Travel

What’s the best time to visit Sicily? Sicily is full of places where you want to jump and dive into the Mediterranean for a while during those months from May to October. When asked if you know Sun Island, a few would say yes or probably yes. How many would know the answer to the question about the largest Mediterranean Island? Perhaps a little more respondents. In both cases, it’s about the same ancient land: Sicily. Find the most beautiful villas in Sicily by the sea and keep reading to discover its secrets.

Sicily Sea: The Most Beautiful Places

Cava Grande near Cassibili in Southeastern Sicily 

On hot days you can swim in the cooling water of the river in the Cava Grande. This massive gorge lies near the town of Cassibili. In the valley, the river has eroded natural pools. You can swim here or play in the water and then let yourself dry on the rocks in the warm Sicilian sun.

The Necropolis of Pantalica. 

In Byzantine times thousands of graves were carved into the rocks here

The small river Anapo has carved out a deep gorge near the village of Sortino. In Byzantine times, thousands of graves were carved into the rock walls of the canyon. Nowadays the canyon is a beautiful nature reserve where you have the chance to see different animals. With 8000 graves, Pantalica is the largest necropolis of Sicily.

Syracuse, Sicily

Archimedes, known from physics class, was born in Syracuse in the year 287 BC. At that time, Syracuse already existed for 500 years. The Greeks founded a colony here on Sicily as early as 733 BC.

The peninsula Ortygia is the historical center of Syracuse, surrounded by water. In ancient times, the port city was a real ‘hotspot.’ In Ortygia, you will find beautiful squares, old buildings, and charming streets. Enjoy a terrace or an Italian ice cream sandwich.

On the outskirts of Syracuse, you will find Neapolis where you can see a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius.

World Heritage: Noto

After the massive earthquake of 1693, the town of Noto had to be rebuilt entirely, resulting in today’s Noto, a beautiful baroque city. Via the Porte Reale, you walk straight into Corso Vittoria Emanuelle. In this main street, you walk along with all the impressive palaces, churches and other buildings that Noto is rich. Together with seven other baroque cities in southeastern Sicily, Noto is on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Ragusa sights

Ragusa was founded in ancient times when inhabitants fled from Greek settlers and moved inland. The Sicilian city is about 25 km from the coast and has about 60,000 inhabitants. The town consists of 2 parts. The ‘new’ Ragusa that was rebuilt in the 17th century after the great earthquake in baroque style and the quieter Ibla.

Ragusa is the baroque part of the city and has wide streets. Ibla is the old lower town and has, in contrast to Ragusa, small streets and charming squares.

Worth seeing are the baroque Duomo San Giorgio in Ibla and the San Giovanni Battista cathedral in Ragusa. Ragusa is on the Unesco world heritage list.

In the vicinity of Ragusa are long sandy beaches with beautiful fine sand.

Modica        

The old town of Modica is also on the Unesco World Heritage List. The town is about a 15 km drive from Ragusa. Modica Alta lies on the hill and is connected by stairs to the lower Modica Bassa. Here you need to try the famous Modica Chocolate: yes, Sicilian cuisine is also this!

For many Americans, the holiday season marks the start of cold weather and snow. It’s hard to get into the holiday spirit when you’re bundled in three layers of clothes and shoveling snow out of the driveway.

If the weather outside is frightful, give yourself the gift of a last-minute warm holiday getaway this holiday season.

1. St. Augustine, Florida

An affordable getaway right on the coast of Florida. St. Augustine has beautiful beaches, friendly locals and a rich history. It is, after all, the oldest city in the nation.

Visit the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or book a sailing adventure. Enjoy an afternoon of fishing, or play a round at Anastasia Miniature Golf. At Black Raven Adventures, you can be a pirate – or just act like one – on their interactive cruise.

History buffs will love the Colonial Quarter, Fountain of Youth, Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. 

Whether you’re looking to escape the big city or enjoy a weekend of adventure, St. Augustine has something for everyone.

2. Pensacola, Florida

Offering beautiful beaches, a rich history and diverse culture, Pensacola is the perfect place to escape winter weather. Enjoy their world-famous beaches – and have them all to yourself. With tourists gone for the winter, Pensacola is much quieter. You won’t have to fight the crowds to enjoy all this city has to offer.

Go snorkeling or sailing at Pensacola Beach, or climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse.

Downtown Pensacola has a laid-back vibe, with a diverse culture and fascinating history. During the holiday season, you’ll find many fun events to enjoy. At night, take a stroll downtown to see the city illuminated by 400,000 lights.

