The promenade around the lake is perfect for long walks, and sunrise here? The Italian town of Lake Como is a stunning place where beauty, nature and wealth blend together. The dramatic Alps, lovely villages, opulent villas and beautiful waters have made Lake Como Italy a favorite destination for centuries. No matter if you’re visiting with someone special, loved ones or alone, this blog will help you plan your Lake Como adventure. While the city is famous for its Michelin-starred establishments like Noma, Alchemist, and Geranium ($$$$ book months in advance!), there’s so much more to explore. When visiting London for the first time, people often take a cab as well, but I think that’s a little too expensive, when the Tube’s so much more efficient than, say, public transport in Rome.

Where to research your trip to Italy

Expert travel guides and best American destinations to visit on your USA holiday. Welcome to The Independent’s travel section, here to provide everything you need to plan your perfect trip. From inspiration for your next beach holiday, off-the-beaten-track adventure or city break to the practical information you need to save money when booking a getaway, our team of experts is here to help. Barcelona Essentials Pass makes planning and organizing your trip to Barcelona easy. Includes unlimited public transport, tickets to top attractions, audio guide with interactive maps and 10% discount coupon.

Where to stay in Bangkok

In principle, a national park preserves an area of outstanding natural beauty, encompassing a wide range of terrain and prime examples of particular landforms and wildlife. Thus Yellowstone has boiling geysers and herds of elk and bison, while Yosemite offers towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls. A national monument is usually much smaller, focusing perhaps on just one archeological site or geological phenomenon, such as Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. Altogether, the national park system comprises around four hundred units, including national seashores, lakeshores, battlefields and other historic sites. The National Park Service administers both national parks and national monuments. Its rangers do a superb job of providing information and advice to visitors, maintaining trails and organizing such activities as free guided hikes and campfire talks.

May, June, September are the very best months to visit Bali.

It brings everything together, including information on hotel bookings flights etc. It will then map out all of the places you want to visit, and you can see where you’ll be going. That’s really handy because now you can move things around to be as efficient as possible.

Travel Guide China

The oldest ones are no longer standing, but slightly later examples, which still exist on and around Telok Ayer and Arab streets, for example, feature the characteristic shuttered windows and tiled roofs that continued to be used for several decades. Otherwise, their decoration was limited, say, to simple stuccowork, but by the turn of the last century, the shophouse had blossomed into a dizzy melange of Western and Eastern styles, which both European and local architects enjoyed blending. So-called Neoclassical, Chinese Baroque and Rococo shophouses featured decorative Corinthian columns, mini-pediments, fanlights, a riot of multicoloured tilework and stucco, even curvy gables.

The island is an off-the-beaten-track paradise for trekkers and the diving is superb, too, with three dive centres offering packages for everyone from beginners to pros. Visiting Bangkok’s outskirts isn’t particularly popular as it harbours few attractions. However, there are a handful of places that make pleasant half-day excursions. Bangkok is a relatively young capital, established in 1782 after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital. A temporary base was set up on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, in what is now Thonburi, before work started on the more defensible east bank. More than a thousand sex-related businesses operate in the city, but the gaudy neon fleshpots of Patpong and Sukhumvit’s Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy give a misleading impression of an activity that is deeply rooted in Thai culture.

Ungasan & KutuhMost southern coast of Bali. Cliffs and stunning nature.

If you’re only in Lisbon for two days, check out our 2-day Itinerary of the city. In our travel guide, you’ll find updated information on what to see, where to sleep, and the best places to eat. Don’t miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Travel advice for Singapore

Irrespective of what they might tell you, there is no charge for this. In Kampala, you may be asked to provide an official letter from a sponsor or the hotel where you are staying. The usual brand-name soft drinks are widely available in Uganda and cheap by international standards. You can buy imported South African fruit juices at supermarkets in Kampala and other large towns. Tap water is reasonably safe to drink in larger towns, but bottled mineral water is widely available if you prefer not to take the risk. Within a compact area of 241,000km2 – almost exactly the same as United Kingdom – you’ll find an unparalleled array of wildlife, scenery and cultures.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, white sand and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as some Samba music and potentially a handful of cocktails before the sun has even set! Both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are hubs for the city, with residents heading there after finishing work to catch the last rays and maybe even grab dinner. For those looking for an outdoor experience, camping is an option in Rio. There are several campsites located within city limits, such as Prainha and Forte de Copacabana. Keep in mind that these can get crowded on weekends and during peak holiday periods.

