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Holiday Like a Film Star in Malta

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Holiday Like a Film Star in Malta

The Mediterranean island of Malta is perhaps best known for its historical magnificence, fantastic cuisine, exhilarating activities, and favourable climate. Did you know that this diminutive and delightful destination has also provided the backdrop for numerous film and television productions?

In fact, Hollywood blockbusters shot on the island include World War Z, The Da Vinci Code, and Gladiator. This means that world-renowned A-list stars such as Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, and Russell Crowe have all experienced the enticing attributes of Malta.

Come here on vacation and you too can feel like these movie stars by visiting the following movie locations.

1. Mdina

This fortified city featuring buildings that date from the 12th century and was at one time the capital of the Malta. The square and side streets around St Paul’s Cathedral were used for a carnival scene in the Count of Monte Cristo. Mdina also made an appearance in Cutthroat Island and the TV opera film The Death of Klinghoffer

2. Fort St Elmo, Valetta

Both Cutthroat Island and the Count of Monte Cristo also took advantage of Malta’s modern-day capital Valetta and its 16th-century Fort St Elmo. The espionage drama A Different Loyalty starring Sharon Stone used this location to replicate a Beirut street market too.

3. Xatt ir-Risq, Vittoriosa

It is little surprise to hear that this idyllic stretch of waterfront has been used for both contemporary and period movies which required an unspoilt harbour-side location. Although Xatt ir-Risq doubled for 1870s Genoa in the BBC TV drama Daniel Deronda, its most high-profile visitor was Madonna in the romantic comedy Swept Away.

4. Azure Window, Gozo

The second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, Gozo should be yet another essential itinerary item regardless of whether you are seeking out movie locations. But one of its most popular attractions, the 100-metre high natural arch known as the Azure Window, has appeared in Clash of the Titans and the TV series Game of Thrones.

5. Ramla Bay, Gozo

Most of the time, the beautiful beach at Ramla Bay in Gozo is a peaceful and tranquil retreat. But in the BBC biographical drama Byron, this was the setting for a flaming funeral pyre of the poet Shelley.

6. Blue Lagoon, Comino

With a permanent population of only four residents, Comino is one of the smaller Maltese islands. However, the stunning water of its Blue Lagoon inlet was the location for a spearfishing scene in the mini-series Helen of Troy.

Malta has an abundance of attractions and activities – and if you are a movie buff you are spoilt for choice!

Images by Giorgos V, SarahTz, Britrob, Ben124 and sky_hlv used under Creative Commons License.

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What to wear when you are backpacking

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What to wear when you are backpacking

We've all been there. You're getting ready for your long awaited trip, take a look at your closet and are at a total loss as to what to take on your backpacking adventure. Don't worry, here is our guide to the esential items to take on your trip.

1. Scarf

A scarf is such a versatile piece of clothing that you really cannot be without. It can shield you from the cold winds and act as an umbrella during light rain. It is also the perfect blanket if you are taking a night train or bus.

2. Shorts

If you are travelling during the summer, temperatures can be extremely high, especially in some European countries like Italy. So dress lightly to avoid the heat. However, if visiting a church happens to appear on your itinerary, you might want to check for a dress code first, as some of them require you to cover your shoulders and knees.

3. Tights

Temperatures can vary from morning to night. It can be super chilly in the morning and at night while extremely hot during the day. So for the ladies a pair of tights is the perfect solution to shield your legs if the temperatures drop. They are also light and compact- great for your backpack!

4. Sunglasses

Spending all day out in the sun exploring a new country can take its toll on your eyes. It is essential to always carrry around a pair of sunnies with you to protect your them from harmful ultra violet rays.

5. Daypack

Besides your big haversack, you need a daypack to put in the things that you will need to for your day activities, such as a waterbottle and food. Choose a backpack as it will leave you hands-free to do other things.

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

 

What to read next: 5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

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5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

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5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

We all know about the importance of travel and how it helps us become well-rounded human beings. But can you really have a culturally enriching experience just by visiting monuments and museums?

We strongly feel that a country’s soul is carried in the heart of its people, and the only way to discover this is to meet and interact with locals. This is of course easier said than done, but after reading our top tips you will be well on your way to making the most of your trips abroad.

  1. Meetup Groups

Not only can this help you meet a country’s local community, but you’ll find people who have the same interests as you. With over 9000 groups to choose from around the world there are so many different activities you can experience at the click of a mouse.

 

  1. Tours with Natives

Locals will always want to show you the very best of their country, so it’s a great idea to let them show you around! Plus they are more likely to know off-the-beaten-track attractions that you won’t find in your guidebook. What’s more, lots of companies like Discover Walks offer tours for free! Their “Walk Paris With a Native” is a great way to see a country first-hand, through the eyes of the people that live there.

  1. Live with a local

You couldn’t get to know a native more intimately than if you lived with one. As you do not normally get invited to someone’s house after a first meeting it is very rare that you will ever see the inside of a local’s home while travelling. However AirBnB often have the option to stay in accommodation where the host is still living there.

 

  1. Learn the language

As Nelson Mandela said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” The best way to connect to a local is to try and speak their language. Even just a few sentences. There are lots of great apps and guidebooks out there to pick up some local lingo, or you could just try learning through immersion!

 

  1. Eat the native cuisine with local people

The most fun way to experience a culture is definitely to taste it! No one makes a national dish better than locals. Visiting the sites that tell the tales of history, roaming the streets and eating in eateries and restaurants along the way can tell a lot about a city, but this merely grazes the edges of the local community. What better way to immerse yourself than to bond over a hearty home-cooked meal, coupled with the taste of home?

Image Credits: 1|2|3|4|5|

 

 

Tips for Packing Light When you Travel

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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

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