Travel |

February 20, 2020

Embrace the Slow Travel Movement at These 7 European Destinations

You’ve probably been on many hectic, chaotic vacations in the past, making you feel even more exhausted when you return home than when you first left. Well, imagine a vacation where you can take in all of your surroundings at a relaxed pace, spending a week on a charming Greek island instead of frantically touring five capitals in just as many days. This is what slow travel is all about, a movement that has slowly been becoming extremely popular, especially as a way to counter all of the stressors that come with modern day life.

At first, you may think that you’re missing out. After all, you’ll only be seeing one destination rather than multiple different places. However, the incredibly immersive experience that you will have at that one destination will be infinitely more rewarding, satisfying, educational and fulfilling, and that’s exactly what a vacation should be about.

When it comes to choosing a destination for a slow travel vacation, Europe has plenty to offer, with these seven destinations earning themselves a place at the top of the list.

Cuenca, Spain

A mountain city located in east-central Spain, Cuenca is often visited as a day trip from Madrid. However, only spending a day in this city means that you will miss out on all that Cuenca has to offer.

Things to Do in Cuenca

With Cuenca being constructed way back in the 12th century, many of its attractions are historical, but there are several other spots in the city to keep you entertained too:

Cuenca Cathedral – featuring one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain, the Cuenca Cathedral boasts colorful stained glass windows, unique decor, and a beautiful terrace that offers up panoramic views of the city. Take an after-dark tour to add even more mystique to your visit
Casas Colgadas – also known as the Hanging Houses, these 14th century cliff-side homes have now been turned into a gallery for Spanish abstract art
Castilla-La Mancha Paleontology Museum – this part of Spain is famed for its historic fossils, and the city’s paleontology museum is the perfect place to check them out
The Jucar River – for outdoor enthusiasts, this river, which seems to glow green in the sun, is where you will find several different hiking trails that vary in difficulty levels
Alfonso VIII Street – beneath this colorful street lies a network of tunnels that have served as everything from aqueducts to air raid shelters in the past, and are now open for people to tour

Where to Stay in Cuenca

For the ultimate in luxury, book yourself in to the Parador de Alarcon; a riverside hotel situated in a historic castle. From antique furniture to stone-walled rooms to an extensive wine list, this hotel is a great way to really treat yourself.

Nisyros Island, Greece

Greece is home to numerous islands that tourists flock to each year, but Nisyros is different…

This small island also happens to be an active volcano that has experienced at least three major eruptions in its lifetime of 45,000 years. As you can imagine, the landscape on Nisyros Island is completely unlike anywhere else in the world, making a slow travel vacation the perfect way to thoroughly take this all in.

Things to Do on Nisyros Island

From exploring the island’s natural beauty to learning more about its history and heritage, there is plenty to do on Nisyros:

Visit some of the island’s untouched beaches, with Lies and Hohlakoi being especially scenic
Lie back and relax in the island’s thermal springs, which are heated by the geothermal activity taking place beneath the surface. These springs can be found throughout the island, with the water in some places reaching a scalding 60 degrees Celsius
Check out some local art, with Nisyros being nicknamed Island of the Arts
Explore the island on foot, with more than 40 hiking trails to choose from. Most of these trails will end up taking you to Lakki, which is the volcano’s crater
The island contains several castles and monasteries that will teach you more about Nisyros’ past

Where to Stay on Nisyros Island

Located in a quiet part of the island, yet just a five minute walk from the central square and harbor, the Porfyris Hotel is a friendly, family-run hotel, with each room offering either sea or mountain views. The hotel boasts everything from an elaborate breakfast buffet to a stunning outdoor swimming pool, making it perfect for taking some time out from your busy life.

Monschau, Germany

Located in the west of Germany, not too far away from its border with Belgian, Monschau is a quaint German town that hasn’t changed much over the past three centuries. Although this is the main cultural hub for the beautiful Eifel area, the town’s half-timbered houses, medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets keep its original heritage intact.

