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Showing posts from July, 2012

The Pros and Cons of Road Trip Travel

You and some of your friends have been talking about taking a vacation. The thing is, you're not sure if you should fly to your destination or take a road trip . You've all watched enough movies with road trip scenes in them to believe that it could be a lot of fun, but the place that you are planning to go to would take about an entire day to get to by car. So, you're trying to weigh out your options carefully. This would be a good place to help you do that because this article includes three pros and three cons as it relates to road trip travel . Hopefully, it will help you to reach a decision that will make your vacation one that is full of memories that you'll not want to forget...or that you'll regret! Pro: It's a great way to spend quality time. The advice that a lot of couples are given is to take a road trip together before getting engaged. That's because spending a lot of time together in a closed space is a great way to take your communicat

Top 5 Tips for Last Minute Travel

Most people prefer to have plenty of time to plan for travel. This allows us to hold out for the best prices on airline tickets and lodgings, take advantage of special deals , set dates that coincide with local events (fairs, festivals, and so on), and of course, get everything done without the stress of a time crunch. However, we don't always have a say in how fast a trip comes together. There will be times when your work asks that you jet off post haste, a family emergency requires you to get home in a hurry, or you simply want to get away for a weekend with no real plan besides escaping the demands of your daily life. In these instances it helps to have a plan in place to ensure that nothing is forgotten in your frenzied preparations for departure. So here are just a few tips to help you reach your destination with everything you'll need. 1. Make a list - check it twice. In truth, you might want to make a couple of lists. You should definitely have one for your general t

4 Most Beautiful Colleges Abroad

As we all know, the world is full of beautiful places, and this is no different when comes to colleges and universities around the world. Most college campuses strive to be beautiful, peaceful places in which students can study, learn and enjoy life to the fullest extent. While there are many great and majestic looking colleges and universities in the United States, we do not have as long of a history as colleges and universities in other countries around the globe. There are colleges in Europe and Asia, especially that go back centuries and centuries and are in fact older than the United States of America is. These places have a historical beauty that can not be matched here in the United States of America. Here is a list of some of the most beautiful college and university campuses in the world: Most beautiful college abroad #1. The University of Oxford, England Oxford University in HDR ©   Max Design , Creative Commons Licence  This college has some parts that date bac

Capturing the True Flavor of Israel

When it comes to Israel travel, no trip is complete without experiencing full range of Israeli culture – which includes, of course, Israeli food! From falafel and hummus to shwarma, couscous, and shakshooka, the list of Israeli culinary delights is long and tasty…  Falafel image by: Tasty Kitchen Israel is famous for many things: ancient Biblical sites, historical monuments, revolutionary archeological discoveries, breathtaking scenery, adventurous hikes, reviving the Modern Hebrew language, famous scientific inventions, and more. Israel is also renowned for its many achievements in the areas of dance, sports, theater, fashion, literature, music, and cinema. However when it comes to cuisine, Israeli food really takes the cake! As you travel through Israel and enjoy its diverse landscape, grab a bite of an authentic Israeli breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you're not sure what's on the menu in many Israeli homes these days or what street foods will leave your taste bud

Top 5 Travel Movies to Get You Excited for Your Next Vacation

There's no doubt that travel can be a ton of fun, but there's also a lot of hassle involved in getting from here to there. So if you find that getting bogged down in the details of ordering tickets, running errands, and packing bags is making you regret your decision to travel before you even get out the door, then perhaps it's time for a little pick-me-up that will get you excited about seeing parts unknown. Here are just a few fantastic movies about strangers in a strange land that will have you eager to hop on a plane and jet off into the great blue yonder. 1. Eat, Pray, Love (2010).  This is the story of an unhappy woman. Well, let's just say it's the story of a woman who realizes she is unhappy and sets out to change her life. Her solution is to end her marriage, quit her job, leave her home, and head off on a journey of self-discover halfway across the world. It may sound crazy or contrived, but many adults will sympathize with her desire to cast off

How to Budget and Save for a Luxurious Vacation

Budgeting is something that most adults should be doing all the time, and while many of us fail to write out and adhere to strict budgets, we still have a basic mental budget to ensure that we don't spend so much on groceries and entertainment that there isn't enough left over to pay the bills each month. But if you're not familiar with the many benefits that come with planning a precise budget, then you may not realize that you can use it to help you save money for major expenses down the road, such as a down payment on a home or car, or even a luxurious vacation. So if you're tired of waiting for the recession to end so that you can start planning the 4-star trip of a lifetime to the sun-drenched beaches of Maui, the twinkling avenues of Paris, or the ancient and awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza, then here are a few budgeting tips that will help you to start saving now for your dream vacation. The place to begin is with a household budget, if you don't already h

