There’s much to be said for serving as your own tour guide. Let’s say, for instance, that you’d like to plan a budget-friendly trip to the bay area. It’s not exactly a notoriously cheap destination, but you’ve found a great hotel deal in San Francisco and you’d like to explore the area outside the city as well. You could sign up for a day trip into Napa Valley from San Francisco, taking all the guesswork out of it and letting someone else take care of all the details. You’d probably have fun, and you wouldn’t get lost – but since doing a self-guided tour of California wine country is so easy, why not give it a go?

Driving in San Francisco may not be any fun, but driving through wine country certainly is – and with a few tools you can make it even more enjoyable. You can use GPS to plot out a route through the most famous vineyards and other sights with helpful apps. You can even follow a prescribed route – but by doing a self-guided tour, you’re free to stop along the way if you see something interesting, or skip something on the tour route if it doesn’t appeal to you. Not only that, as any road trip aficionado will tell you, the potential for getting lost is half the fun.

Once you’ve tackled wine country, there’s no reason you can’t design a self-guided tour back in San Francisco before heading home, too. Even if you didn’t plan ahead, you can easily download a smartphone app or look up an itinerary online for a walking tour.Doing a DIY tour can be very relaxed and save you quite a bit of cash as well.

By the way, if you’re planning a wine country tour that includes lots of wine tasting and there’s no designated driver, you should stick to a guided tour where someone else is doing all the driving – but if your tour is more about the sights and food than the vino, by all means take control and be your own guide.

- by Jessica from BootsnAll

photo by star5112

Download a San Francisco travel app

Hit the shops on the Magnificent Mile

An epic strip of tarmac that dissects the heart of the city, Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s key artery, spearing far north and south of the centre on both sides of the Chicago River.

But its most revered section is the stretch that forges directly north of the river – an area generally referred to as the Magnificent Mile (a title it has worn since the 1940s). Here is one of the planet’s most wallet-troubling retail zones, home to some 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 50 hotels – as well as several grand malls. Just about every major commercial player is here, including the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.
It is a place where you could easily blow the budget – although if you look up from your spending, you should also notice a couple of the city’s icons. The Chicago Water Tower is a pointed pile, dating back to 1869, now used as a tourist information office. And the John Hancock Center, 1127ft tall, is the perfect place to relax over a cocktail once you’ve visited every shop on the Mile – its 94th floor Observatory bar offers tremendous views.

Feast on fine food

Chicago comes equipped with near-endless possibilities for eating and drinking – and not just on the Magnificent Mile. True, you can find myriad culinary options in The Loop (the core of Chicago, just below the river). And if pizza is your thing, you will never starve, but the hunt for dinner is also a chance to venture into more peripheral areas. Chinatown, south of the centre is, unsurprisingly, an enclave of authentic Chinese cuisine. You can find excellent Indian fare on Devon Avenue in the Rogers Park District, to the north. And Pilsen, on the lower west side of the city, has a marked Mexican influence and restaurants to match. Those seeking to go gourmet should dash to Lincoln Park, north of the centre, where an outstanding (if rarely cheap) array of high-end outlets compete for your custom – among them Alinea and the legendary Charlie Trotter’s. Wicker Park, to the west, is also a mix of the cool and the cosmopolitan, where you can sate your appetite in everything from Ukrainian bakeries to the sushi paradise of Mirai.

Absorb a spot of culture and nature

Chicago is also bursting with culture and beauty – museums and galleries, soft beaches and leafy parks. Chief of these is the Art Institute Of Chicago, a temple of paintbrush genius, where A-list European masters (Van Gogh, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec) share space with the looks-like-the-future works of 20th century American luminaries (including Grant Wood and Edward Hopper). And all of it held in a glorious quasi-palace just south of the river.

Elsewhere, you can indulge your Sunday-supplement side in the heritage of the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park, or at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.

And then there are the must-see parts of Chicago that do not hang on a wall. The city is one large film set, and movie buffs can point their cameras at any number of cinematic locations – such as Union Station, which stars so spectacularly in Brian De Palma’s 1987 Prohibition classic The Untouchables, or the Downtown seen in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

And don’t forget the city’s sandy playgrounds. Chicago may not have seafront, but it still has beaches – long curves of sand pinned to the edge of Lake Michigan, such as North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Find an empty spot here and sit down to wonder at the magic of it all – or do the same in the green lungs of Grant Park and Millennium Park.

