Share Where I've Been Tom Stuker: The 10-Million-Mile, Family Man

Where I’ve Been team member Amy Kulerski recently had the amazing opportunity to interview Tom Stuker. Known as the “10-Million-Mile Man;” Tom has flown so many miles with United Airlines that they named a Boeing 747 after him. Stuker is beyond a frequent flyer; he is a legend.  Please enjoy the first episode feature on what we're referring to as "Share Where I've Been"- a bi-weekly showcase from qualified travelers from all over the world! 

In July 2011, Tom Stuker flew his 10 millionth mile on United Airlines and was given the company’s first and only titanium Mileage Plus card. Upon hearing about this accomplishment, I immediately thought of George Clooney’s character from “Up in the Air” -- a lonely executive living on the road, traveling from place to place, finding himself better acquainted with flight attendants than family members. Boy, was I wrong to compare the two. First and foremost, Tom Stuker is a world class family man and a worldwide traveler secondly.

I am sure you are wondering how someone can spend almost five full years of his life at an altitude of 40,000 feet and still remain “close to home.” Stuker’s answer is a simple one -- quality over quantity. When he’s home, he makes the most out of it. He also travels with his family...a lot. Tom has traveled 2 million miles with his wife; they take about six “honeymoons” a year. Stuker has also traveled over a million miles with his oldest son -- in fact, they have circled the globe together twice. 

Of his travels with his family, Tom said ”I’ve taken my family all over the world because I want to share the experience with them. I really am amazed with the world and I love sharing my passion for travel with my family members” 

So, how does Tom feel about the comparison to Clooney?

“I’m the complete opposite of George Clooney in so many ways -- especially when it comes to looks! His character was a very sad character. The man went around firing people. My job is the opposite -- I work with people to expand their business.” And Stuker is very good at what he does too. 

So good in fact, he will be starring in his own reality series alongside his sister, Roxy. The transformational program is called “Car Lot Cowboy” and is set to debut early in 2012 on Spike. The show focuses on Tom’s work as an auto retail sales consultant -- in it, he will visit struggling car dealerships and help them turn around their businesses. 

Tom’s impressive career made me think back to a recent article in Forbes “Ten Ways Travel Can Make You a Better Business Leader” and I asked him whether he agreed that there was connection between the two. Stuker said that his travels most definitely made him a better leader and have contributed to his success. He remarked how his ability to think outside the box is at its best in the sky. “There are no distractions. My creative juices really flow... I find flying on a plane to be so relaxing and so focused of an environment to get work done.” 

On United, Stuker has flown to every island in Hawaii, every state in the US, and every province in Canada. He’s traveled all over Asia, Europe, the Mideast, Africa, and Australia too. There are not too many places that Tom has not traveled to; the few experiences[c] that remain on his bucket list are a high-end safari in South Africa and visiting the Orient Express. 

Many travelers are familiar with the Moorish proverb that reads: He who does not travel does not know the value of men. I wanted to know what Tom thought of this quote.

Stuker commented “though it is a very sexist comment, it is true that one can’t understand the human spirit, not just people, without traveling. Especially as Americans, he/she who doesn’t travel does not realize how lucky we are and the wealth that we have... We’re very lucky in so many ways.”

Finally, I asked Tom what he liked best about traveling. His answer: “going home.”

“Everyone asks where’s your favorite place to go, I say ‘home’. I love going to different places for different reasons... I love the romance of Italy and Paris. I like the serenity, calmness and romance of Thailand. I love the people of Australia. Hawaii is America’s paradise... but when all is said and done, there is no place like home.”

Tom continued, “You can go to Oz, but even Dorothy wants to come home. I don’t have ruby slippers, but I have United Airlines.”

What a perfect way to conclude our interview. Family definitely comes first for Tom Stuker. He’s a man that we can all learn something from -- whether the lessons are about fatherhood and being a good husband, traveling, or how to find success in business amidst a recession. It was a privilege to talk with him and to share his experiences with the Where I’ve Been community!