Pensacola is an affordable, last-minute getaway that will please the whole family.

3. Miami, Florida

Miami has the warmest winter weather on the mainland U.S. Highs in December range from 75-77F, with evening temperatures hovering around 60F.

Unlike other beach destinations, winter is one of the busiest times of year for Miami. The roads are the most crowded – as are the beaches and hotels.

Miami is probably your best bet for a warm holiday, but you’ll need to book fast. Expect to pay more to travel to this bustling city.

The city’s art deco buildings and beautiful beaches won’t disappoint. With vibrant nightlife, a thriving art scene, tropical gardens and award-winning restaurants, Miami is the place to go if you want to see and be seen.

4. Galveston Island, Texas

Galveston is a popular cruise port of call, but it’s also home to stunning beaches. Winter flights are cheap, and hotels start at under $100 a night. 

The barrier island is just 30 miles long and 3 miles wide. Beaches are far less crowded, and the locals are warm and friendly.

The city hosts many holiday-themed events. The 36-block historic district will sparkle with lights and lasers. The Grand 1894 Opera House will host several events, including The Nutcracker, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Christmas Carol.

Texas is a big state, and Galveston Island is all the way south – not far from Houston. If you’re planning a road trip to Galveston, be prepared for traffic. In one recent year, 262 billion miles were traveled in Texas. Although winter is off-season, you can still expect to hit a lot of traffic on your way to town.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Romantic and historic, Savannah has great weather this time of year. And because most of the tourists have gone home, the city is quieter and more accessible. 

Visit the 22 squares in the city, each offering its own piece of history. Savannah is home to many wonderful monuments, statues and beautiful places to sit. Check out the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, known as the “Sistine of the South.”

Visit some of the many art galleries in town, or jam out at a music festival. Savannah hosts several music festivals throughout the year.

If you’re up for a drive, you can head over to Tybee Island – just 20 minutes from Savannah. The island has beautiful beaches, great shopping and excellent food.

Brighton captures a lot of what characterises true British spirt. Its quintessential nature embodies many important English traits, such as our love for a sharp sea breeze and a stiff upper lip. Not sure about the latter? Well, did you know that the original Brighton town was burned down in 1514 by the French. The inhabitants responded by quickly rebuilding their little town right there. When the French came back to burn the remade Brighton in 1545, the people fought back and drove the French away. 

Brighton was battered by an intense storm in 1703, and the town took a further hit by another storm in 1705 that ruined many houses. All the while, the sea was eroding the shore of Brighton town

However, Brighton thrived against all odds and it even captured the interest of royalty! Naturally, the buildings in Brighton have some stories to tell about the town’s exciting history, and some have served different purposes along the way as Brighton battled through its hardships. 

St Augustine’s Centre 

Originally built in 1896 with a religious purpose in mind, as the name suggests, St. Augustine’s Centre is a prominent feature of the city. The building was an Anglican church but had been left derelict since 2003. Though it is listed as a Grade II building, nothing was really done with it until 2013, when a new project started up in order to renew St Augustine’s church with a new lease of life. 

Following a major renovation project, the site serves the public as a centre for wellbeing, arts, and spiritual sectors. The centre hosts exhibitions, conferences, meetings, and even sports clubs and massage and treatment rooms. From flower arrangement classes to Kung Fu, dance classes to meditation spaces, the centre really does cater for everyone. 

The Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is one of the most striking buildings in the area, and it has served many different purposes throughout its life and has so many stories to tell. Originally, the Pavilion was built at the behest of then-Prince of Wales, Prince George. Architect Henry Holland was hired to transform the Prince’s Brighton home into a villa. The villa was later built upon further by John Nash to create the Royal Pavilion. It is a lavish, extravagant building that adopts a number of different styles, primarily that of Chinese and Asian origin. 

The original building hosted royalty, along with a string of their social events and entertainment for many years. But this came to an end with Queen Victoria, who chose to sell the Royal Pavilion to Brighton. Though the interiors were initially removed, the palace was redecorated for use by the public. The Queen later returned many of the original items of the palace to be reinstalled. 

The Royal Pavilion has been used for fetes, shows, balls, exhibitions, and more, serving as the People’s Palace. Then, during the First World War, its purpose was changed once again to that of a hospital for Indian soldiers.

Now, the Royal Pavilion serves members of the public daily, with tours of the aggrandised royal rooms, local events, a tearoom, and more. 

