Author: simon611

Explore the top activities in Salzburg, Austria, and nearby Lake Wolfgang, highlighted in my podcast. Our journey began with visits to Hangar 7, a unique combination of motor and aeronautical museum and a foodie’s paradise, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers spectacular views of Salzburg. We also delved into the musical heritage, from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

After a couple of days in Salzburg, we headed to Lake Wolfgang. Along the way, we enjoyed the trick fountains at Schloss Hellbrunn and stayed at the charming Hotel Im Weissen Rössl by the lake. We also took a scenic steam train ride up the mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding lakes.

Our first stop in Salzburg was Hangar 7, located at the edge of the Salzburg airfield. This domed hangar houses vintage planes, Formula 1 cars, an art exhibit, and a motor racing game console. We dined at the Mayday bar, famous for its Smart Food, which is both delicious and nutritionally beneficial. The menu options include the Brain Menu, Mood Menu, and Beauty Menu.

The next day, we visited the Hohensalzburg Fortress, ascending via funicular for stunning bird’s-eye views of the city and surrounding countryside. The audio guide revealed the city’s history and how its wealth was built on salt, leading to the fortress’s construction by the Bishops of Salzburg over the centuries. After descending, we joined the Mayday celebrations, enjoying bratwurst and sauerkraut at a beer tent accompanied by a brass band.

We then explored the Mirabell gardens, known for their vibrant tulips and pansies, and a favorite spot for wedding photos. I nostalgically recreated a childhood family photo with my sisters on one of the stone unicorns. Next, we visited Mozart’s Birthplace museum, set in the small apartment where Mozart was born. The museum displays family portraits and information about Mozart’s life, though the rooms offer little insight into the living conditions of his time.

Our final stop in Salzburg was the Museum der Moderne, located atop a cliff with a lift from street level. I enjoyed the Giacometti exhibition and the large outdoor sculptures on the terrace. A local blogger recommended we visit the Steinterrasse on the 7th floor of the Stein Hotel for a great view over Salzburg, where we relaxed with coffee and desserts.

We had dinner at the Sternbräu restaurant, one of Austria’s largest with 14 rooms serving traditional Austrian dishes. I interviewed Johannes Magoy, who recommended dishes like Tafelspitz, Bierfleisch, and desserts such as Salzburger Nockerl and Topfenknödel. Sternbräu also offers a variety of beers, including Stern beer and Weissbier.

Driving out of Salzburg, we stopped at Schloss Hellbrunn, famous for its trick fountains designed to surprise and soak visitors. The park includes a large stone table with water jets, a grotto with a crown fountain symbolizing the rise and fall of power, and a water-powered theater.

We also enjoyed spotting locations from The Sound of Music, filmed in Salzburg, including the pavilion where “I am 16 going on 17” was sung. The Salzburg Card, which we purchased at our hotel, provided free or discounted access to many attractions and public transport, making it a great value for our stay.

At Lake Wolfgang, we joined the Mayday celebration with music, food, and drinks. We stayed at Im Weissen Rössl, a luxurious lakeside hotel with a spa, indoor pool, and lakeside terrace. I interviewed Wolfgang Linsmayer from Hotel Burglstein, who shared the legend of St. Wolfgang and recommended local activities like swimming, hiking, and cycling.

We took a trip up the Schafbergbahn, a steam-powered cogwheel train offering incredible views from the mountain top. Afterward, we enjoyed a final pedalo ride on the lake before heading back to the UK.

Key highlights include:
– **Hangar 7:** A free-entry motor and aeronautical museum and foodie destination.
– **Hohensalzburg Fortress:** Overlooking Salzburg, built by the Prince Archbishops.
– **Museum der Moderne:** Salzburg’s Museum of Modern Art.
– **Steinterrasse:** A terrace café at Hotel Stein with stunning city views.
– **Sternbräu Restaurant:** Offering traditional Austrian dishes in a historic setting.
– **Hotel Zur Post:** Our comfortable stay in Salzburg.
– **Schloss Hellbrunn:** Known for its entertaining trick fountains.
– **Im Weissen Rössl:** A luxury hotel on Lake Wolfgang.
– **Hotel Burglstein:** A 4-star hotel by Wolfgangsee.
– **Schafbergbahn:** A scenic steam train ride.
– **Salt mines at Hallstatt and Ice Caves at Werfen:** Fascinating nearby attractions.
– **Salzburg Card:** Provides free or discounted access to major attractions and public transport.

