Istanbul Topkapi’s Palace
Topkapi Palace is Istanbul’s most opulent tourist attraction today, with a multitude of tales to be told spanning its vast and exciting history. Since 1924, after the end of the Ottoman era in 1921, the Palace was transformed by government decree to a museum. It was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and is included in within the ‘Historic Areas of Istanbul’. The Palace contains the most important holy relics of the Muslim world, including the Prophet Muhammed’s cloak and sword. Also the building itself if absolutely incredible, and is known as the finest example of the Ottoman architecture.
The roots of the Topkapi’s Palace
It was built by order of Sultan Mehmet II, the conqueror of the capital of the Roman Empire Constantinople, which is the site that the city of Istanbul now stands. Construction started in 1459, and at the palaces peak it housed over 4000 people. The Palace housed the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years, and as well as being the primary royal residence it was also host to countless state occasions and royal entertainments. It was home to Selim the Sot, who allegedly drank too much champagne and drowned in the bath; Ibrahim the crazy who lost his mind having been locked up in the palace Kafes for far too long; and also Roxelana, the consort of Suleyman the Magnificent, who was as beautiful and as malevolent.
There are so many parts to Topkapi Palace it is almost like a city within a city. Today only some of the thousands of rooms are open to the public, and the whole place is heavily guarded by both the city’s elite police force and the Turkish Military. Outside you will find a board telling you which rooms and areas are currently closed at that particular time, as there is a lot of restoration work going on at present.
The Imperial Gate and beyond…
The first thing you come to and will pass through is Imperial Gate; note the detail of the intricate Turkish rococo decoration. Through here you will come into the Court of the Janissaries, also known as the Parade Court. Janissaries, merchants and tradespeople could circulate in here as they wished, however access to the second court was limited. The same is true today as you need a ticket to enter the Second Court. Just passed the ticket windows you can see a small fountain, which is where the executioner would was his tools after executing a noble or rebel who had displeased the Sultan. The head of the decapitated victim would be exhibited on a spike above the gate.
Highly recommend a visit!
There is much more to discover from here on in, such as the Imperial Council Chamber on the west side of the court, where the council would sit and commerce as the Sultan eavesdropped through a metal grill. It is a beautiful ornate building, but when you come to enter the third court almost at the heart of the palace, you can feel the strange throng of a bustling past. It would have been full of Eunuchs and Imperial Pages going about their business in full royal robes. Only very few important people were allowed in here. It is truly a more than fascinating place, and an intriguing spectacle to behold.
Samuel enjoys the finer things in life and only books luxury villa’s from HouseTrip.
Hotels in the Costa Brava
For decades now, the Costa Brava has been one of Europe’s most popular and energetic holiday destinations. Each year millions of tourists head for its sun-drenched shores, ready to relax, have a good time and forget about the stresses and strains of their regular life.
As well as its stunning coastline, great Catalan food and idyllic beaches, resorts like Lloret del Mar are a magnet for young people determined to party around the clock.
For this reason a lot of visitors to the region arrive on a tight budget. So it’s good to know that there is an array of excellent quality and value budget hotels in Costa Brava . Here’s a guide to some of the highest rated of the value accommodation currently available.
For a mix of beach, culture, water sports and great food, you can’t do much better than the Hotel Golden Bahia de Tossa. A four star hotel opened in 2003, it also boasts a range of ‘wellness’ services, including a Jacuzzi and solarium.
Another popular venue is the Hotel Aquarium & Spa, located in Lloret de Mar with its 7 kms of beaches. The hotel has a lounge-bar, indoor and heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, UV sunbeds as well as a fully equipped gym and a garden.
Not far away, the three star hotel Copacabana is located in the bustling heart of Lloret de Mar. It’s just a short walk to the beaches, shops, restaurants and local nightlife.
The popular Hotel Helios is another well-equipped hotel. Located just 150 metres from the beach it has an outdoor pool and other high quality facilities, making it an ideal base for a holiday in Lloret.
Last but not least, the four star Hotel San Jorge in Girona offers something a little different, particularly for those travelling to the Costa Brava on a golf break. The hotel is built on a cliff top, overlooking two outstanding beaches and is only a 15 minute walk from the lively Platja d’Aro town. It boasts 119 recently refurbished rooms and has a beautiful and stylish spa. Most importantly of all for golfers, it’s just a 15 minute drive from two great golf courses, Golf d’Aro and Costa Brava Golf and within a 30 minute drive of the PGA Catalunya, Emporda and Platja de Pals course.
