Top Spot Travel

April 23, 2016 by Jeremy

The best attractions in Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, enjoying warm weather all year round and home to dozens of fantastic beaches. The island offers a diverse range of natural areas and landmarks too, and pulls in millions of tourist visitors per year. Here are a few things not too miss when you visit!

1. Teide National Park

You haven’t seen Tenerife unless you’ve seen Teide National Park. Be sure to rent a car and take a drive through the delicious pine forests and then, check out the bizarre lunar-like landscape that is Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world. You can even take a cable car to the top for a birdseye view of what is a truly epic landscape, offering views of the entire island and several nearby ones too!

2. Siam Park

Siam Park has been cited as one of the world’s top ten water parks, so it absolutely can’t be missed. For those who like their thrills and spills in the wet, this Thailand-themed water park is well worth a visit, with dozens of scream-inducing slides and rides, a golden sand beach, giant wave pool and more. There’s even a mini-aquatic park featuring all kinds of aquatic life for the kids to enjoy. Be sure to shop online to get your Tenerife water park passes at the best possible price.

3. Masca

Known as Tenerife’s very own “Shangri-la”, the picturesque village of Masca can be found clinging almost precariously to the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s as if it’s been hidden away from civilization, and indeed, the villagers’ lifestyle is little changed from how people lived centuries ago. The road traversing the mountains up to the village is quite scary, so you may want to close your eyes if you’re of a nervous disposition.

4. Whales and dolphins

The surrounding waters at Tenerife are one of the few places in the world where it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be able to spot some dolphins and pilot whales between the ocean waves. Indeed, there are dozens of dolphin and whale spotting trips offered from around the island. Alternatively, those who want a really good look can check out the dolphinarium in AquaPark.

5. Pyramids of Güímar

They may not be as impressive as the ones in Egypt, but the Pyramids of Güímar are every bit as mysterious as an episode of Scooby Doo and the Mystery of the Mummy. Are they the missing link between the development of civilizations on either side of the Atlantic? If nothing else, they’re an intriguing sight in a park filled with reed ships, ancient artefacts and tranquil grounds.

March 14, 2016 by Jeremy

Hang with the locals in Berlin

A multi-faceted and multicultural city, Berlin offers something to meet every taste. While highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie will be on everyone’s to do list, there are many unique under the radar attractions as well. Here’s a few suggestions for those looking to do like the locals do in Germany’s capital city.

Breakfast by the River Spree

We recommend you start the day with breakfast at Hafenküche, an idyllic little restaurant that can be found at Rummelsburger Bucht Bay that’s always packed with locals. One of the most delicious items on the menu is Alte Flussbadeanstalt, a special Berlin breakfast compiled of fine salmon, Prague ham, freshly baked bread and homemade jam. The terrace offers a magnificent view of the River Spree, and you can even take a boat tour from directly outside the restaurant.

The Rummelsburger Trail

After eating, you’ll no doubt enjoy a walk along the riverbank to digest that hearty breakfast. The Rummelsburger Trail, which follows the banks of the Spree, is ideal in that case. This 5 kilometer long hiking trail stretches right around the bay, and a large part of it is well preserved as it’s an official nature reserve.

Shop with the locals

Berlin is like many other cities in that it’s a great place to splurge, but that doesn’t mean you have to head to the Kurfürstendamm, the main shopping district in the city. In fact, locals prefer to head elsewhere to markets such as the Hackescher Markt in Mitte, which offers all kinds of unconventional wares and arty creations. There’s also a lot of more affordable chain stores here too.

Hackescher Markt isn’t just a place to buy souvenirs though, as this lively district is also home to numerous theaters, cinemas, galleries and more. It also hosts plenty of cultural events, which makes it a popular destination for both young and old people.

Müggelsee Lake

if the weather is pleasant then you could do a whole lot worse than check out Müggelsee Lake. The largest lake in the city, Müggelsee is a great place if you’re looking for things to do in Berlin with locals, according to WithLocals.com. There are dozens of great biking trails and hiking trails, and the lake even has its own beach. Grab an ice cream from one of the vendors and take a stroll while watching couples row past in their boats. Alternatively, just chill out on the lush green lawn and enjoy the view of the water.

Check out Berlin’s epic nightlife

Club der Visionäre is the perfect place to be on those warm summer evenings. This club, housed in a former boathouse, is right by the waterfront and offers a large sun deck for patrons, with a variety of musical acts on show. Also worth checking out is the Kulturbrauerei, a favorite of the locals that’s home to several clubs under one roof, as well as a selection of great restaurants, theaters and cinemas.

