Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 95)
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5 Things You Should Know Before You Visit Europe
I love Europe – I really do. There’s just so much crammed into a compact space. From laid-back Lisbon to beautiful Budapest, Europe really has it all. History, culture, great food, fashion, art… I could go on and on. I have lived in two places in Europe – first in a small town in the Czech Republic for six months and then again for 2 months in Madrid, Spain. I am very excited about my upcoming trip to Europe in September and I wanted to let you know some things before you visit Europe:
1) Coaches Are the Way to Go For Short Trips
In many parts of Europe trains are actually relatively expensive. I do love traveling by train, but when I am seeking great value I always book a coach – they often have WIFI and many of them have toilets on board so you can be comfortable the whole trip. For short trips, under 6 hours, I prefer to travel by coach than to fly because of all the hassle getting to the airport, being there in advance, checking in and so forth. Many people dismiss traveling by coach when they book a trip to Europe and I think that’s a big mistake. You can easily take a coach from Paris to London for a very reasonable fare.
2) Budapest is Sorely Underrated
I have no idea why – but people rarely talk about Budapest. When I booked tickets to Budapest I wasn’t expecting much.. actually I had no idea what to expect because I had never heard anyone talk about it. It quickly became one of my favourite cities. I found a beautiful cafe (called New York cafe) that is so classic and romantic that I could linger there for hours. I wound up in some of the most fun clubs in all of Europe. The buildings are absolutely stunning and it’s ridiculously cheap.
3) Eating in Cafes Costs More
While in Paris and other parts of Europe I often noticed a surcharge for sitting in the cafe rather than taking away. I also noticed that ‘good seats’ cost more. If you’re on a budget, you might prefer to have that croissant to take away! Of course there are times where it is more appropriate to sit and enjoy your meal, but if you’re just getting a bite to eat why not take it away to a lovely park and enjoy people-watching and saving a few euros.
4) Public Toilets Might Cost
Coming from New Zealand where tap water and public toilets are free… I was sorely disappointed by some of the fees to use the public toilets in Paris. 3 Euros to go to the bathroom? Really? That’s the same price as an hour long massage in Bali. I found it a bit hard to understand the logic, but I guess public toilets are a business in Europe!
5) Toll Roads Can Burn a Hole in the Wallet
I did a road trip throughout France a few years ago and while it was a lovely experience, it felt like every 20 mins we would drive through a road toll and have to pay 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Euros. We opted for the quickest route which was probably the most expensive. When I’m traveling through Europe this time around I’ll do some research to find a cost-effective way to get around.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re next in Europe and you’re sure to have a wonderful time. If you’ve been before, diid you find anything strange about Europe?
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What Bali Has Taught Me About Life
This is my third trip to Bali, but the longest one. I am here for a month total, with a small side trip to the Gillis which is technically a part of Lombok. Bali is different to the rest of Indonesia. Indonesia and Bali have different religions, but I don’t think that’s why Bali is so different. It just feels different.
By the time I arrived in Bali, I was really stressed. Packing up an entire apartment, selling away your possessions and saying goodbye to friends and family without a time to return is hard. Really hard. Despite having a wonderful adventure ahead of me, goodbyes are the worst.
Life in Bali is very different to New Zealand and simply crossing the road or a conversation with a lady who’s doing my nails illustrates the point. Bali has taught me a lot about life and I’d like to share some of what Bali has taught me about life:
1) Slow Down
Aside from some of the crazy motorcycle riders, most people in Bali simply live life at a slower pace. Things take longer here, but it’s not a cause of frustration. Last night I wanted a massage so went to my favourite place here in Kuta and there was a 20 minute wait. I noticed two men asleep on the massage chairs, I thought perhaps they were waiting for their partners to finish a treatment. Nope, they were waiting for a massage too and had just decided to take a nap. This would never happen in New Zealand! If we had to wait so long for a massage that we could have a decide nap, we would be furious. Here things are a lot slower, more relaxed and a bit more casual, I like it.
