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VIDEO: A glimpse into China

posted: Nov 13, 2014 by: with: No Comments

China is a dynamic nation that perfectly unites the ancient past and modern present. Travelers can visit Shanghai, China’s most modern metropolis, and stand in the shadow of the city’s 126 skyscrapers. Visitors can hop a high speed train or take a short flight to Beijing and wander among some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, which have stood frozen in time for millennia. But your trip doesn’t end there. Expand outward to explore the romantic city of Hangzhou, the culinary hotbed of Chengdu, or the ghost city of Fengdu. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re dreaming of a dynamic getaway, one that will introduce you to an entirely new culture, China is the destination for you. Here’s just a sampling of the unforgettable experiences that await you.

What are you waiting for? Now’s the time to experience this top destination and open your mind to the wonders of our unique world.

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The quest for pura vida in Costa Rica

posted: Nov 4, 2014 by: with: 3 comments

There are few destinations in the world where you can lounge on the beach in the morning, zip line through the jungle at midday, and stroll the streets of a European-inspired capital at night. While Costa Rica might be one of the smallest countries in Central America, it’s certainly jam-packed with unforgettable adventures.

Smiles from Costa Rica ©Thierry Leclerc/Flickr

Culture: Embrace pura vida: It’s not often that a single saying grows into a national identity, but in Costa Rica, the phrase pura vida has encapsulated a nation. Pura vida — or pure life — is the perfect description for life in this Central American nation. Locals use the phrase informally, as a salutation (Hola, pura vida), to say thank you (Gracias, pura vida), and to express satisfaction or gratitude (Toda es pura vida), but it truly means much more. Costa Rica’s a country filled with spirited and welcoming people — lovingly called Ticos — who express an undeniable joy for life. It’s a culture that respects the earth before all else, and allows visitors to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life. The pura vida spirit lives in visitors long after a trip to Costa Rica.

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Can you guess the most popular European destinations to visit by rail?

posted: Oct 28, 2014 by: with: No Comments

Rail travel is the most sophisticated route to international adventure. Imagine sipping a cappuccino as you traverse the Tuscan countryside or enjoying a spot of afternoon tea while you await your arrival in Paris. It’s truly a relaxing, easy, and fast way to travel.

In fact, I believe rail travel is perhaps the best way to explore Europe. It quickly transports visitors between top destinations, without the hassle of road traffic or airport security. Plus, when taking a train from place to place, you depart from one city center and arrive in the next, completely eliminating the hassle and expense of those long transfers to the airport.

More than 713 million passengers traveled across the EU by rail between April and September of 2014, showing resurgence in popularity among locals and internationals alike. But can you guess what the top destinations to visit by rail were for the summer of 2014?

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QUIZ: What’s your travel IQ?

posted: Oct 21, 2014 by: with: No Comments

You might consider yourself a travel expert, but how well do you really know your stuff? Can you name the capital of Peru? Do you know how many pyramids are in Egypt? What about how long it takes to fly from New York to Dubai?

Take Friendly Planet Travel’s travel IQ quiz to discover if you’re more of a first-time flyer or a worldly wayfarer. Here’s a question to get you started.

1. Which country’s flag is this?

  1. Tanzania
  2. Ecuador
  3. Spain
  4. Brazil

Click “read more” to see the answer.

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Don’t be scared! Here are the top 5 international cities to visit on Halloween

posted: Oct 16, 2014 by: with: No Comments

Halloween is an international holiday, but not every country celebrates it in the same way. Many nations put their own touches on some of our favorite traditions, and create unique and exciting All Hallows’ Eve experiences. If you love spooks and spirits (both the undead sort and the stiff drink kind), consider traveling abroad to cities that embrace this haunted holiday. Here’s my list of the top five international cities to visit on Halloween.

5. Transylvania, Romania: Travel to Eastern Europe to visit the home of one of the most famous Halloween figures of all time: Dracula. Travelers can take a tour of Bran Castle — sometimes called Dracula’s Castle — to see the fictional home of the undead Count. The castle is situated in the heart of Transylvania, and serves as the inspiration for the setting of Bram Stoker’s famous night walker novel. After a spooky evening tour of the massive fortress, visit the small village of Bram to cap off your traditional Transylvanian experience — just be sure to carry some garlic with you.

4. London, England: London is an elegant city with a macabre history. Visit London’s infamous prison, the Tower of London, which housed political figures like Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey. Keep an eye out for misty forms and floating orbs as you learn about the tower’s bloody past. For a more traditional Halloween scare, visit the London Dungeon — an underground haunted house — and meet some of England’s renowned villains: Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and Henry VIII. London at Halloween’s sure to frighten even the bravest of travelers.

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4 magnificent things to do in Dubai

posted: Oct 8, 2014 by: with: No Comments

Once just a sleepy desert enclave, Dubai has emerged from the sand and transformed into a glittering modern metropolis. Falling at the intersection of the azure waves of the Arabian Gulf and the barren sands of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has quickly become a lavish oasis for the world’s rich and famous.