Beyond this lies Yushan National Park and the scintillating hike up Taiwan’s highest mountain, commanding awe-inspiring, cloud-capped vistas. If you’re visiting Bangkok, choosing the right area to stay in can make or break your trip. The city is sprawling and traffic can be relentless, so staying somewhere with easy access to the Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), or river ferries will save you a lot of time. The cool season is generally the most pleasant time to be in the capital, with lower humidity and more manageable temperatures, though it can still reach 30°C during the day. If you’re mapping out your trip around the best time to visit Thailand, this season is often the top choice for both comfort and ease of travel. In Spain, the language is lilting Spanish, although you will find differing dialects in some regions.

Shopping in Berlin

She organised and booked all internal travel, accommodation, transfers, guides, car drivers, indeed everything which made the odyssey a wonderful experience. Her choice of hotels and guides was exceptional having planned the itinerary around the places which we wanted to visit. Han can be especially praised for the rapidity and reliability of her responses to our enquiries.

Despite a 1.30am curfew (only clubs within hotels are allowed to carry on later), Mumbai’s clubbing scene remains the most full-on in India. Door policies and dress codes tend to be strict — “no ballcaps, no shorts, no sandals”. Mumbai is crammed with interesting places to eat, from glamorous rooftop lounge bars to hole-in-the-wall kebab shops. The cafés, bars and restaurants of Colaba encompass just about the full gamut of possibilities. A “British” lion and Indian tiger stand guard at the entrance, and the exterior is festooned with sculptures executed at Bombay Art School by Indian students of John Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard’s father.

Itaewon is also worth a mention for its excellent tailored suits, and last, but not least, are the colossal markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, which feature an almost bewildering array of cheap and knock-off brand-name clothing. When it gets cold, stalls selling this local delicacy – silkworm larvae – set up on pavements and riverbanks across the country. You’ll smell them before you see them – the acrid stench of these mites boiled up in a broth is so disgusting that it may well breach international law. The treat is also served as bar snacks in many hofs, bursting in the mouth to release a grimy juice – perfect drinking game material.

By train

Most of the key sights and the pick of the city’s bars and restaurants nudge together along the first few blocks of the main commercial drag, Princess Street. In 1943, the Progressive Conservative Party (PCs) took control of the provincial government and remained in power for over forty years. The PCs followed a right-of-centre, pro-business agenda and their skill in handling the popular vote earned them the nickname the “Big Blue Machine”. Nevertheless, the PCs did move with the times, passing a string of progressive acts such as, for example, Canada’s first Fair Employment Practices Act against discrimination and the Female Employees Fair Remuneration Act, both in 1951. In 1985, the PCs finally lost a provincial election, but returned to power ten years later with a flinty right-wing agenda that owed much to Britain’s Margaret Thatcher. Rio de Janeiro is a huge South American city, with the typical huge South American city problems.

Walk through a Cape Town township with a local guide who shares their community’s stories, challenges, and spirit. Then join a neighborhood braai (BBQ), where music, laughter, and smoky flavors fill the air. My guides to train trips from London and scenic train journeys from London have additional inspiration, too. There are day trips I highly recommend and more I love, but if I had to choose a few favorites, they would have to be Brighton, Cambridge, and Oxford. You can use my guides to the best quirky hotels in London, the top themed hotels in London, and the most atmospheric pubs with rooms in London if you want to find somewhere unique to stay. This part of my London travel guide will help you figure out where to say in London for your personal style.

