I’m passionate about sustainable + responsible travel, showcasing lesser-known destinations and authentic experiences. Tour guides accompany groups of visitors to tourist attractions, whether on day trips or longer visits, and give them information and insights that help them make the most of the experience. With hardly 2 percent of its total landmass fully urbanized, Guatemala’s resplendent natural scenery is unparalleled. Situated in a national park, the Río Dulce is also a must-see feast for the senses. The river, a lifeline and a key method of transport for many locals, is encircled by flourishing vegetation, and is home to chirping choruses of tropical birds.
– SOUTH OF FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE –
That being said, many tourists tend to leave an additional tip anyway, so in touristy areas, it is more commonly seen. Locals generally don’t leave extra tips, and it’s culturally acceptable not to do so. However, petty theft can be common so keep an eye on belongings when at the beach, and leave valuables in a locked hotel room when not in use. When in larger cities like San Jose, keep bags visible in front of you, and avoid walking alone at night. Finally, always keep a close eye on your drink when going out, and only accept drinks directly from staff at bars or restaurants. A visit here often turns into an impromptu safari, with magical encounters with these species and many more.
The British Isles describes all of the land around the UK, including Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. The UK is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Whereas Great Britain is just the mainland, so excludes Northern Ireland.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Join the self-confessed foodies, lovers of great taste and those pioneers of gastro from flavour-hunters to the mavericks who turn humble into heroic. Bold, sun-drenched, and dripping in design – Unwaxed Lemons is your insider key to the coolest boutique stays and Mediterranean soul spots, from clifftops to citrus groves. Nestled deep in the pristine rainforest of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Cascading 741 feet (226 meters) from the Potaro River into a gorge below, it’s not only one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls globally but also one of the most mesmerizing.
I hope this Panama travel guide has inspired and equipped you for your trip! Panama is such an underrated destination, that truly has something for everyone. We were able to pay with a credit card in most towns around the country with the exception of Santa Catalina. However, you should always have cash for things like buses, markets, entrance fees at trails, natural sights etc.
– NORTHERN FRANCE: FOOD AND WINE –
The tourist tax will begin at a rate of 1 per cent of the lodging costs in 2025 and will be increased to 3 per cent by 2027. The intention is that the tax collected will be used for investments in tourism infrastructure. As the implementation is on-going we don’t have the amounts for 2025 yet.
Best European hotels
A think tank for the bold, the curious, the creators of tomorrow. Where minds collide, conversations spark, and urban life gets redefined. Jeffrey Gibson lands in Zurich with a visceral art takeover – part ritual, part resistance, all culture.
The 9th Arrondissement Neighbourhood Guide
- For a different kind of action-packed day out, the nearby Pan Dulce beach is our white sandy pick; the immense waves that cascade upon its shores are not to be missed by surfers of all abilities.
- Tsitsernakaberd, the national Genocide Memorial and museum, is a must-visit.
- When paying with a combination of your American Express Card and Membership Rewards points, only the value applied to the Card is eligible to earn Membership Rewards points.
- There are so many reasons why you should visit Panama, whether it’s part of a broader trip through Latin America or as your primary destination.
- It has a vibrant culinary scene that ranges from the modern, innovative Boragó, recently named as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, to the traditional fish and seafood joints at the busy Mercado Central.
Heredia, sometimes referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, enchants with its verdant hills and quaint villages. San Jose, the bustling capital, blends urban chaos with rich cultural heritage. Costa Rica was my first time on a plane and out of the country. For the past 11 years, I have been traveling back to this beautiful place that I instantly fell in love with.
Go electric in Ireland’s Ancient East
You’ll feel the buzz in the capital cities, but feel at peace in some of the smaller towns – and it’s honestly pretty blissful. We’ve broken down our favourite cities, towns and villages to be a helping hand. Regardless, it’s better to visit any country with a few basic phrases – the locals will appreciate the effort even it’s a nightmare to grasp. The language of love is a bumpy road, and while we hope you don’t make any language blunders, here are the 10 mistakes you should avoid making. Travelling can be exciting, daunting and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
- Read on to find out more, and don’t forget to check out our France travel guide before you set off.
- We couldn’t compile a South of France travel guide without including some of our favourite foods from the region.
- It’s not uncommon to encounter a stranger who will invite you for tea and conversation.
- If you’re on a budget, there are some fantastic hostels around the country.
- The southern Corcovado National Park, which spans almost half of the wild Osa Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful locations in which enthusiasts can spot them.
- And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
- Croatia’s southernmost town, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in the country and home to a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.
San Francisco
If you have a great experience with a tour guide, it’s nice to show your appreciation with a tip but it’s https://softfootprints.com/ not expected and unlikely you will be asked to tip. Most sailing trips depart from Cartagena in Colombia and sail to the Caribbean Coast in Panama over 5 days, including a few days island hopping around the archipelago. Panama only has one major international airport, the PTY – Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.
HOTELS, TRAVEL CULTURE & DESIGN
Therefore the best time to visit the East of the country is between April or May to September. If you want to visit the West, the South or the hill country in the center, it is best to go there between December and March. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on what you want to do and where the location within the country. Due to its geographical location, Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The traffic in Sri Lanka can be slightly insane even if you are already used to driving in bustling Asian mega-cities. And know that some scratches are nearly unavoidable if you are driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
Trip Itineraries and Travel Inspiration
Music is a part of everyday life in The Gambia and there are a number of festivals that take place each year, most of these are based around annual Islamic festivals. A fantastic way to both entertain and educate kids of all ages, the Monaco Aquarium offers a chance to get up close and personal with all the creatures of the deep, from sharks to stingrays and so much more. If luxury experiences are more your thing, we have you covered with our 10 luxurious experiences in the South of France.
of the best new wildlife trips for 2024
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a marine life enthusiast or just an animal lover, Costa Rica’s rich fauna promises an unforgettable experience. After studying abroad in Costa Rica, working as an intern with an intensive field studies program, and returning for years to travel, I have explored Costa Rica deep into its nooks and crannies. I love this beautiful country and can’t wait to share everything with you. Lastly, any Game of Thrones fans will want to take a trip to Lovrijenac Fortress, the set for King’s Landing. A 14th Century fortress sitting atop a 37m high sea rock, it’s an absolute must-see for any visitors, and admission is included within the fee for entering the city walls.
The more remote you get, the less likely you will be able to pay with a card, or if you can, there will be a hefty % fee attached. You don’t have to pay the full amount for the flight, just their service fee (currently $16). Panama City as a whole is a safe city, but there are certain areas you shouldn’t visit. Most tourists base themselves in the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood which is generally safe but is closely bordered by some sketchy neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo and Santa Ana. I’ve got more info about staying safe in Casco Viejo in my guide. Just like light and shade, Central France is a fusion of the best of both worlds.
But beyond the flashiness are charming towns, unusual markets and winding lanes. The stark contrast of these cities and towns is what makes the South of France so special. Across the board, July is the time to visit Northern France for the hottest temperatures, with an average of around 18˚C . Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Museum and tour guides will expect about 10%, and cab drivers around 5-10%. To make things simpler, apps like Tipping Guide help to decipher how much is appropriate and Tip N Split will take care of the calculating for you. France is a beguiling place, bustling and cosmopolitan on one hand, calm and contemplative on the other. If you’re into fine dining, high-adrenaline sports, pristine beaches or historical masterpieces, you’ll find them all in your holidays in France. And, it’s guaranteed to be charmingly, quintessentially, uniquely French.
If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us consular access. In this list, we take you to the most beautiful places in Tirol. Fly into Podgorica, Tivat or Dubrovnik, (Croatia); train from Belgrade; drive/bus from any neighbouring country. If driving, allow 10 days for the highlights; 2 weeks to see (almost) everything. Many people use the terms ‘United Kingdom’, ‘Great Britain’ and even ‘England’ interchangeably but they’re all describing distinct parts of the British Isles.
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.
Many people become tourist guides as a second career, for example students who want to work during holidays or actors who are between acting jobs. Local visitor information centres, national parks, museums and sites of cultural and historical interest often have volunteering opportunities to work as a tourist guide. We spent four weeks travelling in Panama as part of a 6-month trip through Central America and loved every minute of it. There truly wasn’t a bad part to our time here and every destination we visited was unique, offering something new and different to the last.
- You can also apply to local tour guide associations, private training providers, or major tourist attractions that run their own schemes, for example Guide London, York Minster and the National Trust.
- Immerse yourself in Berlin’s rich history, vibrant arts scene and diverse culture.
- Experience tumultuous tales of lust, love and loss in romance novels.
- Le Palais des Papes in Avignon proudly holds the title of the biggest Gothic palace in Europe.
- Yes, a travel copywriting agency will have expert writers with experience in the industry.
From our hotel in Hunza situated 500m above the valley floor, you can see views of seven 7,000m peaks climbing all around you. If you are prepared to trek you can travel to what is locally known as ‘the throne room of the gods’ to see K2 and three other 8,000m peaks. My most recent Japan trip was timed to catch the spring cherry blossoms in Tokyo at the end of March. Autumn is another beautiful time of the year to visit, thanks to the amazing autumn foliage that spreads across the country. Many tour guides work on a seasonal basis and combine tour guiding with other work, but there are full-time roles available.
The ultimate Northern Ireland travel guide
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.