Hawaii has a very casual culture where the locals mostly wear flip-flops and tourists wear floppy hats and sundresses. Even the most stylish outfit is relaxed with floral or Boho patterns, accompanied with stunning shell and pearl jewels which are naturally located on the island. Despite the chilled vibe on the island, you can still dress up with cuts and prints. For instance, a floral romper or a skirt with a top that can be dress up without being too formal.
The Perfect Maui Accessory And Clothing Packing List
Three to five tops
One legging
Two pairs of shorts
One or two rompers
Two to three dresses
One or two bathing suits
One or two sunhats
Two cover-ups
Three pairs of shoes (no heels)
One beach bag and a purse
One or two pairs of sunglasses
Don’t forget to check out https://www.islandessence.com/ for a wonderful selection of hand-cleansing oils for those hot humid days and relaxation healing oils.
What To Pack For Your Maui Vacation
Tops – you don’t have to have too many tops;however, you’ll require layers. Maui doesn’t get very cold, but it tends to get wet. For outdoor excursions like hiking, going out to lunch, or going to the beach, you are going to need a variety of garments. Don’t forget to wear a bathing suit underneath for when you want to take a dip.
Leggings – the most suitable pants you’ll need in paradise, is a pair of leggings. They can be worn for physical activities or for covering up when it rains.
Dresses – Gowns and bodycons are a complete waste on an island vacation. Maui’s laid-back culture leaves no room for such attire. For dressing up, a colorful maxi dress with a pair of gladiator sandals or wedges is perfect.
Cover-ups – Sarongs, extra-long skirts or sarongs work well when you’re leaving your hotel room or and require some coverage. Baggy dresses are perfect for some sun protection.
Bathing Suits – There is no such thing as having too many bathing suits while vacationing in Hawaii. With all the laid-back lounging in the sun and taking dips in the ocean, you will need a diverse selection to avoid tan lines. You can consider a triangle bikini, trendy one-piece, and bandeau bikini.
Shoes – Unless you want to protect your feet from sharp rocks while exploring the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, all you will need are sandals or flip-flops. Close-toed shoes might feel too stifling when you’re out and about. Gladiator sandals, espadrilles, Birkenstocks, strappy sandals and flip-flops are all great options. Two or three pairs of shoes will be sufficient.
Accessories – Boho accessories looks amazing, since you’re not wearing formal gowns or dresses. These types of accessories are the perfect match and present incredibly chic. Think vintage sunnies, floppy hat, bohemian scarves, bangles and delicate jewelry pieces. Since you’ll be showing off a lot of skin most of the time, these accessories can be shown off at their best. Remember to pack a purse or crossbody bag for when you’re out and about, exploring the island, running a few errands for essentials or going for a quick lunch. A beach bag is a necessity for carrying all your sunbathing and beach accessories.
Travel is a privilege, a lifestyle choice that allows us to experience new cultures, connect with people and make amazing memories. But it is important to be aware of the impact it can have on the environment and local communities. We still believe travel should be encouraged and celebrated, as long we are educated about the effects of our choices and hands-on in aiming to offset them.
We spoke to Julie Middleton, Head of Sustainability at The Travel Foundation, a UK charity championing sustainable tourism, to learn some methods to minimise the environmental consequences of a road trip.
Julie Middleton told us: “Any way that you travel you need to think about how it will impact on both the environment and the people that live there.
“If you are bearing this in mind and thinking about how you can bring maximum benefit and make sure you’re not doing anything that’s going to create a negative impact then that’s the way to travel.”
Research is one easy way to reduce the negative impact your trip may cause. Educate yourself about where you’re going and be mindful of the culture and of guidelines such as the seven ‘Leave No Trace’ principles from the Centre For Outdoor Ethics.
“It’s always worth understanding, wherever you travel, the culture. If your road trip is taking you to places where culturally it’s very different to the UK, it’s really worthwhile researching that before hand – try learning some of the local language,” Julie said.