For more information on hotels in Costa Brava visit HolidayCheck.com.
Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport must be famous mostly among those folk in Fife, Stirling or Perth; Glaswegians requiring something other than the flights they can get out Prestwick; and Londoners on business trips making the weekly commute. But, yes, there is an airport in Edinburgh! It’s handy in its location and facilities and, because of the range of flights heading in and out of this little hub, it gets a thumbs up from me (a self-confessed travel-addict) and a recommendation for running checks on available flights for cheap deals.
My latest Edinburgh Airport experience included a stay at the Hilton Airport Hotel, Edinburgh. It was well-worth planning ahead to get the night before to relax, work out, eat a decent meal and get a great night’s sleep ahead of my long-haul flight. The dedicated airport shuttle that takes you through the outskirts of Edinburgh (for a bargain return journey ticket price) makes for a stress-free connection. For anyone heading in from Glasgow, it’s a short stretch East along the A8. Flyers from Stirling come via the M9 and those from Perth down the M90. Parking is well-catered for so you can check out the short or long term stays if that’s going to be most convenient for you.
In terms of restaurants, pubs, bars and shops, there is everything you would expect from a compact, efficient hub, as well as the ever-important duty free shopping – of course famous for world class whiskies. The atmosphere is very relaxed, in the rolling countryside just outside Edinburgh, so for those looking for a hassle-free connection or peaceful start to a holiday I would encourage people to take a look at the flights heading out from the two runways. For stats buffs, I noticed on a rather cute poster that they see more than 100,000 flights passing through each year – not too shabby!
Having enjoyed an evening in Edinburgh the night before my flight, and having passed through Fife’s transport hub a few times before, my high expectations of welcoming Scottish service wasn’t disappointed. Check-in is no nonsense and breezy. My coffee was just how I asked for it and I wasn’t rushed off, but left to enjoy my book and downtime ahead of flying. This must be especially because the mood is far removed from that you get in the bigger airports.
I realised after all this chilling out I had forgot to pack my adapter, but was pleasantly surprised to pick up a bargain set in the airport so that mild panic was over as soon as it started. Anyone wanting to change money can use the bureau. I noticed plenty of cute gifts, and of course classic Scottish souvenirs featuring the Saltire and tartan in appropriate amounts for those not wishing to return home empty-handed! Everyone seemed to be enjoying their snacks and drinks ahead of flying out, and the lounges are plenty spacious and comfortable. This is definitely a very different mode of flying, and one that everyone should try in my opinion!
Top 5 destinations for Christmas travel
Winter is the season to plan out your holidays and travel to other places. Everyone wants to go out on a holiday during wintertime for Christmas so that they can experience the celebrations differently at different places. Planning out Christmas holidays is surely a fun thing to do but finalizing which place to go may get difficult sometimes. There are many different places that you can visit during Christmastime but here are top 5 destinations for Christmas travel.
Paris
Paris has been very popular among people to spend their Christmas outside their home country. This fashion capital of the world offers unforgettable experience to holiday revelers who enjoy the Christmas celebrations here with much pomp and show. Paris promises to take you on a gastronomical journey with its finest food and French wine. The lighting and celebrations at Champs Elysees and Notre Dame Cathedral and the sparkling fireworks is sure to mesmerize any holiday maker.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, the land of casinos, is a hot favorite among people considering different places for their Christmas holidays. They love to travel to this Sin City to experience Christmas in a different and memorable way. Every casino has something different to offer than the rest. The experience at The Freemont Street is truly memorable. The Ethel M Chocolate factory is the place to be if you are with children. They will love to see the chocolate making process and try on some chocolates.
New York
One of the hottest among the top 5 destinations for Christmas travel is New York. The Big Apple is very cold during Christmas but that doesn’t stop holiday revelers from enjoying what this city has to offer. The favorite activity among people to do here is ice skating at the Rockfeller Centre and shopping endlessly at the Fifth Avenue. Apart from that, people also get immense pleasure in attending the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Rio de Janeiro
This Brazilian city is a very interesting place to visit during Christmas. People here on a holiday love the music concerts and they enjoy the fascination of its religious places, craft shows and Christmas fairs. The center of attraction here is the floating colossal Christmas tree on Lake Lagoa.
