Norway - House Of Coco Magazine

Norway November 9, 2023

4 great ships for your first cruise

If you’ve never cruised before, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to choosing a cruise. With over 300 cruise ships in the ocean, how can you be sure to pick a good one?

To give you a starting point, we’ve picked out a selection of cruise ships which are great all-rounders and perfect for first-time cruisers. These ships have something for everyone to enjoy with amazing dining options, top class service and fun facilities which are great for couples, families, groups and solo cruisers alike.

1. Norwegian Spirit

Accommodating around 2,000 passengers, mid-size ship Norwegian Spirit is small enough that you won’t get lost, whilst still having plenty to enjoy on board. Kids will love the pirate themed pool at the back of the ship, whilst adults can relax on loungers on the amphitheatre-style decks, supervising their children and admiring stunning sea views at the same time.

Each ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet has freestyle dining, so you never have to worry about being ready for dinner at a certain time. There are loads of different dining venues to try, and screens which show what time each restaurant is likely to get busy so you can easily decide where to go to eat, and whether to have a glass of wine in the bar before you do.

2. Anthem of the Seas

If you fancy something bigger, bolder and more action packed, then you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. This huge ship has so much to do that you’re guaranteed to never be bored on-board. In fact, with bumper cars, ice skating and a 300-foot-high observation podto name but a few of the on-board activities, you’re unlikely to find time to experience everything in a week.

There are lots of places to escape from the hustle and bustle too – the adults only solarium is simply blissful. In fact, there are loads of cool venues on this ship to enjoy without children. Whilst they’re having the most fun ever in the world class kids’ clubs, parents can enjoy a show in the theatre or sample cocktails in one of the many bars.

Anthem of the Seas will sail out of Southampton in 2020 – providing UK cruisers with a really easy way to join their cruise.

3. Iona

Iona is a brand-new cruise ship from British cruise line P&O Cruises. It’s expected to be unlike any other ship in existence, aimed at people who have never cruised before, or who usually take land-based holidays. In a bold move, the cruise line has moved away from their usual style, offering a refreshingly different experience.

Instead of set dining times, cruisers on Iona can dine whenever and wherever they like. Expect street food-style food outlets offering cuisine from across the globe. At the heart of the ship will be a Sky Dome, which provides a weather proof place to relax by the pool in the day and enjoy spectacular shows at night.

Iona will spend the first six months after her launch in May 2020 sailing on round trips to Norway from Southampton. If you’ve always wanted to visit the Norwegian Fjords, a cruise is certainly the best way to do this. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world and your kroner doesn’t go far. But because so much is included in a cruise, experiencing the Fjords from the water can be the cheapest, as well as most scenic, way to do this.

4. Royal Princess

First-time cruisers can’t go wrong with a cruise on Royal Princess. Fit for a queen, Princess Cruises is a cruise line famed for world class service and delicious cuisine. Royal Princess epitomises this perfectly. Although it’s a large ship with accommodation for around 3,600 passengers, the staff on board simply can’t do enough to help.

Enjoy slices of the best pizza at sea washed down with freshly squeezed lemonade, all included in your cruise fare. In the evenings, there’s no better place to relax than the top deck where couples and families like to snuggle up under blankets and watch movies under the stars.

Whether you’d like to cruise from the UK or enjoy a fly-cruise to an exotic location, you can’t go wrong with any of these ships which are all ideal for first-time cruisers. When it comes to choosing your first cruise, it pays to do your research and choose a ship like these which is loved by couples, families and solo travellers alike.

This article was provided by Cruise118, an award-winning UK-based specialist cruise travel agent.

Arts November 9, 2023

Why your next trip should be to North Jutland in Denmark

Think that gastronomy in Denmark is just exclusive to Copenhagen? Think again. For people in the know, the Northern Jutland area is THE place to visit to take advantage of some of the best food that Denmark has to offer.

North Jutland is beautifully situated at the very top of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. With its charming towns, stunning landscapes and powder-soft beaches, this island in the far north of the country is Denmark’s most northerly region, where Danish design and architecture meets pristine nature and then there is the food (more on that later!)

Jutting out dramatically into the sea, North Jutland is renowned for the special light it produces and has attracted artists both in current times and historically to paint here. It has more hours of sunshine than the rest of Denmark and has the most beautiful landscape which is made up of lush forests, quirky streets, sand dunes and endless white sand beaches.

Be happy

We started our Danish adventure in Aalborg which has been undergoing quite the development over recent years. It has been named as Europe’s happiest city, with a survey citing that Aalborg’s residents are the ‘most satisfied’in Europe. We stayed at the Hotel Cornwall Hvide Hus, a modern hotel with incredibly cool décor situated in the heart of the beautiful Kildeparken which is renowned for being the home of elegant sculpture which are nestled alongside the impressive fountain.

Singing trees?

As well as these impressive pieces of art, there is also the rather magnificent Park of Music. This initiative sees artists planting a tree to commemorate their visit in Aalborg. There is, however a twist. Some of the trees are accompanied by the artists’ own music and can be activated by the park’s visitors by pressing a button at the foot of the tree. From Beyoncé to Prince to Take That and Sir Elton John, you can meander around the park whilst creating your own symphony.

Award-winning architecture

Aalborg, with its impressive waterfront and quaint buildings blend seamlessly with the award-winning architecture and cosy cobbled streets. It is Denmark’s fourth largest city and is widely considered to be one of the most significant cultural hubs in Denmark.

What is GastroNorth?

As part of our Danish gastronomy adventure, we were invited to dinner by Mads Stenstrup, one of the pioneers of GastroNorth, a new foodie initiative made up of several gourmet restaurants throughout the Northern Jutland region who wants to showcase the regions unique culinary style and has ten restaurants who are part of the Gastro North collaboration. Their aim is to enhance their skills, draw international attention and hopefully secure the region’s first Michelin star soon.