Things to Do in Monschau

There is plenty of history to see in Monschau, but the arts plays a huge role here too. Some of the things to busy yourself with include:

Visiting Rotes Haus, an 18th century red brick house that is now a museum
Exploring the Monschau Castle
Learning more about the town’s famous mustard at the Mustard Mill Monschau
Taking relaxing strolls around the Old Town area
Explore the Eifel National Park from the water by taking a cruise
Taking a day trip to nearby Dusseldorf to treat your skin to a luxurious facial at the OROGOLD Dusseldorf store

Where to Stay in Monschau

For a prime location in the heart of Monschau, go with the Hotel Graf Rolshausen, which dates back to the 1500’s. Complete with its very own wine cellar, stocked with wines from all over the world, this historic hotel will help you to immerse yourself in Monschau’s heritage.

Brisighella, Italy

With its medieval architecture, sprawling vineyards and charming hilltop villages, just about everyone falls in love with Brisighella on their very first visit. Time really does seem to stand still at this small village, making it the perfect spot for some slow travel.

Things to Do in Brisighella

Brisighella is all about embracing the traditional Italian way of life, and visitors are always warmly invited to do just that:

Climb the three peaks of Brisighella, with each one offering up a unique historic landmark, from a 14th century fortress to an 18th century sanctuary
Tour the local olive groves and sample some of the best olive oil in the world, with the local microclimate ensuring that the area’s 70,000+ olive trees are always flourishing
Explore the village’s colorful streets, stopping at local eateries to sample some delicious Italian cuisine, along with copious amounts of gelato
Visit the Parco Carne wildlife park
Tour local vineyards and indulge in some wine tasting

Where to Stay in Brisighella

The luxurious Grand Hotel Terme is situated in a beautiful park, and has been around since 1870. This Art Nouveau hotel is authentically historic, but still provides plenty of modern comforts, from its relaxing solarium to its hydromassage swimming pool to its exquisite Italian restaurant.

Fjaerland, Norway

Nicknamed the Glacier Village, due to its proximity to mainland Europe’s biggest ice cap, Fjaerland is a small village that boasts some not-so-small natural wonders. For those who love outdoor adventure, Fjaerland will not disappoint.

Things to Do in Fjaerland

Taking the time to soak in the beauty of nature is what many of Fjaerland’s top activities center around:

Try glacier walking, which you will need to arrange with an experienced guide
Check out some of the hiking trails around the mountains of Fjaerland
Kayak through some of the town’s calm fjords. Row boating and fishing are also popular activities here
If you visit in the winter, give some cross-country skiing a try, with slopes of varying difficulty levels to choose from
Learn more about your natural surroundings at the Norwegian Glacier Museum
Treat yourself to some books at one of the town’s 14 bookstores, which is an impressive figure when you consider that there are only 300 residents in Fjaerland

Where to Stay in Fjaerland

The Fjaerland Fjordstove Hotel and Restaurant is one of the best places to stay in Fjaerland. Although this hotel is only officially open from April to the end of September, they will open up in the winter too if you arrange this in advance.

Gozo, Malta

One of the 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, Gozo is known for its quiet and laid-back way of life. Although quite a few big-budget films have been shot on the island, Gozo is steeped in history, culture and serenity, all of which are ideal for a slow travel destination.

