What to see in Istanbul

What to see in Istanbul

 

With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in. The bulk of these ancient monuments, dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and Basilica Cistern are located around Sultanahmet Square, while some others are dispersed throughout the peninsula of old city, such as Church of St Savior in Chora (Kariye Müzesi), entire inside of which is covered by mindblowing frescoes and mosaics. An impressive section of mostly intact Theodosian walls, which mark the full length of western boundary of the peninsula, is right next to this particular church.
North of the peninsula of old city, across the Golden Horn, is Galata, crowned by the Galata Tower. Istanbul Modern, with its exhibitions of contemporary Turkish art, is on the nearby waterfront of Karaköy. Another sight of religious significance close by is the Galata Whirling Dervish Hall of Sufi Mevlevi order, just north of the Tower. Further north is the Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's prominent pedestrian street running from near Galata Tower to Taksim Square, the central square of whole city.
Heading west rather than north from the old city brings you deeper into the banks of the Golden Horn estuary. A neighbourhood perhaps well worth a visit here is Eyüp, to visit city’s holiest Islamic shrine and just to see what daily life in Ottoman Istanbul was like. On the opposite shores of the Horn, in Sütlüce is the Miniaturk, the first miniature park in the city, with models from around the former Ottoman Empire.
North of Taksim Square is New Istanbul, main business district of the city. If venturing out to this direction, don't forget to check out Military Museum, where Ottoman military music concerts (Mehter) are held every afternoon. Most of the skyscrapers of the city are located in the north of this district, around Levent and Maslak, with a totally different skyline from that of the old city. However southern reaches of the very same district has some fine neo-classical and Art Nouveau buildings from the turn of the 20th century, around the neighbourhoods of Osmanbey, Kurtuluş, and Nişantaşı. Just east from here, with a little drop in elevation as you approach the shore, is the banks of Bosphorus, that is lined by pleasant neighbourhoods full of waterfront mansions (yalı) and a number of waterside palaces where you can admire what money could buy in times gone by.
Across the Bosphorus to east is Asian Side, centred around the historical districts of Kadıköy and Üsküdar, and perhaps best symbolized by Maiden’s Tower, located at about the halfway between these districts, on an islet just off the shore. Bosphorus and Marmara coasts of this half of the city is characterized by quite picturesque neighbourhoods, overlooked by Çamlıca Hill, one of the highest hills of the city which has a view of much of the rest of the city as well, with a cafe and a pleasant park on its summit.
Southeast of the city, off the southern coast of Asian Side are the Princes’ Islands, an archipelago of nine car-free islands, characterized by stunning wooden mansions and pine groves.

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Visit Croatia in 2013

Croatia 

 

Croatia joins the European Union on July 1st, but it won’t become part of the Schengen Area — the group of countries whose borders can be crossed without a passport — until 2015. So go now, before the country becomes über easy for the EU’s backpacker crowd to infiltrate and the prices go Continental. Hit the craggy, glamorous coast and its islets, which make an affordable alternative to the Italian Riviera, go medieval in the cities of Dubrovnik and Split, and don’t neglect Croatia’s inland wonders, which include mountains barely touched by tourist hand. Don’t miss Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wooded wonderland with 16 interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and forests teeming with bears, wolfs, boars and deer.

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Best Destinations for 2013 San Juan del Sur Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa was the first Westerner to “discover” the Pacific Ocean by crossing the Isthmus of Panama. Half a millennium later, that nation is one of the hottest travel spots in the hemisphere, while its northern neighbor, Costa Rica, up and came decades ago. That’s why we’re heading even farther north in 2013 to Nicaragua's blissfully empty beaches and wicked surf breaks. Start in the handsome colonial town of Granada, dodge bull sharks in freshwater Lake Nicaragua and then make the Pacific fishing village San Juan del Sur your base for a beach tour.

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Destination 2013 Marseille France

 

 

 

Marseille, France

 

Paris, c’est fini. We’re kidding, obviously, but Marseille, Europe’s latest Capital of Culture, is l’endroit to be in 2013, with a rejuvenated waterfront; starchitecture courtesy of Zaha Hadid and Kengo Kuma; a new mouthful of a museum, the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée; a 2,000-seat concert hall; and much more. Plus, its Mediterranean location means that France’s oldest and second largest city has always had great seafood (bouillabaisse was born here) and sun (over 300 days a year). Don’t expect polish — this former industrial city is still gritty, but you'll leave with considerably more Euros in your pocket than you would post Paris.