February 23, 2016 by Jeremy

4 Decisions to Make When Choosing a Vacation Rental in Costa Rica

It’s no secret that Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most exotic and scenic countries, with an unforgettable combination of thriving tropical forests and white sand coastlines. It’s also no secret that there’s no shortage of vacation rentals in the region, many of which are considered among the best tropical getaway destinations in the world. However, that doesn’t mean that all vacation rentals in Costa Rica would be perfect for every visitor, as each tourist has their own personal preferences regarding location and activities. If you’ve been having trouble deciding on a Costa Rican rental for your upcoming vacation, try starting the brainstorming process with the following questions:

1. What Part of Costa Rica are you Looking to Visit?

First, you’ll need to become familiar with the country’s many features and landscapes to decide on an area that would best suit your liking. The Pacific Coast contains many of the nation’s top tourist beaches, where mountains covered in tropical forests converge with the sea. The main regions to look into along the Pacific side include the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste, and the Central and Southern Coasts. The Caribbean coastline is a bit more secluded and on the north side is only accessible via boat or plane in most places. The southeast coast is home to the less crowded beaches and a number of coral reefs.

2. What Kind of Accommodations Do You Require?

Vacations rentals in Costa Rica are known for including a wide range of amenities. If you demand the best of the best, here are some of the features you might look for when choosing a rental:

Pre-arrival concierge
Beach and buggy access
Full-service staff
Swimming pool
Culinary services
Beach butlers
Wi-Fi
Complimentary breakfast
Access to tours and guides

Also, be sure to compare the advantages of renting a private home vs. renting a villa like Punto De Vista. In my personal experience, I’ve found that well-reviewed villas will reliably provide a wider range of amenities than private homes and hotels.

3. What Time of the Year Will You Visit?

Chances are you’ll want to visit Costa Rica during the dry season, which extends from mid-December into April. However, while this is the sunniest time of the year, it is also the busiest, so the crowds will be bigger and the hospitality venues will be more expensive. Thus, many people who don’t mind the rain enjoy visiting during the wet season, which runs between the months of May and November and is the best time to find the lowest vacation rental prices. A sweet spot comes during the months of June and July, when the showers simmer down a bit and the forests start to bloom with dense foliage.

4. How Important is Road Access and Terrain?

Finally, a huge issue that many tourists overlook is the terrain and road access leading up to vacation rental. Unfortunately, many venues fail to adequately advertise just how difficult it is to access their property, with winding unpaved roads that have steep inclines causing difficulty for ill-prepared motorists. Therefore, before committing to a particular spot, be sure to research and ask about the road access and terrain features in the area.

Book Your Stay Far in Advance

As a bonus tip – a great way to save money on your vacation is to schedule all flights, tours, and hospitality stays several months in advance. If you don’t mind an occasional shower, yet don’t want to be subjected to torrential downpours and still want the offseason prices, try booking your vacation for June or July several months in advance.

February 2, 2016 by Jeremy

Top Luxury Experiences in Budapest

Hungary’s capital Budapest is enjoying a resurgence in tourism as of late, and there’s plenty of reasons why the ‘Paris of middle Europe’ is fast becoming a hot holiday destination. From a dazzling array of historic museums, art and architecture, wonderfully decadent thermal spas, to sophisticated cafes and boutiques, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque and fascinating city. Let’s take a look at some of the many must-see locations and experiences in Budapest.

Boscolo Budapest Hotel, Erzsebet krt. 9 – 11, Budapest 1073

Everything about this hotel is spectacular – from the moment you step into the breath-taking lobby area of this Italian Renaissance style building to discovering your perfectly appointed guest suite, you are ensconced in luxury. The 180+ rooms of the former New York Palace are decorated in modern elegance, and boast marble bathrooms and private balconies. The fully restored New York café captures all of the former glory of the 19^th century original designed by architect Alajos Hauszmann, and features stunning murals, stuccoed ceilings and gilded columns, and is a great place to enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee.

Corinthia Hotel Budapest, ERZSÉBET KÖRÚT 43-49, Budapest H-1073

Housed in the historical building of the Hotel Royal, opened originally in 1896 this hotel oozes class and luxury at it’s best. This hotel has hosted film screenings by the Lumière brothers and classical concerts by famous composers such as the world-famous Hungarian Béla Bartók. The historic Art Deco Royal spa and the hotel’s signature gluten-free classic chocolate and raspberry dessert, inspired by the 1920’s erotic artiste Josephine Baker alone warrant a stay at this hotel.

