Montenegro (meaning the Black Mountain) is a small coastal country in Southeastern Europe overlooking the Adriatic sea. Even though it covers an area of just 13,812 sq mi, this little gem of nature is rapidly becoming one of the more attractive travel destinations in the world. The key to its increasing popularity lies in its undefinable essence. It is not just a beach-heavy summer destination, Montenegro also provides UNESCO-protected medieval towns and national parks, breathtaking verdant mountainsides, lakes, rivers, hiking and rafting opportunities, etc. The list is practically endless.
In case you have never visited, I’m here to help you ascertain why Montenegro has to be on your list of must-see destinations for years to come. Get your travel backpacks ready, for we are on our way.
Anyone who ends up reaching the seaside of Montenegro has to pay Kotor a visit. There are not too many fortified medieval towns preserved quite as well as it is. Even though many empires have ruled it over the centuries, the mark left by the Venetian Republic, at least architecturally, is the most enchanting one. But you would have to do yourself a favor by visiting Kotor’s Old Town and its 12-century Saint Tryphon Cathedral (UNESCO protected) in order to witness it. Of course, all sure-footed hikers are more than welcome to climb to Kotor’s hilltop fortress in order to capture one of the most staggering views on the bay. It is not without reason that the bay is called the Bay of Kotor.
A little further down the road from Kotor lies the mesmerizing little town of Perast. Much like Kotor’s old town, Perast also looks like a lost part of Venice which decided to drift away to Montenegro. In case you are a history buff, this UNESCO World Heritage site will be a real treat for you. Apart from being ornamented by 16 churches and beautiful old palazzos, Perast is home to two historically significant islands -The Island of Saint George and Our Lady of The Rocks. The former is a natural islet with the Saint George Benedictine monastery on it dating way back to the 12th century. In addition to the monastery, the island also contains the old Perast’s nobility graveyard. Our Lady of The Rocks, on the other hand, is a man-made island. The story behind how the islet came to be is pretty remarkable, but it is best to leave it to the locals to pass it on to you.
Montenegro has four national parks in total. Out of all of them, the smallest one is indeed the prettiest. Biogradska Gora National Park is home to one of the very few remaining virgin forests in Europe, stunning crystal clear glacial lakes, swift streams, and green meadows. Located in the region of Bjelašica (central Montenegro) right in between the rivers Lim and Tara, Biogradska Gora has one of the most mature and lushest eco-systems in the area. Hiking through the park would allow you to stumble upon 500-year-old trees, 10 kinds of mammals, 220 different plants, 150 kinds of birds, as well as 86 types of trees. Available summer activities include mountaineering, fishing, hunting, blackberry, and raspberry picking.
Lake Skadar belongs both to Montenegro (two-thirds) and Albania (one-third). Interestingly enough, it is shaped like a dolphin. Apart from historical reasons, this lake gained its reputation by being one of the most important and largest bird reserves in the whole of Europe. It is home to more than 250 species, including the endangered Dalmatian Pelican. Did we mention that it is the largest lake in the Balkans? Even if you are not an outdoorsy type of person, villages and fortresses surrounding the lake will help make your experience a cultural and historical one. Illustrious wildlife, accessibility (which can be reached easily from all sides), and rich history, definitely make the Skadar lake one of the must-see attractions in Montenegro.
If there ever was a paradise on earth, Durmitor National Park must have belonged to it. It hosts more than 160 bird species, dozens of mammals, and countless types of butterflies (reportedly, the largest variety in Europe). Since the National Park is located in the Dinaric Alps, mountaineers all over the world fling themselves here to explore the Durmitor Massif and its highest of peaks. Hikers are provided with 18 different glacial lakes to explore, whereas rafting enthusiasts can make the best of what the Tara River has to offer. Also, Tara River canyon has the second deepest gorge in the world!
It is a privilege to be able to witness nature’s most stunning landscapes. Some of them are located right here in the Durmitor National Park. Here, in the heart of Montenegro.
Nature has no borders. No matter the size of a country or a region, nature has its way of expressing its timeless beauty. Montenegro is the perfect case in point. From grand mountain slopes and lakes, all the way down to untouched seasides, it has it all. UNESCO protects many of Montenegro’s sites for obvious reasons. Therefore, if you are uncertain about where to go the following summer, do consider giving Montenegro a shot.
No matter where you plan to backpack, the start of your journey can be just as intimidating as it is exciting. In a destination as expansive and unique as Australia, you may never know what you’re truly in for until you experience it firsthand. We’re here to help push you past the initial “just figuring this place out” phase and into the “conquering this place with confidence” state of mind. Whether you’re starting your adventure with an organized tour that can help you get your bearings or braving it alone from the get-go, these tips will take you from Aussie backpacking newbie to expert.
Disclaimer: This article was kindly sponsored by Intro Travel
There is no denying that part of the thrill of backpacking comes from spontaneity. Not knowing exactly where you’ll end up or what you’ll experience makes it a true adventure. However, Australia is a vast country and having a rough guideline for your trip before departure is essential for getting the most out of your time there. We suggest making a list of your absolute must-dos while in Australia and creating an outline of your journey from there. Or you can book a starting trip with a reliable company and they will provide you with guidance for the rest of your journey. Take into account the distance between some of Australia’s hotspots and be prepared to book a flight or two within the country. Whether your bucket list includes driving the great ocean road, diving in the great barrier reef, or hiking in Tasmania- you can accomplish it all, with plenty of room for unexpected adventures in between, as long as you have a plan.
A key part of this planning is researching your accommodation options online, providing complete information about location, amenities, and pricing. Understanding the different places to stay will help you budget correctly and choose the vibe that's right for your trip.
Don’t forget to apply for an Australia visa in advance. It’s your ticket to get into the country. The visa can be applied for entirely online in roughly five minutes.