Do you think that you have a spectacular story like Tom Stuker's? Send me an email at katy[at]whereivebeen[dot]com for more information! Please include a short bio and any pictures/links to videos that you think would enhance your story as well. Your story could be a part of our *exclusive* new series, Share Where I've Been-- coming in two weeks from today!

You can be featured on Where I've Been!

Have you been on some amazing adventures? When people ask you what you do, do you immediately blurt out “TRAVEL”? Would you like to share your best and favorite travel stories with others? Do you know someone who has had a unique travelling experience?

If you answered “yes” to any or all of the above questions, please apply to be interviewed by us! I’m looking for qualified travelers with spectacular stories to be interviewed as a part of our *exclusive* Share Where I've Been series! 

The blog will run the stories or interviews bi-weekly and I would love to hear from you! Send me an e-mail at katy[at]whereivebeen[dot]com for more information! Please include a short bio and any pictures/links to videos that you think would enhance your story as well.

I'm looking forward for interesting travelers with spectacular stories!

-Katy

6 Things You Didn't Know About China

What do you think of when you hear about travel in the country of "China"?  Do images of panda bears, chopsticks, people-filled streets, a Great big Wall, or the modern architecture of Shanghai dance around your mind?

While yes, you will find these as you unwrap China's many layers, I am here to share with you a few lesser known aspects of China.  My name is Megan Lee and I have studied and lived in China for almost 2 years now.  It's funny, because some parts of my life here do not even strike me as anything but normal anymore.  Oddly enough, it was only brought to my attention after my parents came to visit me in the Spring. 

"Of course it's normal to sit down and eat at a table with strangers!"

"Why wouldn't that man be singing loudly to himself as he walks down the street?"

"I've come to realize that traffic lights are more regarded 'suggestions' instead of 'law'."

As China moves forward, it's vital we keep up.  There has never been a better time to study abroad in China!

Here are some fun facts about China:

1.  Elevators in most chinese buildings will NOT stop at floor five or below.  This encourages people to instead use the stairwell to reach their destination and save the elevator space for people who actually need to use it.  I think this is a great strategy for not only reducing energy consumption, but also encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

2.  In some older Chinese buildings, there is not a “fourth floor”.  The floor numbers will simply skip from three to five. This is because the word for death (死) and four (四) are both pronounced “si” (fourth tone). The fourth floor has been seen as unlucky for years!

3.  Most Chinese girls wear heels — every day!  Even their winter boots have sneaky high heels placed on the inside.  I have even seen girls wearing heels while climbing a mountain.  Though I was once confused as to why ANYONE would ever want to wear high heels every day (especially when perusing the streets of Beijing), I have now changed my perspective due to the realization that if these girls didn’t wear heels, I actually would feel uncomfortably taller than most of them!

4.  Among the many interesting cultural phenomenons I have come across here, one of my all-time favorites is the assless chaps all the babies wear. To me, it started as a comical site — adorable children, running around with their baby butts hanging out.  They claim it helps potty train them at a younger age, and I can agree it is less wasteful than a bunch of diapers, but I always feel a little queasy when I see a baby relieving himself on the side of the road.

5.  Chinese celebrate "Singles Day" every year on November 11th.  It's a fun tip of the old hat to China's growing youth pop culture.  Some celebrate this holiday by trying to say “goodbye” to their single lives — attending both formal and informal mingling events / blind dates / the like.  While others wallow in self pity or even laugh. 

6.  Fact:  more than half of the World’s construction cranes are in China (http://bit.ly/cpojyy).  With such abundant human labor (think:  a fifth of the world’s entire population) coupled with a lack of safety regulations/loose planning restrictions — it 's no wonder that buildings are regularly (and quickly) knocked down and put up.

Come join me in this Nation and discover some of these fun, quirky parts of Chinese culture that you may not find in your travel book. 

Born in the year of the Rabbit, Megan Lee's (twitter: @peglegmeg) first expedition to China ended in failure when she tried to dig there from Indiana at the age of eight. Now living in Beijing, she is a content editor for Go Overseas and enjoys writing about travel and study abroad, especially in China.

All photos belong to Megan Lee.