The Old Ship

This traditional Brighton hotel is not short of history, royal appreciation, and musicians. The site has been used as a hotel since Tudor times, with the first recorded accommodation here named the ‘Shippe Inn’. It became the ‘Old Ship Inn’ in 1650, after another hotel opened across the street called the ‘New Ship Inn’. 

The venue was gradually extended as its owners bought the homes next to it, back when it wasn’t as close to the shoreline as it currently is. The storm of 1703 destroyed 13 buildings at the end of the street and brought the sea much closer to the Old Ship. With sea views and a visit from the fashionable Prince of Wales, Prince George (who would later become King George IV), the Old Ship built a great reputation. So much so that its ballroom later came to host the famous violinist, Niccolò Paganini — the ballroom has even been renamed in his honour. 

However, not all of the original features of the current building were built for the purpose of hospitality. Underneath the building is a series of tunnels from the beach, under the hotel, all the way into town and further. These tunnels were originally built for smuggling but are now used as wine cellars and for private dining functions. 

Sources:

https://www.thecairncollection.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OLD-SHIP-BRIGHTON-HISTORY.pdf

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/the-travellers-guide-to-historic-brighton-5350340.html

http://www.localhistories.org/brighton.html

https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/history/

The feeling of jetlag is not nice for anyone, particularly if you are travelling for a longer length of time. But with careful planning, and a structure in place, you can travel to anywhere in the world without struggling from the severe signs of fatigue. So before you opt to replace e111 or your Esta Visa, allow us to give you some tips and tricks to beat fatigue and when travelling, helping you to enjoy even the longest of flight without feeling the effects of the time zones. 

Limit Your Caffeine Consumption 

When looking to combat fatigue when travelling, it is important to either limit or completely avoid caffeine altogether. This is due to caffeine giving you the buzz that you need before leaving you tired and worn out. By leaning on this to keep you awake, you can ruin your sleeping pattern opt for a glass of water on a flight, particularly a long-haul flight as this will help you to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the flight. 

Sleep Well Before You Fly 

Though it may seem tempting to stay up all night before a long-haul flight, it is important to ensure that you are sticking to your normal sleeping pattern. This will not only help you to relax and sleep during the flight, but this will help you to tackle the fatigue once you land. Though this does not work for everyone, a good night’s sleep before a flight will help to reduce stress and keep you feeling comfortable during your time at the airport. 

Avoid Landing At Night 

If you can avoid landing at night this is the perfect way to beat jetlag ad help you make the most out of your trip. When the sun is out, your brain is stimulated, allowing you to explore your surroundings until the sun goes down. This is great, particularly if you are travelling with family as you can then plan activities for you and the kids to keep them moving. This is key to combatting jetlag, as you can then begin to adjust over time. Though this can be difficult, it is important to stick to as this will make the transition to your new time zone significantly easier. 

Allow Yourself Time To Adjust 

If you are travelling for business, leaving a day completely free will allow you to explore the area you will be staying and allows you to adjust to the time zone in your own time. Whether this is by sleeping in or just relaxing in the hotel during the day, this can all help you to gradually adjust to the time zone and clear your head ready for the task at hand. 

Eat 3 Square Meals A Day 

Though it may seem tempting to skip meals when suffering from jet lag it is important to eat three square meals a day as this will help to regulate your body clock and keep you in your normal routine. This will help your body to adjust accordingly and stick to the same routine that you would be following at home. This is particularly important if you are travelling with children as a routine is important to follow. 

Exercise 

The final way for you to fight fatigue and jetlag is to conduct regular exercise throughout your trip. Whether this is a walk in the morning, or capitalising on the gym provided by the hotel, this will help to maintain your health and burn off excess energy to regulate a sleeping pattern. This is great for those that are travelling for a longer period of time as this will help you to maintain a healthy daily routine. 

Whether you are looking to travel for business purposes, or you are just looking for a holiday away with your family, the above tips can help you to beat jetlag and make travelling easier for everyone involved. Where will you be travelling to first?

The south coast of England sprawls over a large section of the country. This article will focus on the coastal areas so that you can enjoy the beach as well as city life on your trip. Enjoy a dose of fresh sea air on the coast, and return from your break away feeling energized and refreshed.

Why Visit The Sea?

Only a very few people don’t enjoy a trip to the seaside, especially when it’s accompanied by an ice cream, long evenings, BBQ’s on the beach, and nostalgically reminiscing on days gone by when weekends were spent with your parents and grandparents on the beach during the summer. Sit back on a sun lounger and read for hours on end as the gentle sound of the tide splashing relaxes you. The pressures of everyday life and the working week seem to dissipate when you’re laying by the shore, so take note and discover how best to enjoy the south coast of the UK.