During your road trip you’ll be putting in a lot of miles on the tarmac. It’s important to regularly give your vehicle a good check. A well-maintained vehicle is more efficient – you should be looking at tyre pressure, oil and water. Another option is to select an energy efficient car, if you are renting swapping to an electric or hybrid vehicle should be relatively easy. Make sure you pack wisely as a heavy load can lessen the efficiency of your vehicle.
“The biggest impact is going to be your vehicle. Then it’s going to depend on the quality of that vehicle and whether its electric or hybrid – that’s going be much better for the road trip,” Julie explained.
She added: “Of course there are other modes of transport. You could cycle then you would have a very low carbon footprint.”
Road tripping often means eating on-the-go at convenient times and this usually equates to lots of single-use packaging. Organisation is key here – try visiting a packaging-free shop prior to your trip and buy snacks and other dried supplies in bulk to split into reusable boxes for your journey.
It’s also important to stay hydrated, so buy a reusable bottle and use apps like Tap and Refill to find safe and free drinking water. For hot beverages use a flask in coffee shops to not only save on single-use cups, but get a bit of discount too.
When you do need to get food then buying from local restaurants and shops is the way to go. It can be overwhelming hunting out the best sustainable independent restaurants but apps like Greenease can help.
Julie said: “If you’re going on a road trip and you’re always self-catering then that’s not going to be of benefit to the local economy. Instead go to local restaurants and buy local produce from local shops.”
Chatting with locals is also a great way to pick up insider information. Even better, paying for a local tour guide puts money back in to the local economy as well as getting you these perks.
“Try local guides, where you often get a much better experience because they know the area and they can give you local tips,” offered Julie.
Sleeping arrangements differ a lot between road trips. If you kip overnight in your vehicle or use a campsite then always leave the area in better condition than you found it; don’t just take away all your waste but make extra effort to take away someone else’s rubbish they’ve left behind. Avoid taking a lot of electrical items and try replacing staple electronics, like phone chargers, with solar-powered alternatives.
If you’re booking into somewhere for the night then book locally and support small businesses. Ecobnb is a great resource when looking for accommodation – they only advertise places that meet their sustainability criteria such as using ecological cleaning products and energy saving lights.
When on your road trip implementing even a few of these tips and tricks will contribute to sustainable tourism. You should also end every trip by donating to a charity with sustainability schemes to offset the carbon footprint of a holiday (you can easily calculate your carbon footprint online).
I spent 72 hours exploring the lesser-known towns of Emilia Romagna and found heaps of history, buckets of Italian charm and so much good food!
In the North of Italy, sitting just above Tuscany, is Emilia Romagna – one of the most fruitful areas of the country. It is responsible for world-famous supercars such as Lamborghini and Maserati, opera singers like Pavarotti and more IGP and DOP products (foods that have to created in a specific geographical region adhering to local traditions) than any other region worldwide making it famous for tasty Italian food.
The region consists of some big cities, such as Bologna and Parma, but it’s also home to some hidden gems that make great destinations for an off-the-beaten-track road trip. The close proximity to Tuscany (around a 2 hour 30 minute drive to Pisa or Florence) means you could tag on some of the more obvious choices to your itinerary too! I’d suggest flying into Bologna to visit the towns mentioned in this guide, which could be visited in one day each, meaning they’re a great trio for a long weekend break!
A one-hour drive from Bologna Airport As the historical hub of Emilia Romagna, Ravenna is famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The town is dotted with ancient buildings housing expansive, but amazingly intricate, works of mosaic depicting Christian imagery. One of my personal favourites was the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which from the outside looks unassuming, but inside you’ll find a breathtakingly detailed depiction of the night sky. Next door is the Basilica of San Vitale, an octagonal church with more impressive artistry inside. These two buildings are UNESCO monuments along with another six sites in Ravenna (a combination ticket to all eight sites can be purchased for €9.50
After marvelling at the years-old mosaics you can visit MAR, Ravenna’s Museo d’Arte, where you’ll find a large collection of contemporary mosaics. Professor Giuseppe Bovini, lecturer in Christian Archaeology at the University of Bologna, commissioned a number of artists to sketch a design and then recreate it in the art of miniature tiles. The result is an exhibition containing a combination of pictorial work and mosaics portraying everything from religious images to mystical unicorns to Italian food.
