Foreign travel advice

The elevator was originally steam-powered and offers a gorgeous view of the city. A ride costs 5.15 EUR but you can access the viewpoint (without a ride) for 1.50 EUR. Built in 1515, this tower was used as both a fortress and a lighthouse during the height of Portuguese power in the Age of Discovery. Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the tower stands 30 meters (98 feet) and has 4 stories. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is open for self-guided tours where you can wander the halls, peek out the various portholes, and visit the pit where prisoners were kept. In recent years, Lisbon has become a lot more popular thanks to its inexpensive cost of living and lovely year-round weather.

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. Travelers visit this iconic destination to cruise along the emerald waters, marvel at the limestone karsts and islets, and explore hidden caves and floating fishing villages. Greece is the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, where every meal becomes a feast for the senses.

EXPERIENCE guides

On the positive side, though, the city does have superb fortifications, a fine market, atmospheric old alleys and some interesting lesser museums. Virtually everything you’re likely to want to see lies within the northeastern corner of the walled city. The most vital thoroughfare, 25-Avgoústou, links the harbour with the commercial city centre. Further up 25-Avgoústou, Kalokerinoú leads down to Haniá Gate and westwards out of the city; straight ahead, Odhós-1821 is a major shopping street, and adjacent Odhós-1866 is given over to the animated street market, perhaps the best on the island. To the left, Dhikeosínis heads for the city’s main square, Platía Eleftherías, paralleled by the pedestrian alley, Dedhálou, lined with many of the city’s swankier fashion stores and the direct link between the two squares.

Beyond this lies Yushan National Park and the scintillating hike up Taiwan’s highest mountain, commanding awe-inspiring, cloud-capped vistas. If you’re visiting Bangkok, choosing the right area to stay in can make or break your trip. The city is sprawling and traffic can be relentless, so staying somewhere with easy access to the Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), or river ferries will save you a lot of time. The cool season is generally the most pleasant time to be in the capital, with lower humidity and more manageable temperatures, though it can still reach 30°C during the day. If you’re mapping out your trip around the best time to visit Thailand, this season is often the top choice for both comfort and ease of travel. In Spain, the language is lilting Spanish, although you will find differing dialects in some regions.

Alhambra Palace: The Gem of Granada, Spain

Boats are not the best way to move around the city fast, but they do offer great scenery. Strelka and Troika cards are not valid for commuter trains, except if you have a multi-day commuter train ticket on your Troika card. Foreign cars, especially expensive cars, might attract unwelcome attention, and there is cumbersome paperwork involved to enter Russia by car. The direct way to drive from Belarus is along the road, although it requires having permission to enter Belarus.

Take in the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower

It has information about the best day trips from London and great weekend trips in the UK. This London travel guide covers all aspects of the city, from sightseeing to restaurants, neighborhoods to afternoon teas. It offers advice for where to stay, what to do, how long to stay, and how to make the most of your time in London.

These experts cover adventure travel, family holidays, food and drink, and much more. These travel guide books are always up-to-date, thanks to Rick Steves’ research partners. We like using Booking.com as it stands out with its vast selection of accommodations, offering everything from hostels and apartments to hotels.

My 2025 Greece Travel Guide

First off is one of London’s finest parks, Regent’s Park, home to London Zoo; Camden Town, famous for its huge weekend market, is nearby. The highlights, however, are the village-like suburbs of Hampstead and Highgate, on the edge of London’s wildest patch of greenery, Hampstead Heath. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens cover a distance of two miles from Oxford Street in the northeast to Kensington Palace, set in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Other districts go in and out of fashion, but this area has been in vogue ever since royalty moved into Kensington Palace in the late seventeenth century. Hampton Court Palace, a sprawling red-brick ensemble on the banks of the Thames thirteen miles southwest of London, is the finest of England’s royal abodes. Built in 1516 by the upwardly mobile Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, it was purloined by Henry himself after Wolsey fell from favour.