Restaurant Textur

The fabulous Restaurant Textur who has recently received three stars in The Danish Dining Guide 2018 was our first port of call and was my favourite evening meal of the trip. Textur is one of the top restaurants in North Jutland and their kitchen is headed up by renowned chefs Dennis Juhl and Frederik Østera. The restaurant aims to curtail food waste and has a strong seasonal focus. Utilising local ingredients, we enjoyed an epic tasting menu with paired wines with amazing dishes like pan-fried Skagen fish with a salsify and ramson sauce, Danish potato, oyster and caviar and Sirius cheese, berry puree and roasted rye bread. All of which were complimented by corresponding wines and ports.

The restaurant only has 8 dishes on the menu at a single time and this changes every other week. Their aim is to focus more on the dish, utilising local produce seasonal ingredients throughout their menu.

The most authentic Italian restaurant in Denmark?

La Laconda dei Liberati is another restaurant that is part of GastroNorth and is the most authentic Italian restaurant in Denmark. It is situated in the historic Brix Court in the centre of Aalborg. We were served a plethora of delicious dishes cooked by renowned Italian chef Carlo Liberati such as grilled octopus, potato with a squid ink and grilled red pepper, beef tartare, buffalo mozzarella cream and sous vide egg yolk with a refreshing lemon delice with citrus fruit sorbet to end the meal.

The décor of La Laconda is as authentic as the cuisine. It is decorated with Italian square tiles from the 17th century and carefully selected ceramics providing a true Italian rustic style. Even the paving stones in the pretty courtyard are Italian and have been laid by Italian pavers, providing Aalborg with a little piece of Italy in the heart.

Mirror Mirror

Despite only having a few hours to explore the city, we were able to visit the fantastic Kunsten Museum of Modern Art. The building can only be described as an architectural icon made of white marble. It was designed by the world famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in collaboration with Elissa Aalto and Jean-Jacques Baruël. We were lucky to see the innovative exhibition ‘Eleven Less One’ by Michelangelo Pistoletto which features a series of broken mirrors. The artist did a live installation where he smashed up the mirrors at random revealing a myriad of colours.

We also visited the Utzon Museum, the Nordic centre for design and architecture. The current exhibition celebrates the life and work of prominent Danish architect Jorn Utzon who was the architect behind the Sydney Opera House as well as several important buildings throughout Denmark.

The House of Music

Visitors to Aalborg need to play a visit to ‘The House of Music’ which is one of the most prominent music venues in the city. The building (which is located on the edge of the Limfjord – the body of water that splits North Jutland in two) is incredible and is one of the most impressive and ambitious architectural projects throughout Denmark. The design was conceived around the idea of creating synergy and sharing of expertise and its curved auditorium was built to maximise the optimum acoustics for live music performances for both symphony orchestras and contemporary music. This highly complex acoustic concept was developed in conjunction with Tateo Nakajima.

Stunning Skagen

The second destination of our exploration of North Jutland is the beautiful town of Skagen which is just over an hour’s drive. Intriguingly, there is very little traffic on the road which makes for a speedy and very stress-free journey. Skagen is Denmark’s northernmost city and it is a small town with beaches and a busy fishing port nearby. The white sandy beaches are stunning with the crystal-clear waves crashing on the shore. It is renowned for nearby Grenen, where two seas meet – the Skagerrak and the Kattegat. Both of which flow into North and the Baltic sea respectively. On a cloudless day, you can see the point where the two seas meet. Grenen is one of the most iconic attractions in Denmark and it attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

Bohemia and beauty

Skagen is described as ‘part artistic bohemia and part natural beauty’ which is why many of the most prominent Danish artists made this their home since the 19th Century. The painters which includes Anna and Michael Ancher, Holger Drachmann and Peder Severin Kroyer were all fundamental members of the Skagen painting movement from the late 1870s through to the turn of the century. Attracted by the glorious coastline and the unique light, the Skagen artists found much inspiration from this ‘blue light’ – a translucent light that merges the sky and the sea.

Nautical cool

There are several hotels in Skagen, but we stayed in the Hotel Plesner, a cosy yet understated hotel with serious nautical vibes. Situated near the harbour, it was designed by Ulrik Plesner who was one of the members of the Skagen art movement. With little details like the navy and white striped wallpaper and the cluster of suitcases in living areas are all supercute affording a cosy vibe.

Seafood extravaganza

Staying in a fishing port could only mean one thing – seafood! What better way to try some of the local seafood and produce than a visit to the acclaimed Restaurant Pakhuset on Skagen Marina where you can enjoy the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes whilst overlooking the bustling marina such as fish soup with saffron and herbs, pan-fried plaice and prawns and cod with mussel sauce, kale and Danish potatoes.

Let’s explore

Exploring Skagen can be done on foot, but it is handy to have a car to visit Grenen where you can be escorted to the very northern tip of Denmark by landtractor as well as exploring the sand-buried church and the ‘wandering’ dune of the Råbjerg Mile which is the largest migrating dune in Denmark. We would definitely recommend a visit to the superb Skagen museum which is the fifth most visited museum in Denmark where you can see important works of art by members of the Skagen art movement. The building itself was designed by guess who? Ulrik Plesner. You can even pay a visit to the Ancher house which has been preserved in time with some of the most stunning interiors and artefacts.

A glimpse of the past

We also ate at the historic Broendums Hotel which is one of the most historic hotels in the region. Famed for being ‘the place’ for the Skagen artists to wine and dine, Broendums is a quaint hotel with fabulous décor with an exciting menu which offers seasonally-inspired dishes that are made from locally-sourced ingredients. Dining in this charming restaurant is like taking a step back in time thanks to its elegant décor and wall art. Paying homage to the artists love of wine (I know I should have gone to art school!) Broendums has an extensive wine list featuring wines from ‘old school’ vintages from France, Italy, Spain and beyond.

Michelin dining

Just a short drive away from the Marina is Ruth’s Hotel which was included in the Michelin Guide 2018. It offers two dining options. Classical French dining alongside Nordic cuisine. Diners who opt for ‘Ruth’s Gourmet’ can choose delicately put together dishes which are created by Chef Peter Frydkjær with inspiration from local commodities. Expect to see dishes like Flounder from ‘Hyttefad’, mackerel and roasted lemon sole on the menu.