Switzerland: What’s a Christmas without playing with snow? Although many places are covered with snow during winter but there’s no place better than Switzerland. Ice skating, snowboarding and skiing are passé, move over to curling, frozen river trekking and country skiing. Your Christmas at Switzerland will surely be a time well spent and well preserved in your memory.
Flickr CC Photo Credit: Kevin Dooley
The Most Popular Jobs that Travel
The Most Popular Jobs that Travel
Travelling is a very enriching experience and one of the best ways to see the world with minimal costs. The way to do this is to get one of the most popular jobs that travel. Almost everybody dreams of going and seeing the different parts of the world. Travelling is something that gives anybody, young or old, a different thrill and excitement, and some people are extremely lucky to have a job that lets them travel while being paid for it.
Want to see the world while you work? The most popular travel jobs include:
International Correspondent/Travel Writer
These dream jobs let you have the best of both worlds. You love your profession, enjoy your work and get to see exciting places at no cost–even travelling documents and accommodations are arranged for you. Additionally, because you are with the media, you often get special treatment in your place of destination. The exception to this would be if your assignment is located in a hostile location, such as in a war-torn area. You could start your own travel blog or website, but these things take time to generate enough revenue to give you flexibility to travel as you wish.
Multi-national Company Business Executive or Business Analyst
If you hold at least a supervisory or higher position in a multi-national or international company, you have the chance to visit or be assigned to branches or offices overseas, to include different countries. Industries like oil companies, communication giants and semi-conductor companies are usually the businesses with world-wide operations. There are roles are varying levels that travel, so its best to do a lot of research and set expectations before accepting any job.
Pilot/Cruise Ship Captain/Flight Stewardess/Cabin Crew
Being a commercial pilot or cruise ship captain is a very luxurious job. You get to see exotic destinations that mostly only a privileged few can afford to go to. Of course, these jobs require extensive training, strict discipline and fit physical condition. Flight stewardesses and cabin crew members work up to twelve hours a day and often deal with unappreciative passengers and guests. The compensation, however, is sometimes not very good and you only get to spend your weekends and free time in beautiful foreign lands after many years of working up the ranks to gain seniority.
Military Service and Undercover Agent
The government takes care of all your travelling requirements and expenses. While serving your country or doing the thrilling duties of a secret agent, you experience the culture of the countries where you are assigned. The downside of these jobs are obviously your opportunity for leisure is severely restricted, and in some cases you might be traveling to unsafe places!
Volunteer in Non-Government Organizations
Working with NGO’s is pro bono, you just get an allowance. But you gain free travel through international missions and it is very rewarding because NGO workers usually are selfless individuals who aim to give out goodwill especially to the less fortunate ones.
These are the wonderful and most popular jobs that travel and allow you to realize your dream to go on a world tour without paying for the expenses.
Flickr CC Photo Credit: Ed Yourdon
The Most Inspiring Books About Travel
Books play a very important role in initiating our travel plans as they inspire us and makes us restless. The most inspiring books about travel create wanderlust in people who wish to travel endlessly to discover newer things and experience different events. These books are great as they also enable us to travel the world without even moving a step. We can read these books and let our imaginations take over: one moment we are in front of Disneyland, the other moment in front of the Eiffel Tower and yet another moment at the Great Wall of China. Such is the power of travel books!
There are some inspiring books about travel that create restlessness in us and fuel the desire to travel and explore different places. Everyone loves travel quotes and sayings. The most inspiring books about travel include:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig, is an inspiring travel book that makes us explore philosophy in different ways. It is not actually based upon motorcycle maintenance but the term is used as a metaphor that takes its readers on a mental journey. However, motorcycles, roads and sceneries are used in this book.
The Alchemist
Some say if you haven’t read the alchemist, you haven’t lived. Written by prolific writer by Paulo Coelho, it is considered as the best and one of the most inspiring books about travel. This story is about Santiago who goes out on a personal journey in search of his dreams. This book conveys a message to people that they should listen to their heart and travel leaving things behind.
