Part of the Korean culture is their love (more kinda of obsession) for their celebrities. Once in Korea you will see, billboards, buses and entire shops dedicated to K-pop singers, actors and other famous personalities. Something that, of course, is kinda unthinkable in the UK or any other western country. Imagine to have an entire shop with Ed Sheeran pictures and merchandising for both home and wardrobe. But if Ed Sheeran was a Korean idol, his merchandising would have probably gone sold out in minutes in Seoul.
- Dip your toes in the capital, Podgorica, a city everyone loves to hate on, before heading for the incredible Lake Skadar.
- If you’re buying caviar to take home, look for the label CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), an international trade-control to reduce sturgeon poaching.
- This will entitle you to access state-provided healthcare for free or at a reduced rate.
- A particular advantage is the well-developed local public transport, so you can go hiking or even skiing without a car.
In built-up areas women should have a veil or light scarf to drape loosely over their heads, but when in more rural areas, particularly when trekking, western clothing is fine. Historically, there has been a number of notable incidents occurring, particularly in the south and centre of the country – and particularly concerning secretarial issues between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The simple answer to this question is, yes, Pakistan is safe for travel. While 9/11 caused severe unrest, and Pakistan has definitely had ups and downs as far as security, we like to say that these rumors are often fueled by negative media. Pakistan has landscapes unique to several different areas of the world, and one of the few mountain ranges with some of the world’s highest peaks.
Hurricanes are most likely in September and October and we do not recommend travelling to this region at this time. Differently from Egypt or Morocco, you can pre-order Korean Won before your trip. I would recommend having some cash with you on arrival because you will need these to buy a T-Money Card (cash only machine). If by chance you can’t get any money in advance, I recommend you to withdraw some from the airport on arrival. Be aware that not all the ATM machines in Seoul accept foreign cards.
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Remember the wi-fi in most public places is unsecured, hotel and restaurant signals may be weak, and slow, but what to do ( the answer is paying your provider back home). Driving in South Korea is possible as long as you have an International Driving Permit. The roads are pretty easy to drive once you get out from the major cities but be wary of very aggressive taxi drivers behaviour on the street and a general careless driving we noticed from most drivers. The island of Jeju has also its own dialect but, of course, Korean is the national language there too. However, with my great surprise 3 on 4 Koreans don’t understand a word in English.
History
If you’re flying in and out of Panama City, I’d recommend taking one domestic flight to Bocas del Toro at the start of your trip, and then working your way back overland to Panama City. There are speedboat trips that hug the coastline and don’t require an open ocean crossing. Panama was the final stop of our trip through Central America, and by the time we entered, we did have a genuine flight booking out of Panama City. In some touristy areas, like parts of Panama City and Bocas del Toro, some English is spoken, but you should never assume. Get our FREE custom Panama Google Map with all our recommendations pinned for you!
- From echoes of the country’s past into its present, the lively capital city of Lima is not to be missed.
- The country code for dialling in France is +33, and to dial a UK number you’ll need +44.
- The language of love is a bumpy road, and while we hope you don’t make any language blunders, here are the 10 mistakes you should avoid making.
- To make things simpler, apps like Tipping Guide help to decipher how much is appropriate and Tip N Split will take care of the calculating for you.
- There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities.
- You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members.
- The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
- Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
- Government travel advice from the United States, Australia and New Zealand has Panama at risk level 2 – exercise a high degree of caution with higher levels for certain areas.
Southwest Landscapes
The traffic in Sri Lanka can be slightly insane even if you are already used to driving in bustling Asian mega-cities. And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka. There was a terrorist attack in 2019, so it is recommended to stay away from political and larger religious events. Due to this attack, there is a larger military presence at some places including the airport and some roads.
- Tour guides accompany groups of visitors to tourist attractions, whether on day trips or longer visits, and give them information and insights that help them make the most of the experience.
- Taxis are available throughout Costa Rica and are a great way to get around in major cities.
- I haven’t visited Japan in the summer months of June to August, however, I personally wouldn’t visit during this time.
- The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 brought the good times to an end by providing a handy short-cut between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
- The light was golden, the landscape was a gorgeous mix of greens and oranges, and everywhere I looked, people were smiling and waving – it was like stepping into a dream.
- ATMs are prevalent all over the country and there are usually a handful in every town.
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In fact, this is how I improved my Spanish when studying abroad in Costa Rica – always talking with the locals and even the bus driver when I traveled. The main attraction of the park is undoubtedly the incredible waterfalls, including the iconic Skradinski Buk falls – a collection of 17 waterfalls that range in height. You’ll also want to see Roski Slap, a series of 12 waterfalls in a space of 450 metres. The Gambia has a fascinating marriage of culture, language, religion and tradition, evident in all aspects of everyday life and in the festivals that take place each year. In the evenings you might wish to stay in your hotel and enjoy evening entertainment or you could try venturing out to explore the myriad of restaurants and bars.