North Jutland cuisine

The region of North Jutland is renowned for the most delicious fresh produce such as seafood, vildemose potatoes, cheeses and more. These delicious North Jutland specialties are based on traditional regional dishes and recipes handed down through generations providing unique opportunities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Why visit North Jutland?

If you are looking for unspoilt coastal views, stunning architecture with artworks a plenty and thoughtfully cooked local cuisine then a visit to Skagen should definitely be on your travel bucket list. There is truly something for everyone – for art lovers, history buffs, those that want a relaxing break and above all else, foodies! If you come to the North Jutland area thinking that Danish food is synonymous with bacon, pickled herring and Danish blue, you will certainly leave with a completely different perception.

New Nordic cuisine isn’t just having a moment, it is here to stay and a visit to the North Jutland region is THE place to experience it.

Finland November 9, 2023

7 Places to Sleep Under the Northern Lights

Here at House of Coco, we’re all about ticking off our bucket list, and the Northern Lights has to be right at the top. Who doesn’t dream of cosying up in a glass igloo, gazing up at that spellbinding cosmic show? Experience the magic firsthand as you sleep under the northern lights and create unforgettable memories under the dancing auroras.

While 2019 might be a year of ‘solar minimum’, where Aurora-causing sunspots fade – don’t lose hope. Experts at The Aurora Zone think that instead of disappearing, the lights are set to become more localised – so you’ll have to choose your destination carefully, and head further north, to rural areas with low light pollution. Better yet, you’ve also got the perfect excuse to stay in a glass-roofed arctic igloo, geodesic dome or slick Scandi design cabin – all in the pursuit of maximising your chances of seeing the elusive aurora, of course. Here are#Teamcoco’s top places to sleep under the Northern Lights.

View this post on Instagram

#arctictreehousehotel #finland #northernlights #visitfinland #scandinaviandesign #winter #snow #irreal

A post shared by Luis Davilla (@davillaluis) on Mar 22, 2018 at 10:49 am PDT

1. Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland

Let your childhood dreams come true and cosy up in one of these luxurious Lappish treehouses. Fusing sleek Scandinavian design with luxe interiors, these treehouses boast one entirely glass wall, with uninterrupted views from your plush, fur-covered bed out over snow-frosted fir trees by day, and with any luck, the wisps of the Aurora Borealis by night. Their Arctic Scene Suites, which each have a log fire, sauna and tub from which to soak up that scenery are simply spectacular.

View this post on Instagram

The best view to wake up to. Photo by @gianlucabruno3

A post shared by Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (@arctictreehousehotel) on Sep 5, 2018 at 12:13 am PDT

2. Harriniva Aurora Domes, Finland

Here at House of Coco, it’s no secret that we’re fans of glamping. So ‘Aurora Glamping’ sounds next level to us! Simple yet chic, these dreamy tent domes boast log-burning fires and Lappish decor to create the cosiest atmosphere, as well as north-facing transparent walls so you can hunt for the lights over Lake Torassieppi.

View this post on Instagram

Would you go glamping in these awesome Aurora Domes? ?❄? #auroradome #glamping #harriniva #bestinwilderness #muonio #lapland #amazing #visitfinland #onlyinlapland #auroraglamping #instagood #bucketlist #laplandfinland #onlyinlapland #snow #northernlights #aurora #sky #beautiful #torassieppi #winterwonderland #finland #ig_scandinavia #luxury #travel #glamorous #glamorouscamping

A post shared by Harriniva Hotels & Safaris (@harriniva_official) on Oct 14, 2015 at 6:47 am PDT

3. Borealis Basecamp, Alaska

Deep in a hundred acres of boreal forest, just 25 miles north but a world away from the nearest city of Fairbanks Alaska, these domes boast 16 feet of windows for guests to gaze up at the night sky from their beds. A dining yurt offers a fantastic fare of locally sourced Alaskan ingredients, while activities include aurora seminars and dog sledging in the surrounding wilderness.

View this post on Instagram

Wow! We’ve had some amazing photographers at the base camp this week. This picture says it all! #Repost @nateinthewild with @get_repost ・・・ Well last night was one for the books here at @borealisbasecamp! Settings; • @sonyalpha A7riii • Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM • 16mm, ISO 1200, 4 second exposure. #sonyalpha #alphacollective

A post shared by Borealis Basecamp? (@borealisbasecamp) on Feb 12, 2018, at 10:08 pm PST

4. Panorama Glass Lodge, Iceland

Overlooking a stunning fjord-scape on Iceland’s West Coast, this Scandinavian-inspired glass cabin boasts sweeping sea and sky views, offering guests the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights either from your bed or the private outdoor hot tub – swoon!

View this post on Instagram

Full moon and northern lights last week? #ísland #iceland #icelandair #hvalfjörður #northernlights #auroraborealis #hotpool #glasscabin #sleepingunderthestars #traveltips #travelgram #tlpicks #bbctravel #architecture_hunter #glasshouse #glassigloo #glasshotel #bucketlisters #glasscabin #travelawesome #amazingplaces #auroracabin #reykjavík #reykjavik #poolwithaview #amazingarchitecture #traveltips #luxurystay #travelandleisure #fullmoon

A post shared by Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland ™ (@panoramaglasslodge) on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:22 pm PST

5. Northern Lights Ranch, Finland

Located far from any city lights in remote Finnish Lapland, Northern Lights Ranch offers unique Sky View Cabins, with glass windows and roofs to fully immerse guests in both the Arctic snowscape by day as well as the starry Northern nights. 200km above the Arctic Circle, you’ll be in with a good chance of catching the Northern Lights from your bed, or perhaps your own personal hot tub, if you opt for the Deluxe Cabin.

