July 11, 2012

How to Avoid Travel Scams

The Following is a Guest Post from Emily Buchanan. It’s a well-known fact that when you’ve been travelling on a sweaty chicken bus for 12 hours straight, you’re going to be more susceptible to scams. Even if you’re the most scam-aware individual in town, fraudsters will prey on the unwitting, weary foreigner who just wants to bunk down for the night. It can and does happen to anyone (and yes, it can even happen to the clued-up, hardened travelers amongst us. Just read what happened to Lauren of Never Ending Footsteps and heed her advice). Therefore, whether you like it or not, it pays to practice extreme…

July 5, 2012

Crazy European Weather Records!

In my continuous pursuit of more random and pointless fact based knowledge that will never get me laid, I decided to look into some European weather records as this summer has already been a record breaker for many countries (Poland was stupidly hot!). Mother Earth can be a real bitch sometimes, so check out the hottest and coldest temperatures in Europe that she’s ever crapped on humanity with. Hottest European Temperature Ever Recorded, Ever. Like Greece didn’t have enough to worry about right now with its financial system about as stable as Stephen Hawking on a tight rope, it also…

July 5, 2012

Photos of the Week: Daniel Buren Installation in Paris

When I was in Paris a couple weeks ago, my friend thought it would be cool to head to the Grand Palais (which is worth a visit in itself) to check out the annual installation. Every year, a French artist has the special opportunity to completely take over the space and create something all there own. This year, Daniel Buren used hundreds of large, different colored plastic circles propped up on poles to create a very unique piece. It’s massive and you can walk below the whole thing as well as snag an aerial view of it as well.

July 4, 2012

Where oh Where Could Atlantis Really Be?

The story of the lost ancient city of Atlantis has intrigued people for centuries and has inspired countless works of writing and film. The city was first described as legend by Plato in his 360 BC dialogues Timaeus and Critias. Plato described Atlantis as a naval city with a history of African and European conquests which famously sank into the depths of the ocean after falling at the hands of Athens. Ever since that first story was told, people have speculated as to where Atlantis might be located. Here are five possible locations for the lost city of Atlantis. BIMINI…

July 3, 2012

The 10 Longest Zip Lines in the World!

One thing I’m trying to do more of this year is experience a little more adventure travel. Sight seeing is cool for a while and museums are good for rainy days, but I miss a good ole’ adrenaline rush like when my parents let me go to extreme sports camp for two weeks. I begged them to let me go and I ended up messing up my tail bone and broke my hand, oh well (shame on them!) I think the controlled chaos of a zip line would be more my speed these days, so here are the 10 longest…

July 2, 2012

The Best Full Moon Parties in The World

There is just something about a full moon that gets people moving and shaking, horny, hairy and looking for a good party. Maybe it’s the tides, maybe it’s just the sight of that big round glowing pie in the sky that puts us into a frenzy, but there’s one thing that’s true about full moons, they give us an excuse to party! So on the eve of the next full moon, Here are 3 of the best places to howl at the moon and get down the right way. Koh Phangan The original and wildest full moon party of them…

July 1, 2012

Winning in Berlin-ing!

exterior of Berlin Cathedral on a sunny day

The last leg of my three legged mutant adventure took me to the kooky capital of Germany, Berlin. I have a couple friends living there so I thought it be the best place to visit for one good last romp before heading to my semi-home of Miami. I flew in from Krakow, Poland on Air Berlin (which is a legit and cheap airline, screw you Ryan Air) on a propeller plane. It made scary noises but was just as comfortable as any other jet. When I arrived, it was dark, cold and rainy, much different than scorching and sunny Poland, but…

June 29, 2012

Bulgarian road trip: Sofia to the City of the Tsars!

Being one of the largest of the Balkans – Bulgaria is an excellent place for a road trip. Despite recently becoming a member of the EU, enough of the country still remains untouched enough to guarantee a glimpse into the traditional Bulgarian way of life and unspoiled wilderness. You can expect beautiful green countryside, friendly locals and perhaps most importantly on a road trip – fantastic economy car rentals. It is recommended to start your adventure in the capital city of Sofia. If you have a little time on your hands, take some time to explore the city, soak up the atmosphere…

June 28, 2012

Sheffield, England – A Great Day Out!

A guest post from Charlotte Stamper. Sheffield is a fantastic city, often underestimated and overlooked as a tourist destination but it truly is a great place to visit. Locals say Sheffield was built on seven hills and after a day in Sheffield you will feel like it is built on about seventeen hills! After just one day of walking around the city my calf’s were aching and my feet were sore, but it was so worth it. The next day I was using the Supertram system much more to save my legs! Called the Steel City because of its industrial history…

June 28, 2012

The World’s Largest Club!

When it comes to partying, bigger is always better. Living in Miami, I’m no stranger to the super club, but it’s the locations where society seems to dissolve and nightlife becomes the de facto ruling force that makes for legendary partying experiences. Ibiza is one of those places. With cheap airfare from basically all over Europe, Ibiza attracts throngs of house heads from all over the world. Ibiza Town, the center of the nightlife mayhem is home to a slew of mega clubs that could all easily be the centerpiece of any major metropolis’ nocturnal scene. Hell, even Miami has…

June 27, 2012

Screw the Zoo, Go to Africa!

