The post Best Tourist Attractions Near Buckingham Palace in London, UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is arguably the most famous church in the UK. It is an architectural masterpiece, built in Gothic style, and features imposing towers and awe-inspiring carvings. The church is also noted for its role in royal events and the cemetery, which is the final resting place for numerous historical figures like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
St James’s Park
The oldest Royal Park in London, St James’s Park is just a few minutes away from Buckingham Palace. The park is noted for its friendly wildlife and abundance of monuments and statues. The visitors can also enjoy sights of London’s most popular attractions from the park grounds, including the London Eye and Big Ben, or take a stroll down The Mall, a long tree-lined route that is often used for ceremonial parades.
British Museum
Finally, you can embark on a half-an-hour relaxing stroll filled with various points of interest from Buckingham Palace to the British Museum. One of the world’s most famous museums, it contains some of the most important historical artifacts and works of art, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Aztecs’ Double-headed serpent sculpture.
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]]>The post 24 Hours in Istanbul, Turkey: Here is How to Spend Them appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>But let’s say you only have 24 hours to see what Istanbul is all about. In that case, here is how to spend them.
Head to Besiktas for a Filling Breakfast
Besiktas is a great place to start your day in Istanbul. The neighborhood is filled with cozy cafes and restaurants that serve delicious and filling breakfasts that will give you fuel for the rest of the day. Our recommendation is Peynir Ekmek or Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu.
Marvel at Dolmabahce Palace
Once you have finished your meal, make your way to the nearby Dolmabahce Palace. Situated on the Bosporus, this luxurious palace once served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. You can marvel at it from the outside or opt for a quick tour to see its stunning gardens.
Get a Baklava at Taksim Square and Glance at Galata Tower
Your next stop should be Taksim Square, the city’s largest square. It is a busy area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. While here, make sure to enter the dessert restaurant Faruk Gulluoglu and try the best baklava you ever had. Quickly glance at the Galata Tower and hop on the tram towards Sultanahmet neighborhood.
Visit Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
As soon as you step off the tram, make your way to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. These are two of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks and are in close proximity to each other, allowing you to check them both without wasting valuable time.
(@wherezanna)Shop at Grand Bazaar
A visit to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without checking its Grand Bazaar. Here you can stock on clothes, jewelry, antiques, spices, and snacks, or simply explore its countless shops.
Have a Relaxing Night at Galataport
Finally, to finish your day on a high note, head to Istanbul’s waterfront known as Galataport. Offering highly-rated restaurants, brand-name shops, and art and culture attractions, it is perfect for a relaxing night.
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]]>The post Want to Book a River Cruise? Consider These Pros and Cons appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Pro: They Are a Great Way to Explore and See More
River cruises are usually organized in a way that the passengers visit a new port every day. This provides an opportunity to explore more destinations in a short period. Additionally, there will be no lack of amazing sights when you’re sailing.
Con: They Are Expensive
River cruises are usually quite expensive. They are a lot pricier compared to ocean cruises and the cost can often go beyond what you would spend for a vacation on land.
Pro: They Are All-Inclusive
Most river cruises are all-inclusive. This means you don’t need to worry about different packages or additional bills. They provide accommodation, meals, and drinks for as long as you are on board.
Con: They Lack Entertainment
Don’t expect river cruises to keep you entertained with elaborate shows or have a movie theater. Instead, the best you can hope is a small band singing covers until midnight.
Pro: They Feel More Personal
River cruise boats are much smaller compared to ocean cruisers, often carrying no more than 200 passengers. This makes them feel more personal and allows you to get to know your fellow cruisers and make new friends.
Con: They Can Feel Claustrophobic
On the other hand, the size of a river cruise boat can be a con as well. The cabins are often small and are the only place where you can get some privacy, making them feel claustrophobic.
