Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Cardmember’s name, and that Cardmember must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent.
Cameras, lights and action – the South of France is definitely about the glitz, glamour and high-end luxuries. But beyond the flashiness are charming towns, unusual markets and winding lanes. The stark contrast of these cities and towns is what makes the South of France so special. Across the board, July is the time to visit Northern France for the hottest temperatures, with an average of around 18˚C .
If you need a little assistance, Tripit is a great app that organises your flights, taxis and check-in info for you. And restless travellers will benefit from Calm, tried and tested by the Oliver’s Travels team – this handy app will help you unwind in no time. Feel the history packed between the covers of literary classics.
Accommodation in Panama
Look for the colourful and warming borsch (beetroot soup), exquisite caviar, zharkoye (hotpot) and pelmeni (Russian-style filled dumplings). Vegetarians should note that borsch is often made with beef stock. Organised campsites are rare but wild camping is usually allowed. For something different, try staying in a turbaza – a basic Russian style holiday camp with outdoor activities thrown in. Russia has everything from 5 star palaces, ghastly Soviet-era concrete mega-hotels to friendly homestays and cheap crashpads.
Local Traditions
The southern regions are flat and dry, and so the summer is best avoided with the oppressive heat regularly reaching 50 degrees. The winter months are far more preferable and pleasant with temperatures ranging from early 20’s to mid 30’s. Comfortable footwear is advised, and trekking shoes if venturing on a walking tour. If trekking, ensure you pack layers to combat the colder evenings – thermal underlayers, insulated jacket, warm socks, scarf and gloves will keep you warm.
Furthermore, it is one of the best safari destinations in the world. Follow in the footsteps of adventurers near and far, whether to Swedish Lapland to see the Northern Lights, or to Patagonia on a hair-raising road trip. Plus, there’s the Bazaar editors’ expert recommendations on where to go, what to pack and who to go with. A JR Pass is a rail pass you need to purchase before getting to Japan that offers unlimited travel within a 7, 14 or 21 day period. They used to be very popular as they were a good value option if doing a return Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka-Tokyo trip in 7 days versus buying individual tickets. Where Guatemala is more populated, there’s also plenty to explore.
– SOUTH OF FRANCE: FOOD AND WINE –
My most recent Japan trip was timed to catch the spring cherry blossoms in Tokyo at the end of March. Autumn is another beautiful time of the year to visit, thanks to the amazing autumn foliage that spreads across the country. Many tour guides work on a seasonal basis and combine tour guiding with other work, but there are full-time roles available.
Things to Do in Perast, the Loveliest Town on the Bay of Kotor
The intention is that the tax collected will be used for investments in tourism infrastructure. As the implementation is on-going we don’t have the amounts for 2025 yet. If you’re planning a day out to our historic sites, why not make a cycle ride there, back or between sites part of the fun? The following places have bike racks or somewhere to secure your bike while you explore. The best way to experience a city is to immerse yourself in its local culture.
- Latin Routes’ four-day Easter Island Add-on package enables you to visit this far-flung, bucket-list destination at the beginning or end of your trip to Chile.
- We spent four weeks travelling in Panama as part of a 6-month trip through Central America and loved every minute of it.
- This site explains how to travel comfortably & affordably by train or ferry, rediscovering the pleasure, romance & adventure of the journey…
- But that doesn’t mean travel guides have gone away entirely – they’ve just changed their form.
- Train travel is a more rewarding alternative to flying which reduces our contribution to climate change and brings us closer to the countries we visit.
- Official website of Tourism Ireland for visitors to the island of Ireland.
- This spectacular 14th-century site is a must-see if you’re a history buff, but you can’t help but be fascinated simply by the sheer size of the place.
- Bound into neat edits of fantastic hotels, places, creators and crafted products; we are a kindred emporium of beyond ordinary.
Plan your trip
Most tourists base themselves in the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood which is generally safe but is closely bordered by some sketchy neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo and Santa Ana. I’ve got more info about staying safe in Casco Viejo in my guide. Just like light and shade, Central France is a fusion of the best of both worlds. You’ll feel the buzz in the capital cities, but feel at peace in some of the smaller towns – and it’s honestly pretty blissful.