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Wertravel Top 7 Honeymoon Tips

Honeymoons

 

It’s the holiday of a lifetime, so your honeymoon needs to be perfect from start to finish. To help make sure it all goes smoothly, here are our some honeymoon tips.

1. Don’t hang about
Book early to avoid disappointment. As soon as you’ve set a wedding date, start thinking about honeymoon destinations, especially if you’re getting married at a peak time. You can make a saving with our early booking discounts.
2. Choose a date
The month you’re getting married may not be the best time to visit your chosen honeymoon destination. Check our Destination Calendar or ask  Travel Experts the best time of year to go. If your heart’s set on a specific country, you may have to plan your wedding around your honeymoon.
3. Look out for offers
 You can enjoy extras such as fruit and flowers in your room on arrival, candlelit dinners and room upgrades, complimentary massages or even huge discounts.
4. Coordinate departure days
Some destinations can only be reached on certain days due to airline schedules, so you may need to be flexible – especially if you want to travel the day after your wedding. Look for places where the days of departure to fit into your schedule.
5. Use the right name
If you’re going to change your passport into your married name, make sure all documents and booking details are in the same name, or you could be refused entry into the country. Also allow plenty of time to send off all the documents – and for them to be returned.
6. Buy travel insurance
This is a must when travelling overseas as it covers you if you’re ill or there’s an accident. Make sure your policy also covers the value of your engagement and wedding rings if you take them with you.
7. Relax and enjoyThe most important tip of all!

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Wertravel suggest Greece΄s most Beautiful Beaches

Wertravel suggest Greece΄s most Beautiful Beaches                                                                                                                                                                                      
Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece 

 Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece

Best thing about the sand at Falassarna? There's so much of it there's little chance of playing beach-mat overlap with strangers. This slice of coast takes in five consecutive beaches, the middle ones being most popular, the ones on the ends better for solitary sun lovers.

Highlight: On the first Saturday of August, thousands descend for Crete's biggest beach party.

3 Balos Beach, Greece

Balos Beach, Greece

Cameras compulsory. Near Kissamos on Crete, Balos Beach is a lagoon of swirling colors -- pastel pinks, blues and turquoise. It can get crowded and microorganisms in the muddy shallows can cause unpleasant smells, but for postcard pictures it's one of Greece's best.

Highlight: For "dark tourists" there's a cave here that was the scene of a massacre in the 19th century.

Egremni Beach, Greece

 Egremni Beach, Greece

Dramatic sunsets, electric-blue water, enough room for everyone: This long stretch of sand on the island of Lefkada has become one of Greece's most popular beach retreats since a road was built in the 1990s.You will enjoy it when you walk down the 350 steps. But you don’t be afraid at all because when you see the scenery you will get tired taking pictures. Also when you get to the beach you will run dive into the sea by saying “ii was worth it..”

Worth knowing: Nudists often use the central stretch of beach.

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Sailing in Greece Explore The Greek (Polynesia)

Sailing in Greece 

 

EXPLORE THE GREEK (POLYNESIA)

The Greek Islands are a collection of over 6,000 islands and islets that belong to Greece. Only 227 of the islands are inhabited, and only 78 of those have more than 100 inhabitants. The Greek islands are traditionally grouped into the following clusters: The Argo-Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, and the Ionian Islands.
The best way to explore all that is rent a bot.For just 35 euros per person is easy for everyone and what better way to go to thousands of beaches that have no other way to access.

It may seem common to call Greece “Land of Gods” or The Endless Blue”, but if you experience a sailing holiday  in the Greek islands you will soon realize that whoever said the above phrases was not far off the true. Thousands of miles of  coastline with picturesque islands in all colors with Greek traditional architecture styles.
From the Saronic islands close to Athens to the cluster of islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese and from  the calm sea of the Ionian islands to the  green Northern Sporades islands, is a life time sailing experience.

If you are considering sailing in Saronic and Argolic Gulf or the Peloponnese coast, then you will sail in a well protected sailing area with plenty of picturesque destinations being always in a short sailing distance. If you are intending to sail to Cyclades  or Dodecanese islands, then get ready for more exciting sailing, as the prevailing winds during the summer are stronger than Saronic Gulf.

Sailing in Greece is a unique experience! Select your yacht charter and check our suggested routes for other destinations as well, and sail to Ionian and Sporades islands. 

 

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  Enjoy low cost holidays in Maldives

Even in times of crisis it is not good to miss out on a holiday. The goals do not change because of the crisis but the modes of travel vary. However even this has a positive effect. Destinations such as the Maldives have always been considered prohibitive places due to not being easily accessible for all.