Make sure to pack all of your essentials for long-haul bus rides. Buses are one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to get around while backpacking in Australia. A number of companies offer hop-on hop-off services and package deals for the ultimate flexibility and affordability. As we mentioned before, the travel distances in Australia may be longer than you expect so come prepared with your headphones, neck pillow, and Tam-Tams in tow.
There is no denying that part of the thrill of backpacking comes from spontaneity. Not knowing exactly where you’ll end up or what you’ll experience makes it a true adventure. However, Australia is a vast country and having a rough guideline for your trip before departure is essential for getting the most out of your time there. We suggest making a list of your absolute must-dos while in Australia and creating an outline of your journey from there. Another great place to start planning is an online Australian travel blog like Visiting Australia.
It can be all too easy to give in to exhaustion night after night. We don’t blame you, after all, there is so much to do and see in the daylight. However, party hostels and backpacker bars are abundant in Australia. They can be a great way to let loose and meet potential travel mates, or bond with your current ones. If the rowdy festivities aren’t quite your scene there are plenty of world-class rooftop bars for sipping on novelty cocktails and hipster hideaways that sport local craft beers. Whatever your preference, don’t miss out on all the fun after dark. Australians love to party and it shows.
Don’t be afraid to speak to locals! Australians are eager to share their opinions on the best beaches, restaurants, and bars. They can give you the advice you won’t always find on listicles of the most Instagrammable spots. If you want to find hidden gems and explore off the beaten path there’s no better way to do so than by asking those who call Australia their home. Experience the country like those who know it best.
Last but certainly not least, “goon” is a staple of backpacker life in Australia. It’s a generic term used for boxed wine that you’ll encounter at hostels. We’d be surprised if you make it through the first few days down under without trying it or at least hearing of it. There are a number of popular brands to choose from and they range in drinkability and hangover strength, but we’ll leave it to you to determine which kind falls where. It’s all part of the adventure!
Want to get a headstart on your backpacking adventure? Check out Intro Travel’s Oz
experiences to meet other backpackers like you on an epic group tour!
Spain has a wide range of attractions that make it among the best tourist destination in the world. In this article, we will look at the Top five reasons why you should travel to Spain.
There are spoiled choices for cities to visit in Spain including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. The cities are rich in culture, shopping options, beautiful buildings, and structures. The cities are good destinations and host various local and international festivals that you can participate in.
The festivals in Spain include the flamenco dance in Seville. Malaga is a biofilm seaside city full of history and charm with authentic art and rich culture. The city of Pamplona hosts the annual Bull Run that draws thousands of people from all over the world to participate. The Tomatina festival held in Valencia City is an entertainment event that involves tomato fights. There are also local festivals and fiestas that involve folk dancing, flaming effigies, 5-story human statue, and battles involving oranges, grapes, paints, or meringue.
Andalucía has the most decorated houses with sunny bougainvillea-draped that have prompted an annual competition for the most flowery courtyard. La Rioja is a wine-producing city that also hosts a yearly wine tasting festival. Each Spanish town hosts its own festival where the locals assemble, drink, eat, dress, and celebrate together.
Madrid and Barcelona are the most famous cities in the world because of football. Barcelona is home to Barcelona Football club while Madrid is home to Real Madrid. The two clubs are currently ranked as the elites with footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo currently playing for the two clubs. When the two clubs face each other the world stops to see the fiercest battle known as el classico.
Spain has over 5000 beaches on its coastline which is about 5,000 miles on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is fairly warm with clear sunshine for about 300 days a year. The most popular beach is the Costa de la Luz located in Andalucia. If you desire to relax away from the crowded city beaches, there are numerous hidden beaches such as Calas beach and the Balearic Islands that have crystal clear blue water with natural vegetation surrounding it such as pine forests. There are surfing competitions with over 170 surfing camping sites.
For those looking to explore the islands of Spain, sailing in Mallorca offers an unforgettable experience. The luxury of sailing around Mallorca allows you to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches. Mallorca boat hire provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your holiday with the freedom of exploring the stunning coastlines. Other islands include Canary Island, which is entirely made of sand, the peaceful Menorca, and the Balearic Islands. Visitors can engage in swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or kitesurfing.
Spain is rich in history and art. Over the years, The Romans, Egyptians, Moors, Phoenicians, and Visigoths settled in Spain leaving a legacy of their cuisine, culture, art, and architecture. In 1968, Egyptians built the Temple of Debod in the center of Madrid as a gift. The ancient Hispania which are fine Roman ruins and the Roman theatre in Merida is used to host performances that display their rich cultural history. The Moors were once world superpowers during their golden ages and dominated the land around Europe in ancient times for over 800 years leaving some famous ancient sites such as Alhambra in Granada.
The rich history of the Spanish civil war, the rise and fall of the dictatorship, and the successful turnaround back to democracy are preserved in museums and buildings. The Cordoba mosque is one of the museums with rich Moorish architecture that gives you the real sense of creativity and art of the Spanish Islamic rulers.
Spain is home to world-famous painters from Pablo Picasso to Francisco de Goya. The great work of art is kept in world-famous galleries such as Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, Madrid Prado, Bilbao’s modernist Guggenheim, and Reina Sofia. The art is beautiful and very creative.
Spain boasts high profiled Restaurants and hotels such as El Celler de Can Roca was voted is the world’s best restaurant in 2013 taking over from Ferran Adria’s prominent elBulli which is also from Spain. The country is also home to the oldest restaurant in the world, Casa Botin, which dates back to 1975. Spain manufactures the best vino wine in the city of La Rioja. The wine is local it is fresh and is relatively cheap, it’s a culture to offer a free plate of tapas for every drink you order.
Spain has many food-serving joints that serve the best local delicacies. Spanish cuisine is the most common native dish that is healthy and flavored which will surely tempt your taste buds. The famous foodie destination is the region of Costa Brava, Barcelona’s capital, renowned for tapas that offers; olives, chorizo sausage, fruit squid, and potatoes with spicy tomato juice.
