Planning a visit to London? After booking your flight and picking the perfect London hotel, the next item on the list is figuring out where to dine in this British metropolis.
London is packed with everything from expensive, swanky restaurants to ultra-affordable, no-frills street vendors. The great thing about this city is that whether you dine in luxury or while just lounging on a park bench, you can enjoy some truly delicious food.
To help travelers make the most of every meal in London, we’ve put together this hassle-free guide to the city’s best dishes. Use this menu to make sure you don’t miss out on the incredible flavors that London has to offer during your visit.
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My greatest love as a child was LEGO. I would build intricately designed spaceships, multi-coloured castles, and re-enact scenes from various star wars films. The beauty of LEGO is that it is only limited by your imagination.
And while LEGO is little more than a passing interest of childhood for many people, it’s not just child’s play anymore. At 29 years of age, I’m an unabashed fan of Lego, and I’m far from being alone.
Adults with a passion for LEGO know the difference between a plate, brick, wedge, washer and stud. Some weeks we spend more on LEGO than we do on groceries. We can finally spend the sort of cash that as a child you rarely got to blow on plastic figures, and we’re happy to make pilgrimages all over the world for an international convention or new store.
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There’s nothing better than traveling to an exotic destination with your significant other. The thrilling feeling of adventure combined with butterflies in your stomach guarantees an unforgettable experience, and you will be creating memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
While planning for a romantic trip, it’s important to think outside the box. Destinations like Paris, Venice, and Bali are all iconic destinations for couples seeking romance, though you need to think about whether you really want to share your memories with thousands of other couples too.
The following are 10 romantic destination ideas for couples to visit this year. Consider traveling here if you are looking for something a little more exotic than Paris and an experience that is truly unique.
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Jakarta is a dynamic city, and one of the world’s greatest megalopolises. At first sight it can appear to be a crowded and confusing city, and it can be difficult to look past the maddening traffic and pollution for which it is known. Many tourists choose to take in other destinations throughout the archipelago instead. Their loss.
Missing out on Jakarta on a visit to Indonesia is a mistake. Underneath what is often perceived as an unappealing facade are plenty of unexpected surprises; an exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping scene, and a melting pot of Indonesian culture and cuisine.
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My first real exposure to Burma (Myanmar) was while watching Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy award-winning ‘Parts Unknown‘. The country was featured in the very first episode of this long running TV series, and I was immediately excited to go. My travel senses were quickly sparked, as was a curiosity about a country that had been isolated from the rest of the world for 60 years. I wanted a first hand experience like Anthony Bourdain.
Luckily I was in Kuala Lumpur at this time, and on visiting the Burmese consulate I received my tourist visa on the same day. Burma is still one of South East Asia’s biggest hidden gems. You can tell that from the number of people applying for a visa.
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Travelling through Europe is a must for anyone looking for a fabulous vacation. It is full of historical sites, lush landscapes, and offers up many exciting kinds of accommodations for explorers.
Here are 5 gems that you must visit this year, including Ireland, Croatia, Italy, Holland and Iceland.
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For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have been making their way on foot to the Spanish city Santiago de Compostela, the purported resting place of the remains of Saint James, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. The pilgrims walk hundreds of miles that make up the Camino, which in Spanish means the path, a road, a route, a way.
Pilgrims from every background are today drawn to the Camino from all over the world and for a wide variety of reasons. Some are ill, some grieving, some confused, some celebrating, some walk out of devotion or in fulfilment of a vow and others are just simply curious. Some will have walked a hundred miles, others five hundred and others more than a thousand.
What is nevertheless common to them all is that they will have left behind what is familiar and habitual in order to wake each day to a new vista, to a new stretch of road, to the scents and flavours of a land other than their own.
The best way to prepare for such a walk? To know if this pilgrimage is for you? The Road to Santiago movie is a very real account of the journey as walked by Alan Fields; an authentic, down to earth documentary which will transport you to the trail and put you in his shoes.
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2016 has well and truly seen the rise of the wander woman. Over the past few years women have tipped the scales and have become the majority of travelers over men.
Wondering what the travel forecast is for 2016? The following are female travel trends you should know about for your next trip overseas.
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Flights are one of the most obvious ways to travel between cities in the United States, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the most affordable, comfortable, or even the most memorable. In fact, there are many other methods of transportation for making your way across the USA which you may find more appealing.
Whether you’re not a fan of flights, or want to take in some of America’s world class scenery along your way, the following are alternative ways to get around when exploring the States.
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Myanmar is a country which has been off limits for many years; isolated from the rest of the world due to decades of a brutally oppressive regime. Though following the lifting of Western sanctions, Burma – also known as Myanmar – has become a magnet for tourists. And it’s not hard to see why.