Maldives sunset

Maldives water activities

Maldives water sports

In times of crisis the tourism machine stops and regains momentum. 40 years later from when the 3-4 star hospitality villages started on local islands (those inhabited by fishermen and workers) have now turned into island resorts that are the masters in the super exclusive panorama and very dear to European tourists.

Maldives Guesthouse

Maldives Guesthouse inside

The design of the guesthouse, practiced before 1984 and again in 2011 only in the capital Male, covers various local islands according to a stardard agreed with the European: 6-8 bedrooms up, plus kitchen, living room, beach, with opportunities for diving and school sailing.

Maldives Whale Shark

The development of this segment is experiencing rapid growth which involves 14 islands located north and south of the archipelago. The management of the guesthouse is Maldivian. The investment may also be European (100-150 thousand euro), only 8% tax imposed, the room rate ranges between $ 100 and $ 150 per night.

Maldives Whale Shark

Maldives photos: Christian Loader, Maldives Accommodation Cheap, malediventraumurlaub, Liveaboards Maldives.

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Sergels Torg square | Stockholm

Sergels Torg is the central square in Stockholm today. It is quite old but is located in the heart of the City. Here you will find among other things, an important road junction on which you can converge to the Sveavägen and other famous streets of downtown.

Sergels Torg Square Fountain Deactivated

Sergels Torg Square fountain

The square is characterized by the presence of a large fountain in crystal whose water reaches as high as just over 37 meters. It is the work of Edvin Öhström who had it built in 1974. The work is famous because it was built on two levels. The two levels consist of the upper one with a fountain and the bottom one where you will find the metro station, shops and some supermarkets.

Sergels Torg Square night

Sergels Torg Square black and white

The square was built in the sixties after the demolition of old buildings that occurred in the previous decade. If you go to this place in winter you may encounter the ice rinks which are setup every year and are the most important and beautiful in the city.

Sergels Torg Square Fountain sunlight

Stockholm photos: tessarian, Marcel Miquel, Third1, Let Ideas Compete, Darre80.

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10 Most dangerous destinations to avoid

When designing a holiday in a far away or exotic country you should always be aware of the dangers you might encounter because of terrorism, crime, or the Civil Wars. Here is a guide of the 10 most dangerous destinations in the world.

The three cities you must not visit

After the invasion of U.S. troops in Baghdad in 2003 over 650 thousand civilians have lost their lives and thousands of other people were injured. On the headlines of such news often also jumps Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in which there are an average of 120 murders per 100 thousand residents. 50% of the crimes that take place throughout the country are murders. Then there is Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, the most dangerous destination. The battles between the drug cartels and the poverty of the population have helped make the city notorious for the highest number of crimes and murders.

Baghdad aerial view

Ciudad Juarez

Caracas

The Powder Keg African destinations to avoid

Another destination to avoid is Capetown of South Africa where in a year on average there are more than 71 thousand rapes, burglaries and almost 14 thousand robberies. In addition, in a day about 50 murders take place in South Africa, many of whom happen in Capetown. The situation is much more complex in Mogadishu, the most important city of Somalia ravaged by civil war. It is virtually impossible to get reliable statistics on the number of crimes and offenses in this city but the massacres that take place every day are decimating the population. Travel in this area is incredibly risky.

Capetown

Mogadishu

More than 50 murders a day at the most dangerous cities

On the tenth place in the rankings are Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which in recent years has become much safer than in the past although the murder rate is much more similar to that of a war zone. High murder rate appears even in the civilized Detroit of the United States where every year on average 43.7 murders per 100 thousand take place. It has a lower number of murders but the rising tide of terrorism has made even Karachi, Pakistan one of the most dangerous places on the planet. You should try to avoid it because often people taken by Chechen terrorists and Grozny is often hit by deadly suicide bombings. In sixth place of the ranking are New Orleans, the city of the southern United States affected by Hurricane Katrina a few years ago where every year, according to FBI estimates, occur 52 murders per 100 thousand crimes.

Rio de Janeiro Slums

Detroit

Dangerous Destinations photos: arifmemon, NAMsawaf, hanneorla, Danish Refugee Council, Good Hope MCC, Superaguacate, Camera Service roma, Salwan alabdaly.

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A European Holiday Any Season

A European Holiday Can Cheer You Up During Any Season

Summer is traditionally seen as the best time to get away on a family holiday but it doesn’t have to be the only time for you to enjoy a great trip abroad with the kids. There are strong reasons for doing this all year round.