In 1741, two Englishmen discovered the ‘Priory of Chamouni,’ now known as Chamonix. Little did they know that their visit would spark an enduring interest in the area. Chamonix’s mountaineering and skiing opportunities are so exceptional that it hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. If the activities don’t draw you in, the breathtaking views certainly will.

Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most famous and visited places, and it’s easy to see why. The crystal-clear blue sky, the shimmering snow on the mountains, and the crisp air make the Alps a stunning destination. I was so captivated by the natural beauty that I almost forgot to collect my suitcase from the coach. Transferring from Geneva is a breeze with the Sat Bus daily service, though I did wish I could have afforded the helicopter option for an even more spectacular view.

Once in Chamonix, I found a range of activities beyond the extreme sports I had expected. In addition to a fantastic ice rink, there are opportunities for paragliding, mountain biking, spa visits, golf, tennis, and countless hiking trails. While I may not be inclined to climb to the ‘roof of Europe,’ I was more than happy to explore the hiking trails.

Visiting in spring, I enjoyed the relaxing mountain sides as the snow began to melt and the leaves started to gather on the trees. I was pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly the area is. The meadows and hamlets of Les Houches are perfect for acclimating children to the mountains.

One of my favorite activities was Le Petit Train, a charming wheeled train that offers a great tour of local information, history, architecture, and notable sports figures. The town itself is idyllic, with a variety of shops ranging from sporting suppliers to designer stores like Chanel. There are also local handicrafts, tea rooms, and pastry shops to enjoy during a shopping spree.

A visit to La Refuge Payot is a must. This quaint delicatessen offers amazing local produce, including wines, hams, and an impressive array of cheeses. And who can resist a brandy cake?

Chamonix isn’t just about daytime activities. The nightlife is vibrant, with options like a cinema, casino, British-style pubs, local bars, and live music spots. Whether you’re sitting by a roaring fire in your cabin or exploring the town, there’s plenty to keep your evenings lively and bright.

I just got back from Manchester, where I had the chance to explore the city’s creative side, thanks to Creative Tourist, an online guide to all things artistic in the city. Here are my impressions of Manchester and four top reasons to visit this Northern city.

Manchester isn’t about picturesque views; it’s more about a gritty industrial landscape filled with canals, warehouses, and cranes. The city made its wealth from mills and manufacturing, and now those old canals and warehouses have been transformed into stylish apartments and leisure areas.

You can see this transformation clearly if you take the metro to Salford Quays. There, we visited the Lowry Arts Centre and the Imperial War Museum, which are on opposite sides of the Manchester Ship Canal, connected by a metal bridge that occasionally rises to let ships pass.

Not every artist has an arts center named after them, but LS Lowry does. Even if you don’t know much about him, you’ve probably seen his paintings of matchstick figures hurrying to work or a football match, with smoke billowing from factory chimneys. Lowry painted scenes from the streets of Manchester, and his work is displayed at The Lowry Centre in Salford Quays.

While Manchester is famous for football, nightlife, and shopping, we took the chance to explore some of the city’s many free museums. At the Imperial War Museum, we saw Don McCullin’s thought-provoking black and white war photography in the “Shaped by War” exhibition and listened to the voices of children at war in an audio-visual presentation in the main hall.

At the Science and Industry Museum, we got an up-close look at the Mona Lisa without the usual crowds you’d find at the Louvre. This wasn’t the real Mona Lisa, but an incredibly detailed photographic copy taken with a special camera that captured every tiny detail. Although these exhibitions have moved on, you’ll always find something interesting and new, with plenty of information on the latest artistic events on the Creative Tourist website.

The Northern Quarter offers a refreshing contrast to the sleek, modern designer labels in the Arndale Centre. Here, you’ll find a vibrant street scene with clubs, cafes, and vintage fashion, all peppered with street art, like the tiled cars we spotted down a side alley. It’s a fantastic place to wander around and discover the most interesting and original creations from Manchester’s artistic community.

