Foodie Guide to an Indulgence at Europe’s Christmas Markets

/in /by

Foodie Guide to an Indulgence at Europe's Christmas Markets

Ho ho ho! The year-end festive period sees Christmas markets sprouting all across Europe. These markets are immensely popular with both locals and travellers alike; filled with stalls selling handmade Christmas souvenirs and an abundance of treats, they are the perfect spots to shop for gifts for your loved ones and to grab a bite. Check out our guick foodie guide to make sure you don't miss out on the best treats in the markets!

1. Mulled Wine

Downing a warm beverage is especially comforting during the cold season. Stick to an all-time favourite at Christmas markets – mulled wine. Those who love their booze will not be able to resist this spiced drink.

2. Crepe

Satisfy your sweet tooth with piping hot crepes made on the spot. You will probably discern the delightful aroma of crepes wafting in the air before you spot a stall selling this treat. Most stalls offer a variety of sweet toppings, so go ahead and create a flavourful treat for yourself. Those without a sweet tooth will not be denied the joy of consuming this delectable treat – simply opt for a selection of savoury toppings to be loaded upon your crepe. 

3. Bratwurst

Delicious either fried or grilled, the bratwurst is a Christmas market staple not to be missed! It comes as no surprise that bratwurst is typically found in Germany's Christmas markets, as well as German-inspired Christmas markets across Europe as sausages are icons of German cuisine. At certain bratwurst stalls, you can ask for fries to go along with your sausage roll. It is vacation time after all, so do not hold back on indulging in decadent treats!

4. Apple Strudel

Warm and sweet, a serving of apple strudel drizzled with creamy vanilla sauce is the perfect antidote to combat winter blues. This is a must-eat treat for all dessert lovers!

5. Potato Pancakes

If you find yourself craving savoury, deep-fried fare, keep your eyes peeled for stalls selling potato pancakes. This German street food dish is usually served with applesauce, as the sweetness of the sauce balances out the salty flavours of the pancakes. Go for the sour cream dip if you are not a fan of contrasting sweet-and-salty flavours in a single dish. 

6. Gingerbread Cookies

No Christmas feast is complete without some spicy gingerbread cookies! You will easily spot these colourful treats from afar when you stroll through the market. Heartwarming messages and greetings are commonly writing in vibrantly-coloured icing on this cookie, making them ideal as gifts for your loved ones. Make sure you get some extra cookies, for you will not be able to resist biting into one right away!

 

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

[icegram campaigns=”612″]

A Veggie Affair: Meatless Meals in Prague

/in /by

A Veggie Affair: Meatless Meals in Prague

Meat is a staple in Czech cuisine, and meat dishes feature heavily on the menus of many eateries in Prague. However, the dietary preferences of non-meat eaters are not forgotten in this city; an increasing number of vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly eateries have sprung up across the city. If you're seeking a spot to get your fix of wholesome greens, here're six spots that come with our recommendations: 

1. Country Life Melantrichova

Country Life Melantrichova dishes out vegetarian fare, buffet-style. You will find a good variety of dishes, ranging from raw salads, to hot items such as soups and cooked Czech delicacies. The price of meals at this eatery is determined by the weight of the food items selected, ensuring that diners pay a reasonable amount for their meals. Located near to the Old Town Square, Country Life Melantrichova is a convenient option for vegetarian travellers exploring the vicinity. 

[PRAGUE https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Prague–Czech-Republic?lat=50.0755381&lng=14.43780049999998]

2. Loving Hut 

Loving Hut is an international chain of vegan restaurants that has made its way into Prague. There are several outlets to be found around the city, with each branch offering a buffet of Asian vegan fare. Apart from savoury dishes, you will also find vegan desserts at this eatery. Generous portions and reasonable prices makes Loving Hut a hit with both vegetarians and vegans alike. The saying, 'the early bird catches the worm' holds true here, so head down here early to sample the best selection of vegan fare! 

3. Estrella

Estrella churns out freshly prepared Czech and international delicacies. While the menu is not entirely vegan, there are a selection of vegan-friendly items available. Beer-loving vegetarians are not deprived of their pint of beer here; a list of locally-brewed beer can be found on the menu. Take note  that this restaurant does not accept card payment, so make sure you have enough cash on hand before you arrive for your meal. 

4. Mlsna Kavka

Mlsna Kavka is a casual vegetarian eatery catering to a wide range of dietary needs.

Its meat-free menu includes vegan and gluten-free fare, so even diners with dietary restrictions will not have to leave this eatery with an empty stomach. Mlsna Kavka is also a social enterprise supporting individuals diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses; the eatery employs these individuals, so as to help them acquire skills necessary for employment in the labour market. Diners kill two birds with a stone when they tuck into a meal here – by enjoying delicious meatless fare and supporting a worthwhile cause. 

5. Green Spirit Bistro and Cafe

Since its commencement in October 2014, the Green Spirit Bistro and Cafe has become a fond favourite among the vegetarian crowd in Prague. The cafe serves a wide variety of dishes, ranging from mains such as pasta and burgers, to sweet treats like ice cream, cakes and daily dessert specials. Vegan-friendly items are labelled on the menu.   

6. Home-dining Experience 

Not keen on dining out? Try dining in, and opt for a cosy home-dining experience with the locals in the city. Our hosts will gladly cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, and will happily whip up a storm of meatless fare for vegetarian guests. Be sure to indicate your dietary preferences during the booking process. 