The Deadliest Animals of Africa

What’s the deadliest animal in Africa?  It depends on how you interpret the term “deadly”.  The Big Five - Lion, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard and the Rhinoceros – are certainly the most impressive mammals that most people want to see and those beasts certainly have a deadly beauty, power and elegance.  Some sources will have you believe that the Elephant is the deadliest, especially in mating season when a big bull will charge at almost anything that moves.

But if you define “deadly” as  the most human fatalities caused (directly or indirectly) and you are not too pedantic about what you consider to be  an “animal”,  then the  African “Top of the Terminator  Pops”  is as follows:

1. Mosquito

The Mosquito is, without doubt, the most dangerous animal in Africa. Their bite facilitates the transmission of the deadly virus that causes Malaria, one of the world’s deadliest diseases.  Malaria is responsible for nearly half of the deaths of children under the age of Five in Africa, killing more than 2,800 children a day throughout sub-Saharan Africa where 90% of the infected people live.

2. Hippo

Looking at Hippos you might think they slow and sluggish animals. Don’t be fooled! Hippos can easily outrun you and are considered the second most dangerous animal in Africa. Because of population pressure and erosion of habitat, Hippos invade farmlands at night to feed and destroy the crops and this is when Hippo/Human interaction results in fatalities. There are many tales of Hippos going on the rampage, attacking people and spreading terror in the Niger for example.

3. Buffalo

Part of the “Big Five”, Buffaloes are considered to be very dangerous animals, especially the ones that are wounded. The Buffalo is a very strong animal, a fact known to several predators including lions. Apart from humans, they have very few natural predators and aside from deliberate attacks, cases have been reported of people being killed or injured badly by these creatures when they accidentally cross paths.

4. Elephant

Being the largest land mammals, you’d expect Elephants to be potentially dangerous animals. Their huge size means they are capable of crushing and killing almost any other animal, including human beings.  When the time comes to mate, Adult male Elephants go through something called musth. They become very aggressive, aroused sexually and very territorial. An Elephant in musth is extremely dangerous to humans and should be avoided at all costs.

5. Crocodile

African crocodiles have very strong and powerful jaws that they use to bite their prey with extreme force (in excess of 5,000 pounds per square inch) and have the strongest bite of any animal! The Nile Crocodile and the Saltwater species are the most dangerous to humans. Every year, hundreds of attacks are reported throughout Africa. Most attacks on humans by large Nile Crocodiles and Saltwater Crocodiles take only a few seconds with the Crocodiles killing their victims not through their powerful lacerating bite, but by dragging them under water and drowning them.

6. Lion

You’d expect the “king of the beasts” to be up there at the top, but actually lion attacks on humans are quite rare.  The most notorious case was the so called “Tsavo Man-Eaters”, a pair of big cats responsible for the deaths of a number of construction workers on the Kenya – Uganda railway from March through to December in 1898.  Scientists have investigated the man-eating habit of Lions, especially in Tanzania, and one incontrovertible fact is that between 1990 and 2005 at least 563 people in a village in Tanzania were attacked by Lions and many were eaten.

7. Desert Locust

Though they don’t kill humans directly, the devastation the Desert Locust can cause to crops has a direct effect on human food supply and kills through enforcing starvation. They can spread over an enormous area when they swarm.  The last major Locust plague outbreak occurred in the summer of 2004 in West and North Africa. The swarms migrated over the continent causing devastation and in November 2004 they appeared in northern Egypt, Jordan and Israel for the first time in 50 years. One swarm in Morocco was 230 km long and contained an estimated 69 billion locusts!

About the Author: Peter is a travel blog enthusiast and regularly writes about the best African holidays including his experiences on a Botswana Safari when not studying and raising a family. Follow Peter on Twitter at @pgrichards.

Five Places to Escape Winter's Chill

The chill of winter is enough to get anyone booking the next flight out of town. When you want to take a vacation to escape the chillier weather, there are plenty of places that'll fit your budget and your tastes while providing the toasty climate you're looking for. Whether you need time off from the nine-to-five or are taking a break from working on your master's degree, sometimes all you need is a little warm weather to chase your winter blues away.