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]]>The post 4 Dos and Don’ts Tourists Should Know Before Visiting the Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in Chile appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Do: Plan a Longer Stay
If you want to properly enjoy your experience at Easter Island, you should plan for a longer stay. In order to explore the island properly, you will need at least five days. This will allow you to appreciate the moai without any rush, get immersed in the local culture, and take a dip in crystal clear waters.
Don’t: Expect an Easy and Cheap Travel
Easter Island is one of the world’s most remote islands, so visiting it is both time-consuming and expensive. In order to get there, you’ll first need to travel to Chile’s capital Santiago, from where the only flights to the island depart. Then it’s a five to six-hour long flight until you reach the island.
Do: Hire a Travel Guide
In order to fully experience the Easter Island, you will need to hire a travel guide. The rules of Rapa Nui National Park, where most of the moai statues are located, stipulate that visitors can only enter with a certified travel guide and that independent exploration of the national park is forbidden.
Don’t: Touch the Moai
Touching the moai statues is strictly forbidden. Not respecting this rule comes with a hefty fine of several thousands of dollars.
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]]>The post 4 Reasons to Visit Rome, Italy, During Winter appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Weather is Still Nice
You will rarely encounter snow in Rome during winter. While the temperatures can dip on the low side, the weather is still nice and there are plenty of sunny days mixed with occasional rain. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with the high heats that come with the summer visit.
Affordable Accommodation
Winter is considered off-season in Rome, meaning that finding a great and affordable place is easy. Accommodation providers slash their prices to fill up their capacity, allowing you to score some awesome deals.
Easier Access to Tourist Attractions
Major tourist attractions are regularly packed and often sold out during the peak season. In the wintertime, this won’t be an issue. You will have no trouble getting tickets and accessing all the tourist attractions you want to see as the demand isn’t that high.
Fewer Crowds
This might be one of the best things about visiting Rome during winter. You will encounter far fewer crowds compared to other times of the year. This means less time waiting in lines, more free tables at restaurants, the ability to explore the streets freely, and an overall better chance to experience the authentic side of Rome.
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]]>The post Best Free Things to Do in Austin, Texas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Take the “Walk of the Town” Tour
The city of Austin created a helpful (and free) Walk of the Town app that gives visitors an opportunity to embark on a self-guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks and areas. It will take you to some amazing places while allowing you to learn more about Austin’s history, thanks to in-app audio and visual commentary.
Visit the Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol is one of Austin’s most famous and impressive landmarks, and visitors can enjoy stunning architecture and breathtaking surrounding grounds while checking out some intriguing exhibitions. Entry is free of charge, and free guided tours are provided on weekdays.
Enjoy Theater Performances and Live Music at Zilker Metropolitan Park
Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park is a great place to relax but also a site where you can check out a live show for free. Zilker Theatre Productions puts on theatre performances in the park throughout the year, and the park also serves as a venue for a number of music events.
Observe Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
In the 1980s, a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats found its home beneath Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge. Since then, the colony has grown to 1.5 million bats, and watching them fly out for their nocturnal hunt in the evening is a marvelous sight. Of course, you can watch it in person for free just by being on the bridge or somewhere nearby around sunset.
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]]>The post Have a Great Ski Trip without Breaking the Bank with These Tips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Having a great ski trip without breaking the bank is easy if you just follow these tips.
Consider Lesser-Known Ski Resorts
Popular ski resorts are always packed, and the prices usually follow the demand. To counter this, consider going to a lesser-known ski resort. Do your research and see which ski resorts have a good reputation but are yet to become swarmed with skiers.
Go to Europe for a Ski Trip
You can also consider a trip to Europe, where affordable ski resorts with great slopes and service are more common than in the United States. Despite having to pay for your flight, you will still be able to save substantial amounts while perhaps having an even better experience.
Stay Off-Mountain
This might not be the most convenient option, but it can help cut the cost of your ski trip substantially. By staying off the mountain, you will pay for cheaper accommodation while also having an opportunity to rent a condo with a kitchen and save on food. This way, you will only need to pay for ski passes at your ski resort of choice.