Highland Folk Museum

Popular spots include Copacabana Palace and Fasano Rio, both situated on one of the city’s iconic beaches. All in all, Rio de Janeiro is an unforgettable destination and a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of Brazil. From its breathtaking views to its samba-filled nights, it is no surprise that this Marvellous City is one of the world’s most beloved destinations. From accommodation to activities, find out how to explore our beautiful island in a sustainable way. Cutting-edge food, traditional pubs and incredible Titanic history take Belfast to the next level – welcome to one of Ireland’s most exciting cities. Official website of Tourism Ireland for visitors to the island of Ireland.

The main obstacle for many foreigners will be a mandatory Russian language exam required to obtain a work permit. Make sure you visit a Russian bathhouse (banya) while in Moscow, as it’s an important Russian tradition and some Russians, especially aged 40+, go at least once a week. Have a hot steam, followed by a good whipping with birch branches.

• As with most Catholic countries, Carnival is celebrated before lent.
• From saunas and unique accommodation to wild nature, Northern Lights and unforgettable food — uncover why Finland is the best Nordic country to visit.
• Con Dao, a secluded archipelago, offers unspoiled natural beauty and a rich historical background.
• In the main tourist regions, most restaurants tend to serve more generic Indonesian food and a multitude of Western and Asian dishes.
• These raw, powerful landscapes are breathtaking, making you feel alive like never before.

Visit the real star of the show

There are 51 great events to experience in London during the year, and I’ve included some of the highlights below. Watch dancers in Bali weave ancient stories through hypnotic movements, shop markets brimming with spices, or join a Gamelan orchestra for hauntingly beautiful melodies. From smoky satay cooked over open flames to festivals bursting with color, the culture here isn’t just seen—it’s felt in every fiber of your being. Jazz took root in the Creole culture of New Orleans, blending African traditions with western techniques to create a distinctly American art form. Jazz is still dance music in New Orleans; cooler urban stylings can be enjoyed in clubs in New York.

• A city famously described by Aldous Huxley as “the most appalling of either hemisphere”, travellers tend to regard time spent here as a rite of passage to be survived rather than savoured.
• All this neighbourly greeting means a fair bit of partying, and no one is expected to go to work the next day, or, indeed, the day after that.
• Check out the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue for some amazing views of the city.
• Some 2km long and three blocks wide, The Soo’s downtown core runs parallel to the waterfront to either side of the main drag, Queen Street East.
• Approximately 1.2 million people live in the Peloponnese and 1.3 million on the Greek islands.
• Find interesting sights to see, places to visit, and restaurants to dine in.
• Berlin’s “Central Park” is one of the most beautiful city parks in all of Europe.

Cape Town

In most parts of the country, the daily maximum is between 20°C and 27°C and the minimum is between 12°C and 18°C. The highest temperatures in Uganda occur on the plains immediately east of Lake Albert, while the lowest have been recorded on the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori. Except in the dry north, where in some areas the average annual rainfall is as low as 100mm, most parts of Uganda receive an annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 2,000mm. In western Uganda and the Lake Victoria region it can rain at almost any time of year. As a rough guide, however, the wet seasons are from mid September to November and from March to May. If you decide to rent a self-drive vehicle, check it over carefully and ask to take it for a test drive.

Magical northern region full of contrasts

• On this day trip from Lisbon, we’ll go on a guided tour of the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.
• Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty.
• Start planning your trip with our first-timer’s guide to visiting Australia.
• From January through to March temperatures can dip to freezing, but the crisp blue winter skies are rarely disturbed by rain or snow showers.
• My guide managed a couple of changes that occurred along the way including a different hotel on Heraklion and a cancelled tour.
• The seat of the German Parliament is one of Berlin’s most historic landmarks.

The area was first earmarked for Chinese settlement by Raffles, who decided in 1819 that Singapore’s communities should be segregated. July 4th is one of the most celebrated national holidays in the United States. For naturists who crave freedom, relaxation, and an experience of the beach like no other, clothing optional beaches in Europe is the best option. These beaches highly value their scenery, sparkling water, and very…

Tourist guide

Choose places like Koh Lipe, which is almost car-free, and spend your days walking around the island or snorkeling off the shore. A truly memorable spot on your vacation in Thailand is the iconic Koh Phi Phi, used as the setting for the Hollywood film ‘The Beach’. Thailand is loved worldwide for its diverse landscapes, fantastic island-hopping, friendly locals, and excellent food. Whether you’re looking for buzzing night markets in Chiang Mai, motorbike mountain adventures in Pai, or marine adventures off the coast of Krabi, Thailand will delight every traveler.