Myanmar is a country full of mythical landscapes and wondrous sights: From golden-gilded Buddhas in Yangon, to a thousand temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan, it is a beautiful and culturally rich country. “You can still drift down the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in an old river steamer, stake out a slice of beach on the blissful Bay of Bengal, or trek through pine forests to minority villages scattered across the Shan Hills without jostling with scores of fellow travellers.”
But the big draw is the chance to see a country where the 21st-century world has barely touched. This is the least visited country in South East Asia, which has managed to preserve the look of old Asia. It’s a place where Buddhism is still a way of life.
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Lots of times, travellers find themselves stuck in a city for a day. Whether its waiting on a connecting flight, bad weather, or just a plain old delay, it can happen and its important you have a plan to make the best of it!
Toronto, Ontario is, honestly, a great place top get stuck. Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a booming metropolis with something for everyone. With that in mind, I spoke with JustFly. JustFly reviews attractions all over the world so they can inform travellers about all the options they have when visiting a city. They helped me make an itinerary for a day in Toronto!
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The province of Ontario is one of Canada’s most popular regions. Between being the home of Canada’s capital of Ottawa and the hulking metropolis of Toronto, there are many reasons to visit Ontario. But, if you prefer to take a walk on the wild side and are looking for unique attractions, Ontario has you covered on that front too.
In order to learn more about some of Ontario’s weirder stops, I spoke with JustFly, an online travel agency. With their expertise, I was able to learn about three weird attractions worth checking out if you find yourself in the province of Ontario.
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From the moment we stepped onto the bus, our tour guide was pelted with questions from my excited fellow travelers. “Where is the gold train?” “Can we see it?” “Have they confirmed yet what it contains?” “Have they actually FOUND it?”
Frankly, I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but I soon found out. We were on our way to the majestic 13th century Ksiaz castle in Walbrzych/Lower Silesia, where it is rumored that underground tunnels hide a train laden with 300 tons of gold.
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The world’s oceans have always been a place of wonder and mystery. Covering nearly three quarters of our planet, it’s impossible to know all their secrets.
It’s nothing short of captivating to read through scientific facts about this magical world. However, it is also somewhat humbling to realize just how little we do know about the oceans. It’s tantalizing to think about just how much more there is to discover. From the mesmerizing marine life to the waters themselves, it seems as though we will never know all the secrets of the sea.
But here are a few of the most interesting that we do know.
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There’s a famous saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. And this is always the goal when traveling; to immerse yourself fully in a new culture, and engage in authentic local interactions and experiences.
With the emergence of local experiences marketplaces that are English-language friendly and offer low-cost travel options, seeking local experiences is easier than it ever has been before. There are friendly locals in every city in the world willing to show you around, and invite you into their home.
Withlocals is one such marketplace, a platform connecting travelers with locals through food and experiences. This eliminates the overcrowded tour buses, cliche dining options, and stereotypical activities by instead offering private tours and dining experiences lead by locals themselves.
For those looking to roam Rome like a local, and literally “do as the Romans do”, the following are some fantastic Withlocals offerings for Rome. 7 ideas for authentic, local Italian experiences available for travelers.
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Water is the most crucial condition for life of all kinds. All living organisms need it in order to survive, though there are more than 780 million people worldwide without access to clean drinking water. 345 million of them live in Africa alone. Every 21 seconds, a child dies from a water related sickness.
Instead of turning a blind eye, Charlie Christensen decided it was time to do something about it. On May 18 2015 he freed himself of his job, his apartment, and most of his possessions to begin Walking for Water; a philanthropic pilgrimage, on foot, from Denmark to Tanzania.
This means walking for 18,000 kilometers, through 28 countries, over 2.5 years. It is a journey to inspire the beginning of a movement meant to combine the trends of explorations and self realizing journeys with the noble cause of supplying the world with clean drinking water, wherever needed.
Almost one year in, he will cross the straight to Africa on the 18th of May 2016 to continue his journey.
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While the majority of travelers to Australia head straight for the iconic sites of Melbourne, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, this amazing country offers so much more. Occupying the vast eastern corner of Victoria, Gippsland is one area in particular that travelers should explore; a region of spectacular natural landscapes of unparalleled beauty.
With quaint seaside villages, alpine towns and farming communities, unspoiled beaches, ample farm-fresh produce and beautiful lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, we are fortunate to call Gippsland our home. Being such a large area, National Parks are a plenty here, and our days and weekends are spent camping, bush walking, fishing and relaxing on unspoiled beaches along the coast. This is a paradise for those who love nature and the outdoors.
The following are the top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.
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New York City has a long and distinguished history of sports. Home to the headquarters of the National Hockey League, the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Basketball Association, the sports scene in New York City is diverse, and travelers to the city can visit some of the most iconic stadiums, teams, and landmarks in sporting history.
Those looking to include sports history in their New York itinerary should consider the following sites.
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There are many reasons to travel to Indonesia. A country with over 17,000 islands, 8,000 of which are inhabited, Indonesia is like 100 countries in one.