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Those who look for action during their villa holidays will love Central France. Earthy cycle routes, natural parks and ‘Green Venice’ – find our best natural picks below. Central France is home to swathes upon swathes of vineyards, some gorgeous undiscovered stretches of coastline and the infamously beautiful chateaux. However, not everyone can rely on a car so here is a quick breakdown of the need-to-knows. The pastures, orchards, forests and farmland of Northern France are rolling and peaceful.
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This site explains how to travel comfortably & affordably by train or ferry, rediscovering the pleasure, romance & adventure of the journey… Be aware that the are no guarantees that it will not rain for several days even if you travel in the best timeframe. In 2019 I finally got to visit this small piece of heaven and despite a rough beginning, I fell in love with the country, its’ food, and people. In the northern mountainous areas, weather can be more unpredictable due to the altitude. You can experience beautiful sunny days from Spring to Autumn, allowing you to wander around in T-shirts, but even in the middle of summer temperatures can drop at night so you’ll to have to take a good fleece with you.
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There are some minor scams you should look out for, but it is easy to avoid them. Do not accept any ‘free’ tuk tuk rides to a mostly unknown temple and check if they reset the counter at gas stations. Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter the country. Use the official government website to get your ETA for Sri Lanka.
Their pre-paid phone plans are excellent, with packages for 7 or 10 days with unlimited data included, for around $6 – $7. ATMs are prevalent all over the country and there are usually a handful in every town. Bocas del Toro and Santa Catalina are an exception, where there is only one ATM https://softfootprints.com/ which can run out of cash.
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They can also offer additional services to help you promote your guide, such as social media management and SEO optimization. Yes, a well-written and informative travel guide can greatly impact your audience’s decision to visit a certain destination or use your services. It can also establish your brand as an authoritative source in the travel industry and attract potential customers. Michele is the writer and creative behind Adventures Abound – a travel blog bringing outdoor adventures, sustainable travel, and cultural appreciation to readers with limited time but eager to explore.
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Find our latest member boutique hotels, luxury villas and design B&Bs to join The Aficionados collection of creative places to stay. We at The Aficionados get excited about finding standout markers that share our culture for style, creative luxury, design and aesthetic. Possibly random in nature, perhaps, but go ahead and freely explore our collection of hotels, edits, finds and little treasures from Lisbon to NYC – Here, there, not everywhere™️. The Luxury Travel Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry. Our team of experts have scoured the globe and travelled extensively in order to identify everything from the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies. Russian Visa SupportE-visa applicants are not required to submit an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to Russia.
It’s easy to feel a little out of your depth when you visit a new country for the first time, but after a few days you’ll easily pick up your bearings. To find a good spot to eat close by, FourSquare uses your location to recommend user-reviews restaurants in your direct vicinity. Tipping in France is a complicated business and there’s no hard and fast rule.
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Travelling can be exciting, daunting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Throw children into the mix and you need to make sure everyone is prepared for a tiring day ahead. Or, maybe you’re the opposite – great at keeping yourself steady with all your documents to hand.
We were able to pay with a credit card in most towns around the country with the exception of Santa Catalina. However, you should always have cash for things like buses, markets, entrance fees at trails, natural sights etc. The more remote you get, the less likely you will be able to pay with a card, or if you can, there will be a hefty % fee attached. You don’t have to pay the full amount for the flight, just their service fee (currently $16). The only other safety concern we had was on certain hiking trails.
However since the price of Japan Rail Passes rose nearly 50% in 2023, I generally do NOT recommend getting a JR pass as they do not offer good value anymore for most travellers. I generally use a combination of local subways and trains, the high-speed Shinkansen “bullet train” and buses. I’ve also caught one or two taxis in cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa that rely more on the bus network than the subway, however taxis are pretty expensive in Japan. Japan is very much a cash reliant society, though I’ve noticed that more places take cards after returning post pandemic. However, many smaller businesses still operate with cash, and you will need to keep some yen on you at all times.
Or, if you’re looking to take to the water, a short boat trip from Old Town will take you to the island of Lokrum – a stunning nature park and popular swimming spot. Please visit Travel Aware for the latest travel advice fromthe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office including information on safety and security, local laws, currency and health. Parc Zoologique has a relaxed, park-like feel, and with over 90 species of animals, there’s plenty to see. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy some time by the lake in the sunshine. Forged in the fires of a tumultuous past, Armenian culture is one of the most fascinating on earth. Train travel is a more rewarding alternative to flying which reduces our contribution to climate change and brings us closer to the countries we visit.