Lined with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, flower stalls and newspaper kiosks, it’s at the heart of Barcelona’s life and self-image. At the bottom of the Ramblas is the waterfront, whose spruced-up harbour area is known as Port Vell (Old Port). Walking east from here takes you past the aquarium and marina, through the old fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, past the Parc de la Ciutadella and out along the promenade to the cafés and restaurants of the Port Olímpic.

There are a couple of unique trains operating through the system and you will be lucky if you get to ride them. The Sokolniki Retro Train is a train modeled after the original 1930s trains and it occasionally is placed into service, usually around a major anniversary of the metro system. 2 or 3 stations may be connected as transfer points but will each have a different name.

Top Australia & South Pacific Destinations

Itaewon is also worth a mention for its excellent tailored suits, and last, but not least, are the colossal markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, which feature an almost bewildering array of cheap and knock-off brand-name clothing. When it gets cold, stalls selling this local delicacy – silkworm larvae – set up on pavements and riverbanks across the country. You’ll smell them before you see them – the acrid stench of these mites boiled up in a broth is so disgusting that it may well breach international law. The treat is also served as bar snacks in many hofs, bursting in the mouth to release a grimy juice – perfect drinking game material.

Discover more places in Netherlands

• It includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy.
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent cave systems, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.
• The fertile Amari Valley, with its pretty villages, lies in the central plain, while on the south coast, in particular around Plakiás, there are beaches as fine as any Crete can offer.
• If you do not get a confirmation, you should call the company; otherwise, you may be fined.
• But as the powerhouse of Indian industry and trade, and the source of its most memorable media images, the Maharashtrian capital can be a compelling place.
• So-called Neoclassical, Chinese Baroque and Rococo shophouses featured decorative Corinthian columns, mini-pediments, fanlights, a riot of multicoloured tilework and stucco, even curvy gables.

Not exactly an event trumpeted by the local tourist authorities – in fact, not so long ago the police were still trying to ban it – this is a great way to see Korea crawling out of its Confucian shell. Plastic chairs to sit on, tables littered with soju bottles, and a cackling ajumma serving you food that’s still half-alive – these are the delights of the pojangmacha, ramshackle seafood dens that congregate on many a Korean street. They’re usually distinguishable by their orange, tent-like covering; one good area to find them in Seoul is outside exits three to six of Jongno 3-ga subway station. Just watch out for the octopus tentacles – every year, people die of suffocation when their still-wriggling prey makes a last bid for freedom.

• The boat stops at Beşiktaş, Kanlıca (Asia), Yeniköy, Sariyer and Rumeli Kavağı (all Europe) and, finally, Anadolu Kavağı (Asia); the only stop on the return is Beşiktaş.
• So much easier to visualize and plan a road trip to my favourite rock climbing destinations and explore the area around.
• Of the school and stables (March to mid-June & Aug to mid-Dec daily, otherwise 5–6 days per week; tours 2pm, 3pm & 4pm; tour €18; combined tour and training session €31).
• Genuine DVD films may be region-coded for Asia, so check the label and whether your player at home will handle them; there are no such problems with CDs or VCDs.
• From my initial thoughts on where i’d like to go in India to the comprehensive schedule with accomodation, transport, driver, guides and timings developed and agfreed between myself and Julie Clark at Indian Stories.
• Chilli crab Whole crabs wok-fried and served in a gloopy gravy made with tomato, chilli, garlic and a little egg.
• Helping visitors to Croatia for over 25 years, we’re the top resource for all travel-related information on the country…and a little bit more besides!

It’s the country’s fashion and publishing capital, and there’s a long tradition of innovative disseny (design), from clothes and accessories to crafts and household goods. The annual sales follow the main fashion seasons – mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August. Admission charges Some clubs are free before a certain time, usually around midnight.