View this post on Instagram

Incredible photo taken by @adamrikys and @taylorosullivan? Who wants to be that girl? ▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️▫️ #northernlightsranch #northernlights #auroraborealis #auroraspotting #northernlightsphotos #northernlightsfinland #bucketlist #laplandmagic #lapland #ourfinland #ourlapland #levilapland #finlandluxuryhotels #travelfinland #skyviewers #skyviewcabin

A post shared by Northern Lights Ranch, Finland (@northernlightsranch) on Mar 14, 2018 at 9:53 am PDT

6. Manshausen Island, Norway

You’ll need to take 2 planes, a ferry and a small boat to reach this isolated private island owned by polar explorer Børge Ousland, set well above the Arctic Circle on Norway’s northern coast. But these design cabins more than warrant the trip, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Scandi-chic interiors that beg to be cosied up in while you watch the Northern Lights dance across the ocean.

View this post on Instagram

This is a magical place! Photo taken by our very own architect @snorre_stinessen. Thank you! . . . #snorrestinessen #manshausen #manshausencabins #northernlights #manshausenisland #beauty #visitnorway #nordnorge #travel #travelnorway

A post shared by Børge Ousland (@manshausen_island) on Oct 16, 2017 at 1:41am PDT

7. Muotka Wilderness Lodge, Finland

You’ve probably seen those Insta-famous igloos at Kakslauttanen. But what they don’t tell you on the ‘gram, is that their lesser-known, and far less expensive next-door neighbour Muotka Wilderness Lodge, is actually a better option. Not only are the igloos much more spacious and even include your own sauna, but we loved the charming feel of this family-run hotel – from cosy communal spaces and family-style dining to sharing a drink with the staff after hours. They are also able to organise activities with the best local suppliers directly from the hotel.

View this post on Instagram

2018 is flying by, can’t believe this was a month ago! If you ever want to stay in an igloo in Finnish Lapland, the ones at Wilderness Hotel Muotka have huge windows for watching the snowfall and stargazing while you sleep – and you get your own private sauna! ?✨

A post shared by Beth Roberts (@travelhush) on Feb 23, 2018 at 4:27 pm PST

Learn about how Northern Lights illuminates indoor cultivation in this insightful article on House of Coco.

For more information on the Aurora Borealis and to discover a wide range of Northern Lights holidays and short breaks, visit www.theaurorazone.com.

Denmark November 9, 2023

9 Amazing Reasons to Visit the Northern Europe

Northern Europe often gives off the impression that it’s a remote quiet part of the world given its small populations and cold weather that sometimes could border on the extreme. The truth is, it’s a beautiful area that is rich in culture and history – a true gem of a travel that’s off the beaten path compared to usual European destinations like Rome, Paris, or London. If you’re itching for a different kind of European experience, consider going on northern Europe tours that will introduce you to another beautiful side to the continent. Here are 9 amazing reasons that will convince you to bite the bullet and start planning your Northern European getaway!

1. Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Satisfy your thirst for Viking knowledge by witnessing first hand five actual Viking ships that were discovered in the Roskilde Fjords found around the city.2. See the first ice hotel in the world in Kiruna, Sweden. Time your vacation around the winter Snow Festival to make the most of Sweden’s wintertime activities.3. Attend a festival in Tampere, Finland. This city located in between two lakes is popular for holding so many cultural festivals – from theater to film to music and nearly everything in between.4. Walk through the streets of Aalborg, Denmark. This Northern Europe harbor was very prominent during the Middle Ages. At present, it is home to half-timbered mansions along streets that are picturesque in the daytime and become party central at night.5. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland. This nature reserve might not be European in the strictest sense, but it does have its connections to it through its Norse heritage. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where you can relax and get all warmed up amidst the coolness of the environment.6. Discover the richness of history in Vilnius, Lithuania. The capital city has ancient churches and the famous Old Town, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.7. Take a tour of the Stifsgarden royal palace in Trondheim, Norway. This is quite possibly the largest wooden building in the entire Northern Europe, and is worth a visit for the socio-economic history of the Trondheim and the River Nidelva which flows through it.8. Soak up the fantastic scenery in Uppsala, Sweden. The city has a decidedly slower pace of life, which is the perfect complement to its amazing scenic areas and parks. Uppsala may be smaller than other Swedish cities, but it has a life worth witnessing all on its own!9. Stroll through the world’s best preserved medieval town in Tallinn, Estonia. On this side of the world lies the Old Town, a city that has never been raided or pillaged in all of its history.The result? A beautifully preserved town that you can explore to have the most genuine experience of what medieval life was like.

Clearly, there’s more about Northern Europe than meets the eye. If you are set on discovering more about such an amazing part of the world, read more about Northern Europe to have a better idea of what awaits you when you get there!