One of my absolute favourite things to do in Italy is to visit the town’s square; they’re something the Italians do so well and they always feel like the heart of the community. And this is no different in Ravenna! Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful square with typical Italian buildings and atmosphere. The Piazza buzzes with life and is the perfect place to pause and spend a slow morning drinking coffee and watching locals go about their daily business. Restaurants and cafes line the edges of the square so there’s plenty of choice.
As well as offering so much rich history Ravenna caters for those interested in the new and up-and-coming. The Docks on the Northern side of town are a bubbling area of development. The Darsena Popup and is a building, created from bright shipping containers, housing local eateries. The food-market style of this place feels on-trend but still Italian, with traditional dishes on offer. Try the strawberry and Parmesan starter – an unexpected pairing that works so well.
Cervia
A 30-minute drive from Ravenna Cervia is a small coastal town on the Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna. Here I focused on embracing the local style of life by spending some time on the beach, admiring nature, eating and making the most of the Italian tradition of aperetivo.
Cervia’s compact size makes it the ideal location to hire bikes and take in the town on two wheels. You can cycle past Canale di Cervia, the man made water way, visiting points of interest such as Piazza Garibaldi – the town square complete with cathedral and fountain – or simply appreciating the maze of pretty streets. To make the most of your bikes ride into Parco Natural to explore a beautiful park, which is home to lots of wildlife such as birds, cows and deer. The park is expansive and you could easily spend a few hours exploring either on foot or by bike. It’s also a great picnic spot! For even more adventure then cycle beneath a canopy of native pine trees in the forest of La Pineta.
As evening approaches Italians engage in the social ritual of aperitivo, which quickly became my favourite few hours of the day during my road trip! From around 6pm locals and tourists alike gather at bars to sip alcoholic beverages and sample salty snacks, all in the name of whetting the appetite for dinner. Drinking a Spritz while looking over the canal and out at the boats parked in the habour; I found Cervia a particularly special place to experience aperitivo. The view was lovely, but the atmosphere was even better. Young, trendy Italians flocked to the bars (presumably preparing for an evening in the neighbouring district of Milano Marittima known for its luxury shopping and busy nightlife) and there was just a general buzz along the canalside.
The beach, known as II Mare, is a long stretch of sand split into many bagni – different sections of beach that contain bars, restaurants, spas and small holiday resorts. I had the most delicious evening meal at Saretina 152, sitting outside with my feet in the sand and the waves gently crashing in the distance was a fantastic experience. The food was incredibly good with generous portions made from fresh ingredients.
Cervia is nicknamed the City of White Gold due to its ancient production of salt. This salt has a unique sweet taste due to the absence of bitter components that are eliminated in the natural drying process. In 1959 salt production turned industrial, leaving just one of the 144 original saltpans in operation. Every summer you can visit the original Camillone Saltpan to see the traditional method of salt production in action or simply visit the Salt Museum all year round to learn more and sample the famous seasoning.
Comacchio
A 40-minute drive from Ravenna or an hour drive from Cervia Having never heard of Comacchio I had no expectations upon arriving, but I was more then pleasantly surprised. It’s known as Little Venice and it’s easy to see why with its labyrinth of canals and bridges. It’s so easy to walk around, watching cute families of ducks float around the canals, and kill a few hours. The beautiful architecture and attractive symmetry of the bridges and steps is a great view to enjoy from one of the waterside restaurant and makes for some cool photo opportunities too.
Comacchio is famous for marinated eel and La Manifattura Dei Marinati is the old pickling factory keeping tradition alive in the town; in fact it’s still in use between October to December roasting eels to prepare them for pickling. As well as seeing the pickling production in autumn you can learn about the process all year round, taste the eels and buy the pickled products at La Manifattura Dei Marinati. You’ll also find Comacchio’s pickled eels in yellow vintage-style tins for sale in almost every shop in town.
Marrakech is an aesthetic dream but there is so much more to this magical city than meets the eye. Like with any passionate love affair, our first encounter with the red city undoubtedly impactful.