Spain has a total of 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include; the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, Alhambra fortress in Granada, ancient carvings of Altamira, and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct among others.
Spain is a country full of breathtaking and inspiring landscapes that are unique. The volcanic views and panoramic scenery of Tenerife which has a volcanic landscape that rises 2000 feet above sea level with Los Gigantes cliffs are a must-see. Mount Teide is the third largest volcanic mountain in the world that is suitable for hiking.
After Switzerland, Spain is the second most mountainous country. On the volcanic island of Lanzarote, you can enjoy hiking at the volcanoes at Timanfaya National Park and then enjoy cooked food over an open volcanic vent where you can prepare volcanic grilled chicken. There are numerous adventure opportunities such as a walk on the world’s scariest footpath and the zip line between Spain and Portugal.
Queenstown offers many interesting places to visit, and while it is one of the main centers for tourism in New Zealand, there are still plenty of entertainment options that are free, or really inexpensive. Here are our top ten things to do in Queenstown for backpackers.
One of the best things to do in Queenstown in summer is to take a walk up Queenstown Hill. It’s a good uphill hike that starts on Belfast Street, climbs up through forests of fir trees and brings you out onto the high grasslands above the city. The views are spectacular and definitely worth the climb.
If you’ve still got some energy left, save yourself the price of the Skyline Gondola ticket and take the Tiki Trail up to Bob’s Peak. This is one of the best places to see the magnificent picture postcard view of the city and the ocean. Follow the One Mile Creek track back down through Beech forests and waterfalls to round off your hike.
Want to go even higher? For the ultimate in breathtaking (literally) views, take the track up from the Skyline Gondola to the top of Queenstown’s highest peak – Ben Lomond. Put your walking boots on because this is a pretty good hike across the saddle with a really steep climb up to the summit, but you’ll be proud that you’ve done it.
If you want to get some thrills and enjoy a rapid descent from the Gondola be sure to check out one of the two luge tracks. You will board a kind of on-road toboggan that will whisk you down the hill at breakneck speeds for a breath-taking adrenalin rush.
For those looking for a less strenuous walk, take the Frankton Track around Lake Wakatipu. This is one of the favorite weekend activities for Queenstown visitors and starts out from the Queenstown gardens in the town center. You will enjoy a peaceful stroll beside the waters of this beautiful lake.
If you’ve worked up an appetite after all that walking, take a visit to the Remarkable Sweet Shop. Here you can enjoy a free taste of the assortment of delicious fudges, and the prices are very reasonable, so why not purchase a block to give you energy for discovering more things to do in Queenstown.
The Underwater Observatory located on a lakefront pier close to the town center is well worth a visit and a great option for a cheap thing to do in Queenstown in the winter. The diving ducks put on a great show as they compete with the enormous trout and eels for the food you throw in.
The Queenstown Gardens are not only a great lakeside place to walk or to take a bike ride, but there are also eighteen specially designed baskets waiting to receive your best frisbee shot. Frisbee golf is great fun, and if you’re not traveling with a frisbee, they can be rented cheaply from lots of the sports stores downtown.
One of the most popular things to do at night in Queenstown is to take a spin around the Queenstown Ice Arena which is in the Queenstown Gardens. Take advantage of the Friday night special price which makes this a tempting Queenstown activities deal.
Check out your backpacker’s guide for websites that offer discounted promotions on different activities such as kayaking, jet boating, paddle boarding, and mountain biking. If you’re wanting to venture further afield, consider hiring a car from Queenstown airport or the town depot. Depending on the time of year you can pick up some really cheap deals so you can enjoy some adventure and relaxation in Queenstown.
What is your meaning of a relaxing holiday? For some, it’s lying back, drenching up the sun and disregarding life’s anxieties and strains. For others, it’s traveling to new destinations, while a few holidaymakers like to remain nearer to home.
Regardless of whether you are anticipating a family holiday, sentimental break or city escape, we think you should go someplace that matches your meaning of relaxation, so you can really loosen up. We’ve scoured the world to present to you the most laidback destinations around the globe! Here are 10 top travel destinations for rest and relaxation.
While rest and relaxation are great, for those that want to travel and work, you should seek out workation destinations.
A holiday to the Maldives is considered by many to be among the most relaxing travel destinations out there. The Maldives is the ideal place to make tracks in the opposite direction from city life. Gloating unparalleled beaches, where clear waters meet powder-delicate white sands, you can spend the day having fun on the many beaches dousing up the sun. Heal your Psyche, body, and soul in the Maldives with your loved one(s) while relaxing at a resort. For those looking for a shot of adrenaline, this Indian Ocean heaven offers an abundance of watersports, including jumping, snorkeling, and angling – in addition to fishing for the freshest fish accessible.
From Bangkok to the islands of Phuket, Ko Samui, and Koh Phi, it’s unthinkable not to feel settled in Thailand. With lovely beaches, peaceful Buddhist sanctuaries, lip-smacking foods, splendid shopping, and world-class spas, Thailand meets each holiday requirement.
This favored destination may have its wild side, but at the same time, it’s fantastic on the off chance that you support a touch of downtime. Embracing the southern bank of mainland Spain, Marbella brags beautiful harbors, sandy beaches, and verdant greenery – the ideal formula for any relaxing escape. Besides, with a lot of tapas bars neglecting the ocean, you won’t battle to locate some incredible nourishment with an unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
Family holidays to the Algarve all boxes for a relaxing vacation. If your idea of relaxation is being hugged by the sun, ocean, and sand. Lethargic evenings can be spent basking in the sun by yourself on one of Algarve’s shoreline inlets or treating yourself to fresh sardines by the beach stands. In any case, if you end up feeling gutsy, you’ll be satisfied to know there are a lot of eco-friendly attractions waiting for you!
