There are many pet-friendly travel destinations around the world where you and your furry friend can enjoy a great vacation together. Here are some suggestions:
There are many pet-friendly travel destinations around the world where you and your furry friend can enjoy a great vacation together. Here are some suggestions:
]]>Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a northeastern Italian border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where travelers will find the cultural and culinary imprints of all three countries. On Tourissimo's NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe.
Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a northeastern Italian border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where travelers will find the cultural and culinary imprints of all three countries. On Tourissimo's NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe.
]]>Lithuania has hundreds of walking paths that vary in both length and difficulty. From the hardened hiker to a nature-loving family, there are many opportunities to escape the buzz of the city and breathe in some revitalizing countryside air.
In preparation for the rapidly warming weather of spring, many are now set on finding new nature experiences for their next getaway. With Lithuania planning to refurbish a lot of the local-beloved walking paths through some of its best-kept natural secrets, there is no better time than now to pay the country a visit. From exploring the continental dunes of Dzūkija to one of the oldest oak forests in the country, there is something fit for everybody’s preferences.
Walking among Juniper trees. The 1.3 km long Arlaviškių — or Juniper Valley — nature trail just outside of Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city invites you to admire the magnificent panorama of the widened Nemunas river, Dabinta Island and the enchanting surrounding outcrops. With the renovation of the trail now complete, its novelty is more easily observed: naturally grown on a steep slope, with patches of steppe grassland between the juniper trees and in other parts of the reserve that are home to rare plants, mushrooms, springs with forming tuffs, and even hanging wetlands.
Oasis of sandy dunes. The legendary sand dunes of Lithuania can not only be found in the west of the country by the Baltic sea. Dzūkija National Park, found in the southern part of Lithuania, is home to the largest mass of continental dunes in the country. In the Marcinkoniu Geomorphological Reserve, work is currently underway to open up the historic dune and remind people what the landscape looked like 10, 000 years ago. The dune is currently best viewed along the Marcinkonys-Varėna road.
200-year-old oak forest. In spring, it will be possible to return to the Dūkštai Oak Grove Nature Trail to see one of the oldest and largest natural oak forests in Lithuania. Among the undergrowth of 200-year-old oak trees there are several species of rare and endangered animals, plants, fungi, and lichens that call the grove home. As these trees were worshiped as gods several hundred years ago, wooden statues made in their honor can be discovered by those who wander through the area. Adding to the mystic energy of the park is the Airėnai Stone, with runes etched onto it whose meanings are still a mystery to mankind.
Rural hilltops and the grave of a giant. Active outdoor recreation is still a hot topic this season. Last year, the Kaišiadorys Tourism and Business Information Centre created 10 new routes of varying difficulty for those wishing to explore the region on foot. The region is renowned by nature-loving locals for its idyllic, rural landscapes filled with hills and mounds. Some of the most-notable natural sights are the Mergakalnis scarp — the highest sightseeing place on the Kaunas lagoon shore — and the Masiejūnai mound, which legends tell is the resting place of a giant. All of the must-visit mounds, beaches and interesting stops are marked on the renewed trails.
Awe-inspiring field of bison. This spring, Dzūkija National Park will invite you to visit Lithuania’s newest bison nursery, located between Marcinkonys and Zervynos. From the observation deck, you will be able to watch Europe's largest beasts — which have been held as a national symbol in the country due to their long history — in an exhibition enclosure. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about this rare species and understand why bison need to be protected.
Lithuania has hundreds of walking paths that vary in both length and difficulty. From the hardened hiker to a nature-loving family, there are many opportunities to escape the buzz of the city and breathe in some revitalizing countryside air.
In preparation for the rapidly warming weather of spring, many are now set on finding new nature experiences for their next getaway. With Lithuania planning to refurbish a lot of the local-beloved walking paths through some of its best-kept natural secrets, there is no better time than now to pay the country a visit. From exploring the continental dunes of Dzūkija to one of the oldest oak forests in the country, there is something fit for everybody’s preferences.
Walking among Juniper trees. The 1.3 km long Arlaviškių — or Juniper Valley — nature trail just outside of Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city invites you to admire the magnificent panorama of the widened Nemunas river, Dabinta Island and the enchanting surrounding outcrops. With the renovation of the trail now complete, its novelty is more easily observed: naturally grown on a steep slope, with patches of steppe grassland between the juniper trees and in other parts of the reserve that are home to rare plants, mushrooms, springs with forming tuffs, and even hanging wetlands.