We spent an enriching few days exploring every corner of the city, from the mosaic walls of the Bahia Palace to the labyrinthine alleys of the souks; and then ventured out to explore the lesser-known landscapes of the Atlas Mountains to see a side of Morocco unknown to most travellers.
We stayed in two stunning hotels, Le Farnatchi and La Sultana Marrakech– each one offering a new kind of safe haven away from organised chaos of the city. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies gives you your daily dose of wanderlust with a visual diary of her luxurious #CocoCouples trips to Marrakech, because hey, we all need a little escapism these days.
With its picturesque alleyways and terracotta houses framed with climbing ivy, pastel coloured shutters and wrought iron balconies, the irresistible charm of Greece’s first capital is hard to ignore. Famed as the most striking and romantic cities across the mainland, the quaint cobbled streets are distinctly Italian in style, with a unique blend of Venetian and Turkish architecture built in the throes of foreign rules from way back when. Just a two-hour coastal drive from Athens, Nafplio is a frequent haunt for local Athenians seeking light relief from the buzz of the city and in our opinion, a must-visit for all travellers heading to Athens.
Doing
The most blissful thing about Nafplio is that you don’t have to do much of anything at all! The maze-like feel of Old Town makes it perfect for aimless wanderings; window shopping in the endless boutiques, gelato and midday beers in Constitution Square and afternoons spent paddling in the gleaming waters at Arvanitia Beach (located just a stone’s throw from the town) is a day blissfully spent. The irrefutably beautiful Palamidi Fortress frames the town with a sense of ancient grandeur, which is both mesmerising and imposing. While a joy to look at from wherever you are in town, a steep climb up the 999 steps to the top will reward visitors with expansive views of the town, the ocean, and the mountains beyond.
For those seeking a little more adventure, Sea Kayaking is a must. We spent a glorious morning with Tribal Kayak paddling our way from the beautiful Karathona beach to calm blue waters below the ancient fortress, before looping leisurely around the Venetian water castle of Bourtzi. While the four and a half hour experience is heavy on the arms, the scenery is breath-taking and the atmosphere relaxed. Each of us were paired with an expert guide who spun stories of the town’s recent and ancient history, while picking up the brunt of the heavy paddling when our arms had had enough! In the summer months, when the water is warmed from the sun, there is ample time for swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing in the little beach coves that pepper the coastline.
Eating
Bathed in dim light and oozing a romantic ambience, Nafplio comes alive at night. While Central Square and the surround streets are a main hub for tourists with what seems like endless tavernas and al fresco dining options, seek the trendier and more relaxed sophistication of Bouboulinas Street and beyond to New Town, where contemporary Mediterranean eateries can be found tucked away from the well-trodden tourist pathways.
We ate at Menta – a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that blends the design of traditional coffee house with a shabby-chic style modern touch. With traditional dishes and ingredients served with a contemporary flair, the menu nor our choices did not disappoint. Beetroot Hummus and melt in your mouth crispy fishcakes gave way to creamy aubergine dip and salty grilled cheese laced in balsamic glaze. For mains, the freshly caught squid was light and peppery, while the slow cooked lamb and bulgar was beautifully rich and devilishly moreish. Naturally, we ate the lot.
Remaining true to the town’s Italian heritage, it’s impossible to spend a day roaming the streets without stopping for some gelato. Ice cream parlours aren’t exactly in short supply here, so we suggest doing a little loop of the streets to assess your options, before diving into the most delicious looking ice cream in town.
Sleeping
From budget-friendly rooms to upscale boutique hotels and suites, Nafplio has ample accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. We stayed in the Adiandi Boutique Hotel, perfectly located on a quaint Venetian style street in the centre of the old town of Nafplio, and 50 meters from the beach. The hotel itself is simple and functional with traditional architectural features and a charming mismatch of furniture. For travellers uninterested in spending much time in their hotel room, Adiandi is the perfect place to stash your bags and rest your head before getting out into the thick of it.