Driving in Japan: Guide to ETC for Highway Toll Gates

• Nighttime is when the market is at its most atmospheric, with clothes stores pumping out music into the street at ear-splitting volume, and the air filled with the smell of freshly made food sizzling at street-side stalls.
• Here, you will find the highest peaks of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier, but also some of the most popular beaches.
• If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you!
• In Asakusa, the heart of the area beats around the Senso-ji temple, flanked by shops selling traditional crafts.
• Discover Japan – Your go-to guide for travel tips and inspiration.
• From farmers’ markets to fun souvenirs, shopping streets to bookstores, it covers everything you need to know to find what you want to buy in London.
• They have the most complete inventory, amazing customer service, and the most flexible cancellation policy on the market.
• The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is breezy, pleasant, and perfect for park picnics or rooftop dinners.

This is a great way to travel as you will find it much easier managing trains, cobblestones and stairs that are a feature of travel in Italy. Italy has high-speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy to use offline maps and guides, then you should be able to get by using wifi at your hotel or accommodation. Do not expect wifi to be available in restaurants and cafes because in Italy, restaurants are for eating.

Central Castello

The European and Asian sides of the city were linked by a rail tunnel under the Bosphorus in late 2013, and the metro systems either side of the Golden Horn joined by a (controversial) bridge early in 2014. The Horn itself, once heavily polluted, has been cleaned up, and both anglers and cormorants can now be seen successfully fishing in its waters. A century after the death of Süleyman, the empire began to show signs of decay. Territorial losses abroad combined with corruption at home, which insinuated its way into the very heart of the empire, Topkapı Palace itself. Newly crowned sultans emerged, often insane, from the institution known as the Cage, while others spent time in the harem rather than on the battlefield, consorting with women who increasingly became involved in grand-scale political intrigue. The Ottomans established first Bursa, then Edirne, as their capital, and Ottoman territory effectively surrounded the city long before it was taken.

Whether you want to be at the centre of the action or prefer somewhere quieter, there will be a place to stay in Rome that meets your needs. Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato, a velvety delight that comes in a myriad of flavours. Pair it with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino for the perfect culinary experience. Rome’s numerous gelaterias and quaint cafes provide the ideal backdrop for this sweet and caffeinated rendezvous. Fish features most frequently as salt cod – baccalà – best eaten Jewish-style, deep-fried.

There’s also a bunch of glitzy and vibrant clubs where people let their hair down to cutting-edge sounds minus – this being Singapore – any assistance from illicit substances. Some venues regularly manage to lure the world’s leading DJs to play, too. As with heritage buildings the world over, today’s surviving shophouses are often but a handsomely restored shell concealing insides that have been totally gutted and rejigged. Many no longer serve as shops, homes or clan houses, functioning instead as bars, beauty salons or offices.

Get inspired with our walking and cycling guides, designed to help you take in multiple nearby sites in one day. You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members. Has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain.

Above all, ignore recommendations by anyone with a vested interest in bringing your custom to a particular shop. The best place to buy anything to do with mobile phones is the scores of small booths on the third floor of Mah Boon Krong (MBK) Shopping Centre at the Rama I/Phrayathai intersection. Mac-heads are catered for here, including authorized resellers, and there are dozens of repair and secondhand booths, especially towards the back of the shopping centre and on the upper floors. No matter your travel style, figuring out where to stay in Bangkok early on helps you make the most of your time in Thailand’s buzzing capital. The spacious, leafy area known as Dusit has been a royal district since the reign of Rama V, King Chulalongkorn (1860–1910). The first Thai monarch to visit Europe, Rama V returned with radical plans for the modernisation of his capital, the fruits of which are most visible in Dusit, notably at Vimanmek Palace and Wat Benjamabophit, the so-called “Marble Temple”.

• Its green valleys and fairy-tale castles make the Aosta Valley an enchanting place to experience all year round.
• The island is a center for cultural events and live music during the summer months.
• Descending the volcano, you carry with you memories etched in your heart and a newfound appreciation for the indomitable spirit of Bali’s natural wonders.
• Very intuitive and simple while still providing a bunch of features, like photos on the destinations, descriptions and suggestions for nearby places to visit.
• They know the times it takes to get around and how long you can stay in each place to get a taste or feel for the destination.
• Most international travellers will fly into Galeão International Airport.

