Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 98)
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Top 4 Things To Do in Birmingham
Once you’ve decided where to stay in Birmingham you’ll want to fill up your time wisely. Here are my suggestions for the top 4 things to din Birmingham, England:
VISIT CADBURY WORLD
In 1824, Birmingham merchant John Cadbury began selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate in the centre of the city, and nearly two-hundred years later Cadbury is the second biggest manufacturer of confectionary in the world. In 1990, the company opened this self-guided tour at it’s Bournville manufacturing plant that explores not only the Cadbury story, but the history of chocolate and confectionary around the world. It’s one of the city’s largest tourist attractions, and offers visitors a glimpse inside the manufacturing process as well as a chance to create their own sweet treats.
Photo Credit: Elliott Brown
EAT MORE THAN SWEETS
In 2011, the BBC’s food magazine Olive crowned the city as king of the UK’s culinary scene. Plenty of London foodies were up in arms at the decision, but who can argue with Birmingham’s diverse range of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as the plethora of fresh food on show at the iconic Birmingham Wholesale Markets – the largest in the UK. The city also played a key role in the development of Balti cuisine, a style of Indian cooking now popular across much of the UK as well as Canada and Australia. Purists claim that nowhere in the world makes it quite like the West Midlands.
EXPLORE THE CITY’S DIVERSE MUSIC SCENE
Birmingham was the birthplace of heavy metal, thanks to hometown hero Ozzy Osborne and the other members of the iconic band Black Sabbath. It was also the home of members of Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin. Its diverse multicultural population made up of many Indian and Jamaican immigrants also saw the city play an important role in the development of styles like Bhangra and Ska. Birmingham was the home of other iconic acts including Duran Duran, UB40, Ocean Colour Scene and The Streets. Today, the city is home to a new generation of musicians, and several bands from the Digbeth-based “B-Town” scene have been championed by UK style-bible The NME as superstars of the future.
Photo Credit: Brian Clift
SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP
Although most stylish visitors to the UK still have their sights firmly set on the nation’s capital and its plethora of stylish boutiques, Birmingham is making a name for itself as one of the country’s coolest commercial destinations thanks to the ultra-modern Bullring shopping centre located at the site of the city’s historic market district. Officially opened in 2003, it’s home to some of the world’s biggest brands, including Topshop, Apple and Zara – and boasts a space-age Selfridges store designed by award-winning architecture firm Future Systems.
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My Favourite Desserts Around the World
I’m a sucker for dessert. In fact, I’d rather have dessert than dinner. One of the bonuses of traveling is trying new foods and this extends all the way to desserts too. New Zealand doesn’t offer that many types of deserts, our main claim is pavlova, so it’s a real treat trying international treats. Here are my favourite desserts around the world:
Churros:
Um, yum. My favourite churros I’ve ever eaten were in a little chocolatier in the centre of Madrid. If you’ve not had the pleasure of trying churros, they’re basically long, thin, cylinder shaped donuts that are often dipped in thick chocolate. They’re very moorish and not necessarily served as a dessert, they can just be a delicious snack.
Ben and Jerry’s:
I haven’t yet found Ben and Jerry’s in New Zealand, which is such a disappointment. The ice cream flavours are both fun and delicious. Every time I visit Australia I make sure I get a tub or two. My friend posted on Facebook the other day that they’ve got ice cream cakes, which is something I’ll definitely have to try in the near future!
Photo Credit: Saaleha Bamjee
Macarons:
These are maybe the cutest desserts of all! I always wanted to try macarons, but insisted on waiting until I was actually in France and could try them properly. They are quite a nice dessert because you can eat a few without feeling sick or overwhelmed. I once tried to make some macarons, but failed miserably. I’ll leave these little treats to the French.
Pastéis de Belém:
Um, yum. My friend is part Portuguese and told me if I tried Portuguese tarts, then I must go to Pastéis de Belém and do them properly. I order two and took them out to a little green patch of grass opposite the building to enjoy them in peace. These little delicious tarts are the perfect balance of creamy custard egg tart with crunchy crispy pastry. They honestly taste like a dream and it’s fortunate I only had a couple of days in Lisbon, otherwise I would have wound up obese.
