The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are as different as can be with Trinidad being full of lush areas, industrial estates, and oil refineries and Tobago being a tranquil gorgeous island with very little of anything else. Between the two destinations, you can experience everything you want during a vacation and so much more.

Attractions and Landmarks

When it comes to forts on these two islands, you will have enough to see but you may get a little confused in the process. Over on Trinidad, your time will be spent at Fort George, while it will all be about Fort King George over on Tobago. 

Once you have seen some of the historical sites on these islands, you will want to see the true beauty within either the Asa Wright Nature Centre or Yerette. The former is a nature centre that is full of birds, reptiles, butterflies, and thousands of flowering plants. The latter is a sanctuary over in the Maracas Valley in Trinidad and it is where you will find plants and flowers, as well as seventeen different types of hummingbirds. 

The beaches will be calling your name when you are vacationing in Trinidad and Tobago, which shouldn’t be surprising since they are Caribbean Islands. Pigeon Point is a fabulous beach that many people love, but you will also want to add Store Bay to your list. If you want a little more excitement though, you can always do a little snorkelling over by Buccoo Reef. It is not too far from Store Bay and it is an option if you do not want to go over to the Speyside Reefs.

Must try: Coastal Tour of Trinidad or Port of Spain and Fort George Sightseeing Tour

Entertainment and Food

Trinidad is known for its partying options, especially when it comes to experiencing Carnival. During your time on this island, you will discover many different clubs, as well as casinos and rum shops to enjoy once the sun sets. The music in these areas are loud and the dancing is nonstop from the time the business opens until it closes. 

A few of the most popular bars and clubs include 51 Lounge Drink, Island Club Casino, Royal Princess Casino, and Space la Nouba. 

If bars and nightclubs are not your idea of a good time, you can always check out the many different galleries and the exhibits they have on display. You can also see many performances at Queen’s Hall, the National Academy for Performing Arts, and Little Carib. 

You are going to get hungry as you are exploring both Trinidad and Tobago, especially once you start to smell the delicious cuisine. While you can get so many of these foods in the restaurants, you are almost always better off purchasing them from the street vendors. 

A few of the dishes you must try while visiting these islands include corn soup, gyros, saheena, roti, and fried shark sandwiches. 

Trinidad and Tobago are two destinations you will love from the moment you arrive. The best part about vacationing on these islands though is that you will have experiences you won’t have anywhere else in the world.

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The city of Miami has so much to offer. From the sparkling water on the beaches and vibrant culture at the galleries to the fragrant gardens and enticing nightlife, this city has it all. Add in the uniqueness of the locals, as well as the ability to do something new every day and you will fall in love with this southern Florida destination.

Attractions and Landmarks

After your flight to Miami, you will be more than ready to stretch your legs. This activity can be accomplished anywhere, but it is best done down by Biscayne Bay. This waterfront area is also home to the Bayside Marketplace, so you can do a little shopping at the same time. However, we recommend heading out on a little boat tour to see where the celebrities live along the shorelines of this bay.

A walk through the Art Deco District should be next on your list. This area changes completely as daytime turns into night. You may want to visit at different times to check out the ambience. If this part of Miami is not for you, then a walk through the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens may pique your interest.

If you have time during your vacation in Miami, you must make the short drive to Everglades National Park. This is where you can ride in a high-speed airboat to see the alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and birds that live within this part of the state.

Before you leave Miami, you must spend a little time on the many different beaches. Miami Beach is an excellent place to start, but make sure you venture down to South Beach as the sun sets for an extraordinary experience.

Must try:  Half-Day Open-Top Bus and 90-Minute Boat Tour or Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Entertainment and Food

The nightlife in Miami is talked about around the world. There are so many options that don’t include hanging out on South Beach, so plan your nights accordingly. Live theatrical performances can be seen at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, but it is all about the slot machines and gaming tables over at the Miccosukee Resort and Casino.