Visit Chichester

Three days in Chichester should be sufficient enough to see the highlights of what this small city has to offer. What it might lack in size, it certainly makes up for traditional English pubs, green parks and lawns, an impressive Norman cathedral, and small quirky independent shops. To eat, head to the pubs that serve quality food and enjoy a pint outside in Chichester’s numerous pub gardens. Try the hole in the wall pub, a stone’s throw from the large M&S, to sample of their real ales and keg beers.

Be sure to explore the countryside that surrounds this pleasant city, as The South Downs are truly something to behold. Check out the many cycle routes available and set out in pursuit of rolling hills, large expansive landscapes, and sunny meadows.

Go To Brighton

Brighton beach is staggeringly busy in the height of summer, and many from all around flock to enjoy its atmosphere and sun-soaked shoreline. You’ll be hard pushed to find a quiet spot here; however, if you venture in the direction of Hove, you will be far more likely to claim a patch of the beach as your own. A fair few fish restaurants sit beside the shore, so consider popping in to sample the freshly caught catch of the day. Brighton is renowned for being a lively city full of excitement, pubs and bars, and with an eclectic mix of people and personalities. It’s a good fun day out, so head over to enjoy it.

Head to Beachy Head

Not far from Brighton is Eastbourne; it’s most famous for its large chalk headland that appears to jut out into the sea. Beachy Head enjoys the presence of visitors all year round, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a breath-taking setting, and the cliff itself is the highest chalk cliff in Britain, and the peak allows for some pretty spectacular views. This said, resist the urge to stand too close to the edge as the chalk is receding and slipping into the ocean each and every day. While you’re there, consider popping into The Tiger Inn for food, or The Beachy Head pub if you want to stay closer to the cliffs themselves.

Many people will agree that traveling is one of the best pastimes that you can spend your time and money on. Still, whether you are traveling for five days, two weeks or even longer, it’s very easy to get tired while on vacation.

Unique sights and sounds are constantly surrounding you, and this sense of newness that envelops can make the days seem longer. While this is a good thing, the whole purpose of your trip is to work on your wellbeing, relax, and get rid of any chaotic thoughts clouding your mind. This article will better explain what some of these tips and tricks entail.  

Do things slowly

Slow travel is an art, and it’s something that you should start considering sooner rather than later. This ensures that you get into a routine and rhythm wherever you are, and it also gives you a better opportunity to connect with some of the locals.

Of course, how much time you have to spend in the new city or town that you are currently located in will always influence slow travel.

Even if you are only able to travel for a weeklong trip, don’t pack your schedule to the point where you are busy every moment of your day. Taking some time to walk the streets of your new destination, or even sitting at a café or restaurant in order to watch the passers-by, is still a moment that you can cherish.

Drink enough water

Dehydration can also lead to energy loss and fatigue, and it’s thus important that you drink enough water. The go-to amount is eight glasses of water a day, but alternatively, you can also make sure to keep a portable water bottle with you at all times and therefore drink out of that.

Purchase additional health products

It would benefit you to bring some health-related products with you while you are traveling. Whether this includes vitamins and supplements, amino acids, essential oils or something else, there are plenty of all-natural and affordable products that you can invest in and keep on you in order to improve your mental and physical wellbeing alike.

The good news is that you can also easily purchase anything that you are interested in online, through a website such as swanson.co.uk.

Get 7-9 hours of sleep

While you are traveling, it’s more important than ever to get enough sleep at night. The average and healthy adult requires anywhere between 7-9 hours in order to function properly and feel like the best version of themselves. That is why you should make a point of going to bed earlier rather than later during the evening hours.

Fatigue can always get in the way of your vacation, especially if you want to see and experience as much as possible while you are in your new destination. That is why it’s important that you take care of yourself, and you will benefit from learning these habits at any stage of your life. Who wouldn’t want to feel and look like the best version of themselves at all times? This isn’t possible if you don’t put the time and effort into achieving this optimal state.

There are few destinations around the world as appealing as the UK. This is one of the most historic, beautiful and cultural destinations and somewhere that everyone should visit at some point in their life. Although relatively small in comparison to other destinations, there is an incredible amount to see and do throughout the UK which means that it can be hard to know where to go and what to do. Instead of trying to pack it all into one trip, you are better off choosing one particular area and then spend your time exploring the cities and its surroundings. Here are a few ideas for what you should do for a proper UK experience.