Things to Do in Gozo

While you could spend your entire vacation relaxing on the beaches of Gozo, there are quite a few other things on the island that could occupy your time, such as:

Visit the Ggantija Temples, which are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, dating back to 3600 BC
Visiting the many historic churches on the island, including the spectacular, cliffside Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Basilica, which dates all the way back to 1534
Dive into the waters of Gozo to check out coral reefs, underwater caves and world war wreckages
Explore the Citadel, a fortified city with stunning views, eerie tunnels and its own cathedral
Watch the locals pan for salt – you could even give this a try for yourself
Take a day trip to Malta, where, in addition to its scenic beauty, you will also find an OROGOLD store, where you will be able to treat your skin to product demonstrations and VIP facials

Where to Stay in Gozo

For a relaxing, five-star hideaway, choose the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, located near the gorgeous Dwejra Bay. Tucked away within sprawling tropical gardens, this rustic but elegant hotel offers several restaurants, multiple swimming pools, a decadent spa, and one of the best Ayurvedic centers in all of the Mediterranean.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

This lush, wine-rich valley boasts a mild climate and extraordinary natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for a slow travel vacation. Expect gourmet food, delicious wines and some of the best scenery in the world.

Things to Do in the Vipava Valley

While sustainability is something that has only recently made its way into the mainstream world, this has always been the natural way of life in the Vipava Valley. While fine wines and fresh foods are what most visit for, there are plenty of other things to do here too:

Explore Stanjel, the oldest settlement in the area with a castle that dates back to Roman times
Paragliding is extremely popular in this breezy region, and you will definitely be rewarded with some unforgettable views from your high vantage point
Tour some of the local vineyards and wineries – if you visit at harvesting time, you can even help to pick the grapes
Visit the ruins of the Stari Grad Castle, which dates back to the 12th century
Take a day trip to Ljubljana if you’re craving big city life

Where to Stay in the Vipava Valley

Located in the small village of Spodnha Idrija, Hotel Kendov Dvorec boasts a secluded location, a gorgeous garden with 100-year old apple trees, and a restaurant that cooks up delicious local specialties.

There are so many peaceful, untouched parts of Europe that lend themselves perfectly to a slow travel getaway. Whether you’re into fine wine and gastronomy or history and culture, it won’t take you long at all to fully immerse yourself into these seven destinations.

Travel |

July 26, 2017

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The Schloss Foundation and Benrath Park

Elena Klippert / Shutterstock.com

Also known as Benrath Palace, Schloss Benrath is a baroque-style palace that was completed in 1770, and holds such historic significance for the city of Düsseldorf that it has been submitted for UNESCO World Heritage designation. From exploring the actual palace and the museum within to touring the baroque square hunting park that surrounds it, this is a part of the city that history buffs will not want to miss.

The Main Palace
The Main Palace is where most visitors to Benrath Park start off at, and is a fantastic introduction to all that you will be seeing. The main palace contains historic furniture, art work, porcelain and more, all of which have been curated to give visitors an accurate impression of what court life would have been like in the later half of the 18th century. There are many exhibits on display to take a look at here, and guided tours are available if you would like a more in-depth knowledge of everything around you.

Other Museums in the Palace
Benrath Palace is home to two museums, one in its east wing and one in its west wing. The museum in the east wing is the Museum of European Garden Art, and is quite a unique one for the way in which it focuses solely on garden art from different parts of Europe. In the west wing, you will find the Natural History Museum, which is considered to be one of the best museums in the city. As you would expect, this museum focuses on natural history, but does this with a local spin, making it quite unique. There are also several exhibits here based on Benrath Park itself, which you will then be able to explore for yourself.

The Palace Park
Benrath Park is an oasis when it comes to greenery, and you will immediately notice the wide range of plants that live here. The park is divided into three distinct gardens, each with its own unique theme. From the French Garden with its spectacular orangery to the romantic Flower Garden, which used to be known as the English Garden, there is plenty to see here. As you make your way around the park, you will notice all of the lime tree avenues that surround you, and these are actually over 250 years old, and were created over time by training the growth of the trees. End you visit at the wooded section of Benrath Park, as the lush tree canopies provide a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for flowering plants to grow, as well as a number of colorful wildflowers, canals and ponds.

Benrath Palace was originally built as a hunting lodge and summer residence for Elector Carl Theodor, with its location being chosen due to its proximity to the River Rhine. While there were numerous garden palaces created in the 18th century, all over the world, Benrath Palace and its park is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and this is something that you will no doubt agree with once you pay it a visit for yourself.

