After booking a night at a luxurious hotel in Athens, Greece, board your cruise ship, get settled in and start your relaxation!

Taking a cruise is the most luxurious and comfortable way to spend your holidays. You get on board, unpack your suitcases and act as if you are living in a luxurious hotel. Cabins are obviously smaller in size, but the other entire facilities make up for this inconvenience of space.

Many Greek cruises are organized at regular dates and include some Greek islands (it isn’t possible to include all of them, as Greece has 69 inhabited islands), usually the most popular ones and also some other Mediterranean destinations, such as Venice, Istanbul and the Turkish shores. Apart from the great Mediterranean cruises that make the tour of the Mediterranean Sea and include almost all Mediterranean countries in their schedule, there are also others cruises around Greece and the Greek Seas. These cruises are of shorter duration and depart from a Greek port or island.

Serbia

For many people, the very word ‘Serbia’ has taken on a pretty negative sound, one that evokes memories of wars and troubles dating back to the painful break-up of Yugoslavia in the early nineties. Things are far better there now though. The nation has opened up a fair bit to the EU and the wider world around them. This is probably the perfect time to visit – get in before everyone else does. Many have family trees that link back to here and we can’t help but wonder what adventures a quest to rediscover long lost family would lead us to.

Mexico City, Mexico

Americans often tend to regard Mexico with more than a bit of suspicion. The motives are no doubt colored by violent movies and exclusive negative news flow; however, Mexico City is not a place to be missed. No matter what method you use to count, it is one of the biggest cities on earth, populated by more than 20 million people. We would love to explore what the mega city has to offer in terms of culture, food, and sights.

Romania

Allow me to casually drop one name on you: Transylvania. If you’re anything like us, that ought to evoke images of fortified castles sitting among dark and foreboding mountains; backwards villages where garlic-and-pitchfork toting locals are going about their days, always with one eye on the local lord and his late-night habits. Located in the Carpathian mountain range, this province was recently described to me as “what the Alps were like 100 years ago.” Apart from Transylvania, Romania also has a ton of interesting culture and sights, and it’s generally a lot cheaper than the rest of Europe. Spring in Bucharest, anyone?

Mustang, Nepal

Mustang is so rich in culture that it is often thought of at being more Tibet than Tibet itself. The thought of clearing that Kagbeni checkpoint and venturing into the kingdom itself is one we cannot get out of our head. Extreme remoteness combined with fees and the legal obligation to bring a liaison office along keeps most tourists at bay. And if Mustang seems to be too exploited there’s also the similarly alluring Doplo regions to explore to the west. You’ll be surrounded by 8000m peaks, all-world scenery and Dal Bhat Tarkari makes this a personal favorite.

The Aral Sea, Uzbekistan

A visit to this ecological disaster zone will definitely have to be filed under “adventure travel” rather than sunbathing or relaxing. The lake is located in Qaraqalpakistan, a remote region of Uzbekistan. Once you reach the towns around the lake shore, there are still 8 hours of dried up sea bed to traverse before you’re actually at the lake.

Unfinished Oktoberfest Beer Tent in Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest – from the humble beginnings of a Bavarian royal wedding has become the world’s largest fair. For 16-18 days each Fall, Munich, Germany is transformed into a boisterous city of beer “tents” (think temporary structures) big and small. Each tent serves only certified Oktoberfest Beers, which must be brewed within the city limits of Munich, and delicious Bavarian food. For the beer connoisseur in you this place is heaven, even the tents names are beautifully Bavarian!

The Café Kaiserschmarrn is the Oktoberfest-paradise for pastry-lovers, while the Münchner Knödelei serves an icon of Bavarian cuisine: the dumpling.

Another traditional meal you’ll find a lot of while strolling from tent to tent is roasted duck and chicken, Heimer’s is popular with the locals and we strongly suggest trying it.

Be sure to stay informed by stopping by the Schottenhamel tent, as all official Oktoberfest events are kicked off here.

From the midnight tapping of the first keg by the mayor of Munich until the traditional closing ceremonies Oktoberfest is a world-class party, so it naturally attracts some of the worlds most recognizable people. Everyone who is anyone is likely to be there, from sports stars to actors and actresses,

producers, models, and you can even expect to see a few modern members of Europe’s royalty.

Munich mayor taps the first keg of Oktoberfest

Long before the American release of Beerfest in 2006 Oktoberfest tents have been popping up across the United States. Many of the nations best festivals form in cities big and small.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Columbus, Ohio
Dever, Colorado
And several in California – San Fransisco, Bear Lake, Los Angeles

Whichever Oktoberfest you decide to attend you are sure you have a wonderful time. The atmosphere is welcoming and electric with everyone having a good time, but of course when large crowds and approximately 7,100,000 liters of beer are served there is bound to be a few dust-ups. We would like to remind you that these disagreements can often be defused before they get rowdy with a little bit of common courtesy (you’ll be amazed how fair saying, “I’m sorry, can I buy you a new stein?” will go). Besides, everyone is there for one reason – to have the time of their lives!