South Africa’s Eastern Cape
When you're looking for a warm travel destination as well as exciting new scenery, South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers it all. Not only can you get away from those cold winter days, but you can experience beautiful wildlife and landscape. The Eastern Cape offers plenty of family-friendly beaches and attractions, which makes this travel spot ideal for the entire family.

Photo Credit | Wikimedia

Australia’s East Coast Winter and summer are reversed in Australia. For a vacation filled with fun, sunshine, and relaxation, Australia’s east coast gives you the opportunity to get it all. The east coast offers a wide selection of beaches as well as plenty of sight-seeing and urban activities in Sydney. Whether you want to plan a family trip or a cozy romantic getaway, Australia’s east coast provides everything you need for the ultimate warm-weather winter vacation.

Photo Credit | TNT Down Under

Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos can make you forget all about cooler weather. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos offers the type of relaxation and fun everyone looks for in a warm-weather trip. From beautiful beaches and world-class golf to a wide selection of dining and nightlife options, Los Cabos offers vacationers the chance to get away from the chill of winter and experience fun in the sun year round.

Photo Credit | TripAdvisor

Costa Rica

When you want a warm-weather vacation filled with the beauty of nature, Costa Rica is the place to go. Costa Rica is an ideal vacation spot for everyone from newlyweds to families with children. You can experience the mountains and wildlife, as well as the sun, sand, and surf. Costa Rica also offers plenty of hotel and dining accommodations for every type of traveler.

Photo Credit | Aide Abroad

Oahu, Hawaii
With everything you need for a warm-weather vacation, the island is also home to the state capital of Honolulu, which means plenty of shopping and dining hot spots. Oahu also offers plenty of beaches, scenery, and historical landmarks such as the historic sites of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Photo Credit | Destination 360

When you need a warm-weather vacation, there are plenty of places to choose from. Whether you want a relaxing trip or a adventure full of sight-seeing, each destination offers something for everyone.


About the Author: Elaine Hirsch is kind of a jack-of-all-interests, from education and history to medicine and videogames. This makes it difficult to choose just one life path, so she is currently working as a writer for various education-related sites and writing about all these things instead.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dining in Venice

Venice is a maze of a city which is fun to explore amongst the winding alleyways and four hundred or so foot bridges, but finding a good place to eat can be tough. It has been given a bad rap when it comes to food because of all the tourist trap restaurants, but after having lived in Venice for a few years and  trying out numerous restaurants, here is some important “to do” and “not to do” dining advice if you want to eat where and as the locals do.

Tip: Beware of places that say “English menu”, “We accept credit cards”, “Tourist Menu”, or menus in more than three languages, because most likely they are catering to rookie tourists. However, if it says “Menu del giorno” (Daily menu), that is a better indication that they are most likely using fresh ingredients.

Most Venice travel guides suggest eating at an osteria (a smaller local restaurant with a tavern look and feel) or at a cicchetteria (basically a Venetian tapas & wine bar). Three popular local spots that won’t break your budget are:

1. Un Mondo di Vino: This cicchetti bar has over thirty daily dishes to choose from, including two types of baccalà (a Venetian cod dish), eggplant parmesan, shrimp skewers with sprinkles of parsley and olive oil, stuffed baby peppers, stuffed calamari, and various meatballs. It’s a smorgasbord for those who want to dine Venetian tapas-style, with each plate ranging from €2 to €5. There isn’t table service here, but just a few bar stools and ledges to eat at, so don’t expect table service.

Walking directions: From Campo San Bartolomeo with the Rialto Bridge at your back, turn left and go straight over a small bridge, past Coin. Immediately after the second bridge, turn right onto Saliz. San Canzian # 5984A. You will notice a wine barrel outside. It’s located in the Cannaregio district. Tel: +39 041 521 1093

2. Alla Vedova: This is one of the oldest surviving osterie in Venice. The name, which means “widow,” doesn’t mean it’s a sad place at all. To get the best and cheapest meal, order directly from the entrance bar. The fresh polpette (meatballs) are voted number one as their best cicchetti at €1 each, but they also have regular Venetian dishes fairly priced if you prefer to sit down for your meal. Most locals just stand at bar or gather outside the entrance to eat the finger foods washing them down with a glass of the local house wine (also priced at €1 for a small cup).

