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Which Are the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?
Here, we give you a list of the six European Christmas markets that we like best. Vörösmarty Market, Budapest, Hungary Budapest is recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful European cities. Lights and ornaments further enrich this magical place during the Christmas season. It’s hard to resist grabbing your camera and photographing everything. There are many Christmas markets around the city, but the biggest is the Vörösmarty Market. You’ll be able to taste the best of the best from the Hungarian culinary tradition. The delicious smells wafting through the air will tempt you everywhere you turn. Wine, chocolate, strudel, meat: a journey of wonderful flavors! Old Town Square Market in Prague, Czech Republic The Staroměstské Náměstí Market on the Old Town Square in Prague is perfect for both young and old. If you want the atmosphere of an enchanted city, you’ll be able to find it here. Lights, colors, smells and more. After a hot dog and a glass of red wine, you will feel completely immersed in the world of Christmas. Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, Spain Right in front of the catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), the Fira de Santa Llucía in Barcelona, which has been held since 1786, is a unique event. Christmas in Catalonia has a very special touch. Don’t be surprised if the booths of Christmas decorations also have unusual items, such trunks or a man defecating. Forget Santa Claus, gifts arrive here by the Caga Tio, a trunk with eyes, eyebrows, nose, a typical Catalan “Barretina” hat and a...
On the Ice: The Canary Wharf of London vs. BarGelona
With Christmas just around the corner, we once again have Christmas markets, various family plans, and, of course, ice rinks, a fun alternative to combat the winter cold that’s suitable for all ages. If you’re planning to visit London or Barcelona during the Christmas holidays, don’t miss out on visiting their ice rinks. London Just a 15-minute walk from central Bond Street, the capital of the Thames has an ice rink in the heart of the business district of Canary Wharf. Surrounded by the three tallest skyscrapers in the UK, the Canary Wharf Ice Rink opened on November 1 and won’t be closing until February 28. It’s open from 11 am to 11 pm, except holidays. The ticket price does not exceed 15 pounds per person per hour and there are numerous discounts for groups, students and families. And to avoid the queues, it’s also possible to purchase tickets online with specific dates and times for skating. The open-air rink also has a terrace bar with views, which can also be rented for private parties. The Canary Wharf Ice Rink can be accessed by people with reduced mobility. A traditional Christmas market is also only a two-minute walk from the rink, offering the perfect complement to a day of skating. You can reach the Canary Wharf track is possible by public transport (metro, train, bus and boat) and they also have complimentary parking on weekends and holidays. Barcelona Dubbed BarGelona, the ice rink of Barcelona will host skaters from November 21 until January 11, from 10 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10 am to 11...
Traveling by Train Today and Forever
Rail travel has changed a lot since the railways were first invented. The landscapes are not what they used to be, but one thing that hasn’t change is the feeling one has when traveling in a cabin and waking up in a different place. There are experiences that one should have, and train travel is one of them. Here’s what I suggest: Jungfrau cogwheel train in Switzerland, the Train to the Clouds in Argentina and, of course, the famous, antique Orient Express. Train to the Clouds, Salta (Northern Argentina): If you’re seeking an ultimate experience, you need to climb aboard this Argentine train which reaches heights of 4,200 meters, while traveling through the breathtaking and endless Andes mountains. Northern Argentina is spectacular, and although it might be less explored than the center and the south of the country, it’s no less attractive. I would even go so far to as to say that it’s more authentic. This train known as the Train to the Clouds literally travels through clouds and even above them, making it one of the highest railways in the world. It covers a distance more than 200 miles in about 16 hours, from the city of Salta to the famous viaduct La Polvorilla, which is the highest point on the line and the best spot for a photo. The luxury of traveling on the Orient Express (Walk through Europe): This is one of the oldest on record in the history of railways. It was created in 1883, but its usage was interrupted during World War I until it returned servicing the major European cities in 1918....
Top 5 Christmas Shopping Destinations
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with peace, joy and a wealth of seasonal shopping opportunities. The festive season is a special but bizarre time of year, with the build up to Christmas becoming stressful for many people. Well we believe Christmas is not just a time for shopping, but an ideal time for a holiday! Fuse the two by jetting off to these wonderful destinations, perfect for a last minute shopping trip. London It isn’t too far away for most of us – a train ride or drive if you’re brave – but for those who don’t live in the capital, visiting London at Christmas really does feel like a holiday. With the world famous Harrods, Oxford Street and countless other shopping districts you can’t go wrong, but it’s the huge Christmas tree and topiary Rudolph in Covent Garden which will make you feel all festive. It’s a great choice for a mini-break or a one day shopping extravaganza. Dubai Although the festive season is all about being cold, making snowmen and huddling around a fire, sometimes you just need a bit of reprieve! Unless you plan on heading to the other side of the world, the best place you will find some sunshine in December is Dubai. It also boasts some of the best shopping in the world – it’s a win-win situation! Although a non-Christian country, the Emirates really go all out on the decorations too – one Abu Dhabi hotel has the world’s most expensive Christmas tree, costing $11.5 million. Germany We couldn’t decide on a definitive German city; the country has...