2) No Worries
We had a problem dropping off a motorbike to the shop owner: he simply wasn’t there when we had mentioned we would be dropping it off. We had to go to a different hotel in a different area so we left the motorbike there and took the key and two helmets with us. We returned them the next day, a full day after we were supposed to return everything. The owner didn’t apologise for not being there and we didn’t apologise for returning the gear a day later. In New Zealand, the shop owner would be there, for certain and if we returned gear a day late, we’d probably be charged. It wasn’t even discussed, he just asked if we wanted to rent it for another day..
Nothing’s a problem here. Want to ride down the wrong side of the road, on the footpath, whatever. No worries.
3) Family is Big
If you have a conversation with a Balinese, one of the first questions they’ll ask is about your family: are you married, do you have children, what ‘number’ child are you? (Here in Bali there is a specific name for the children based on birth order, so it’s important). If you ask a Balinese about their family, they will glow and gush about their children, siblings and parents. It’s really sweet and not something that comes up anywhere near as quickly in Bali.
4) That Things Happen Exactly as They Should
The Balinese believe in reincarnation, that if you don’t do the ‘homework’ or lessons you’re supposed to in this life, you’ll come back again to work through them. They believe that things can often be tests of character or challenges. So when things happen, they feel more like they were ‘supposed’ to happen that way or needed to, which gives them an advantage of people who think that bad things are just bad luck. I think this attitude contributes to their relaxed nature in dealing with things.
What countries have you been to that have taught you life lessons that you’ve tried to take on board?
I love the Balinese way of life and would love to spend a lot more time here.
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Top Places to Visit While on a French River Cruise in Bordeaux
Together with Germany and several other countries, France represents the very core of Europe – and not only from a geographical point of view. France is the heart of Europe with its love for culture, great appreciation for beauty and rich history. Visiting this country is special in itself, but visiting it on a river cruise can be an unforgettable experience. French river cruises in Bordeaux are a great way to explore this area.
There are many types of river cruises in France and in Europe in general. Some of them will also stop in Bordeaux – and it would be a real pity not to visit at least some of the beauties there. Here’s a list of attractions in Bordeaux that will take your breath away.
The Churches
France is a country deeply rooted in its Catholicism and you will see that at every corner. You don’t have to be a religious person to appreciate the grandeur of the French-Catholic churches. The intricate architecture, the grandness of their height, the history behind them – all these things ensure these are some of the best churches in the world.
One of the churches you will definitely not want to miss out on when in Bordeaux is the Bordeaux Cathedral. Built almost 1000 years ago (in 1096, actually), this is one of those buildings that have the power to make you feel very small. Again, you don’t have to be a Catholic or to be religious in any way to be amazed by the grand design and by the complex architecture of this church.
Also, do not forget about visiting Basilica of Saint Michael. This church is much more recent than the Cathedral itself, but it is equally beautiful. Built between the 14th and the 16th century, the Saint Michael Basilica in Bordeaux’s pulpit shows Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The outer architecture, as well as the interior décor are absolutely stunning and a must visit.
The Museums
There is something almost magical about just how much the French love their museums. As mentioned before, France is a country that treasures its past a lot and a country that knows that its culture is its identity – and for this reason, you will find beautiful museums in almost all the major spots in the country.
If you are among those passionate about history, you will love Musee d’Acquitaine. Featuring objects related to the history of Bordeaux and Acquitaine, this museum is one of those spots that can be extremely interesting. Basically, it will be a glimpse into the past of an entire region of France.
Also, if you want to see some stunning pieces of art, do make sure to visit Musee de Beaux-Arts Bordeaux. As one of the largest arts museums in the country (outside of Paris), it will definitely have plenty to offer for those who are into arts.
We’re heading to France later in the year and I can’t wait to explore more of this wonderful country.
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Where I Stayed – Bali Rani Kuta
As someone who has travelled extensively, there are a few things I look for in a hotel. Of course comfort and great service comes up high on the list, but also the location matters a lot to me. I prefer to be in a good location so that I can walk to a lot of places. This saves money on transport, but it also allows greater freedom – you can come and go as you please.
