Turkey is a country that has a unique culture at an important point in its history, facing questions of religious and regional identity. Although it has always been an exotic, beautiful, somewhat off-the-beaten-path alluring destination, this time of sweeping change makes Turkey an even more exciting place to be right now. The timing works out well in this case, as the lovely autumn climate and many deals on flights are currently rolling in. For example, Turkish Airlines is offering roundtrip nonstop flight between New York and Istanbul for just $564, between the dates of October 26-November 1 and November 7-30. Flights to other less visited (and therefore usually more expensive) cities in Turkey are also very reasonably priced next month, such as Izmir for $689, and Antalya or Kayseri for $729. Many of these rates apply for flights leaving from Chicago as well. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate allows the affordability to continue after you step off the plane. From cultural and historical adventures such as ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders like Cappadocia, a trip to Turkey is an enchanting (and inexpensive) way to ease yourself into the winter.
October 25, 2007 No Comments
Summer is coming to its final third and snow is in sight. If you’re like me and are anxious to hit the slopes this winter or just get your boots wet, then you might want to start thinking about new winter gear. Before you start to consider the possible options of what you might buy, first consider where you might want to buy it. This questioning may lead you to grab your dogsled and travel to where the dollars are plenitful.
Puffy jackets, Princess Leia earmuffs, and hand warmers are just some of the necessities needed to make this upcoming winter bearable. Depending on the type of winter person you tend to be, clothing and gear will vary on the price since the value of the dollar and its relationship to the Euro is sluggish. The dollar recently has dipped for numerous reasons, giving Europeans or anyone using Euros to take advantage of this opportunity. As of right now the EURO/USD exchange rate is 1.3785 allowing many to fly abroad and pounce on these American sales as the dollar hovers at the value it has fallen too.
Coming to America is a great move to purchase winter gear. Buying this equipment in the summer or even the fall will end up saving you a bunch of cash. If you’re willing to jump on the slippery slopes with a snowboard, you might as well buy it from the best. Top selling snowboards from Burton distinguished as the Burton Cruzer ($299), the Burton Clash Board ($349), and the Burton Custom X Snowboard ($559) will all force you inside your pocket, but if you’re using your converted currency then your inclination may be to buy these high end snowboards. If you’re more of a skier and are looking for a pair that will really take off, try Skis.com to purchase a pair of Salomon Equipe Skis for $399 or the Salomon Scrambler Skis for $199 for a cheaper price.
Hop on the sale trail since most equipment is cheap now and will only get more expensive as the winter nears. Before making an appearance in the states, check some online American stores and have an idea what you’re willing to buy and the cost converted into Euros. Some good websites may include the Sierratradingpost.com, backcountry.com, and your more popular websites like REI.com. These websites will be a good starting point for buying cheaper winter gear like winter hats, gloves, jackets, thick socks, waterproof boots, and as well a number of undershirts. You want to be the first on the mountain, right? So make sure to purchase you gear abroad, take advantage of the “currency sale”. Ski the famous Alps that stretch through seven different European countries and have a reputation for being extremely difficult to maneuver.
Whatever your reason is for getting excited for winter, I’m sure the states have a way of making it cheaper, especially with the dollar creeping down.
August 6, 2007 No Comments
Experience this year’s late-season in the beautiful environment of the Greek Island of Kos! Hotels4U has recently announced an amazing deal that is offering a luxurious 5-star Mitsis Summer Palace hotel in Kardamen on an all-inclusive basis for only $76/night per person (the rate is based on a double occupancy). The hotel features an abundance of leisure facilities, including 7 swimming pools and a separate children’s pool, sun terraces, free sun-loungers and parasols, a satellite TV area, 2 tennis courts, a gym, sauna, game-room with video games, pool and table tennis, various daytime entertainment, mini market, souvenir shop, children’s entertainment program, and a playground. Furthermore, a restaurant with a terrace, pizzeria, and a restaurant serving buffet meals, together with 3 bars are available to all guests. Sports facilities and equipment include billiards, badminton, beach soccer, darts, water polo, beach volleyball, table tennis, mini golf, aerobics, canoes, windsurfing, and a water slide, and are available daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Along with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, the all-inclusive offer grants free 24-hour room service, snacks and ice creams throughout the day, as well as unlimited soft drinks, beer, house wine, and cocktails. The offer is valid from October 6 through October 31.
For more information and terms and conditions that apply to this offer, go to http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/314651
July 30, 2007 No Comments
Visiting Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland, is something I recommend to everyone. Krakow’s Old Town was declared a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1978and it became the most densely ‘pub-populated’ UNESCO Heritage Site in the world. Some Krakovians pride themselves with a saying that there’s more drinking holes per square meter here than anywhere else. And although the service is not always the best and finding a place to sit after 10 pm may be difficult, the spark of the vibrant Krakow night life will surely brighten up your travels.
