial life.

Tallest Stone Gates
Serbia is no stranger to natural beauties and such is the ravine of the river Vratna. The canyon is a popular destination for hikers, as it has the three highest stone gates in Europe, Little Prerast and Big are easily reachable as they are only 10 minutes away from the female monastery of Vratna, while Dry Prerast is a less attractive to the eye of the public, requiring a 3km hike to reach which leads through a narrow canyon that only skilled climbers can pass through.

Barbados Travel Guide – Must-See Attractions

Beautiful Barbados is the jewel in the Caribbeans and it is blessed with 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Its diverse landscapes, fascinating heritage, and warm welcoming locals make Barbados a popular port of call. It is affectionately referred to as little England. Barbados flew the British flag for 340 years until gaining independence in 1966, so expect to see a unique blend of British and Bajan influences.

From English place names and a passion for cricket to cups of tea and even driving on the left. British links are also evident in many of Barbados landmarks and buildings such as St. John’s Church which is reminiscent of a British parish church with its stained glass windows and traditional bell tower. Here are some other top attractions in Barbados along with some beautiful pictures to highlight these places.

Sunbury Plantation
The Sunbury plantation house also has a very British feel to it dating back to 1660. The house was once a thriving sugar plantation, today it has been carefully restored overflowing with antiques and memorabilia from a bygone era such as old machinery and paintings.

Gun Hill Signal Station
Another intriguing relic dating back to colonial times is Gun Hill Signal Station built in 1818 as one of a series of signal stations. Gun Hill provided a lookout for the British military and being the highest point in central Barbados the views are outstanding at Gun Hill. You’ll also see a famous lion sculpture carved in 1868 by Captain Henry Wilkinson to while away his off-duty hours.

Take a Jeep Adventure
With Barbados being such a scenic Island of varying landscapes a great way of exploring it is on a jeep adventure. It’ll take you off the beaten track, discovering some remote parts of the island only accessible in a 4×4. See the Atlantic surf pounding the eastern coastline at Bathsheba and also pass through historic Holetown where the first settlers landed on the island in 1625.

Snorkel with the Sea Turtles
If you like the idea of doing something a little different and want to make the most of the enticing Caribbean Sea, how about snorkeling with Barbados enchanting sea turtles? It’s one of the few places in the world where you can swim in a wild with these endangered creatures. We recommend taking an underwater camera on this tour as it’s a magical experience you’ll want to relive again and again.

Harrison’s Cave
Back on dry land and to one of Barbados most popular attractions, Harrison’s cave. It was formed from crystallized limestone over thousands of years ago. The cave was only open to the public in 1981. An electric tram takes you on a journey through this network of caverns allowing you to get up close to the stalactite and stalagmite pillars. You’ll also see glass like emerald pools and at the lowest part of the cave a plunging waterfall. Another popular attraction in Barbados is orchid world located in the heart of the Barbadian countryside. Nature lovers or keen photographers will enjoy meandering past the twenty thousand beautiful orchids as well as waterfalls, coral grottoes, and tranquil ponds.

4-Square Rum Distillery
Barbados and rum go hand in hand so where better to begin than the 4-square rum distillery. Set in the grounds of Heritage Park, the distillery was once a sugar plantation dating back to the 15th century. Today it’s the most modern rum distillery in the Western Hemisphere. You’ll be given a guided tour of the distillery to find out how rum is made and of course there’ll be a tasting session.

The Medford Mahogany Creations
See Barbadian craft work at its best at Medford mahogany creations. You’ll get to meet one of Barbados top sculptors Reggie Medford who carves raw wood into beautiful works of art. You’ll have the chance to browse his studio and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir of your Bajan experience.

Catamaran Cruise
As the Sun begins to slowly set in Barbados, what better way to mark this spectacle than with a catamaran cruise along the glistening western coastline? Sip chilled champagne and bask in the warm evening breeze as the sun descends in a tropical blaze of color. And with a friendly crew on hand to pamper you, this is an extra-special way to end your day in beautiful Barbados.

What to Pack for Vacation: Summer Beach Trip Essentials?

Summer is fast approaching and there is no better time to talk about some beach trip essentials and things to pack for your summer vacation. It is super important to protect yourself when you are outdoors or traveling to beautiful destinations. Here are all the essentials you need to take on your next summer beach trip.