Famous for its laidback environment, you’ll find relaxation comes naturally with a city break to Amsterdam. Take as much time as necessary investigating the city’s exhibition halls by walking, however, keep in mind to take a load off on a channel pontoon journey. We’d likewise suggest studying the Jordan territory of the city by bicycle as you can cycle at a lackadaisical pace along quiet waterways, and meander through minimal side lanes with entrancing looks of city life before withdrawing to one of Amsterdam’s numerous comfortable bars for a nightcap.
On the off chance that you like the sound of excellent beaches, flavorful nourishment and excellent culture, look no more distant than Bali. Spend the hours sunbathing in the excellent Nusa Dua or move inland to Ubud, the innovative capital of this Indonesian archipelago where you’ll have the capacity to examine the neighborhood markets and deal with local people offering handmade expressions and artworks.
A standout amongst the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, Antigua is an aphorism for rest. This gem of an island overflows a laidback vibe that you’re sure to discover irresistible, especially in case you are taking a couple’s holiday or romantic break. If you can stand to be far from one of the 365 beaches, then the island capital of St John’s is unquestionably justified regardless of a walk; around the colonial architecture and beautiful harbor, there are a lot of sights to take in.
As the most well-known island in the Canaries, Tenerife may not instantly spring to mind with regards to relaxing holidays. In any case, with a wealth of beaches to loosen up on in addition to the island’s laidback climate, you can’t resist the urge to feel at home in Tenerife. Not just that, on the off chance that you are on a family holiday to Tenerife, mums and fathers will return rested and relaxed because their youngsters will discover exercises to engage them morning, noon, and night. On the other hand, a trek up Mount Teide – Tenerife’s dynamic fountain of liquid magma – offers the chance to get away from the group.
Transcending high rises, radiant beaches, and shopping centers on tap, Dubai has something that’ll satisfy the entire family’s meaning for relaxing knowledge. If you are on a romantic break to Dubai, relaxation is ensured while remaining at one of this current destination’s lavish hotels, for example, Atlantis the Palm, since they offer a level of services that's hard to beat. The exercises on offer in Dubai, for instance, waterparks, Saadiyat Beach Club, betray safaris, and skiing, additionally influence a family to holiday to the United Arab Emirates a restful ordeal.
If you’re looking to crush it in looking for a destination for relaxation, a city break to lovely Budapest could possess all the necessary qualities. The relaxing River Danube separates the capital of Hungary and likewise brags a fable-like palace, hot spas in addition to phenomenal sustenance including the national dish of delicious goulash made with warming paprika. Not just that, the city’s metro framework is anything but complicated to explore, and local people are to a significant degree inviting. More youthful individuals on a couple’s holiday to Budapest are emphatically educated to search out one concerning the city’s numerous bars.
Chances are, any of the vacations you might take will relax you to some degree. Incidentally leaving work and the typical routine enables most travelers to get away from the worries of their regular day-to-day lives. In any case, there are several resorts, retreats, and even whole urban areas that are known for their emphasis on wellbeing, health, and obviously, relaxation. If traveling isn’t your cup of tea, check out the best cooling mattress pad for rest and relaxation.
Make sure you read until the end for a special promotional discount!
When you’re traveling for stretches at a time, parts of your travels can seem like a blur. Whether it’s being overwhelmed by the countless number of temples in Japan, or eating way too much sauerkraut in Germany, too much of anything can feel monotonous.
This is why staying at hostels can be a bright part of any journey. You get to meet fellow backpackers, share experiences, and hopefully stay friends long after you’ve met. It all boils down to having a really personal, fun, and unforgettable experience.
Ruamoko Hostel came from the simple idea of bringing together people from all walks of life, who leave with a rucksack full of memories. After traveling around Southeast Asia, Matt came up with the idea to build a hostel.
While most people would have stopped there, he posted his idea on Facebook and was joined by fellow backpacker Andy. They decided to build Ruamoko (who is the god of earthquakes, volcanoes, and seasons in Maori mythology) in Nicaragua. It’s not too far from their home countries (Matt’s originally from Canada, Andy from California), and it’s in a beautiful part of the country, Popoyo – an up-and-coming town well-known for its gorgeous beaches.
After successfully raising $22,500 through a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo the work began.
Located in Playa Santana, one of the beaches in the area, you can walk to the beach from the hostel in about 5 minutes – perfect to go for a surf, go horse-riding, or simply watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
We arrived at Ruamoko within a month of the hostel’s grand opening, which was cool because we were seeing parts of the hostel coming together. There were four eight-person dorms, which conveniently have two bathrooms inside. The bottom bunks also have mosquito nets around them – which we found essential because Nicaragua definitely gets its fair share of these when the sun goes down!
Not that you’d be spending much time in your room besides sleeping. As a boutique hostel, Ruamoko is centered all-around having a community vibe. Right in the center is its signature pool (with a funky logo at the bottom). The bar/reception area is right next to it, where you can grab surfboards for rent (Andy offers surfing lessons), or hang out with other guests over a drink.
Once it gets to nightfall most guests are back in the hostel. In keeping with the community vibe, dinner is served for everyone around the same time (breakfast/lunch available too), which really helps for people to get to know each other. The food was really fresh, creative, and delicious – you can expect salads, sushi, and whatever is available from the local market that day. They even have a truck that passes by every day selling fruit and vegetables!
Peter, who basically dropped everything in his home country of Slovenia to join Matt and Andy to build the hostel, now is at Ruamoko and one night made a delicious “I-just-invented-this” meal that everyone raved about.
After that, it’s party time – there’s a solid sound system that blasts out tunes and even some decks on hand. Even though we were there not long after the official opening, there were already quite a few guests, from countries including England, Ireland, Canada, Sweden, and others. Some had met Andy or Matt from previous travels, while others had heard about it while looking for an inexpensive place to stay by the beach. Getting to relax and chat with everyone in a small group at night – including sharing drinks and laughs with Matt, Andy and Peter – was a lot of fun.