Walking directions: From the Ca’d’Oro stop, turn left at the main promenade (Strada Nova) and take an immediate right onto the first alleyway called Ramo Ca’d’Oro, which ends at Calle del Pistor #3912. Closed Thursdays. It’s located in the Cannaregio district. Tel: +39 041 528 5324 

Tip: In most Italian restaurants, an asterix (*) on a menu selection usually means that the food being prepared was frozen, so avoid those dishes if you are looking to eat fresh stuff.

3. Trattoria alla Madonna: Located in one of the most animated districts of Venice, this efficiently-run restaurant has a coat check and plenty of authentic artwork covering the walls. However, the prices are sincere and the wine selection is great. They have some of the best local dishes for both seafood and meat lovers. You can try their castraure (baby artichokes mostly grown on the agricultural lagoon island of Sant’Erasmo), seafood risotto (highly ranked amongst the locals), and/or their famous Venetian-style veal liver dish (aka fegato alla veneziana).

Walking directions: From the Rialto waterbus stop, turn left at the foot of the bridge following the Grand Canal and go toward the row of tourist restaurants. Then turn right onto Calle della Madonna #594. Open daily except Wednesdays 12pm –3pm and 7 pm–10:30pm. Call for reservations, especially for dinner on weekends. They are located in the San Polo district. Tel: +39 041 522 3824.

Tip: Venetian fishermen have Sundays off, so don’t eat at any seafood restaurants on Monday since the fish will most likely be two days old. 

While millions of tourists come through Venice a year to take in the relaxing gondola rides, romantic canals, Venice Carnival festivities, artisan masks and Murano glass creations, many don’t really realize that aside from the unique scenery, Venice also has delicious distinct dishes that you should try. A few were mentioned at the eateries above, but in case you are looking to test your palate, here are five more dishes to look out for in Venice:

• Moeche -  Soft-shelled crabs about three inches wide or smaller.
• Sarde in saor - Venetian sardine dish with sautéed onions, pine nuts, and raisins.
• Schie con polenta - A typical Venetian dish with baby shrimp and polenta (corn-flour patty).
• Frittura - Mixed fried calamari, baby octopus and shrimp.
• Bigoli in salsa - A type of whole grain spaghetti mixed with pan-fried sardines and onions.

Buon appetito!

About the Author: Bianca Reyes is the author of Venice for Rookies, an independent traveller’s city guide full of insider info, travel advice and savings tips for Venice. While she isn’t eating her way through Italy, she enjoys blogging about authentic travel and updating the world about the latest events in Venice via Facebook and Twitter @Travel4Rookies. 

Take a Twinkling Tour of London

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... everywhere you go. Literally, everywhere you go-- you can't escape it, so why not have a cup of cheer and embrace it? This holiday season, London's cup of cheer is overflowing with Christmas street lights, markets and ice skating rinks galore!

With all of the gift giving, party hosting and decorating, we know too well that the holidays can present a problem for our wallets. Fortunately, London has done the decorating for us! For a cheap, yet festive, night out-- take a starry stroll through a few of London's more embellished streets.

If you don't mind bearing the Oxford Street pandemonium, some of the city's best lights can be seen in one outing along Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, St. Christopher's Place and Marylebone High Street.

To take this twinkling tour, grab a hot beverage on Carnaby Street and ogle at their whimsical arrangement.

From there, head north on Regent Street and you'll find spectacular stars and images from the animated hit, Arthur Christmas.

PhotoCredit | Time Out New York (Abigail Lelliott)

Once you come to Oxford Street, hang a left and take your time swallowing it's visual Christmas feast.

In less than half of a mile you'll reach James Street, take a right and walk north. This will lead you through the St. Christopher's Place adornments.

Continue along James Street and it will turn into Marylebone High Street, where you'll find this pleasing presentation of lights.

Photo Credit | www.ConranTalkingShop.com

Also on this high street you'll find a fantastic selection of boutiques, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops-- making this the perfect end to your tour!

