Things to do in Bologna

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Things to do in Bologna

Bologna may not be the most famous city in Italy but it is certainly one that feels authentically Italian. The city is also home to the oldest university in the western world and has a thriving student community, making it very much a university town at heart. 

But the University of Bologna is not all that the city has to offer. Its architecture and sights will impress you so when you are in Bologna, be sure to visit these attractions!

1. Palazzo Poggi

When you visit a university town, you must visit the campus too! The Palazzo Poggi is houses the University of Bologna as well as the university's rector. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was the centre of intellectual life in Europe and some of its students include notable figures like Dante, Petrarca and Copernicus. Even to this day, the intellectual atmosphere in Bologna continues to thrive. With several museums in the university celebrating the achievements of its illustrious alumni, as well as a library, picture gallery and botanical garden, there is plenty to see here!

2. Palazzo Pepoli

Discover the history and cultural heritage of Bologna at the Museum of the History of Bologna, which is housed at Palazzo Pepoli. You will learn about the city's history from the Etruscan period to the Medieval times and even to the present day. The museum also features interactive exhibits, a theatre where you can watch 3D movies and a host of artefacts. 

3. Torre Asinelli and Garisenda

Torre Asinelli is the symbol of Bologna, along with the leaning tower Garisenda adjacent to it. If you have been feasting on sumptious cuisine in Bologna and need to work off those calories or hope to get some sort of workout, climb to the top of Torre Asinelli! There are 498 steep and narrow steps to climb before you reach the peak but you will be reward to spectacular views of the city, its green hills and red roofs. Note that this climb is not for the faint-hearted!

4. Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

This Basilica is a pilgrimage site that is situated at the top of the hill and you will need to walk under one of the world's longest Porticos to get there. The Portico is 3.8km long and features 666 arches so there is plenty of walking to do but it is bearable with breathtaking scenery along the way. At the Basilica, you will find a painting of Virgin Mary and child, which is said to be painted by St Luke. 

5. Piazza Maggiore

No trip to an Italian city is complete without going to one of its piazzas and the same can be said for Bologna. This is the main square of the city and some of Bologna's most important buildings are situated here. Some attractions located in the vicinity include the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazza d'Accursio and at the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno sites Neptune's Fountain. 

6. Quadrilatero

Discover Bologna's specialities at Quadrilatero! You will not only find plenty of food but also vintage clothing, second-hand items, crafts and antiques. This area is a haven for foodies and bargain hunters so be sure to drop by!

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How to Avoid Falling Ill While Travelling

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How to Avoid Falling Ill While Travelling

Adventures, discovery or just lazing by the pool, whatever it is you love doing on vacation we want you to be able to keep doing it. Here are some tips and tricks to stay healthy and happy on your travels and avoid spending your vacation in your hotel room.  

1. Stay hydrated

Being dehydrated can make you more susceptible to catching a cold – a dry and scratchy throat is typically among the first symptoms. You can save yourself from the prospect of lying under the covers for a good part of your vacation by ensuring that you are adequately hydrated even before you travel and of course during your holiday. So simple yet so easy to forget! Keep a bottle of water with you so that you can hydrate your body on the go.

Note that alcoholic and caffeinated drinks actually dehydrate your body, so consume such beverages in moderation during your travels. If you fancy indulging yourself ensure that you drink more water to compensate for the loss of fluids from your body.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C may not be the cure to a cold but it can help to alleviate symptoms and give your immune system a boost so that you will have a shorter recovery period in the event you are taken ill. Sources of Vitamin C that you may want to load up on include: oranges, berries, papaya, kiwi, bell peppers and broccoli. You may also consider bringing along a Vitamin C supplement to ensure that your body gets enough of this antioxidant.  

3. Keep your hands clean

Many of the things that we touch on a daily basis, from door knobs and light switches to handles and remote controls, contain plenty of germs, viruses and bacteria and these are spread through our very own hands! We can be taken ill when our contaminated hands come into contact with our eyes, nose and mouth but we can stop the spread of illnesses by keeping our hands clean. Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat or touch your face and keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you so that you may disinfect your hands while on the go. 

4. Sleep

Do not underestimate the importance of sleep during your travels! Your body needs to be adequately rested in order to function properly and provide you with that much needed energy for your travels. Not getting enough sleep can weaken our immune system, which means that we are more susceptible to falling ill when exposed to germs and slower recovery from illness. Ensure that you get at least 7 hours of quality sleep during your travels to reduce your likelihood of catching a cold!

5. Vaccination 

If you are travelling during winter, consider getting a flu vaccination. This is because the cold weather will mean that people generally spend more time indoors and in closer contact with one another, making it easy to catch a virus. A flu vaccine will not only protect you against the flu but also the potential complications that can result from the virus. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop the antibodies that will protect your body from the flu following the vaccination so you may want get vaccinated 2 weeks before you travel. 

