Top Spot Travel

January 28, 2016 by Jeremy

Where are the best places to find travel inspiration

So you’re sitting at home after getting home from your latest trip. While spending time at home has been awesome, you feel like its time to pick up your backpack and head somewhere once again. But where should you go?

Its time to find some travel inspiration, and with the help of the following resources, its never been easier…

1) Pinterest

Pinterest is one of the best places to find travel inspiration, as this photo driven site has many pinners that put up irresistible pictures of some of the world’s hottest travel destinations.

From flawless beaches to mountains brimming with freshly fallen snow, spending a half hour flipping through the boards of some of Pinterest’s top travel posters will have you booking your trip to a paradise halfway across the world in no time.

2) Instagram

With smartphones fueling an explosion of visual content on the internet in the past five years, it’s only natural to conclude that Instagram is great for travel inspiration.

Once you get past the self-indulgent and slightly annoying selfies, you’ll find a wide collection of outstanding pics that range from perspective shots, to even underwater snaps, as some phones are starting to be constructed to be waterproof.

With many travel bloggers boasting an account these days, their expertly taken pictures and the narrative they weave will have you putting together a travel plan that you act upon in the coming months.

3) Twitter

While the 140 character limit places handcuffs on the ability of some people to express their ideas, for others, it forces them to write their updates in a way that grabs your attention.

Combine that with the fact that you can follow hundreds or even thousands of accounts at once, and your travel feed will soon fill with dozens of suggestions from travel bloggers from all over the world.

4) Your town/city

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to get up from your computer and go outside. Leave your phone at home, and just walk through the streets of your town or city. Go into a restaurant that serves foreign cuisine, and meditate on how much better the food must be in its country of origin.

Head out into the countryside and walk amidst the mountains or along the coast. Yes, these sights are amazing, but what would they look like in the tropics? In Asia? In the subarctic regions of Norway? There is one one way to find out the answer to these questions; book a trip, and see them for yourself!

November 20, 2015 by Jeremy

What to do in 24 hours in Valencia, Spain

So you’ve put together a flight itinerary lately, and you’ve found yourself having a long layover in the Spanish city of Valencia? Or perhaps you heading there on business, and you have 24 hours to kill before heading back home?

Whatever the reason, here’s what you can do with only one day to spare in Valencia…

1) Explore the City of Arts and Sciences

If you only have time to do one thing while in Valencia, make seeing the super futuristic City of Arts and Science your top priority.

Finished in 2005 at the mouth of the old course of the River Turia (diverted after a tragic flood in 1957), this brilliant steel, concrete and glass structure is home to a number of attractions that celebrate the contributions of the arts and sciences to our modern world.

From L’Hemisfèric, which contains an IMAX cinema and a planetarium, to L’Oceanogràfic, a series of aquariums containing marine species from around the world, there is much to see here and as such, it should be the anchor attraction of your brief 24 hours in Valencia.

2) Poke around Valencia Cathedral

If you are interested in history or culture, then be sure to find the time to take a look around Valencia Cathedral. Built in the 13^th century by the local bishop, this church is noteworthy for being one of a handful in the world that claim to possess the Holy Grail.

However, Valencia Cathedral has the backing of many Christian historians that have concluded from avaialble evidence that the chalice here is indeed the one that Jesus Christ drank out of on the night of the Last Supper.

Apart from that, the design of its interior dome and its collection of 15^th century paintings are additional reasons to include this sight on your tight 24 hour itinerary in Valencia.

3) Dine and drink in Barri del Carme

No matter what you do in Valencia, you will have to get something to eat at some point. When the sun sets and dinner time rolls around, indulge in some Spanish food and drink in Barri del Carme.

This lively neighborhood is home to a number of amazing restaurants, tapas bars, and Valencia’s alternative scene. This will make for a great night out; just be sure to set your alarm before leaving your accommodation … you don’t want to miss your flight in the morning!

Intrigued about what Valencia and the rest of Spain has to offer you and your family? Check out this site for the information you’ll need to plan your Iberian vacation today!

November 16, 2015 by Jeremy

The Top Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Founded in Neolithic times, today Istanbul is a modern and vibrant city that still remains true to its historic heritage through its many iconic mosques, cathedrals, basilicas, and ancient bazaars. It is a city which wears it history and cultures well, blending them into a lively and exhilarating city which attracts travellers from all over the globe. Situated between the East and the West, the largest city in Turkey appeals to all visitors with its aura of charm and intrigue. If you are planning a holiday to Istanbul, we’ve put together a list of the top-rated and best tourist attractions in the city which you won’t want to miss.

Galata Tower

Ruling over the Istanbul skyline at 67 metres high, the Galata Tower offers exquisite views of the old city and the surrounding areas. Known as the Tower of Christ, the medieval stone tower was the tallest building in the city at the time of its building in 1348, and still stands tall over Istanbul today. Over the centuries the tower has undergone a number of modifications, and was once used as an observation tower in order to spot fires. Today, the upper level of the tower includes a restaurant, café, and nightclub which can be reached by elevator.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Combined of three different museums, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey. Together, the Ancient Orient Museum, The Archaeological Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum contain more than a million objects from civilisations all over the world. These includes thousands of precious artefacts including Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus.

Chora Church

Although off the beaten tourist path, visitors to the Chora Church agree that the journey is one well worth taking. Known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, it hosts magnificent mosaics and frescoes which depict the life of Jesus and his mother Mary. The church is one of the most stunning surviving works of Byzantine architecture and dates back to the days of Constantine.

Grand Bazaar

If you love to shop, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Grand Bazaar. With 5,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the world, and receives over a quarter of a million visitors per day. You will be spoilt for choice when browsing the many items featured, such as jewellery, carpets, antiques, hand painted ceramics and spices. Here is where you will find souvenirs such as old coins, inlaid weapons, antique furniture and precious gems.