The ultimate Vietnam travel guide
Set among the wide streets and historic buildings of downtown Manhattan, for decades Tribeca has been an understated artist haunt, a fusion of easy-going European charm and New York ambition. Conceiving of NOA as an ever-changing network of architects, interior designers, graphic talent to even psychologists and much more, NOA is able to incorporate a multitude of ideas and styles into its hotel projects. Our Favourite Femmes of Style – hotel matriarchs, interior gurus, fashion femmes, and women of effortless charm who make the world a better place from the entrepreneurs to the skincare disruptors.
Cruise the Southern Coast
Citizens of many nationalities can enter Panama without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. After travelling through all seven countries in Central America, I think Panama is one of the most underrated! So many people skip over Panama in favour of neighbouring Costa Rica or visit only as a stopover en route to somewhere else, which I think is so sad.
Very few universal travel adapters actually work with both types, so check if yours does. Otherwise, you will likely be unable to charge your electronics. There are plenty of ATMs in Sri Lanka, so it is hard not to find one. In the last 20 years, the infrastructure in North Pakistan has seen big improvements. Headscarfs are not mandatory, but you will often discover that in more metropolitan and densely populated areas, women wear a headdress. Both men and women should cover their legs and women should also cover their arms.
Artfully Tamed: the garden designs of Fabiano Crociani
When paying with a combination of your American Express Card and Membership Rewards points, only the value applied to the Card is eligible to earn Membership Rewards points. Mild winters & warm summers make Sydney a must-visit to enjoy it’s unique mix of modern coast and city culture. Enjoy every minute in Turkey’s captivating cultural oasis with this Instanbul travel guide.
Haight-Ashbury: A guide to San Francisco’s home of counterculture
From echoes of the country’s past into its present, the lively capital city of Lima is not to be missed. Latin America does big adventure just as well as it does relaxed retreat. So often it’s at the top of our bucket lists for offbeat, vibrant and adventurous escapes (not to mention a much-needed dose of warm sunshine).
Please ensure your car park pass is visible in the windshield of your vehicle. Yes, Costa Rica does not permit the removal of sand or shells from Places for Sightseeing in Finland the country. If found during security screenings at the airport, sand and shells will be removed from your luggage and returned to the land. Make sure that you have travel insurance when traveling in Costa Rica to help protect against illness and other mishaps that are sure to occur.
This tax is calculated based on local decisions about the location and category of the accommodation. To ensure a minimum contribution, the government has set a daily charge of at least 100 rubles. The tourist tax will begin at a rate of 1 per cent of the lodging costs in 2025 and will be increased to 3 per cent by 2027.
- Their pre-paid phone plans are excellent, with packages for 7 or 10 days with unlimited data included, for around $6 – $7.
- With experience you could work for a tour operator as a regional tour supervisor or manager.
- The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on what you want to do and where the location within the country.
- Local visitor information centres, national parks, museums and sites of cultural and historical interest often have volunteering opportunities to work as a tourist guide.
- We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience.
- Use the official government website to get your ETA for Sri Lanka.
Arriving by car
- It’s fair to say that having been around for over 30 years, The World Travel Guide is a trusted source of content that travel professionals turn to.
- Throw children into the mix and you need to make sure everyone is prepared for a tiring day ahead.
- It’s always best to check in with park rangers or your accommodation before setting off on any hikes without a guide, as non-violent robberies can occur.
- Find our latest member boutique hotels, luxury villas and design B&Bs to join The Aficionados collection of creative places to stay.
- Indeed, social drinking and crowds might cause some issues in these very popular areas.
- There may be some you recognise, others you don’t, but we’ve picked our favourite cities, towns and villages we know you’ll love.
- The calming landscape makes for a relaxing road trip, hike or biking trip with regular stops at the wonderfully pretty villages, and producers of fine wines, cider and cheeses.
Colourful contemporary life is inextricably intertwined with time-honoured, traditional custom in Peru. That’s what we love about it – an exciting fusion of old meets new. Outside of its buzzing capital, Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 impressive wildlife species. The southern Corcovado National Park, which spans almost half of the wild Osa Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful locations in which enthusiasts can spot them.