European Holiday

Summer

If you love the sun then this is the ideal time of year to head off to continental Europe. The main problem with travelling at this time of year is that the prices tend to be at their highest level. You can get around this by looking for last minute deals or by checking out self catering holidays. If you choose to go self catering then the money you save by cooking in your accommodation might be enough for you to make more of your time there and enjoy an unforgettable trip.

Winter

There is a lot to be said for getting away during the coldest months of the year. For a start, if you head off from the north of Europe to the southern part then you will feel a pleasant rise in the temperature once you get there. Apart from that you can usually get hold of cheaper European holidays in winter. Finally, this is a great time for anyone who is interested in seeing some traditional Christmas markets, going skiing or taking lovely strolls around snowy streets while wrapped up in warm clothes.

Spring

The warm weather comes early in places like the Mediterranean coast, so if you want to avoid the really high temperatures and the big crowds then this can be a fantastic time to head to somewhere like Spain or Italy. Prices are often reasonable during the spring season and it is an especially good time to go camping. If you have a look at a specialist site like Keycamp then you will see the variety of things you can in and around a campsite at this time of year.

Autumn

This is when the summer usually starts to die out in places like the UK, but the sun tends to still be shining brightly in more the southerly countries of Europe.  A smart move can be to soak up some sun at home during the summer and then go abroad to enjoy even more of the good weather when autumn comes knocking. If you hate the thought of the cold weather starting to bite again then this can be a clever way to extend your summer a little bit longer.

This article is written in association with Eurocamp

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Discovering Warsaw | The capital of Poland

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Warsaw is a city that can not be compared to the most famous European capitals, but for this reason, for the spirit of adventure and for an economic factor, it is great to discover a city with a low profile and enrich your culture. A short break in the capital of Poland, can be an opportunity to visit one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. Expansive city, vibrant and full of life, despite his past history, has preserved traditions and culture that characterize the populations of the West. It is basically divided into two parts linked together by a long avenue: in the first part, which was completely destroyed by war, there are a number of recent high-rise buildings full of shops and offices with the birth of a new economic and commercial center, while the second corresponds to the Old Town.

Warsaw, Poland

Rei Sigmundo III

The old town, full of color and monuments of a certain historical value, is at the end of a long course called Krakowskie Przedmiescie (Royal Road), this is the point of reference for tourists, merchants and of all the citizens of Warsaw, a magical place, remained unscathed by the war, with an atmosphere of tranquility, no traffic, no chaos where you walk through the narrow streets not only to taste Polish products but also buy gifts of all kinds.

Old Town

The Rynek Starego Miasto, is the main square, where daily markets cheer this environment. The abrupt climate change illuminates the historical center in a different way, so that every picture taken is different from the others. The choice of hotel, the Hostel or whatever, have a profound effect on the progress of vacation. This is because, being very distracting and walk around might not be the right decision. From Plac Zankowy, the view is breathtaking. It can be seen from an area along the river Wisla. Impressive architecture such as the Library and UV and Centrum Nauki “Kopernik” characterize this new reality.

Rynek Starego Miasto square

Copernicus Science Centre

Skyscrapers in new town

The gap between old and new is very significant as being synonymous with rebirth. From here, in the evening, a twinkle deep draws attention to a sports facility recently built, the Narodowy Stadium, built in conjunction with the Euro 2012. A guided tour of this amazing engineering feat is a must for football fans. The stadium can be reached quickly with the metro, and the cost of entering with English speaking guide is just 10 ZLT (2.50 euro). The nightlife is intense, especially in Mazowiecka street, where locals placed side by side give great entertainment possibilities. The entrances to the disc vary from 10 to 30 ZLT. Using the metro, with map in hand and a good sense of direction, you can discover Warsaw in three days. It is up to the traveler to explore its every corner.

Narodowy Stadium

Poniatowski bridge

 Warsaw photos: Lukasz Mlodzinski, Anna Paula Hirama, Poland MFA, thecrazyexplorer, Vincent A,

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Netherlands: the Dutch Beer Week from May the 23rd to June the 2nd

Festival in the Netherlands: the Dutch Beer Week

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The event will be held from May the 23^rd to June the 2^nd, for the second year after the success of 2012, with the aim of promoting the many qualities of Dutch beer and involving the whole country with competitions brewing, tasting events, regional festivals and gastronomic activities. To inaugurate the event will be the festival of tasting Bierproeffestival, to be held in The Hague in May the 23^rd to the 25^th, specifically in Spuiplein square, in the heart of the city, where visitors can enjoy numerous varieties of beer from large Dutch producers and small Holland wholesalers.

