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The Complete Guide to Traveling with Contact Lenses

By Erica Johansson in On Location, Travel Preparation 0

By MATT HARRIS

If you’re gearing up for your next holiday you may be mentally packing bikinis and cocktail dresses, or perhaps golf clubs and sweater vests, eager to get away for a week or two. Before getting too carried away, spare a moment to think about your contact lenses – they might not make you look great on the beach, but they’ll sure make looking much easier.

Pre-Trip Planning

Several weeks before you’re due to leave, make sure you have enough contact lenses to cover you comfortably for the duration of your holiday. If you find you don’t have enough lenses this will give you enough time to order more. Alternatively, look up if or where you can purchase new contact lenses at your destination.

Other things you might want to consider stocking up on before you leave are contact lens containers (for monthly or fortnightly lenses), saline solution, and rewetting drops.

Packing Your Suitcase

If you wear daily disposable lenses it’s worth taking extra pairs with you – if they don’t take up too much room, there’s no harm taking more than you need just in case. For monthly contact lenses, ensure you have an adequate supply of saline solution and that the bottle is closed firmly to prevent any leaking. It doesn’t hurt to pack a spare lens case either. Bringing your own supply of paper towels will also guarantee you can always dry your hands properly after washing them without having to worry about lint or bits of fluff sticking to your fingers.

Although rare, remember that your luggage might get lost in transit. To avoid the risk of arriving without lenses for a few days, pack everything in your hand luggage, bearing in mind the security regulations detailed below. Finally, if you plan on wearing your contact lenses on the flight, don’t forget to pack your glasses in your hand luggage!

Flight

The dry atmosphere on planes means you’re more likely to experience dry eyes on a flight, which is made worse by wearing contact lenses with high water content. Consuming alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrates your body, only makes the problem worse. If you want to wear lenses on your flight there are two solutions to this problem: gas permeable lenses and using eye drops.

Keep in mind most lenses can’t be slept in, so if your flight last several hours, bring your contact lens case and solution to store while you sleep, or a spare pair of lenses if you wear daily disposables.

When travelling by plane security regulations restrict you from bringing liquids over 100ml on board. This shouldn’t be a problem for rewetting drops, but in the likely event that your saline solution comes in a container exceeding 100ml you’ll have to decant some into a smaller bottle that meets security requirements.

On Location

While away it’s important to follow your usual routine for handling lenses to ensure your eyes stay healthy. This means washing your hands with soap and water and drying them thoroughly before touching your lenses or eyes. You might not have all the conveniences of home available to you, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore looking after your lenses (and eyes!) properly. Always clean your monthly lenses after wearing them and store them in a lens case with fresh saline solution. While out and about exploring, bring your case and solution with you, along with your glasses, so you can remove your lenses if necessary.

If you find yourself unable to store your monthly lenses in saline solution for whatever reason, throw them away rather than risk developing an eye infection by wearing them. Trust us, that won’t look good in your holiday pictures!

Lastly, if you experience any problems while abroad, visit your nearest optician like you would at home. Now that you’re prepared for traveling with contact lenses, the only thing you have left to do is enjoy yourself.

Matt Harris of Feel Good Contact Lenses who supply contact lenses, solution and eye drops. Visit them online at www.feelgoodcontacts.com

Images: suanie, Christopher Bosum

How to Get the Most of Ibiza Holidays

By Erica Johansson in Europe 0

With its sparkling clear waters and soft sands, Ibiza’s beaches are impossible to refuse. Sporting over 80 of them throughout the island, with everything from lazy days in the sun to white knuckle water sports, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to love about the place. But where are the true hot beds of this gorgeous land? Thankfully we’re here to help you get the most from your Mediterranean exploration and here’s our guide to Ibiza holidays.

Amnesia, Pacha, Space and Ushuaia

The world’s finest DJs know how to keep the masses entertained and the party hungry crowds will not be disappointed when visiting any of these four clubs. Be warned, party lovers; things don’t get started until midnight in most of these places, so be sure not to blow yourselves out too soon!

To avoid massive queues, it’s also best to purchase your tickets in advance online. If club music isn’t your thing, live bands play weekly at Ibiza Rocks during the summer months.