The horizon above the Old Town is dominated by a mythical Wawel Castle, notable for its stunning courtyard and an incredible collection of jewel-encrusted. It is in Krakow where you will find Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Lady with an Ermine. Arguably the most beautiful out of only three female portraits know to be painted by Leonardo, Lady with an Ermine is displayed in the Czartoryskich Museum at 19 Sw. Jana Street.
Poles are film fanatics and art-house films, many of them in English with Polish subtitles, are mainstream here. So if you have time, you can go to see them in some of the coolest cinemas in Europe. Once in Krakow, don’t miss the unique Wieliczka Salt Mines with wonderful rooms, sculptures and a chapel craved entirely from salt! And while somebody might just be getting married in the salty chapel 200 meters under the ground, you may indulge in another one of Leonardo’s masterpieces, The Last Supper.
July 20, 2007 No Comments
If the magic of medieval European cities is what you’re into, you’ll love Tallinn. I fell in love with Tallinn immediately, when I visited the Estonian capital for the first time a couple years ago. Full of 13th through 17th century buildings, churches and towers, the city offers an interesting cultural mix of Danish, Swedish, Russian, and German influences. Not many outsiders know that the city’s name, derived from the Estonian for “Danish Fort” (taani linnus), is a reminder of the fact that Tallinn was founded by the Danes in early 13th century and the political control over the city has nearly always been in the hands of foreigners from then on. In the past, Tallinn was dominated by Germans, ruled by the kinds of Sweden and the tsars of Russia and later, it became a part of the USSR.
Tallinn is a wonderful place to be indulging in hot chocolates, fine European pastries, delicious Estonian food and excellent beer. During the day, you can soak up the northern European sun at the beaches of the Baltic Sea. You could also stay in the city center and climb a few more than 270 stairs up to the top of St. Olaf’s cathedral. Once the tallest building in the world, you enjoy the magnificent view of the city from here. I actually think that the most amazing thing to do in Tallinn is to walk around its cobblestone streets and observe the little details of the city. You will find wooden doors covered with peculiar geometric patterns, beautiful stained glass windows, or a myriad of architectonic styles and designs noticeable in the city’s numerous churches.
While the overall image of Tallinn is that of a very historic city, I was amazed to find how widespread and accessible free Wifi zones in Tallinn are. Many bars and cafes let you bring in your laptop and surf the Internet for free.
Tallinn is a small city, so three days may be just enough time to stay there, especially if you don’t particularly love history and architecture or are on a tight travel schedule. But it’s definitely worth seeing.
July 18, 2007 No Comments
I decided to visit Bordeaux because I love wine. While I don’t think it would be impossible to appreciate the superb quality of French wine without the approval of a wine specialist, paying for an organized trip with a knowledgeable host is most definitely worth your money. Also, some of the exclusive estates where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the world’s most famous chateaux, like Chateaux Margaux, Latour or Lafite Rotschild, are not always open to the general public.
My personal problem with the wine world is that it tends to be pretentious and elitist at times. And – as the locals admit themselves – Bordeaux is no exception. So if you are like me, you are probably planning your wine tasting vacation with one question in mind: how do I truly enjoy luxury wine snobbery-free? The good news is that there are some companies, such as Wine Lovers Tour Bordeaux that offer passionate yet relaxed and informal tours run. Having a host who is a wine professional and a Bordeaux local is something I recommend. Locals’ understanding of the complexities of this world’s most celebrated wine region is usually unparalleled by those who are mere Bordeaux visitors.
Good food is an obvious part of a wine tasting experience and Bordeaux is known for its excellent Michelin starred restaurants. But while the dining is sure to be superb, eating in some of these impressive restaurants can sometimes turn into an exam. That’s why I was relieved when our guide made it clear that our wine tour is meant to be truly gourmet but without the formal stuffiness. My absolutely favorite was the Relais & Chateaux Restaurant Hautrive Saint James – a great restaurant surrounded by its own vineyard, offering a fabulous view on Bordeaux.
My Bordeaux wine tasting trip was exactly what I had hoped for. I was amazed by the depth of our host’s knowledge. Not only do I know the taste of the best Bordeaux wine but I also learned to see how to choose a really good wine from those more affordable ones. No more panic when I’m handed the wine list or the cork.
I call myself a wine beginner, but some of the people in our group were advanced wine enthusiasts. Regardless of the level differences, we all loved the tour, for we have one thing in common: we love wine and hate snobbery.