Buy Second-Hand Ski Gear
Buying new ski gear or renting one can put a significant dent in your wallet. Your best option is to buy it second-hand. Using online marketplaces, you can find some great deals.
Choose the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to ski trips on a budget. You want to avoid holidays and weekends because these are the times when prices soar. Also, consider going late in the season, when the demand wears off, and ski resorts start slashing prices.
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]]>The post Best Free Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>On top of that, there are plenty of free things to do in Jacksonville that will make your visit worthwhile while allowing you to stay within your budget.
Enjoy a Day at the Beach
All of the beaches in Jacksonville are public and free to visit. They offer a great opportunity for a day of sunbathing and swimming, and all you will need is a towel and some snacks. However, you can also enjoy a wide range of other activities, including surging and kayaking.
Relax at Memorial Park
If you would like to take some time to relax, then head to Memorial Park. This riverfront park is known for its lush greenery, well-maintained grounds, and plenty of spots where you can have a picnic or simply take a breather. Also, you can marvel at Charles Adrian Pillars’ famous sculpture “Life,” which serves as the park’s centerpiece.
Explore Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers everyday free admission to visitors. The museum originated from the art collection of Jacksonville resident Ninah Cummer and was built on the site of her former home while maintaining her three majestic gardens. Beginning with 60 artworks in its collection in 1961, the museum now houses 5,000 works of art, ranging from ancient times to contemporary art.
Visit Riverside Arts Market
Riverside Arts Market is Jacksonville’s most famous market. It is held every Saturday under Fuller Warren Bridge. Despite featuring vendors selling anything from local produce to handcrafted items, you don’t need to spend any money to have a great time. Instead, you can enjoy some complimentary samples and watch various live performances from local musicians.
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]]>The post Top 4 Reasons to Get a Cruise Upgrade appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>However, if you are willing to spend a bit more money on a cruise upgrade, you can improve your experience compared to the basic package. Here is why.
You Can Get a Balcony
Considering you will usually spend around seven days on a cruise ship, getting a cabin with a balcony is a way to go. It will provide you a spot where you can get some fresh air, enjoy reading a book, have a drink with a view or simply relax.
More Space
A better cabin means more room for everything. This is especially important if you travel with family. You won’t stumble over your belongings, and your cruise won’t turn into a tantrum festival because everyone is invading each other’s personal space.
Better Amenities
When you upgrade to a better cabin, you can expect better amenities. This can be anything from a larger TV and bigger bathroom with more expensive toiletries to private Jacuzzi baths and more.
Additional Perks
Some cruise companies keep fancier cabins in a separate section of the cruise ship, and they come with additional perks. This often includes separate pools, thermal spas, lounges, and specialty restaurants.
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]]>The post Visiting Paris, France? Don’t Miss Out on Making a Day Trip to Champagne appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Still, being in Paris and not using the opportunity to check out the Champagne region is definitely a missed opportunity. Here is why.
You Can Enjoy Quality Champagne
Champagne region is most famous for producing the famous bubbly drink of the same name, and getting a glass straight from the source will be a rewarding feel. The quality is the best in the world, and there are so many varieties you can try. Additionally, you can buy a few bottles at a discount price at most champagne houses.
There is so Much to Do Here Besides Drinking Champagne
Besides enjoying champagne, there is so much more to do here. You can embark on long walks and enjoy the landscape, explore vineyards and learn about wine culture, or just relax with a great meal. You can also visit several bigger cities in the region, including Reims, in case you are in the mood to marvel at the amazing architecture.
Getting There from Paris is Easy and Fast
Getting to Champagne from Paris isn’t a major hassle. If you take a car, you can get there in an hour and a half. Train is even a better option considering it is affordable, there are trains going to the region every half an hour, and the fastest train ride takes just 40 minutes.
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