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July 28, 2017

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Can’t-Miss Dusseldorf Highlights in a Day

Street scene in Dusseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf is packed with so many different things to see and do, but, if you only have a day to spend in the city, there are certain highlights that you definitely will not want to miss. From the city’s Old Town to the River Rhine, make sure that each of these spots are included in your itinerary.

Königsallee
Königsallee is the most famous shopping spot in the city, especially if you are seeking out exclusive stores and high end goods. Take a stroll down the gorgeous boulevard, doing some window shopping along the way, and, if you have not eaten your breakfast yet, stop off at one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat.

Altstadt
Altstadt is Dusseldorf’s Old Town, and is just a short walk away from Königsallee. This is an incredibly charming part of the city, and although it measures just one square kilometre, there is more to see here than in any other district in Düsseldorf. To top it all off, Altstadt is home to the longest bar in the world, which is actually around 300 different bars that all have interconnecting bar counters. Many of them serve up the city’s local brew, so do stop off at a couple for a bit of beer tasting.

Ppictures / Shutterstock.com

Burgplatz
Burgplatz is the spot at which the small Dussel River merges with the Rhine, and has always been an important part of the city. There is over 700 years of history to explore here, with a number of museums that will help you to do so. Just upriver from here is the MedienHafen, which is a harbour that is surrounded by spectacular architecture, with many of the buildings having been designed by world-famous architects. The Rhine embankment promenade is the best place to walk to see all of this, with its wave-like pavement having been specifically designed for this area. As you continue walking, you will soon come up to Carlstadt, which is another area that is well worth exploring.

Carlstadt
Carlstadt is another part of the city that is filled with history and art, and you will find several galleries, museums and antique stores here. While you will not have time to visit many museums, the Filmmuseum and the German Museum of Ceramics are both fascinating if you would like a quick browse. The stately homes in Carlstadt date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and just strolling the streets here gives you the opportunity to soak up such a historic vibe, which the area has managed to successfully retain. If you are visiting the area on any day other than Sunday, it will not be long before you stumble across Carlsplatz, which is the local food market that is held here. This is a great opportunity to sample some local cuisine, and taste the city’s seasonal ingredients.

Düsseldorf is quite a compact city, meaning that it is easily walkable. While a day may not seem like that much time, this is enough to see the city’s main highlights, so long as you plan your route wisely.

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July 24, 2017

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The 2017 Dusseldorf Festival

Shchipkova Elena / Shutterstock.com

Held this year from the 13th of September to the 2nd of October, the Düsseldorf Festival fills the city with culture and the arts. From eccentric dance to global music, this is a festival that has something for just about everybody, but here are a few of its most highly-anticipated performances.

Ahi – Taksim Trio
The Taksim Trio are three musicians from Istanbul, and have made quite the name for themselves in Turkey. Their music is not only always entertaining, but also extremely skilled, and with a bold, multicultural quality, making this a show that you should not miss. The instruments involved include a clarinet, a duduk, an amplified baglama, and the Turkish zither, which work together to play a mix of Anatolian folk music and oriental pop, with a touch of classical and jazz too. They will be performing at the Düsseldorf Festival on the 29th of September, with this being their very first performance in Germany.

Ahnsim Dance – Eun-Me Ahn
Eun-Me Ahn is a Korean choreographer who is famous for her provocative, and extremely eccentric, dance pieces. For the first time ever, she will be presenting her latest trilogy in Europe, at the Düsseldorf Festival on the 26th of September. The piece features dancers that are both blind and sighted, and they tell a beautifully emotional story of the difficulties that being different brings in society.

The Revival – Cory Henry
Cory Henry is from the younger generation of gospel artists, but is just as well-loved as the classics. His latest program, called The Revival, features the magnificent Hammond organ, and this is used on its own for the majority of the performance, although he is sometimes accompanied by a single percussionist. Cory Henry is incredibly talented when it comes to the organ, bringing about such a wide range of sounds from it, starting off soulful and then moving on to progressive jazz, and even rock.