Failing that, why not get away from the beaches and indulge in a boat party? Setting sail from San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, it gives you a chance to catch the sunset and enjoy one of Ibiza’s finest sights.

Flyboarding

Ever want to feel like James Bond? Well, now you can get a little closer to the action on the tiny jets propelling you over the water on a flyboard – one of Ibiza most breathtaking experiences.

Or you could head to the islands tranquil core on a 4×4 safari to take in Ibiza’s beautiful natural attractions. But the fun isn’t just for grown-ups; kids can let loose at the Acrobosc adventure park, where they can zip-line through the forest and scramble along high platforms and rope bridges between the trees for a sweaty, but incredibly fun adventure.

Cala Jondal

Sporting peaceful coves, hip beach bars and celebrity haunts – Ibiza’s finest points are spread far and wide to ensure a great time no matter where you choose to explore. Soaring cliffs and pine forests hang over the south west coast of Cala Jondal.

One of Ibiza’s trendiest places, it still maintains an atmosphere or pure tranquillity. That said, even celebrities can’t resist lapping up a little sun south of Ibiza Town at Los Salinas at one the surrounding beach clubs.

Seeking some down time? Head north to the luscious Cala Xarraca where you can sink into the healing mud baths for some much deserved TLC.

Images: Roberto Castano, Pablo Monteagudo

Holiday Saving Tips: Simple Steps to Take Before Your Trip

By Erica Johansson in Travel Preparation 0

By FIONA HAMANN

If you’ve spent all year daydreaming about escaping for the summer holidays, but haven’t got around to organising your finances, it’s a wise idea to start as soon as possible. Here are a few simple tips that can help you plan a comfortably affordable, yet amazing trip, without sacrificing your pre-holiday lifestyle.

1. Plan Your Budget

First thing on your agenda should be to work out the likely travel cost. And do plan out a budget to stick to over the weeks or months leading up to the trip that allows you to put a little aside regularly.

2. Create a Holiday Account

Separating holiday savings from your everyday bank account is a good idea, particularly if you are financially impulsive and find it challenging to resist the temptation to spend. Create a new account, or simply dedicate an existing one to holiday savings, to help you pretend the money isn’t there until the day of departure.

It’s also wise to set-up an automatic transfer into the dedicated account. With a regular portion of your earnings automatically allocated to your holiday, you will be less inclined to forget about making regular deposits, or simply deciding not to, because buying that new TV is suddenly more important.

3. Hunt For Deals

Bargain deals are everywhere; you just need to take the time to look for them. Research online before you make a final decision on where to go. Relaxing on a beach in Thailand may’ve been on your mind all year, but perhaps your money will go a lot further in Fiji? Being realistic about what you can afford, staying flexible and open-minded are key to finding the best deal possible.

4. Pick the Season

Travelling during traditional holiday periods, along with everyone else, can be an expensive undertaking. Peak season in most Southeast Asian countries, for example, is over the Christmas and New Year periods. If you can, why not wait until January for a more cost-effective trip? That way, you can choose between a greater range of affordable accommodation and flight options (as the seasonal and school holidays are over by then). Many holiday booking websites offer end of season sales too.

5. Consider a Travel Loan

With the cost of living and unexpected expenditures, sometimes saving can be a real struggle. That trip you purchased flights for earlier in the year is suddenly only a month away, and you’re not in a financial position to go. In an instance like this, perhaps a travel loan from a lender could be an option. A loan, with a set interest rate, will allow you to pay off the trip over time, perhaps relieving you of some of the financial pressure. Remember, just like finding the best travel deals, ensure you do your research and compare the options available. From secure to unsecured travel loans, the options differ so it would be best to speak to a personal loan broker like Aussie. You also need to make sure that you factor the repayments into your future budget, too.

Daydreaming is one thing, but experiencing the ‘real deal’ is far better. Use these simple holiday saving tips steps to help kick-start your travel planning for the summer season and get you on your way to the trip of a lifetime.

Image: Daniel Panev

9 Amazing Castles in Asia

By Erica Johansson in Asia 1

By SIMON MARKLAND

Think of castles and you’ll probably imagine the grandeur of Windsor, the spires of Neuschwanstein or the gothic brilliance of Bran. But east of Europe there are castles just as grand, just as enchanting, and just as spine-tingling. Here are nine of the top castles in Asia.

1. Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle at Sunrise. Image by David A. LaSpina (Flickr).

Dating back to 1333, Himeji Castle is perhaps the best-known of all Asian castles and for good reason – as well as being the largest Japanese castle it is also arguably the most picturesque. The castle that stands today was largely built in the 17^th century, and despite both heavy bombing at the end of World War II in the surrounding city and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, the castle remains in remarkably good condition. Despite the threats to the castle’s survival, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has never actually been under direct attack from enemy forces.

2. Hwaseong Fortress, South Korea

Hwaseong Fortress 9 Amazing Castles in Asia

Hwaseong Fortress. Image by Luke Ma (Flickr).

Built in the late 18^th century by King Jeongjo to honour his late father, the Hwaseong Fortress is another Asian castle designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress wall stretches over 5.5km and there are gates to the north, east, south and west. Despite the advanced military facilities of the fortress, during the Korean War with North Korea heavy damage was sustained by the fortress to the extent that complete repair hasn’t been possible. The scars of battle add to the Fortress’ character, making it a popular attraction for many tourists.

3. Fort San Domingo, Taiwan

Fort San Domingo 9 Amazing Castles in Asia

Sunset over the former British Consular. Image by Shenghung Lin (Flickr).

Also known as Hongmao Castle, Fort San Domingo might not be the prettiest castle in the world, but its rich history makes it one of the most fascinating. Originally a wooden fort built by the Spanish in 1629, the fort was also occupied by the Dutch and, after the Second Opium War, the British. The Victorian house pictured below was once a British Consular Residence, but today acts as a museum giving an insight into the site’s storied past.

4. Mehrangarh Fort, India

Mehrangarh Fort 9 Amazing Castles in Asia

Merhangarh Fort. Image by Ivan Lian (Flickr).

The ridiculously thick walls of Merhangarh Fort, built on a hilltop in Rajastan add to its imposing character. To enter the 15^th century fort, which is still owned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, you’ll have to make your way through seven gates. You’ll understand why the fortress is so well protected – the stunning interiors are as captivating as the grand building itself.

5. Krak des Chevaliers, Syria

Krak des Chevaliers 9 Amazing Castles in Asia

Krak des Chevaliers. Image by Benjamin (Flickr).

Known as the Castle of the Kurds because of the castle’s first inhabitants in the 11^th century, the Krak des Chevaliers played a crucial part in the Crusades, being occupied by the Hospitallers from 1110 to the 1250s. T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) considered the castle, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world’. While the castle was a key tourist attraction in the 1930s when under control of the French government, the Syrian Civil War has made this historical site a no-go area for the time being.

6. Gwalior Fort, India

Gwalior Fort. Image by Parth Joshi (Flickr).

The oldest part of the Gwalior Fort, one of the largest and most beautiful in India, dates back to the early 8^th century. Among the impressive buildings and structures in the fort are the two Saharstrabahu temples. Dedicated to Vishnu, the 11^th century temples remain only as ruins, but nevertheless remain impressive, but it is the Man Singh Palace (pictured) that is perhaps the most visually striking part of the fort.

7. Matsumoto Castle, Japan

Matsumoto Castle1 9 Amazing Castles in Asia

Matsumoto-Jo. Image by Thomas CUELHO (Flickr).

While Himeji Castle may be the most well-known Japanese castle, there are many that claim Matsumoto as the most romantic thanks to its beautiful waterside location in the ‘Japanese Alps’ of Matsumo. Built in 1504, the castle was under threat of demolition in the late 19^th century when it was sold at auction. Thankfully a local campaign successfully saved the castle and it remains standing for visitors to enjoy today.

8. Arg-é Bam, Iran

Arg-é Bam. Image by Sepehr Ehsani (Flickr).

The history of Arg-é Bam is longer than any other castle on the list, with its origins being traced to as far back as the 6^th century BC. The most significant part of its history may turn out to be the earthquake of 2003 however, which destroyed 80% of a citadel that is listed as a World Heritage Site and had the honour of being the largest abode building on earth. Many countries including Japan, Italy and France are helping to fund and carry out the reconstruction of the citadel, which will one day allow the world to see this truly unique sight once again.

9. Kerak Castle, Jordan

Kerak Castle. Image by Jon Martin (Flickr).