Australia November 9, 2023

Perfect countries for cyber tourism

As all the major industries are moving into the digital world, the last thing you would expect to go digital would probably be tourism, but surprisingly this specific innovative service has become extremely popular over the last couple of years. As technology allows us to experience practically all sorts of entertainment online, with better and better quality it was just a matter of time before people started going sightseeing from their couches. Amidst the current state of the world, with the raging pandemic and the travel restrictions, this might appeal to a completely new group of people.
Cyber Tourism offers you to see all your favorite dream destinations without leaving your home and probably saving a lot of your hard-earned money. Cyber Tourism uses virtual reality technology to transport the user to completely different places. Originally meant to be used as just a promotion for future travels or the virtual reality technology itself, the service quickly found its user group and has been growing ever since.
There are a couple of countries that are better visited in real life, but there are also the ones that offer an extremely high-quality look at their reality and have offered a great service to hundreds of people for over a year now. We’ve combined a list of top 5 countries that you should visit while being a cyber tourist.
Norway
One of the best places to visit a cyber tourist would absolutely be Norway. The main criteria when choosing the country by this criteria is how much of the country you can experience online. Norway is one of the most tech-savvy countries across the whole of Europe and you will find that pretty much anything you want to see in Norway you can experience via VR, or just by accessing the internet.
One of the most famous things in Norway is the fjords, and you can actually enjoy them more via VR because you won’t need to go on exhausting 7 hour-long hikes for the view, you can experience it in its full glory via VR.
Another big factor in experiencing Norway as a local is actually their odd gambling scene. Norway has only 2 licensed casino operators in real life but online you can experience a much bigger variety of online casinos that will grant you a peep into what it’s like to gamble at Norwegian online casinos. While the monopoly is still very much prevalent, some casinos have managed to get accustomed to these circumstances and are actually trying to set up their websites in a way that would be understandable to foreigners who wish to experience Norwegian gambling without actually having to be there. Spinia online casino Norway introduced a lot of Red Tiger games to their platform just recently, as an effort to make the website more appealing to the foreigners. And other casinos will start to follow the example soon.
The U.S
For the majority of the world, The U.S is one of the top destinations. Granted there are probably very few cities that most tourist visits but the good news is that you can get the prime U.S experience online. Most of the sightseeing can actually be done through VR since the country is one of the leaders in innovative technology, they have mastered the art of creating an experience that matches pretty closely to the reality of actually being there. Any sightseeing destination you can name, there will be a VR experience for it. You can even tune in to some of the classic performances that happen in cities like Vegas and watch them live, purchase special tickets for getting the live broadcast of these events and so much more. The U.S is the country that very few people visit for the food. This is the topic that would likely divide people when it comes to virtual tourism because for places like France and Italy food is the crucial part of the experience Meanwhile the U.S is much more about the sightseeing and the entertainment, which luckily for you you can now get online, in the highest quality possible.
Australia
Australia has found a great use for cyber tourism to use as a tool to promote it’s beautiful and exciting nature and to attract more tourists in the meantime. This quickly turned into an industry of its own and now you can practically see all of the country’s wildlife and beautiful nature by tuning into VR.Australia also offers a lot of its entertainment services online, which is crucial for any cyber tourism experience. While it is famous for its luxurious resorts and hotels, you can really enjoy them fully digitally, but the upside is that you can enjoy the performances that occur in these glamorous places, most often free of charge and you can plan your cyber tour around these events in advance. There is a lot that still needs to be done when it comes to cyber tourism in Australia, but it is definitely one of the countries worth checking out if you have access to these services.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Sandy Dunes and Salty Air; off-the-beaten-track in Ibiza

With memories of sticky club nights at Manumission, fry-ups in the sunshine and an ill-fated hungover scooter ride from my last trip just over a decade ago, we dipped over the impossibly blue sea and landed in Ibiza. This time, however, I was to avoid singing Vengaboys as much as possible as we were off to explore the blissed out, bohemian side of the legendary isle.

A mecca for free-spirits since the 1950s, Ibiza’s hippy culture is still alive and the sound of drums at sunset increase the further you get away from the Brits abroad buzz of San Antonio. If you’re looking to kick back and focus on your well-being and meditation for a few days, read on. If you are hitting the clubs this summer and just want some hangover cure activities, the following should clear your mind and cleanse your spirit of the shots of the night before.

Tranquil Northern Ibiza

With the island only 40km long, staying far from the madding crowd couldn’t be easier. We stayed at the adults only (but not THAT kind of adults only, as I kept telling my friends) Barceló Portinatx (Venda de Portinatx, 62 barcelo.com ) resort in the north of the island just a 40-minute scenic drive from the airport. Take hand luggage only and you’ll be off the plane and by the pool in no time.

All the rooms in this bright and spacious hotel come with terraces with sun loungers allowing you to sunbathe in complete tranquillity if you just don’t have the energy to expend to pop down to one of the resort’s two pools or even the secluded beach, only 20m away.

The setting couldn’t be more idyllic with stunning sunsets and sunrises above the Portinatx cove which stood in for a much further flung island in the late ’50s film version of South Pacific. In fact, sitting in the hotel’s beachfront Noray restaurant with a goblet of G&T, guitar duo playing and the sky turning pink, it’s hard to believe that you can get here on a budget airline and no jetlag. You could just come to the island for some R&R and you wouldn’t have to go far with the tranquil outdoors Wellness Centre at Barceló Portinatx, with an almond oil massage and experience showers to jump into in between dips in the pool and a complimentary yoga class with views of the Balearic. But, this is the adventure issue so no lounging around for #TeamCoco… okay, maybe just a little bit with a mooch around the stunning true Ibiza feel shop/bar Los Enamorados (103, Calle de Portinatx, losenamoradosibiza.com) with a sundowner cocktail.

Portinatx is located in Sant Joan de Labritja and is the only true tourist resort in this region meaning that a short trip from this coastline you can lose yourself down dusty roads lined with fincas and their lemon groves. The village of Sant Joan is dreamily referred to as ‘the last village’ of the island with its white-walled houses with colourful doors begging you to sit in the sun with a cerveza or explore their artisan market every Sunday.

The village is home to a number of quirky small businesses, like intriguing coffee house-shop-hairdresser Los Otros (Carrer de Sa Cala 15, Sant Joan De Labritja losotrosibiza.com). Pop in for beautiful gifts and a trim and stay for their legendary veggie pink burger from chef Mirjam, author of popular veggie cookbook ‘Veggie Very Much’. After your healthy lunch and retail therapy pop to The Giri Cafe’s garden (Plaza España 5, cafe.thegiri.com ) for a few cheeky sun-drenched afternoon cocktails in the shade of their centuries-old townhouse.

There’s hidden magic to this island everywhere you look. The village of Sant Joan celebrates its patron, Saint John The Baptist on 23rd June with a riotous party with fireworks and bonfires. During the festivities, you can ward away evil spirits by noting down all the negative things that have happened to you in the previous year in a list and chucking it in a bonfire. Then, set intentions for the next year with a new list of goals.

Hippy Heaven

While many of the full-moon free-spirit partiers may have moved on from the hedonism of the ’70s, there are still authentic glimpses into nomadic life around, especially in the north of the island. Parked up in the dusty sand, in the shadow of pine trees in Portinatx, every morning you’ll find traveller couples enjoying breakfast on the rocks and sweeping out their vans. As the sun sets on a Sunday evening, if you are lucky, you’ll catch groups of them drumming on the beach here and also at nearby Benirrás Beach. Apparently, this tradition dates from ‘The Day of The Drums’ on Sunday 18th August 1991 when hundreds of people gathered to protest the Gulf War.