Buddha Bar Hotel Budapest, Váci utca 34, district V

If you prefer your hotel to be a little trendier, try the uber-hip Buddha Bar on Budapest city centre’s chic Vaci Street. The interiors are absolutely stunning – it’s easy to see why it was voted ‘the most beautiful hotel in the world’ at the international hotel awards. A Chinese-style red and gold colour scheme is softly illuminated by strategic lighting and furnished with sumptuously tactile fabrics, making this a great choice for a honeymoon or romantic holiday. After a long day exploring the city right on your doorstep, you can have a relaxing treatment at the Buddhatitude spa. All your dining desires are catered for by the delectable Asian fusion cuisine at the Buddha Bar restaurant, and you can also try Lebanese food at the recently opened Baalbek. The Buddha Bar lounge has a fantastically ethnic vibe, and the DJ plays a fitting mix of tribal/electro/fusion world music.

Budapest Opera House, Andrássy út 22, district VI

This stunning neo-Renaissance building designed by 19^th century architect Miklós Ybl was formerly known as the Hungarian Royal Opera House and is now the largest opera house in all of Hungary. The auditorium holds more than 1200 people and plays host to some of the most famous performances in operatic history, such as La Bohemé and Die Fledermaus. If you aren’t much of an opera fan, you can also take a guided tour of this amazing building during the day.

Gellért Bath Spa, Kelenhegyi út 4, District XI

The thermal springs underneath the city of Budapest are thought to have therapeutic powers, and people have come to bathe in these healing waters for centuries to enjoy their apparent health benefits. Whether there is any truth in these claims is unproven, but it certainly makes for a relaxing experience. The Art Nouveau style Gellért bath is surely the grandest and most luxurious of all the thermal spas in Budapest, accented with with Roman-style columns and colourful mosaics. At the Gellért you can take a dip in the thermally heated indoor or outdoor pools, enjoy invigorating spa treatments like Swedish massage, or treat your loved one to their sensual and romantic couple’s package.

January 29, 2016 by Jeremy

Indulge Your Sporting Side with a Sports-themed Break

There are many people who are huge fans of sport with people having an interest in all sorts of sporting activities. Some enjoy actually taking part in various sports while others prefer to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the action as a spectator. Either way, the world of sports can be hugely entertaining and has a huge following including men, women and children.

As a fan of playing or watching sporting activities, one thing you can do to indulge this interest is to consider a sports-themed mini-break. No matter what sort of sport you are into – football, golf, horseracing, or any other type of sport – you will find the perfect destination to enjoy the thrills and excitement of being able to enjoy it up close and personal.

Some great sports-based holidays to enjoy

If you are looking to enjoy a sports based holiday in 2016, there are certainly plenty of options you can choose from. There are some fabulous sports events taking place this year and there are even holidays where you can enjoy some sporting activity yourself if you are keen to participate. Some great options include:

Euro 2016: Football fans will be very excited this year, as Euro 2016 is set to kick off in June and will be held in France. If you are a big fan of this sport, what better way to get up close and personal than winging your way over and enjoying it first hand from one of the various stadiums and areas where matches are being held? Depending on which teams and matches you want to see, you can head to cities and areas such as Paris, Lille, Marseille, and Lyon amongst others. Not only will you be able to look forward to the thrill of the game but you can also enjoy the electric atmosphere that you will find at this major football event. You can also soak up the culture, history and attractions in the area you decide to stay in as well as the sumptuous cuisine that the French are known for.

Grand National: If you are a fan of horse racing you will find plenty of major events going on this year, such as the wide range of UK events that are scheduled. The Grand National is 2016’s major horse racing meeting and is certain to attract people from far and wide. Many people will be heading to a Grand National betting site such as Coral to have a flutter on their favourite and can then enjoy the excitement of the event at the famous Aintree course. Taking place in April 2016, this is an event where you can enjoy getting dressed up and taking in the thrill of the racing. The event takes place from April 7th to April 9th, with the Grand Opening on 7th, Ladies’ Day on 8th, and Grand National Day on 9th.

Golf break: Those that want to combine sports and relaxation will find that a golf break is the perfect option. You will find golf resorts in destinations worldwide. This includes various parts of Spain, which means that you can enjoy playing golf, take in some sea air, and enjoy lapping up the beautiful sunshine. One of the places that you can head to is the Santa Barbara Golf and Ocean Club, which offers sun, sea, spa facilities, and a range of amenities in a stunning setting. Located in Tenerife, this is a resort that is suitable for breaks all year round.

Breaks such as these provide you with the perfect way of combining your love of sports with the chance to relax and explore new places.