During our recent holiday near Lake Balaton in Hungary, we decided to explore beyond the lake and visited the charming village of Salföld. There, I had the opportunity to try Sour Cherry soup at a delightful village restaurant called Pajta Galeria, which has a large garden and is located on the edge of Salföld. Intrigued by the unique offering on the menu, alongside the more common savory goulash soup, I decided to give it a try.

Cold, sweet fruit soups like this are a traditional Hungarian dish, especially popular during the summer months. While cherry is a common flavor, these soups can also be made with other seasonal fruits like blackcurrants or apricots. Typically, they are enjoyed as a starter before a savory main course rather than as a dessert.

I chose to eat my salad first and then the soup. The experience was akin to eating a very liquid fruit yogurt, with whole cherries at the bottom of the bowl. It was delicious, though the sensation of a cold, fruity soup might be unusual if you’re not accustomed to it.

Salföld itself is a picturesque village worth exploring. It is situated on the edge of the Káli Basin, a beautiful area that is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park. At the far end of the village, we discovered Salföld Manor, an old farmstead that has been converted into a small show farm and heritage center. It features traditional buildings, a herb garden, an exhibition of old photos, rare breeds of farm animals, and horse-carriage rides. It seemed like a fantastic place for families with young children, but we were eager for our late lunch and decided to head back to the restaurant instead of going in.

The village appears to have been somewhat renovated, with many traditional thatched buildings looking freshly plastered and whitewashed, though there are still a few tumble-down cottages that hint at what the village might have looked like in the past. Although we drove to Salföld, there are some lovely cycling routes through the vineyards leading to the village, with the reward of a meal and a drink in Pajta Galeria’s pretty garden at the end.

If you enjoy creamy, fruity flavors, I highly recommend trying a cold fruit soup if you see it on the menu in Hungary. The toughest decision might be whether to have it as a starter or a dessert.

Let me share our pre-Christmas weekend in Paris, highlighting everything we enjoyed. We had clear winter skies, walked everywhere, savored delicious food, met old friends, made new ones, and explored hidden corners, avoiding the usual tourist spots. Here’s my Paris diary.

We arrived late on Friday night via an Air France flight from Bristol. From Charles de Gaulle airport, we took the RER mainline and connected to the Metro to Montparnasse, reaching our hotel around 10 pm. The area around the hotel was unremarkable, with restaurants closing and late-night shops. We checked into our room on the 23rd floor of Hotel Pullman, ready for a good night’s sleep, as we had a tour of Marche d’Aligre planned for the next day.

On Saturday morning, the grey skies lifted as we enjoyed breakfast at Restaurant Justin, featuring fruit, yogurt, and a miniature pain raisin. We then took the Metro to Ledru Rollin, where our guide David from Viator greeted us. He gave us an orientation of the Paris arrondissements, and we strolled through the market, admiring the beautifully presented produce. David explained the market’s history and the reasonable prices due to the fast turnover.

Inside the covered market, we drooled over the cheese, fresh meat, charcuterie, and foie gras. We bought saffron and old-fashioned sweets before admiring the flea market’s glass and porcelain. We then tasted cheeses at a nearby wine shop with a glass of 2001 Medoc, enjoying the creamy Rocamadour, earthy Saint Nectaire, and blue Roquefort with quince cheese.

David recommended some market restaurants for lunch, and we dined at Le Chat Bossu. Guy had rabbit stew, and I tried Steak Tartare. After lunch, we walked towards the Seine, enjoying the atmosphere. We stumbled upon the Promenade plantée, a green pathway on an old viaduct, and walked until it ended.

We reached Place de Bastille, where a Christmas funfair was underway. Seeking calm, we walked along the Canal Saint Martin, reminiscent of London’s Regents Canal. We then walked along the Seine, passing several bridges before entering the Jardin des Plantes. The garden featured classical French style with wild and romantic botanical plants.

We met my old friend Pierre-Jean and his sons for a beer, reminiscing about old times. Back at Hotel Pullman, we quickly freshened up before heading out for dinner with our Cookening host, Adelia. She served a delicious French Creole meal, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening discussing life in the Caribbean and French politics.