Top 4 Amazing Places to Visit in Orlando, Florida

Do you have a plan to spend a vacation in Orlando this year with the whole family? It is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to get the most of your vacation. Every year, thousands of people are looking forward to visit this place because of various theme parks and attractions. There are many must-see places for everyone who wishes to see the beauty of Orlando. Aside from magical theme parks, there are many places to see when you visit Orlando. However, make sure to include these tourist attractions when you plan for your tour to this magical place: 1. Aquatica Water Park. It’s a must-visit destination when you hit Orlando for your vacation. This place features the most exciting water rides together with 36 slides and 6 lagoons and rivers. Aside from these attractions, there are over 80,000 sq. ft. of beach area. If you’re looking for some water adventure, this

Tips for Enjoying a Great Vacation While Spending Less

Everyone loves taking vacations – But often puts them off or skip them entirely simply because they think it costs too much. The reality is that if you’re willing to put a little more time into planning, you can save a lot of money while on vacation. It doesn’t have to break the bank and it’ll be just as fun. Here are a few tips for enjoying a fantastic vacation – Without spending heaps of money. Visit Countries With Many Neighbors If you want to go country hopping, do it without flying. For example, don’t fly from Ireland to Iceland to England to Germany. That’s going to be an extremely expensive vacation. Instead, fly into one country, then travel by land through the others. For example, go to Poland, Germany, Holland and France. Or go to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Avoiding flights allows you to visit several countries and cultures without having to pay for expensive tickets. Stay Somewhere With a Kitchen While traveling, make it a point to stay somewhere with

The Summer Escape: Malaga

This summer hasn’t exactly been ‘a dream come true’ in terms of the sunny weather. With the last month being full of rain, this isn’t exactly the summer I expected – perhaps I should be used to this in Britain by now. So, desperate for a proper ‘tropical’ vacation I decided to take the map out and plan myself a well-deserved holiday. Malaga was the perfect destination. The excitement of preparing my seven-day trip has prompted an unexpected revelation regarding transport – renting a car. Once I am there I definitely want to be able to move around Malaga and see the Museo Picasso Málaga, the thousand-year-old Alcazaba, and not to mention Ronda, Nerja and Motril which are all just couple of hours away one from the other, and don’t forget I need to have enough time to enjoy the famous Malaga beach properly. There are so many things to do in Malaga so I don’t want to miss anything in this week-long holiday. In the quest of making every logistical detail of the trip simple, I booke

How to Avoid Common Travel Frustrations

If you’re fond of traveling, isn’t it a huge hassle when you encounter problems along the way? But then again, it doesn’t necessarily follow that your trip will be a bad one. In order to avoid common travel frustrations, here are a few tips that could help you make the most out of your trip: 1.        Fight idle time by keeping yourself busy. We all know how people hate waiting when flights get delayed or when vehicles get into minor engine trouble. Waiting for long hours can get you bored, right? So try to keep yourself busy during those times. You can fight idle time by reading a book or magazine, listen to music on your MP3 player or audiobook, or enjoy watching a movie on your iPad. 2.       Be aware of travel procedures and restrictions to avoid delays in security checks. Aside from idle time, we all hate long queues especially when we go through security checks. It is highly recommended that you get to know the current travel procedures, requirements, and restrictions to avoid

7 Tips to Create Levitation Photographs - Unphotoshopped!

If you think you need digital trickery to create awesome levitation photos, think again. Programs like Photoshop have given rise to a new wave of amazing, unbelievable pictures that amateurs and professionals alike can design with just a few button presses. But while digitally manipulating photography may have opened up a whole new world in terms of what photographers can do after taking the shot, there are plenty of good old-fashioned real-world tricks out there that professionals have been using for decades to make us see what they want us to see in their photographs. credits to lookbook.nu Want to know how you can use some of these low-tech magic in your own photos? Read on for seven tips that will make your photography soar (get it? – it’s a levitation joke) without you needing to shell out for expensive software.

Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Data Safe When You Travel

As the years pass, the world seems to get smaller and smaller. Modern travel means there's simply nowhere on earth that you can't get to if you have the will and the resources. Many people are taking advantage of airline deals available in our struggling economy to explore distant lands they've never seen before. But if you're traveling for business, or expect to be out on the road for quite a while, chances are you can't leave all of your devices behind. People regularly travel with laptops, smartphones, tablets and even external hard drives, all of which make discovering hidden gems and navigating from point A to point B much easier. But all of that gear also means you need a whole new level of security, not only to keep your expensive accessories from being stolen, but also to make sure data new and old safely makes it home with you. The last thing you'd want is to download the thousands of pictures from your backpacking trip through Europe onto your comp

How to Keep Valuables Safe and Secure on Vacation

Whether you're heading to a local lake for a few days of camping, traveling cross-country to visit relatives, or heading overseas for a long-awaited adventure (and a chance to cross an exotic foreign locale off your bucket list), it is in your best interest to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your valuables aren't lost, stolen, or damaged along the way. Is there anything worse than being relieved of a wallet or treasured jewelry in some fashion while you're far away from home? Well, maybe there are worse things. But it's certainly no picnic, and you probably want to avoid such occurrences if at all possible. So here are just a few steps you can take to keep your valuables safe and secure so that you can enjoy your vacation without worry. 1.     In-room safe. When you reach your destination, check to make sure that your room comes with a safe that allows you to set a combination code. This is an excellent way to ensure that cash, credit cards, jewelry,

Vacation Prep: the Most Commonly Forgotten Items When Packing

You only have to reach your vacation destination and find something essential missing once or twice before you start making lists and checking them twice. But this is still no guarantee that you won't leave something off your list and find yourself kicking lacking later on. Although most forgotten items could be purchased once you reach your destination, some will cause you more trouble than others. And then there are the things that you need to board a plane and get where you're going in the first place. So here are just a few of the most commonly forgotten items. You might want to add them to your list first every time. 1.    Tickets/confirmations.   Is there anything worse than reaching the airport only to realize that you've left your tickets or confirmation numbers sitting on the counter? That's a panic moment. Luckily, most people make travel arrangements online with credit cards these days. So even if you forgot your confirmation number you can simply swipe

How to Stay Healthy During International Travel

Whether you're heading to some sun-drenched shore, hitting the slopes at your favorite ski resort, or taking the Grand Tour of Europe during your hard-earned, weeks-long sabbatical, it's in your best interest to make sure that you do everything in your power to ensure that you remain healthy during and after your trip. After all, it's going to be awfully hard to muster up the energy to see the sights when you're suffering from heat exhaustion, withdrawal from prescription medication, or malaria, just for example. So before you hit the road for parts unknown, here are a few tips to help you stay healthy during your time as a tourist . 1. Immunizations. If you're traveling to a foreign country you'd better hope you left enough time for the many immunizations you might need. Your country of origin may not be subject to ailments like malaria, diphtheria, or hepatitis A, for example, but that doesn't mean you won't be exposed to such diseases should you tr

Vacation Rentals Vs. Hotels: Which Is Right for Your Next Trip?

Travel is often fraught with hassles, from the time-consuming task of price-checking and coordinating airline tickets, lodging, and transportation, to the difficulties of figuring out what to pack and how to manage your affairs (pet-sitting, mail collection, etc.) while you're away. Since vacations can also be fairly pricey you may have to contend with trying to stick to a budget. And while you can certainly find plenty of ways to cut costs on airline tickets (fly economy class, pack light to avoid baggage fees, plan early, bundle travel arrangements, go in the off-season, and so on), you might be looking for a few good ways to lower the price of lodgings without resigning yourself to seven nights spent at a youth hostel (or your destination's equivalent of a seedy motel). Luckily, there are ways to save on even posh hotels and you can also look into vacation rentals (read: private homes). But which is the better option for you? Hotel There are a couple of pros and cons

Top 5 Ways to Save Money on a Luxury Vacation

The word luxury means many things to many people. It could entail Cristal and caviar, a large estate in the Hamptons, and private limos and jets for transportation. Maybe it means a walk-in closet and a fancy home theater setup, drawers full of diamond jewelry, or rows of classic automobiles parked in a custom garage. But no matter what your personal connotations of luxury include, we can all pretty much agree that the term entails comfort, cost, and exclusivity. So for the majority of adults looking to plan a vacation, luxury may seem like nothing more than a pipe dream. However, you don't have to resign yourself to traveling by Greyhound and booking a room at a Motel 6 in order to save some money on your trip. There are ways to get the extravagance you crave without blowing your budget out of the water. Here are just a few tips that will have you lounging in the lap of luxury for less. 1. Go all-inclusive. Cruises offer some of the best options out there when it comes to luxu