Oasis of sandy dunes. The legendary sand dunes of Lithuania can not only be found in the west of the country by the Baltic sea. Dzūkija National Park, found in the southern part of Lithuania, is home to the largest mass of continental dunes in the country. In the Marcinkoniu Geomorphological Reserve, work is currently underway to open up the historic dune and remind people what the landscape looked like 10, 000 years ago. The dune is currently best viewed along the Marcinkonys-Varėna road.
200-year-old oak forest. In spring, it will be possible to return to the Dūkštai Oak Grove Nature Trail to see one of the oldest and largest natural oak forests in Lithuania. Among the undergrowth of 200-year-old oak trees there are several species of rare and endangered animals, plants, fungi, and lichens that call the grove home. As these trees were worshiped as gods several hundred years ago, wooden statues made in their honor can be discovered by those who wander through the area. Adding to the mystic energy of the park is the Airėnai Stone, with runes etched onto it whose meanings are still a mystery to mankind.
Rural hilltops and the grave of a giant. Active outdoor recreation is still a hot topic this season. Last year, the Kaišiadorys Tourism and Business Information Centre created 10 new routes of varying difficulty for those wishing to explore the region on foot. The region is renowned by nature-loving locals for its idyllic, rural landscapes filled with hills and mounds. Some of the most-notable natural sights are the Mergakalnis scarp — the highest sightseeing place on the Kaunas lagoon shore — and the Masiejūnai mound, which legends tell is the resting place of a giant. All of the must-visit mounds, beaches and interesting stops are marked on the renewed trails.
Awe-inspiring field of bison. This spring, Dzūkija National Park will invite you to visit Lithuania’s newest bison nursery, located between Marcinkonys and Zervynos. From the observation deck, you will be able to watch Europe's largest beasts — which have been held as a national symbol in the country due to their long history — in an exhibition enclosure. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about this rare species and understand why bison need to be protected.
]]>If you’re wondering how and where travelers may be traveling in 2023, here’s what the experts are saying. Sarah Casewit, Director of Travel at travel planning company Origin has compiled the below list of travel trends they’re seeing for 2023.
If you’re wondering how and where travelers may be traveling in 2023, here’s what the experts are saying. Sarah Casewit, Director of Travel at travel planning company Origin has compiled the below list of travel trends they’re seeing for 2023.
]]>Eric Cantona, the sporting legend and former captain of Manchester United unveiled today that he is launching a travel brand in collaboration with DHARMA, the disruptive travel startup that has previously launched travel brands for iconic people and brands such as Equinox and Culture Trip.
Eric Cantona, the sporting legend and former captain of Manchester United unveiled today that he is launching a travel brand in collaboration with DHARMA, the disruptive travel startup that has previously launched travel brands for iconic people and brands such as Equinox and Culture Trip.
]]>As part of my Rio Carnival and São Paulo trip to Brazil earlier this year, I made my way up north to the city of Manaus — known as the door to the Amazon Rainforest. Manaus, also referred to as the Heart of the Amazon, is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The seventh-largest city in Brazil sits near the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimões river — just a few kilometres to its east.
As part of my Rio Carnival and São Paulo trip to Brazil earlier this year, I made my way up north to the city of Manaus — known as the door to the Amazon Rainforest. Manaus, also referred to as the Heart of the Amazon, is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The seventh-largest city in Brazil sits near the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimões river — just a few kilometres to its east.
]]>By complete coincidence, as I walked the streets of Manaus' historical district, in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas, my eye caught a beautiful yellow 19th-century building this past February. The classic French Belle Époque style building featured what looked like an upscale café or restaurant. I asked a friendly attendant at the front gate if it was possible to go in for a coffee.
By complete coincidence, as I walked the streets of Manaus' historical district, in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas, my eye caught a beautiful yellow 19th-century building this past February. The classic French Belle Époque style building featured what looked like an upscale café or restaurant. I asked a friendly attendant at the front gate if it was possible to go in for a coffee.