Beach Trip Essentials

  • A beach towel
  • A hat Sunglasses
  • A water bottle
  • Phone in a waterproof case
  • A Bluetooth-enabled portable speaker
  • GoPro and selfie stick
  • Insect repellant and sunscreen

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

The first step to sun safety is our sunscreen. You’ll want to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that screens out both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays can cause damage to your skin cells beyond just sunburn. They can actually contribute to skin aging and skin cancers over time. You should apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and at least every 2 hours after that. Apply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. The spray is great for hard-to-reach areas and even a boost of hydration when you are on the go. After that, you will want to apply your insect repellent.

Water & Cool Liquids

Our next essential is water. Dehydration is one way to ruin a trip, so you want to make sure you are getting enough fluids. Don’t just drink when you are thirsty; make sure you always have access to cool liquids.

Wide-Brimmed Hat & Sunglasses

Hats and sunglasses not only complement your look but they can provide some valuable additional protection from the sun. When choosing sunglasses, look for a pair that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Polarizing lenses will cut glare because of reflections, so they are good for driving or outdoor activities in the water. You might also want to get a great case if you are like me and you throw your stuff all over the place.

Camera & Waterproof Case

An action camera like a GoPro and a selfie stick may look and feel ridiculous, but the shots they can capture are worth it. Or you might want to throw your phone in a water-resistant case. Just make sure that if you are a guest in someone else’s country that you show respect and caution. Don’t advertise yourself as a target for theft.

Portable Speaker

Finally, you might want to pack a Bluetooth-enabled portable speaker to use as you lounge with your friends. Again, make sure to be respectful of the surrounding people. 

So that’s it for the summer beach trip essentials. In the comments section, let me know what you always bring to the beach. It’s so important to protect our skin from sun damage and a trusted sunscreen is the first step to doing that. UV rays are no joke and no tan is worth the price of your health, so make sure to wear your sunscreen. 

Top Cruise Destinations

Cruising has always been a popular vacation trip for people who want to see the world, without giving up their luxury and with today’s ships getting larger and more advanced, booking a cruise to your favorite destination, is like staying in a five-star hotel on water. Although it’s quite important to choose the right ship, due to the fact that most of your cruising experience will be determined by ship itself and the service it has to offer, choosing the right location for your cruising adventures is equally important. If you’re planning your first cruise, but can’t make up your mind where you should be heading, we’ll compose a list on some of the best cruising itineraries for you to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cinu6wLYK-U

The Caribbean

We’re starting of the list with probably the most popular and relaxing route, the Caribbean is the best place for people looking to enjoy that beautiful Caribbean sunshine, whiles relaxing on the white sandy beaches. Major cruise lines companies such as the Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise, Lines offer routes which will take you anywhere ranging from a three-day jaunt to a longer 10 day route visiting up to five or six islands like the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica or St. Kitts. Even though most of the ports feel the same, I recommend going beyond them and exploring the local cultures, cuisines and everything which the place has to offer, because you only have a limited amount of time so you better use it wisely.

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is quite diverse, unlike the Caribbean as you get to see so many different cultures and places in such a short period of time. The Mediterranean route covers the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, taking you all the way from Barcelona in Spain to the coast of Santorini in Greece. Summer is the most popular time for taking a cruise in the Mediterranean, but I recommend you wait a little bit longer and book a cruise somewhere down the line in September, as the sites are just as impressive and you don’t have to deal with the hot summer climate of the Mediterranean.

The Baltic

The Mediterranean isn’t the only popular cruising route in Europe, as the Baltic offers the holiday of a lifetime, with places that will have your Jaw dropping to the floor. The Baltic is however a seasonal destination, due to the unpredictable whether its best recommended to visit somewhere between the months of May and August. It’s especially great for those who enjoy the beauty of nature, as the shire landscapes and mountains along with the midnight sun that make a wonderful scenery for you to enjoy or possibly take a photo of. The magnificent views of the Baltic coast aren’t the only beautiful thing to soak up, as the ports are vastly different from each other, as you’ll be able to see different cultures right around the corner.

Alaska

Taking a cruise in the Alaskan wilderness is an adventure of a lifetime, as its one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Unlike the other destinations on the list, Alaska isn’t well known for its ports, but rather for its scenic sailing along the massive glaciers and the frozen coastlines. Among other great things which you won’t find anywhere else but in Alaska is the wildlife, visitors can see some rare species like the polar bear, bison and orca whale. Alaska is also full of high adventure activities such as dog sledding, kayaking, hiking and even helicopter rides. Cruisers only set sail to Alaska from ports in Vancouver and Seattle, however if you’re planning a cruise to this majestic place, know that cruise ships only set sail from May to September due to the extremely unpredictable weather in the Nordic Region.