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I love this beautiful country and can’t wait to share everything with you. Lastly, any Game of Thrones fans will want to take a trip to Lovrijenac Fortress, the set for King’s Landing. A 14th Century fortress sitting atop a 37m high sea rock, it’s an absolute must-see for any visitors, and admission is included within the fee for entering the city walls. Read about the top five wine and food tours in Bordeaux here, or check out our blog on the best wine experiences in the South of France.
Uganda is an incredible country with lush, green landscapes and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Life partners Dax Roll and Joyce Urbanus are at the helm of the interior design studio Nicemakers based in Amsterdam, creators of design hotels and beautifully conceived homes. Raw architecture, rusticity and a gallery of textured heritage narrate this design hotel outpost from its façade of dandy red shutters to the tales of twisted loft rafters and atmospheric exposed history.
The natural wonders of its landscapes are matched in splendor by those of its diverse and dynamic cultures. In the 20 countries that comprise Latin America, many of the richest treasures to be uncovered lie in the smallest nuances of character. Cut travel time, fly directly across the Cyclades, and unlock adventure with every landing.
Whilst you’re in the area, why not share a cup of coffee, fresh from the plantations, with the locals. Foodies should be sure to visit the Feria Verde de Aranjuez on Saturdays, when it is transformed into a bustling market offering local produce, delicious fresh food, traditional crafts and live music. The Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted mansion with charming tropical character, is the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day of exploring. Plan a weekend away or a short break in England with our regional travel guides. They’re packed with ideas of historic sites to visit, things to see and do, places to stay and practical advice for getting around.
However, even if you don’t find an old love letter in your second, third, or fourth-hand copy of Don Quixote, you’ll still be guaranteed a riveting read when you buy from World of Books. Dip your toes in the capital, Podgorica, a city everyone loves to hate on, before heading for the incredible Lake Skadar. Shared between Montenegro and Albania, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula is as picturesque as it is bio-diverse.
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You will need to buy a ticket for admission to the park, which can be done online or on arrival – keep in mind that if you’re buying in person, you may have to queue during busy times of the year. Hiring a car – If public transport isn’t your thing, hiring a car can be a fantastic way to see another side of the region. We recommend using Avis or Hertz for a reliable and hassle-free experience, taking you straight from the airport to your destination.
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- 2 full days for Yerevan; 10 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.
- Bright, diverse, and captivating, Guatemala is one of Latin America’s lesser-explored hidden gems.
- There is so much to learn about this testimony of ancient Incan civilisation, and its lush green terraces, remarkably preserved against a backdrop of undulating Andean peaks, are – put simply – spectacular.
- We stayed at three different Via Inn properties on my last trip alone!
- To receive the credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room.
- Speak to our travel experts and start planning your trip, tailored to you.
- Further south, the historic architecture of the remote port-city of Punta Arenas is a reminder of Patagonia’s sheep-ranching boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
- The official taxis in San Jose are red with a yellow triangle.
In its relative seclusion from the travelling masses, seldom visited by busy hordes of tourists, Guatemala is a special country that most know little about. Expect a warm welcome and the chance to delve into its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, all while staying in some outstanding boutique hotels. Travel to Russia is safe, with normalcy in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, Perm, Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok. The Trans-Siberian Railway is connecting Moscow with Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan as usual and all the interesting sights along the railway are open for visitors.
If you need a little assistance, Tripit is a great app that organises your flights, taxis and check-in info for you. And restless travellers will benefit from Calm, tried and tested by the Oliver’s Travels team – this handy app will help you unwind in no time. Feel the history packed between the covers of literary classics.
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Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to stand out less, and always carry any bookbags or purses in front of you, with a hand against them at all times. Though Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, it’s been operating for years and is often a cheaper alternative to taxis. Costa Rica’s high-altitude and volcanic soils yield beans with a distinctive taste profile, highly sought after by consumers worldwide. This has cemented the nation’s reputation as a leading coffee exporter.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. These and many other sights make Tirol an unforgettable holiday destination. From Herceg Novi all the way to Ulcinj, every day in Montenegro is filled with ‘wow’ moments. Best of all, it’s so compact and easy to get around, you can see it all in a few short weeks.
Cameras, lights and action – the South of France is definitely about the glitz, glamour and high-end luxuries. But beyond the flashiness are charming towns, unusual markets and winding lanes. The stark contrast of these cities and towns is what makes the South of France so special. Across the board, July is the time to visit Northern France for the hottest temperatures, with an average of around 18˚C .