Almost overnight, Dubai transformed into one of the world’s hottest international destinations, and tourist activity is only certain to keep buzzing as more and more travelers, including Americans, discover the wonders of this lavish city.

If you’re dreaming of a royal getaway, one filled with sunset desert safaris, world-class shopping, and awe-inspiring architecture, Dubai is the destination for you. Here are just four experiences all travelers must have when visiting Dubai.

1. Experience traditional art, history, and culture. If you hope to uncover some of the true gems of Dubai’s past, visit the trendy Bastakiya district. This neighborhood was once home to the city’s textile and pearl traders, and has since been built up to house quaint art museums, cafés, and shops. Explore the Dubai Museum to learn about the history of this desert oasis; walk along the last remaining section of the old city wall, which served as a defensive barrier in the 19th century; and stroll among the paintings at the Majlis Gallery, Dubai’s first art museum. The Bastakiya district is the perfect place to experience the true essence of this Middle Eastern metropolis.

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Why save your vacation days for the summer? Travel during the off-season!

posted: Oct 1, 2014 by: with: No Comments

Forget springtime in Paris and summer in Santorini. Off-season is the new hot time to visit your favorite European destinations. More and more travelers are ditching their summer vacations and opting to visit their favorite cities throughout the winter months.

From November to March, Europe takes on an entirely new persona. Gone are the large crowds, humid days, and high prices — leaving only the true cultures, histories, and sights of each destination for you to enjoy. If you’re interested in experiencing some hidden, off-season gems of Europe, here are just some of my reasons why the off-season is the perfect time to travel.

Sightsee at a fraction of the price. It’s no secret that off-season travel often means lower prices. Not only will travelers save on airfares, tours, and accommodations, but they’ll often find that restaurants, shops, and bars in high-tourist areas are also less expensive. This can help significantly pare down a tight travel budget. Also keep a lookout for bundled tours that take place during the off-season. Tour operators often make the most out of seasonal pricing and share the savings with travelers. By saving on the essentials, travelers can splurge on extra special events, like enjoying a Champagne dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower or taking a dip in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, making their trips even more memorable.

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What is your Icelandic name?

posted: Sep 29, 2014 by: with: 11 comments

Among many of the wonderful eccentricities of Iceland are the names of the Icelandic people. The Icelandic naming system is unlike any other in the world. To create surnames, Icelanders take the first name of their fathers, and then add son for males and dóttir for females to show possession. For instance, if your father’s first name is Paul, and you are his son, then your last name is Paulsson. If you are his daughter, then your last name is now Paulsdóttir. Fun, right? Try it for yourself. My Icelandic last name is Samuelsdóttir.

Not only that, but strict rules regulate name selection. All new first and middle names must be approved by the Icelandic government, so there’s little chance of ever meeting a Gagasson or Gagasdóttir when visiting this island nation.

But there are plenty of other reasons to visit Iceland, a country that is quickly becoming a hot international travel destination. First and foremost are the worldviews of its people. It’s a land that sounds like it could be frozen in time, yet it’s remarkably progressive. Approximately 85 percent of the country’s energy comes from green sources, thanks to an abundance of hydrothermal and geothermal energy pools. Additionally, the nation has one of the lowest incidences of violent crimes around the globe, keeping in line with its peaceful and accepting perspectives.

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The world’s simplest guide to experiencing Barcelona

posted: Sep 3, 2014 by: with: 1 comment

The following is a guest post from Kate Katubi, Reservations at Friendly Planet Travel.

If Madrid is Spain’s historic and cultural matriarch, then Barcelona is its eccentric second cousin. While the two cities share the same flag, they couldn’t be more different. Barcelona shrugs off traditional Spanish customs in favor of a more free-spirited and whimsical culture. The Catalonian capital offers a rich history of modern architecture, world-class cuisine, and sun-drenched beaches, making it the ultimate European getaway.

While I returned from my trip to Barcelona a few years ago, I still catch myself daydreaming about fruity sangria, joyous street music, and mosaic dragons. If you’re considering a trip to breathtaking Barcelona, let me share my simple tips on how to best experience this phenomenal, energetic city.

Walk, don’t run. Barcelona is a pedestrian’s paradise. The city encompasses a mere 40 square miles, with the majority of sites in easy walking distance. For instance, walk to the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the center of the old city of Barcelona. Then visit Barcelona Cathedral, the city’s 15th century gothic cathedral dedicated to a martyred virgin. Next, stop at the awe-inspiring Picasso Museum. Near the old port, Port Vell, you can marvel at the sacred spirals of the basilica Santa Maria del Mar. Finally, visit Ciutadella Park, which, for decades, was one of the only green spaces in Barcelona.

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Souvenirs don’t have to be tacky. Some can hold lifelong memories.

posted: Aug 13, 2014 by: with: No Comments