Hotel breakfast is served in the Wild Duck restaurant just opposite the hotel, where an elegant buffet spread includes a multitude of Greek classics including fluffy Greek yogurt, Strapatsada (Greek style scrambled eggs with tomato and feta) and Revani – semolina cake with orange syrup, which, by the way, is out of this world delicious. The restaurant venue itself is beautifully chic and the ambience relaxed, making fo the perfect place to start your day over a fresh Greek coffee.
Nafplio and Beyond
Nafplio is the perfect launchpad for exploring the ancient sites in the surrounding area. The theatre of Epidaurus is the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece and at 2,400 years old, its immense acoustics and breath taking structure are a must-see monument and just a 30-minute drive from the town centre. From June to August, the site welcomes 90,000 theatre-goes for open-air midsummer productions as part of Athens and Epidaurus Festival and while the surrounding views are spectacular any time of day, a sunlight rendition of Oedipus is a bucket-list level activity.
The Mycenae is a lesser-known but no less iconic ancient archaeological destination, a 25-minute drive North of Nafplio. Set atop a hill-scape, this fortified citadel is nestled above the Peloponnese and was once the largest centre of the ancient Mycenae civilisation that dominated Greece during the Bronze Age Era. Though the old city has weathered and crumbled, the huge Lion gates are an impressive reminder of the test of time and sheer size and scale of the ruins that remain in place are a mesmerising reminder of richness of Greek history.
As enchanting and beautiful as a fairy-tale town, there is something about Nafplio that made or hearts soar and our minds calm. With its mild, all-year-round climate, the destination is at its best just prior to or following the peak summer period, where the buzz of tourism is lighter, the streets sleepier and the surrounding ancient ruin sites a little quieter. You heard it here first.
If you are a free spirit and a lover of journeys, there’s nothing more appealing than the thought of going on a long road trip. However, don’t let excitement stand in the way of proper preparation. A city-break is one thing, but when you’re away for a long time, you need to pack properly. Here’s what you should take with you on a long road trip.
Portable Charger
There is nothing more frustrating than running out of battery when you are on a trip and you want to take a photo, or you need to reach out to someone back home or send an urgent email. A portable charger can help you prevent any of these unpleasant situations.
Since we live in a connected world where smartphones are indispensable, so are portable chargers in any type of journey you’re about to take.
First Aid Kit
You never know when you get hurt or cut or someone else you encounter during your trip needs assistance. A first aid kit is something you definitely must have with you especially if you plan on traveling in remote places where a pharmacy, let alone a hospital, are miles away.
Travel Insurance
Better be safe than sorry. You never know what unpredictable events might take place during your journey; this is why it’s always better to get travel insurance before departure. You do have to pay for it, but in case of emergency, the benefits go far beyond the cost you initially incur.
The more comprehensive the insurance is and the more types of circumstances it covers, the better for you. You should also get informed on what type of risks each area you plan on visiting poses so that you know what type of insurance is better for you.
Truck Cap
When gearing up for a long road trip, it’s essential to ensure that your SUV or truck has enough space to accommodate all your essentials comfortably. Consider adding a truck cap from WildTop to your vehicle to provide additional storage capacity while safeguarding your belongings from the elements. With a truck cap, you can maximize space utilization and embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that your belongings are secure and well-protected throughout the adventure.
Emergency Kit for Your Car
You are not the only one who might need a first-aid kit, as your car can also get damaged along the way and it’s better to have an emergency kit at hand if this happens. You don’t want to make a desperate phone call or depend on the kindness of strangers if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
With an emergency kit that’s equipped with tire gauges, hammer, reflective triangle signs, jumper cables, fuel transfer kit, and different other tools, you might be able to fix the situation yourself.
Car Seat Covers
You’ll be staying inside your car for most of the road trip going to your destination, so it only makes sense to make your car as comfortable as possible. Make sure that your car has quality and comfortable seat covers. It’s best to get tailor-fit seat covers so they perfectly suit the shape of the seats. Besides fully protecting the seat from stains and dirt, snug seat covers will not slip or slide as you move around or hop in and out of the car.