Planning to visit the Windy City? Visit the Virgin Atlantic website for the latest deals on flights to Chicago

Download mTrip’s Chicago Travel Guide to get around!

Images by: Tmdean, Mediocre Chocolate, HarshLight, torres21

Take, for example, the city of Hong Kong. It’s a city with a bit of an identity problem, as it’s geographically quite firmly in the famously cheap country of China but retains a bit of the personality of its former English rulers. Hong Kong is neither amazingly cheap or outrageously expensive, although it has elements of both – and navigating the perfect path between those two extremes can be a challenge.

There are certainly well-known ways to do Hong Kong on a budget. Perhaps the most obvious one is the plethora of infamous hostels that often look more like slums in buildings inexplicably called “mansions.” While the horror stories about these hostels may not be entirely believable, the truth is that you don’t have to pay through the nose in Hong Kong to stay in a place that’s much nicer. The YMCA Salisbury Hotel offers a hostel experience that’s more typical of what you can expect in other parts of the world and it comes with none of the seediness of the hostels on Nathan Road.

Shopping is routinely listed as one of the main things to do in Hong Kong, and it’s certainly possible to spend a fortune doing so. Some would argue that you can probably find much of what’s on offer in Hong Kong’s designer shops back home for less than you’d pay in Hong Kong, but if the shopper in you can’t resist picking up a souvenir or two you can save money by avoiding the boutiques and heading for the markets. You’ll need to hone your haggling skills – and be prepared to walk away if you don’t like the prices offered – but this is one way to turn an ordinary shopping excursion into a cultural experience. And if you save money in the process, that’s even better.

When it comes to sightseeing and dining in Hong Kong, the good news is that it’s easy to do both on a budget without feeling like you’re being cheated out of a better (and more expensive) experience. Sure, there are ways to spend more in certain restaurants or by taking the gondola up the mountain instead of the bus, but when you get to eat really well in the many outdoor markets and take the bus (for the same view) for a fraction of the price, why waste the extra money?

What parts of travel do you splurge on?

- by Jessica of BootsnAll

photo by Engle & Smith

Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, you will have a great day of sightseeing if you follow my short day trip route, which includes a flea market, feijoada for lunch (a traditional Brazilian stew), a samba presentation, and a sample of great caipirinhas (Brazil’s national drink). With this route, you’ll finish the day with freezing cold beer (the only way Brazilians drink it) in an authentic boteco (a traditional Brazilian bar). Whether you like samba and beer or can’t stand them, you are guaranteed an itinerary that will allow you to slip into the unique Sao Paulo mood. These activities will show you a little of what is very characteristic of the local culture as well as the culture of the country. And best of all, it includes caipirinhas!

 

Traditional Street Fair

The route begins with a traditional street fair held at Praça Benedito Calixto (the word praça means plaza, or square), which is located in the famous Pinheiros district. The city of Sao Paulo is divided into districts or neighborhoods, called bairros. There you will find numerous stalls selling a little bit of everything. On weekends there are often up to 300 stalls set up. At the flea-market style booths, you’ll find things like old wall clocks, sunglasses from past decades and second-hand antiques. At other booths you can find many handmade pieces, especially home décor products, such as tablecloths and tea towels. The highlight of this market is the food stalls. You can find food from different regions of Brazil, including more spicy and fish-based food from the northeastern beaches of Bahia, hearty, meat-based home cooking from the small country towns of Minas Gerais, and delicious Middle Eastern dishes and snacks, made popular in Brazil by the country’s large Arabic immigrant population. Yummy pastries and sweets are also an option. If you can resist though, the trick is to not have lunch there – only have a snack if you get hungry while visiting the place. Try to arrive at the Plaza around 11am.

This fair is between Cardeal Arco Verde Street and Teodoro Sampaio Street, which are most famous for their many music stores. They are ideal for anyone looking for Brazilian percussion instruments. The combination of a flea market with musical instruments stores definitely draws a certain type of local to this charming feirinha area (feirinha means little street fair). You’ll get to talk to (or at least people watch) the trendy and beautiful people who spend their days in this bairro.

