Travel Guides

The tourist tax will begin at a rate of 1 per cent of the lodging costs in 2025 and will be increased to 3 per cent by 2027. The intention is that the tax collected will be used for investments in tourism infrastructure. As the implementation is on-going we don’t have the amounts for 2025 yet.

Travelling around Armenia with snow-capped Mount Ararat as your North Star is truly one of life’s great privileges. This is one country I’ll keep coming back to for the rest of my days. From the Pink City, Yerevan, to the charcoal-and-gold Gyumri; the emerald Debed Canyon to the sapphire Lake Sevan – Armenia is a country of vivid colours. The smallest of the three Trans-Caucasus nations, it holds its own in terms of history, hiking, food and wine.

It is not essential to bring yen into the country with you, thanks to the ATMs found in every 7-Eleven which allow international cards to withdraw cash. No ATM fee is charged either, making this a great option for debit cards that allow fee-free international withdrawals. Summer in Japan can be humid and sweltering, which I would find unbearable in built-up cities like Osaka and Tokyo. On the plus side, the countryside is beautiful and prices should be cheaper for things like hotels and flights.

Indeed, flights are still quite expensive and, on the other https://softfootprints.com/ side, Korea just started to be more open to international tourism. Ergo, there are still many barriers, mostly linguistic, that non-Korean speakers have to face when visiting the country. Moreover, the impossibility to access basic information through western apps such as Google Maps, make this trip a little challenging for certain type of travellers.

Your travel plans

Please follow your designated route map and road signage that will ensure you arrive at the correct car park. I’m Michele, a former corporate girlie turned full-time traveler who is obsessed with finding adventure, even in the everyday. Costa Rica is a perfect first country to visit, where it is relatively easy to get around and even to learn Spanish. The nature here is unmatched, and there is so much to do that you could visit from a short week to several months or even years.

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Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Cardmember’s name, and that Cardmember must be traveling on the itinerary booked.

• Khor Virap, Noravank, Geghard and the mighty Tatev, accessed by soaring cable car, can all be visited on day trips from Yerevan.
• Be sure to check out Stone Gate while you’re there – the only remaining gate from the Old Town.
• For the past 11 years, I have been traveling back to this beautiful place that I instantly fell in love with.
• In general, round your drink bills up by any small change, and just leave a couple of euros after a meal.
• Find the perfect place to watch the sunset during golden hour in Scotland.

Best spa hotels in the Cotswolds for 2025

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Explore our range of group tours designed to connect you with stories from our Islamic heritage, energise in breathtaking natural scenery, enjoy delicious halal food and make lifelong memories with new friends. There’s a thriving tradition of street art, public murals and graffiti too, while hip neighbourhoods such as Barrio Concha y Toro, Barrio Brasil and Barrio Yungay are filled with boutique hotels, bars and cultural spaces. To use Pay with Points, you must book your eligible purchase through American Express Travel and charge to a Membership Rewards programme-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding amount will be issued to the American Express® Card account used.

The world’s best hotel views

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a marine life enthusiast or just an animal lover, Costa Rica’s rich fauna promises an unforgettable experience. After studying abroad in Costa Rica, working as an intern with an intensive field studies program, and returning for years to travel, I have explored Costa Rica deep into its nooks and crannies. I love this beautiful country and can’t wait to share everything with you. Lastly, any Game of Thrones fans will want to take a trip to Lovrijenac Fortress, the set for King’s Landing. A 14th Century fortress sitting atop a 37m high sea rock, it’s an absolute must-see for any visitors, and admission is included within the fee for entering the city walls.

Cut down your planning and research time and have all our tips saved in your pocket. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider either a pad with air con and a pool or timing your visit for the balmier months of June and September. Make sure everyone in your party has a European Health Insurance Card. This will entitle you to access state-provided healthcare for free or at a reduced rate. It also covers you for existing medical conditions or routine maternity care (as long as you’re not heading to France especially to give birth!). The country code for dialling in France is +33, and to dial a UK number you’ll need +44.

• The southern Corcovado National Park, which spans almost half of the wild Osa Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful locations in which enthusiasts can spot them.
• Come on a little excursion through our mountainous range of travel books.
• And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
• Croatia’s southernmost town, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in the country and home to a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.
• It’s not uncommon to encounter a stranger who will invite you for tea and conversation.

Train travel in Europe…

If you’re already travelling in Central America, you can easily cross into Panama from Costa Rica. There are two major crossings, one in the west on the Pacific Coast and one in the east on the Caribbean Coast. If you’re travelling through the region long-term with no fixed onward travel plans or departure flights, this can be problematic. The Caribbean Coast has a more tropical climate with a chance of rain year-round. The dry season kicks off a little later, usually mid-January until April, and the region also experiences a second mini-dry season in September and October.

of the best luxury family-friendly hotels

With the rise of social media and influencers, readers love to follow personal travel experiences and recommendations from bloggers. Having a well-written and engaging blog can be a great way to promote your brand and attract a bigger audience. Accessible parking can be applied for alongside other facilities. Accessible parking for non-camping customers is in the Blue Car Park. There is additional accessible parking in both the West and North car parks. If you have applied for accessible facilities, you will be contacted with more information regarding your parking.