 

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

 

[icegram campaigns=”612″]

Tips for Packing Light When you Travel

/in /by

Tips for Packing Light When you Travel

Packing light is not a travel tip that only budget travellers and backpackers swear by – seasoned travellers also see the benefits of going light on packing. A lighter suitcase will enable you to travel with greater ease and comfort, not to mention save you from excess baggage costs with airlines. Your shoulders and back will also be spared from the strain of heavyweight bags. On a side note, shopaholic-travellers will have enough space in their baggage to fit their purchases during their travels when they pack light! 

Carry less weight the next time you travel with these tips!

1. Do not pack your entire wardrobe 

Clothes take up a substantial amount of space in every traveller's suitcase. While a daily change of undergarments is non-negotiable for hygiene purposes, you do not need a completely different outfit for each day. In fact, you can have just enough clothing to last you through the duration of the trip and still look fashionable. Mix and match different pieces of clothing – neutral-coloured clothes are easiest to pair with other items. If you are concerned about clothes smelling bad, consider bringing a small amount of detergent to do some washing but be mindful that this will work best if you are staying in the same accommodation throughout your travels. 

Before you begin packing, do check the weather conditions of the destination you are headed to have an idea of what sort of clothing you will need. Fashion-conscious travellers may also want to think about their daily attire before deciding on which clothes to bring along. 

2. Check amenities offered at your accommodation

Depending on the accommodation that you stay in, amenities such as hairdryers, kettle, toiletries, shower cap or sewing kits may be provided. Should the amenities that you need to use be provided, you will not have to pack them into your suitcase. Your suitcase will be lighter and you will have more space to fit other essentials.

3. Toiletries

If you have to bring toiletries along, pack them into travel-sized containers and bottles. Simply buy some travel-sized empty bottles and load your existing shampoo, shower gel and cleanser into them. Use a toiletry bag to organise your toiletries and ensure that your bottles and containers are tightly sealed to prevent spills – you may place them in a plastic bag for extra security. If you use makeup, bring only the basics and bring travel-sized ones if possible. You really do not need your entire collection of makeup. 

Bear in mind that you may not have the time for an extensive routine during your holiday so only bring the toiletries that you will use. Do not worry about running out of toiletries – if you stay in a hotel, it is highly likely that the basics such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided. 

4. Shoes

Where possible, make do with a pair of comfortable shoes in tip-top condition and you will not have to bring additional footwear along. If you intend to bring a second pair of shoes, wear the one that is heavier and bulkier on the day you travel around to save space and weight in your suitcase. You should also place the shoe in a dustbag or shower cap to prevent clothes and other items in your suitcase from getting stained and dirty.

5. Electronic gadgets

Many of us are inseparable from our electronic gadgets and it comes as no surprise that they accompany us on our travels. But they can be a hindrance to packing light so you should only bring the devices you need. Apart from your mobile phone, consider bringing only one other gadget, such as your compact tablet. Remember that you will also need to bring chargers along, which will occupy space and weight in your suitcase. Fewer chargers will mean more space and weight! 

Image Credits: 1|2|3|4|5|6

[icegram campaigns=”612″]

How to Meet the Locals While Travelling in Italy?

/in /by

How to Meet the Locals While Travelling in Italy?

Seeking a different kind of travel experience? This vacation, delve deeper by immersing yourself in a cultural discovery of Italy. Meeting and interacting with the locals is a great way to do this – you'll gain fascinating insights into the culture and history of the country, uncover some of Italy's hiddem gems, find out about the best places to feast on authentic Italian fare, and discover how to get around during your day trips. 

1. Learn the Language

Picking up some basic Italian phrases will go a long way in enabling you to meet and interact with the locals during your travels. The Italians you meet will appreciate that you are making the effort to converse with them in their native language, and be more inclined to engage in friendly banter. Learning Italian does not have to be costly; simply download an Italian language learning app on your smartphone, or log on to websites like Duolingo to learn the basic conversational Italian. 

2. Livin' with the Locals

Live where the locals reside, and you are likely to meet the natives of Italy, and experience the country through the eyes of a local. You may book a stay in the homes of the locals through online platforms such as Airbnb and FlipKey. All hosts are verified by the organisation to ensure the safety and security of guests, and user reviews are provided to assist potential guests in selecting suitable hosts.

3. Venture Off the Beaten Path

Italy is home to a number of iconic attractions, but more often than not, these well-know sites are populated by tourists. Take a shot at exploring the country beyond its tourist haunts, and you stand a good chance of meeting the locals. Explore websites such as likealocal to find out information on where the locals in different cities like to hang out, eat, shop and drink at. You may also refer to Italy: Beyond the Obvious, a site that details some of Italy's hidden gems near its cities. 

4. Goin' Solo

Travelling around Italy alone may seem like a daunting idea, but it will help to expand your comfort zone, and encourage you to become more open towards meeting different people and trying out new experiences. It increases the likelihood of any kinds of interaction with locals – you are much more inclined to approach the natives for help when you require assistance, as there are no fellow travellers to seek aid or advice from. 

5. Dining with the Locals

The Italians take pride in their cuisine and in bonding over meals. Dining with the locals in Italy will bring a unique dimension to your travel experience, as you discover for yourself their passion for food and warm hospitality. If you cannot get enough of the delectable Italian fare prepared by your host, why not take up a culinary lesson with them? 

6. Confidence is Key

Generally, the Italians and warm and friendly people, but do not expect them to approach you during your travels. To get to know the locals better, you will have to take initiative – and this is not as intimidating as it appears to be. Start slowly, and you will become increasingly adept in approaching the locals as your travel progresses. 

 

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

[icegram campaigns=”612″]