 

Lunch at a Samba Bar

After walking around the Praça Benedito Calixto’s shops and stalls and picking up a few unusual products, there’s nothing better to fill your hungry belly than by having lunch at a traditional samba bar that’s located a few minutes walking distance from the square. This famous Bar and Restaurant called Ó do Borogodó, was founded in the ‘90s to offer the best of samba and choro (two of the most famous styles of Brazilian music). On Saturday doors open at 1:00pm and the main dish is their legendary feijoada, which is actually served as the daily special every Wednesday and Saturday in many Brazilian restaurants. Ó do Borogodó serves undoubtedly one of the best feijoadas I have ever tasted in my life—apart from my mom’s, of course. The trick is to arrive at the restaurant around 2pm to best enjoy the meat and the music. At Ó do Borogodó, you can order feijoada and sip a refreshing caipirinha. If you’re not a fan of all the sugar served in a caipirinha, order it with sweetener, or adoçante. The samba begins at 3pm and continues into the afternoon. During the presentation, many people drink bottled beer (600ml) and dance samba at the restaurant. You can do the same! Don’t be shy! The ambiance is so happy and lively that staying here without dancing is just not possible. An afternoon here will truly make you feel like you’re in Brazil. Check out the samba video.

 

Beer at a Boteco

After allowing yourself to be infected by the irresistible atmosphere, make your way back to Praça Benedito Calixto. On your way back, stop nearby at Bar do Biu to do something very traditional in the Brazilian culture: have a beer at a boteco. Botecos are rustic bars that serve cold beer and petiscos (appetizers) in a very simple way. There’s always more than enough fun to go around, though you’ll sometimes find a lack of seating for everyone. However, no one minds enjoying a beer while standing outside the bar.

Each city has something unique to offer the world of technology. Whether it’s a vital tool or just a simple gadget, we’re impressed and have listed them below. So without further ado, here are the top five destinations for the tech tourist.

Beijing

We had to put Beijing at the top of this list for their approach to traffic jams. They’re currently experimenting with what they call the 3D Express Coach, also known as the ‘straddling bus’. It is effectively a bus on legs, whose body spans two lanes of a road but which lets cars travel beneath it. Supplementary power will come from solar panels on the roof, and it’ll be 90% cheaper to build than a comparable length of subway. Trials have yet to start, but they’re supposed to begin towards the end of 2011.

Tokyo

The government of Tokyo is extremely keen on near-field communications technology – the kind of gadgets that let you and your smartphone ‘check in’ when you arrive somewhere significant. They’ve taken it further in Tokyo though. The aim is to create a Minority Report style city where everything is referenced using NFC, accessible to locals and allowing tourists to ‘see the sites’.

Technology has already played a part in overcoming Tokyo’s navigation problems. The city has many unnamed streets, so in the eighties maps were sent by fax to prospective visitors. Tokyo was responsible (in part) for the proliferation of fax machines, and then later GPS for the same reason.

Dubai

While Dubai appears to be the epitome of sleek modernity, there have been some stumbling blocks. The internet is highly regulated and very expensive, with the average broadband package costing around $40 a month. What’s more, the government is anxious not to let companies use VPN connections to bypass their own cumbersome internet structure.

On the other hand, Dubai has built some incredible things. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building at 828 metres, built using the world’s tallest ever concrete pumping and serviced by the world’s fastest elevators (40mph).

Vienna

Vienna University is at the forefront of 3d printing technology. While the technology isn’t new, Vienna University has produced a small, cheap one – their version weighs about 1.5kg and will probably cost around €1200 ($1,700), making it a viable addition to the manufacturing and healthcare industries.

 

London

 

A simple app called Tube Status is a must if you’re going to be in London for any length of time. The ancient and idiosyncratic London Underground (aka the Tube) is prone to failure – this app will warn you before you descend the escalators.

Claire Tucker writes on behalf of Tripbase. When she isn’t travelling, she’s usually planning her next trip.

Images: Erman Akdogan, chusico

 

 

iTunes Festival London 2011 - July 1-31, London

Featuring 31 consecutive nights of brilliant live music, iTunes Festival will showcase both established and emerging artists. Each performance will be recorded and made available for download on iTunes. Tickets for the iTunes Festival are free but you have to apply for tickets! There will be about 60 artists performing, including Paul Simon, ADELE, Foo Fighters and Duran Duran.

 

 

Berlin Festival 2011 – September 9-10, Berlin

Berlin is a city like no other; especially known for its underground music scene, its definitely a city worth visiting just for its musical influence alone. Berlin Festival takes place just days after Berlin Music Week (September 7-11), making this week one of the best times to visit this vibrant city. Berlin Festival 2011 will feature a Boy George DJ Set, The Drums, Suede, Beirut, Mogwai, Battles, Hercules and Love Affair, Deus, Santigold, A-Trak, Yelle, Diplo and many other unique acts.