Waterproof Coat and Umbrella
Weather can always behave unpredictably, and you don’t want to have to spend hours in your car or hotel room because you are not well-equipped against rain. With a quality waterproof coat and a resistant umbrella, you can still enjoy the sights you’ve always wanted to admire, even in rainy weather.
Neck Pillow
This is an elementary item you should not forget to pack especially if you are going to spend long hours in your car. If someone else is driving or if you take a break for a nap, a pillow neck will help you sleep better, avoid neck pain and feel fresh once you wake up.
Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste
If you travel long distances and you risk getting to your accommodation place long after the check-in hour, you might want to have a small toothbrush and toothpaste in your backpack. It’s always better to take these items from home than relying on the thought that you’ll be able to buy them at any time, anywhere.
Small Purse or Neck Wallet
Your money and documents should always be right where you are. If you keep them in your backpack or car, you know what the related risks are. Losing or having them stolen will more than likely ruin your trip. Therefore a small purse or neck wallet is always a good idea.
Repellents
If you plan on visiting wild areas or spending a lot of time in nature and even more so if you also go camping, you’ll need repellents against insects and maybe even against rodents and you can find out more about the latter in this article.
Now that you’re ready for your trip, start packing and enjoy the journey!
There is so much to see and experience in the world. Unfortunately, we have limited resources for that. Not all of us are able to travel in a place every weekend or month. Luckily the internet has a solution for you. Now, more than ever you can visit wonderful places and get the feeling of traveling without leaving your bedroom. It’s true that you won’t get the same results as in real life, but if you have some spare time you can try these out.
360 videos
The New York Times released a series of 360-degree videos from 7 beautiful places on earth called, the “New seven wonders of the earth”. In this series, you will be able to check out places like The Great Wall of China. The Taj Mahal. Petra. The Colosseum. Christ the Redeemer. Chichén Itzá. Machu Picchu. Nothing can replace the feeling of being there IRL but it has some benefits as well.
One of the advantages of visiting these places virtually is that you don’t have to wait for hours in a line. The other benefit of these virtual trips is that it can help you to organize your next travel. It’s easier to decide on your next journey if you know what to expect.
Online museums
A bunch of museums like The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul), J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles), Musée D’Orsay (Paris), Museu de Arte de São Paulo, etc. are offering virtual tours for those who are interested in such things. Usually, if you want to visit them physically you will spend hours waiting to enter the museum, and then it takes plenty of time to visit everything in the museum. And in the end, you lost a whole day just by visiting a single museum. With online museums you don’t have such problems, it just takes a few clicks to enter the museum and then you are free to visit everything you want, without being annoyed by the other tourists. It’s a great way to get some inspiration or to prepare for an art presentation in college.
National Parks
If you’re not into art and just want to revisit your favorite day-to-day places the internet has the answer for you. Some of the websites can offer you a virtual tour in simple places like Central Park, the beautiful streets of Ibiza, Yosemite National Park in California or Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. This last one even offers a sound library for you where you can listen to the different bird types that you would hear in real life.
Online casino games
If you miss partying and socializing the most then you can try out some online games with others. You can join a simple table with strangers or to invite your friends and talk on an app, so it will be just like a regular Saturday afternoon. You can try out all kinds of games that you would find in a casino on a trip. There are games like poker, blackjack, roulette, etc. . And you can do all this just by accessing a website. So if you’re a lazy type and just want to have some fun at home you should definitely try this out.
You’ll have some of the most impressive locales at your fingertips when you choose New York City for your pending nuptials. New York is fourth out of fifty-one states in weddings held. Couples from all over the world made their special day more memorable by choosing New York City not only for their ceremony and reception but also as their honeymoon destination. When selecting this option, you can save tons of money, too, on airfare and other travel costs.
Start Planning Early
Before you begin the planning process, familiarize yourself with the mother rule of them all, and that is to start planning early! I’m sure you’ve had a girlfriend or two with a dream wedding book jam-packed for a decade. Some event planning experts suggest starting the rough draft guest list soon after the engagement announcement. A rough draft gives you a general idea of the size venue you’ll need. Most experts agree, but add planning should depend on how long you and your fiance agreed the engagement period should last.