You won’t have to go far before stumbling over ‘authentic hippy souvenirs’ but take these with a pinch of salt. It’s not really the free-spirit way to have things mass produced for a profit. However, to soak up some of the atmosphere of the ’70s it’s definitely worth grabbing a cold one and losing yourself in Ibiza’s original hippy market, Es Cana in Punta Arabi, 10am – 8pm every Wednesday or the famous night market at Las Dalias which runs until 1am on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the summer months. The scents, sights and sounds of these markets will transport you back in time and have you considering all manner of floaty clothes that you’ll then attempt to work into your office attire when back home. A boyfriend blazer works over all kinds of maxi-dresses, trust me.

If you can’t peel yourself away from your sun lounger to make it to the full hippy market experience, check out WorldFamilyIbiza.com – the family-run free-spirited brand which has expanded from Las Dalias market to, fittingly, the world with their colourful collections.

Exploring the seas

You can’t come to Ibiza and not take the opportunity to get out in the sparkling sea. The clear water is thanks to the protected meadows of oceanic seagrass and you won’t believe the turquoise translucency of the water as you come into Formentera by boat. There are a number of larger boats which travel across from the port in Ibiza town but for a true sense of adventure chartering a smaller boat is definitely recommended from the luxe Marina Botafach. Leisurely floating along, hearing tales of pirates, spying luxury yachts that Robert DeNiro has rocked up on and even glimpsing a dolphin, you can see why people have flocked to these magical islands for decades.

Formentera is the smallest and most southernly Balearic island with bright white sands and out of this world blue sea and sky. It’s not hard to see why Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin embraced spending time here in the ’60s and Cara and Leonardo can be found losing themselves in these pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming surroundings. Arrive here and grab a bicycle or scooter to explore your way, with beautiful beaches all around the coast and wall-to-wall sunshine, choose your adventure. From beach chiringuitos where you can grab snacks to the unmissable homemade vanilla ice-cream at the stunning Es Moli De Sal restaurant on Playa de Illetas, there will be plenty of instagrammable treats on the way.

Hidden Gems

Still got a hankering for more of magical, bohemian Ibiza? In the South of the island is the impressive towering island of Es Vedra where Tanit, the goddess of love and fertility is believed to have lived. It’s also where the sirens who lured Odysseus from his ship lived according to local legend and claims to be the third most magnetic spot in the world, just behind the North Pole and Bermuda Triangle. If that wasn’t enough mystery for you, it’s also said to be the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis. The location of this Atlantis is supposedly secret but if you are feeling adventurous, follow the track down towards Sa Pedrera (the cove’s non-new-age name), it’s a steep journey but one that will reward you with carvings and paintings left by the nomads before you.

Where to stay…

We travelled to Ibiza with British Airways and stayed in a Superior Room with Ocean View at the Barceló Portinatx (barcelo.com) including the gorgeous breakfast buffet.

The team at the hotel will be happy to arrange transfers and taxis to and from the hotel to help you explore off-the-beaten-track Ibiza.

Norway November 9, 2023

How to travel to Norway on a budget

Norway has become one of the top destinations for traveling in the last couple of years. Partly because now there are much more convenient and accessible ways to get to the country but also because avid travelers are waking up to the hidden gems in Norway. The country has always been on the tourist radar, but over the last two or three years the tourism has really taken off in the country. The awareness of all the beautiful nature and sightseeing in Norway, along with the unique culture and city life has really piqued the interest of a lot of tourists looking for some new destinations that haven’t become fully mainstream just yet.

And while the demand to travel to Norway is definitely rising, the fact remains that it is still one of the most expensive countries to visit.

You might be able to fly to Norway for quite a reasonable price but once you get in you will be surprised by how expensive everything is for tourists. This is why we’ve created a list of things you could do to make the trip less painful for your wallet. These days it’s absolutely unnecessary to enjoy traveling to inexpensive hotels or eating out every day. There are many ways to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank or having to completely change your lifestyle before and after the trip. So here’s how to save money while exploring Norway.

Travel Cheap

We already mentioned this briefly but nowadays there is a cheaper flight to Norway and you don’t have to pay an extra $100s just for a nicer airline. Look for the cheapest options and consider that if you buy the tickets in advance you could be saving a lot of money. Also, consider that traveling light is always the best option and not just because it saves you money that you would be paying for that extra luggage. Traveling light and only bringing the essentials with you will actually make the whole trip a lot more enjoyable, especially considering the fact that in Norway you will probably be doing a lot of hiking and enjoying nature. Bring the essential travel light and save money even before you get to Norway.

Rent a car

Don’t even think about spending money on cabs and different transportation methods in Norway because you will leave all your hard-earned money right then and there. Especially if you plan on visiting different parts of the country and going long distances you will be better off with a rented car. Especially if you’re not traveling alone, then it makes the deal even better. Renting a car is very easy in Norway and usually, it’s best if you take care of that before traveling there to avoid losing time looking for the right option for you. Luckily everything can be arranged through the internet and renting a car in a foreign country is earlier than ever.

Entertainment

There are a lot of ways to have fun in Norway and the Norwegians definitely know how to have fun. One of the most popular pass times in Norway is gambling and actually you could also try your hand at gambling and enjoy the very beneficial regulations. The fact that gambling is so popular in Norway is because the local operators started offering opportunities like free gambling money for Norwegian players and got the local players to log into these gambling venues in the first place. Soon enough the love of gambling in Norwegians became a given. You don’t even have to visit a casino, you can instead enjoy top online casinos in Norway and try their gambling scene like this. This way you can get your entertainment but ahead of that, you get a chance to double your money and have resources to spend on other activities. Aside from that, try to focus on entertainment that is free or at least located outside of city centers, where they are usually less expensive. All the sightseeing can be enjoyed free of charge unless you want to go into the museum and take bus tours, but these more cliche tourist experiences are getting less and less popular because people want to experience the authentic living of the country they are visiting which usually lies way outside of city centers and museums. So there are ways you can find entertainment, and enjoy the culture without having to pay extra money for that.

