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3 cool things to do in Prague

Prague attractions

One of the most visited European capitals is famous mostly for its Astronomical clock located on the Old Town Hall at Old Town Square. However, the so called Prazsky Orloj (as the Astronomical Clock is called in Czech) is NOT the only attraction in Prague you should visit. If you are paying a visit the capital of Czech republic, make sure to check out my list of other cool things to do in Prague.

 

3 cool things to do in Prague

 

1. Food tour

Cuisine is becoming one of the highlights for many tourists when visiting a new country. You’ve heard of food bloggers taking photos of each meal they see around them and of the meals they personally eat, too, right? Well, there’s a reason for that. Many people consider themselves to be foodies so tasting local meals is something they would prefer over exploring main touristy attractions. I’ve even heard of people who travel around the world just to try a different cuisine.

If you are into local cuisine, one of the best ways to indulge in it would be taking a food tour in Prague with a local. If that’s what you are looking for, then I can recommend you Withlocals website, where they offer not only food tours, but also drink tours (beer or wine). Although I personally don’t drink alcohol, many people praise Czech beer to the sky. If you don’t try it, you won’t know, right? You can always personalize the food or drink tour the way you want it, which is definitely an advantage.

 

food tour in Prague

food tour in Prague

 

2. Lennon wall

 

If you are like me and you appreciate quality street art, then you should know about John Lennon wall in Prague. It used to be just a normal wall until 1980’s when artists started painting John Lennon graffiti and parts of Beatles’ songs on it. Nowadays it’s a very colorful and powerful place which you can visit for free. It’s located just a few minutes from the well-known Charles Bridge.

It’s possible to find the wall in Google maps, so you will definitely be able to find it without problems.

Many people were against the wall during the Communist era and then the wall was painted over in white in 2014 for the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Thanfully, there’s been new graffiti added since then and the wall is now considered to be a Prague’s landmark. It’s a great place to take extraordinary photos.

My photos from there might convince you. I hired a professional photographer in Prague who also took me to the Lennon Wall to take yoga photos.

 

3. Boat trip

I am sure most people would not think of Prague as of a good destination to be seen by boat. But the Vltava river offers you a unique way of getting to know the city from a different perspective. There’s quite a few attractions situated along the river which you can observe from the boat: The Prague castle or the Charles Bridge being the most known out of them. There’s different kinds of tours to choose from, from 50 minutes up to 3 hours. Some of them even come up with lunch or dinner.

 

Prague attractions

Prague attractions

 

More useful tips:

 

Get a massage in Prague

Where to stay in Prague – my stay at Sheraton was lovely

What to see in Prague in winter

5 Fun Ways to Save on Airfare

Traveling can be stressful, especially when you’re flying with kids or a whole family. From finding the best deals to getting to the airport on time, flying doesn’t have to break the bank or wreak havoc. Follow these five fun tips to save on airfare and enjoy a great vacation.

 

5 Fun Ways to Save on Airfare

 

1. Shop Around on Different Sites

Shopping for airfare is a lot like shopping for jeans. It could take a couple of stores and plenty of different styles before you find the one that works. Flyers can get the best deals on airfare by following the same practice. Metasearch engines such as Kayak, Expedia and Orbitz will display the lowest fares every day. Check these engines first, then go to individual airlines’ sites to see if they’re the same or even less.

 

 

2. Be a Little Spontaneous

Flight prices can drastically change in a matter of a day. While some flyers might want to travel on a Sunday, even waiting until Tuesday could yield better results. Try keeping a loose timeline of travel dates that work for the whole family. Shoulder season or off-season flights are cheaper depending on where the flight is going. Check the destination ahead of time to see which times of the year are peak travel times and which are the off-season.

Flying at off-peak days of the week such as Tuesday through Thursday will also cut costs. Tuesday afternoon is one of the best times to find a flight. Set a reminder to look then, and book within minutes if a cheap flight pops up. Many airlines offer a 24-hour cancelation policy, which can help ease some of the anxiety that comes with booking a flight immediately.

 

3. Follow Some Favorite Bloggers

Another fun way to save on airfare is through following different bloggers. Watching blogs and airlines’ sites for deals can lead to steals through social media. Flyers can also set alerts for price drops on metasearch engines and other sites to get notified when a flight falls into their price range. If someone flies frequently, they can also join reward programs with a certain airline such as Southwest, American, United and more.

 

4. Use a Credit Card for Travel Points

It’s hard not to gulp when you’re booking a family vacation abroad and seeing the price for the first time. It’s often even more stressful to put that amount on a credit card. However, some credit cards offer travel miles or other travel rewards with each purchase. Putting flights — or even just a dinner out — on that card can help flyers pay for their next vacation or flight abroad.

 

5. Explore During a Long Layover

A layover isn’t the worst thing in the world. Choosing a flight with a layover gives families and solo travelers a chance to explore a new city or destination away from the final vacation spot. In addition, many airports today have quiet lounge areas and places to sit and grab a cup of coffee, making it the perfect spot for business people to work between flights.