This a land of great adventure, where dramatic landscapes of beaches and volcanos is the norm, and with a rich diversity of people, customs, cultures, animals, plants, artworks and food.
The following are our favorite Indonesian islands for your next getaway. You probably won’t make it to all 17,000 in one trip, but these destinations are a good place to start!
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Sri Lanka is many things. A mesmerizing and magical place, it is a beach lovers paradise kissed by tropical seas, and a haven for budget travelers and foodies with cheap prices, flavourful food and famous teas. There are oodles of heritage, wildlife, and incredible landscapes just waiting to be hiked. There are a huge range of timeless ruins and ancient sites.
Upon leaving New Zealand, I had no idea or expectations about Sri Lanka, only curiosity. Years of war and natural disasters like tsunamis have kept many travelers away. Though the country is quickly moving forward, and I found Sri Lanka’s myriad appeals alluring.
Arriving to a country that had seen so much suffering, I was humbled to see that the people in Sri Lanka were happy, friendly and optimistic about the future. The country is finally seeing peace and recovering from it’s tumultuous past, with a lot to offer those travelers willing to make a trip.
Sri Lanka is a small country, and you can pack a lot into a vacation of 12 to 16 days. The following are my favorite 5 reasons for why you should visit Sri Lanka. Travel now before the rest of the world realizes this unbelievable country has been hiding in plain sight.
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One of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few travel experiences can top witnessing the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, this is mother nature’s most impressive light show, and something almost every traveler has at the top of their bucketlist.
Though you may not have to travel as remotely as you think in order to catch a glimpse. While most of the following destinations are close to the Arctic, you can often expect sightings as far south as the United Kingdom, or, if you’re in the southern hemisphere, catch the equally as impressive Southern Lights in Australia instead.
It’s important to note that there is no exact science to seeing the Northern Lights, and that there’s never any guarantee. Though from the northernmost fjords of Norway to the snow-enveloped wilderness of Alaska, here are some of your best bets.
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The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic, most visited and most photographed landmarks in Australia, and if you love travel photography, getting the perfect shot will most likely be at the top of your list.
Situated on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, whether you’re on the water, above the water, or even below it, there are a million ways to get a shot of the Sydney Opera House. It’s quite easy to take a great photo here. Though this is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, so what’s not always easy is taking an interesting one. As a tourist, it’s difficult to capture a unique angle which the world hasn’t already seen.
The following are great photography locations for shooting the Sydney Opera House. Head here if you’re looking to travel like a photographer and not a tourist.
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You wake up to the sound of birdsong outside your little stone hut, a fresh mountain breeze entering the space through the hand carved, traditional wooden vents that pepper the gorgeously textured natural walls. You wriggle out of your snug sleeping bag and step outside to be greeted by the Himalayan mountain range – the tallest peaks in the world rising resplendently from the green valleys far below you. Their flanks glisten in the gently filtered rays of another perfect sunrise. You say to yourself, today I’m gonna help some people, and it’ll be a good day.
This is life when volunteering, in particular, a work exchange in Nepal; but a similar scenario is attainable anywhere in the world. Replace the Himalayas with the Pacific Ocean; or replace your stone hut with a tent in a lush European forest, or a treehouse in the jungles of Costa Rica.
‘Voluntourism’ is a rather critical term thrown around a lot these days, but in my opinion it can be a wonderful, ethical, and sustainable way to travel, so long as you properly screen the families or local/international organisations with which you plan to work.
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“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment”. Hilarire Belloc said that. Though there is one other reason Matt Sully travels. His adventurous rallies that see him drive across the globe are designed to raise much needed funds and awareness for charities close to his heart. And on his next trip, he’s inviting you to come too.
After having lost members of his family and friends to terminal illness, Matt now travels for his cause. Supporting the Marie Curie Foundation and Cancer Research UK, his next trip will be a 40 day rally in June 2017 called the Odessy to Dakar. Starting in the UK, drivers will travel from the Arctic Circle to Africa (Dakar is the capital of Senegal), and back again. 1 vehicle, 6 ferries, 25 countries, 15000 miles.
He’s done all the planning, he’s mapped the route, costs and logistics of what is needed to complete the trip. And he’s extending an open invite for anyone who wants to find a team of mates and join him.
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Tucked away far to the north of Norway next to Greenland there lies a spit of land and ice in the Arctic Ocean. When I visited this archipelago, Svalbard, I expected to find a barren land of tundra, research stations, polar bears, arctic foxes, and ice floes. And in part, I was right.
I spent two weeks on a boat charging through ice that cracked and crumbled under the weight of the hull, met polar bears wandering over icy landscapes, spotted a tiny arctic fox from afar, and visited colonies of arctic birds that spun around cliffs in great restless flurries of activity.
However awe-inspiring the landscape of this forgotten land is, though, Svalbard is so much more.
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