Built by the French in the 1140s, the Kerak is one of the largest crusader castles. Strategically located along the trade route from Damasucs to Egypt and Mecca, it was eventually captured by Saladin in 1189 after a two year siege. Today the Karak Archaeological Museum in the lower court educates visitors about the Crusades, the later occupation by the Ottoman Empire and other chapters in the castle’s entertaining history.

Simon Markland works for shipping company Voovit, providers of international shipping and excess baggage services. Visit them online at http://www.voovit.com/.

Travel Mishaps (and How to Avoid Them): 4 Lessons for Happy Wandering

By Erica Johansson in Travel Preparation 0

Stratton Lawrence getting ready to hit the trail in Peru.

By STRATTON LAWRENCE You could sum up my entire travel history by saying that I’ve had a lot of luck. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy plenty of good luck, but there’s an equal amount of bad luck that also seems to follow me around. In retrospect, many of my worst misadventures could probably have been avoided with better planning. And fortunately, I’ve managed not to experience the same mishaps over and over (although something can always go wrong). I’ve learned to expect the worst and prepare for it, and that’s generally kept me safe and happy, even when I’m caught in the driving rain and out of cash. Here are four lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Double Check Everything Before You Go Off the Grid

We’ve all heard the stories of a young traveler disappearing (harmlessly) into the jungle for a week, only to return to discover that their mother has gone berserk and called CNN about their ‘missing’ child. But there’s something to be said for preparing (and alerting others) before disappearing into the wilderness. In Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, I took off on a four-day hike with a 45-degree rated sleeping bag in my pack. I’d planned to buy a liner or even a lower-degree rated bag, but I arrived in the trailhead town of Huaraz on a Sunday and the outfitters were closed. I shrugged it off and hit the trail. By night three, awake all night and shivering violently at 13,000 feet, I regretted the decision not to wait another day!

2. Don’t ‘Wait and See’ When it Comes to Injuries

I’ll admit, I’m pretty slow to go the doctor when I’m feeling sick. But in a foreign country, I’ve learned that without medical attention, things can get a lot worse before they get better. In central Thailand during a month-long home stay, I woke up one morning to a bug bite on my shin. I shrugged it off — probably a spider — and it didn’t do much more than itch for the next day or two. But my incessant scratching (mostly in my sleep) soon led to infection. Still, I waited it out, even when my host family encouraged me to visit a doctor in a nearby town. Within a week I had a full-blown staph infection. I had to be driven to a clinic for a shot of penicillin (delivered to my rear end) and I was unable to walk for several days. No fun!

3. Plan Your Accommodations in Peak Season

I’m a sucker for a party. Carnival in Peru? Yes, please. But I failed to realize that Cajamarca, the center of the country’s celebrations, would be fully booked upon arrival. If I’d have committed and reserved a room even a few days before arriving, I would not have shared floor space with four other weary travelers crowded into a dingy hotel directly over a busy street!

4. Talk to Your Bank

It’s not fun to arrive in a foreign country and make one purchase, only to discover on your next attempt that your bank has blocked access to your ATM and credit cards (and they can’t reach you because your phone is off). Call before you go and let them know you’ll be traveling. Even worse? Getting home and discovering that you’ve been paying a $5 foreign transaction fee every time you’ve swiped your card. In Scotland, I found that my credit card would get me a rate equal to what I received in cash, so I put everything on plastic. What I didn’t know until I got my statement was that I’d wasted an extra $150 over the course of two weeks of swiping. Have you dealt with any similar mishaps? What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you on a trip that could have been avoided with better planning or foresight? Stratton Lawrence is a travel writer and all around adventure seeker. He writes about camping and outdoors related topics for eBay.com.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Botswana

By Erica Johansson in Africa 0

Botswana is one of the most understated gems in Africa; one of the continent’s most stable and affluent democracies, the world’s largest producer of diamonds and home to some of the largest wildlife preserves in Africa. Sandwiched between Namibia to the west, South Africa to the south and east and Zimbabwe to the north this landlocked country is about the size of France, or about two and a half times the size of the UK. A country of outstanding natural beauty, the Kalahari Desert takes up much of its territory. It has plenty of attractions for tourists, not least the chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife up close, with its regions offering a variety of landscapes and wildlife to take in. Here are some of the top places to visit in Botswana.

Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Botswana

The Okavango Delta, or Okavango Swamp as it is amongst the largest inland deltas in the world, is formed by the Okavango River, which is itself produced by seasonal flooding from the rains in the Angolan highlands. The seasonality of the water supply means the area can transform dramatically between the wet season, December – February and dry season, June – August. The floods create one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife, making it an ideal safari location and provide an oasis in an otherwise arid surrounding landscape.

There is an estimated migration of 200,000 large mammals to and from the area each year. It is the permanent and seasonal home to African bush elephants, hippopotamus, blue wildebeest, giraffe, lions, cheetahs, leopard, black rhinoceros, plains zebra and baboons. It is also home to the largest populations of the endangered African wild dog. Of all the mammals in the area the lechwe antelope is found in the highest numbers with more than 60,000.

Thanks to an array of wildlife unmatched by any other area on earth the Okavango Delta has become a favourite safari location, where a number of lodges and safari camps have been established. Some, such as the Tubu Tree Camp offer the opportunity to stay in tree top luxury villas surrounded by the wildlife.

The Linyanti

Linyanti The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Botswana

The Linyanti wildlife reserve runs along the western boundary of the Chobe National Park in the north east of the country. It is a private reserve that covers some 308,000 acres and contains a limited number of lodges and camps, giving it a remote and peaceful atmosphere for tourists. This is one of the most exclusive safari areas in Africa, so luxury is assured.

The area is fed by the Chobe River, which causes a large swamp area on its northern bank that acts similarly to the Okavango Delta attracting large amounts of wildlife. However, unlike the Okavango Delta wildlife is less seasonal here due to the rivers permanent presence. As the waterholes and lagoons dry up during the dry season animals congregate around the river, making it a busy area, especially for elephants who flock to the river in large numbers.

The large amount of herbivorous animals appeals a lot of predators to the area. The large number of lions and hyenas attracted the making of the National Geographic film Eternal Enemies in 1992, which chronicled the relationship between them in the area.

Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Botswana

The Makgadikgadi region of Botswana is a fascinating area Southeast of the Okavango Delta and surrounded by the Kalahari Desert. The area was previously the site of the enormous Makgadikgadi Lake, which once covered an area the size of Switzerland, but which dried up thousands of years ago due to shifts in the earth’s crust. This has left the area with a unique, barely untouched landscape, with the salt pans being devoid of plants apart from algae. At the edge of the salt pans there are salt marches, which give way to grassland and savannah.

The landscape is transformed in the wet season as the pans flood and become the breeding ground for large flocks of migratory birds and flamingo. It also attracts herds of migratory mammals such as Zebra and Wildebeest along with escorting predators, including the rare brown hyena. The abundance of wildlife and unusual landscape makes the area a popular travel destination and the area has a number of camps offering more unusual quad bike safaris.

The area was crossed by the famous explorer Dr David Livingstone in the 19^th Century and there still exists a Baobab tree which was used by European explorers as a sign post and post office. Known as Chapman’s Baobab this tree is estimated to be 4,000 – 6,000 years old and can still be visited by today’s explorers.

Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

By Erica Johansson in Europe, North America & Caribbean 0

By STEPHEN ROGER

With the season of giving just around the corner, it’s handy to keep track of nearby Christmas Markets. Extravagant and charming, the following five markets bewitch visitors year after year.

5. Valkenburg, Netherlands

Valkenburg Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

An unusual twist on the standard Christmas market fare, this delightful set up is entirely underground, inside the Velvet Cave. In addition to the stalls, gift items, food and wine, you’ll find murals and beautiful sculptures lining the long galleries of this market. Add in an excursion to Valkenburg Castle while you’re at it, and you might almost not be able to tell if you’ve gone back a few hundred years into the past or not. Cosy yet cool, this is a truly unique experience.

4. Chicago, Illinois, USA

Chicago Christmas Market Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

Christmas markets in USA are hard pressed to match their European counterparts in magnificence, but Chicago rises to the challenge gloriously. The market in Daley Plaza attracts over a million visitors every year. The stalls are arranged around a giant Christmas tree, but the true attraction here are the scheduled performances, whether a children’s choir or Christmas rock acts or sheer group carolling. The market also stands out for putting as much importance on beer as it does on wine. The festive atmosphere is pure and untempered.