It also pays to book one leg of the trip at a time. Although flexible traveling doesn’t work for everyone, travelers can sometimes find cheaper flights on one airline and connecting flights that are cheaper on another. Check different airports, and look for layovers with cheaper connecting flights before booking one airline the whole way through.

Always Find the Deals

There’s no reason to pay the sticker price on a flight. Be patient, and watch numerous sites to find the best deal. Travelers without kids or a set schedule can also benefit from flexible dates and different flights, including layovers and booking one leg at a time. Through following these five tips, flyers can save on travel and have fun doing it.

 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.

 

4 Restaurants to enjoy a ceaseless cuisine carnival in San Juan

Did you know that the biggest party of Puerto Rico is the ‘SanSe’ festival? It takes place every January in Old San Juan. Puerto Rico offers a rich blend of Caribbean spices, culture and cooking secrets. This island is the best place for food lovers, especially those who love to party in style.

The distinct cuisines of San Juan are a delight for your taste buds. From the unofficial king of Puerto Rican cuisine Mofongo to Arroz con Gandules, the national dish of this island, every flavor is something unique.

 

 

4 Famous Restaurants in Puerto Rico

 

Did you know that the local delicacy Pina Colada was invented in the capital city of San Juan? You can have a sip of this delightful drink when you reach your hotel in the comfort of San Juan airport transfers. While you may want to try out some of the restaurants at your hotel, you must plan a visit to the following places to have a memorable evening:

 

1. 1919 Restaurant: The irresistible aromas of this restaurant are a treat by themselves. This elegant restaurant is a part of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, located close to the sea. Local spices are used to enhance the flavors of each dish. If you’re not staying here, you can book a ride to this wonderful restaurant, which is located to the northwest of San Juan and is a drive of about an hour and a half.

 

2. Marmalade Restaurant: Looking for a platter containing something of everything? Then you need to visit the Marmalade Restaurant. The service here is incredible and the wine selection amazing. The chefs continue to experiment with flavors and they’ve all been a massive success so far. Fusion, Eclectic, Contemporary French, Vegetarian and Vegan are some of the different types of cuisines served here.

 

3. Old San Juan’s La Factoria: Did you know ‘La Factoria’ bar features among the top 50 bars of the world? It is equally famous for its delicious dishes. There are six back rooms, each providing a different ambiance and experience. It has a main cocktail bar, a wine bar, a restaurant and a dance floor. The wine selection is fabulous and the whole place has a relaxed speakeasy feel. Enjoy famous Rican crooners singing for you. While this should be on your itinerary, you could even make this your first visit in Puerto Rico, as it is located close to the airport and you can book any San Juan airport transportation or shuttle to experience this place before heading for your hotel.

 

4. Niche Bistro: This restaurant offers the perfect mix of food, drinks, music and romance. It’s a terrific place if you’d like a fine dining experience. French delicacies have been transformed into Rican delights that are sure to thrill your taste buds.

 

So, if you’re planning a holiday, book your tickets to Puerto Rico and a luxury airport transfer to reach your hotel and you’re all set for the culinary delights the island has to offer.

How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights to Mumbai and Delhi

What makes people look for business class tickets is the extra comfort and ease that they offer. But what happens when exactly the opposite happens? According to News.com.au, Thai Airways has announced plans to install seatbelt airbags in business class cabins on its new 787 Dreamliners. Although the move is good for flyers who may get nervous, it can turn out to be uncomfortable for people who are overweight because it will reduce the space in the seats. It is to avoid such situations that expert spend a lot of time in choosing the best cheap business class flights for their clients.

If you are looking to travel business class, you need to ensure that you book your tickets through an established agency that will help you get value for your money. They will not only help in choosing you the most suitable airline but also ensure that you get your tickets at the best possible rates.

 

Why is it Important to Find the Right Flight?

I am sure nobody wants to walk out off a plane greasy and tired, especially when one has to attend a business meeting or get to work immediately. So, when one is looking for first class flights to India, the need is to reach your destination feeling refreshed and comfortable. And this is where the services available in first class come in very useful. Spacious seats, amenity kits, good food and fine wine make the whole travel experience a relaxing and luxurious one, rather than those cramped seats and plastic cutlery you have to struggle with on economy class.

The next thing is to find the right flight at the right cost. But as we all know, first class or business tickets will cost more than economy class. Does this mean that people wanting comfort will always need to pay very high prices? The answer is No. One can actually find business class tickets at attractive rates by approaching the right agency. Established and experienced agencies can help their customers find the best deals even on Air India flights and flights operated by other renowned airlines.

 

How to Get Cheap Business Class Flight Tickets?

