Munich: Oktoberfest and More

Michelle CunninghamOctober 1, 2014BloggingDUSSELDORF CHRISTMAS MARKET, GERMANY

We hopped an overnight train and were off to Munich. There’s something satisfying about waking up in a new country. Our first day there was the Traditional Costume Parade. While it was fun to watch, I didn’t expect it to be 3 hours long! The parade boasts over 40 floats…

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The Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 (Part 1)

There is a variety of travel apps cluttering up the Apple and Android marketplaces these days. And that’s really a problem because most of them are terrible and no one wants to pay for a worthless app.

If you’ve planned a trip for the year 2019, instead of wasting a week of your life downloading useless junk, consider these 10 great travel apps:

Drops

This app turns learning language into an audio-visual game, with easy-to-follow illustrations. Drops features more than 30 languages and dialects, for example, Arabic, Mandarin, and Icelandic. It also offers daily scheduled lessons which will enhance your next trip.

It’s totally free to use within daily time limits, however, a premium subscription allows users unlimitedly access to the app with its full range of topics and its mix of languages.

App in the Air

App in the Air aims to be an one-stop app for all things related to traveling, including loyalty programs, departure times, and boarding passes. The app helps you a lot by showing you in real-time how long to wait at security, check-in, and baggage claim. Moreover, this app, which can be connected to Siri, helps you measure your bag using augmented reality to see whether it will fit in your plane’s overhead bins or not.

AirHelp

Have you ever endured the pain of a canceled or delayed flight? If yes, AirHelp will be right up your alley. Both EU and US laws provide for compensation in these cases, though the details differ. However, it is such a complicated process, and in fact, fewer than 1 percent of passengers entitled to compensation ever get it.

AirHelp makes the process simple and help you do those things in a few minutes while still waiting at the airport. Just provide your flight information and some details about the problem, and the company will take care of the rest. If the claim is successful, they will take 25 percent of the payout and you will get the remainder.

Michelle Cunningham May 15, 2019 Travel AppsAirHelp, App in the Air, Drops, travel apps Read more >

The Best Traveling Destinations For Sports Fans (part 2)

Luzhniki Stadium – Moscow

With a long history, Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow is the national stadium and also the largest stadium in Russia. It has been renovated and is a landmark on its own. In terms of dining, Olymp Junior with its close proximity to the stadium is a great choice, offering delicious Russian and Azerbaijani cuisine.

Where to stay: The Swissotel Krasnye Holmy has panoramic city views, an award-winning bar, and a stylish indoor pool. While enjoying the spectacular city, you can relax with a cool cocktail at the City Space Bar & Restaurant on the 33rd floor.

Carrara Stadium – Gold Coast, Australia

Carrara Stadium – also known as Metricon Stadium, the home of the Gold Coast SUNS – is one of Australia’s greenest and most contemporary stadiums. Inside Carrara Stadium, you can find various take-away food options such as pizza, chips, fish, and sushi. However, you need to give a try to the hot beef pie – the beloved snack in Australia.

Where to stay: The RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast which is not so far from Carrara Stadium is set on a 27-hole championship golf course. You can also enjoy drinks or light meals by the pool or have a full meal in one of the five restaurants of the resort.

Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain

It is undeniably easy to life in Barcelona, Spain with lively beach culture and glorious climate that dare you to live your life in the sun. For adventure, the Gothic Quarter is a great option, but for a soccer game at the largest stadium in Europe, go straight to Camp Nou which is best-known as the home to the football team of Barcelona. A sandwich with botifarra sausage, a popular alternative to the classic hot dog, is one of the most beloved snacks in this city. Where to stay: The Flateli Roger 6 is a stylish apartment which is only a short walk from Camp Nou stadium. With two separate bedrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen, it’s ideal for a group of friends or family to stay in.

Michelle Cunningham May 3, 2019 Sports travelingAustralia, Camp Nou - Barcelona, Carrara Stadium - Gold Coast, Luzhniki Stadium - Moscow, SPAIN Read more >

The best airlines to consider when traveling with children

Whether your children are 2 or 12, navigating air travel with them is a feat. So what you can do: Choose the airline that can really work for you.

It is found that children under 12-year-old usually get bored before the minute 50 into their long-haul flight. Therefore, it is suggested to choose an airline which will help keep kids entertained. So, here are some of the best.

EMIRATES

Emirates airway has teamed up with psychologist and boredom specialist Dr. Sandi Mann at the Central Lancashire University to find a way to keep kids entertained on a plane. She has identified five areas that you can blend together to help your kids have the perfect experience. Active: walking up and down the aisles. Passive: listening to music or watching films. Creative: drawing, or coloring books. Interactive: chatting, or reading books. Sensory: refreshments. The airline can help make it easier by providing soft toys, and a huge range of TV, games, and movie options. See emirates.com.

