8 Travelling Hacks That WILL Make Your Life Easier

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8 Travelling Hacks That WILL Make Your Life Easier

1. Packing

Roll your clothes to maximize space in your luggage. Also, your clothes run less risk of being crumpled.

2. Keep cash in different places

People often advise against bring a lot of cash because there is the the risk of getting it stolen or lost. That is only true if you keep the entire wad of money in one place. Cash is king when you travel. It is your saviour in case of emergencies such as a stolen card, not being able to locate an ATM or, as is the case in many destinations like Japan, the place only accepts cash. Bring at least a few hundred dollars with you and keep them in different compartements such as in your luggage, carry-ons, safety belt, your socks or maybe even hide them in your undergarments (!)

3. Bring a scarf

When you are on the road and travelling light, the one thing to pack less is your clothes. A scarf can act as a sun protector, wind breaker, a jacket, an umbrella to shield you from light rain or simply as an accessory to jazz up your outfit.

4. Copies of important documents

Always bring copies of your important documents such as your passport, ID or driver's license in case they get lost or stolen. 

5. Find the cheapest form of transportation

Many people travelling within Europe tend to get the Eurail pass. However the Eurail pass might not be the cheapest option available. Check for prices of individual flights. trains, buses and other forms of transportation, total up the price and compare it with the price of the Eurail.

6. Get an ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card is the only internationally accepted, UNESCO endorsed  card with bona fide student status. With the ISIC card, you can prove your student status everywhere you go, get more thatn 42 000 student benefits and discounts in more thatn 130 countries and access student services and facilities. Most restaurants and hostels provide 10% discounts for holders of ISIC cards!

7. Get a hard copy map of every city you are going to visit

Electronic gadgets may fail up unexpectedly and hard copy maps are still the most reliable. Some places might not have internet and you should always save your phone battery for emergencies.

8. Activate roaming services for your phone

This is especially important if you are travelling alone. In case of emergencies, you can call your families at home for help or within the country you are visiting.

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Off the beaten path experiences in Berlin

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Off the beaten path experiences in Berlin

Given Berlin's momentous past, visits to iconic attractions such as the Berlin Wall, Reischtag Building and Brandenburg Gate will undeniably be part of any itinerary for those visiting the German capital. But this city has got so much more to offer and if you wish to be away from the crowds during your stay, check out these hidden gems.   

1. Hohenschönhausen

The main prison during the Cold War to detain political prisoners, Hohenschönhausen is now a museum and memorial. Here, you may join a guided tour led by a historian or even a former inmate, who will share with you the tales of detainees and take you through the repressive hallways, cells and interrogation rooms of the former prison. While the museum-cum-memorial is located out of central Berlin, it bears reminder of the city's eventful past and the torment that detainees were subject to during the Cold War.

Location: Genslerstrasse 66

2.  Flea Market Mauerpark 

This flea market, though relatively new for it was established in 2004, is much loved by Berlin's residents. Here, you can find a host of items on bargain such as shoes, bicycle parts, vintage clothing, books and accessories. There are also food stalls available so you will never go hungry even if you were to spend a couple of hours searching for decent bargains. Note that the flea market is next to Mauerpark itself, a public park that was once a site of the Berlin Wall and the Death Strip. It is open only on Sundays from 9am to 6pm so plan your visit accordingly and head down early to catch the best bargains!

Location: Bernauer Str. 63-64

3. Künstlerhaus Bethanien

Once a medical institution, Künstlerhaus Bethanien today is home to exhibits of contemporary art as well as that by artists from around the world. When the hospital closed in 1970, there were plans to demolish this building but this was successfully campaigned against by conservationists, citizens intiative groups and squatters. It is free to view to many of the exhibits on display and apart from art exhibitions, you may also have the opportunity to watch theatre and dance performances.  

Location: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

4. Join a tour organised by Alternative Berlin

If you prefer to go on a guided tour, join one organised by Alternative Berlin. They will bring you to some of the places in Berlin which you are less likely to discover on your own and expose you to the quirky and artistic side of the city as well as Berlin's undergroud subcultures. Each tour will last 3 hours and do not cost a cent. Tipping is optional though recommended given the expertise of the guides. The meeting point of Alternative Berlin tours is Alexanderplatz TV Tower and tours commence at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 

5. Tempelhofer Feld 

The Tempelhofer Feld today is a recreational space and is the largest urban park in Berlin today. Between the 1920s to 2008, this site housed the Tempelhof Airport, which was used as a landing site for planes carrying supplies such as food and coal. Following the closure of the airport in 2008, authorties reclaimed the land and transformed the site into a recreational space where families can bring their children and pets to roam about freely and have picnics. This space is also utilised by skaters, cyclists and joggers. 

Location: Tempelhof

6. Viktoriapark

Located in the Kreuzberg area of Berlin, the Viktoriapark is situated on a small hill and houses an artificial waterfall as well as a national monument commemorating the Wars of Liberation. Ascent to the summit of the hill and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Berlin. During the summer months, this park is ideal for picnics as well as for leisurely afternoons away from the bustle of the city. Ideal for families as well as travellers hoping to be closer to nature whilst in a primarily urban landscape. 