Wine tastings are best done at Schnebly Redland’s Winery, but you will find many others to visit in Miami. When it comes to food, you will find a lot of local dishes to try. Chicharrón should be at the top of your list. This dish is basically fried pork skin, but it will melt in your mouth if it is prepared properly. If you want to eat this dish, you must order it at El Palacio de los Jugos.

Other popular local dishes include stone crab, arepas, ceviche, and mofongo. Oh, and don’t forget the key lime pie, because it is a refreshing treat at any time of the day.

You will love every minute you spend in Miami and the time you are there will go by so quickly. Embrace the feelings you experience, because you will want to remember them forever.

The post The ultimate Miami bucket list appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Those who love to read will discover that Odessa is a destination that could have come straight off the pages of a book with its architecture, history, and even its touristy sights and sounds.  Add in the beaches covered with soft sand and you have a destination that you will fall in love with the moment you arrive.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first things you should do when arriving in Odessa is walk along the harbour.  This long stroll will have you enjoying the slight breeze from the water, while you get your bearings and see how important this area is to the city.

If you still have energy to burn after your long flight, you can take a run up the Potemkin Stairs before admiring the works of art at the Museum of Modern Art.  Rest and relaxation can be found on Lanzheron Beach, although, you may be lured away from the sand by the Nemo Dolphinarium that is located close by.

Architectural delights might be everywhere in Odessa, but it will be Vorontsov Palace that will capture your interest the most.  This palace was constructed back in 1827, and while it is no longer used as a fortress or residence, the history lives on inside this cultural arts centre.

One of the last attractions on your list of things to do should be the Odessa Catacombs.  These catacombs can be found down beneath the city and are comprised of a massive network of tunnels that are easy to get lost in.  I recommend taking a tour to visit the catacombs or you may find yourself down there a lot longer than you planned!

Must try: Catacombs of Odessa Tour or The Courtyards of Old Odessa

Entertainment and Nightlife

Theatrical performances are plentiful in Odessa. You will have many different options to see them during your visit.  Perhaps you will want to consider the Odessa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Or Odessa Regional Philharmonic Society, Odessa Regional Puppet Theatre, and the Urban Music Hall. There are many others if you will be staying in the area longer.

Many young people came to see the opera. Two tickets cost about 20 EUR at the balcony first floor (bought online). I am not an opera fan but the place is amazing. Me and my partner spent a nice evening with a glass of champagne and caviar.

Other entertainment options outside of the theatre realm include parachuting, go-kart racing. Even diving into the waters surrounding this beautiful part of the world. Odessa is one of the cities around the globe that never sleeps. You will want to check out one of the infamous nightclubs during your visit.

Fabulous Cuisine

I bet you will get very hungry as you are exploring Odessa. And while you can find many different types of cuisines, you will want to taste some of the traditional dishes. Khinkali is a dumpling that is filled with different meats and herbs. It also could be found as mushrooms and cheese. While you can eat this dumpling on its own, it tastes amazing in soup too.

If you love cheese, you will want to try the brinza when you visit Odessa. This type of goat cheese is available in many different varieties and you can find them all at the local markets.  If you are looking for a hearty dish, you will not need to look any further than the Odessa-Style Bouillabaisse. This broth may be found all over the world, but the locals in Odessa have put their own twist on this dish, making it a must-try.

Odessa is quite the unique destination and it shows with the attractions, landmarks, entertainment, and even the cuisine. If you are ready for something different on your next vacation, Odessa must be at the top of your list of options.

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Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your “best” is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject.

My personal choice will be mid ship or aft cabin.

Pros

1. The location can make getting around easier since you are located in a more central location to where you want to be.
2. Aft cabins tend to be very popular because they offer wonderful views of the wake of the ship and don’t usually have a lot of neighbours. You still need to be aware of what is around your stateroom though.
3. There are lots of “hidden gems” on a cruise ship and a good cruise/travel agent will know about them. For example, forward oceanview cabins on the upper decks of some Celebrity ships, such as the Celebrity Summit, are much larger than a normal oceanview and the large porthole window offers some fantastic views of the bow of the ship. You can read one of my reviews here.