These are my favourite desserts that I’ve tried around the world. What are your favourite international sweet treats? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll add them to my must-eats!
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Best Places to Sail Around Australia and New Zealand
Both Australia and New Zealand are known for being great sailing destinations. They have very different landscapes, and their location makes them easy to sail around. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, volcanoes or big cities, you can find it here. Not only are both of these countries beautiful for sailing, they also have fairly big sailing communities in them too. Here are some suggestions of unmissable places to visit during a sailing trip Australia and New Zealand:
Sydney:
Australia’s biggest city has a lot to offer the visitor. From beautiful golden beaches to stunning coastal walks. There’s also everything else you’d expect from a big city: a great zoo, lots of activities for kids, malls, botanical gardens and, of course, the world-famous harbour. There are lots of options for boat mooring in Sydney making it a wonderful stop for your sailing trip.
Australia’s biggest city has a lot to offer the visitor. From beautiful golden beaches to stunning coastal walks. There’s also everything else you’d expect from a big city: a great zoo, lots of activities for kids, malls, botanical gardens and, of course, the world-famous harbour. There are lots of options for boat mooring in Sydney making it a wonderful stop for your sailing trip.
The Whitsunday Islands:
Sailing around the Whitsunday is one of those “must do” experiences in Australia. Known for their stunning white sand beaches and bright emerald bays. The great thing about sailing around the Whitsunday Islands is you can choose to explore them at your own pace, rather than feeling rushed with a tour group. There’s even a sweet heart shaped island! This is a great place to visit on a honeymoon, special week away or even as a family. This is one of the most famous areas in the world for snorkelling, with Great Barrier Reef nearby so make sure you take some time to enjoy it.
Sailing around the Whitsunday is one of those “must do” experiences in Australia. Known for their stunning white sand beaches and bright emerald bays. The great thing about sailing around the Whitsunday Islands is you can choose to explore them at your own pace, rather than feeling rushed with a tour group. There’s even a sweet heart shaped island! This is a great place to visit on a honeymoon, special week away or even as a family. This is one of the most famous areas in the world for snorkelling, with Great Barrier Reef nearby so make sure you take some time to enjoy it.
Photo Credit: Lou McDowell
Abel Tasman National Park:
Even though New Zealand is small, it certainly packs a lot of punch in terms of things to do and see. The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but don’t let that put you off. There are lovely golden sand beaches, but the real highlight of visiting here is the wonderful Abel Tasman Coastal walk. You should also make sure you rent kayaks at sunset and enjoy kayaking around while the sun soaks into the scenery.
The Bay of Islands:
Here’s another set of lovely islands worth your visit. The Bay of Islands is perhaps New Zealand’s most popular sailing destination and for very good reason. Another great snorkelling location, due to the clear water and diverse marine life. There are over 140 islands to choose from in this area, so there’s absolutely no shortage of places to explore.
Australia and New Zealand both have so much to offer the keen sailer. If you’re looking for somewhere to plan your next sailing adventure, then you need not look any further than these two great destinations.
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Best of Africa’s Beach Resorts
From the idyllic white sand beaches of Mauritius to the always-popular beach resorts of the Sinai Peninsula, there’s no arguing that Africa contains some of the best beach locations in the world. Africa offers something to suit every taste whether you are looking for pristine deserted beaches or a beach resort with a party atmosphere.
Africa’s idyllic islands
Africa offers some of the most desirable island beach locations in the world and they don’t come much better than the Seychelles. The Seychelles is a group of islands off mainland Africa and most of the 115 islands are lined with pure white sands lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s no surprise that islands such as Mahe, St Anne and Cerf have been named as some of the best beach destinations in the world. Island hopping here is a joy and it’s easy to find your very own Robinson Crusoe deserted beach far from the many luxury hotels.