On Sunday morning, we visited Rue Mouffetard, hoping to catch a market, but found only food shops. We walked up Rue Monge, dodging the queue at Eric Kayser’s bakery, and admired the sweet shop Le Bon Bon au Palais. We then attended mass at Saint Julien le Pauvre, followed by coffee at Odette tea shop, enjoying the view of Notre Dame.

We walked past Notre Dame Cathedral, taking photos of its cleaned facade, and continued to Ile Saint Louis. We explored the charming shops and galleries before heading to the Marais. At Place des Vosges, we visited Maison Victor Hugo, enjoying the rooms decorated by Hugo himself.

After our visit, we walked back along the Seine, buying a Bob Dylan poster for our son. We crossed Pont de l’Archevêché, where lovers attach padlocks, and admired the views of Notre Dame at sunset. Exhausted, we took the metro back to our hotel and dined at Cafe Atlantic.

On Monday morning, we checked out and met my childhood friend Fabienne for coffee. We reminisced before she accompanied us to the train station for our flight home.

Our weekend in Paris was filled with delightful experiences, from exploring markets and hidden corners to enjoying local cuisine and reconnecting with friends. It was a memorable pre-Christmas getaway.

The GR221, also known as the Dry Stone Route, is a long-distance trail located on the western side of Mallorca. This trail winds through the Serra Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its culturally significant landscape.

Unlike Mallorca’s popular beaches and holiday resorts, the Dry Stone Route, with its ancient cobbled paths and dry stone walls, offers a unique hiking experience. It’s one of the top spots for hiking on the island.

Our journey on the GR221 began in the charming artist’s village of Deia, took us through the bustling resort of Port de Soller, and into the Tramuntana mountains. The first part of our hike was detailed in another post.

In this second section, we started from the Cuber reservoir, took a bus to the Santuari de Lluc, and stayed there for a couple of nights before hiking on to Port de Pollença, eventually concluding our trip in Palma, the island’s capital.

We had originally planned to stay at the Refugi de Tossals Verds, but it was closed for renovations. Instead, we booked two nights at the Lluc Monastery, a simple guest accommodation overlooking the church. We attended the 11 o’clock Sunday mass to hear the renowned Blauet choir sing.

The choir school children, dressed in bright blue robes, entered the packed church as the mass began. A painted screen slid back, revealing a small statue of the Madonna, known as La Moreneta, wearing her crown above the altar. After the mass, the statue turned to face the prayer chapel, accessible by stairs beside the altar.

The service was beautiful, despite some tourists’ disruptive behavior, such as taking flash photographs and filming the ceremony. One young girl making her confirmation had two photographers constantly taking pictures, even from behind the altar. As a Catholic, I was surprised by the disrespectful attitude of some visitors, but the priest remained patient and good-humored throughout.

After mass, we started one of the GR221 stages in the opposite direction. Near the monastery gates, we found the familiar cobblestone path that gives the Dry Stone Route its name. There was a nearby water collection point, where locals filled large containers with spring water for their week’s supply.

Passing through the holm oaks, we saw several Sitges, circular stone charcoal burning hearths. Charcoal burners lived in simple stone huts in these woods until the 1920s. We also passed deep snow pits, used before refrigeration to store ice blocks from the mountains, covered with leaves to prevent melting.

Emerging from the woodland, we followed a cobbled stone path with dry stone retaining walls zigzagging up to the Puig d’en Galileu. From the plateau below the rocky crest, we enjoyed stunning views across the valley, down towards the Lluc monastery, and towards the coast and the Torrent de Pareis gorge.

After a picnic lunch at the crest, clouds began to cover the rocky peaks. To avoid getting lost in the clouds, we decided to retrace our steps on the GR221 back into the valley.

Returning to Lluc Monastery around 4 pm, we visited the interesting museum, which showcased archaeological artifacts, Mallorcan costumes, and traditional furniture. I particularly enjoyed the paintings by Josep Coll Bardolet, a Spanish impressionistic artist who made Valldemossa his home.