Dutch Beer Week

The Bierproeffestival The Hague will be open  onThursday, May 23 from 18:00 to 22:00, from 16 to 24 Friday 22 and Saturday 25 from 12:00 am to 21:00 pm. You can buy tickets for the Bierproeffestival on the event website for 11 euro for Thursday, 20 euro for Thursday and Friday, and the ticket costs 28 euro for three days, including three drinks and a glass for tasting

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WTTC warns Brazil must work to improve tourism performance

Brazil cannot rely on the FIFA 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games to stimulate international visitors World Travel & Tourism Council president David Scowsill has warned in a wide ranging speech on the issue.
Scowsill explained: “Tourism is making a major contribution to that exciting economic growth, but there remains much to be done with infrastructure build and marketing the country to international markets.
“This is a dynamic time for Brazil - exports are booming in one of the fastest growing major economies in the world.
“Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition and influence.
Scowsill was speaking at PANROTAS in Sao Paolo.
Tourism made a total contribution to Brazil’s GDP in 2012 of 402 billion reals, which was nine per cent of the - more than that of the chemicals manufacturing industry which stands at seven per cent and the mining sector which contributes 6.7 per cent.
In terms of direct contribution to GDP, tourism is almost twice the size of the automotive manufacturing sector in Brazil, supporting eight million direct, indirect and induced jobs in 2012.
Brazil ranks second in Latin America in terms of the flow of international tourists, but the domestic market represents the bulk of the industry, accounting for over 50 million trips annually.
Mexico is ahead of Brazil, attracting 22 million visitors per year, compared to Brazil’s 5.2 million.
France receives 76.8 million visitors a year and the USA 60 million.
Brazilians’ spending on trips abroad rose by 50 per cent in 2010 and 30 per cent in 2011.
Scowsill continued: “Brazilians are taking advantage of the stronger Real to travel, which is good news for the tourism industry elsewhere, but not good news for Brazil.
“Some 5.2 million international tourism arrivals per annum is low for a country the size of Brazil which has so much to offer visitors in terms of natural diversity – from rainforests, World Heritage sites, and eco-tourism, to beaches, adventure travel, history, culture and city experiences.
“The World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016 will be four week bursts of intensity in terms of overseas visitors, but cannot be relied upon to be the sole drivers of international visitor growth in the future.
“The Brazilian tourism industry has to act and speak as one voice to tell the rest of the world about this wonderful country and everything it has to offer and put it firmly on the international tourist map.”

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New private car excursions with Crystal Cruises in 2013

Due to guest demand, beginning this spring, Crystal Cruises’ luxury travelers have a new and flexible private option for exploring Europe: their own car and driver, with local, English-speaking guide.  The new private car or van offerings allow singles, couples and small groups (8 maximum) to fully customise time ashore upon arrival.  While Crystal is launching the program in 50 European ports on Crystal Symphony Mediterranean cruises and Crystal Serenity Northern European cruises, the ultra-luxury line plans to extend the program to other destinations later in the year.
“Many of today’s luxury guests like to explore on their own, but don’t enjoy the hassle, time and questionable quality of searching for transportation and guides, as well as the aggravation of negotiating fees,” says John Stoll , vice president, land and port operations.  “With our trusted transportation and destination expertise at their disposal, and by using fully licensed and insured companies, guests can tour independently with ease and safety, as well as be ultra-flexible should they want to follow a last-minute insider’s suggestion or just see how they feel in the moment.”
The program is the newest addition to a rapidly-expanding roster of Crystal Adventures shore excursion choices, including:
*  Organised shore tours that range from special-interest adventures and city overviews to very intimate only-with-Crystal Cruises Boutique Adventures, and unique, high end Signature Collection experiences to You Care, We Care voluntourism excursions.
*  Private Options: For guests wanting to follow the same tour itinerary as select Crystal Adventures, privately.
*  Private Adventures: Ultra-personalised and fully customised to a guest’s exact wishes in advance by Crystal, including itineraries, admissions, meals, and transportation.
Overland Adventures: Multiple-day excursions on land, further from port, providing two to three days of intimate exploration ashore, with hotel stays.
The new private car and driver services start at $270 per car, with guides speaking languages other than English also available upon request.
Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shoreside experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, helping earn the line top ratings for two decades.