July 17, 2007 No Comments
The Greek islands have been a popular destination for a long time. But if you’re like me, then you are turned off by the incredible throngs of people you cannot help but run into at a place like Crete. The island of Lesbos, on the other hand, is green, fun, accessible and, best of all, relatively quiet.
It is a little bit of a trek to get to Lesbos because the island is actually closer to Turkey than to Greece. But ferries do leave Piraeus (which is a major port in Greece and relatively easy to get to) every day, usually around dusk. You’ll arrive at the provincial capital of Mytilene at around 7 AM. The key is not to spend much time in Mytilene; there is much more to do in the island’s other major cities of Eressos, Kaloni and Molyvos.
Eressos is the birthplace of the Greek poet Sappho. Widely considered to be the originator of modern lyrical poetry, Sappho’s poems are full of powerful emotion towards other women. The association of this island with her poems is how we get the term “lesbian.” As such, the town is a popular destination for lesbian tourists. But it is also a spectacular family destination that boasts one of the best beaches in the world.
Kaloni is one of the two big bays on the island. If you like to fish, this town will feel like heaven. The locals claim that the region’s sardines are internationally renowned and treasured. Last, you have to drink some ouzo while you’re in Kaloni. It is the national liquor of Greece, and it is very similar to anise. I mention this because Kaloni serves the best ouzo in all of Greece.
You should end your day in Lesbos in the town of Molyvos. It is on a beautiful harbor, and has a hotel called the Sera Horse that is both affordable and convenient. That’s true of the island as a whole, really; everything is inexpensive but it does not detract from the experience. You save money by traveling to Lesbos, but you have just as much fun here as anywhere else. Traveling to Lesbos is a great experience and a great value; that’s why it is one of my favorite Greek islands.
July 17, 2007 No Comments
Berlin is one of my favorite cities. I have been there on two separate occasions, and I have fallen in love. It is such a fascinating city in so many ways, and it appeals to a sense of history, culture and curiosity.
There’s no city in the world that better epitomizes the second half of the twentieth century. Once we were walking from the Tiergaarten (the zoo) and just randomly stumbled upon a memorial for a protestor that was shot in the back by the Stasi during the Cold War. It was incredible.
There’s sense of history in Berlin that you do not feel anywhere else; walking around the city is almost like traveling back in time. We spent one afternoon going to Checkpoint Charlie, where you could cross from East Berlin to West Berlin. If you closed your eyes, you could almost see the Soviet and American tanks and soldiers facing off at each other.
While you’re in the history mood, take some time and check out the east side gallery too. It is the largest remaining portion of the wall left—more than 1.5 kilometers. The graffiti is simply gorgeous; artists have taken the ultimate symbol of exclusion and war and made it into a piece of art.
Berlin is not just about history, though. It is a really modern city in a lot of ways actually, especially compared to American cities. The architecture is either abstract or of the international school. Most of that is because the city was completely bombed during World War II, and a lot of the buildings are post-1945. But it’s not just about the architecture. The club scene is mostly techno-rave, so if you are not into that, you have to stick with the bars.
Berlin may be THE city of the twentieth century, but it’s also a great city for now. There’s so much culture and history, and when you realize first realize where you actually are and what other people have been there as well, it’s a little overwhelming. But I would definitely recommend going there and experiencing it for yourself. Make sure to grab a bratwurst and a Berliner. Appreciate the history but make sure to enjoy the present.
July 13, 2007 No Comments
Loket Castle is an absolute gem. Located in Western Bohemia, two hours west of Prague, Loket is only a short trip from more famous tourist destinations like Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. The castle dates back to the twelfth century, and it is beautifully preserved, mostly because it has been declared a national monument.
When you first get to Loket, you might find the area somewhat familiar, because it was the location for a number of scenes in Casino Royale, the latest James Bond film. It took the place of the town in Montenegro where the characters in the movie played their poker game. The town does not have much to offer, especially if you’re not into architecture from the Middle Ages, but it does have one amazing castle.
Guys love castles. I know I have loved them ever since I was kid playing around in forts. And I mention that because Loket Castle makes a special effort to cater to that feeling. Admission charge is required, but once you enter the castle gates, you can wander around wherever you want. You can enter the dungeons (where prisoners were once kept), explore the turrets (where one king stashed his daughters) and even experience the royal view from the balconies.
At certain times of the year, the administrators of the castle organize a special dungeon exhibition. They had opened access to about fifteen different rooms and set up a different torture scenario in each one. The idea of a dungeon exhibition might seem a bit gruesome, but there’s also something fun in seeing what happens to a doll when stretched over a rack.