The next morning, after breakfast, we walked the path with the stations of the rosary within the monastery grounds, leading up to a rocky pinnacle with a huge iron cross overlooking the monastery.

We then followed the pilgrim’s road through fields and up to the Refuge of Son Amer. The path wound through a pine forest on the slopes of Puig Ferner. Despite the overcast weather, this was the best part of the day. The path, covered in pine needles, was soft and fragrant underfoot, accompanied by birdsong and distant traffic noise.

As we descended towards Pollença, the rain became steady. Entering a thick pine forest, we were sheltered from the worst of it. The woodland cover, cool on a hot summer’s day, felt damp and eerie in the rain, reminiscent of a scene from The Hobbit.

The final stretch along a river and then a busy road into Pollença was both dangerous and unpleasant. Finally arriving in the central Placa of Pollença, we took shelter in a cafe. The staff’s stone-faced glances suggested our wet boots and rucksacks were unwelcome. After a coffee, we took the bus to Port de Pollença, where we received a warmer welcome at the seafront hotel of Sis Pins, popular with British tourists.

We spent the evening exploring the busy resort of Port de Pollença and had dinner at a pleasant Italian restaurant in the main square. The sunshine returned the next morning as we took the bus back to Palma. With our flight in the evening, we stored our rucksacks at Placa Espanya and wandered around the old quarter, visiting shoe shops and an art museum, Museo Fundacion Juan March, which housed impressive works by Picasso, Dali, and Miro.

Our next stop was the cathedral of Santa Maria in Palma, known as La Seu. This medieval structure with Modernista influences by Antonio Gaudi is a major tourist hotspot. We admired the more recent side chapel by contemporary Spanish artist Miquel Barceló, with its ceramic surface covered in fish and other creatures.

After visiting the cathedral, we wandered the old streets, enjoying ice cream and photographing Modernista houses. We concluded our tour with a drink in a leafy square before returning to Placa Espanya to collect our bags and head to the airport.

Our walking trip took us from quiet mountain villages to busy coastal resorts, from the views of the Tramuntana mountains to lively town squares and the sophisticated capital of Palma. Next time, I’d love to explore more of Mallorca’s hidden charms, especially the mountain paths and quiet villages that feel like the island’s true essence.

For those planning to walk the GR221 Dry Stone Route, I recommend the guidebook “Trekking through Mallorca – GR221 The Dry Stone Route” by Paddy Dillon, published by Cicerone. To get to Palma airport from the city center, the airport bus No 1 runs every 15 minutes from Placa d’Espanya, costing around €3 one way. Information on routes, timetables, and costs for Mallorca’s excellent regular bus service can be found on the Mallorca Transport website.

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s top attractions, located in the charming Belém neighborhood by the River Tagus. I suggest spending half a day exploring the monastery and then checking out other nearby sites like the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belém.

To get to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, we took the Metro to Cais do Sodré, then found the tram stop for the No 15E tram, which takes you directly to the monastery in about 15-20 minutes. The tram ride is pleasant, running parallel to the waterfront, offering glimpses of the River Tagus and converted warehouses now housing shops, restaurants, and museums. Be mindful of your belongings, especially during peak tourist season.

The Jerónimos Monastery is hard to miss with its ornately carved stone facade. Follow the crowds to the entrance, as it’s one of Lisbon’s main tourist spots. Inside, the church feels more like a cathedral with its enormous, vaulted nave. On either side, you’ll find the tombs of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer who established a trade route to India in the 15th century, and Luís Vaz de Camões, the writer who chronicled his voyages.

Founded by Henry the Navigator in 1450, the monastery was developed to thank for the successful explorations from Lisbon that established trade routes to the East, bringing wealth to Portugal. The monastery is a prime example of the Manueline style, characterized by detailed stone carvings and Gothic, Italian, and Spanish influences. There are many beautiful altars, niches, and intricately carved columns to admire.

After exploring the main church, you can buy a ticket to see the monastery cloisters, which include the upper-level choir of the church and an exhibition about the monastery’s development over the centuries. The double-level cloisters are beautiful, with a central grassy area. Although it was cold and damp during our visit, it would be wonderfully cool and shaded on a hot summer day.