 

 

Fête de la Musique – June 21, Paris

Allowing for the expression of all types of music, Fête de la Musique is completely different from most music festivals. It is open to both emerging and professional musicians, and all musicians are asked to perform for free as the event itself is free to the public.

 

 

Make Music New York (MMNY) – June 21, New York

Now in its fifth year, Make Music New York is a unique festival filled to the brim with free concerts, taking place in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City. All taking place on the first day of summer, June 21, MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in over 460 cities across the world. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet but it should be any day now. In past years, the lineup has ranged from hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, all performed on the streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, parks and gardens of New York.

 

 

Pitchfork Music Festival – July 15,16,17, Chicago

This three-day event showcases over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists. It is one of the few music festivals that keeps ticket prices reasonably low. Among the many artists you will see Animal Collective, DJ Shadow, Toro Y Moi, TV on the Radio. Activities include a Record Fair, presented by the Chicago Independent Radio Project, Coterie handmade goods, FLATSTOCK poster show series and Rock for kids.

 

 

Lollapalooza – August 5-7, Chicago

Whereas the Pitchfork festival focuses on independent music, Lollapalooza is a destination for music lovers all over the world. It just so happens that this year is the 20th Anniversary of the Festival and festival-goers can look forward to a full and exciting lineup. Artists include: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Deadmau5, Cee Lo Green, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi and so many more. As always, the festival will take place in historic Grant Park, between the iconic Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan. FYI – if you have kids 10 and under, they get in free to Lolla when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

 

 

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – August 12-14, San Francisco

Taking place in San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands invites guests to celebrate not only the best in music, but also food, wine and art. From singer-songwriters to DJs, jazz acts and cutting edge rock bands, all major music movements are celebrated alongside a host of local musicians, food vendors and visual artists representing SF’s vibrant cultural community. This green-conscious event will feature artists like Arcade Fire, Black Keys, The Shins, MGMT, Girl Talk, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Major Lazer, OK GO. Other attractions will include tastes of the Bay Area, many wine offerings, festival market place, and the eco lands area, powered entirely by solar energy.

 

 

Osheaga – July 29th to 31st, Montreal

There’s no better city to enjoy an outdoor music festival than Montreal. The summer is when Montreal shines the most and the energy of the city is always outstanding, especially during the outdoor festivals. There are no shortage of them in Montreal and Osheaga is one stellar festival not to be missed. Last years addition with Arcade Fire performing during the fireworks was spectacular. Osheaga acts this year include The Tragically Hip, Cypress hill, Eminem, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Kid Cudie, City & Colour, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco, Bright Eyes, Ratatat, Bran Van 3000, Crystal Castles, MSYRKRFT, The Joy Formidable, Sam Roberts Band, Jamie xx, Manchester Ochestra, Malajube and a host of other amazing bands. And don’t miss out on Osheaga in the City, which features acts outside the days of the festival. The lineup will be announced in the coming month.

 

 

Glastonbury Festival – June 22 to 26th, Glastonbury

The lineup is endless and Glastonbury’s following is so large that they are already sold out of tickets. If you were planning to attend, we hope you already grabbed your tickets. The festival began the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 and so marked one of the best festivals. In 2011, this festival is still going strong and with so many stages, we couldn’t possibly list all the bands. Some stellar acts include U2, Coldplay, Paul Simon, Queens of the Stone Age, The Naked & Famous, The Streets, Lykke Li, Wu Tang Clan, Beyonce and so many more that my eyes are watering looking at the lineup.

 

 

Sonar – June 16-18, Barcelona

Taking place in Barcelona, Sonar will be showcasing famous artists and DJ’s like M.I.A., Underworld, Janelle Monae, Steve Aoki and many more. To add to the already full lineup, there will be some interesting showcases by Ninja Tune, BBC Radio and others.

 

And one extra…Piknic Electronik – WEEKLY, Montreal and soon Barcelona!

This unique weekly event helps you get the most out Montreal’s summer weather, while enjoying an incomparable view of the city and quality electronic music. They highlight the many talents of both the local and international electronic scenes, featuring classic acts as well as audacious newcomers. The Barcelona version appears to be next on their list of cities!