Budget
After discussing a general idea for style and budget with the groom-to-be look for venues that fit the bill, literally. It’s okay if you are on a strict allocation; most couples are unless you have a money tree in your backyard. As with anything, being on a budget means a small limitation on location choices, but in no way means you have to sacrifice. It’s all the more important to set out early to pin down your venue. We checked a few venues for you, and the consensus for booking a location is a year out from your event.
The Best Waterfront Wedding Venues NY
Your venue and ceremony should flow as one theme and aesthetics should parallel your style as it says a lot about you as a couple. Select a primary theme, for example, rustic or nautical, then sprinkle in bits of your favorite things. These preferences can be favorite colors, fashion sense, home decor, activities you love doing together, favorite flowers, and much more. Even if you’ve hired a wedding planner, these are still choices you’ll have to make.
Waterfront wedding reception venues range from industrial warehouse-style to traditional hotel-style digs draped in exquisite chandeliers. If you want the best, New York has a lot of great venues to choose from. Up and down the waterway across two states will give a bride a ton of options with views. A couple of points you’ll want to address is if your ceremony will be inside or outside and how convenient will your locale be for guests to access. If you choose an outside wedding style, have a rain option that is easy to go from outside to inside with minimum adjustments for inclement weather.
Imagine how exhilarating it would be to exchange vows high atop the city in a rooftop ceremony with a view of the Hudson. Dazzle guests with a yacht for an on-the-water celebration or an elegant twelve-floor open-air venue with views in the round of the iconic Empire State Building, Hudson River, and Manhattan.
Plan for Sunset Photos!
Bonus: Waterfront wedding venues in NY offer spectacular views for wedding photo opportunities. Do you see sunset or mid-afternoon photos? Do you have in mind an industrial feel to your pictures or elegant? Do you want a photo of your gown flowing over sand or a dock? Do you see a water backdrop or a skyline backdrop in your photos?
Poland is one of the most frequently toured places in Europe, especially after joining the European Union in 2004. It has a largely diversified natural environment that remains rather unaffected by human development. With a rich history and significant annual cultural events, the country draws millions of tourists across the world.
If you are looking for an adventurous place for your next getaway, here are exciting places to visit in Poland. You can make the trip even better by planning your vacation in Poland with experts. You’ll learn non-tourist hangouts and other essential attractions.
1. Old Town of Cracow
Cracow is one of the most entertaining cities in Europe due to its unique history. It is one of the few cities that escaped World War II destruction to maintain its outstanding architectural features. It was attested a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, the first of Poland to acquire that status.
Cracow has the biggest market square in Europe with a network of streets and squares representing a historic reserve of the town. Located on the upper side of the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the most recognized religious structures in the city. Its past is wreathed in famous legend and anecdote.
Cracow also has plenty of charming, historic such as the Pope’s Window and Collegium Maius (the oldest building of Jagiellonian University) among many others.
2. Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park is located in the Tatra Mountains, which is the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains. The park includes mountains, over 650 caves, long streams of water, mountain lakes and waterfalls. It is mainly known for its large forest cover and rocky-ribbed hills.
With 270 kilometers of trails weaving from Zokapane towards the Slovak border, it offers a delight to hikers during the summer.
3. Slowinski National Park
Slowinski National Park is located in northern Poland in the middle part of the Baltic coast, between Leba and Rowy. It is the perfect destination to explore moving sand dunes, which are pushed by the winds by 10 meters towards the east every year. The sand dunes offer an impressive sight, especially at their highest peaks that consist of white sand resembling snow.
The park has extensive swamps and a heritage park in Kluki that depicts the early life of the Slowincy, the early inhabitants of the area. You will also get a chance to view various bird species including cranes, white-tailed eagles, and herons.
4. Malbork
Malbork is a Polish town best known for being the location of the medieval Malbork Castle, which was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order knights. Malbork Castle is comprised of three castles, making it the world’s largest brick castle. It’s also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Castle portrays the history of the Polish kings and the partitioning of Poland. It is interesting how the Castle survived after World War II and looks perfect though it was partially rebuilt. Additionally, the entrance point into Malbork through the Neo-Gothic train station is a fascinating location with intriguing, well-maintained wall designs.