More free lights:

• South Molton Street
• Covent Garden
• Imagination Building Christmas Lights
• Christmas at St Pancras International
• Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Other Seasonal Suggestions: 

• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: www.canarywharficerink.com
• Christmas carols with the English Chamber Choir: www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
• Crafty Fox Christmas Market: http://craftyfoxmarket.blogspot.com 
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
• Natural History Museum Ice Rink: www.nhmskating.com
• Southbank Centre Christmas Market: www.xmas-markets.com
• Tower of London Ice Rink: www.toweroflondonicerink.com

About the Author: Alexa Blair, creator of Gallivant, blogs about her insatiable travel appetite, fervor for fashion and a fascination with the art of makeup. With her experience as a journalist, freelance MAC Makeup Artist and travel addict, she provide tips and tricks on her blog, Twitter and Facebook that will let you live the life of a professional gallivanter without ever even having to board a plane!

Top 3 Reasons Why Mazatlan is Perfect for the Indie Traveler

There are, to most people, two kinds of Mexico. There's all-inclusive resort Mexico, and there's "authentic" Mexico, and never the twain shall meet. Setting aside for a moment the complicated argument over what exactly constitutes "authentic," independent travelers in Mexico often feel like they've got to get so far off the beaten path in order to hang with the locals that a simple, relaxing trip to Mexico is anything but.

The good news is that there are places that welcome visitors with a sturdy tourist infrastructure but don't require travelers to stay in big, walled-off resorts. I was recently pleasantly surprised by Mazatlan, a city of 500,000 on the Western coast of the country that has made efforts in the last decade to reach out to more than one kind of traveler - including the ones who prefer indie travel.

Here are three reasons why independent travelers should check out Mazatlan.

1. It's cheaper than you'd expect.
Since Mazatlan isn't an entirely fabricated tourist city, it has both the all-inclusive resorts and Senor Frog's as well as small budget-friendly hotels and no-frills restaurants catering to locals. An independent traveler can easily choose the latter over the former and, depending on where else they go, not see much of the resort crowd at all. There's a small international airport in Mazatlan, and although it's sometimes easier to find cheap international airfare to the other (more popular) tourist cities in Mexico, you'll spend less once you get to Mazatlan.

2. There's an historic city right on the beach.
As mentioned above, Mazatlan isn't a city built strictly for tourists - there's an historic city right on the beach a full 30-minute drive from where the big all-inclusives are. In other popular tourist resorts you're stuck signing up for a tour or renting a car yourself if you want to check out a Mexican colonial town. In the last ten years, Mazatlan's post-colonial historic center has been undergoing a slow and steady revival, with renovated plazas and buildings and an influx of shops and local restaurants. Indie travelers who appreciate historic atmosphere can stay in one of the old town's small, family-run (and inexpensive) hotels and have all the perks of that old city - plus long stretches of sandy beaches - within a short walk of their front door. Also worth noting? Mazatlan's beaches are public and free.

3. You can drink the water.
Okay, I know that the popular tourist resorts in Mexico make it easy on the rest of us by purifying the water in the resorts and on-site restaurants so that we can enjoy Mexican sun and sand without feeling like we've left the creature comforts of home. Indie travelers, however, are more apt to seek out places where you really can't drink the water in order to get away from the resort crowds. The good news in Mazatlan is that it's not just the big all-inclusives that purify the water - even in restaurants that are mainly for locals you don't have to be paranoid about ice cubes in your Coke or pushing aside the fresh tomato. Not every place will have purified water, so if you're worried you can certainly ask, but it's nice to not have to think about it - or to feel forced into a kind of holiday you don't want to take just because you want to drink the water.

Vacationing in Mexico doesn't have to mean a choice between an all-inclusive or a "you can't drink the water" experience. Mazatlan offers the benefits of a resort city without the restrictions of one.

