When you think of a tropical paradise in the Philippines, you think of Palawan. And one of the gems of Palawan is Coron, a great base for exploring the Calamian Islands and reaching the whitest and finest sand beaches, most stunning karst formations, and cleanest lakes in the country. If you’re looking to quickly plan your trip, here are our best recommendations on where to stay in Coron. [Read more…] about Where to stay in Coron – 5 chic resorts to check out
10 best things to do in South Moravia, Czech Republic’s wine region
Here’s a place that’s NOT in most Central European itineraries: South Moravia. In fact, you may not even have heard of it.
But if you’re planning a holiday to the Prague-Vienna-Budapest triad, you’ll want to check out this beautiful region that’s right smack in the middle of your Central European itinerary. Take 5 minutes to check out the 10 best things to do in South Moravia here – and you might just have to make room for it in your holiday. [Read more…] about 10 best things to do in South Moravia, Czech Republic’s wine region
What’s Your Travel Superpower?
On our last night in Cesky Krumlov, we came back from hiking around the Blansky Forest to an empty old town. Having hiked more than 20 kilometers, we were in need of some food but found most of the establishments were already closed and few people were out walking along the lamppost-lit cobblestone streets.
We checked the time – barely 8 PM. What was wrong with people? Granted, it was a Sunday, but still, this was Cesky Krumlov! How can they be sleeping?
Cooking Czech cuisine at home
My most vivid travel memories always involve food.
I first visited the Czech Republic in 2014. I went around the old town and the castle complex, took a hundred photos along Charles Bridge, and waited for the astronomical clock’s hourly Apostles’ march. But of all these wonderful and historic things in Prague, there’s one thing I remember the most: the smell of cinnamon.
I remember watching the rows of trdelnik grilling in a little stall to the side of the old town square, the crystals of sugar caramelizing further with each turn of the rolled dough, letting out that irresistible smell of burnt sugar. I remember getting my hands on one that was indulgently topped with vanilla ice cream despite the cool weather. I remember biting into the doughy exterior, the cinnamon flavor and caramel mixing perfectly with the soft ice cream.
Driving from Prague to Vienna, slowly through Czech Republic’s scenic south
Here’s how the typical Central European travel itinerary goes –
You spend a few days in Prague with several early morning attempts to take pictures at the Charles Bridge, board a train to Vienna where you blitz through the many historical churches and museums, maybe even spend an evening at the opera and have a slice of sachertorte, then take another train to Budapest, where you fill your camera with more crowded pictures of the Fisherman’s Bastion. By the end of this trip, you hardly remember anything and you just want to collapse in bed and take another vacation.
I get it. For most of us non-European travelers, Europe is this shiny, star-studded continent filled with some of the world’s best, most romantic, most historical – most superlative – cities in the world that we just want to cram our itineraries and see ALL. OF. THEM. The lack of borders and ease of movement is also mind-blowing for most of us that we get a little bit (or a lot) trigger-happy when planning our trips.
But here’s a radical suggestion: take it slow. Instead of rushing from one country to the next, take some time to really explore a place. While capital cities like Prague and Vienna are, of course, must-visits for first-time travelers, you can make your trip a lot more interesting with stop-overs to the little towns in between. You’ll establish a deeper connection with the places you visit, gain a better understanding of the culture, and have a more fulfilling holiday experience.
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Driving from Amsterdam to Giethoorn – a road trip through Flevoland
If you’re craving for more of Amsterdam’s Dutch charm and magic but a little less of the crowds and buzz, take a road trip through Flevoland.
It’s a region just an hour’s drive northeast of Amsterdam that will take you through the beautiful countryside and to charming canal towns. And yes, Giethoorn – which is every photographer/Instagrammer’s dream – is one of those gorgeous little towns.
While a day trip is doable, I’m pretty sure you’ll want to stay for the night. Check out this road trip itinerary for the best of Flevoland.
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