Y Ole – Jose Montalvo
Jose Montalvo is a French choreographer with a Spanish heritage, and this performance takes on an almost competitive edge, as he mixes together so many different dance types. From vibrant flamenco to the beats of hip hop to classical dance to soulful African rhythms, this is a performance that melds together all of Montalvo’s childhood memories, from all over the world, and can be seen on the 19th of September.

Master Drummers of Burundi
The Master Drummers of Burundi have been one of the leading drum ensembles in the world for the past few decades, and their performances are always filled with so much color and intensity. Performing at the Düsseldorf Festival on the 22nd of September, the performances usually involve 12 batimbos who create an astounding rhythm to sing and dance to, while using their musical instruments to fight imaginary battles.

The Düsseldorf Festival brings together musicians, dancers and artists from all over the world. From Turkey to France to Korea, this is a fantastic representation of international art and culture, with many of the performers being famous in their home countries.

Travel |

December 30, 2016

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A Weekend Guide to Berlin

While 48 hours may not seem like much time, a weekend is just about sufficient to begin to immerse yourself in the German city of Berlin. From learning about the city’s history to indulging in some retail therapy, this Berlin weekend guide introduces you to the top spots that you definitely should not miss if you only have a couple of days to spend in Berlin.

Museum Island

Museum Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is home to five world-class museums that are dedicated to showcasing everything from German history to ancient art, and their combined collections encompass over 6000 years of cultural history. While Berlin does boast several other important museums, the fact that these five are all located a stone’s throw away from each other does make it quite convenient if you are short on time. If you are still not able to view all five museums, then do make sure to at least visit the Pergamon Museum and the Old National Gallery.

Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse is legendary for being the spot where the Berlin Wall crossed twice, and today is considered to be the epicenter of culture and shopping in the city. Stretching out for just over three kilometers, there is an almost endless array of shops and department stores to be found here, ranging from small independent boutiques to luxury flagship stores. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants here, with everything from local German cuisine to Mediterranean to Asian, making this a great spot to stop for lunch.

The Gendarmenmarkt
One of the largest squares in Berlin, a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt will reward you with the opportunity to explore three historic buildings, making this one of the most picturesque parts of the city. The Konzerthaus, which was built in 1821, is the city’s most important theater, while the French Cathedral and the Berlin Cathedral are definitely architecturally impressive. If you are visiting Berlin in the winter, Gendarmenmarkt is also where you will find a bustling Christmas market that showcases the city’s festive traditions.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic part of the city, and was built in 1791, loosely modeled after the Acropolis in Athens. This 26-meter high sandstone monument was the city’s very first Neoclassical structure, and it is, without a doubt, one of Berlin’s most popular landmarks today.

Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial takes up the area of an entire city block, and is filled with row upon row of concrete slabs, each rising to various heights. These are meant to be reminiscent of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, and while this project may have been quite controversial, walking through it will leave you with feelings of isolation and claustrophobia, giving you a tiny bit of an insight into the plight that so many Jews faced.

Berlin is truly a dynamic city, with so much to see and do. While a weekend is perfect for a quick introduction to all that Berlin has to offer, this will likely only make you want to return again for longer, so that you can delve deeper into the unique charm that this city has always had.

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December 28, 2016

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The German Wine Trail

Vineyard

While German wine may not be as heavily marketed as wines from other destinations, Germany is actually one of the top producers of fine white wines in the world. With 13 different official wine regions to choose from, here are some of the best parts of the German wine trail.

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Considered to be the king of German wine regions, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer encompasses steep hillsides that meander along the Mosel River. With some of the steepest vineyard slopes in the world, as well as a predominantly cool climate, the Rieslings created here are crisp and elegant, with a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity. The wines from Mosel are also known for being some of the lightest in Germany, usually containing less than ten percent alcohol. While the Mosel wine route boasts numerous world-class vineyards and wineries, the very best can be found around the village of Bernkastel, so do make this your first stop.