• Go For A Walk In Nature

When people think of the UK they will typically first think of the major cities, such as London. This is for a good reason, but you should not forget the fact that the UK is an incredibly beautiful part of the world. The countryside consists of rolling hills, thick forests, winding rivers, and lush meadows.  Exploring the landscape is a must, and there are many fantastic walking paths to follow which will show you the magnificent beauty of the area.

• Visit A Castle

The UK is home to many breathtaking castles which are fantastic places to visit and a great way to learn more about the UK’s rich and interesting history. Many of these impressive structures are popular tourist attractions which means that there is plenty to see and do around the grounds, ensuring that you can spend a full day here immersing yourself in the history and taking in the sights.

• Go To The Pub

A quintessential UK experience is going to the pub, and this is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, have some fun and meet a few locals who are sure to have their own recommendations for things to do. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs in most areas around the UK, but the pubs in Weybridge are amongst the best and found in a beautiful part of England. Be sure to try a pint (or two) and get a classic pub dish like fish and chips.

• Traditional Afternoon Tea

Another classic British experience is afternoon tea which is a delightful way to spend the afternoon which allows you to indulge in tea, sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, cakes, and other tantalizing treats. This is something that you could plan yourself, but there are many establishments which offer traditional afternoon tea which will give you an authentic experience.

If you plan on visiting the UK, then these are experiences that you will need to try for an authentic experience and insight into UK culture. The UK is a fantastic place to visit with a tremendous amount to see and do in all areas – it is for this reason why you should choose a particular region and spend time getting to know this area so that you can see the charm and get the most out of your trip.

Jersey City is a place for everyone. The city is the second largest city in the state of New Jersey. It is home to several cultures including Chinese, Hispanic, and Filipino. As part of the New York City metropolitan area, the city offers a lot for tourists and residents alike. Jersey City really does cover all interests and caters even to the pickiest eater. This article highlights must-visit places in the city.

Historical Sites to Visit

This city is home to several important historical locations in the US. Being one of the country’s melting pots, Jersey City has endless offerings to anyone interested to explore the urban jungle.

Ellis Island – the island was the former immigrant inspection island maintained by the US government. For 60 years, the facility was the busiest site for immigrants coming into the country, representing the hopes and dreams for millions. Countless families trace their roots back to Ellis Island. Presently, the island is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The museum highlights the island’s ties with the country’s immigration history, including those before its designation as an immigrant inspection facility.

Jersey Loew’s Theater – this theater was built in the late 1920s and is one of the Loew’s chain of theaters in the New York metropolitan area. The theater was built for live performances and film screenings. It is a three-story building with a façade covered with large marquees and terra cotta tiles. After being saved in the 90s from demolition and rebuilt and refurbished to its past grandeur in the late 2010s, the Loew’s Jersey City is an opulent marvel and highlight of Baroque Rococo architecture. It presently stages productions showcasing local talents and shows for educational purposes.

Foods to Try

Jersey City is also home to a wide variety of flavors. It caters to all kinds of palettes. Given that it is a melting pot of cultures, you can find many of the most authentic dishes every ethnic cuisine has to offer.

Filipino cuisines are especially abundant in the city. Filipino-Americans represents a big part of the city, historically and in population. Anyone interested to taste the Filipino flavor should try out Little Quiapo, an authentic establishment showcasing the best of staple Filipino breakfast.

Jersey City is also a place to test and experience a new way to enjoy your favorite drinks and alcoholic beverages. The Dull Boy Restaurant/Bar is one of the city’s best hidden secrets. It is home to a wide-ranging cocktail menu that complements its great food offerings. The Catherine and the Rosieoak are among the bar’s most popular specialties.

Hotels Near Ellis Island

If you want to find a wonderful accommodation near specifically Ellis Island, and every tourist attraction in the city, the following are some of the most recommended hotels in Jersey City:

Hyatt House Jersey City – this hotel is located at 1 Exchange Place and is a just a few minutes’ walk from the Exchange Place Path train station and the Liberty Science Center. The Hyatt House Jersey City has breathtaking views of Manhattan. It is known for being family-friendly, as well as very accommodating to those who want to bring along their furry friends.

Hyatt Regency Jersey City – The Hyatt Regency is another hotel with a great view of the New York metropolitan area. It is facing the Hudson River and is conveniently located to the most recommended tourist spots in the metropolitan area. It offers free wireless Internet connection, breakfast, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

The Westin Jersey City Newport – this Westin hotel is among the most sophisticated hotels in the area. It is located at 479 Washington Blvd and is within close proximity to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. It offers its guests free use of its Wi-Fi connection, welcomes animal members of your family, and has a business center for business travelers.