3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna Christmas Market Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

Candied fruit, cotton candy, roasted chestnuts… the markets in Vienna will pamper your sweet tooth even as you ride through town astride a pony. Scenes of Christmas and from fairy tales adorn the buildings and squares so beautifully that time after time, children moving through the city are bewitched. There is no single market here that triumphs above the others, but they complement each other enchantingly. Keep an eye out for the random live performances and street acts. Vienna markets are a true treat for the sense.

2. Munich, Germany

Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

In the heart of Munich, at the Marienplatz, not too far from the famed Oktoberfest Grounds, the closing of the year brings a wondrous change. Stalls outdo each other in an effort to prepare the most original Christmas gifts. Crib figurines, shoes, and toys; you’ll never run out of things to buy. Make sure to sample the local gingerbread cake, the famed Lebkuchen! The scent of roasted nuts and mulled wine will follow you about the place as will the melodies of Christmas songs and hymn playing from ever corner. In Neuhauser Strasse, at the Kripperlmarket, you’ll find the most ancient manger market in the country. If you feel like a bit of a song and dance, then go to The Theresienwiese. These are some of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, and as such, your experience is bound to be one of the most authentic. It’s sheer Bavarian goodness.

1. Nuremberg, Germany

Top 5 Christmas Markets In The World

The big daddy of them all, this market is also known as the Christkindl Market. The absolutely real medieval charm of the place is hard matched by any other. The aroma of local delicacies and mulled wine permeates the air in a heady mix. An antique looking carousel spins close to an even more charming Ferris wheel. About 200 stalls are done up in green, reminiscent of elves and pixies, drawing up to two million visitors or more very year. Utterly romantic in the evenings, Nuremberg set the standard for every Christmas Market to follow.

Stephen Roger is a travel expert at JoGuru.Com, and a lifelong wanderer, primarily focusing on trip planning in Christmas (www.joguru.com). Here you can get relevant facts about top attractions, nightlife, things to do in Christmas and lots more.

10 Unusual & Unique Toilets Around the World

By Erica Johansson in Topics 1

Exploring Amsterdam on Two Wheels

By Erica Johansson in Europe 0

Amsterdam Exploring Amsterdam on Two Wheels

Amsterdam loves its bikes. If the hordes of cyclists aren’t enough to convince you, one need only observe the ease and dexterity with which the Dutch glide about town, chatting on phones, cradling boxes under arm, or resting both hands by their sides, as if they were relaxing in an armchair in their living room. While such mastery won’t happen in a day, a quick tour of Amsterdam on a two-wheeler is enough to fall in love with the canals and countryside of the capital city.

Diverse Foundations

The most beautiful aspect of Amsterdam is its seafaring city planning. The Dutch were once famed for their sea trade, championing the likes of France, Spain and England as pioneers during the Golden Age of Exploration. Their capital has long served as a central port, a diverse gathering of traders from around the globe, which is in part responsible for the intensely international flavor of the city. Aside from the architectural blending from building to building, many Dutch speak at least one other language – namely English and German – with Turkish and Arabic making headway in the Muslim populations. It also explains the city’s lax attitude toward otherwise illicit activities in other countries. Most distinct, however, are the tight, concentric rings of canals that wrap around the city like layers of an onion.

Around Town

Boat rides are available for tours of the canal, but cycling provides unparalleled freedom along the water and over series of bridges. While travelers can rent bikes across the city, the central station is perhaps the easiest spot for out-of-towners. The city center is a congestion nightmare of cars, bikes and people, but it is in this area you can take in the bustling business and traipse through the infamous red light district. As you move outward and crowds dissipate, the cycling becomes more pleasant. The waterways and crooked buildings – the result of sinking foundations – are enough to sustain any casual rider’s interest.

Cooling Off

One of the many pleasures of a cycling tour of Amsterdam is to stumble across the large gatherings of people relaxing on a Saturday. At Museum Square is a shallow pool where adults and children cool off as they walk between market stalls. There, too, in the background are the famed “I Amsterdam” letters, a traveling art installation of city pride that invites climbers and photographers alike. From there, one can peddle farther out from the city center, past the canals and to the Turkish neighborhoods.