Organic Food around the World
Nowadays, eating healthy is a priority. But often it’s not enough to eat healthy, so you have to go one step further. Organic foods are grown naturally, without additives, and with techniques that do not pollute and can also protect the environment. We will visit some of the places where organic farming is the order of the day. It’s almost a way of life. And without chemicals. We’re not talking only about vegetarian restaurants, but places where can also enjoy meat and fish. In this post, I make recommendations for a variety of restaurants, something for everyone in your group. We’ll start out in Hamburg and end up in London via Paris and Beirut. Nat (Hamburg): The first organic food fast food chain has just opened in Germany. The first restaurant is in Hamburg and is called Nat. Soups, salads, fish and meat, all organic products from farm to table. They provide their clients with sustainable menus, which of course taste great too. The more natural a product, the more flavor it usually has. It’s like when you compare homegrown tomatoes to the ones you buy in the supermarket. This restaurant, which is still fast food, plans to open new stores across Europe soon. FresCo (Spain): This is also a fast food restaurant but a healthy one. All the dishes are organic and feature the best of the market. Yet it is still an affordable option. Although organic products are generally more expensive, it’s not in this particular case. FresCo is booming in Spain. It’s a very good option if you want to be surprised by the high quality...
Things to Know Before Your Trip
Even with trips that have been scheduled in detail, something unexpected can happen, a mishap, delay or surprise that will make that make you have to change plans. That’s normal. Just take a deep breath and deal with the matter without losing your temper. Nobody likes missing a plane, having their purse stolen or being disoriented and tired all day because of jet lag. That’s why we’re giving you some tips to help prevent this. Travelers can always encounter delays or cancellations: When things don’t go as planned, we tend to get nervous and stop thinking clearly. A delay at an airport often means not making a connecting flight or arriving at the hotel. The first thing to do is contact the airline to make sure they are liable for the transportation and hotel costs. If not, it usually makes the most sense to quickly book another flight, so that you don’t miss out on the rest of your trip (hotels, tours and more) and submit the claims for reimbursement once you’ve returned home. Lost luggage: Airlines don’t usually lose luggage. What can happen, though, is that the luggage doesn’t end up traveling on the plane with us but stays behind at the place origin or worse, it’s sent to another country. If it back on the ground, it’s often just been misplaced on the way. In this case, they’ll send it the following day to wherever you are. It’s worse if your suitcase mistakenly ends up in Hong Kong while you were flying to Milan. If your luggage gets sent to another country by mistake, it’s often never...
On Board a River Cruise
River cruises are becoming more attractive to travelers looking for a different sort of experience. Today, these vessels offer virtually the same services as larger cruise ships but with the advantage of shorter journeys and easier navigation. It is a form of tourism that is offered more frequently and you can also find offers for adults and children if that’s what you want. In this post, I recommend some of the river cruises currently navigating the rivers around the globe. Cruising the Amazon: It’s a luxury to sail the river in South America, isolated from the world and enjoying Mother Nature in all its abundance. You will be traversing the largest river in the world, which delves into the depths of South America and spans several countries. The Amazon River emerges in the Peruvian Andes, at some 3,000 meters high. The lush jungle surrounds you as you travel along the Amazon River. I recommend taking a river cruise leaving from Manaus (Brazil) or from Iquitos (Peru), although the latter is perhaps less crowded and more to my liking. The cruise ships are very comfortable, usually small wooden boats with no more than 20 rooms. Of course, it is absolutely idyllic to ride through the Amazon rainforest, crossing lakes and floating gardens, passing by countless trees, zigzagging and meandering along the way. Visiting the first civilization of the Nile River: From Luxor to Aswan. This river cruise travels back in time to ancient civilizations. Discover the Nile’s history, from pharaohs, tombs, valleys, and dams to the most unexpected mysteries. The river, which crosses Egypt from top to bottom, is simply...
Luxurious Dreams Are Free of Charge
Luxury for the sake of luxury. This is a post for those who are willing to dig deep into their pockets. We are going to go to the most remote beaches of Tanzania and Seychelles, a 7-star hotel in Dubai, and for dinner at the best restaurant in the world (in Denmark). On Safari in Tanzania: Traveling to Africa is expensive, but it’s a destination that is hard to resist. Talking about Tanzania means talking about Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. But if what you are seeking is a luxury beach to rest without being disturbed, I recommend you go directly to Zanzibar. Zanzibar is referred to as the African Caribbean, and it’s an ideal hiding place for couples. For example, at the Kendwa beach, with its white sand and turquoise water. It’s also a top diving spot. If you need some help, the diving school there is named Spanish Dancer (their owners are Spanish). You only need to go under the water to enjoy the views. You will feel right at home. The Seychelles: A real tropical paradise. This archipelago, which consists of more than a hundred islands in the Indian Ocean, is a Mecca of luxury and a favorite destination of actors, singers and soccer stars. Seychelles is so glamorous, it was chosen as a honeymoon destination by George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin. If you are going to travel to Seychelles I recommend two 5-star hotels in Mahé. The first is the Ephelia Resort, of the Constance chain, where you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, directly opposite the Launa Marine Park. The...
City Break Survival Guide
City breaks can be a wonderful indulgence, whether it’s discovering a new part of your home country or exploring cities further afield across the world. The illustrious city break is now a staple feature of many people’s holiday plans, as the allure of endless romantic possibilities and the excitement of last minute getaways are unsurpassed. However, city breaks differ from other holidays and need an altogether different style of preparation. With most holidays to urban destinations lasting only a few nights, usually a long weekend, travellers need to make sure they make the most of every second. Here at Only-apartments we specialise in accommodation in the heart of the city, offering premier locations to see all the top attractions and sights with ease. We are the masters of the city break, which is why we’ve put together our top tips for anyone embarking on a short trip to Rome, Hong Kong, Paris, New York and any urban metropolis in between; read on for the ultimate city break survival guide. Change your currency in advance Because city breaks are usually short, people tend to think of them differently than a one or two week holiday. When it comes to organising your currency, for a longer holiday you would probably have the money changed a week in advance. However, when it comes to short city breaks most people leave it until last minute, either forgetting altogether or thinking it is not as important as you won’t be spending that much. This is a school boy error! It doesn’t matter how much currency you are changing, you will always find a better...