Franken
While Franken produces quite a wide variety of wines, from the Pinot Blanc to the Riesling to the Silvaner, its most distinctive feature is the way in which its finer wines are bottled, making use of round Bocksbeutel flasks rather than standard wine bottles. The spicy Domina grape variety has become more popular in Franken in recent years, and this is well worth tasting, along with the various cuvees that are produced from the sumptuously sweet white Bacchus grapes.

The Rheingau
The Rheingau area runs for about ten miles along the Rhine, and while it may be small, with just three percent of Germany’s vineyard plantings, it is one of the few German wine-producing regions that is known for a variety other than the Riesling, with the Spatburgunder being quite prominent here. This variety was brought over from France, where it is known as the Pinot Noir, and it has since thrived in the Rheingau. Another point of interest in the region is Schloss Johannisberg, which is a Benedictine monastery and vineyard, and is said to be the place from which the idea of a late harvest originated. This late harvesting technique means that the sugar level in the grapes is significantly higher, giving the wines quite a distinct taste.

Pfalz
Pfalz is the top-producing German wine region, even though it is just a relatively narrow area of land. Pfalz is home to the German wine Road, which was established in 1935 as a way to connect all of the local villages, and this is still a great route to take to explore the region further. With a warm and calm climate, harvest time is later in the fall here, and kicks off the largest wine festival in the world, Wurstmarkt, which is held each September in Bad Durkhelm.

The best time to set off on a German wine adventure is between April and the summer, and then again immediately after harvest season, when you will find several wine festivals and tastings. The German wine trail is an enjoyable one to follow, because in addition to visiting the numerous vineyards, you will also be rewarded with fascinating pockets of German history, culture and hospitality.

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December 26, 2016

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Germany Can Do Theme Parks Too

Theme park

Germany’s theme parks draw in millions of visitors each year, and feature homegrown rather than imported elements. From the second most visited theme park in Europe to a park inspired by exotic destinations, these are the best theme parks in Germany that you simply have to visit!

Phantasialand
Phantasialand is inspired by the exotic, and there are surprises and discoveries to be found around just about every corner. This is a theme park that is perfect for the entire family, as not only are there many child-friendly rides, but also a number of adrenaline-pumping ones, from the inverted roller coaster to the Talocan Top Spin, which is the only suspended top spin ride in Europe.

Tripsdrill
Tripsdrill is the oldest theme park in Germany, and is inspired by life in Swabia in the 1800’s, with snippets of everything from local customs and traditions to authentic foods. This is the park to visit if you are after a quirkier experience, as you will find several one-of-a-kind attractions here, from the carousels shaped like bundt cakes to white water rafting in wash tubs. Tripsdrill is also home to a wildlife park, with over 130 animals, ranging from wild horses to wolves.

S. Kuelcue / Shutterstock.com

Europa Park
The largest theme park in Germany, and the second most visited in Europe after Disneyland Paris, Europa Park is located in Rust, and, stretching out for over 90 hectares, boasts over 100 different attractions. The park is divided into 14 different zones, each one inspired by a specific European destination, and the attractions within each relate to these themes. From the crazy London taxi dodgems and the hovering London bus in the England Zone, to the incredible wooden roller coaster in the Iceland Zone to the Poseidon water ride in the Greece Zone, there are so many different rides to try and areas to explore that this is a park well worth spending the night at.

Heide Park
The largest amusement park in the north of Germany, Heide Park, which opened in 1978, is famous for its Colossos ride, which is one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world. Its Krake ride is also worth queuing up for, as this is the only dive coaster in the country. If these two rides aren’t enough action for you, you can also stop off at Scream, which is the largest gyro-drop tower in the world. In addition to these heart-thumping rides, there are also many attractions for younger visitors, including gentle boat rides, a mini version of the Scream tower, and rides inspired by children’s fairy tales, and the park itself is also a joy to explore, being so beautifully landscaped with flowers, shrubs, trees and a large lake.