Ruamoko Hostel is brand new, so there are still plans to add private rooms, and finish up some of the fencing (hilariously a cow apparently came bounding in one night to take a nibble from a plant), and add a few more finishing touches. But the essence of Ruamoko Hostel – to create a warm and welcoming home-away-from-home atmosphere – is vividly apparent. It was really exciting to see the hard work put in by the guys running Ruamoko, and we’re excited to see what’s next.
Stay 3 nights and pay for 2 at Ruamoko Hostel is valid only for direct bookings through the Ruamoko website. You must mention Backpacker Travel when arriving at the hostel to be eligible for the promotional discount.
Are you visiting Jamaica for the first time but not sure where to explore? Maybe you’ve tried a few of the popular places already but don’t know where to go next? Jamaica has tons of attractions but all are not easily found, especially those that are located off the beaten path.
If you’re looking for your next tropical adventure, you’re in luck. Here are 10 things to do in Jamaica. Included are a few obvious and popular choices, along with others that are not that well-known but will certainly be worth your time.
This is one of those attractions to put on your bucket list of must-visit-before-you-die places. Not only is the Glistening Waters of Falmouth, Trelawny the only nighttime water attraction in Jamaica, but it’s also only one of three places in the world where you can experience this type of scenery. It’s a luminous lagoon, caused by microscopic phosphorescent organisms, which glow excitedly when the water is disturbed. If you love nature, you will certainly be awed by the experience of being surrounded by the glistening waters. If you can swim, you can get even more up close. Accommodations can be arranged with the Glistening Waters Hotel or you can book a tour with your hotel of choice on the north coast.
If you’re visiting the Kingston area and looking for something interesting to do, a trip to the Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo will be worth your while. It’s the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean and consists of a number of sites within its 200-acre borders, including many of the gardens, which are free of cost to explore. While there is an entrance fee for the zoo, you will love the variety of animal species on show, including exotic birds, iguana lizards, crocodiles, and even miniature horses. In addition, a kid-friendly space, Funland, was recently launched, featuring various rides, face painting, and other fun activities for the little ones. Other points of interest at Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo are the Chinese Gardens and a giant maze. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing. You can get refreshments to purchase on-site, plus there is a restaurant on the property, should you get hungry.
One of the most unique experiences you will ever have is being able to kick back with a cold Red Stripe Beer in the middle of the Caribbean Sea at Pelican Bar. It’s a delight that has been repeated many times by tourists and locals alike, who have taken the boat trip out to the unique, thatch-covered structure, which was established in 2001. On a lucky day, you might get a chance to see a flock of the majestic Pelican birds near the beach, from which the bar is named. The Pelican Bar is not just for having a beer. You can also enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish or lobster here, as well as some kicking rum punch or just plain water. Found off the coast of the town of Black River in St. Elizabeth, there are a number of tour companies that can get you to the Pelican Bar. Tours are also organized by several hotels, such as the nearby Jakes and several of the popular all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
Definitely one of Jamaica’s best-known swimming spots, a trip to Montego Bay will be incomplete without bathing at the Doctor’s Cave Beach. A perfect combination of sun, sea, and sand, it is located on the famous Hip Strip in the tourism capital and serves the clients of several hotels built on its borders. There are also restaurants and bars along the shore, ensuring your hunger and thirst can always be satisfied, plus you are likely to hear some strain of reggae music blasting at various points.
Over the past few years, the Blue Hole near Ocho Rios has gained in popularity as one of the most beautiful attractions in Jamaica, despite not being recognized as an official site by the local tourist body. Its main features include being located in a lush, rainforest-like setting and having numerous cascading waterfalls and swimming holes. It is fed by several springs and provides beautiful tones of blue in the places where the water is deepest. Not only do you get the pleasure of swimming in cool, tropical springs, but you also can dive off some of the cliffs and swing from strategically placed ropes into the water. Some climbing is required so you’ll need appropriate footwear. Tour guides on the scene will help you get the best experience.
This attraction might already be familiar to you if you’ve watched Brooke Shields’ movie of the same name. And yes, scenes from the movie were actually shot here. The beauty of the Blue Lagoon lies in the lush surroundings but also in the changing colors of the water that makes it up. It can vary from deep azure to a clear sapphire depending on the time of day and the strength of the sunlight. In addition, the lagoon is a playground for divers. It was once thought to be bottomless but is now estimated to be around 180 feet deep. Oh, there is a legend that it was once the home of a mysterious dragon. No one has seen it in recent times, so no need to worry. This site is located in the beautiful parish of Portland and can be visited via a number of tour companies operating across the island.
Another attraction for nature lovers, the Rockland Bird Sanctuary will get you up close and personal with some of nature’s most awesome flying creatures. These include a few that can only be found in Jamaica, as well as others popular in the North American mainland and across the Caribbean. Most interesting is that many of these birds, which often avoid humans, are completely friendly and unafraid. In fact, you can enjoy the unbelievable experience of feeding a hummingbird by hand. The attraction is located in Montego Bay and can be a little difficult getting to due to its rocky path. But a trip there will be well worth your time. There is an entrance fee, which covers refreshments.
Jamaica has several musical icons and Peter Tosh is right up there with the greatest of them all. One of the trios that made up the famous Wailers, Peter Tosh was murdered in 1987, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to influence today’s culture (the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana in many areas around the world, for instance). With that said, the launching of the Peter Tosh Museum in late 2016 gives visitors the unique opportunity of seeing into the life and times of Tosh. Interesting pieces that will help to make your trip memorable are Tosh’s iconic M-16 guitar and a pair of gold microphones he received while on tour with the Rolling Stones. In addition, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs that pay homage to the memory of Tosh and the impact of the reggae culture. The Peter Tosh Museum is located on the outskirts of New Kingston at the Pulse Centre on Trafalgar Road. You can find more information on their website.