The Most Luxurious Hotel Amenities

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel For some vacationers, it's not the destination that sparks the most excitement, but the luxurious amenities the hotel provides. Sure, sometimes it's great to throw a backpack together and head off to rough it in distant lands, but for other trips the key is to find an experience you've never seen before right in the hotel itself. Many five-star resorts around the world make their names by offering up amenities you won't find anywhere else, causing tourists to battle over booking dates and return to celebrate every special occasion. Here is a look at some of the most luxurious hotel amenities available at incredible international destinations. Underwater Honeymoon Suite Island vacationers should certainly check out the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel. Many people head to the Maldives to snorkel, but what if you could see the ocean right from your hotel? This destination actually sports an underwater restaurant. So you

Historical Sites Of Leeds

If you love travelling, and love exploring new and different places, then Leeds in the UK is definitely worth a look. Especially if like me, you enjoy places with a vast history and interesting architecture to boot. Here are two historical sites of Leeds, which also have some very interesting architecture: Corn Exchange Leeds’ Corn Exchange was completed in 1862 by architect Cuthbert Brodrick, who also designed the town hall and whose name you will find a lot around Leeds as the Wetherspoons (great place for food) in Millennium Square is named after him. The Corn Exchange, as the name implies, was built to trade corn. It is one of three corn exchanges still standing in the UK, and the only one of the three which is still used for trade, although no longer in corn. When trading in corn was no longer needed, the Corn Exchange closed and was subject to deterioration. In the 80s, plans to refurbish and reopen this great building were developed and it reopened in 1990 as a shopping ce

Why Video Games Are a Great Way to Kill Travel Time

If you're like most young adults, you've probably grown up with video games, from 2nd generation consoles like Nintendo and PlayStation (or perhaps later iterations like PS2 and Xbox) to handheld devices starting with the original Gameboy. And as gaming technology has advanced you've probably upgraded to smaller, lighter devices that offer greater functionality and improved overall gaming experience. While many people still utilize next-gen consoles at home (thanks to hard drives and internet connectivity that practically turn them into computers), most people also carry gaming devices on them at all times, whether they realize it or not, in the form of smartphones and tablets (or even laptops). So why wouldn't you make the most of your many mobile devices to kill time when you're traveling? Let's just start by knocking down the major argument that most people have against "wasting" time on video games. There seems to be a misconception associated wi

The Best UK Cities for Food and Entertainment

The United Kingdom is known as having some of the best comfort food on the planet, from bangers and mash to fish and chips to pasties and pies of all sorts. And while you'll certainly find these many culinary delights pretty much anywhere you go in the country, there are some cities that do it a little better when it comes to food , including a wide selection of international cuisines. Of course, once you've had a good meal you'll probably fancy some entertainment, and while a night in the British countryside could get a little boring, there are plenty of metropolitan areas that can give you both the tasty treats and amusing activities you crave. Here are just a few of the best UK cities when it comes to both food and entertainment. Brighton In all of the UK, Brighton is probably one of the most attractive cities around, largely due to its artsy population. The time to go is during the famous arts festival that bears the city's name, but if you're more interes

Exploring the Treasures of Myanmar

Traveling Myanmar is unlike traveling anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Other parts of Southeast Asia are mostly free countries. Sure, there may be some censorship or political corruption, but by and large people live their own lives. Step foot in Myanmar however and you’re now in a world of military leadership and censorship. Don’t be afraid however. The areas that tourists frequent are very safe. It’s a great way to experience a part of the world that often makes the news, without being in any real danger. Locals will be hesitant to discuss anything political out in the open, but are often more than willing to share behind closed doors. When in Myanmar, be careful of going too far off the beaten path. If you veer far off from tourist areas, it’s not unusual for plain clothes police to ask you to go back. Much of the country is still shrouded in shadows. If you want to experience some real world politics, rather than just the tourist catered nature of Southeast Asia, go to Mya