]]>Affectionally known as Sampa, the Brazilian city of São Paulo, the biggest metropolis in the country, has South America's largest and most culturally diverse population. Paulistanos, the name given to the city's inhabitants, make up an urban population of over 12 million souls (21+ million if counting Greater Sao Paulo). It's home to the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world — around 50% of which holds full or partial Italian ancestry. Paulistanos are also natives to over 200 countries — including the largest concentration of people of Japanese descent outside of Japan.
Affectionally known as Sampa, the Brazilian city of São Paulo, the biggest metropolis in the country, has South America's largest and most culturally diverse population. Paulistanos, the name given to the city's inhabitants, make up an urban population of over 12 million souls (21+ million if counting Greater Sao Paulo). It's home to the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world — around 50% of which holds full or partial Italian ancestry. Paulistanos are also natives to over 200 countries — including the largest concentration of people of Japanese descent outside of Japan.
]]>Carnaval is one of the most crowded times in Rio de Janeiro, along with New Year's Eve, when thousands of tourists flock to the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Experiencing the Rio Carnaval is a popular bucket list item. I was fortunate to tick the Rio Carnaval box this year, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
Carnaval is one of the most crowded times in Rio de Janeiro, along with New Year's Eve, when thousands of tourists flock to the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Experiencing the Rio Carnaval is a popular bucket list item. I was fortunate to tick the Rio Carnaval box this year, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
]]>Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its fantastic shopping, selection of international restaurants, luxury hotels and theme parks. But it's also an excellent destination for adrenaline seekers. Of course, you might think of skydiving above the iconic palm islands — as experience by actor Will Smith. But did you know the Dubai Autodrome offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving a Formula 1 race car or a wide range of exotic vehicles like a Ferrari, Porsche or McLaren?
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its fantastic shopping, selection of international restaurants, luxury hotels and theme parks. But it's also an excellent destination for adrenaline seekers. Of course, you might think of skydiving above the iconic palm islands — as experience by actor Will Smith. But did you know the Dubai Autodrome offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving a Formula 1 race car or a wide range of exotic vehicles like a Ferrari, Porsche or McLaren?
]]>Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is one of Africa's top tourist destinations. The oldest working harbour in the continent attracts 24 million visitors annually. It's not difficult to see why. The work, live, eat and play destination where the ocean meets South Africa's Mother City offers spectacular views of the iconic Table Mountain.
Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is one of Africa's top tourist destinations. The oldest working harbour in the continent attracts 24 million visitors annually. It's not difficult to see why. The work, live, eat and play destination where the ocean meets South Africa's Mother City offers spectacular views of the iconic Table Mountain.
]]>The Houghton Hotel is Johannesburg's newest 5-star property. It's so new that I wasn't even listed on the Uber app. I instead had to add the adjacent Houghton Golf Club's address as a substitute. It's located a bit out of the way and a perfect option if you're looking to stay in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of central Johannesburg.
The Houghton Hotel is Johannesburg's newest 5-star property. It's so new that I wasn't even listed on the Uber app. I instead had to add the adjacent Houghton Golf Club's address as a substitute. It's located a bit out of the way and a perfect option if you're looking to stay in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of central Johannesburg.
]]>Are you looking to experience the ultimate wilderness experience in Namibia's Etosha National Park in style and luxury? Emanya@Etosha Game Lodge is a perfect option. This 5-star safari lodge is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Etosha National Park's eastern von Lindequist gate.
Arriving at Etosha Lodge after a long 6-hour drive from Windhoek, undertaken shortly after landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport on a flight from Johannesburg, this was a welcome sumptuous abode.
Are you looking to experience the ultimate wilderness experience in Namibia's Etosha National Park in style and luxury? Emanya@Etosha Game Lodge is a perfect option. This 5-star safari lodge is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Etosha National Park's eastern von Lindequist gate.
Arriving at Etosha Lodge after a long 6-hour drive from Windhoek, undertaken shortly after landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport on a flight from Johannesburg, this was a welcome sumptuous abode.
]]>The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is one of those underrated 4-star properties which should definitely be considered a 5-star. Located directly along the idyllic Swakopmund Mole (promenade), it boasts direct access to the town's main beach.
The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is one of those underrated 4-star properties which should definitely be considered a 5-star. Located directly along the idyllic Swakopmund Mole (promenade), it boasts direct access to the town's main beach.
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