Bottom Line
Being Europe’s geographical center, Poland is a great tourism destination. It’s a beautiful place that you can visit at any time of the year because every season offers unique activities and beautiful views.
Due to Poland’s association with World War II, the country offers a lot to history buffs. You will also enjoy the view of beautiful mountains, forests, lakes, seas, wildlife, castles, and interesting cities.
A visit to any of the above sites and other destinations in Poland is a delightful experience.
If you’re travelling around the world, you’re probably considering hiking up some unique spots. After all, seeing the beauty of the natural landscape can enrich you more than any tourist trap could. But whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-timer, you should know the right items to bring on your trip. You can also visit blog.camperville.net, to know more what to bring in your hiking trip.
You’ve got the tent, the sleeping bag, and some food for the day(s) you’ll be out. Unfortunately, this isn’t all you should include in your backpack. Here are the top 4 necessities you might have overlooked while packing for your next hiking trip.
1) Military Watch
You don’t have to be a veteran to use a military watch in your day-to-day life. Not only are they handy on the go, but they’re perfect for hiking trips in any terrain. These watches aren’t just for telling the time. They’re an essential tool for a hiker of any skill level!
The lower priced ones will lack the most useful features, though. If you want a watch that will be your new best friend for years to come, then you’ll have to save up for a good one. You can compare some of the higher budget watches here. As you can see, many upper segment watches have features including but not limited to:
Accurate timing based off of time calibration radio signals
Automatic and/or button operated LED backlights
Stopwatches and alarm clocks
Calendars
Altimeter
Barometer
Thermometer
Compass
Military grade watches are durable as well as versatile. Good tactical watches often feature water resistance up to a certain depth, shock resistance, and mud resistance. Since they’re made for tough battlefields, good ones can certainly withstand rain, snow, or dirt along your nature trails.
2) Hydration Packs
You should drink water before, during, and after any exercise you do, according to WebMD. This includes hiking, no matter how long your trip. One convenient way you can drink your water while you hike is through using a hydration pack.
Hydration packs are backpacks (or waist packs) that can carry water and other hiking necessities. They have a tube which attaches to your strap so you can drink with no hands while you walk. They also range in size depending on how extensive your trip will be.
3) Trekking Poles
Long walks on rough terrain can take a toll on your knees, ankles, and feet! No matter how physically fit you may be, trekking poles can help you walk longer and safer. These polls create an extra point of contact with the ground, improving traction and propelling your body forward while taking weight off your back.
These poles have many other uses too, like as a probe for thorny plants and spider webs. In the worst case scenario, it can even help you defend against wild animals. They’re also sturdier than most tent poles, so use it to erect your shelter in a pinch.
4) Sunscreen
The sun can be your most formidable foe on a long hike. But even if it’s not sunny outside, you still have to protect yourself from its harmful rays. Sunscreen is a very often-overlooked essential you should have on you every time you step outside!
The American Cancer Society has these three tips to prevent sunburns (which could possibly develop into cancer!):
Buy a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” detection. This means it will protect against UVA and UVB rays. All sunscreen options protect against UVB rays, which are what mainly cause sunburns and skin cancer. UVA rays, however, also contribute to premature aging and skin cancer.
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. It’s most likely you will sweat your sunscreen off, or accidentally run it off in the water. While some brands claim to be “water resistant”, this isn’t the same as “waterproof”. Reapplying the sunblock ensures you’ll be protected all day long.
Always use sunblock with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. SPF 30 will protect against about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 15 will only protect against 93%. The higher SPF you have, the more protection you have. Just keep in mind that nothing will be able to claim that it protects you from the sun 100%!
Check Your Bag Before You Head Out
One of the most important things you need to do before your hike is take the time to prepare properly! With these tips in mind, you should have a safer, easier trip!
Keep in mind that what gear you need largely depends on what kind of hike you’re taking. If you want a trek through the snow, prepare your snowshoes. If it’s only a day trip, pack light!
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and check your bag before you head out!