Consider camping

While clearly you won’t be able to camp in the middle of the city, a lot of traveling in Norway actually happens outside the big cities. And while you will have options to stay at luxurious Airbnbs there too, if you’re trying to save money this is definitely not the way to go about it. If you are planning to do a lot of traveling and hiking, invest in a durable tent that will carry you through your adventure free of charge, all across Norway. Plus it will save you a lot of time trying to find a good deal since most of the time the even the lower tier apartments are quite expensive.

Go grocery shopping

While eating out is sometimes necessary while traveling tries to avoid it as soon as you get settled in Norway. You can still save up some money to enjoy a special night out in a restaurant, but just know that casual dining in cafes and restaurants turn non-casual really quickly with high price points. Even having a cup of coffee every day will put a huge dent in your bank account so invest in some alternative and avoid making the habit out of eating in the restaurant during your trip to Norway. Preparing your own food while traveling can actually fix a lot of problems that travelers face. You won’t end up with a bad restaurant, won’t have to waste time driving to that one good restaurant that someone recommended. You just go get your food and cook it how you normally would anywhere else. This tip will save you the most money on the trip so make sure to locate the nearest supermarket as soon as you land in the city.

Norway is a beautiful country where breathtaking Nature and the beautiful historical buildings create one of the most well rounded traveling experiences ever. But that does not mean that only the richest people can afford it. You can go and buy your cheap tickets and cut down living costs by eating in, and you will be able to enjoy the same experience only for half of the price.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

The Top Women In Gambling

Back in the days, gambling was seen as a very macho thing to do, and you’d struggle to find a woman in such a male oriented environment. Fast forward to 2018, and the times have definitely changed, with more women than ever taking up some form of gambling professionally or simply just for pleasure. We have taken a look at some of the top women in gambling from both the past and present:

Vanessa Selbst

Vanessa Selbst is the most successful female poker player of all time, and is the only woman to have ever reached the number one ranking on the Global Poker Index. She is the first ever woman to participate in a Super High Roller event. With over $11.8 million in live poker earnings, Vanessa Selbst is the highest female earner in history and she also has three World Series of Poker bracelets to her name, winning them in open field events.

Alice Huckert

Back in a time when gambling was primarily for men, Alice Huckert, or Poker Alice as she was commonly referred to, paved the way for female gamblers. Born in 1851, Alice Huckert became famous for her cunning skills and good looks, which she combined together masterfully. Men were so thrown off by her charm, that she would sometimes break the bank and force the dealer to close the game! On a good night, it was said that Poker Alice was able to take home around $6000, which is roughly a staggering $160,000 in today’s currency!

Lottie Deno

Poker Alice wasn’t the only famous female gambler from the 19th century, Lottie Deno made her name in the state of Texas after learning to play poker from her father. She earned the nickname, ‘Poker Queen’, after beating one of the most famous poker players of a generation, Doc Holliday. Many men who lost to Lottie Deno were so enraged at losing to a woman, that they often accused her of cheating her way to victory!

Annette Obrestad

Annette Obrestad had an early start to the world of Poker, bursting onto the scene at the age of 15. By the age of just 18, she had already amassed over $836,000 in earnings simply by paying online poker games. Annette Obrestad is also the youngest person ever to win a World Series of Poker bracelet, which she won at the 2007 World Series of Poker Europe tournament.

Annie Duke

Prior to the rise of Vanessa Selbst, Anni Duke was the highest female earner in Poker, and was the winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the National Heads-Up Poker Championship in 2010. One of her standout performances came in 2002 at the World Series of Poker Championship when she finished in 10th place, all the while being 9 months pregnant! This was also the 2nd best result for a female in poker history.

It’s so refreshing to see women being taken seriously in the world of gambling and it just proves that anybody can become a super star, all it takes is practice, determination and of course a tiny bit of luck! If you are interested in learning more about gambling, read more about these top ten online casinos and test your luck at some games and you might just turn into a pro in no time!