Top 5 Tips for Traveling Couples

While traveling abroad on your own can certainly be an eye-opening experience that exposes you to new peoples, cultures, and locales (and shows you what you're made of), it can also be rather lonely. You're bound to have more fun with your partner by your side. Having someone you love to enjoy this new experience with can exponentially increase your enjoyment and sense of adventure. However, being stuck with another person 24/7 in stressful situations can quickly put a strain on your relationship. So here are just a few tips and tricks to keep you on track during your travels and ensure that this time spent with your honey is full of good memories. 1.     Start simple. If you and your partner have only been a couple for a short time, you might be a little hesitant to go on an extended trip right off the bat. After all, nothing will highlight every annoying idiosyncrasy (for both of you) than being virtually joined at the hip during a long trip. So rather than starting ou

5 of the Best Steak Restaurants in London

To satisfy the carnivore in you, you can’t beat a good steak. The capital houses some of the worlds best steak restaurants, however we’ve narrowed it down to the following five that won’t fail to impress! 1.    You’re guaranteed to fall in love with Hawksmoor, it fits the bill perfectly; great atmosphere, excellent service and above all- great steaks. You’d be surprised to know it’s a chain, with each restaurant delivering the same great service, and food you’d find concentrated into an independent restaurant. You’ll receive a unique experience, with beef tasting at the Guildhall restaurant you’re plunged in to what can only be described as a meat heaven.

3 Great Family Travel Ideas

There is nothing like a great family trip. Families spend all that time arguing with each other, and then getting along, and then arguing again, and the cycle just keeps going and going. And, not as if the cycle does not continue even during family trips, but it is at least tolerable because everyone tends to be excited about the fun and adventures that await them. Children tend to always have their fondest memories involve the time they went on a family trip. Whether it is a national park, a theme park, a camping trip, a visit to family members in a faraway place, or any other destination- family trips are thing to cherish and celebrate. It is a great time to bond, to have fun and to enjoy each other’s company without the stress that comes with work and school and everything else involved with the family’s life back home. Indeed, it is a time to hit the road, leave your cares behind (or, at least on hold,) and to just embrace life, love and family while you still have the chance. It i

4 Fashionable Travel Tips

If you are a frequent or avid traveler, then you probably already know the definition of “traveling in style.” One thing is, traveling in style is much harder than it may seem at first. For one thing, “in style” usually denotes a need to spend a ton of money, which is not really the case, but it is tough to travel in style on a tight budget- that’s for sure. But, there are plenty of things you can do to combat that. One strange thing you may notice when you travel to different countries, is that every country has its own style and fashions. Some countries are far beyond the curb of fashion, and then some other countries are decades behind in their fashion sensibilities. This becomes a perplexing problem because, the last thing any traveler wants to do is stand out in the crowd and just look like a tourist. People want to always look cool and fashionable, and that is also a piece of the “travel in style” puzzle. So, there are many thing to consider, but fear not, traveling in style i

Best International Culinary Destinations

You see the sights, you swim in the sea, you buy the souvenirs, but at the end of the day, there is one thing that every vacation revolves around one thing: food. One of the best things about travelling is exploring the world of different cuisine in each country that you visit. So naturally it becomes an essential part of your holiday plans. In order to help you out, here are some of the very best international destinations for food. Italy What is not to like about Italian cuisine? Most of us have eaten pizza, pasta, or even risotto, at least once in our lifetime, but no imitation can ever compare with the real thing. Italian food is just about the best that there is, so you really can’t go wrong. Yummy Gelato Don’t Miss: Finish of your meal with some Italian ice cream, or “gelato” as it is known to the locals. France As another country with the broadest of choices when it comes to food, French chefs are renowned worldwide. Rich in flavor and variety, French cuisi

Buy Lamb Online for a Hearty Meal

You can buy lamb online or in your local supermarket. Lamb is appreciated worldwide due to its tenderness and juiciness if cooked in the right way. It turns every meal into an extraordinary feast when it is on the table. Whether you are having it for a special occasion or you just want to give your usual meal a twist, you should look up lamb recipes. Lamb meat is a delicate dish so better handle it with care if you do not want to waste it on a failed attempt of cooking it. Here are some simple yet scrumptious recipes which you can do to with lamb. Lamb Curry Recipe Image Credits to JB Goes Cooking Ingredients: 2 cups cubed boneless lamb 1 chopped medium onion 1 minced clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons all purpose flour ½ teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons curry powder 2 cups chicken broth Procedure: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium fire. Add lamb and cook until sides are brown. Turn it occasi