Once you’ve finished at the monastery, explore other attractions in Belém. Head towards the river to find the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or Monument to the Discoveries, one of Portugal’s most famous sculptures. The monument, erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death, features figures of explorers, artists, and missionaries gazing out towards the River Tagus.

Nearby, you’ll find the Tower of Belém. Due to the wet and windy weather, we didn’t visit the tower but instead walked back along the road the tram had brought us. We made a stop to buy some delicious custard tarts, known as Pasteis de Nata, from the famous bakery Pasteis de Belem. The bakery is easy to spot with its dark blue blinds and crowds of people. We found seating inside and enjoyed our coffee and tarts, which were reasonably priced.

If you have more time and better weather, you can also explore the tropical gardens and the Palacio de Belem in the same neighborhood. It’s an area worth exploring more fully, especially when the sun is shining.

Sydney is a lively city that perfectly blends friendly locals, delicious food, lush green spaces, and a picturesque waterfront. As the most popular city in Australia with over 5 million residents from diverse backgrounds, Sydney has a lot to offer. If you have only three days to explore, Sanne Grothe, who lived in Sydney for two years, has crafted a perfect itinerary for you.

Start your adventure at Darling Harbour, a bustling pedestrian area with stunning waterfront views. Walk across the Pyrmont Bridge and discover attractions like The Sydney Aquarium, the Australian Maritime Museum, and the Darling Harbour Ferris wheel. When you need a break, enjoy brunch at Wild Sage Barangaroo, where you’ll find modern Australian breakfasts with a creative twist.

Next, head to Barangaroo, a lesser-known but beautiful inner-city suburb. Although it’s under construction until 2024, you can still enjoy its waterfront charm. At Walsh Bay, take a coffee break at Zupano Espresso Bar, known for its excellent coffee and fresh juices. Here, you can admire the impressive boats and catamarans.

Your next stop is the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built between 1923 and 1932, this heritage-listed bridge is free for pedestrians and cyclists. A 15-20 minute walk across the bridge offers extraordinary city views. At the south entrance of the bridge, you’ll find The Rocks, Sydney’s most historic neighborhood. Explore on your own or join a guided tour, and enjoy the wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants. End your day with dinner at The Glenmore Hotel, where you can dine on the rooftop with a 180-degree view of Sydney Harbour.

On your second day, start with the Bondi to Bronte walk, one of Sydney’s most scenic trails. This 2.5 km walk takes about an hour and offers stunning coastal views. Finish your walk at Bondi Beach, famous for its white sand and great waves. You can even book a surf lesson. Have a late brunch at The Bucket List, which offers fantastic food and panoramic beach views.

Head back to the city center and visit the Royal Botanical Garden, a 30-hectare green oasis. Explore exotic plants, colorful birds, and blooming flowers. Take a coffee break at Botanic House Sydney for great garden views. Then, visit the famous Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Take a guided tour and, if you have time, attend a show for an unforgettable experience. For dinner, the Sydney Opera Bar offers amazing views of the Opera House and waterfront, but be sure to book in advance.

On your third day, enjoy breakfast at The Rocks Cafe, which serves both European and modern Australian cuisine. Then, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. The 12-minute ferry ride takes you to a zoo with over 250 species and 4,000 animals, including gorillas, koalas, and kangaroos.

After the zoo, return to the city center and stroll down shopping streets like Pitt Street and George Street. For a coffee break, visit Mecca Coffee on King Street, known for its El Salvador roasted beans. End your day with dinner at GPO Cheese and Wine Room, offering cheese fondue, antipasti, and custom cheese plates.

Sydney welcomes tourists with a wide range of accommodation options. The Langham Sydney offers luxurious stays with panoramic city views, just a five-minute walk from Darling Harbour. The Kimpton Margot Sydney, located in the heart of the city, is a 5-star hotel with a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.

For more information on planning your visit, check out the official Sydney Tourism and Australia Tourism websites. If you need a guidebook, the DK Top 10 Sydney Eyewitness Travel Guide is recommended.

Sanne Grothe, the author of this itinerary, is a Danish citizen currently living in Spain after two years in Australia. She loves traveling and recently started her lifestyle blog, The San Sanity, focusing on travel, outdoor activities, fitness & health, and everyday life inspiration.