Siddhartha
Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha is similar to the journey taken by Santiago in The Alchemist. In this story, a young guy meets and learns from many people down the road while he is traveling in search of enlightenment. This travel book takes its readers on a spiritual journey and strikes at their heart with its simplicity and honesty.
Vagabonding
Rolf Potts presents his traveling years in a collection of stories in a book titled Vagabonding. In this book he suggests places that one must see while touring the world and also provides helpful advices and inspiration to any reader. This book proves that traveling is not only meant for rich people as it shares the idea to live cheaply on a budget without compromising the luxury of travel.
4 Hour Work Week
The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss is one of the most inspiring books about travel as it compels the reader to think about his life’s plans and remake them so that he can consider traveling the world and quench his thirst of wandering. If you’re wanting to find a dream travel job, then Tim’s book is a good one to read (best enjoyed with a grain of salt!).
Flickr CC Photo Credit: brewbooks
The Best Hotels with a View
It is quite a moving experience to stay in the best hotels with a view that is both breathtaking and spectacular; witnessing magnificent sights, whether manmade or created by nature, is a rare privilege. There are a number of hotels around the world which are constructed and built for the sole purpose of letting guests see the wonders surrounding the area where these hotels are located. Even the most discerning travelers are inspired and awed during their stay and just can’t wait to share the one of a kind experience with their families and friends.
North America
In the United States, two of the best hotels with a view which earned accolades and awards from prestigious international organizations can be found in Wyoming and New York. The Amangani, a self-professed luxury resort hotel, in Jackson Hole Wyoming, is one such resort. Pictured above, the hotel was built to expose a magnificent natural phenomenon, known as the majestic Grand Tetons. The snow-capped mountain peaks, where many wild animals wander innocently, are both dramatic and prodigious. Back in the ‘city jungle’, Jumeirah Essex House, often called the Grand Dame of New York is located at the heart of Manhattan showcasing breathtaking views of Central Park.
Europe
Europe, being a graceful continent, has Hotel Caesar Augustus and the Hassler Hotel among its world famous hotels with a view. Caesar Augustus is located on a cliff 1,000 ft above sea level. It provides one of the most stunning vistas where guests can enjoy the view of the entire Bay of Naples and everything that takes place over it–including the amazing beauty of Mount Vesuvius, Ischia and Sorrento. The Hassler Hotel, although small, has the unbeatable location which is on top of the Spanish steps. The suites of Hassler offer the heart stopping views of the Eternal City with its exquisite frescos and boiserie.
Asia
In the exotic and hospitable islands of Asia, the guests get to enjoy the best hotels with a view at Oberoi Amarvilas in India and the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo. The Oberoi Amravillas is just 600 meters away from the Taj Majal, the monument built for love. The spectacular private view of the Taj Majal from your room will take you back to the age of valiant but romantic Princes and Emperors. In contrast, the Ritz Carlton is one of the most remarkable skyscrapers in Tokyo, the diplomatic and business hub of Japan. It lets the guests revel the ancient temples and ruins in the nearby areas and it features a 360 degree panoramic view of Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji.
Wherever you may want spend an escapade with delightful images of the ancient and modern world while relaxing at the privy of your own room, use a hotel booking site and find the best hotels with a view.
Flickr CC Photo Credit: jurvetson
Catania: History, Paradise and Sicily’s Pride
Italy is a place teeming with pasta, pizza and all of the wonderful things and the simple pleasures of life can give you. Art is regarded highly in this part of Europe and the culture and the food are reflective of these things.
This is why even in the small towns that are outside of the mainland of Italy, specifically Catania that is just off the special region of Sicily is a place that is bursting with colors, cultures and flavors that you couldn’t find anywhere else. In this region, art and life blends well together as spaghetti goes well with marinara sauce and a fresh sprig of basil.
Culture
Upon arriving at the Catania Fontanarossa Airport, you will see that local Sicilians and Catanians are very cultured. In the city proper, you will find a number of museums, historical landmarks and feats of architecture that are like nowhere else in the world. Places such as the Piazza Duomo, The Teatro Missimo Bellini, an homage to the wonderful composer, the Palazzo de Elefanti which also doubles as a town hall and a museum and the Palazzo Biscari. Which is a celebration of the Roccoco design when it comes to the homes of the 17th century. These are just some of the many buildings that you can find strewn around the wonderful city of Catania.