Bali Rani in Kuta has one of the best locations that I’ve ever stayed in – it’s literally right across the road from a large shopping centre, 2 minutes down the road from the biggest waterpark in Asia, Waterbom, and a minute’s walk to the beach. There’s great restaurants lining the street, a bunch of Minimarts and anything else you could need within a few minutes in any direction. This hotel seriously is the best location to stay in Kuta.
Bali Rani Kuta Review
When I first arrived at Bali Rani I was a little apprehensive: the hotel is on a main road, so I wondered if that might deter from the relaxing holiday experience we had planned. Nope. The foyer is grand, decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures. The staff greeted us with a smile and check-in was a breeze. Within moments I had forgotten the hotel was on a main road.
Walking towards our room, we saw a beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by a lillypad pond, that was full of vibrant fish. There were lush trees all around and this hotel felt more like a nature reserve in parts than a hotel.
The room was well appointed and had ample space for suitcases, which is always appreciated when traveling as it prevents clutter in the room.
Please note the reason the bed is messy is because we immediately laid down on it – and then I realised I had to take a photo haha!
One of the things I noticed immediately about the Rani Bali was the clear eco-friendly intentions. This is a hotel that cares about the environment, while wanting to maintain a high level of service. The toilet was a modern bidet style toilet, there were little notes dotted across the room with suggestions on how to minimise the environmental impact of your stay, if you so wished. It was a really nice touch and I felt happy to be in a hotel that was concerned about the environment, too.
The room also featured a large flat screen TV, a mini bar which was quite reasonable priced, a sweet little balcony overlooking the pond, and aircon which was on when we arrived in the room – a nice touch.
There’s a large pool area by the cafe where the buffet breakfast is served. It was so relaxing down here that I came here to sunbathe and to work. The breakfast was a considerable spread that varied daily, so we were able to try a lot of new things.
This hotel is perfect for families wanting somewhere where they can unwind and relax, and for couples who want a private oasis moments from Kuta’s main attractions.
Have you ever been to Kuta, Bali? What did you think?
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Top Things to do in Ubud
This was my third visit to Ubud and it’s easily one of my favourite places in Asia, despite not being close to a beach. There’s a soulful kind of feeling to Ubud and it’s easy to linger here, enjoying the friendly people, great food and beautiful scenery.
Ubud is one of those places where you go to be, rather than to jam pack your schedule filled with things. It is the perfect retreat after a long flight or a few too many Bitangs in Kuta.
I really enjoyed my time in Ubud and here’s my list of top things to do in Ubud:
Monkey Forest:
Monkey forest is a bit crazy… as the name suggests it’s a forest that’s completely overrun with monkeys. While it’s a great place to visit, it’s a bit chaotic. These monkeys are a bit aggressive, so I suggest you leave any food that you don’t want them to steal in your hotel. When I was just walking by Monkey Forest a few years ago, a monkey stole my croissant! It’s an amazing place to visit.
Go for a Swim:
Despite being a cooler part of Bali, Ubud still gets pretty hot. The best way to beat the heat? In a pool! Where we stayed in Ubud the Rijasa Agung had one of the nicest infinity pools I’ve ever seen, over looking the lush forest and some rice paddy fields. It was the perfect way to start each day and very relaxing. It was really nice to have a pool with such incredible views and felt very special.
Do Some Yoga:
There’s a large following of Yogis that flock to Ubud to perfect their practice and enjoy the relaxed vibe Ubud has to offer. There’s quite a few different places to try yoga, but the most popular seems to be Yoga Barn. It is a really beautiful setting and there are a range of classes so you can find something that suits your level.
Eat, Eat, Eat!
In my experience, Ubud has some of the best food on offer in Bali and also boosts some very competitive prices. While there I tried the most incredible Sushi at Torro Sushi. My other favourites are Clear Cafe which boasts a really beautiful setting and Soma. Both Clear Cafe and Soma offer vegetarian and raw options, if you’re looking to cleanse or detox.