The ultimate guide to Rijeka, Croatia

Look for different types of vodka like starka (apple and pear leaves) or pertsovka (pepper).

Warnings and insurance

A smooth genre of luxury hotels that bring urban touch and impeccable luxe together with an old school quality creating a relaxed, contemporary feel. Dens of creativity, art and playfulness, each of these hotels play host to countless cultural events where boho meets highbrow. We love finding a patch of really good design production, architecture and style.

The Hotel Grano de Oro, a converted mansion with charming tropical character, is the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day of exploring. Whether the South of France conjures images of the glamour of the Côte D’Azur, the idyllic countryside of Aquitaine, or the peaceful vineyards and history of Languedoc, it most likely holds your ideal holiday. While Easter Island’s statues are, understandably, the main draw for travellers, there’s plenty more to discover on the island. A half-day hike from the town of Hanga Roa takes you up to the crater rim of the Rano Kau volcano and on to the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Orongo, a ceremonial village covered with petroglyphs.

Remember the wi-fi in most public places is unsecured, hotel and restaurant signals may be weak, and slow, but what to do ( the answer is paying your provider back home). The best time to visit is in the dry season between December and May, although it can be very hot during this time. Hurricanes are most likely in September and October and we do not recommend travelling to this region at this time. Differently from Egypt or Morocco, you can pre-order Korean Won before your trip. I would recommend having some cash with you on arrival because you will need these to buy a T-Money Card (cash only machine).

They have the skills and knowledge to help you write well-researched and polished content that will entice readers. Creating a travel guide can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you’re not an experienced writer. This is where using travel content writing services can be beneficial. You could say that the modern definition of a “travel guide” has broadened. Today, any content that covers a destination – from blog posts to podcasts – can be considered a travel guide.

The ultimate Cuba travel guide

If you’re on a budget, there are some fantastic hostels around the country. Bambuda in particular is a great Panamanian hostel chain with some unique, lodge-style properties in beautiful locations. To see the highlights across a broad range of destinations, I think you need at least 3 weeks, 4 weeks would be more leisurely. If you’ve got 2 weeks or less, you would need to start making choices (Boquete vs El Valle de Anton for hiking, Santa Catalina vs San Blas Island vs Bocas del Toro for beach time). We travelled across the border from Costa Rica, so we naturally travelled one-way south in a very linear route and flew out of Panama City. If you’re coming north from Colombia, you will be able to achieve the same thing in reverse, sailing via the San Blas Islands.

Our Journal is brimming with inspirational ideas to help you make the most of your villa holiday in Tuscany. Find out the perfect seasons to explore Paris and enjoy the regal romance of an artistic getaway in Paris. Prepare for your visit to this vibrant metropolis and relax whilst enjoy the stunning cityscapes. Immerse yourself in Berlin’s rich history, vibrant arts scene and diverse culture.

• If you are planning to travel to Korea, there are a few tips that I can share with you to make you ready for your trip.
• When I road tripped around Montenegro for 10 days, it rained incessantly – and yet I still fantasise about the Martian landscapes.
• The calming landscape makes for a relaxing road trip, hike or biking trip with regular stops at the wonderfully pretty villages, and producers of fine wines, cider and cheeses.
• The perfect Armenia itinerary starts with a few days in Yerevan, a lively city of outdoor cafes, sculpture gardens and buzzing squares.
• Nestled between the Biobío River in the north and Patagonia in the south, the Chilean Lake District is carpeted with dense, emerald-green forests of monkey puzzle and alerce trees, some of which are thousands of years old.

One of the remotest inhabited places on the planet, the UNESCO-listed Easter Island (known locally as Rapa Nui) lies more than 3,500km west of mainland Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This tiny speck of land was settled sometime between AD 800 and 1200 by pioneering Polynesian seafarers, who subsequently created a remarkable collection of monumental statues known as moai as a form of ancestor worship. Today, the thousand or so moai that remain on the island are a mesmerising sight. As you discover on Latin Routes’ nine-day Spirit of Chile itinerary, which includes a two-night stay in Valpo, there’s also a vibrant creative scene with plenty of exhibitions, performances and concerts to check out. And as an added bonus, some of Chile’s finest beaches are close at hand. For sublime views, catch a cable-car to the 880-metre summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, home to Santiago’s biggest park.

That being said, many tourists tend to leave an additional tip anyway, so in touristy areas, it is more commonly seen. Locals generally don’t leave extra tips, and it’s culturally acceptable not to do so. However, petty theft can be common so keep an eye on belongings when at the beach, and leave valuables in a locked hotel room when not in use. When in larger cities like San Jose, keep bags visible in front of you, and avoid walking alone at night. Finally, always keep a close eye on your drink when going out, and only accept drinks directly from staff at bars or restaurants. A visit here often turns into an impromptu safari, with magical encounters with these species and many more.

why travel with HTG?