What music festivals will you be attending this summer? Add yours to the comments.

Download a city guide to get you around during festival season!

Image sources: Anirudh Koul, stevenboegborn, tom-jenkins, tkaravou, toombsday, jaywei80, Jason Bryant for Glastonbury Festival, SPACEBAR.ca [Simon], scannerfm_flickr, zenra, bumpershine, tammylo

Van Gogh Museum

Topping the list is the museum dedicated to the Dutch post-impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and also includes works by Monet, Pissarro, Manet, Monticelli, and other impressionist and post-impressionist artists.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is literally, the National Museum in Amsterdam. Art lovers should definitely schedule a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is the Netherlands’ largest public library of art. Notable works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steer, and other Dutch artists are housed in the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdams Canals

A visit to the city is not complete without a tour of the canals. There are boats that can be hired for a day or night cruise of the city. A night cruise is the perfect way to see Amsterdam in a different light and should be included in any to do list.

Bloemenmarkt

Something that you can do for free is visit the Bloemenmarkt or the city’s famous floating market. Located near Muntplein and Koningsplein along the Singel canal, the flower market is open daily. You can find an amazing array of seasonal and annual flowers, including an abundance of tulips, The Netherland’s most famous flower.

Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank House is situated near the Prinsengracht Canal. The house is the real structure where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. A museum attached to the house has memorabilia, photos, and multi-media displays.

Visit the Street Markets

Amsterdam has several street markets offering a variety of products, from specialty items, flowers, clothes, food, and more. Albert Cuyp is the largest and most popular market in the city so it could get crowded during busy days. Other street markets that are worth visiting include Ten Cate Market, Dappermarkt, and Noordermarkt.

Red Light District

The district itself has gained a lot of notoriety for legalized prostitution. However, the area has a lot of historic buildings and museums that are worth exploring. The Oude Kerk, the oldest Gothic church in the city, is located in the district.

See a Windmill

Although windmills are usually not found in the urban centers of the Netherlands, the city has several, including one that is now repurposed as a brewery. In West Amsterdam, the windmill in Molen Van Sloten is open to visitors.

Het Schip

Amsterdam is popular for its modern architecture. In Het Schip, there are apartments and public buildings exemplifying 20th century modern architecture. Housed in a former post office is the museum of the Amsterdam School of Architecture.

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein squares are frequented by tourists and locals alike for dining and entertainment. The side streets of these squares are lined with restaurants, cafes, coffeeshops, pubs, and souvenir shops.

This article was written by Natasha Tasha, on behalf of Flight Centre, Australia, offering great selection of cheap flights to Amsterdam.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

 

Deauville

This picture-perfect belle époque resort town remains one of northern France’s most fashionable destinations. It’s home to the famous racecourse and a wealth of hotels, cafés, restaurants and chic boutiques with plenty of attractions and activities for young visitors, too. The Boardwalk – the place to stroll, people watch and devour ice cream – is a highlight, along with miles of clean, safe, golden sand beaches. And if you’ve got active teens, head to the Deauville Watersports Centre, which offers surfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing.

 

Normandy Landing Beaches

If your brood’s ready for a history lesson, taking a tour of the famous WWII Normandy Landing Beaches (including Juno, Sword, Gold, and Omaha Beach featured in Steven Spielberg’s hit movie Saving Private Ryan) and the war memorials and cemeteries is an unforgettable and moving experience.

 

Cabourg

If paddling and sandcastle building is more the order of the day, take your buckets and spades to Cabourg, where you’ll find the finest pleasure beach on the entire Normandy coast. In addition to great family friendly hotels and restaurants there’s active pursuits aplenty from sailing and watersports to mini golf, tennis and horse riding.

 

Bayeux

Can your kids name the date of the Battle of Hastings? Bring history to life and take them to the medieval town of Bayeux – the first place to be liberated after the D-Day invasion – to see a much older war, depicted in a giant 70m-long piece of intricately embroidered cloth. The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in all its glory is housed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.

 

Honfleur

If you’ve got budding art buffs in your brood or simply want to make your base somewhere breathtakingly pretty, take a look at the picturesque harbour town of Honfleur. The magical light and scenery drew the great impressionists of the 19^th century, including Monet, Renoir and Cézanne, and today you’ll still see artists with sketchbooks at work along the quayside. Yachts fill the harbour which also boasts a charming selection of cafes, shops and restaurants, although you might have to go it alone if you want to feast your eyes on all 15 of the town’s art galleries.