Cuisine
As far as cuisine goes for Catania, the choices are quite the same as with the rest of the Italian Peninsula, but it surely is a version that only Catanians would know. One of their regional dishes is a classic take on pasta. Known as Pasta alla Norma, it is a pasta dish that uses more vegetables and is more like a pasta salad than it is a starch loaded dish.
For those who have the sweet tooth, Catania has something to offer to you as well. With dishes such as the classic Granita, which is a lighter and healthier version of the Gelato, you can have you sweet treat without feeling heavy at all.
How to Get There
From almost any major European city, there is a non-stop flight to and from Catania Fontanarossa Airport. From there, you can take a cheap car hire Catania Airport service that can make you hotel transfers or give you a glimpse of the city through the car. This is a very convenient service that you can hire easily because if you’re traveling, the last thing that you would want to worry about is getting a cab from the airport to your hotel. Hiring such as service can save you a lot of time and money so that you can savor the experience and the joy of being in such a wonderful, historical and a gusto satisfying place such as Catania, right in the heart of Sicily. Rather than searching multiple car hire companies, check out cheap car hire rates, which will search the available car hire companies on one site and compare the the cheapest rates, whether it be in Catania or cheap car hire Alicante .
Exploring Spain
The country of Spain is a breathtakingly beautiful destination in the European continent. It lies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and is frequented by visitors from around the world. Spain has a warm sunny climate which makes it an ideal destination for a holiday, particularly for those living in cold northern countries. Spain is well known for its historical past, its cultural lineage, its architecture and its music and dance. There are several things with which travelers can occupy themselves when they visit the country of Spain. If you visit the country of Spain then you should opt for the cheap car hire Spain available in the airports for undertaking a thorough exploration of the country.
Accommodation Facilities in Spain
It is very convenient to find good accommodation in the country of Spain. There are wonderful resorts, hotels and hostels in every city and town in Spain which cater to travelers from diverse economic backgrounds. While the hostels are a popular choice among the backpacker travelers, the middle range hotels are a favorite among those looking to enjoy a relaxing stay in the country. There are various amenities which the budget hotels in Spain provide along with low priced accommodation. These include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center, restaurants, in room appliances, attached private bathrooms in every room and free high speed internet services. There are also many guest apartments in the country of Spain which are famous for the personalized services which they offer. You should utilize the car hire services in Spain to get to a good hostel, hotel or guest apartment in the country.
Learning Options in Spain
When you visit the country of Spain, you will get the opportunity to learn the Spanish language within a very short period of time. There are lots of language schools in all the Spanish cities which provide special short term courses for travelers. These courses are aimed at teaching travelers the basics of the Spanish language. There are also facilities for travelers to learn Spanish dance and music in most of the cities in Spain. One of the Spanish dance forms which travelers really love to learn is the Salsa.
Thus, if it is your heart’s desire to travel to a unique location in order to have a splendid holiday experience, you should consider the idea of visiting the country of Spain in Europe.
A simple guide to packing
In light of our December post about ‘Travel Planning Tips’, here is a specific guide to packing for that holiday when you are not sure where to start. Firstly, really think about how long you are going for as you want to make sure that you pack the right amount of clothes. This can be one of the hardest things about packing, simply deciding how much you will need and it is very important to think about this as you do not want to bring too much, but you also want to make sure that you have enough. Travelling light is usually the best idea, that way you can avoid the stress of dragging heavy suitcases around and handling them on public transport. So firstly, pack the essentials only, and then see if you really need to bring anything else.
Something that can really help you to be organised while packing is to make a list of everything you need to pack, and everything you have already packed. That way, if you take a break to talk to a friend on the phone or play a game of poker on partypoker.com, then when you come back to your suitcase you will know where you are and will not have to unpack just to check you didn’t forget that one thing. So tick off everything you put in your suitcase and stay organised.
If you are packing your clothes in a backpack, it can be really useful to roll them up instead of folding them. You will find that you have more room in your bag at the end, and also your clothes will not get as creased as they would if they were folded. One thing that can take up a lot of space is shoes, so pay special attention to these and decide what you will really need and what you can leave out. Pack light, make lists, and before you know it you will be ready to embark on your adventure.