QANTAS

Kids can join the Joey Club of Qantas airway and have an activity kit for the flight. Moreover, you can print out themed activity sheets that are available to download off Qantas’ website for on-board coloring-in fun. Their entertainment selection, specially designed for younger children, is broad. And if you have to stop over in an airport, look for Matilda in Qantas lounges’ Joey Club zones. And if you want to inspire them to really love flying, you can buy a mini outfit of their choices, such as Qantas captain or cabin crew uniforms at the Qantas Shop. To purchase, please visit qantas.com.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

Apart from the Jet Cadets Kids Pack and a various range of entertainment on screen, the Economy Skycouch is the factor that really sets Air New Zealand apart. Three seats can turn into a bed, meaning ample room for children to spread out and use as an area to play. And if they are all worn out, they can get some naps. They also offer a menu for fussy eaters as well as bassinets to pre-book. Visit airnewzealand.com.

Michelle Cunningham April 19, 2019 Travel with kidsairnewzealand, emirates, qantas Read more >

Winter Escape: 25 Places to Warm Up in Southeast Asia (part 4)

Irrawaddy River, Myanmar

Cruising down the massive Irrawaddy River to experience Myanmar like an old school explorer. It bisects the entire country, runs from north to south, and connects Mandalay and Bagan – the major cities of Myanmar. Sanctuary Ananda has luxury cruise options for 11 nights of slowly watching the world go by. However, there are ships for any budget – taking day trips into the river towns as well as glimpsing the impressive cultural pieces such as the Maya Tha Lun Pagoda.

Singapore

Considered the cleanest place in Asia, Singapore doesn’t come cheap, however, traveling in Singapore is worth the accompanying price tag. This modern island has everything from an impressive skyline, including Ferris wheel to world-renowned dining experiences such as famous Restaurant ANDRE. “Since 2010, Restaurant ANDRE has been listed in World’s 50 Best Restaurants Award for six consecutive years and the Best Restaurant in Singapore,” said Wendy Huang, Marketing and Communication Manager.

Si Phan Don, Laos

Laos, a landlocked country beside the more popular Vietnam and Thailand, falls under the radar of many travelers. Laos has left places such as Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands, on the Mekong River seemingly untouched. Porches to simply watch the sunrise, humble roads to ride bikes, and a host of natural beauties such as flowing waterfalls and curious dolphins calling the adventurers to search for authenticity.

Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, the chronically laid back Laos capital, contrasts sharply to cities such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The bulk of tourism still revolves around drinking Beerlao at sunset on the Mekong’s bank and slow-paced visits of cultural sites such as the Laos National Museum or Buddha Park.

Luang Prabong, Laos

Luang Prabong, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has gracefully combined traditional urban architecture with 19th and 20th-century colonial design. It provides access to Kuang Si waterfalls, nearby mountains, and ample temples.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng’s serene river and peaceful environment are the reason for people to flock here. The Organic Mulberry Farm Restaurant is not to be missed to go back to the basics as well as a lazy afternoon floating down the river.

Michelle Cunningham April 3, 2019 Southeast Asia travelingIrrawaddy River, Si Phan Don, Singapore Read more >

Winter Escape: 25 Places to Warm Up in Southeast Asia (part 4)

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is another bustling city of Vietnam, it’s easy to access the greenery at the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake and a little further away Ba Vi National Park. To have authentic downtown experience, walk along the streets of its Old Quarter to admire the colonial architecture and enjoy the best traditional beef pho at Pho 49 Bat Dan.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, a transitory town on the coast, in the middle of Vietnam, is famous for its relaxing environment and tailor-made clothing. This is the perfect place to kick back and have a drink. Hoi An turns it up each lunar cycle for a vibrant full moon party which fills the quiet streets with music, traditional plays, and colorful lanterns. Book early because the event draws quite a crowd.

Sapa, Vietnam

Head north to Sapa for a bit more of a perspective on rural life. Sapa can get cold in the winter, however, this northern region shouldn’t be missed when visiting Vietnam. The impressive mountains surrounding this town offer a perspective view on rural living. It is home to indigenous tribes and a traditional lifestyle. Discover the Sapa Square for colorful handicrafts or head into the hills with the local guide group – a social enterprise run entirely by local women – Sapa Sisters.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has quickly become a destination hot spot. Because public transportation is easy and cheap, touring this bustling city is a walk in the park. After having the obligatory view of the Petronas Towers, head to Little India and Chinatown to experience this cultural amalgamation.

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is famous for having more than 2,000 Buddhist temples that are being restored to UNESCO standards currently. This rich and historical city gets a recent increase in tourism. It has catered to foodie travelers because the various cuisine from regions near and far have been settled here. One of the most notable is Sharky’s restaurant, an artisan eatery which focuses on locally grown produce and expertly produced cheeses.

Michelle Cunningham March 20, 2019 Southeast Asia travelingHanoi, Hoi An, Sapa, Vietnam Read more >