Visit Some Rice Paddy Fields:
Although tourism has swept over the small island of Bali, there are still parts that are a testament to how things used to be. The rice paddy fields are quickly being replaced by villas and restaurants. In Ubud it is possible to wander down random streets and find yourself looking out to large rice paddy fields, but I don’t know how long this will remain true with the rapid development. We headed to Tegallalang rice terrace, which is absolutely stunning. It’s just slightly north of Ubud and definitely worth the visit.
As always, I loved my visit to Ubud and I am even tempted to return again while on this trip.
If you’ve been to Ubud before I’d love to hear what you really enjoyed, let me know in the comments below.
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My Favourite Travel Photos
One of the best things about traveling is visiting new places and feeling inspired to take photos. As I have spent the past 1.5 years back home, I haven’t felt that inspired to take photos. While New Zealand is beautiful, my hometown was struck by a severe earthquake a few years ago and as such the city has not yet recovered – making it not very photogenic.
At the moment I have a new camera which I am still trying to learn – the Fuji x100s. I love looking throgh photos I have taken in the past as they often evoke the same memories I felt while taking them. One of the reasons I love Asia so much is that the locals are keen to interact with you. One day I would really like to get some of these photos printed and mount them in a frame (wholesaleposterframes.com have a great selection) so that I can have the photos on display around my home.
Without further ado, here are some of my favourite travel photos. You should let me know in the comments which one you prefer the most.
Cambodia:
This photo is special to me because it reminds me of the place I volunteered in Cambodia. I only went to visit for one day, hired a Tuk Tuk to take me, and on the way home it was raining and very windy. I saw this sunset out of the window of the Tuk Tuk and insisted the driver stop so I could take this photo.
Sapa, Vietnam:
I spent a few days trekking through Sapa and really fell in love with it. It’s so lush, relaxing and around every corner is a postcard picture. I really like this photo because of how the two local girls are interacting with the grass, while the tourists are just walking by.
Within Angkor Wat:
Who doesn’t love monkeys? It was so cute watching them open bananas. They actually open them from the opposite end to how most people do, which seems to be a lot easier. I love this photo because it’s so creamy in the background.
Phnom Penh:
Who could beat that lovely smile? Phnom Penh was the first place I visited in Cambodia and I really enjoyed it. This photo reminds me of my first day there, walking around, feeling a little lost and alone but loving it all the same. Phnom Penh is not a scary place – it’s a must-visit destination on any trip to Cambodia.
So there we have it, some of my favourite travel photos. What about you? Do you have any favourite travel photos. Link them to me in the comments below and I’ll check them out.
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We’re Heading to France – And I Can’t Wait
At the moment we’re living the island life in Bali – first we spent 5 days relaxing in Ubud, before moving onto the busier, beachy area Kuta. We have a few more weeks in Bali before we head off to Singapore, Thailand and then eventually making our way to Paris. We’re meeting Ben’s family in the South of France, which is somewhere I’ve not explored before. I am really looking forward to it.
Originally we chose France as Ben was going to compete in the World Surf Championships, but due to injury that’s no longer the plan, but we’re still going to enjoy a holiday in France.
Here’s What We’re Planning to Do:
Lots of Beach Time:
I love the beach and while France might not be your first pick for a beach holiday, it has a lot to offer. The French Riveria looks stunning (I haven’t been yet, but have looked at a lot of pictures) and like a very romantic and relaxing place to unwind. From what I’ve read there are so many different types of beaches, from pebbles to sandy beaches, right through to beaches that are more geared towards watersports. I really want to visit the sandy beach of Villefranche which looks just gorgeous!
Lots of Cheese:
One thing that is kind of hard to deal with in Asia is the lack of good cheese. That might sound shallow, but I really love cheese and where better to indulge than France? Beyond the cheese, I’m looking forward to the quaint little bakeries with croissants and macarons. Of course cheap and delicious wine is also a pretty good draw card.
Indulging in History:
New Zealand is a relatively new country and while there are lots of benefits to that (it’s relatively clean, there’s a lot of space, low population size and so on – one thing we really miss out on back home is the history that many European countries have and France is no exception. One of my favourite places to explore are castles! There’s Castle Hill in Nice which has exceptional views of the coast and the city below. Ben’s never visited a Castle before, so I’m really looking forward to exploring Castle Hill with him.