The 22 regions of France are further divided into departments of France and these contain the 35,800 places in France – usually towns and villages. Coming into the city by car can be confusing and isn’t advisable unless you’re used to driving in Italy and know where you are going to park. Buses run till around midnight, when a network of night buses comes into service, accessing most parts of the city and operating until about 5.30 am. South of the centre, Testaccio is well endowed with good, inexpensive trattorias. The Testaccio Market is a major highlight but the whole neighbourhood is generally great for traditional Roman food. Embark on a scenic adventure along the historic Appian Way, one of Rome’s ancient roads.

• Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a food lover, or simply a curious traveller, Rome’s captivating charm is bound to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent cave systems, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.
• Tickets, particularly for successful teams, are hard to get and not cheap.
• If you do not get a confirmation, you should call the company; otherwise, you may be fined.
• We recently used their Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo guide for a spring family trip to Gozo and Valletta and found it an excellent resource.

The farang sex industry in Bangkok is a relatively new development, having started during the Vietnam War, when the American military set up seven bases around Thailand. Sex tourism has since grown to become an established part of the Thai economy. On any bus, private or government, and on any train journey, never keep anything of value in luggage that is stored out of your sight and be wary of accepting food and drink from fellow passengers as it may be drugged.

Admission is 9 EUR and there is free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Located along the riverfront, it’s the former location of the royal palace (which was destroyed in a Tourist Places in Berlin Germany massive earthquake in 1755). Two marble columns from the palace are still standing and the square is now home to lots of small shops. The people-watching here — when accompanied with a book or some refreshing gelato — is excellent. Alfama, the historic area of Lisbon, is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

ViaHero also posts travel articles for users to read and be informed about the destination(s) they plan to visit. Add all your stops, check distances and time between each location. Over 1 million people have already tried Wanderlog and loved its easy trip planning features. The island is surrounded by the world’s third largest coral reef, which shelters a rich marine life, some of the rarest birds fly over ebony trees in the forested interior, and endemic species survive on offshore islands.

Born on a sheep farm in northern England, he has been involved with outdoor activities since infancy and is as familiar with the interior of a tent as the inside of his bedroom at home. Robert moved into retail management and worked for Shell (UK) in the late ‘90s before becoming self-employed and transitioning into the hospitality industry at the turn of the century. Richard’s personal interests are 4×4 off-roading, dual-sport motorcycle riding, and touring Central America on his beloved Harley. Richard has trekking and survival experience throughout Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

His restorations have been the source of furious controversy among archaeologists ever since. Even so, his guess as to what the palace might have looked like is certainly as good as anyone’s, and it makes Crete’s other Minoan sites infinitely more meaningful if you have seen Knossos first. Crete has an incredibly diverse landscape, flora and fauna, and a number of environmentally aware locals have set about preserving its natural and cultural heritage. A range of retreats and lodges has sprung up across the island, offering the chance to experience sustainable, eco-friendly living and participate in everything from hiking to making the local firewater tsikoudhiá. Ties is a true world explorer – whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

Visitor information

Inside the church, the most prominent of the mosaics is that of Christ Pantocrator, bearing the inscription “Jesus Christ, the Land of the Living”. Opposite is a depiction of the Virgin and angels, with the inscription “Mother of God, the Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable”. The third in the series, located in the inner narthex, shows Metochites offering a model of the building to a seated Christ. Saints Peter and Paul are portrayed on either side of the door leading to the nave, and to the right of the door are Christ with his Mother and two benefactors, Isaac (who built the original church), and the figure of a nun. A week-long fair selling the work of some fifty or so İstanbul galleries and visiting foreign artists – paintings, sculptures, pottery and fabrics. Two-day head-banging event for (mainly Turkish) heavy-metal lovers.

The two domes of the inner narthex hold medallions of Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin and Child, while in the fluting of the domes there’s a series of notable figures – starting with Adam – from the Genealogy of Christ. The Cycle of the Blessed Virgin is located in the first three bays of the inner narthex. The land walls were named after Theodosius II, and construction started in 413 AD. Stretching from the Marmara to Tekfur Saray, 2km further out than the previous walls of Constantine, they were built to accommodate the city’s expanding population.