Nestled in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, the mighty Machu Picchu stands steadfast, awaiting the arrival of eager explorers. Almost forgotten by the world until its rediscovery in the early 1900s, this vast citadel is an iconic must-see UNESCO Heritage Site, steeped in the six centuries of fascinating history it has endured. There is so much to learn about this testimony of ancient Incan civilisation, and its lush green terraces, remarkably preserved against a backdrop of undulating Andean peaks, are – put simply – spectacular. Our favourite journey to Machu Picchu’s lofty escarpments is on foot, walking some of the Sacred Valley’s unexposed routes with an expert guide through bygone indigenous villages, taking in magnificent scenery most never see. Sign up to send personalised, advertisement-free versions of our travel guides to your customers.
- If you’re looking for the holy grail of information, then we’ve made sure you can access it all in one place.
- In some touristy areas, like parts of Panama City and Bocas del Toro, some English is spoken, but you should never assume.
- There was a terrorist attack in 2019, so it is recommended to stay away from political and larger religious events.
- Most places only have one of the two types, so it is best to have an adapter that works with both types.
- If you’re willing to trade a bit of comfort for the pocket-friendly option, public transportation could be your go-to.
- The following places have bike racks or somewhere to secure your bike while you explore.
- Museum and tour guides will expect about 10%, and cab drivers around 5-10%.
- Situated in a national park, the Río Dulce is also a must-see feast for the senses.
In its relative seclusion from the travelling masses, seldom visited by busy hordes of tourists, Guatemala is a special country that most know little about. Expect a warm welcome and the chance to delve into its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, all while staying in some outstanding boutique hotels. Travel to Russia is safe, with normalcy in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, Perm, Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok. The Trans-Siberian Railway is connecting Moscow with Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan as usual and all the interesting sights along the railway are open for visitors.
Things to know before you visit Sri Lanka
If you’re flying in and out of Panama City, I’d recommend taking one domestic flight to Bocas del Toro at the start of your trip, and then working your way back overland to Panama City. There are speedboat trips that hug the coastline and don’t require an open ocean crossing. Panama was the final stop of our trip through Central America, and by the time we entered, we did have a genuine flight booking out of Panama City. In some touristy areas, like parts of Panama City and Bocas del Toro, some English is spoken, but you should never assume. Get our FREE custom Panama Google Map with all our recommendations pinned for you!
You can rely on Japan’s efficient and relatively straightforward public transportation system to get around. Common chains to look out for include APA Hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Dormy Inn, Tokyo Inn and my new favourite, Via Inn. We stayed at three different Via Inn properties on my last trip alone! To save money on accommodation in Japan, consider staying at business hotel chains.
Tea, sweetened with milk, is usually served throughout the day, as is Roh, the region’s sugarcane juice. First and foremost is the extraordinary mountain landscapes of the north. There can be few if any regions in the world where you can so easily access some of the world’s highest mountains. From our hotel in Hunza situated 500m above the valley floor, you can see views of seven 7,000m peaks climbing all around you.
Here at Oliver’s Travels, it’s undoubtedly one of our favourites, too. With an extensive portfolio of villas to rent throughout the region, our travel experts know their stuff when it comes to planning holidays in the South of France. So, we’ve compiled our top tips, some of our best blogs, and a few suggestions for things to do into a handy South of France travel guide. Read on to find out more, and don’t forget to check out our France travel guide before you set off. In my heart for more than a decade, South Korea is the country I dreamed to visit for a long, long time.
Get inspired with our walking and cycling guides, designed to help you take in multiple nearby sites in one day. You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members. To be honest, is not much in terms of exploration of the country. However, I studied Korean for the past 4 years and researched my trip in every single details for the last six months.
We’re here to help you establish a strong online presence and attract more visitors and readers to your brand. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and we’ll create a custom plan for your travel content. Creating a travel guide can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you’re not an experienced writer. This is where using travel content writing services can be beneficial. You could say that the modern definition of a “travel guide” has broadened. Today, any content that covers a destination – from blog posts to podcasts – can be considered a travel guide.