Have you been to Nice before? Is there anything I should check out while we’re there? I’d love your advice!
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When You Want Something Special: Rijasa Agung in Bali
Although this is my third trip to Bali, it was my partner, Ben’s, first trip. As such, I knew I had to make it special.
Bali has been a very important place to me during my travels, especially Ubud as it is where I went to relax after being attacked in Lombok. When searching for hotels I had a few boxes I wanted to check: somewhere comfortable, to deal with jet lag. Somewhere with a beautiful pool, to cool down from the heat. Somewhere that felt like a sanctuary, with beautiful views.
After much research, I narrowed down to Rijasa Agung, which is located just outside of Ubud – around 20 minutes drive away.
Rijasa Agung in Bali Review
Located a short drive from Ubud, Rijasa Agung is the perfect escape. Here you’ll find classically decorated rooms that feel a little more like a Parisian boutique hotel than something in Bali. The staff at reception made a conceded effort to learn and remember my name – a small touch that makes the Rijasa feel like a home away from home.
From the first moment I walked into my room, I was taken back. It was absolutely gorgeous. Look at that bed!
The real standout feature of this hotel is the view. It is absolutely lush, from my balcony I could see a beautiful river in the valley, the mountains in the background, as well as rice paddy fields. It was sensory overload and each time I looked out the window, I was blown away.
There’s also the pool, which is an infinity style pool overlooking the lush forest. This is by far one of the most spectacular pools I have ever seen.
The room I stayed in had an outdoor jacuzzi which was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Ubud.
The Service at Rijasa Agung:
I found the staff to be friendly, helpful and keen to assist in any way possible. Because Rijasa Agung is a short drive outside of Ubud’s centre, each day we had to organise a shuttle service to and from Ubud. The staff at reception were always eager to ensure the transfers suited our schedule. At one point during our stay, we left tickets for a traditional show later that evening. We called Rijasa Agung and the receptionist went and looked for the tickets – now that’s what I call service.
During our stay we ate in the hotel’s restaurant and enjoyed a very delicious Balinese meal. The pricing was highly competitive and the portions were very generous. Daily, we enjoyed the hotel’s buffet breakfast which was a large spread of European and Asian cuisines.
In addition, my partner and I both enjoyed a Traditional Balinese Massage in the spa room at Rijsasa Agung, which was one of the best massages I have ever had. In true Rijasa Agung style, the view was a focal point of the massage with the doors open in the spa leading out to the lush surroundings. During my massage I could hear the river below, which was very relaxing. My partner enjoyed his massage so much, that he booked another for later that evening.
The Rooms at Rijasa Agung:
The suite we stayed in was a lot larger than I expected, there was more than enough room for two people to spread out and feel like we had our own distinctive space. The bathroom was well appointed and modern, with a large shower and bathtub. With the breathtaking views just outside the large sliding doors, I felt like my suite was the perfect oasis.
There are standard rooms, suites and also private villas with their own pools. We enjoyed staying in the suite which included the outdoor jacuzzi which was a highlight of our trip.
Bare in mind that the rooms do not have WIFI, but there is complimentary WIFI in the reception and dining areas. Some people might find this a little frustrating, but personally I liked ‘having’ to disconnect while in my room. It allowed me to make the most of this beautiful hotel.
Book This Hotel If…
You’re looking to experience a slice of luxury nestled in one of the most scenic locations in the world. During my stay I noticed that the majority of the guests were couples or families. Personally, I found this hotel to be ideal for a romantic getaway. I felt so relaxed during my stay and found it to be the perfect place to connect with my partner and enjoy being back in Asia.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Rijasa Agung and wouldn’t hesitate to suggest it to my friends or family when they are visiting Ubud.
Have you ever stayed anywhere with an infinity pool? If so, where was it? I think I have a new obsession.
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I Leave Today + Travel Rewards Tips
Today is the day… it’s only an hour until I head off to the airport and depart off to Bali. I’ll be there for a month before heading to Singapore, Thailand and then eventually off to Europe – Hooray.