You’ll find frequent daily ferry crossings to the ports of Le Havre and Dieppe throughout the summer season.

This post was written by Natalie Walsh, a travel writer who specializes in family holidays in France.

Name: Kate McKenna

Age: 23

Occupation: On-Line Host, Transat Vacationer of Transat Holidays

Follow Kate along her travel journey here!

Where are you writing this from?

Funnily enough, I’m writing this from my kitchen table at home in Oakville, just outside of Toronto. I got home yesterday and I’m headed out again in a week and half- to Mexico this time.

As the Transat Vacationer what are your responsibilities? What does an average day look like for you?

An average day for me starts around 7:30 with breakfast, where I usually spend time checking out my itinerary for that day and sorting out the tickets I need, the maps I need, the equipment I need, etc. After that I’m off exploring or touring or going on an excursion, whatever the case may be, filming it all. Then I usually return to the hotel, drop my stuff and leave for a late dinner. After dinner, I come back to the hotel, sort through my footage, edit it, and write a corresponding blog before posting it all on the website. It’s a very, very busy day but it’s the best possible kind of busy. I get to do some pretty amazing stuff.

As far as responsibilities go, my job is to capture what I’m experiencing and present it to viewers through written blogs, video blogs and photographs. In a nutshell, I want to create content that makes others feel like they’re along for the ride with me.

What kind of info do you provide travelers following your journey?

I try to provide concrete info and more emotional info, if that makes sense. Basically I always want travelers following me to know where I am- what city, what restaurant, what hotel, what attraction, etc. but I also want them to know how I’m feeling about it. Do I like what I’m eating? Do I look like I’m having fun on a biking tour? Those sorts of things matter just as much, I think.

What is the most inspiring part about this job?

The most inspiring part about this job is hearing that people appreciate my work and what I have to say. I heard from one woman yesterday who said that checking out my blog has become a highlight of her day, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. It’s easy to forget that people are following along when I’m out there shooting and editing myself. I really appreciate knowing that stuff.

 

What is your travel itinerary for Transat Vacationer?

In May, I head to Cozumel, Mexico. June is Turkey and Greece. In July I’m at home in Canada for a month. August is France and after that I think it’s some combination of Italy, Spain, Jamaica and Cuba, but I’m not entirely sure yet. Either way, I’m pretty excited about what’s in store.

As a seasoned traveler, can you give our readers a few of your best traveling tips?

Sure! I don’t think any of these will be groundbreaking but they’re little tips that I’ve found helpful so far.

-Always keep a pen with your passport in the seat pocket in front of you during flights. Once you get settled, it’s a hassle to go back into the overhead compartment to try to find a pen, and you almost always need one to fill out customs documents if you’re switching countries.

-Stay hydrated! When you’re travelling and exploring, you tend to do a lot of walking and it’s easy to forget to drink water. Keep a bottle with you and remind yourself to take a few sips once in a while. It could mean the difference between staying out an extra hour and needing to head back to the hotel early.

-Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I rely on locals all the time when I’m gone. Whether it’s for directions or advice, they’re my best source of information. Even though I have guide books and maps, sometimes it’s easiest to just ask someone next to you for help when you’re standing on a street corner and aren’t sure where to go next. The worst answer I’ve gotten has been, “Sorry, I’m not from around here either!”

 

What are some of the best attractions, restaurants and hotels you’ve been to on the trip thus far?

This is such a tough one because I have been so fortunate to have seen so much and done so much.

As far as attractions go I loved going to the theatre in London. I know it’s not specific to London but there’s a particular vibe about the theatre district there that made it really special. There was also a jazz club in Havana, La Zorra Y El Cuervo, that was really neat. It was small and intimate and had the best live jazz. Restaurants are tough because I love food and find it all good! I certainly don’t have the discretion of a true foodie. If I was going to recommend any of the restaurants I’ve been to, though, they’d be Santo Coyote in Guadalajara,

Mexico and The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. Both restaurants had amazing food, particular to their country, and really warm atmospheres. Regarding hotels, I can’t choose one over another because they’ve all been stunning and all offer something a little different. The most decadent hotel experience I’ve had so far, though, was at the Paradisus Varadero resort, Royal Service section in Cuba. It was like stepping into a brochure.