This is certainly not one of the most popular attractions currently, but it is one of the most interesting. Visiting the Cockpit Country is for you if you want a unique experience bordering on rural living, the immense biodiversity of the area, and indulging in activities that will get you loving nature all over again. Admittedly, it is not for the faint of heart as the terrain is quite hilly in some areas. And with roughly 500 square miles to navigate, its vastness might intimidate you. However, if you’re interested in viewing a wide array of animals and plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world, as well as learning about the Maroons and their significance to the end of the slave trade, not to mention breathtaking scenes, you should definitely organize a tour to the Cockpit Country. The expansive area takes in portions of the parishes of Trelawny, St. James, and St. Elizabeth.
Bob Marley is easily the most well-known Jamaicans around the world. His musical legacy continues to this day through his children and grandchildren, but you can get a closer glimpse of his life and times of Bob through a visit to his mausoleum. It’s located in Nine Miles, St. Ann, the place where the singer was born and buried and features a number of artifacts related to his life and reggae music. Although a little hard to get to due to its somewhat remote location, the Bob Marley Mausoleum can get quite crowded on some days. Check with your tour company of choice or hotel as to when the best times of the day to visit are.
Truth be told, there are a number of other attractions in Jamaica that could have easily made this list, including Rick’s Café in Negril, Mystic Mountain in St. Ann, and Hellshire Beach (for fish and festival) in St. Catherine. The list is not exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination based on the high number of explorative spots spread out across the length and breadth of Jamaica, but this is a good place to start.
You know that old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”? In Leon, Nicaragua, it’s more like “When in Leon, hike up and slide down an active volcano.”
Leon is well worth the visit for its gorgeous cathedrals, easy-to-navigate streets, and bustling central square, where you’ll find families, couples, and tourists hanging out on any given evening. And, of course – not too far from the city is the only place in the world where you can board down an active volcano, Cerro Negro.
While there are a couple of tours that offer volcano boarding, we chose Quetzaltrekkers, which donates all of its profits to locally-run projects working with disadvantaged youth. Founded in 1995, it’s the only non-profit, volunteer-run trekking and outdoors association in Nicaragua. Besides volcano boarding, there are volcano hikes and tours that they offer.
What’s also cool about Quetzaltrekkers is that it gives you two opportunities to hike up and board down Cerro Negro (other companies may only do it once), and the costs include lunch, water, transport, park entrance, guides, and boarding gear.
Our tour started around 8 am that morning, with 15 excited travelers meeting at Quetzaltrekker’s office to set off for the hour-long drive to Cerro Negro. Even though you’re aboard a big truck, expect it to be a bit of a bumpy ride as you get closer to the volcano and onto dirt roads.
It’s then time to throw on your bright yellow backpacks (with your suits, gloves, goggles, and water inside), and slide your “board” behind your back before the big hike. The board looks most similar to a winter sled, made out of wood with a metal base affixed to the bottom to help you slide down more quickly. (As you can imagine, this metal needs to be replaced pretty frequently).
The hike itself can be a bit challenging in parts for those who aren’t accustomed to walking on uneven paths – it is a volcano after all! So it can be gravelly, slippery and as you get to the top, quite windy. The weather here can be so unpredictable, where it can be sunny and humid one moment, then overcast and gusty the next. We had to take the boards off our backs and carry them at the top because the wind got strong enough that if we didn’t hold it, we’d probably fall back onto it!
Once at the top, it’s suiting up time and sliding down one by one. A quick tip: If you want to go fast, lean as far back as you can. And if you don’t, lean forward. But if you do go slower, you’ll start to amass a ton of gravel on the front of the board, which you’ll need to clear out so you can continue to slide down.
I started off slower than anticipated and once I picked up steam, it started to feel like I was going to slid out of my board! It can be a bit tricky to keep straight and still – and I chickened out a bit and leaned forward to try and regain control. But then it happened. Gravel started to pile on. And on and on. And then I stopped, mid-run and mid-hill. Lesson learned – after brushing off the gravel (probably needed to stand up to do it effectively), I was back up and sliding to the bottom! It was exhilarating – and like many of these things – over before you want it to end.
The weather by this stage had continued to change dramatically – we were able to see the first few people slide down to the bottom fairly clearly, but then a huge cloud came over the volcano, making visibility extremely poor. We couldn’t see whether the next person made it down to the bottom, which meant our guide wasn’t sure if she could give the green light to the next person to go.
Then it rained. No – bucketed! Grey skies prevailed, we were drenched to the bone, and the relentless wind cooled our skin. So while we didn’t get to do a second run due to the crazy weather conditions, I admittedly welcomed the chance to get out of the rain. As luck would have it, once we drove to our lunch spot just minutes away, the skies cleared and the sun came out!
Go figure.
After a well-fed lunch, it’s back to Leon and the next adventure.
Many thanks to Quetzaltrekkers for an amazing day, and particularly to our guides (including Aussie traveler Natasha) who made the adventure a ton of fun.
If there’s one thing that Iceland isn’t scarce on, it’s natural beauty. From imposing volcanoes and glaciers, to animated clouds and awe-inspiring waterfalls, Iceland has something to marvel at behind every turn.
Extreme Iceland packs in as many of these sights on its South Coast and Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon tour, where you see icebergs, black sand beaches, glaciers, lava fields, and waterfalls in an action-packed two-day adventure.
Driving out of Reykjavik, the first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a beautiful waterfall that plunges down over 60 meters into a shallow pool. The water comes from the infamous volcano and glacier Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in 2010 and led to thick volcanic ash covering the earth and halting flights all over the world for weeks. We had a lot of fun trying to pronounce the name on the bus with our tour guide (hint: the letter j is pronounced as a y sound, and two consecutive l’s are pronounced as ‘at’). You can also walk behind the waterfall for a unique view – although wear wet weather clothing, as you will certainly be splashed!