It’s come around so quickly and between scrubbing down the floors of my old apartment and saying goodbye to everyone, I’ve not had a lot of time to blog. However, from tomorrow onwards I will be fully submerged in travel and spamming you with photos – I hope you’re ready.
I just wanted to write a quick post on Avios – a great travel reward program. As someone who is OBSESSED with travel, I’m always looking for tips and tricks for reducing my travel costs. If I can skim a few hundred dollars off a price, or even the whole price, I’m always keen. You might be surprised to know that despite my years of travel I am only really getting into travel reward programs now… imagine the points I would have collected in the past 5 years!
How Does Avios Work?
Basically, you get rewarded for spending your money on things you need to spend it on, such as groceries, petrol, credit card spending and so on. All of this quickly adds up and you can spend your Avios on a variety of travel related products, such as flights, car rental, and hotels. This means that if you’re smart and plan in advance, you can seriously skim off some of your travel related costs.
Do you love winning stuff? Me too. I just thought I’d mention that Avios are hosting a GREAT competition at the moment where you can win free travel. Fancy a weekend in Budapest? Or perhaps a day of spa treatments for two people? Yeah me too! You can enter this simple competition and you’ll be in with a chance to win some great prices. If you share your entry on social media you’ll wind up two entries – and double the chance of winning.
The truth is, travel is expensive. Yesterday I spent a few hundred dollars on travel insurance, a few months ago I was spending hundreds on flights. Once I land in Asia my day-to-day costs will drop dramatically, and because I’m traveling relatively slow, my overall daily cost will not be too bad. However, the prices of flights, accommodation and everything add up really quickly so I am all for free flights or free holidays!
In 15 hours I’ll be touching down in Bali and I cannot wait 😀 Have you been before? Please share some tips with me in the comments below.
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Top River Cruises in Europe
Europe is one of the most diverse and interesting continents in the world and it is jam packed with a lot of history. Many of Europe’s greatest towns and cities are built along rivers, as it provides easy access and transport. If you’re planning a trip to Europe there are a number of ways to explore, by bus, by car, by train or by a boat. River cruises in Europe are the perfect way to explore a number of cities and countries with the comfort of a boat, while still getting to stop off and enjoy different locations. If you’re looking for a unique experience or something romantic to share with your partner, then a river cruise in Europe is perfect for you. Read on more for some river cruise inspiration.
German River Cruise
Germany lies at the very core of Europe and exploring Germany is a great way to get yourself acquainted with the marvellous – and very often majestic – Gothic architecture. A river cruise on Rhine can lead you from Amsterdam to the very heart of Germany, while enjoyable Danube river cruises can get you as far as the Danube Delta in Romania. From the Gothic churches to the waltzing Wien and to the delicious Hungarian cuisine, there is really a lot to explore if you start, or end, your journey in Germany.
Russian River Cruise
For those who want to discover another side of Europe, there’s the option of a Russian river cruise. Embarking on a cruise on Volga will lead your way unto the largest river in Europe and into the largest country in Europe as well. Get a chance to discover the sublime beauty of Russia with its unique culture, beautiful cities and rich history.
French River Cruise
For good wine and splendid scenery, book your French river cruise and you will not regret it for one moment. Seriously, France is so grand and stunning that you will want to take it home with you. From the City of Lights to the Southern rural France, there is so much to this country to see and explore. Castles, grandiosity, great food, amazing history and diverse people – they all blend together in perfect harmony on a land that has been truly, truly lucky.
Norse River Cruise
If Germany and France do not appeal to you (or if you have visited them already) and if Russia is not a very attractive option either, then you may want to explore the Norse lands with their beautiful views. There are plenty of agencies out there offering river cruises in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and some of them will have connections with Germany as well.
There’s so much to do and see in Europe that a river cruise can be a great way to see a lot within a short period of time, from the comfort of a lovely boat. When my partner and I head to Europe, we’re definitely going to try a river cruise. I’ve done one before in Budapest and it was such a fantastic way to see the city.
Have you ever been on a river cruise? If so, let me know where in the comments below.