Party on the beach
If you are looking for a more vibrant beach atmosphere then Sharm el Sheikh holidays should suit your taste. Located at the southern point of the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea coastline this is Egypt’s beach resort capital. Sharm el-Sheik boasts the best Red Sea diving spots, camel rides into the Sharm Desert and of course stunning beaches such as those found at Naama Bay and Sharks Bay. The white sand beaches that gently shelve into the warm lagoon waters are the place to relax after experiencing some of Egypt’s best nightlife options.
Cabo Verde beaches
Cabo Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands and this destination is the place to come for year-round sunshine and some magnificent deserted beaches. The beaches here are truly stunning and examples include the 55Km long powder soft, white sands at Boa Vista or the four-mile long stretch of white sand paradise at Santa Maria beach on the island of Sal. Tourism is on the rise in Cabo Verde as witnessed by the increasing number of hotels and resorts on the islands. However, with the size of the beaches in Cabo Verde there is no problem finding your own deserted stretch of pristine beach to relax on for weeks on end.
The Gambia coastline
Gambia may be a small country but its coastline is mainly all beach and if you are looking for an African destination with miles of untouched white sand and warm sea waters then Gambia will be ideal. Beaches such as Cape Point in northern Kombo offer soft white sands, swaying palm trees and activities such as diving, jet-skiing and sailing. For some spectacular African sunsets head to the beaches of Fajara and pick a spot on the red rock cliffs, just don’t forget your camera. Make your way to Bakau beach if you are looking for a fun, colourful beach where locals work their fishing boats and you can eat the catch of the day at the many beach smokehouses.
Writer Piers Constable enjoys travelling around Africa whenever his job allows it
Images by plityp and Rambler99 used under creative commons licence
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Reasons to Visit Bournemouth
Most people neglect to consider Bournemouth as a holiday destination, which is a right shame as Bournemouth has so much to offer. There is ample luxury hotel accommodation in Bournemouth, as well as budget friendly options. From beautiful beaches to the Boscombe Arts Trail, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, seaside town. Here are my top reasons that you should plan a visit to Bournemouth:
Photo Credit: shining.darkness
Boscombe Arts Trail:
This is a really fun walk that art lovers of any age can enjoy, as you make your way from the shops to the pier. There are a total of seven installations along the way and they vary considerably. One of the most interesting is a large marble that appears to be “captured” by a bench – it seems as if the bench is absorbing it, much like a pearl. There’s also a giant octopus with a helmet on, which many kids will find delightful. The total walk is about 25 mins in duration and you’ll find yourself at the pier.
Bournemouth Beaches:
Fancy yourself a bit of beach action? While England doesn’t have a reputation for the best beaches in the world, Bournemouth does actually have a lot to offer in this department. Golden sands paired with lots of water sports makes it a great all round family beach destination. Bournemouth also has its own microclimate and some of the warmest sea temperatures in England to ensure your beach trip is a warm one!
Photo Credit: shining.darkness
Bournemouth Land Train:
This is the perfect activity if you have children that are fascinated by trains. It’s also a great way to get a nice scenic tour of this beautiful part of England, as you cruise around on a novel train. The train has three set routes, so you can choose to do just one or to enoy all three. There’s also a great value unlimited day pass that you can get so you can ride the trains as much as you like.
Corfe Castle:
Everyone loves a good castle, especially one that crams in 1,000 years of history as a royal palace. Some of the walls have now fallen, there are secret spaces and almost each inch of the castle has stories attached to it. There’s a quant village square and a number of cute little gift shops nearby. There are also some traditional tea rooms nearby which are lovely to stop into. This is perfect for a shop trip outside of Bournemouth and a special opportunity to see a little more of the history surrounding this area of England.
Bournemouth is a great destination, whether as a family or just as a couple. There’s so much to see and do here, a weekend trip is certainly not quite long enough.
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Best Places for Road Tripping Overseas
There are some places you can visit easily without a car and you wouldn’t be missing out at all, you’d probably be saving yourself some heartache. Busy cities, with well built metro systems and public transport connecting them are perfect examples. I personally would hate to drive a car in the bicycle dominant streets of Amsterdam, Singapore, Hong Kong… actually most Asian cities I’d rather avoid driving. There are, however, some places where a road trip is almost a right of passage. Driving down some of the famous roads in America, enjoying the outback in Australia and the Ultimate European Adventure – there’s a lot of great road trips to be had.