The word ‘foss’ means waterfall in Icelandic and not too far away is Skogafoss, which is also 60 meters in height. You can see this waterfall from further away and what’s great about it is that there are stairs (which are more tiring than they look to scale!) that lead to the top of the waterfall. For those not as inclined to make the hike up, there are plenty of beautiful vantage points on the ground level – whether it’s standing by the stream where the water plunges into, or from further away to take in all the grandeur. We were fortunate enough to see a couple of rainbows while there, making the waterfall even more magical to behold.
When you think of beaches, Iceland is not the first country to spring to mind, but it’s home to a beautiful black sand beach in the village of Vik, which is also characterized by intricate basalt column formations next to Reynisdrangar, which are basalt sea stacks that stand next to a cave right by the shore. The beach is also littered with pebbles and rocks – mostly black in color, although you can see tinges of greyish-blue and brown rocks as well. You can sit on the beach, and stack some rocks while looking out at the dark ocean in front of you. Apparently, it’s common for someone to try and go for a dip (which I wouldn’t dare to) – and yes, a tourist did in fact try it out in the freezing cold while we were there!
As our tour bus snaked our way through the south of Iceland, everyone continued to be struck by how gorgeous and impressive the scenery was in the country. Photos and videos as we zoomed past on the minibus would not be able to do it justice. Houses looked minuscule against the backdrop of a huge mountain, which would more often than not have a waterfall behind it. And we’re not talking a little stream either – rather, it seemed like every house had its own personal waterfall!
As the sun started to set for the day, we made it to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – and if you weren’t awestruck before, this place will absolutely blow you away. Jökulsárlón is the setting for many Hollywood movies and it’s easy to see why. There are huge chunks of icebergs sitting in the lagoon, with many glistening bright blue in the light, or tinged black by volcanic ash. Some of them idly sit in the lagoon, while at times you can hear some suddenly crack and break into smaller pieces, floating out to sea. You most likely will see seals hanging about and leisurely swimming through the icebergs, looking like they have not a care in the world and not noticing how frigidly cold it is.
Our accommodation that night was at the Country Hotel Katla in South Iceland – very cozy with a yummy dinner, warm and neat rooms and wi-fi. The decor is rather kitsch – think random plug-in crystals and hand-stitched crafts in glassed shelves – but that’s what makes it more quaint and charming.
The next morning it’s back to Jökulsárlón to see the magnificent lagoon in a different light. If you’re so inclined, you can pay for a boat ride to take you through the lagoon, or you can walk along it and spot more seals, try your hand and balance skills at rock stacking or just sit and enjoy the view. If you walk past the bridge towards the ocean and keep going until the shore, you’ll be rewarded with more phenomenal sights – huge, glistening and crystal clear icebergs stranded on the shore. It’s fun to take pictures next to (or on!) these icebergs, and see even more seals playing in the water.
One of the highlights of this tour is hiking up a glacier in the Skaftafell area. The glacier is made up of fallen snow, that compresses as the weight of the snow keeps accumulating over hundreds and hundreds of years. After being fitted for the right size crampon to put on over our hiking boots, given a helmet to wear, and an ice pick to walk along with, we were off.
Walking with crampons is sort of like walking with ice skates on as they’re both heavy on your feet and you feel like you’re walking on clouds as soon as you take them off. But the best way to walk with crampons is like you’re in a Western movie – feet apart, slightly bent knees, and stomping flat on the ground with each step!
During the hour-long hike, we saw crevasses gushing with icy water within, and areas where the snow was not as compressed to see the dark rock exposed a bit underneath. The air and the whole area seems so pure – we even picked a bit at the packed snow to find a clean chip of ice and taste the delicious freshwater. There’s something very special about walking on ground that you feel not many people have walked on and seen the exact way you have.
The weather can change very quickly and dramatically in Iceland – fortunately, during the hike the weather was sunny and clear, but before and after it we did experience dark, brooding clouds and rain. The cold is also biting – we ran out one time to check out a lava field (the ground is so fun to jump on because it’s so spongy) but didn’t last long before wanting to run back in the warm minivan – the icy wind made sure of that!
Our guide, Thiddy, was a wealth of knowledge throughout the entire trip – he was extremely informative and entertaining, and we felt like we were traveling with a genuine Viking descendant (in a good way, of course). Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting Iceland with a group of friends, this two-day tour is a great way to pack in many of Iceland’s southern highlights for a memorable adventure.
After spending a week using Reykjavik as a hub for our travels through the Southern Highlands and the surrounding areas, we set off on a week-long road trip around Iceland. Our aim was to leave Keflavík and snake our way clockwise up to the northernmost tip of the country past the town of Akureyri, before snaking our way back towards the west of the country back to where we started again.
From Keflavík, we got onto the Ring Road and despite driving in a sturdy SUV that we had hired from Lotus Car Rental, our vehicle was shaking quite violently on the open road against the gusty wind. I can only imagine how much more inhospitable the weather is in the winter months.
Our first stop for us was a small town called Borganes, which has a small town center that includes a historical and Settlement Centre the Museum Borgarfjörður, which focuses on the life and surroundings of children in Iceland in the 20th century. Next to the Settlement Centre is a cozy cafe/restaurant where we had a divine traditional Icelandic rice pudding with raisins, brown sugar, and warm milk – very creamy and satisfying against the chilly wind! In this tiny town, there is even a Filipino restaurant – not sure how they wound up here!
Not far from our guesthouse for the night is a place called Fossatún, which has adorable-looking camping pods, a guesthouse, a hotel, and a restaurant. The surrounding area is troll-themed. Various paths lead to different sculptures of trolls, which were created by a man who found a rock shaped like a troll’s face and decided to write a series of folk stories about trolls.