Theme parks always make for a fun day out for the whole family, and each of these parks also offer a range of accommodation for those who want to stay the night. These amusement parks offer rides and attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making it well worth scheduling in time for some of the best theme parks in Germany when traveling to the country.

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September 5, 2016

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Best Places to Travel This Fall

There are some destinations that really come into their own during certain seasons, and, when it comes to the warm light and rich hues of fall, it only makes sense to visit a location that is beautifully bathed in the golden autumn glow. From the cobblestone streets of Prague to the surreal northern lights in Scandinavia, these are some of the best places to travel to this fall.

Fall in Norway

Norway
The famous northern lights can be seen from many countries in the northern hemisphere, and while the darkest nights are during the dead of winter, fall is the best time to head off on a trip to catch the northern lights. Since city locations emit large amounts of light pollution, the best areas to view the lights are more secluded, and, for the very best photographs, many head out on a cruise ship for the night. There are several companies that offer journeys centered around viewing the lights, and these usually begin in early September.

Munich
While Munich may be home to some great fall foliage, the primary reason that it attracts over six million international visitors each fall is due to the Munich Oktoberfest, because while there may be many versions of this around the world, none of these have ever managed to live up to the original. This is the largest folk festival in the world, and, with everything from millions of liters of beer to traditional German street foods to massive fairgrounds with one-of-a-kind rides, Oktoberfest promises to be a fun-filled event.

Fall in Prague

Prague
Prague regularly enjoys a long Indian summer, meaning that the city often experiences warm days all the way up through November. With the low angle of the sun, the entire city is soaked in a romantic light, and this is set off by the spectacular fall foliage that can be seen at each of the city’s public parks. Fall is also the time for mushroom picking, and the Kunratice Forest has always been popular for this, while those that would prefer to indulge in city-based activities will no doubt notice that the delicious Czech cuisine is perfectly suited to the crisp days of fall.

Maine
Known for its extraordinary fall foliage, Maine is packed with natural diversity, as well as over 12 million acres of forest, meaning that there are a number of spots worth visiting in the fall. The seaside city of Portland is home to tree-covered mountains and a coastline dotted with islands, while the seaside village of Bar Harbor enjoys a panoramic location right next to the Acadia National Park. For those who want a more action-packed adventure, head to the Forks, where there are raft trips available for all ability levels, as well as a multitude of hiking trails, one of which leads to one of the highest waterfalls in the state.

After the intense heat of the summer, but before the winter chill sets in, fall is a fantastic time to travel and explore a new destination. Whether you travel around Maine for some traditional fall leaf peeping, or head to Munich for some German culture and fun, these places are all worth considering when planning a fall vacation.

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August 19, 2016

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Classic German Beverages and Dishes

The cuisine in Germany is as varied as the country’s landscape, and there are a number of traditional local dishes and beverages that travelers to the region should definitely not miss out on. From the many different sausage varieties to the world-famous German beer, here are some of the most popular classic German dishes and drinks.

sausages

Sausages
One of the leading countries when it comes to sausage production, Germany is home to hundreds of varieties of sausage, many of them not known elsewhere, with each area having their own closely-guarded secret recipe. The Thuringian Rostbratwurst is one of the oldest of German sausages, with the original recipe dating back to the start of the 17th century, and is a sausage that is regulated by law. Often used to prepare a currywurst dish, these sausages are seasoned with marjoram and caraway seeds. Bratwurst is another popular variety, as is blutwurst, which is also known as blood sausage. The Teewurst is a mild, air-dried, raw sausage, similar to salami, while the weisswurst, also known as the white sausage, is traditional to the south of Germany, and is a popular variety to eat in the mornings.