Australia is really big and often people visit and don’t appreciate the size and scale of this country. Because of Australia’s size, you have to be realistic about how much you’ll visit and within what kind of time frame. Many long term visitors to Australia take on a working holiday visa and then dedicate a portion of their one year or two year visa to traveling around this interesting country. Australia is lined with some gorgeous beaches right around the coast and the middle of the country is desert with a landscape unlike anywhere else. There are a few decent sized cities dotted near the coast, namely Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Each of them have their own style and scene. If you want to buy an affordable car for your stay in Sydney, there are lots of options available, including John Hughes which have a great selection of cars to suit all budgets.
Road Trips in America:
One day I’d love to hire a camper van or a van and drive across America, from coast to coast. Stopping in small towns along the way and getting a taste of “real America”. On my only trip to America, I barely scraped the surface. I only visited Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. Needless to say I feel like there are so many places I still need to visit. The great thing about traveling America is that there’s so much to see, that you can make your trip as short or as long as you want. I’d love to go down the coast from San Fran all the way down to San Diego and then go across to New York.
If I could plan my ultimate European road trip, I’d start off in Prague and make way to Istanbul, by car. I actually covered this route by way of public transport last year, after I finished living in Spain. I think traveling by car would be a bit more fun as you could customise where you stop along the way. I’d head straight to Salzburg, Austria before making my way to Vienna to indulge in some incredible museums. Then I’d stop off in Budapest, which is just right around the corner and drink some delicious wine while admiring the beautiful buildings. Last time I went to Zagreb and then made a quick bolt to Sofia, Bulgaria and straight to Istanbul as I was running out of time. However, if I was driving I’d visit Slovenia and drive right down the coast of Croatia, into Montenegro, Albania, and round through Greece before finally heading into Turkey. One of the best things about road tripping in Europe is that you can work to your own schedule, which is a lot harder when you have to book flights or bus tickets in advance.
Road tripping is such a fun way to see a country. I can’t wait to plan some smaller trips when I’m in Europe next year. Let me know where your favourite road trip has been in the comments below:
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Top Tips for Car Hire Overseas
Hiring a car overseas is a great way to get around, it gives you a special kind of freedom and independence. Not only do you get the luxury of being able to plan your trip entirely around you, you have something that will easily carry your stuff from place to place. If you’re like me, and travel with a bunch of camera gear and laptops that are quite heavy, then this will be a saving grace. When I was in France a couple of years ago, we hired a car and were able to easily customise our trip around, it was a lot of fun. We stopped in small seaport towns on the way to Honfleur and it made the trip so much more special being able to be spontaneous. Here are a few tips for car hire overseas:
Photo Credit: Michael Zimmer
1) If You’re Visiting NZ or Australia, Buy Instead
New Zealand and Australia offer quite open working holiday visas, for 1-2 years depending on your circumstances. Lots of people flock here and spend an entire year working and a few months on the end of the trip traveling around. Car hire in New Zealand and Australia is really expensive, especially compared to the cost of buying a cheap, old Japanese car. It’s quite easy to sell these cars on. If you arrive in either country a bit short on cash, you could look at buying a car with a car loan. There are lots of companies that offer this service, such as YesLoans. That way instead of just wasting money on rentals, you actually have something you can on sell when you’re ready to leave.
2) Be Careful of Toll Roads
When we were in France, we didn’t realise how many toll roads there would be and how expensive they would run. I believe on our trip we spent around 30 euros on tolls. That really adds to the price. Many navigating systems will allow you the option of skipping toll roads and taking the more scenic route. If you’ve got some spare time, we suggest it although you’ll wind up spending a little more on petrol.