• It’s very thin, and the Panamerican Highway runs the length of the country in the west.
• The only other safety concern we had was on certain hiking trails.
• In 2019 I finally got to visit this small piece of heaven and despite a rough beginning, I fell in love with the country, its’ food, and people.
• From echoes of the country’s past into its present, the lively capital city of Lima is not to be missed.
• The river, a lifeline and a key method of transport for many locals, is encircled by flourishing vegetation, and is home to chirping choruses of tropical birds.
• Spring, summer, fall and winter each have their unique personalities.

Walpurgis Night, the eve of 1 May, and they love to dance and sing – no surprise that the popular music group ABBA is from Sweden. Despite Korean-dramas stories are quite far from real-life romantic behaviours of Korean couples, they still teach you a lot about the culture, food, social interactions and thinking of the people. By watching those K-drama in original language you can even pick-up some common expressions and use them to interact. If you are planning to travel to Korea, there are a few tips that I can share with you to make you ready for your trip.

Best for going back in time: Valparaíso

And, if you fancy a change of scene, sensational skiing and snowboarding, dozens of hiking trails and numerous vineyards all lie within easy reach of the city. But despite its wealth of history, Santiago is far from stuck in the past, as you discover on Latin Routes’ 17-day Highlights of Chile, Bolivia and Peru itinerary, which starts with a two-day stay in the capital. It has a vibrant culinary scene that ranges from the modern, innovative Boragó, recently named as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, to the traditional fish and seafood joints at the busy Mercado Central. Just off the coast of the Lake District is the Chiloé archipelago, whose relative inaccessibility has helped to preserve its distinct culture and way of life.

From the arid Atacama Desert to the icy realm of Tierra del Fuego, the high peaks of the Andes to far-flung Easter Island, Chile offers an unparalleled array of landscapes to explore. Prepare for your break to England’s charming capital city, come rain or shine. Get need-to-know info for your trip to Dubai’s world-class sporting, shopping and spa experiences. Visit Cape Town for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture and vibrant city life.

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If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. When paying with a combination of your American Express Card and Membership Rewards points, only the value applied to the Card is eligible to earn Membership Rewards points. Mild winters & warm summers make Sydney a must-visit to enjoy it’s unique mix of modern coast and city culture. Enjoy every minute in Turkey’s captivating cultural oasis with this Instanbul travel guide. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about writing a travel guide. Pick-pocketing is a big problem in cities and bus stations and watch for groups of children who have been known to surround foreigners and take what they can get.

Buying a roaming package from your mobile provider is always a good idea, or apps like Viber and Whatsapp use wifi to make calls and send messages to friends and family, keeping costs down. In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register. Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities.

Research shows that around 7 out of 10 people use search engines when planning their trips, while over a third use social media to get travel ideas. The travel industry is also growing – it was worth $637.7 billion in 2022 and with a growth of around 10.5% each year, it’s predicted to hit $949.6 billion by 2026. Top of your list of things to do should be exploring the old town, known locally as Upper Town. You’ll find plenty of fascinating history and architecture, as well as historical characters strolling through the streets taking pictures with people. Be sure to check out Stone Gate while you’re there – the only remaining gate from the Old Town. If you visit between May and September, you can also take part in the Secrets of Gric – an interactive theatre night tour that lets visitors discover the historical side of the capital.

The world’s most luxurious all-inclusive holidays

Parc Zoologique has a relaxed, park-like feel, and with over 90 species of animals, there’s plenty to see. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy some time by the lake in the sunshine. Forged in the fires of a tumultuous past, Armenian culture is one of the most fascinating on earth. Train travel is a more rewarding alternative to flying which reduces our contribution to climate change and brings us closer to the countries we visit. This site explains how to travel comfortably & affordably by train or ferry, rediscovering the pleasure, romance & adventure of the journey…

Heredia, sometimes referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, enchants with its verdant hills and quaint villages. San Jose, the bustling capital, blends urban chaos with rich cultural heritage. Costa Rica was my first time on a plane and out of the country. For the past 11 years, I have been traveling back to this beautiful place that I instantly fell in love with.

Arles is full of incredible Roman history, including an amphitheatre and forum, plus some impressive 17th-century mansions. However, Arles is primarily known as the place where Van Gogh lost his ear, with the Van Gogh Exhibition erected in his honour. Towards the end of his life, Henri Matisse helped design the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, which is now considered one of the most important religious buildings constructed in the 20th century. Public Transport – One of the world’s fastest trains can be found in France, running between the South of France’s major cities.

Our selection includes the titles by top authors like Paul Theroux and Bill Bryson. Plan your holidays or embark on literary travel with the best books from around the world. There is also a high likelihood terrorists  will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities.