Travel Guide

Costa Rica is probably my favorite country that I have been to, and I hope this guide has helped you learn more about traveling to this beautiful country. Manuel Antonio National Park, although small, is a gem, boasting stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the chance to spot monkeys and sloths. At Chirripó National Park, you can challenge yourself with a climb to Costa Rica’s highest peak, rewarding you with breathtaking views.

The city’s Centro Histórico features perfectly preserved colonial buildings, palm-lined plazas, and churches, convents and chapels built by indigenous artisans centuries ago. Art lovers should visit the Museo Nacional and Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre, a poignant tribute to humankind and one of Latin America’s most significant artworks. Expert travel guides on the best destinations around the world, including hotel reviews and advice on where to eat, drink and top things to do on your next holiday. It’s easy to see France as city trips to Paris or blow-out holidays to the French Riviera but Northern France is utterly rich in historical heritage and natural wonders.

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Buying a roaming package from your mobile provider is always a good idea, or apps like Viber and Whatsapp use wifi to make calls and send messages to friends and family, keeping costs down. In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register. Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities.

If you’re flying in and out of Panama City, I’d recommend taking one domestic flight to Bocas del Toro at the start of your trip, and then working your way back overland to Panama City. I think the best way to see Panama is a one-way route from north to south or vice versa. There are speedboat trips that hug the coastline and don’t require an open ocean crossing. Panama was the final stop of our trip through Central America, and by the time we entered, we did have a genuine flight booking out of Panama City. In some touristy areas, like parts of Panama City and Bocas del Toro, some English is spoken, but you should never assume. Get our FREE custom Panama Google Map with all our recommendations pinned for you!

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Almost forgotten by the world until its rediscovery in the early 1900s, this vast citadel is an iconic must-see UNESCO Heritage Site, steeped in the six centuries of fascinating history it has endured. There is so much to learn about this testimony of ancient Incan civilisation, and its lush green terraces, remarkably preserved against a backdrop of undulating Andean peaks, are – put simply – spectacular. Our favourite journey to Machu Picchu’s lofty escarpments is on foot, walking some of the Sacred Valley’s unexposed routes with an expert guide through bygone indigenous villages, taking in magnificent scenery most never see. The Aficionados is an established reference for design hotels, travel culture and lifestyle.

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Similarly, Pakistan has its own brewed beer and carbonated drinks. Tea, sweetened with milk, is usually served throughout the day, as is Roh, the region’s sugarcane juice. The area is endowed with world-class tourist attractions and experiences, so here is a list of recommendations that will be useful for a trip to Oban and the surrounding area.

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The visa supporting documents must be issued by a company officially registrered in Russia. For all tours with Penguin Travel this service is included in the price. Get inspired with our walking and cycling guides, designed to help you take in multiple nearby sites in one day. You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members. Stockholm, Sweden’s trendsetting capital, is a beautiful mix of intact medieval architecture and elegant modern design.

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Our team of experts have scoured the globe and travelled extensively in order to identify everything from the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies. Russian Visa SupportE-visa applicants are not required to submit an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to Russia. For a regular or paper visa you need to present a voucher and invitation document (called visa support).

Parc Zoologique has a relaxed, park-like feel, and with over 90 species of animals, there’s plenty to see. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy some time by the lake in the sunshine. Forged in the fires of a tumultuous past, Armenian culture is one of the most fascinating on earth. Train travel is a more rewarding alternative to flying which reduces our contribution to climate change and brings us closer to the countries we visit. This site explains how to travel comfortably & affordably by train or ferry, rediscovering the pleasure, romance & adventure of the journey…

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It’s nice to round up your fare in a taxi (if you were fairly charged) and give a few dollars to anyone who assists you e.g. at a gas station, supermarket, or with your luggage. Panama was in the mid-upper budget range compared to other countries in Central America. It is definitely one of the more developed countries, meaning it’s A LOT easier to travel around, but costs are slightly more than say, Guatemala, El Salvador or Nicaragua.

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If you’re already travelling in Central America, you can easily cross into Panama from Costa Rica. There are two major crossings, one in the west on the Pacific Coast and one in the east on the Caribbean Coast. If you’re travelling through the region long-term with no fixed onward travel plans or departure flights, this can be problematic. The Caribbean Coast has a more tropical climate with a chance of rain year-round. The dry season kicks off a little later, usually mid-January until April, and the region also experiences a second mini-dry season in September and October.

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Whether you’re drawn by its sheer scale, lush surroundings, or the sense of untouched… If you insist to pay by card you have to get yourself a card valid in Russia like UnionPay bank card (Chinese) or to purchase a bank card in Russia. There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter Panama.

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There was a terrorist attack in 2019, so it is recommended to stay away from political and larger religious events. Due to this attack, there is a larger military presence at some places including the airport and some roads. MasterCard and Visa have the biggest acceptance, but more and more places accept Amex.

  • The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies.
  • Watch the lavash ladies at work at the GUM Market, and rifle through carpets and antiques at the Vernissage as you hunt for the perfect Armenian souvenir.
  • Our favourite journey to Machu Picchu’s lofty escarpments is on foot, walking some of the Sacred Valley’s unexposed routes with an expert guide through bygone indigenous villages, taking in magnificent scenery most never see.
  • As well as enlightening museums, it has some impressive 17th-century forts, a lively fish market and – thanks in large part to the German immigrants who made their home here – excellent locally brewed beer.
  • Chile is one of yeh biggest exporters of Avocado, and you’ll be able to taste their fresh-from-the-tree flavour.
  • The intention is that the tax collected will be used for investments in tourism infrastructure.
  • MasterCard and Visa have the biggest acceptance, but more and more places accept Amex.

With this right comes the responsibility to tread carefully and show consideration for landowners and others. They are very professional and their rental always include the full waiver in the price, so you don’t need to worry about anything. Part of the Korean culture is their love (more kinda of obsession) for their celebrities.

Other swimming spots like Los Túneles are teeming with green sea turtles, manta rays, and seahorses. Winston Churchill called it the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ and he wasn’t wrong! Uganda is an incredible country with lush, green landscapes and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.

  • Further south, the historic architecture of the remote port-city of Punta Arenas is a reminder of Patagonia’s sheep-ranching boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • In this list, we take you to the most beautiful places in Tirol.
  • While there’s never really a bad time to visit the South of France, it’s a good idea to plan when you go with the weather in mind.
  • I generally use a combination of local subways and trains, the high-speed Shinkansen “bullet train” and buses.
  • For sublime views, catch a cable-car to the 880-metre summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, home to Santiago’s biggest park.
  • Wherever you go in Ireland’s Ancient East, you’ll find unbelievable experiences.
  • From Port to Wine – a new generation of winemakers is working with old vines and native grapes on the region’s dramatic slopes to craft a new wave of wines that speak of this unique region.

Once in Korea you will see, billboards, buses and entire shops dedicated to K-pop singers, actors and other famous personalities. Something that, of course, is kinda unthinkable in the UK or any other western country. Imagine to have an entire shop with Ed Sheeran pictures and merchandising for both home and wardrobe.

Set among the wide streets and historic buildings of downtown Manhattan, for decades Tribeca has been an understated artist haunt, a fusion of easy-going European charm and New York ambition. Conceiving of NOA as an ever-changing network of architects, interior designers, graphic talent to even psychologists and much more, NOA is able to incorporate a multitude of ideas and styles into its hotel projects. Our Favourite Femmes of Style – hotel matriarchs, interior gurus, fashion femmes, and women of effortless charm who make the world a better place from the entrepreneurs to the skincare disruptors.

  • For information on how to apply for accessible facilities, please visit our accessibility page.
  • On many occasions, Sweden has been the conscience of the world.
  • The country code for dialling in France is +33, and to dial a UK number you’ll need +44.
  • She uses dynamic writing and beautiful photography to inspire adventure in the everyday.

Tourist tax and registration of touristsThe 1st of January 2025 a new Tourist tax was introduced in Russia. This tax is calculated based on local decisions about the location and https://softfootprints.com/ category of the accommodation. To ensure a minimum contribution, the government has set a daily charge of at least 100 rubles.

  • Go beyond the guidebooks on a thrilling tour of Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Perth.
  • Tourist tax and registration of touristsThe 1st of January 2025 a new Tourist tax was introduced in Russia.
  • Swedes are proud of their country, its lakes, forests, and natural beauty.
  • Columbus Travel Media is one of the most respected names in the global travel industry.
  • We’ve been working closely with local authorities to develop this travel plan and kindly ask that you follow guidance below to get everyone on site as quickly as possible.
  • If you’re coming north from Colombia, you will be able to achieve the same thing in reverse, sailing via the San Blas Islands.
  • New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

Driving in South Korea is possible as long as you have an International Driving Permit. The roads are pretty easy to drive once you get out from the major cities but be wary of very aggressive taxi drivers behaviour on the street and a general careless driving we noticed from most drivers. The island of Jeju has also its own dialect but, of course, Korean is the national language there too. However, with my great surprise 3 on 4 Koreans don’t understand a word in English. Younger generations are more likely to understand English but this largely depends on the location of your visit and their social status. Indeed, upper class people are more likely to have spent some time abroad (mostly in the US) for their studies.

My passion for K-pop and absolute love for K-dramas definitely helped me a lot when it came to apply “my knowledge of Korean culture” in real life. Indeed, it’s a great advantage to learn Korean etiquette for basic interactions and understand what is behind the social behaviour of Koreans. My suggestion is to deep dive into Korean culture as much as possible before your trip. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America.

  • Yes, Costa Rica does not permit the removal of sand or shells from the country.
  • I’ve also caught one or two taxis in cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa that rely more on the bus network than the subway, however taxis are pretty expensive in Japan.
  • The Luxury Travel Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry.
  • So, not only I learnt a lot about Korean culture in the past years, but I think I owe something to this beautiful culture and country.
  • Possibly random in nature, perhaps, but go ahead and freely explore our collection of hotels, edits, finds and little treasures from Lisbon to NYC – Here, there, not everywhere™️.
  • Outsourcing your travel guide writing may seem like an added expense, but in the long run, it can be a cost-effective option.
  • The visa supporting documents must be issued by a company officially registrered in Russia.

Many who travel to Pakistan will also vouch for its friendly hospitality. It’s not uncommon to encounter a stranger who will invite you for tea and conversation. For accommodation, check out the Mimaru apartment hotel chain with locations across the country – it comes highly recommended for families. There’s lots of Western options for high-quality food if you have fussy eaters (surprisingly, some of the best Italian cuisine I’ve ever eaten has been in Japan!) and it’s easy getting around with kids.

The active city of Antigua (the country’s former capital), is marked by its traditional buildings coloured in pretty pastel shades, and setting against a backdrop of volcanoes. Dotted throughout its buzzing markets, churches, and plazas, are meticulously maintained architectural reminders of Guatemala’s colonial history. Belize, perched on the eastern periphery of Central America, is full of surprises. It’s all about lodging in luxury here, where a small yet incredibly indulgent selection of hotels offer world-class service, beautiful rooms, enviable cuisine, and lavish spa treatments. Whether you choose a tranquil beachside retreat or a stay deep in the heart of Belize’s dense, green jungles, you’ll fall head over heels for this tempting tropical haven. Nestled in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, the mighty Machu Picchu stands steadfast, awaiting the arrival of eager explorers.

Meanwhile, a traditional umu (or curanto) – a delicious mix of meat, fish and root vegetables slow-cooked in a pit in the earth – offers an insight into the unique culture of the island’s Indigenous inhabitants. This travel guide is designed to assist you in planning your trip to Russia. However, it remains the traveler’s responsibility to stay informed about all applicable rules, requirements, and any updates leading up to departure.

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To save money on accommodation in Japan, consider staying at business hotel chains. Just a heads up – accommodation in Japan can be expensive, especially in touristy places like Kyoto. Flight prices vary on your location and time of travel, plan to spend around $800 – $1500 on return flights from Australia to Tokyo per person. For a more detailed breakdown and cost analysis from my 4-week trip, check out my Japan Trip Cost Breakdown here.

Yes, Costa Rica does not permit the removal of sand or shells from the country. If found during security screenings at the airport, sand and shells will be removed from your luggage and returned to the land. Make sure that you have travel insurance when traveling in Costa Rica to help protect against illness and other mishaps that are sure to occur. While we have not personally experienced this, stories of tourists and study-abroad students being threatened to give up even just their cell phones are unfortunately becoming more and more common. Costa Rica’s bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching even remote areas of the country.

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