The next day, we drove into Hvammstangi, a great spot for seal-watching on the peninsula. Most of these small towns have the essentials – a guest house or campsite, bakeries or cafes, fuel stations, which double as convenience stores (selling yummy Icelandic hot dogs, fries, and other basic items), a bank, a post office, and of course, a geothermal swimming pool. There’s not much else beyond that in these tiny towns, and I couldn’t help but wonder how uncomplicated their lives must be (besides having to deal with a foreign traveler every now and then).
While you could drive for miles along the ring road and not see a single person, the landscape was always stunning. Alongside us, there were always dozens of fluffy white and black sheep and majestic Icelandic horses. In the distance, we saw commanding volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. But I loved the clouds the most – they were so expressive – whether it was dark clouds opening up to let a bit of sunshine through (it looked like the heavens were opening up) or piles of white fluffiness darting across the sky and changing color as the sun rose or set.
By evening we’d made it to Akureyri, the “Capital of the Shining North,” so-called due to its midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights during winter. It’s the second largest town outside of Reykjavik with a population of over 18,000 people, making up more than half of the population of North Iceland. Just like Reykjavik, the city also boasts a tall and prominent church in the city center (Akureyrarkirkja) and has a host of cool restaurants and cafes.
We splurged not on dinner but on dessert at a shop called Brynja, which some people say has the best ice cream in the country. The lady was amused by our excitement at sampling the different flavors. You can get an ice cream, have it dipped in a fudge sauce, and add as many toppings as you like. Icelanders love licorice so there was a black sauce for that and both sweet and salty licorice flavors, as well as other types of chocolates and sweets. Definitely a must-eat for anyone with a sweet tooth!
After leaving Akureyri, our first stop was Goðafoss, which literally means “the waterfall of the gods”, referring to an incident in one of the Icelandic Sagas when Thorgeir the Lawspeaker (cool name, huh) threw his symbolic likenesses of the old Nordic gods into the waterfall, after making Christianity the official religion of the country. The falls are 12 meters high, with a width of 30 meters. There’s a viewing platform, paths surrounding the falls, as well as a bridge along the side to check out the spectacle at every desirable angle.
For me though, the most impressive waterfall was Dettifoss, which has the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe. Over 500 cubic meters of water spill over into the river below each second and the falls are 45 meters high by 100 meters wide. What’s cool is that you can view it from both sides (which we did on two separate days) – on one side you can get right up to the water (there’s only slippery rocks as your fence between that and the strong waterfall), while on the other side you need to park your car a while away but hike past some splendid lava rocks until you get to the waterfalls. The drive itself to these rocks is incredibly bumpy because it’s laden with lots of big rocks, which means that it takes about an hour to get to the falls from the main road.
Dettifoss itself is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which is filled with wonderful sights like the Vatnajökull glacier (the largest in Europe) and the horseshoe-shaped cliffs of Ásbyrgi, which you can hike right into. It’s easy to see why there’s a lot of mythology surrounding this remote place when you have so much beautiful natural scenery surrounding you.
One of the most popular destinations in north Iceland is the Lake Myvatn region, which is well-known for its hot springs, craters, geothermal nature baths and lava formations. Here you can really appreciate the ruggedness of Iceland, and see how the volcanoes and craters continue to evolve the landscape.
We were driving east of Lake Myvatn when we saw a bunch of cars parked along the side of the road, and everyone walking up to what looked like blasts of smoke rising up in the distance. It turned out to be Hverir – these crazy boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, which were literally in the middle of nowhere. Basically, there were several spots that had opened in the planet’s crust, letting off steam and gasses including sulfur, so it can be extremely hot and certainly very smelly. If you want to be blasted by hot air pungent with the scent of rotten eggs, this is the place to be.
In Lake Myvatn, we decided to splurge on somewhere quirky, a place called Vogafjós Café. It’s a cowshed café where you can dine face to face with a cow (well, they’re in a shed behind glass, but it’s about as close as you want to get while eating anyway). The food is delicious – they smoke their own meats and trout, and also serve homemade cheeses, geysir rye bread (baked hot underground), and rye bread flavored ice cream. You can wash everything down with specialty shots made with local angelica herbs. Very gourmet.
One of our goals was to reach the northern tip of the country, which is just below the Arctic Circle. We reached the village of Raufarhöfn, which was eerily quiet and where you can find the Arctic Henge (still under construction). It’s a huge stone structure reminiscent of Stonehenge in Ireland, designed to interact with the unique natural light.
We kept driving up north and made it to a place called Hraunhafnartangi, which has a lighthouse looking out to the Arctic. We couldn’t drive all the way up to it because the path is basically smooth black rocks, so we walked along what seemed like a path that had been abandoned long ago – there was evidence of fishing, with lots of used nets, but no signs of life otherwise. It was very peaceful to look out into the ocean and marvel that the Arctic Circle is less than a kilometer away.
Leaving Hraunhafnartangi, we drove as the sun was setting and saw one of the most spectacular sunsets we’d ever seen in Iceland, and perhaps even in our lifetimes. The sky was filled with rich and vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and blue… which seemed to dance and change each minute. Stopping along the road by the coast, we took photos along the beach and wound up finding a waterfall along the side of the cliff crashing into the ocean below. Amazing.
On our final day making the long drive back to Keflavík, we checked out the Vatsnes Peninsula, home to Hvitserkur, an impressive 15-meter high rock formation in the middle of the ocean. While we didn’t see any, just south of the rock is apparently a good place to see seals, while the rock itself has many birds living on it.
Our final stop was Kirkjufellsfoss, a waterfall in the western part of Iceland. You’d think that we’d be all ‘waterfalled-out’ by this time but every one we saw was so unique and beautiful. Kirkjufellsfoss was certainly not the highest or most powerful waterfall, but it makes up for it by being surrounded by rolling lush hills and the scenery around it, which makes for that perfect panoramic picture.
While was certainly a lot of driving at times, it was worth it to see so much of the country in a week. Iceland is a country that’s harsh, cold, and rugged – but that’s exactly what makes it breathtaking and worth a visit all over again.