Cons

1. Don’t chose a cabin under the Lido deck or pool deck. The trouble is that there usually is activity happening there all the time, especially under the buffet area. You may hear jumping, chair scraping, and running.
2. Over or under public areas (casinos, restaurants, bars). Sometimes these venues run till after midnight. And if you are trying to have some quiet time in your stateroom, you may instead be hearing noise from the area below or above your stateroom.
3. Forward staterooms that are up in the front of the ship on a lower deck may seem like they would be out of the way of all the bustle and noise of the ship, but they are subject to a different kind of sound. From here you can usually here the sound of the waves crashing into the side of the ship as it moves through the water. And it isn’t the romantic sound of waves crashing, it can instead be loud and shocking.

Of course there is a lot more that it can be added to the above, but my advice will be to study the deck plans and the cabin pictures, so you can determine what is good and what is not so good.

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Hong Kong – one of the most cosmopolitan, technology driven and cultural city in 21st -century’s East Asia.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first places you will want to go in Hong Kong when you arrive is Victoria Peak.  There are multiple ways to get there, but I recommend the Peak Tram if you want to go the scenic route.  Of course, if you are the adventurous type, a hike along the Morning Trail will give you the views, lots of exercise, and an excellent introduction to this part of the world!

The Man Mo Temple may not look like much from the outside, but the inside will capture your attention and potentially even mesmerise you for what will seem like eternity.  Upon entering, you will see an uncountable number of smoking spires complete with incense, as well as students who are studying for their next test.

If your journey to Hong Kong has you seeking out a Buddha, the Tian Tan Buddha must be on your list.  This is the biggest Buddha in Hong Kong and you will find it near the Po Lin Monastery.  However, if one Buddha is not enough, the ten thousand plus Buddhas at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery will have you covered.  You will find this non-monastery high up in Sha Tin, and you must walk up more than four hundred stairs to reach the top.

Must try: Symphony of Lights Chinese Cruise Tour with Drink

Shopping is popular in Hong Kong, and while you can visit any of the markets, you may prefer the prices you can bargain down to at the Temple Street Night Market.  This market opens when all the others close and it is easy to grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants in between all your shopping adventures.

Entertainment and Food

There are so many different entertainment options in Hong Kong, and you could truly do something fun and exciting every day and never run out of things to experience!  First on your list should be a Cantonese Opera Show and that can be followed with smashing lots of items up at Ikari Area or visiting the Crazy Car Café for a little go-carting.  You may even want to fall asleep outside, as you gaze up at the stars, at the Mingle Farm.

When it comes to the delicious food in Hong Kong, there are so many dishes you will want to try.  Start with the wontons and sweet and sour pork before digging into delicacies that include Phoenix talons, snake soup, pineapple bread, and fish balls.  Hong Kong-style milk tea is the afternoon drink of choice, so make sure you take a little time one day to indulge in a few sips.

You will love every moment of your time in Hong Kong, as long as you plan your itinerary carefully.  Everything mentioned above must be on your list of things to do and see, but the other items you find along the way will be equally important. Just don’t try to do too much during your trip or you won’t enjoy it like you should!

The post Explore the culture and history of Hong Kong appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Attractions and Landmarks

The butterfly farm is a breathtaking natural attraction in Aruba where visitors can go and be up close with some of the world’s most exotic butterflies. Hundreds of butterflies each with a unique pattern and colour just makes for a remarkable sight. 

At De Palm Island you have the chance to go snorkelling along the Caribbean coral reef, or play volleyball on the beach. There are also restaurants, activities, and bars around to relax or have fun. 