Denmark November 9, 2023

The perfect route to see what Scandinavia has to offer

Scandinavia is among the top tourism destinations in the world. From the beautiful northern lights, modern and diverse cities, you can have the best experience while visiting this beautiful region. Not only is it a very beautiful place to see, but it also offers an incredibly exceptional experience.
If you want to see this incredibly beautiful region on its fullest, you need to have a certain type of route that you can follow. First things first, decide the time when you want to visit Scandinavia since it can make a huge difference.
Best time to visit
Scandinavia has plenty to give over the whole year with four distinct seasons. It’s personal when it’s best to visit for you and that depends on your pre-booked holidays, what you want to see and do, or your favourite season. Summer is a great time to visit in Scandinavia, in the months of July and August. You are more likely to have pleasant weather at this time of year and nature comes alive with residents as well as tourists setting out for the great outdoors experience.
Although summertime may be a great time to visit the Nordic countries if you dream of seeing the northern lights, it isn’t the best time. It refers in particular to the northern regions, such as Northern Norway, as well as Finish and Swedish Lapland, where the sun does not completely set during the summer months. Visiting this magnificent region between October and March, also known as the aurora borealis season, gives you the best opportunity to see the beautiful lights.
Transportation
There are many ways you can get to Scandinavia, but the flight would definitely be a better choice considering the less time it would need compared to other ways of traveling.
Once you get to your first destination, it would be a smart decision to rent a car and see the whole region by yourself. Also, when you are in big cities, public transportation is a great choice. In the countries of Scandinavia, public transportation is very much in-sync, which means that there is not a huge amount of waiting time, and many people use this method for their traveling.
It will cost you less money and will give you the ability to see the countries at its best.
In Scandinavia, you can go from one country to another by using buses that operate daily. Also, you can get a taxi or uber and use it as your transport of choice. Uber and taxis are very popular in the region, and according to Norsk Casino Online, gaming providers use this opportunity to advertise their platforms.
Where to start?
The hardest part of traveling in Scandinavia is that it is impossible to decide what you prefer to see. No matter where you go, the experience will be once in a lifetime.
If you decide to start your journey from Solo, the capital of Norway, you will not be disappointed. Nature meets the urban lifestyle in Oslo. While visiting, go outside to explore the green mountains and valleys, or appreciate the colorful cultural life, visit world-renowned museums and galleries such as the Munch Museum or the Viking Ship Museum.
Visit bergen after you are done with Oslo, this city is the second-largest city in Norway. It represents a perfect place to experience rich cultural and historical sights, and see breathtaking natural wonders.
You can also spend hours wandering around this diverse city’s streets, visiting museums and its old town, the Bryggen, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lofoten Island is a must-see while visiting Norway. This area has plenty to give as an archipelago within the Arctic Circle in terms of the stunning scenery of mighty ranges, craggy coastline roads, clean rivers, and quaint fishing villages. A famous stop on the Norwegian Coastline Voyage is Svolvær, Lofoten’s main city.
If you want to relax, you should also visit Flåm, a beautiful small town in Norway. Gravity-defying Preikestolen is also among the top destinations.
Sweden
After you have been able to see some of the greatest things that Norway offers, it is time to move on to Sweden. Start your journey in Sweden with the capital,Stockholm. Get to know Swedish culture before seeing other parts of the country. Once you are done in Stockholm, visit Gothenburg. It is Sweden’s second-biggest city. The city is full of history, as it was founded as a trading colony, by royal charter in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus.
Sleeping on ice in Sweden’s iconic Ice Hotel in Sweden is a quintessential Nordic experience that you really don’t want to miss.
You should try your hand on enjoyable winter activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling throughout the day. Keep warm on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed at night, keep an eye out for the northern lights dancing and grab a drink at the ‘cool’ ice bar.
Denmark
Visit the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen once you are done with Sweden. Copenhagen is full of palaces, beautiful buildings, and references to writer Hans Christian Andersen.
You might comfortably spend several days enjoying all the cultural and historical sights in Copenhagen, but be sure to visit the luxurious Amalienborg Castle, home to the Danish Royal Family, and Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world.
Finland
Visit Finland after you are done with Denmark. It is not technically Scandinavia, but you should definitely visit the country while you are traveling through Nordic countries. Pass the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, and experience the best of Finnish history. Here, alongside beautiful buildings, you can find trendy modern architecture from the 20th century which makes exploring the city a real treat.
While you are still here, think about your childhood fantasies and honor them by visiting the hometown of Santa Claus, in the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi. Here you also have a great chance of seeing northern lights during the wintertime, there are also many beautiful museums worth seeing.
Scandinavia represents one of the top tourism destinations in the world. It has the ability to offer everyone something they might like. It is super popular for those who travel alone or prefer to have trips with their family or friends. Scandinavia can offer you unforgettable and once in a lifetime experience.

Belarus November 9, 2023

National Vodka Day 4th October

Some of the #TeamCoco girls are serious when it comes to vodka, they would even class themselves as vodka connoisseurs, so for those of you who are only just hearing about this wonderful day to celebrate all things vodka, here is a round up of general info to get you in the mood for a little vodka based cocktail or two!

Stats

National Vodka Day falls on 4th October annually. It runs across the world not just in the UK, National Vodka Day has been running since 2009 when it launched in United States.

In Russia, 31st January is Russian Vodka Day.

More vodka is produced in Poland and Russia than anywhere else in the world, this area is known as the vodka belt and also includes Ukraine, Belarus, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Events

This National Vodka Day is being celebrated at London Cocktail Week with international mixologist Joe McCanta who will be mixing some vodka cocktails especially for the event. Joe is an expert on taste and brings together a passion for great cocktails made from the freshest ingredients and the creative skill of a master mixologist. Joe has delivered master classes at trade shows including London International Wine Fair, and he has worked alongside world-famous chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

Joe says; ‘’My favourite vodka-based cocktail will be Vodka Martini, it’s the best cocktail for tasting the actual spirit and expressing the flavours. It’s a classic authentic cocktail which has stood the test of time, which makes it the perfect drink for any occasion. And to end the night it has to be the Espresso Martin, it’s rich, indulgent and deliciously smooth ’’.

Launches

October 4th sees the world famous vodka brand GREY GOOSE reintroduce an all-time favourite back into the UK. GREY GOOSE La Vanille is due to make its revival at London Cocktail Week amidst much anticipation and excitement. The essence of GREY GOOSE La Vanille is the discerning spirit for any cocktail, from an early afternoon GREY GOOSE La Vanille Spritz to a late-night GREY GOOSE La Vanille Espresso Martini cocktail, there is a perfect serve for every occasion.

GREY GOOSE La Vanille is due for national release into top bars across London and parts of the UK, and available to purchase from Amazon and Ocado from mid-October. RRP £40.

Retail

We are loving the vodka based lines at Hotel Chocolat, with their collection of Cocoa Vodka Liqueur made with 70% full bodied dark chocolate, lashings of fresh cream and vodka (priced at £25), and the dreamy Salted Caramel Cocoa Vodka, with a whole cocoa bean inside each bottle and a hint of Maldon sea salt, oozing caramel, cocoa and English vodka (priced at £25). Available from UK stores or online from Hotel Chocolat.

Cocktail Recipes

London Cocktail Club has very kindly put together two of their fave all-time vodka based cocktails for us to try at home. If you are visiting London and fancy trying one of these cocktails then head over to Liverpool Street for the London Cocktail Club’s vodka focused venue.

Confessions of a Cucumber Salesman:

Vodka – 35ml
Elderflower cordial – dash
Lemon Juice – squeeze
Sugar Syrup – dribble
Sparkling wine – 50ml

Black Forest Soufflé:

Vodka – 35ml
Lemon Juice – squeeze
Blackcurrant Jam – 2 tbps
Cherry Mariner – 20ml
Egg white – 1
Sparkling wine – 50ml