Full disclosure: I was invited to Mazatlan on a press trip sponsored by the Mazatlan Hotel Association, but my opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author: Portland-based travel writer Jessica Spiegel may be primarily focused on Italy most of the time, but she's always eager to test new-to-her destinations for their potential "indie travel" qualities. She was happy to find that Mazatlan had more going for it than she originally thought. You'll find Jessica's writing on many of the sites in the BootsnAll family, including WhyGo Italy.

Three Experiences not to be missed in Turkey

What immediately springs to mind when someone mentions Turkey? Lazing by the beach on cheap all inclusive holidays? Getting crushed in the crowds in Istanbul? Eating some unusual food in a local restaurant? Whatever conjures up in your mind, Turkey is so vast and full of adventure that it is possible to go and explore to your hearts content without too much effort. 

Here are three experiences not to be missed in Turkey:

1. Get Hot and Steamy in Istanbul 

You will no doubt have heard all about Turkish baths. It may be a bit unsurprising and blindingly obvious, but the best and most authentic baths are located in Turkey. These baths are known locally as hammams, and a visit will involve you changing into a cotton wrap and slippers before you are cleaned, steamed and massaged like never before. 

2. Seafood Delight in Ankara 

Have you noticed how destinations that are close to the sea often have amazing seafood? It is hardly surprising – after all, restaurants are delivered the freshest catches and they can instantly turn them into wonderfully creative dishes. But just because a city or restaurant is located inland does not mean that they do not have access to the best and freshest seafood – something that many restaurants in Ankara prove. Kalbur is one such establishment where seafood reigns supreme, so much so that many say it is one of the best seafood restaurants in the city and all of Turkey itself!

3. Scuba Diving in Bodrum

Are you an experienced diver who loves to explore new sites in warm, crystal clear waters? Or are you someone who has always wanted to experience the depths but never had the opportunity? Whatever your experience, head to the Turkish city of Bodrum which sits next to the Aegean Sea. Dive sites include hot springs, caverns and reefs.

There are few countries in the world that can come close to the modern and ancient feel that Turkey provides. One moment you could be experiencing wonderfully modern cuisines, the next, exploring an ancient shipwreck on a dive. Turkey holidays have it all – it is just a matter of heading to the places that appeal to you and your idea of fun. One thing is for sure, you’ll always be able to find something exciting, interesting and totally unique to do even on cheap holidays to Turkey!

About the Author: Ricky Durrance is a Web Relations Executive for Beat the Brochure. 

Five Must-Have Experiences in Barcelona for First-Timers

As a first-timer planning your trip to Barcelona, you may be overwhelmed by the number of things to see and do in Barcelona. Having recently returned from my first trip there, here are some places which you shouldn’t miss, along with tips to help you plan a memorable stay in this impressive city.

1. Sagrada Familia

If you have done your research, you will know that the Sagrada Familia is the top attraction in Barcelona and wouldn’t want to go home without visiting this work-in-progress masterpiece by Gaudi.  Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to spend here as there is a lot to learn and see.  

To make the most of your time here, join a guided tour or rent an audio guide to get an in-depth explanation of the different symbologies found throughout Sagrada Familia.  The cost of the normal ticket to Sagrada Familia is €12.50 and the audio guide is an additional €4 which is well-worth the price. 

Also if you have time, visit the Towers.  You get a bird’s eye view of Barcelona and it’s simply stunning.  To get to the Towers, you will need to buy a ticket to take a lift up and it costs €2.50.  Here is an overview of their admission charges for the Sagrada Familia. 

Tip:  The line for the ticket is usually long but it goes relatively fast.  To avoid the lines, you can purchase tickets online from this link that is given on their website. However, there is a premium for this and a normal ticket bought in advance costs €13.80. Note that the lift tickets cannot be bought online. 

2. Casa Batllo

Another attraction by Gaudi is Casa Batllo. This house is inspired by many elements from the ocean. It’s obvious that Gaudi ‘s work is nature-inspired and you will see this concept in yet another Gaudi project mentioned later. 

In Casa Batllo, there are nets and light blue colored tiles all reminiscent of being in the ocean rather than in a house in the center of Barcelona.  The rooftop feels like you have reached an enchanted world with dragon and dinosaur like chimneys awaiting your arrival. 