Best International Food Spots in London

If London isn't on your bucket list of places to visit before you die, make sure to add it. If you’ve already been there, then you know why that statement is true. A romantic city that’s filled with history, culture, and scenic views is bound to be a good trip as newlyweds, or with your entire family. However, when you want to step out of the culture for a bit, you can find delicacies from around the world. Here are some of the best international food restaurants in London today.  Dragon Castle Dragon Castle Roast Duck There’s no better restaurant for authentic Hunan cuisine than the dragon castle. The recipes themselves add to the history of Asian cuisine, with some of them dating back a couple of millennium. If you like spicy, then you’ll love what the peppery hot chicken has to offer. The soothing sound of running water and a pond filled with Koi make for a relaxing atmosphere perfect for two.  Phoenix Palace If you’re looking for Asian cuisine options, you’ll have n

Stadium to Stage: Great West End Shows for Olympic Tourists

In just a few short weeks the 2012 Olympic Games will explode into life. London will be flooded with global sports fans looking to sample the unique delights of England’s capital. What then, could be more typically London than its celebrated West End shows? London’s theatres are renowned throughout the world for their ground breaking productions and popular spectaculars. The entertainment choices are endless, but that is not necessarily a good thing for a confused foreign tourist. How on Earth does an inexperienced theatre goer, visiting London for the first time, sift the wheat from the chaff? To help guide you through the dazzling, dizzying lights of the West End, here are five of the best shows running throughout the Olympic period. 1. Chariots of Fire – Any theatre loving sports fan cannot fail to be excited by this first offering. This is an inspirational true story of two British athletes’ quest for Olympic glory. A tale of passion, sacrifice and honour that will rival anythi

Great Resorts to visit in Greece

Whether you're a fan of relaxing holidays, lively holidays or educational holidays, the resorts throughout Greece have something to suit everybody and will no doubt keep you entertained throughout your holiday! Athens Athens is of course one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Greece, mainly due to it being the 'birthplace' of western civilisation and with it's many ruins and ancient architectural wonders, many of which are still standing today, it is no wonder that so many people flock to this ancient city year after year. Unlike some resorts, Athens is perfect for weekend breaks as well as extended holidays, because there is so much to see within small areas and with transportation being simple, you can squeeze in a surprisingly large amount of site seeing and exploring even in a couple of days! One of the most popular sites in Athens has to be the Parthenon atop the mountainous ridge that is the Acropolis. This ancient structure has become a s

Top 5 Wine Farms Along Route 62

The Cape Wine Route is the longest of its kind in the world, and is set along one of the most beautiful driving areas in the south.  Lush vineyards amid fertile farmland, surrounded by towering mountains make this a perfect area to take plenty of holiday photos, while indulging in the warm hospitality and fantastic foods and wines on offer. Route 62, heading into the Little Karoo. By Martin_Heigan   Asara Wine Estate and Hotel – Stellenbosch The view from Asara's restaurant. By Asara Wine Estate & Hotel This beautiful wine estate, established in 1691, is set within the lush valley of Stellenbosch. They offer not only luxurious stays in their hotel, but also award winning wines which have been perfected over the centuries. Special pride is put into producing their red wines, which make up 65% of their product; they also have a collection of fine vintage wines called vinoteque, as well as white and dessert wines.  Spier – Stellenbosch Petting a sleepy cheetah

Enjoying Tapas in Spain

If you do nothing else Spanish during your holiday in Spain, please enjoy some authentic tapas! Tapas are one of the most traditional foods you can eat in Spain. They are thought to originate from a time long ago when bars had no cooling (or heating) and were full of flies! The barman would put a slice of ham, bread or cheese on top of your drink to stop the flies  from getting in! Tapa is the Spanish for lid and so tapas were born. Often the ham, cheese or bread would be salty, encouraging you to drink more of the bar’s  delicious sweet sherry! Eventually the tapas became almost as important as the drinks and so were developed as a cuisine in their own right. Today, every town in Andalucia has numerous tapas bars so you’re sure to find one local to where you are staying, or nearby your Malaga car hire collection point. Some are very basically furnished, others are more elaborate. Many have a counter inside where you can choose your selection of tapas; some send waiters aroun