Tulum is a popular destination in the Mexican Caribbean, and now it’s even easier to get there thanks to JetBlue’s new nonstop daily flights from New York to Tulum.
Here’s what you need to know about this new flight route:
JetBlue has started its first nonstop flights from New York to Tulum, making the destination more accessible than ever. Currently, JetBlue is the only airline offering a direct nonstop service between Tulum and New York JFK airports. The daily flight departs from JFK at 8 am each morning and returns from Tulum at 12:45 pm each afternoon.
JetBlue will use their Airbus A320 for this route, which is great news for travelers because this plane is known for its award-winning service and the most legroom in coach. This means you can enjoy a comfortable flight without needing to upgrade.
JetBlue is expanding its service in Mexico, now offering flights to Tulum, Cancun, and Los Cabos. The airline is focusing on growing its international destinations, currently servicing 40 different international locations. The route from New York JFK to Tulum is just one of their new services to this rapidly growing Mexican hub.
Why visit Tulum? Tulum is becoming increasingly popular and might soon rival Cancun as America’s favorite Mexican destination. There are many reasons to visit Tulum:
1. **Tulum Archaeological Site**: The Tulum ruins are a must-see. This important Mayan port city offers incredible views, especially since it’s one of the few Mayan sites overlooking the ocean. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle, as disposable plastic bottles are not allowed.
2. **Incredible Food Scene**: Tulum is known for its amazing food. You can explore street food options like tacos and stews or dine at upscale restaurants like Hartford, an off-grid, open-air restaurant known for its seafood. However, be prepared for high prices, as dining in Tulum can be quite expensive.
3. **Beautiful Cenotes**: Cooling down in Tulum’s cenotes is a unique experience. These underwater sinkholes, created by eroded limestone, were sacred to the Mayan people. The water is a vibrant turquoise blue and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Cenote Zahil-ha is a great option for families, with plenty of fish and opportunities to jump into the water. Taking a cenote tour to explore several of these pools is highly recommended.
Tulum offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a fantastic destination for travelers.

Join us on our summer trip to Istria, the northernmost province of Croatia. We drove inland from the coast to visit the charming hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun.

It’s easy to spend a day driving between these hill-top towns. You can explore Buzet, Draguac, Hum, and Boljun, as well as the more famous Grožnjan and Motovun.

These towns began as fortified settlements on hilltops centuries ago. They were rebuilt in the Middle Ages and further strengthened during Austrian or Venetian rule.

After World War II, most of the Italian inhabitants left Grožnjan. However, in the 1960s, the town experienced a revival and was designated as a ‘City of Artists.’

Now, visitors can park on the edge of the town and wander through the church square and pedestrian lanes. Many old stone buildings have been converted into art galleries selling ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and gifts. There are also stalls selling honey and other local products.

When we visited, we had just missed the summer Jazz festival, Jazz is Back. A stage was set up in the local square, and performances occurred every night throughout July. I would have loved to sit in the warm air at a café, listening to the music.

Instead, I enjoyed lunch at one of the main tavernas, Bastia, savoring a plate of pasta in creamy sauce with local truffles shaved over it.

When you reach this old hill-top town in Istria, Croatia, you have two parking options: park for free at the bottom of the hill or pay a small fee to park higher up near the pedestrian area.

Walk up through a stone gateway with carved Venetian stonework inside the archway. The old medieval town still has fortified walls encircling it. You can walk around them and enjoy fantastic views over the valley and the terracotta-tiled roofs below.

Motovun is known for its local food and wine specialties, sold in many shops with tasting opportunities. There are also many restaurants serving local dishes and a pleasant Kastel Hotel with a garden where I wouldn’t have minded staying.

By the time we finished our walk, it was late afternoon, and we heard thunder in the distance, so we hurried back to our car before the storm arrived.

Even if you’re staying by Istria’s beautiful coastline for sea and swimming, I highly recommend renting a car for a day or two to explore these beautiful hill-top towns. This is the gourmet heartland of Istria, so plan your visit to enjoy a good lunch and taste the local specialties.