An audio guide is included with the general admission ticket (€18.15) and gently guides you from one point of interest to another. 

Tip: You can also purchase the ticket for Casa Batllo online and get a 5% discount for doing so. 

3. La Rambla

Not one but a few people have advised me to keep an eye on my belongings while strolling La Rambla.  It’s a crowded place and like everyone else who is visiting Barcelona, you want to say you have walked La Rambla.  

Here you will see stalls selling souvenirs and café outdoor areas and while there is not much else besides the stroll, it’s just to say you have gone down this path.  If you walk down the entire stretch of La Rambla, ending near Port Vell, you will come across the Mirador de Colom, a column with Christopher Columbus pointing to a distant land.  Where could he be pointing to? 

Tip:  Take a slight detour from La Rambla and visit Mercat de la Boqueria near the Liceu metro stop. This place is also a tourist stop and not surprisingly, often very packed. The variety of food you find here is staggering and you are constantly at awe as you navigate from one stall to another.  If you like markets but not the crowd, you will prefer Mercat de Santa Catarina which is near the Jaume I metro stop.

4. Park Guell

“It’s a hike up to get there”. That’s what I have been told and to save yourself all that effort take a taxi. Park Guell is situated further away from the other attractions which can usually be reached on foot.  Here is information as to how best to get to Park Guell.  As for us, we rented a scooter which struggled uphill but got us right to the entrance.

There is no entrance fee and this is where you will again see Gaudi’s use of broken mosaic . Nature was Gaudi’s inspiration and this is indisputable in this park with the pillars looking like tree branches and blending in with the scenery.  While there were no dinosaurs here, the salamander at the entrance is the symbol of Park Guell. 

Tip: You could take the metro to Lesseps but passing by on the moped, it was still quite a walk to Park Guell. To avoid the uphill walk, you would be better off taking the bus or a taxi. 

5. Montjuic

Getting to Montjuic is an adventure in itself!  You can take the metro to Espanya and make your way up to Montjuic but why not enjoy an aerial view of Barcelona with a cable car ride to Montjuic? 

If you are up for some adventure, take the metro to Barceloneta and make your way to Torre di San Sebastia.   You can easily see it and just walk in that direction.  For those who are afraid of heights, you may be hesitant to do this but you will have a thrill of your life.

Keep in mind the Teleferico del Puerto only gets you to Miramar.  This will not get you to Castell de Montjuic (Montjuic castle).  There’s a different cable car for that.    

If you intend to take the cable car to the Castle, take the paved path on the right when you come out of Miramar. It is a slight uphill walk, to the next cable car station, Teleferic de Montjuic  and a welcome alternative to walking all the way to the Castle. There is no entrance fee to visit the Castle and you get a spectacular view of sea and the mountains from this attraction.  

Since you have taken the cable car up, consider walking down from the Castle to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. This is all downhill and will allow you to pass by some gardens and Fondacio Joan Miro.  If you have time, drop by these attractions. 

Once you reach the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, you will be treated to a beautiful view of Placa d’ Espanya.  Simply majestic.  From here, don’t forget to visit the Magic Fountain. Unfortunately on the day we were there, it was not in operations.  Nonetheless,  the view and the walk on that stretch was consolation enough. 

Tips: The Teleferic del Port from San Sebastia to Miramar and vice versa only accepts cash.  

Check the opening hours of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya as they are closed on Mondays and have shorter hours on Sundays.  

Also if you want to catch a glimpse of the Magic Fountain in operation, here are the hours.

Bonus:  Hot Chocolate and Churros or Porras

If you are in Barcelona in Autumn or Winter, order chocolate and churros.  Better yet, try porras with hot chocolate. They make a great start to your day in Barcelona!

About the Author: Diana at BrowsingRome blogs about all things Italian and shares the good, bad, ugly and beautiful things in Rome and Italy in general. Although she knows there is no place like Rome, Diana is an avid-traveler and enjoys venturing beyond The Eternal City to explore the beauty of Europe, one town and city at a time. She is a regular on Twitter @browsingrome and offers a glimpse of Rome, Italy and beyond on Facebook.