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Turkish Culture & Tourism Office UK is event partner for first Istanbul INN London

The Turkish Culture & Tourism Office UK will be the event partner for the first-ever INN London, held on 12-15 April, which will focus exclusively on Turkey’s cultural capital of Istanbul.
Running over four days this April, INN London will reveal what makes Istanbul unique, from its contemporary art and architecture, to its fashion, food, drink and cultural life.  This unique lifestyle & cultural experience bringing Istanbul’s leading architects, artists, designers, fashion designers, galleries & shops, as well as celebrity guest chef Silvena Rowe, to London this April will include a programme of cultural talks and events, information on travelling in Turkey as well as the chance to purchase Turkish products.
INN London is suitable for prospective travellers, those with an interest in what’s new and upcoming in Istanbul and for people looking to set up business links. INN Istanbul will then go on tour with events in the Middle East, Far East and the Americas.
Exhibitors at INN London will include galleries Pi Artworks, Dirimart, Gallery X-ist, Merkur, Elipsis, Sanatorium, artSumer and Cda Projects; architects Emre Arolat Architects and Superpool; fashion houses Vakko and interior designers Iksel and Merve Kahraman.
Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK, Tolga Tuyluoglu, says: “INN London is an exciting project and one that resonates with our objectives in promoting Istanbul’s varied cultural and tourist attractions to London and a wider UK audience. The extent of the research that has already gone into the project is impressive and it is evident that INN’s remit is to try and remain as authentic and true to Istanbul’s being as possible, whilst endeavouring to avoid cliché – a task which complements the strategy of this office”.

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Springtime for Charlotte! 10 reasons to fly there now

Many a traveler moves through Charlotte; fewer stick around. For some, it's just a busy hub airport, visited occasionally while taking advantage of US Airways' often reasonable fares to other places. We know it as an important financial capital, we know it's not Charleston, or Asheville, or any other popular destination located within striking distance. Why stick around and get to know the Queen City? Out of plenty of reasons, here are ten good ones to get you started.

1. Not just a banking center

Yes, it's a banking capital, but Charlotte has an attractive creative side. One of the city's oldest cultural institutions is the Mint Museum, a two-campus set-up known for both an impressive art collection and a popular craft and design museum. The original Randolph campus is housed in a historic building that used to be the United States Mint hence the name. The central campus of the Mint is part of the city center's Levine Center For The Arts, a cultural district containing the impressive little Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and a handful of other worthwhile stops (levinecenterarts.org). For some art at street level, head up Davidson Street to Charlotte's artsy NoDa neighborhood. Here, a twice-monthly art crawl held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, starting at 6pm takes place in and around some of the city's finest galleries. Soak up the vibe at Dolce Vita, a low-key wine bar and neighborhood gathering spot (3205 N. Davidson St.).

2. Food wonderful food

For many visitors, the love affair with Charlotte starts with the stomach. Where to begin? Depends who you ask, but it's likely many will suggest the delectable fried bird from Price's Chicken Coop, just a couple of stops on the LYNX train from the convention center (1614 Camden Rd.). Or the soul staples at Mert's (214 N. College St.). Or maybe a little Brunswick Stew, that hearty regional specialty, at Mac's Speed Shop, a popular 'cue joint and biker bar (2511 South Blvd.)? Then there's the pimiento cheese caviar of the Carolinas at Midwood Smokehouse (1401 Central Ave.). And the Carolina-style pulled pork at Queen City Q (225 E. 6th St.) And fried pickles at the legendary Penguin Drive-In (1921 Commonwealth Ave.). When your body cries "no more!", do a mini-juice cleanse at Luna's Living Kitchen, a cheerful South End spot known for its fresh and tasty vegetarian / vegan-friendly menu (2120 South Blvd.).

3. NASCAR heaven

Got a need for speed? You probably already know all about Charlotte, home to the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. And while the lion's share of visitors to the city are content to remain spectators to one of the South's favorite pastimes, bolder visitors and those who don't mind shelling out a few bucks can sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which offers a range of experiences, from an affordable ride-along ($99 for three laps) to a knuckle-whitening drive, starting at $449 for 8 laps (drivepetty.com). Afterwards, repair to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Whisky River, a popular bar and restaurant back in town for a drink and some snacks off the sports fan-friendly menu (210 E. Trade St.).

