Travel tips
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Top Five Edinburgh Attractions
Aug 25th

Edinburgh, a beautiful city rich in fantastic architecture, history and culture is now rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Edinburgh fuses together the medieval Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Georgian New Town, creating a harmonious balance of traditional and contemporary design. Quiet and mysterious cobbled lanes merge effortlessly with a bustling high street full of fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. Here’s our run down of Edinburgh’s top five must-see attractions:
Edinburgh Castle
One of the oldest and most dominant structures in the city, Edinburgh Castle has a history that dates back to around 900 BC. The Castle has been home to royal blood since the reign of David I in the 12th century and has been the site of numerous historical battles and conflicts over the years including The War of Scottish Independence and the invasion of Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Today Edinburgh Castle stands as the single most important building in the city and attracts over 1.25 million visitors per year. On display in the castle are a number of historical artefacts including the Stone of Destiny and the giant cannon ‘Mons Meg.’ Edinburgh Castle attracts many visitors for the Military Tattoo, held each year in August as well as for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun that takes place every day at precisely 1pm.
Edinburgh Dungeon
One of the city’s scariest attractions, the Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to go to learn about the gory history of Scotland’s capital. Discover how those who inhabited the old city centuries ago lived out their lives with a number of gruesome exhibitions and frighteningly real live performances. Delve into the brutal history of the Clan Wars or wander through The Haunted Maze which stretches far out into the tunnels and catacombs of the Royal Mile. Highlights include the cave of Sawney Bean, where visitors travel by boat deep into the heart of the murderous cannibal’s lair and face his horrifyingly bloodthirsty family in the flesh. New for 2010 is the chilling Burke and Hare live experience, as visitors wind up in an eerie graveyard trying to avoid becoming one of the notorious serial killer’s next unfortunate victims.
3D Loch Ness Experience
One of the world’s most famous lakes is brought stunningly to life, as the 3D loch Ness Experience seeks to uncover the mystery of the monster. Presented by scientist Adrian Shine, visitors will experience illusions, hoaxes and real life eye witness accounts of the Loch Ness Monster in a clear, 3D surrounding. The experience raises questions about the existence of Nessie and presents interesting and eyebrow raising facts about the mythical creature’s life over the centuries. Created by the award winning Loch Ness Centre, which was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 3D Loch Ness Experience will entertain children as well as adults.
Auld Reekie Tours: Terror Tour
Visited by televisions “Most Haunted” team on Halloween 2006 and described as their scariest location ever, the Auld Reekie Terror Tour is sure to entertain…and scare. A strictly ‘adults only’ tour of Edinburgh’s old underground vaults and passages led by a costumed guide explores the gruesome horrors and paranormal activities that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors will be led by candlelight around the cold and damp underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town and discover how torture was common practice among those who inhabited the streets. A small museum dedicated to the infamous instruments of death will turn fear into reality for those who brave the trip, who all the while may be stalked on their journey by the notorious South Bridge Poltergeist. A free Vodka mixer is included afterwards at Edinburgh’s most haunted pub to calm any frayed nerves.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The award-winning Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour takes visitors on a journey around some of Edinburgh’s best pubs in a 300 year old celebration of some of Scotland’s best loved literary characters and writers. Led by Clart and McBrain, a literary duelling duo, those along for the ride will be entertained by witty and colourful verses from Robert Burns, a spine-tingling reading of the metamorphosis from Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and a humorous account of Muriel Clarke’s divided Edinburgh. Clart and McBrain also engage in a passionate debate over the importance of a pub atmosphere’s ability to produce creative and intellectual thought. An engaging evening where drinking, if anything, is encouraged.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Cheap Places To Stay
Aug 11th
As this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival slowly approaches, it’s probably a good time to start looking at some affordable accommodation in the city. There is enough choice of hotels in Edinburgh to ensure that you certainly don’t need to spend a fortune, helping you free up money to enjoy the festival. We have provided our choice of the top five cheap places to stay in the city during the Fringe Festival.

