A Foodie’s Travel Guide to Europe

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A Foodie's Travel Guide to Europe

This is a guest post submitted by Christopher from DealsLand UK.

If it is your first time to Europe, you will naturally be really excited and yes of course a little confused too. Why wouldn't you be?! You have so much to do in a short amount of time. You'll want to try out some of the best restaurants in the land, and enjoy every bite without worrying about your budget. It's well-known that Europe can be more than a little expensive, so you should read this guide to find out how you can have your cake and eat it too by following these options to get budget bites in European countries.

Espresso bars in Rome

If you are visiting Rome, have your breakfast just like a Roman. Go to any espresso bar and order some goodies. You will find there cookies, croissants, biscotti as well as some other delicacies. So just take some time in the morning, visit any of these bars, and to be extra Italian be sure to order an espresso along with any of these snacks.

Order your pizza anywhere

The Papa John chain has a number of outlets across Europe. So in case you feel you are missing your slice of pizza, just visit one of the outlets and order one. The pizzas available here are not that costly and moreover you will be able to get a good discount too.  

Street food at Crepe stands in Paris

One of the best ways to enjoy quality cheap food isto indulge in some trendy street food. If you are in Paris and looking for something to fill your stomach after a night out, go for the French staple: Crepes. You will find kiosks for Crepes all over the place. Crepes are something like thin pancakes which is folded and filled with whipped cream, jam or you can go savoury with things like ham…You can put just about anything in them!

In Brussels? Try Belgium waffles

Belgium is known for two things: waffles and chocolate. Trying the former is easy enough as you will find a number of stores making and selling waffles. They are thick and fluffy, loaded on top with whipped cream and fruit. So take a walk around the Grande Place with this best bite in your hand.

How about homely food?

Yes, this is definitely a possibility! You can get a taste of the authentic local food of a place by visiting homes. This has been made possible by BonAppetour. It helps you to connect with the hosts across the different countries of Europe and enjoy food at their place. You will feel satisfied having tasted the amazing food as well as making new friends at a price that is friendly to your wallet!

Try out fish & chips if you are in London

Fish & chips are the staple food of England. You can find chips and fillet of fish seasoned with salt and vinegar around every corner here in London. You can either have them on-the-go or take a seat and enjoy them. It's a great way to enjoy a traditional meal at a low cost

Mulled wine in Prague

There is nothing really amazing like a glass of mulled wine. It is hearty and homely in the winter time and will make your stay in Prague extra Christmassy. You can get this inexpensive drink from a stand at the Christmas Market in Old Town.

 

Make sure you taste these delicacies and have a happy time in Europe. Let us know your best budget tips for travelling in Europ in the comments below!

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Tips for Summer Vacation

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Tips for Summer Vacation

Summer time is perhaps the best time to travel given the longer daylight hours and abundance of sunshine. With the prospect of packing more activities in a day during your vacation, you are likely to spend much of your time on the go when you travel in summer.

As you prepare for your summer vacation, be sure to note the following tips so that you will have a comfortable and enjoyable time!

1. Purchase tickets to attractions early

Summer is the peak travel season and iconic attractions will be brimming with visitors. If you want to beat the queues, purchase tickets to the attractions that you would like to visit before you arrive at your destination. Not all attractions allow you to purchase tickets in advance but if it is possible to do so online, do make use of that opportunity. You will save time and be able to cover more attractions in a day. 

2. Stay Hydrated

The sweltering heat can get unbearable, particularly in countries around the Mediterranean and you can expect to perspire as you spend more time outdoors. While water bottles are not difficult to find in most cities, those that you find around tourist attractions tend to be overpriced. You will be better off bringing your own bottle or getting one in a supermarket. Some countries such as Italy have water fountains around the city so if you find yourself running low on water, you may head to the fountain for a refill.

3. Be aware of opening and closing dates and times

Some attractions are closed on particularly days of the week and they may not necessarily be on the weekend. Before you travel, do go online to check if the attractions that you want to visit are closed on any particular days so that you do not make wasted journeys during your vacation.

4. Dress comfortably 

If you are going to spend a lot of time on the go, it will only be wise for you to dress comfortably. Wear light and breathable fabrics such as cotton and wear light colours such as white or pastels as they reflect heat. Darker colours tend to absorb more heat and will make you feel uncomfortable. Do be mindful that in places of worship, you will need to be appropriately dressed so save the shorts and sleeveless tops for the beach and plan your attire during your travels accordingly. 

5.  Items to bring

Here are some items not to forget when packing for your summer vacation!

– Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the UV rays 

– Hat: If you have to put up with the queues outdoors, you will need a hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun's rays!

– Sunscreen: Enjoy the sunshine but do not neglect your skin. You do not want to return home with sunburns and peeling skin!

– Swimsuit: If you are planning to go to the beach, swimwear will be essential!