4. Lots of great outdoors

From the gentle flow of the city's beautiful Freedom Park to the top of rugged Crowders Mountain just a short drive west of the city skyline, Charlotte is one of those all-too-rare cities with plenty of room for nature to flourish; driving its many tree-lined streets, it can sometimes feel as if you're not in a city at all. For a true walk in the woods, disappear into the 737-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, offering plenty of solitude along 10 miles of hiking trails (charmeck.org).

5. Cool neighborhoods

Food trucks, farmers markets, cool cafes, galleries all bases are pretty much covered in the city's historic South End neighborhood, a popular spot for the young and hip to live and play. Your best bet is to come down here for the monthly gallery crawl held on the first Friday of each month or for the neighborhood's lively Saturday morning market at the Atherton Mill complex. While you're there, grab a tasty, carefully-sourced breakfast from the Roots Farm Food truck (southendclt.com).

6. Riding the rapids, safely

The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers all of the thrills associated with whitewater rafting with none of the pesky threat of dying after being dashed on the rocks or whatever else can go wrong when you hit actual rapids. An official Olympic Training Site, the Center doesn't mess around they'll whip you into good shape and have you rafting like a champ. They can do more than that, of course instruction in more relaxed arts, such as stand-up paddle boarding, will have you ready for your next trip to Waikiki. Like to stay on dry land? The center's miles of mountain biking trails make for a terrific day adventure, too (usnwc.org).

7. Luxury lodging

After pushing it to the limit, why not reward yourself with a spa day? At the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, housed in a sleek, LEED Gold-certified tower at the heart of Uptown (that's what they call the downtown around here), the spa offers a popular detox massage that incorporates honey harvested from the hotel's own beehives, housed up on the building's green roof (80 minutes, $90; ritzcarlton.com). Twenty minutes west of town, The Ballantyne is a resort-like escape featuring a beautiful spa facility that invites sticking around all day, or maybe longer. Start off with the Little Bit of Bliss, a 25-minute massage that's ideal for those whose fists are as tight as their shoulders it's a bargain at $65 (theballantynehotel.com).

8. It's in bloom

The 10-acre botanical garden at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a real sight to see, from the indoor worlds at the McMillan Greenhouse complex to beautiful outdoor gardens showcasing landscapes both local and exotic, you can easily spend a beautiful morning here and it's free (gardens.uncc.edu). For a garden that's a little more secret, head over to Wing Haven, a private walled paradise built by environmentalist Elizabeth Clarkson and her husband Edwin back in the 1920's. It's a gorgeous three-acre escape that doubles as a bird sanctuary (winghavengardens.com).

9. Moonshine tasting at a bowling alley?

It may not be world-famous for its nightlife, but Charlotte sure knows how to party. At the South End's TEN Park Lanes, dozens of beer taps and a solid food menu (try the barbecue) is complimented by a wide selection of artisanal moonshine yes, that's a thing in the South these days (1700 Montford Dr.). Head spinning? Need some air? Head for the garden at VBGB, a boisterous, new-ish beer garden; their selection from the local NoDa Brewing Company are a must-try (920 Hamilton St.). Wherever the night takes you, end up at Snug Harbor in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Here, a classic dive feel is the draw for a happening crowd that piles in for good live music, stiff drinks and lots of free atmosphere (1228 Gordon St.).

10. Scenic mountains nearby

Charlotte's fun, but if this is your first visit to the region, you shouldn't be allowed to leave without taking at least a day trip up to the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the unforgettable summit of Mt. Mitchell the highest peak east of the Rockies at 6,684 feet to a leisurely afternoon on the winding, historic Blue Ridge Parkway, to the food scene in Asheville it's must after must up here. There's more, there's tons more, but this is a start. And, bonus: this is all roughly two hours or so from town. Get in the car and go.
More resources:

For more information on visiting Charlotte, check out www.charlottesgotalot.com.

For low fares to Charlotte (CLT) from where you live, check out Airfare Watchdog's "to" Charlotte listing page.