Hagia Sophia

Once a place of worship that has served a number of different religions over the centuries, the Hagia Sophia was once the largest cathedral in the world, and has served as inspiration for a number of famous mosques, including the Blue Mosque. It is most famous for its range of mosaics depicting religious scenes, and was opened to the public as a museum in 1935.

If you can’t wait to go to Istanbul and check out the amazing attractions, click here for some great hotel deals.

October 20, 2015 by Jeremy

3 Unique Times Square Stays

Times Square is home to one of the most electrifying atmospheres not only in the USA, but the entire world, with countless attractions and points of interest within a few minutes’ walk, and that means hotel rooms near this iconic landmark are some of the most desirable in the city. Travelers who do splurge on these premium stays expect unique amenities to distinguish their stay from a night anywhere else in the world, and these 3 options let visitors experience New York from an entirely unique angle. Here’s where to stay in Times Square for a the most memorable experience.

Langham Place

This Midtown Manhattan NYC hotel is situated on Fifth Avenue, making it convenient to Times Square as well as the legendary shopping district. Its fully appointed rooms feature espresso makers, iPod docking stations and mirror-mounted TVs as well as available in-room spa treatments, but the Langham’s most famous feature is Al Fiori, a restaurant known for its world-class Italian cuisine. Guests can also enjoy complimentary transport in a Maserati luxury car during their stay.

Kitano New York

The strong Japanese influence of this beautiful New York hotel is its most distinguishing feature, with its onsite gourmet restaurant Hakubai serving Japanese cuisine to travelers at lunch and dinner. Guests are greeted for their stay with traditional dressing gowns and slippers, and the hotel also offers a range of guest services from car rental to a babysitting service. Indeed, every aspect of the guest experience has been thoroughly considered, from the custom Eastern decor that graces each room to the heated Japanese-style toilets that ensure every moment at the hotel is spent in the utmost comfort.

Tryp Times Square

Tryp Times Square was once a humble Best Western hotel, undergoing a full scale renovation in early fall 2009 to become one of the trendiest hotels in Times Square. This hotel is known as much for its relatively low prices as its eclectic décor, boasting some of the most updated amenities and lowest prices in the area, and every room features a new flat-screen TV and other appliances to reflect its recent rebirth. Tryp even features a rooftop terrace to allow guest to take in the sights and sounds of the city from above.

Many visitors to New York fail to even consider the Times Square area as a possibility for accommodation, fearing the overly loud presentation might drown out the local culture. However, the boutique hotel revolution gives travelers options beyond the chain hotel, making their stay inside the room almost as compelling as their stay outside of it.

August 4, 2015 by Jeremy

How to make the best out of your weekend trip to Prague

The former Eastern Bloc city of Prague has come out of its shell in recent years since 1989’s Velvet Revolution, and the locals have learned how to party – and party hard, making Prague a great holiday destination. This uniquely preserved capital of the Czech Republic boasts a place on UNESCO World Heritage List, and is a great holiday destination for the whole family.

Amazing Architecture

Prague’s architecture has been almost perfectly preserved over the years, and exhibits varied influences from many schools of architecture, including Renaissance, Gothic, Art Nouveau, Neo-classical and ultra-modern. Enjoy the Baroque splendour of Saint Nicholas Church, the Gothic stylings of the Powder Tower and the Old Town Square, and visit the Mucha museum to get your Art Nouveau fix.

Photo: Roman Boed

Visit the zoo

The Prague zoo, which was opened in 1931, is home to about 4,800 animals from more than 690 species, including 133 species listed as critically endangered – Prague zoo was shortlisted in the top 10 best zoos in the world by Forbes. It was the first zoo to successfully breed many animals in captivity, including the Komodo dragon and the first Western gorilla. Prague zoo continues to expand and showcase more rare and endangered animals, and in 2014 opened a large pavilion to house 33 specimens of the critically endangered Chinese salamander. You could spend a whole day at Prague zoo, and visit some of their amazing exhibits, including the gorilla pavilion, elephant valley and the hippo house! Perfect for family fun.

Check out the National Gallery

If you want to see some amazing works of art, Prague has you covered – the National Gallery was founded in 1796 by the Academy of Fine Arts, and features work by a range of famous European artists, from artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Rodin, Gauguin, Cézanne, Renoir, Schiele, Munch, Miró and Klimt. Picasso even has a whole room to himself, showcasing some of his iconic Cubist work as well some self-portraits and nude studies. The National Gallery is not just a single building, it includes several locations in the city, such as Veletržní Palác, which is home to the gallery’s extensive collection of modern art. See http://www.ngprague.cz/ for info on the latest exhibitions.

Indulge in some retail therapy

If you want to do a little shopping while you are in Prague, the Nový Smíchov is a shopping mall located in the west of the city and is one of the biggest shopping malls in the Czech Republic. Over the centre’s three floors, you can enjoy a film at a multiplex cinema, sample various dishes at the food court, or browse one of the many chain stores and independent retailers that Nový Smíchov has to offer. There are also many special events, including music performances, fashion shows and rock climbing at different times throughout the year.

Visit a giant, functional metronome

Photo: Ulf Liljankoski

Yes, really. How can you resist?! The metronome, housed in Prague’s Letná Park, which overlooks the picturesque Vltava River, was erected in 1991, on a vacant plinth which formerly held an enormous statue of Joseph Stalin, communist leader, until it was destroyed in 1962. The 23-metre tall metronome, which symbolises the struggle against Soviet control is now a popular meeting place for young people in Prague, and a great place to enjoy a cool, frosty one in the nearby beer garden. Around the back of the metronome is a popular skate park, where skateboarders from all over the world congregate to skate, hang out and make videos.