As with all Travelodge’s across the UK, the name of the game is simple and affordable. The Travelodge situated on Rose Street puts you in the heart of Edinburgh’s lively city centre, a perfect location during the Fringe Festival. Located just off Princes Street, Edinburgh’s equivalent of London’s Oxford Street, you are only a stones throw away from the beautiful Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Rose Street Travelodge is also just a five minute walk from Waverley Train Station and bus stop, the main port of arrival into and out of the city. The Travelodge sits on a pedestrian street lined with bars and good restaurants, ensuring you will never be away from the action. Rooms will be basic but provide you with enough necessities to feel at home while rates per room start from around £35 per night although prices will be higher at weekends.

Edinburgh First at the University of Edinburgh
Situated just across from the National Library of Scotland and within touching distance of the beautiful Edinburgh University, Edinburgh First is just over a mile away from the heart of the city. Set amidst picturesque grounds, Edinburgh First is a modern option in the cities Newington district. Rooms are basic but provide the essential tea and coffee makers plus complimentary bathroom toiletries. Guests have a choice of using the coffee shop/café and the restaurant which houses a comfortable bar and lounge area. Conference rooms and banqueting facilities can all be made available and guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Room rates start from £30 per night.
Halcyon Hotel Guest House
Located on Calton Hill, this beautiful old Georgian property is just a ten minute walk from Princes Street and the historic Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. This grand building is blessed with typical Georgian features, with a quaint living area and medium to large sized rooms. There are a total of fourteen rooms within the Halcyon, twelve of which are en-suite. High speed wireless internet access runs throughout the building and guests are also served a complimentary breakfast each morning. The Halcyon Hotel Guest House is run by a committed and friendly couple who share a passion for good service and rooms start from just £35 per night.

The affordable two star Cairn Hotel sits alongside Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens and is only a ten minute walk from Waverley Train Station. Set in the heart of the cities lively theatre district, visitors to the Cairn Hotel can enjoy a comfortable and spacious lounge area in a modern setting while the typically Georgian architecture gives the building a sophisticated and luxurious quality. A small bar and large restaurant allows guests to relax with some good food and a quick dram before heading out for the night. All fifty two en-suite rooms are fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, television and complimentary bathroom amenities. Conference and banqueting facilities are accessible upon request and private parking is also available. Rooms start from £39 per night.
Chalmers Street Apartments
Set back a little from the main city centre, Chalmers Street Apartments puts guest in the quieter region of Meadows Park. Within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum and the National Galleries of Scotland, Chalmers Street Apartments are situated in an ideal location for soaking up some culture. Guests are provided with well equipped rooms with a kitchenette complete with microwave and refrigerator plus en-suite private bathrooms. All rooms are fitted with televisions and telephones and guests have access to a communal kitchen and lounge area although there are a variety of excellent restaurants nearby. Rooms start from as little as £50 per night with a laundry service and high speed internet access also available.
Best Free Things to Do in Rome
Sep 13th
Be neighborly: Take a stroll in the neighborhoods near your hotel. Or check out the old Testaccio district. This ‘hood dates back to antiquity and is becoming a popular bar hop spot for a young crowd while many restaurants feature delicious Roman era cooking. Trestevere is also a unique place to walk, as most of the narrow alleyways lead back to the Piazza Santa Maria, one of the city’s oldest places of worship.
Pantheon: One of the most iconic structures in Rome. The Pantheon was renovated by Hadrian in 120AD which is one of the reasons why it is so well preserved. It is open from Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 7:30 pm and Sunday from 9 – 6.
Vatican: The most highly regarded place in the Catholic faith. Skip the costly entrance fees and go for free the last Sunday of each month. You can also see the excavation sites beneath the structure for free too.
Trevi Fountain: Sure it’s just a fountain. But ancient legend boasts that by throwing a coin into the Baroque fountain, you’re guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. Jeez, it’s that easy?