While Africa might not be on everyone’s bucket list, those who seek raw adventure will be pleased with what the massive continent has to offer. For some quick inspiration, check out five of the best places to go on an African safari which promise to be much more exciting than watching Jumanji or going to the zoo. Masai Mara National Reserve The ever-popular Masai Mara National Reserve is the most frequented destination for Kenyan and African safaris. Some of best the action happens between July and October, when the local wildebeest and zebra migrate, causing quite the spectacle for tourists. Etosha National…

June 27, 2012

Getting it Krackin’ in Krakow!

When you hear about people taking European vacations, there are usually just a handful of destinations. You got your Paris-London circuit, the Italian trifecta (Rome-Florence-Venice), and of course, the non-traveler 20 something male who goes to Amsterdam to smoke pot and wander around the Van Gogh museum. While I actually went to Paris this month (so much for my snooty elitist rant), I did make it to Krakow, Poland. My main deciding factors were the cheap flight from Paris to Krakow and from Krakow to Berlin (my last stop), it was in Eastern Europe where my wallet could revive from…

June 26, 2012

When The Brits Ruled The World!

As much as I consider myself not English, my language, love of pints and imperfect teeth are the result of the British laying claim to much of the modern world (at some point at least). At its peak, the British empire was the largest in the world (late 1600’s) and a famous saying was happily used among our bullocks burping British brethren, “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”. When our ancestors realized the world wasn’t the shape of a piece of Matzoh, nor the center of the universe, people starting getting greedy. Ships from the smallest of countries began setting…

June 26, 2012

The Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

When most people think of going on vacation, images of white sand beaches and oceans spring to mind (especially if you’re living in a snow kingdom during winter). But if your looking to try something a little different with just as much fun same fun as the beach offers, a holiday by a lake could be just the little vacay to mix it up for you. Although lakes will provide a totally different holiday experience to the beach holidays we are used to, the same rules apply. Make sure your passport is valid, check whether you need any additional visas…

June 24, 2012

Barca! Barca!

When I was in college, I decided to study abroad in Barcelona. I wanted to go somewhere to learn Spanish, (Barcelona is a crappy place to do that as most people speak Catalan, or at least prefer to over Spanish), but I did get to experience living in one of the world’s most vibrant, beautiful and weird cities around. I liked to consider it like a mix between Paris and Berlin with great sights, eats, nightlife and with a a nice beach to enjoy in the summer. Here’s a little more about one of my favorite cities in the world,…

June 22, 2012

Exploring Prague Off The Beaten Path!

The beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. It’s history, beauty and healthy offering of artistic and cultural venues makes it a must-see for any European vacation. There are many well-known events to attend in Prague, depending on the season you are visiting in that make trips to this “East meets West” city so vibrant. For travelers who find beautiful harmony in the combination of music and beer, Spring is a great time to visit and check out the Prague Spring International Music Festival and Czech Beer Festival. Summertime brings…

June 21, 2012

Crackas in Paris!

I’ve traveled a good amount over the past few years, with the majority of trips to off-the-beaten path places (who the hell goes to Bulgaria?). While I’ve still managed to hit some of the heavy hitters like London and Rome, I had yet to visit the baguette eating, beret wearing capital of France. The reason I never visited was I always figured that I’d end up there sooner than later, and probably best when I have enough money to enjoy it beyond convenience store wine and straw filled hostel mattresses in a hood neighborhood. Well my friends, that time came last week. I found a…

June 20, 2012

Pubs vs Bars: What’s the Difference?

If you’re visiting the UK from overseas, you’ll be forgiven for assuming that a pub and a bar are much the same sort of establishment, since both are social places that serve alcohol. However, there are a few fundamental differences to bear in mind, especially if you’re looking for the perfect place for a spot of refreshment British style. With over 4,500 in the UK capital alone, why not try one out for yourself on your next London hotel break? Short for ‘public house’, your more traditional pub tends to be a focal point for the community, and if you’re…

June 19, 2012

Bucket Listers: Venice!

Venice undoubtedly comes up on most people’s Top 3 lists of places they want to visit before they die, and rightly so. The city is rich with culture and is surrounded by beautiful architecture and unique relics. It is known by many names, including “City of Water” and “The Floating City” and has been described by many as the world’s most beautiful and romantic city (yea yea, Paris I know). The way Venice looks today is not much different from how it did six centuries ago. The history of Venice is quite storied and pretty interesting. The name “Venice” comes…

June 18, 2012

Going for Bust During a Summer trip to Ibiza

During the summer months the beautiful Balearic isle of Ibiza becomes a mecca for those looking to enjoy sunshine, beaches and one of the best party atmospheres in the world. The action is kicking off now with opening parties being held at world superclubs such as Amnesia Eden, El Paradis, Ibiza Rocks, Pacha, Privelige, and Space, so if you fancy going for bust it’s time to start planning your trip and experience the best clubbing in Ibiza (well, the world for that matter! The Ibiza party season runs from until the end of September and just as there are those…