What is the place you most want to go to but haven’t been to yet?

France! I’ve heard such amazing things, not only about Paris, but also about towns in the South so I can’t wait to go.

What is the best place you have gone to?

I loved London, England. It had so much culture and such life and energy. It was a place I could easily see myself living.

 

Most of us have a few standout moments in our travels that are very memorable and inspiring. Do you have one you can share with us?

Absolutely! The moment that stands out most to me right now was the day I climbed La Soufriere volcano in Guadeloupe, and it stands out for two reasons. One- it was very difficult. It was a rainy, cold, windy day and getting to the top took a ton of energy and effort. I’m pretty athletic and I still struggled a bit during the points where it was basically a vertical climb. It also stood out because I did it with a wonderful couple I met during the Costa cruise I was on. Meeting them was awesome but sharing this experience with them was even better. At the end of the day I felt like I’d accomplished something and know that I’ll never forget that experience or those people.

 

Do you have any recommendations to travelers for interesting festivals or cultural events this summer?

Funny you ask because I was just discussing festivals with a woman the other day who travels across the globe, working at various music festivals. From what I’ve heard, Edinburgh, Scotland is the place to be in August if you want to take advantage of music festivals, art festivals, all sorts of cultural activities. I’d read about August being a huge month for festivals in a guide book and it was re-iterated to me by a bunch of guides I met in Scotland. From all accounts, it’s worth checking out the city that month.

More questions for Kate regarding her travel adventures? Leave your questions in the comments.

Follow Kate along her travel journey here!

New Orleans for Jazz & Heritage Festival

From April 29 until May 1 & from May 5 until May 8, the city will be music to your ears, literally! New Orleans just breathes culture and what better way to celebrate their city than with the Jazz & Heritage Festival. Whereas normally you can’t walk down the street in New Orleans without hearing live music, you will hear even more of it during the festivities (if that’s even possible). Artists booked include Bon Jovi, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cyndi Lauper, and the Neville Brothers.

New York for the Easter Parade

On Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011) paraders, dressed to the extreme wander along the closed streets of Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street. The ideal place to see the parade is the area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival runs from 10am to 4pm. While the parade doesn’t have any floats or marching bands, it is still a spectacle; from around the world people come to New York City to participate, with outfits ranging from elegant to outrageous.

New York travel guide

 

Istanbul for the Shopping Festival

Istanbul Shopping Festival (ISF) is an annual event that brings together people of all kinds, making Istanbul the shopping, cultural and entertainment centre of the world. Until April 26, visitors will enjoy the many activities taking place at the 90 indoor shopping malls and many stores, open till late hours. The glamorous spirit of ISF is not to be missed if you are planning on taking a trip there. Don’t forget the tax free shopping for visitors from overseas!

Istanbul travel guide

Munich for Strong Beer Season

Did you miss Oktoberfest? No worries because with spring in Munich also comes Strong Beer Season. This is the insiders alternative to Oktoberfest yet the beer is stronger and the crowds are thinner .The traditional serving of the spring strong beers begin during Lent and lasts about four weeks, this year until April 26th.

Munich travel guide

 

London for the Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding takes place at Westminster Abbey on April 29 and the city will be abuzz. Locals might flee the city, while travelers might pay a visit for the cities unique buzz. If you want to be part of the celebrations and catch a glimpse of the royal couple, you can stand somewhere along the wedding procession route. The route will include The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

London travel guide

Amsterdam for Queen’s Day

On April 30, Amsterdam is home to the biggest collection of events and parties in celebration of Queen’s Day aka Koninginnedag. Aside from endless crowds and the colour orange, visitors can expect many outdoor parties with bands and DJs on several squares and parks throughout the city. The biggest outdoor concerts are held by Museumplein and Rembrandtplein. Queen’s Day is also the one day of the year that the streets and sidewalks become one big ‘free market’ (vrijmarkt). Don’t forget about Queen’s Night either – check out one of the many bars and clubs hosting events.

Amsterdam travel guide

Singapore for the International Film Festival (SIFF)

With its dynamic film programming and commitment to development of film culture and local cinema, SIFF has become Singapore’s largest international film festival. In its 23rd edition, SIFF will take place from April 15-24 and will showcase Asian film in various venues like The Singapore Art Museum and The Arts House.

Singapore travel guide

What interesting festivals and events will you be headed to this Spring? Or for Easter? Let us know in the comments!