Do not leave the town right away after you are done exploring Loket Castle. If you are hungry and like central European food, then there is a restaurant in the area worth checking out. It’s simply called Restaurace, and it’s directly to the right of the exit to the castle. The staff there will cook you the best goulash you will ever have (served in a bread bowl), and you can wash it down with a Pilsner.
You may not have heard of Loket Castle before now. While it may not be as well-known or popular as some of Europe’s castles, it is not lacking in quality. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed just visiting all of the churches and castles in Europe, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t go. They are an unforgettable part of the history of the land, and if you are in Western Bohemia, Loket Castle is a must-see.
July 13, 2007 No Comments
A weak US Dollar does not have to stand between you and your best scuba dive vacations! If corals, fish, and ship wrecks are your summer must-see, you probably already know about some of the best diving spots out there. But which ones are the best and the most affordable with the current exchange rates?
With the US dollar a lot weaker than this time last year, choosing a location with a poor currency exchange rates may pull quite a few extra bucks from your wallet. When looking for your scuba vacation, consider traveling to a country with a currency that weaker than United States dollar can considerably cut down your travel expenses. While Heron Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, just as the Vanuatu scuba dive in South East Asia, lures the divers with thousands of species of fish and remarkable natural treasures, these destinations are not necessarily the cheapest.
To turn your scuba diving vacations into the best deal possible, watch out for the exchange rates. Here are the world’s 8 best scuba diving destinations where a weaker US dollar will not affect your budget plans:
1. Belize
The warm Caribbean waters of Belize are one of the most acclaimed scuba diving destinations. Here, you can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley, take a look at the fascinatingly diverse marine life while gliding through the Barrier Reef, or explore Belize’s famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 400 feet deep. Belize Dollar is fixed to the US dollar, the average USD to BZD exchange rate being 1:1.96.
2. Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
The islands of Turk’s and Caicos are a true divers’ paradise. Thanks to the government determination to protect its valuable natural environment, untouched reefs, dunes and drop-offs are awaiting under the water.
Although the US dollar being the Turks and Caicos currency saves you money on exchange rates, the cost of the diving tours skyrockets when the tourist season hits peak (mid-December to mid-April). Therefore, it’s best to plan your trip between April and July as the water gets unbearably hot afterwards.
3. Cayman Islands
Mid-December through mid-April is the peak tourist time in the Caymans, too. This spot often referred to as the best Caribbean diving site, is an ideal US-dollar destination thanks to its clear and warm waters.
4. Mozambique
Islands of Mozambique are totally undeveloped and a nature-lovers’ dream. Along with the reefs and clear waters, you can experience wonderful night diving and wreck explorations in the Marine National Park. The best months to visit are June, July and August. Mozambique’s currency being fixed to the US dollar, the USD to Mozambique’s Metical rate oscillates around 25544.1:1. Before you head to Mozambique’s irresistible waters though, check government travel advisories. Some places in the country are still affected by a long civil war and may suffer unrest.
5. Yap, Micronesia
Another place where you can benefit from avoiding exchange rate losses while planning your scuba dive vacations is Yap. This little island in Micronesia with the US dollar currency, but is certainly among the world’s brightest diving treasures. It is known for its incredibly diverse marine life, especially the mysterious and largest of all rays, the manta ray. It’s recommended to visit the island during the dry season between December and April.
6. Bonaire
The marine park of the Bonaire waters offers the divers a wonderful sight of an unspoiled underwater ecosystem. The best time to indulge into the diving pleasures in the Caribbean waters of Bonaire is between September and December, as the sea is the calmest at that time. Netherlands Antillean Gulden is fixed to the US dollar. Hence, exchange rate fluctuations will not affect your scuba dive vacations’ budget plans.
7. Hawaii
To avoid downsides of traveling while the US dollar is weak, staying within the country may be a reasonable strategy. Giant sea turtles, whales and sharks are redundant in the fertile volcanic ecosystem of the Hawaiian waters. Although not as clear as those of some sheltered islands, its waters offer a great scuba diving adventure thanks to the richness of Hawaii’s marine life.
8. Florida
Florida is the best scuba diving destination on the North American continent with countless scuba diving shops along the entire Gulf coast and Atlantic coast. While the Gulf coast usually outperforms the Atlantic Coast in visibility, the latter offers a wealth of reefs and shipwrecks. The convenience of and economy of Florida travel, alongside with the abundance of tropical fish, manatees, giant turtles and dolphins account for one of the best scuba diving vacations.
June 12, 2007 No Comments
Our monthly reports tell you what countries and currencies offer the best deals. Travel and buy smart!