Photo Credit: David DeHetre
3) Be Aware of Hidden Costs
Read the fine print properly. Often there are numerous extra charges that are added into the rental fee which really bumps the price up. Our car hire in France had a lot of additional fees that we weren’t expecting that pushed the price up. There was also a pretty hefty deposit taken from our credit card which was well above our standard credit card limit so we actually had to put money onto our credit card to cover it. These are all things to be aware of before you arrive at the car hire place, so you’re properly prepared.
4) Check the Car Thoroughly
It’s important to check that everything on the car works properly, because when you return it you will be responsible for anything that isn’t working properly. Check the mirrors, window wipers, indicators and look for any bumps or scratches on the car surface. Record everything and if possible show the car hire person so that you can make sure they are aware of what was there before you actually took possession of the car. Repair bills can be quite hefty, so take a few minutes to thoroughly inspect the car before you drive off.
Thankfully nothing went too badly with our car hire in France. We were a bit shocked by the additional fees and giant deposit that they took, but all in all it was a hassle free process. Car hire can turn a trip into a real adventure, but can be a serious nightmare if you don’t spend a little time planning and checking it over.
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Five Things to do in Dubai
Often thought of as the jewel of the Middle East, Dubai has a lot to offer the traveler. From man made islands through to impressive malls that offer a few days worth of entertainment alongside shopping, there’s ample things to do in Dubai. Once you’ve booked your trip (Thomas Cook offer excellent packages) you’ll need to figure out how you’ll spend your time. Here are my personal tips for your trip to Dubai. I visited a few years ago on a stop over and wish I had more time to explore.
Photo Credit: “Dubai”
Visit the Desert:
It might be a strange tip to suggest getting straight out of Dubai after arriving, but so many visitors to Dubai don’t leave the city and miss out on exploring the stunning landscapes. You can choose to do a tour that lasts a few days and includes camping under the stars. If you’re short on time you can arrange for a long day trip that will give you a bit of insight into what beautiful landscapes surround this giant city.
Admire Burj Khalifa:
The tallest building in the world and it is incredibly impressive. You’ll look up, and up, and up. You can take the fastest lift in the world right up to the viewing platform, but prepared to be greeted by an impressive view. Bring a camera along and, if you can, choose to go at sunset. That way you’ll get to enjoy the view of both the day and night. It’s much easier to pre-book tickets online.
Photo Credit: “Dubai Marina”
Go Skiing:
It seems impossible to suggest a ski holiday in Dubai, the land of the deserts and warm weather. You’ll find this ski field in the Mall of the Emirates, which is located at the Marina end of the city. Be aware it might be a little shock to your system going from 50 degrees to the skifield which hovers around freezing. You can choose to take lessons with instructors, or just carve up the slopes by yourself. Clothing and equipment is available for hire, so don’t worry about bringing anything along.
Take a Boat:
Want some contrast to the sleek high rise buildings? Why not take a private boat ride around Dubai Creek. This is one of the oldest areas in Dubai and has so much charm. On the other side of the creek your senses will be teased with the smell of spices, coming out from the souk. If you’re on a budget, you can take a public boat across for only a dirham.
Dubai has a lot to offer the traveller, whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out. Make sure your tick off these activities to ensure you have a wonderful trip in Dubai.
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Getting Around While Traveling
There’s so many different ways to get around while traveling and there are lots of pros and cons to both. From train rides throughout the Czech Republic, sleeper trains in Vietnam right through to walking rickshaws in India, I’ve sampled the lot. The transport you will use will depend heavily on where you are and how long you’ll be there. Here are some tips I’ve learned from a few years on the road:
Photo Credit: “Just Drive”
1) Driving is Best in Australia and New Zealand
As someone who was born in Australia and spend most of her time living in New Zealand, I consider myself a semi-expert on both of these countries. I can honestly say that the best way to travel either of them is by car. While cities in Australia (not in New Zealand) have excellent public transport, getting between the cities can be a nightmare, unless you want to fly everywhere. Hiring or buying a car, depending on how long you’ll be there, is the best way to see everything and it allows you a unique level of freedom. If you’re planning to stay for a while in Australia or New Zealand but don’t have the spare cash to buy a car, there are a number of Auto Finance companies that might be able to help you out, such as Westralian Auto Finance. Many visitors to NZ and Aus buy cars, use them for the duration of their trip and sell them off. Japanese cars especially are quite affordable in both countries.