More in our reason to visit "smaller cities" series

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AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Statue of Liberty to Reopen by July 4th

March 21, 2013 

Statue of Liberty to Reopen by July 4th
Repairs Progressing on Docks, Energy Infrastructure, and other Facilities Damaged by Hurricane Sandy
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the National Park Service expects to reopen the Statue of Liberty to visitors by July 4, 2013, after repairing the extensive damage to Liberty Island caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“Hurricane Sandy inflicted major damage on facilities that support the Statue of Liberty – destroying the docks, crippling the energy infrastructure on Ellis Island and wiping out the security screening system – but we are fully committed to reopening this crown jewel as soon as it’s safe for visitors and not a second later,” Secretary Salazar said. “Based on the tremendous progress we have made, Lady Liberty will be open to the public in time for the July 4th celebration.”
 ”July Fourth is the perfect day to reopen a symbol of our nation’s freedom, and speaks volumes about New York’s resilience,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer.  “Lady Liberty was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, but just like New York, she will be back – and stronger than ever. Being open for the summer tourism season isn’t just important symbolically, it’s a boon to the city’s economy and businesses, as the statue attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to our shores.  I thank Secretary Salazar for his extraordinary work – he was uncommonly focused on getting this job done, and the people of New York appreciate it.”
 “My close friend and former colleague Secretary Salazar has been a true leader in protecting and showcasing Lady Liberty,” said Senator Robert Menendez. “We worked together to address safety and security concerns to reopen the crown and now he has helped bring this national treasure back after Superstorm Sandy.  The Statue of Liberty will stand as a symbol of the whole region rebuilding even better and stronger after the storm.”
 Salazar emphasized the importance of reopening the Statue to the New York economy. An annual report released last month by the National Park Service showed that 3.7 million people visited the park in 2011, generating $174 million in economic activity and supporting 2,218 jobs.
 “Across the country, our national parks are economic engines for local communities, with visitor spending providing a $30 billion benefit to the economy,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “By moving forward quickly with the repairs at the Statue of Liberty, we are giving a boost to communities here in New York who have been so badly hurt by Hurricane Sandy.”

 Repairs to the docks needed to transport visitors to Liberty Island are being funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Lands Highways Program, as part of $28 million committed to roads and bridges in federal parks and recreation areas in New York and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
 Three days after taking office, Salazar visited the Statue of Liberty in January 2009 to announce that the crown, which had been closed following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, would be re-opened to the public by the following July 4th.
 “I fully expect that once again we will meet the July 4th deadline to reopen Lady Liberty, thanks to the commitment and hard work of the National Park Service staff, the Department of Transportation, and our many local and state partners,” Salazar said. “As we rebuild the region, we will do so in a way that makes New York and New Jersey stronger, safer and more resilient than ever before.”

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The Top 5 Reasons Why Jamaica is the Best Caribbean Island Vacation

The Top 5 Reasons Why Jamaica is the Best Caribbean Island Vacation

Jamaica

Jamaica Map

Travel Review

A lot of people have claimed that Jamaica would be the best Caribbean island to visit, hands down. Jamaica vacations are jam-packed with beautiful attractions and the warmest people. This is why most travellers and jet-setters would list Jamaica as one of the best Caribbean travel destinations. If you're still not convinced, here are the top five reasons why Jamaica has been dubbed as the best Caribbean island to visit:

1. Welcoming people.

Jamaicans

 

As soon as you land from the airport, you will immediately be greeted by local Jamaican people excited to provide you the best Caribbean vacation. The people in Jamaica are some of the most warm, friendly and hospitable people that you will ever meet, and because they are used to their island being a favorite tourist spot, they are more than willing to give you a tour of the area and show you around.

2. Laid back atmosphere.

Jamaica vacations are not only popular because of the place; Jamaicans are very laid-back and really know how to have a good time. They are very much into dancing and music, and even if you have never tried to do any of those in your life, you would find all your inhibitions melting away as you hear the music playing. I am sure you've heard the saying "No Problem, Mon" - well it is true, anything you ask for they will respond with "No problem".

3. Great food.

Jamaican Food

In Jamaica you will have some of the freshest seafood and meat, and that is because it is coming directly from the sea or directly from local farmers. You will see fishermen walking along the road with fish that they just caught, you will see a farmer bringing in fresh eggs from the farm in the mornings. You will see the market overflowing the fruits and vegetables from local farms. The spicy curry and jerk seasoning is something that I guarantee you will want to take home and make for your family well after your Jamaican vacation.

4. White sandy beaches.

Jamaica Beach

Pristine and exotic white beaches are probably one of the most important recipes to the best Caribbean travel, and a vacation to Jamaica is the place to be. The water is crystal blue and the beach sand is clean and white. One of the most beautiful beach areas you can imagine.

5. Great Culture.

Marley Grafiti

 

When you take your vacation in Jamaica, it is highly recommended to hire a local tour guide that can take you around the island to show you the culture of local Jamaicans. Learn how they shop for their meat, or buy their fresh fish. Drink a coconut by the side of the road. Learn more about the Rastafarians or old traditional healing. Make sure to soak in the culture as well as the great food.

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