In the 1400 and 1500’s, gold miners searched the Caribbean hoping to get lucky. The Bushiribana gold mill is an area that you can go visit to check out the historical ruins left behind during the gold rush.

If you are one for sight-seeing views across Aruba, then the California Lighthouse will suit you. It is a 15-minute travel up to the top, but you are able to get a northern view of the coastline and the city.

One the oldest buildings in Aruba is the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum. You may view the cultural pieces on display to show off Aruba history.

If you’re new around, you can get a free trolley around Oranjestad. This trolley will go to all the famous landmarks and hotspots around the area. Next to the California Lighthouse, you can visit the California sand dunes. These rolling, white dunes span wide and offer a peaceful atmosphere when you visit. The beaches are also free. The beaches are unlike other coasts, the beaches in Aruba have soft white sand that is just beautiful. The rock formations among Aruba are rigid and stunning. Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular ones if you want to learn about the geological structure.

Must try: Full-Day Island Jeep Safari Tour or Sailing Trip with Snorkelling and Open Bar

Entertainment and Food

Casinos in Aruba are known to be exquisite and full of culture. You may play a native Aruba game, Caribbean Stud Poker. Aruba’s Wind Creek Crystal Casino is a popular spot for those looking for a night out. Wind Creek Crystal Casino offers visitors a free $10 cash card that can be used on machines, so you can enjoy the thrill without risks.

The Bon Bini Festival in Aruba is a perfect event for tourists because it tells you so much about the local culture and their traditions. You will experience the dance, art, music, and food culture just by attending. It is held every Tuesday, so you can’t miss it.

For high prices dining, Fred Restaurant is a delicious international seafood restaurant that is run by chef Fred. This place is famed and loved locally, so it is a local hotspot. For local cuisine, Taste My Aruba is a Caribbean seafood place located in Oranjestad, and offers vegan and gluten free meal options. Taste My Aruba is only $5-$40, so it’s a budget friendly way to taste the local cooking.

Eduardo’s Beach Shack is a small, healthy food location located right on Palm-Eagle Beach. There are healthy breakfast options such as gluten-free waffles, smoothies, and yogurt bowls. Aruba has an extensive local food selection from fine dining, shacks, to moderate seafood restaurants.

The post Aruba – one happy island appeared first on Sea Traveller.

With its delightful Dutch colonial architecture, thriving art and culinary scenes and excellent history museums, go-go Curaçao feels like a little piece of Europe at the edge of the Caribbean.

Attractions and Landmarks

Curaçao has a sightseeing oceanside that anybody is bound to visit when they go to the island.

The Aquafari takes you underwater to see the beautiful blue underwater ocean. They give you an eco friendly scooter that supplies you oxygen, and allows you to fully navigate the ocean depths.

The Shete Boka national park is a guide around cliffs and crashing waves. You get to walk the trails and see the incredible mountains and oceanside. Uniquely, Curaçao is home to above ground caves called the Hato caves. You can take a tour and go through the historical Indian trail or go visit other parts of the cave.

Fort Amsterdam is a military fort in Willemstad built in 1634. It was the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company, but now the governor of Curaçao sits there.

If you’d like to see the largest floating bridge in the world, visit Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. It was constructed in 1888, and is a swing bridge that still let’s ships pass by today.

Curaçao has spectacular architecture that dates back to 2900 BC, and a lot of buildings today are still standing. Tourists are attracted to these rich pieces of history because they allow us to experience history as if we were there.

Must try: Tugboat Reef Snorkel and Fort Beekenburg or West Coast Beach Hopping

Entertainment and Food

The number one music venue in Curaçao is the 27 Bar & Terrance. They play live rock, blues, funk, soul, country, reggae, Latin and local music. The local artists are creative and you can really get a feel for the artists and type of music they play.

The Christoffel Sunset Lounge is a great spot for sport events since there are comfortable areas for seating, TVs, food, and drinks. It’s right next to the beach, so you can relax next to the view at sunset, or watch your favourite game inside.