Here are the Pros:

• Trains run frequently and are on time. (So don’t be late!)
• Trains run to major tourist destinations as well as small towns.
• Be spontaneous. You can jump on a train and quickly go to a new destination with ease.
• Multiple train passes to choose from. Tickets range from one that allows you to travel whenever and wherever, or get a cheaper one that lets you travel on certain days and times or you can even get one that allows multiple people to travel with it!

And with anything there are going to be the Cons:

• Seats are not guaranteed. You can make reservations ahead of time, but this will make spontaneity less possible.
• Can’t pass through non-participating countries. For example, you can’t travel from Paris to Dublin without purchasing a ticket in addition to your EuRail Pass.
• Not all rural areas are covered by the train. If you want to see a small town you may have to buy an additional bus pass or even rent a car to get there.
• Prices can be a bit high. A Second Class ticket for two weeks will run you about $388 dollars. If you’re traveling with a family this price will add up quickly.

Now that you’ve read the pros and cons of rail travel, you may be asking yourself if this mode of transportation is right for you. We’ve got you covered! Here’s our list of who is best suited for a rail pass:

• People who can, and want, to do plenty of rail travel. Do your math and see if the price of the ticket will be well worth it depending on the destinations you choose.
• People who travel light and can carry their belongings easily.
• People who are willing to be spontaneous and willing to deal with lack of seats at times.

The train would not be best suited for you if:

• If you’re not going to do much train travel don’t waste your money.
• If you plan to pack more than you can carry on your back then it may become too difficult lugging around all that baggage.

Do also be aware that theEuRail Pass does not cover sightseeing tours or luxury trains, but you can make reservations on France’s speed railway, TGV, for those tours and luxury trains. Now that you have all the information go plan your next vacation!

Bastille Day Fireworks; Paris

 

 

 

Bastille Day is the French national independence day celebrated on 14 July each year. In France it is officially called Fête Nationale (“National Celebration”), or more commonly, le quatorze juillet (“14 July”). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération storming of the Bastille on 14 July; the  storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of uprising for the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic during the French Revolution.

Festivities are held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic.

The parade opens with many cadets from the École Polytechnique, Saint-Cyr, École Navale, and so forth, then other infantry troops, then motorised troops; aviation of the Patrouille de France flies above. In recent times, it has become customary to invite units from France’s allies to the parade; in 2004 during the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, British troops (the band of the Royal Marines, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Grenadier Guards and King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery) led the Bastille Day parade in Paris for the first time, with the Red Arrows flying overhead.

The president used to give an interview to members of the press, discussing the situation of the country, recent events and projects for the future. Nicolas Sarkozy, elected president in 2007, has chosen not to give it. The President also holds a garden party at the Palais de l’Elysée.

Article 17 of the Constitution of France gives the President the authority to pardon offenders, and since 1991 the President has pardoned many petty offenders (mainly traffic offences) on 14 July. In 2007, President Sarkozy declined to continue the practice.

Yes Pandemonium, Andy Murray is flirting with the possibility of being the first British tennis player to win Wimbledon in over 60 years.  The Scottish born right hander has been climbing the ranks and has birthed new local excitement in his homeland.  One of the four major professional tennis tournaments in the world, Wimbledon Centre Court in London is the only one still played on a grass surface.  This speed and excitement makes it a visual experience that cannot be replicated by other tournaments around the world.  I strongly suggest trying to attend this year’s competition because of the domestic significance.

Although it may be just another year to most tennis fans, if Andy Murray wins, it will be the greatest sports accomplishment for British sporting fans since the taking of the FIFA World Cup in 1966.  This means, if you are there for this event, you will be a part of one of the biggest after parties London has seen in the last 25 years.  Wimbledon still does not use a roof so bring an umbrella.  Tickets for the event can be purchased at the official Wimbledon website.  There are some good hotels on the pub row near the “All England Tennis Club”.  Take the Express by Holiday Inn at Wandsworth-Battersea.  It’s close to all the cliché London landmarks: The River Thames, Buckingham Palace, and the Wimbledon courts.  Don’t miss out on another big celebration, I only got so many up my sleeve.  Safe Travels.

London

London is full of must see attractions for every London first timer from the London Eye to the National Gallery and the Tower of London.  With free admission to many of the top attractions London is ideal to soak up some culture and take a trip back in time.  Here are some of the most visited tourist attractions in London!

British Museum	The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.  With over 13 million pieces the British Museum boasts a wonderfully comprehensive collection almost encyclopedic in nature.
Tate Modern	The impressive Tate Modern is Britain’s national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
National Gallery	The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
Natural History Museum	As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don’t miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg.
The London Eye	The London Eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It is the world’s highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks – all in just 30 minutes.
Science Museum	See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.
The Victoria & Albert Museum	The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world’s richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
Madame Tussauds	At Madame Tussauds, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to the Dali Lama you’ll meet history and politics’ most influential figures; sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
The Tower of London	Take a free guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
National Maritime Museum	One of the greatest maritime museums of the world containing models, displays, paintings and trophies from every continent of the world. Children find plenty to engage them in the All Hands gallery and have a go on the professional ship simulator.