Bocca della Verita: In similar fashion to the Trevi Fountain, this olden sewer grate has a myth of its own. If you place your hand inside, it will be bitten off if the grate deems you a liar. Beware!
Appia Antica: This ancient road that led away from Rome is closed to all vehicles on Sunday allowing for a peaceful journey. There are also free tours from 10 – 3 by signing up at the Parco Dell’Appie Park office.
Spanish Steps: The steps with a view. After climbing to the top, the city sprawls out before you. Plus, they’ve just been renovated in 1996, so they are safer than ever.
Piazza Navona: This marketplace is one of the liveliest places in Rome. You can just explore or eat a good meal relatively cheap here.
Here are a few budget hotels to make your stay a fun yet affordable one.
Photos via Rolf Süssbrich and Diliff
On-the-go Packing Tips
Sep 3rd
If you’re always traveling for business or even picking up at a moment’s notice for pleasure, here are some great tips to pack when you’re on the fly.
Universal Adapter: Have a universal adapter charged and at the ready always.
Airport Advantage: Know everything there is to know about your home airport. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you find. For example, a check out desk that is not jam packed just because it’s down an additional flight stairs. Say hello to people you see there often too. You never know when you might need a buddy to eek you by in a rush.
Toiletries: These are also a hassle to pack and something always manages to get missed every time. Go to the $1 section of your local grocer and pick up enough mini bottles to makeup 3 – 5 little kits that you can easily store in large freezer ziplocks until they are needed.
File: Make a file on your phone or laptop that has the details (account number, phone number, etc.) of every single service you’re hitting along the way including hotel, car rental, and airline.
Cash: In a world of credit cards, cash is a rarity. However, when traveling it is smart to just keep a couple of bucks handy for tips (remember buddies are good!) or a last minute quickie meal.
Clothes: Pack lightly. Be efficient. Bring one pair of work shoes and one pair of casual in neutral colors so they go with everything. One pair of jeans with a variety of tops also works for casual events and one suit with a variety of ties works for business meetings.
Photo via babygear.net
Witchy Woman
Aug 7th
Though considered evil, witchcraft is a fascinating subject to most. Though most witches were most often people who simply worshiped the sun and moon while tripping off of natural herbs, in ancient times they were connected to demonic activities like orgies, sacrifices, and even vampirism. Quite a thing to be condemned for!
Many Spanish towns were full of mysticism and witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries. During these times witches were accused of worshipping the devil, casting spells on people, and where often burned at the stake.
The town of Zugarramurdi is one such town where hundreds were accused of sorcery in the early 1600s. Today the town takes travelers on captivating tours of the “Infernuko Erreka” which is a small natural tunnel made from a streambed that leads to caves where the witches did their thing hundreds of years ago. On the Saturday before St. John’s Day, a recreation of the witches’ sabbot takes place while on August 18, a feast is held in the Great Cave while old tales of witchery are told. Nearby, on the Discovery Route that connects Zugarramurdi to Urdax and Sara – towns with more witchy debotchery – visitors can visit other hauntingly beautiful sites like the air condition caves of Ikaburu.
Another location full of intrigue is the Route of Moncayo. The route is along the highest mountain in the Zaragoza region, which is full of mysteriously strong winds and curious stones. Here you can follow the route to the Monastery of Veruela, the city of Tarazona, and the village of Trasmoz. Trasmoz’s castle is one of imagination, so much so that Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, made it the focal point of his fabled stories which were filled with, what else but witchcraft.
To see the Zugarramurdi caves try these hotels:
2 Star Posada Del Rio
3 Star Hotel la Era
5 Star Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
To see the Route of Moncayo try these hotels:
2 Star Avenida
4 Star Goya
5 Star Melia Zaragoza
The German Riviera. Get there.