When ordering food here, the blend of cultures comes out in the taste. Dutch, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Jewish and Caribbean food traditions are all mixed together to give a one-of-a-kind flavor.

Hofi Cast Cora is a rustic, country restaurant. It was once a farm, but now they serve Caribbean foods on wooden tables. Fort Nassau is a historical military fort, but now you may go inside and order dutch style foods. The old stone setting is what makes this fine dining experience so amazing.

What is Free?

Just taking a stroll in Willemstad will please you as you take in the rich culture embedded within the streets and buildings. You can take a look at the floating market, which is a market made up of vendors on boats that sell fruits and vegetables. If you love fresh produce, you are guaranteed to find fresh, ripe foods at the floating market.

Grout Knip is a turquoise beach that gives off tranquillity. Relax on the beach and be next to the rocky green hills watching the waves. You can have the chance to see flamingos at the flamingo sanctuary in Sint Willibrordus. Although, you do have to get there at the right time to catch the flamingos.

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Follow the below tips to get the best and the most suitable for you travel insurance with the best 5 star insurance company.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, making sure you have travel insurance is more important than ever. For more answers to your questions, read the insurers’ guide to coronavirus.

Why do I need travel insurance?

A travel insurance policy can provide the security you need while on holiday. It offers you peace of mind, knowing that, should you need it, you’ll be well looked after, have your belongings replaced, or have alternative accommodation and travel arrangements if required.

Falling ill abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and travel insurance needn’t break the bank.

The costs of these are more expensive than you’d think. Medical costs abroad can easily run into the tens of thousands. Or even hundreds of thousands, if you need specialist treatment or an emergency evacuation.

Something as small as a lost passport can have huge consequences. You’ll need to arrange a replacement, or emergency passport, you might have to make alternative travel arrangements and you may need additional accommodation while you wait for your replacement to be issued. All of this can add up fast, over something that can happen in an instant.

Understand what travel insurance you need

The only way to make sure you are covered properly is to take account of your circumstances.

Calculate the cost of your holiday and the items you’re taking with you. If you’re only taking £1,000-worth of items with you and your holiday cost £5,000, you don’t need baggage cover of £5,000 and cancellation cover of £10,000.

The most common types of policy are:

• Single trip: This insurance will cover you for one short trip.
• Annual multi-trip: If you’re taking more than one trip a year, then a multi-trip policy will likely be the most cost-effective. There may be a limit on the total number of days abroad you’re covered for.
• Worldwide: Generally, travel insurance for trips within Europe are cheaper. This is largely because medical costs in countries outside the EU can be much higher.
• Winter sports: You’ll need this for skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities that are generally a bit more dangerous and might require special provisions. They can also involve expensive specialist equipment, which this policy should cover.
• Cruise: Covers the specific risks and activities associated with this type of holiday.
• Couples: This is for two adults, who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
• Family: This covers members of a family in one simple policy. Some insurance providers will also offer free cover to anyone under 18 in the family.
• Group: This could suit you if you’re travelling with up to 10 friends or family members, if you’re all travelling from the same country.
• Business travel: If you’re travelling for work, then business travel is tailored for your needs.

Don’t buy cover at the last minute! Leaving insurance to the last minute means you’re not making the most of your cancellation protection, and you could be out of pocket if you no longer go.

The post How to find the best travel insurance appeared first on Sea Traveller.

More than 100 countries have travel restrictions because of the coronavirus. In order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries across the world have started implementing very tough measures. In the coming months people won’t be able to travel freely which will have a huge impact on the travel and hospitality industry.

As a consequence of the global pandemic there are the travel limitations. I won’t be able to travel as much as before these days. So, I’ll share with you some of my old travel experience.

I will also write about the day-to-day lifestyle, culture, health, news and tips about the life in general. Today’s article will be about futuristic architecture – something I came across recently and did a small research about. We will look back in time to track how it has developed through the past 100 years.