– Hand held fan: The heat can get unbearable so for temporary relief, a fan will do the job. A brochure or flyer will work so do not fret if you do not have space in your bag for this.  

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The Most Romantic Things to Do in Venice

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The Most Romantic Things to Do in Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. If you are to spend your honeymoon, or even just a vacation there with your loved ones, you should consider yourself very lucky! Here are some of the activities that you can do with your romantic partner- let us know if you have any recommendations in the comments below!

1. A ride on the Gondola on the Grand Canal

While a Gondola ride may sound like a very touristy thing to do in Venice, it is still inevitably one of the most romantic things that you can do with your partner and definitely something to tick off the bucket list. Breeze down the river and enjoy the sights in this two-person romantic capsule. One of the more popular paths to take is the route from Barcino Orseolo, through the more scenic smaller waterways and then arriving at the Grand Canal.

2. Watch the sunset

Be sure to catch the sunset in Venice if you are there for a romantic getaway. The golden hues of the sunset can transform Venice into a perfect backdrop for a proposal, an early dinner or just a cuddling sesson with your other half. Catch the sunset from Giardini Pubblici in Castello ot from the park at Sant'Elena. Even better, kill two birds with one stone by watching the sunset while on your gondola ride.

3. Take a stroll in the evening

Stroll along the Lagoon or wander along the streets or piazzas in the evening after the crowd has receded. The night will transform Venice into a magical kingdom. The shimmering reflection of light from the water, music playing from Piazza San Marco and the tranquil atmosphere are the reasons why Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Waltz or slow dance to the music at Piazza San Marco by the river to end your night.

4. The Stone Heart at Sotoportego dei Preti

Venice is a city full of stories, histories and legends. This stone heart is a result of an old Venetian love story between a fisherman and a mermaid whom he caught during one of his fishing trips. The two fell in love, got married and had three kids. However, the mermaid was cursed and would turn into a viscious sea serpent once every week. She died but rose from the dead and still returned everyday to clean and cook for her husband. However, not knowing that the sea serpent was his wife, he killed her. The stone heart is a symbol of their eternal love at their love nest. Couples come here to touch the stone in hopes of blessings for eternal love whereas singles come here to find the love of their life.

5.  Enjoy a private dinner on a rooftop

Nothing kills the romance more than a crowded restaurant filled with buzzing tourists. You will feel like you are sharing your special moment with a hundred outsiders. Even worse, you might be asked to share a table with someone else. This will not happen if you have a dining experience with Walter at his private rooftop. As a professional chef, the dishes prepared by him display the long and rich history of Venice. You can have the choice of customizing your menu as he will prepare dishes based on what is fresh in the market. Do tell him that you want a romantic experience and he will decorate accordingly. 

 

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5 Blogs about Travelling as a Mom that you should totally read

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5 Blogs about Travelling as a Mom that you should totally read

We all know that having a child dramatically changes how you live your life, especially for the mother. However, we have found some amazing and passionate moms who continue their exploration of the world with the kids in tow. Learn how to not only go on a family vacation, but how to have a family travel experience with these fantastic blogs

1.  Travel with Bender

"Caius and Mia Bender are probably the most well-traveled young children in the world." – Forbes

Australian mom Erin began her life of nomadic travel in 2012, and she hasn’t looked back since! Her journey began when children, Caius and Mia, were 2 and 3 years old- that’s what we call brave! With over 60 countries under her belt, Erin believes if an ordinary family from Perth can take the plunge, then so can you. She has a wealth of experience to share with you in the form of insightful articles (over 1000 and counting!) Head on over to their site and read about the Bender family’s inspiring journey.

2. Bohemian Travelers

This bohemian-loving family decided to swap the daily grind in the USA for world exploration, using the world as their children’s teacher. Their blog is a great source of travel tips, tech advice, and inspiration to go after your dreams, leaving the rat race behind.

3. Flashpacker Family

This blog is all about living in the moment, without planning too far into the future. The “flashpacker” family left their New Zealand home in 2014, and have visited the USA and Canada extensively by car, spent some time in Mexico and explored Europe as a family. Follow their blog to find out about how the fund their travelling lifestyle, how they pack and how they manage the kids when travelling the world.

4. Travel Savvy Mom

It’s all in the name! Travel Savvy Mom is about giving moms tips to encourage them to see the world with the family in tow. Author Jamie Pearson came up with the blog back in 2003, being so well established you are bound to be travelling better after you read her posts, which are “a fun mix of reviews, tips, and personal travel experiences”

5. Baby Globetrotters

Upon the birth of her first baby, Keri Hedrick presumed, as many new mothers do, that her travelling days were numbered. But she didn’t let the thought of travelling with three children phase her, and now she blogs about her experience and what she has learnt about different cultures and how expatriate life affects parenting.

 

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