 

You can get cheap tickets by:

  • Planning your trips and making the bookings well in advance, when the demand has yet to rise and rates are reasonable.
  • Using an airline’s loyalty reward program to get the maximum possible discounts.
  • Checking for special offers and discount schemes offered by airlines.

 

Due to their regular association and interaction with various airlines, established agencies are generally the first ones to know about any special discounts or schemes. This first hand information enables them to ensure that their clients get the best possible rates. Another advantage of booking cheap flight tickets through an agency is that they are generally the first ones to know about any change in amenities or luxuries being offered by an airline.

 

TIP: Visiting Mumbai? Check my articles about India and places I visited in Maharashtra state around Mumbai 🙂

What to Do on a Trip of a Lifetime to Mexico

Whether you’re planning a round-the-world trip or donning your backpack for the very first time, Mexico should be on your list of must-visit destinations. The country is famous for tequila, fantastic food, Mayan ruins, deserts, excellent hospitality and beautiful beaches. And everything is at a very affordable price including some of the best beachfront homes in Mexico. Some come to relax or honeymoon while others for the adventure or to practice their Spanish. Whatever the reason, Mexico won’t disappoint.

 

The Best Things to Do in Mexico

Planning a trip to Mexico is difficult because there are just so many things to do and new experience to have. The beaches are some of the best outside of the Caribbean and crystal clear water makes a perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can head to the resort areas of Los Cabos or Cancun for a relaxing vacation at an all-inclusive or find a vacation rental with a view. Or head along the coast to the smaller towns for a more local experience.

Next are the ruins. Mayan ruins are all around the country including pyramids, settlements and temples of which some have a very gruesome history. Check them out and learn about the unique culture that lived here and their practices of human sacrifice. Other awesome things to do include whale-watching, exploring some of the islands, heading into the desert and soaking up the atmosphere in the colonial towns.

 

Where are the Best Places to Visit?

 

Mexico is a huge country taking up about 20% of the landmass of the United States making a lot of ground to cover. The most popular destinations for those taking a holiday around the coastal areas are to places like Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Fewer take the time to visit some of the areas on the interior and miss out on colonial towns and ruins. Let’s look at some of the less explored parts of Mexico to visit.

Mexico City, in the Valle de Mexico or Valley of Mexico in the central part of the country, is the economic and cultural centre of the nation. Highlights include museums, both Aztec and Mayan ruins, colonial buildings along with beautiful gardens and public spaces. The shopping district is unlike any other in Mexico selling the very latest accessories and fashion. Despite the humongous size of the city, it’s not that difficult or overwhelming to visit as most attractions are clustered in three or four districts. And any negative reputation for safety isn’t as bad as you may think after the government began cracking down on crime.

 

Mexico City Palace of Fine Arts

Mexico City Palace of Fine Arts

 

Tulum shares a stretch of the Caribbean coast and has some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. Tourists often come to relax in the high-end resorts and spend a few days lounging on the beaches soaking up the sunshine. Head a little away from the town, and you’ll find an ancient Mayan city that once acted as an important port. The complex has a series of ruins with the main building, a castle, sat on the cliff. Head to the north of Tulum Beach and you’ll come across plenty of other ruins, including the ancient Mayan city of Coba. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also worth visiting on a day trip from Tulum.

 

Off the Beaten Path

Perhaps you want to visit the lesser-explored parts of Mexico. After all, it’s big enough, and if you know where you want to go, you’ll have an incredible experience with warm and friendly locals.

San Miguel de Allende is in the central highlands of Mexico and is one of the prettiest colonial towns in the country. Spanish baroque architecture dominates the facades, and an active arts scene makes San Miguel a cultural centre. Expect cobblestone streets with lots of churches, such as the neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the Templo de San Francisco church. Most visitors typically spend a few days in the pretty town for the architecture, culture and the cooler climate.

San Pancho, or sometimes referred to as San Francisco, is a seaside town on the central Pacific coast. Beaches are quiet and many of the visitors are yoga enthusiasts. Apart from joining a yoga class, you can also visit the Punta Monterrey inside the jungle or follow the trails to very secluded beaches. You won’t find as many tourists here giving you a more authentic Mexican experience.

 

How to Get Around Mexico

 

The fastest and easiest way is to fly. Domestic flights connect major cities and depart on regular schedules making it convenient to get from one side of the country to the other. Alternatively, if you want to get to the smaller towns, especially in the interior, you’ll need to use the chicken bus. A chicken bus is a minibus taking passengers around the country with fares costing very little. This is the preferred method for visitors who want to slow travel around Mexico or are on a budget. You can also use the ferry or boat services to get from one destination to the next along the coast.

 

The Ingredients for a Trip of a Lifetime

 

What makes Mexico so special as a travel destination is its diversity, culture and your ability to get off the beaten path at affordable prices. You’ll see beaches, Mayan ruins and colonial towns or replace your wardrobe in Mexico City while enjoying their delicious food on a daily basis.

 

Tulum ruins Mexico

Tulum ruins Mexico