Green Space

Another pleasant detour from the hustle and bustle is Vondel Park, located just beyond one of the outer water rings. Cyclists must dismount, which is just as well, as the lush park offers beautiful spots for a picnic beside picturesque ponds and gazebos.

Travelers with extra time on their hands can treat themselves to a ride outside the city. The rural region outside Amsterdam is known as Waterland, where cyclists can peddle alongside dikes, admiring farms, windmills and traditional Dutch homes.

Sherry Wine to Discover in Southern Spain

By Erica Johansson in Europe, Food & Drink

By KATIE STEARNS

Southern Spain is known for many things – the tradition, the bullfighting and the flamenco, just to name a few of them. And while those are all true and alive as much today as they were in the past, there’s another little piece of Andalucía that’s just as bold, just as wonderful but that sometimes gets swept aside and quietly forgotten. That little piece of Andalucía is its rich and flavorful sherry wine that’s been produced in the region for centuries. Walk into any bar in the South of Spain, and you’ll find this delicious stuff for sale and being drunk in small wine glasses by the old Spanish men sitting at the bar, and in the summer you’ll find it mixed with a lemon-lime soda in a refreshing drink dubbed rebujito. Needless to say, these delicious wines are ubiquitous throughout Andalucía, and it’s for good reason.

Sherry wine comes in many different variations, ranging in color, sweetness and density, but the bottom line is that it’s a stunning fermented wine made from the white grapes cultivated in Andalucía. Before discussing the beautiful different types of sherry wines to taste, let’s discuss the best place to do so. There’s no better way to experience sherry wine than the very place where it’s grown, produced and bottled – if at all possible, a vineyard tucked within the rolling hills of Andalucía would provide the perfect backdrop to tasting these fine wines.

There are lots of ways to go about this, but perhaps getting a private tour of a vineyard is one of the best experiences out there, giving you the opportunity to see a beautiful vineyard firsthand. While Jerez de la Frontera receives a lot of attention for its wines, there is also a beautiful vineyard called Montilla-Moriles, located just south of the historic Spanish city of Córdoba. The Montilla-Moriles is labeled as one of Spain’s D.O. (denominación de origen), meaning it’s recognized by the government as using the region’s finest products to produce its wine. At this vineyard, you’ll be able to taste a number of different sherry wines, each one exquisitely paired with a delicious Spanish tapa, learn about the sherry-making process and get a private tour of the facility.

Quick guide to Southern Spain sherry wine:

Sherry is a beautiful fortified wine hailing from the South of Spain. You will find light, straw-colored sherries, as well as dark, aged ones, too. Here is a quick guide to some of the sherries you’ll find when visiting Andalcía.

Fino is a dry, crisp sherry, and it’s most enjoyable when served nice and cold.

Manzanilla is a bit drier than fino, but just as light and delicious. Again, as this sherry is on the drier side, you’ll want to enjoy it cold. During the Feria de Abril, you’ll see many people drinking this dry wine mixed with a lemon-lime soda, which couldn’t be more refreshing on a hot day.

Amontillado is the aged cousin of fino and manzanilla. Because of its longer aging process that allows more oxygen to reach this dry wine, it’s a darker color and offers a deeper flavor.

Next up is Oloroso, a darker and nuttier version of Amontillado. Because Oloroso doesn’t have the film of yeast (known as the flor) on top of the wine during the fortifying process, it’s exposed to more oxygen, and the final product doesn’t have quite the same yeast-qyality taste as other sherries that do have that flor.

Finally, two very important sherry wines that remain to be mentioned are the Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel. Both are named after the grape they are produced with, and they are the sweetest sherry wines from Andalucía. They are best when served at room temperature, and it’s not uncommon for Spanish people to slowly sip a glass of this after a meal.

The wines hidden in Southern Spain are truly something to be tasted and an experience to have. While visiting Spain, there are so many things you have to make sure you see and do, and getting your hands on some of this wine is exactly one of them.

Katie Stearns lives, eats and breathes life in the South of Spain, where she’s going on her fourth year of life abroad. What started out as a nine-month stint teaching English as a foreign language has spun into a career of writing and marketing for Andalucía Inside, a luxury tour guide company located in Seville.