The history of the futuristic architecture 

We all know that humanity continuously hopes for a better tomorrow. We may not be able to change the past, but we can do our best to create a better future for us and our children. For the present is the key to a wonderful tomorrow. Our current thoughts and actions are what shape our future and no one is better at ‘shaping’ than architects. They simply live for it! A building designed by an architect today may live for 100 years beyond to tell the tales of the past and shape the future.

Throughout the past century, the image of futuristic architecture has transformed three times. These transformations were influenced by revolutionary inventions and technological developments. It had changed the way people perceived the future. So, let’s see how futuristic architecture visions have changed in 100 years!

Early 20th Century

Sant’Elia and fellow Italian architect Mario Chiattone presented a group of sketches under the title “La Città Nuova” or the New City, during the events of an exhibition in Milan in 1914. These sketches depicted the futurist architects’ vision of futuristic architecture.

Post World War II

After World War II, futuristic architecture became neo-futuristic architecture. It includes numerous works by renowned modernist and contemporary architects.

Oscar Niemeyer, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, and Cesar Pelli are only a selection of architects with notable neo-futuristic works. However, one group that took futuristic architecture to the next level is none other than the London-based Archigram.

The New Millennium

The parametric design may have been there since earlier times. It is believed that Gaudi’s work holds early evidence of employing nature-inspired algorithms. However, this design mechanism has significantly experienced a leap in the 80s, thanks to the developments in the field of computer design software. Frank Gehry‘s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, built between 1999 and 2003, showcases the use of CATIA software as a mean for parametric design.

Architects do not restrict their imagination to what is possible right now. But rather to what could be and what they wish for. They draw futuristic architecture in their minds and leave evidence of their fantasies on paper to inspire generations yet to come.

#FuturisticArchitecture

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As a British citizen (applicable for residents too), I have British Airways American Express Premium Plus Credit Card. It is one of the best travel rewards credit card which rewards me with a 2-for-1 travel with a British Airways Companion Voucher when I spend £10,000 each year. In other words, you can only receive a Companion Voucher if you are a member of the British Airways Executive Club and are the main account holder within a British Airways American Express Credit Card Account. The voucher is valid for 24 months and it allows the main account holder to make a flight booking using Avios and to book another seat on the journey for a Companion without having to pay the Avios for that Companion but only the airport fees and taxes.

How did I do it?

So, I booked a return flight in first class with British Airways to Miami for myself and my partner by paying 185,000 Avios and £1,364 airport fees and taxes.

The Hotel

We spent one night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in a standard guest room, 1 king bed, with a balcony (partial ocean view). We booked it with 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The hotel is a great hidden gem! It seems to be a popular place. Because of that the amenities (pool, spa, beach etc) are not heavily populated, making using them much more comfortable. The con is that the bars and restaurants and be very packed at dinner but it gives it a buzz too.

The Cruise

The next day we boarded Celebrity Equinox for a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise. We stayed in a Royal Suite. It was “won” through a bidding system called “Celebrity Move Up” for £415 per person on the top of the price we have already paid for our cruise. As guests staying in a Royal Suite, we had many perks. For instance a priority embarkation and disembarkation, premium beverage package, free wi-fi, unlimited speciality dining, butler service, gratuities included. In addition, we had access to “The Retreat” deck and lounge and many more extras, which could total up to £1,500 per person worth of perks.

Our ports of call were as follows: departed from Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We had an amazing time and enjoyed to the fullest our first class holiday. We created so many unforgettable memories for the years to come and we looking forward to doing that again in the near future.

Summary

In conclusion and to sum up:

• London to Miami in first class
• 1 night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
• 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
• Miami to London in first class

Avios used: 185,000

Marriott Bonvoy points used: 60,000

Money paid: £4,694 (cruise + airport taxes and fees)

Cash cost of the holiday: £21,400

#travelinstyle

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