German Bier
Germans are exceptionally proud of their beer, and, in the south of the country, you are likely to find a brewery in just about every village. For those who like pale beers, Marzen, which is a malty lager from Bavaria, has a beautifully crisp finish, while Weissbier, which is a wheat beer, has a tantalizing aroma of spicy cloves. On the other hand, Schwarzbier is a black lager that is often just as black as Guinness, but has a lightness about it that is reminiscent of a fine pale lager, while Rauchbier is quite unusual, as it is made from a malt that has been smoked, giving it quite an intense flavor.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten
Considered to be one of the national dishes of Germany, sauerbraten is basically a pot roast, and can be made from a number of different meats. Marinated in a special seasoning mix for up to ten days, sauerbraten is an exceptionally flavorful dish, often accompanied with sauerkraut and dumplings, as well as a pint of pilsner beer.

Black Forest Cake
Another classic German dish that is famous all over the world, the key ingredients in a Black Forest Cake are cherries, cherry schnapps, chocolate, cream, flour and sugar. While there may be different varieties of this dish found around the country, German law states that a cake can only be marketed as a Black Forest Cake if it contains the specialty liquor Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, which is the cherry schnapps that helps to give the dessert its unique flavor.

Food has always been a significant part of German culture, and those traveling around the country are likely to notice a number of differences between the local cuisine in different regions. However, there are key flavors and techniques that tie the country’s cuisine together, and, once you have tasted a few authentic German dishes, you will understand why German food is renowned all over the world.

Travel |

August 17, 2016

| OROGOLD

Museums of Benrath Palace

Benrath Palace, Germany

Situated in Benrath, a borough of Düsseldorf, Benrath Palace is a baroque-style palace that dates back to 1755, and, with such historic significance, has recently been proposed to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The palace was originally built as a summer residence and hunting lodge, and still retains a large portion of its original design and architecture. Consisting of five main buildings, three of these each housing a museum, and extensive gardens stretching out for more than 60 hectares, along with a large lake, Benrath Palace is most definitely worth a visit when in Düsseldorf.

Museum of European Garden History
Situated in the East Wing of Benrath Palace, the Museum of European Garden History occupies an area of over 2000 square meters. Considered to be quite a unique museum, the exhibits here are focused on garden history, with many of them dating back to medieval Europe. From the life-like sculptures to the incredible paintings, this is a great opportunity to view garden art throughout the years, and for those that want even more in-depth information, there are regular lectures and guided tours also held at the museum.

Natural History Museum
While many of the major national history museums around the world may feature exhibits from all over the world, the Natural History Museum at Benrath Palace has a local focus, with a special emphasis placed on the Lower Rhine Basin and the Lower Bergisch area. Situated in the West Wing of the palace, the exhibits at the museum showcase the local flora and fauna, beginning with a brief history of the Rhine, while also paying attention to the Rhein Fisheries. Another highlight for many geological buffs is the exhibit on the Rhine floodplain, which has been at the center of many debates over the years.

Museum Corps de Logis
Located in the main building of Benrath Palace, the Museum Corps de Logis is definitely one of the highlights of the site, as it depicts what court life would have been like in the second part of the 18th century. The unique ornaments, furniture and artwork placed around the building points towards the lifestyle of those that once lived here, while the architecture and interior design are spectacularly impressive.

In addition to its three museums, Benrath Palace is also home to the Palace Park, which is divided into three different gardens; the official garden, the private garden, and the bosquet, each authentically displaying what gardens in the 18th century would have been like. The parkland is also home to an animal park, which was transformed into a hunting ground when the palace was in use, and offers quite a romantic feel to the palace’s ambiance, especially with the way in which it is framed by trees that date back 250 years. Considered to be one of the most beautiful garden palaces that was created in this time period, Benrath Palace is a must-see for those visiting Düsseldorf for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to soak up some of the city’s unique history, culture and heritage.