6. Relax

You may have been under a lot of stress prior to your holiday balancing work commitments and all that planning so do not subject yourself to more stress during your holidays! Stress can actually weaken your immunity and make you more susceptible to catching a cold, which can only make you miserable. You can manage stress levels by planning a realistic travel itinerary, i.e. not packing too many activities in a day, and planning ahead so that you will not be scrambling around just before you travel. Less stress can only mean that you are less likely to fall ill and more likely to have fun! 

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5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Traveler in You.

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5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Traveler in You.

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous year and set yourself goals and resolutions to stick to in the new one. If you are a keen traveler, or want to make 2016 a year of travel for you, then we have the perfect resolutions. Read on to find out more and don’t forget to tell us below what resolutions you will be making!

I will have more original and unusual experiences abroad  

So you’ve seen the Colosseum in Rome, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona but why not make 2016 a year of more unusual travel experiences? Try out an escape room in Budapest, eat at a cafe on a horse-drawn cart in the US or visit the Museum of Eroticism in Paris!

I will use more travel hacks when I go away

Who doesn’t want a New Year’s resolution that will actually make life easier? We all tend to stick to the same packing and travelling routine, but why not use some travel hacks to change-up your vacation game? You can find loads of these on Pinterest from hacks on how to meet locals abroad to how to survive those pesky long-haul flights!

I will support the local economy wherever I stay

The best part of travelling is seeing and living local culture, what’s more you can really participate in supporting the economy of the country you are visiting. You could take a tour with a local, buy handmade goods from the local market or choose to eat with a local instead of in a restaurant chain. Not only can you feel good about every converted dollar you spend, but you’ll learn a lot about local customs, culture and traditions too!

I will try things out of my comfort zone

If the thought of visiting Tokyo both appeals and terrifies you perhaps it’s about time to step out of your comfort zone and get ready for some new experiences in 2016. You could try zorbing in Phucket, dine in the dark in Barcelona or eat snails in Paris!

I will have a digital detox while on vacation

This may be the most difficult resolution to stick to for the instagram addicted among us. But some time away from social media, work emails and the internet in general can really make you appreciate your time away and shift your focus from the phone screen to the local landscape. Take the time to watch the sun set, and not through your iPhone lense! Although, if you don’t think you can manage such a commitment…We do have some tips on taking the perfect travel selfie!

Don’t forget to comment below with your New Year’s Resolutions for 2016!

 

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How to Take the Perfect Travel Selfie

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How to Take the Perfect Travel Selfie

 

Don't get us wrong- We are always grateful to the kind strangers who will take photos for us during our travels. But let's face it, we are sometimes left with photos that are blurred or captured from undesired angles. If we are at locations that are less populated and travelling solo, we only have ourselves to rely on if we want our faces in photos. 

Taking the perfect selfie requires a combination of equipment and skill. Here are some ways we can capture the best self-shots!

1. Selfie stick 

With a selfie stick, you no longer have to worry about having a hugely magnified face in your photos. All you have to do is to place your smart phone in the clamp and adjust the stick to a desirable length and angle before you take the shot, getting in all those beautiful landscapes. Some come with a separate bluetooth remote to take the shots while others have a built-in button.

Do take care when using the selfie stick so that it does not become a hazard to yourself and others. It will also be helpful to note the list of places where selfie sticks are banned so that you do not get caught off-guard. 

2. Timer function

Even if you are in a place where the selfie stick is banned, there is nothing to stop you from taking selfies. The timer function in your cameras exists for a reason. Simply hold your camera up and angle to a desired position before activating the timer. Opt for a delay period so that you have enough time to steady your hands and your photos are less likely to turn out blurred.  

Some smart phones have a timer function but if yours does not, simply download a self-timer application and get snapping away!

3. Background matters

The background is just as important as your face as the travel selfie should show the places that you have visited. Strike a balance between face and background by positioning your camera or smart phone such that your face is at a corner so that the background will be more prominent in your selfie. Your camera or smart phone will also need to be sufficiently far away from you for that. 

Even if you do not have long arms, you can make use of a selfie stick so that your travel selfies show your face and enough of the background!

4. Lighting

Lighting conditions will affect how your travel selfies turn out, not to mention your facial expressions. A perfect travel selfie is taken in optimum lighting conditions and if you will be outdoors, the best time to take that selfie is during sunrise or sunset as the sun is lower and light conditions are more flattering.

Whether you are indoors or outdoors, avoid taking your travel selfie in overhead lighting or your photos will show dark shadows under your eyes. Nobody wants their travel selfies to show dark circles, even if we have them. 

5. Look Good

A travel selfie should look flattering so do what you can to look your best! Looking good will make you feel good and when you feel better about yourself, it will show in your travel selfies!

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