Aug 2nd
What? Germany has a Riveria? On an island?! It’s true! The island of Sylt is a place you probably never knew existed until right now. It is stretched along 36 square miles of bliss and is known for its quaint beach cottages, fields of heather, and nudity. There are also to die for dishes at many of the celebrity frequented restaurants as well as designer shopping. Or to get away from it all, on the northern most point is the Alter Gasthof Inn. The inn has been serving regional dishes for over 200 years.
So why aren’t you there yet?
Sylt is about 5 hours from Berlin or 3 ½ from Hamburg. It’s a great weekend break if you’re on a weeklong vacation in a major city or an incredible place to spend an entire holiday.
Beer Cities of the World
Jun 26th
That title is like sweet music to our ears and soon to be sweet beer to our lips. After researching with those who have tested, tasted, and gotten wasted we’ve come up with the best beer cities in the world.
10. Mexico City: Corona, oh how we heart you! The most perfect summertime beer known to man is produced in Mexico City. Not into a lime wedge in your drink? No problem. The locale is also noted for their smooth, dark Negra Modelo lager, Dos XX golden lager, and Bohemia pilsner lager. Una cerveza por favor indeed!
9. Portland: Home to the some of the oldest breweries in the U.S., Portland takes the cake for having the most breweries in a U.S. city. All 28 of them ensure that there is plenty of beer to go around.
8. Sapporo: Japan? Beer? What the… Yes it’s true. Sapporo loves beer so much that they even have vending machines that line the streets chock full of the stuff. There is also a beer garden next to the Sapporo beer museum where a daily barbeque ensues. Man, who knew the Japanese were such party animals!
7. Montreal: The Canadian’s are known for two things – hockey and beer. Quebec is home to Labatt and Molson while Montreal is home to many renowned brewpubs like Le Cheval Blanc. The Canadian’s have gotten a little tricky and differentiate their beer by color rather than classification. Ie: “I’ll take a blonde,” instead of saying “I’ll take a lager.”
6. Brugge: Belgium is known for many of the finer things in life like lace, Godiva chocolates, and – beer. Brugge offers hundreds of varieties of brusky, more than 500 to be exact. Plus it’s chock full of drinking history with the well preserved 1515 Café Vlissinghe and the 1455 De Gouden Boom Brewery that has been getting the fine people of Brugge sloshed for centuries.
5. Prague: If beer had its own Miss Beer of the Universe pageant, Prague’s would win every time. The brews are just tip top quality yet surprisingly as easy on the wallet as they are on the eyes. U Fleku, the world’s oldest brewpub, is also located here and the Pilsner factory is only an hour away.
4. Burlington: Just north of Boston and south of Montreal (two other big time beer drinking cities) Burlington gets the best of both brewing worlds. Plus it’s a collegiate town with a four block pedestrian zone that just begs for stumbling feet. Not to mention beer keeps a belly warm while skiing in the blustery Vermont winter.
3. Dublin: When Irish eyes are smiling… that probably means their good and drunk at a pub in Dublin. It’s also home to Guinness and you can find a pub crawl to join any day of the week. Need we say more?
2. Amsterdam: Did you think that a magic mushroom was all Amsterdam was good for? Think again! The Dutch also brewed up some of our favorites like Heineken, Grolsch, and Amstel. Wanna get to a local spot away from tourists? Ask to be pointed in the direction of the nearest pils.
1. Wait for it…wait for it…. Berlin: Surprised you, didn’t we? This city gets all the props with its version of the famous Munich Oktoberfest, hosted in a 1.2 mile long beer garden. This festival is celebrated around the world by the young and old. Even when we were at the virginal Disneyworld in Orlando, Epcot’s Oktoberfest was going strong. A little weird but nonetheless a smack down win for Berlin.
Check out these hotels next time you’re in Europe. They’re right where all the beer drinkin’ action is.
Berlin: Amstel House
Amsterdam: Xavier’s Happy House
Dublin: Temple Bar Hotel