2) Trains are Almost Always More Comfortable
I once spent 36 hours on a bus from Vang Vieng in Laos, across the Vietnamese border to Hanoi. It was painful, I had food poisoning and there was no toilet on board. Thankfully, I’m almost Vietnamese sized so I managed to get some sleep, but it’s kinda gross sitting in a bed you’ve been laying in for hours and hours on end. It was a cheap and efficient way to get between the destinations and I had a bunch of friends with me which made it a little more fun. I’ve learned, as a general rule, that trains are always more comfortable than buses. This proves true for day trips, as you can wander around and rest your legs. There’s often someone selling snacks and drinks, while some trains even have meal services. There’s always a bathroom on a train and while some of them are in horrible condition, other’s aren’t so bad. If you get the choice between train and bus and there isn’t a huge price difference, go with the train. You’ll also get significantly better views out the window, too.
Photo Credit: “Train Ride”
3) Lock Up Your Stuff
The number of people I’ve met along the way who have had stuff stolen while they were on buses, planes or trains is outrageous. It happens, I wish it didn’t but it does so you need to be aware of that. When I’m sleeping on a sleeper bus or train I will put my laptop (probably my most valuable item) in it’s case under my pillow. Yes, that might seem a bit over the top but it’s not been stolen yet. My other valuables are kept in a small backpack that I keep near me. My passport, money and phone also go under my pillow too. When I’m on buses I’ll lock up the two zips on my bag. I understand if someone’s really keen to take something, that probably wont stop them but it might deter them.
These are my tips for getting around when traveling and keeping all your stuff in tow. If you have any tips or comments you’d like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments below:
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Tips for Saving Money While Traveling
It seems almost impossible, right? To save money while on the road. But there are lots of things you can do to keep the costs down so you can keep the travel flowing. My last trip to Asia with my sister was the only trip where I wasn’t on a strict budget as I was still working overseas. But all the rest of my trips have been taken with a finite amount of money and saving a few hundred dollars here and there meant I could travel further. Along the way, I developed a bunch of tips that made it a lot easier to save money while traveling.
Photo Credit: “Saving”
1) Be Smart With Your Money
This will matter more for those who are planning long term travel, rather than two week jaunts. Being smart with your money in terms of spending is important, but also how you save or hold it. I know of a few long term travellers who have invested money with fund management teams, such as Goodman Australia, and are making money while they’re away… considerable amounts of money too. This is a great option if you’re planning on hitting the year for or two and have a bit of capital you’d like to turn into an investment.
2) Couchsurf
I’ve already written a post on how much I enjoy Couchsurfing, it’s really great. Of course you need to do your research properly and make sure the people you’re intending to stay with are people you think you’d like to be friends with. As per the Couchsurfing rules, people are supposed to host you for free and it’s up to you whether you’d like to gift them something small in return. This is a great way to meet people and to keep your travel costs down.
Photo Credit: Scrambled Eggs by cookingclassy.com
3) Fly Low Cost
Lots of people complain about low cost carriers – they’re late, the seats are too small, and so on. I have flown extensively and like other people, I prefer decent airlines. More than anything, though, I prefer a few extra dollars in my bank account. I frequently fly low cost carriers in a bid to save money and extend my travels. My sister and I flew long haul to Asia on Air Asia and while she found the flight pretty painful, for us both it was worth the savings.
4) Skip Breakfast
Lots of people might think I’m crazy for saying this, but I routinely skip breakfast, even when traveling. It’s called “Intermittent fasting” and basically operates under the thought that eating within a smaller window of time prevents overeating. If you are eating out for most meals while traveling, chances are you’re eating considerably larger portions than when at home as well as foods that are probably higher calorie. Skipping breakfast (or if that is too much for you, having a small, simple breakfast) is a great way to save money and to keep your waistline in check.
These are my tips for saving money while traveling. Let me know if you have any other tips in the comments below.