Location: Kreuzberg Street

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Eating like a local in Helsinki

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Eating like a local in Helsinki

As a visitor to Helsinki, it is all too easy to head to the eatery nearest to you when you need a meal. But such eateries may be yet another tourist trap, especially if you are in a vicinity populated with tourists. Many of us crave authentic dining experiences when we travel so when you are in Helsinki, why not dine like the locals do?

Here are some eateries frequented by the locals!

1. Karl Fazer Cafe

Karl Fazer is a brand of Finnish chocolate and in this self-service cafe, you can certainly expect to find plenty of chocolate and other sweet treats such as cakes and pastries. But that is not all this cafe has to offer – open sandwiches, salads and coffee are also served here. This cafe is a favourite brunch spot with locals and the crowds you see is proof of the high quality of food it serves. You just need to have the patience to queue. 

2. Cafe Bar 9

With a cosy and laidback atmosphere as well as delectable salads and pasta dishes, it is perhaps no surprise that Cafe Bar 9 is a favourite with the locals. Some of the cafe's signature dishes include its Pollo Limonello and Classic Coriander. Food served at this cafe is affordable for Helsinki standards so if you wish to keep your spending in check, be sure to drop by for a meal!

3. Gottland Deli and Cafe

Situated in a tranquil area of Helsinki, this small cafe is a favourite with locals looking to spend a leisurely afternoon sipping coffee and nibbling on a slice of cake. Apart from cake, this cafe also serves fresh sandwiches and cinnamon rolls and all the food served here is prepared with organic ingredients. Seating may be limited to two tables but the takeaway option is always available. Whether you need a sugar rush or a quick meal on the go, this cafe has something to offer you. 

4. Unicafe

Like what the name suggests, this cafe is owned by the universities in Helsinki and is catered to students but non-students are welcomed too! While non-students like most of us will have to pay a little more, it is still far less than what is charged at most other eateries. For the comparatively small amount paid, you can get a hot main dish, salad and bread. There are also vegetarian and vegan dining options offered so anyone on a budget can dine here. The food here may not be Michelin-standard, but it is of decent quality for the price you pay

5. BLINit Russian Restaurant

BLINIt Russian Restaurant is a favourite among pancake-loving locals. In case you are wondering, a blini is a thin Russian pancake and can come with sweet or savoury fillings. Apart from pancakes, other dishes such as dumplings and soups are served at this small Russian eatery. The dishes served at BLINIt are not only tasty, but also affordably priced, which keeps locals coming back for more.

6. Home-dining Experience

The locals do not dine out all the time and there will always be a group that prefers dining in. So why not dine with a local during your visit to Helsinki? Chris, our BonAppetour host in Helsinki, is a passionate cook and will prepare three-course meal for you! Should you have any dietary needs or preferences, feel free to bring them up and the meal can be customised just for you! 

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Where To Eat In Bologna

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Where To Eat In Bologna

When it comes to Bologna, I am sure many of you would think of the famous spaghetti Bolognese. We are going to tell you where to get the most authentic and good spaghetti Bolognese and many other specialties of Bologna.

1. Ristorante da Cesari

Run by the Cesari family since 1955, this charming little restaurant has a cozy ambiance and serves authentic Bolognese dishes. One of the highly raved dish is it's pumpkin ravioli. Their ravioli will simply melt in your mouth with butter and shaved Parmesan. In winter, they specialize in truffle and mushroom dishes.

2. Nu Lounge Bar

This is one of the famous and good Tiki bars in Bologna. Most fashionable and beautiful people from Bologna come to this bar to chill and have a good time. There is also an outdoor seating even during winter months when the weather gets cold all thanks to the heat lamps they have. So you don't have to worry about freezing your nose off during the winter. With one of the best cocktail list in the world, you can try their infused vodka and cachaca drinks.

3. Antica Trattoria della Gigina 

On the menu, there are antepastis such as the Mortadella mousse and balsamic jelly with brioche and main courses such as tortellini in bolognese sauce and gnocchi with spinach Parmasan fondue and truffles. Other items on their menu include traditional Bolognese dishes such an entre with rabbit meat, which is commonly used in Bolognese cuisines.

4. Ditta Paolo Atti & Figli

This place is have some of the best tortellini in Bologna. The reason for their good tortellini might be using one egg for every 100 grams of semolina flour, giving their tortellini the distinct yellow colour. If you are in the mood for something light, you can grab some pastries as your afternoon snack while touring Bologna. Their apricot cookies and spinach pies are highly raved.

5. Dining with the locals with BonAppetour

Fancy a really good hearty and authentic Bolognese meal with dishes such as Tagliatelle alla Bolognese or Toretellini with cheese? Join our hosts at Bonappetour for an amazing home dining experience. You can even learn how to make the famour Ragu Bolognese yourself or watch our skillfull hosts make a tortellini from scratch. It will be a night you wouldn't want to forget!

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