Loaded with fine beach bars, ideal for a sundowner or two, this is the Bali with its hair let down. Peek into the uber-luxe Potato Head in Seminyak and it’s unlikely you’ll leave for several hours. See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip. Experience the very best of Norway with great travel deals from our partners. Green, clean and keen to please, Slovenia might lack the pulling power of its heavyweight neighbours, but this charming country is rich in rewards for traveller…

While even “regular” Korean food may be alien to most visitors, there are a few edibles that deserve special attention. The N-Seoul Tower (N-서울 타워) sits proudly on Namsan’s crown, newly renovated and recently renamed (“Seoul Tower” clearly wasn’t trendy enough). For many, the views from the tower’s base are good enough, and coming here to see the sunset is recommended – the grey mass of daytime Seoul turns in no time into a pulsating neon spectacle. On the inauguration of his Joseon kingdom in 1392, the ambitious King Taejo immediately set his minions to work on a truly incredible number of gigantic projects.

• KVNP has a moister climate than other parts of Karamoja, but almost all the average annual rainfall of 800mm falls between April and October, so the plains become very hot and parched towards the end of the dry season.
• I read both the Oahu Revealed and Kauai Revealed guidebooks before a two-week Hawaii stay, and each was excellent.
• Even standing alone from its sister festivals, the Fringe is easily the world’s largest arts gathering.
• East of Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden are also easy to walk around and form the heart of the West End entertainment district, where you’ll find the largest concentration of theatres, cinemas, shops, cafés and restaurants.
• Be prepared for enormous queues trying to enter or exit the Metro at peak times, as people are getting off or on the commuter trains.

Book your city break to Berlin

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. https://softfootprints.com/ You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We recommend that you take two – one as a back up for emergencies. Sometimes, they can be overzealous and place a block on your card if they see unusual activity.

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists

Whether it’s a lively village celebration or ancient tradition, Greece offers endless ways to immerse yourself in its rich, living culture. Greece is a land of natural wonders, from the dramatic peaks of Mount Olympus and the surreal cliffs of Meteora to the sun-kissed beaches and hidden islands. Discover breathtaking landscapes where verdant valleys, crystal-clear waters, and golden sands invite you to explore. Whether you crave adventure, serenity, or a blend of both, Greece’s natural beauty offers an unforgettable escape. Many people become tourist guides as a second career, for example students who want to work during holidays or actors who are between acting jobs.

The best places to stay in Italy will depend highly on your destination and how you travel around. In general, in the main cities, it’s best to stay in the heart of the city center. Most cities are very walkable so staying centrally often means that you don’t need to worry about transportation. An hour’s ride northeast across Mumbai harbour from Colaba, the island of Elephanta offers the best escape from the seething claustrophobia of the city. That said, you’ll want to time your visit to avoid the weekend deluge of day-trippers. Edinburgh hosts one of the worlds’ landmark New Year’s Eve street parties, with around 100,000 people on the streets of the city seeing out the old year.

While public transportation options like the metro and buses exist in Vietnam, they are often underutilized by tourists. The metro system is still in its early stages of development, and communication barriers can make it difficult to navigate public bus routes. However, the biggest reason not to use public transportation in Vietnam is the way better alternative of using taxis.

If you’ve had your fill of Berliner currywurst and döner kebap and you’re looking for more variety, this huge food hall is a cool place to hang out during the day as it carries fresh produce, deli items, and handmade bread, pasta, and more. On Thursdays, they have special street food where you can get Tibetan momos, British pies, tacos, Kässpatzen (dumplings with cheese), and more. They even have a selection of craft beer, wines, coffee, and other items to drink. As soon as you enter the Palace of Knossos through the West Court, the ancient ceremonial entrance, it is clear how the legends of the labyrinth grew up around it. Even with a detailed plan, it’s almost impossible to find your way around the complex with any success, although a series of timber walkways channels visitors around the site, severely restricting the scope for independent exploration.

Day Trips

There are so many amazing places to see in Italy that deciding where to go and how much time to spend there can be hard. As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of three nights in each place to minimize time spent traveling and also enjoy each place as much as possible. So if you have a 10-day trip, then 3 main stops would be a good baseline to start with.