Travel Lifestyle

Category: Destinations And Travel Stories

Everything You Need To Know About Tuk Tuks in Siem Reap

You might be used to Grab taxi or Uber, but in Siem Reap, it’s all about tuk tuks. Seriously, they’re everywhere, and they’re the main method of transport for most tourists.

Now I don’t know about you, but before I visited Siem Reap, I’d never been in a tuk tuk, and if I’m quite honest I wasn’t entirely sure what they were.

But after spending a number of weeks in Siem Reap, traveling by tuk tuk at least once a day, I came to love them.

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling by tuk tuk in Siem Reap.

What is a tuk tuk?

A tuk tuk is a kind of open carriage with two wheels that’s attached to the driver’s motorbike. It can seat up to four people, and it’s the main form of transport in Siem Reap.

Personally, after being in Siem Reap for a few days, I decided that tuk tuks were by far the best way to travel. You get to take in the fresh air, and enjoy the view. Plus, the lack of a seat belt gave me all the adventure I could hope for in one day.

Hiring a Siem Reap Tuk Tuk driver

You don’t need to worry about where to find a tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap, they’ll find you. Tuk tuk drivers are everywhere around the old market and the temples, so wherever you are and wherever you’re going, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s worth asking if they offer a free tuk tuk service, as a lot of the bigger hotels offer free tuk tuks to the old market area.

If you’re hoping to visit the temples, you’ll want to hire a Siem Reap tuk tuk driver for the day. This way you’ll pay a set rate, and they can work out the best route based on what you want to see.

Siem Reap Tuk Tuk Prices 2018

The cost of a tuk tuk journey will depend on how far you’re going and what tuk tuk you’ve chosen.

There are a few different tuk tuks around the city that have been pimped up, like the Bat Mobile Tuk Tuk and the entirely pink and fluffy tuk tuk, and naturally these cost more than your standard, non-pimped tuk tuk.

But for a journey from one part of the main town to another, your ride should be between $2 and $5. And it’s not like taxis, where the cost goes up after or before a certain a time. So if you’re coming back from pub street in the early hours of the morning you’ll pay the same sort of price. To give you a better idea, it cost me $2-3 each day to travel 1km away from the old market.

For day trips to the temples though you’ll pay considerably more, because they’re quite a way out and your driver will be with you all day.

Tuk tuk prices for Angkor Wat and other temples generally range between $30 and $50. But they’ll drive to a range of different temples of your choice, help you plan your day, recommend restaurants and some even supply you with ice cold drinking water throughout the day.

If you want to get the best tuk tuk price, it’s worth finding a driver and staying loyal. If tuk tuk drivers know you’re planning on using them for most of your day trips they’ll often offer you a better deal.

Angkor Wat: Should you go by tuk tuk or car?

If you’ve never been in a tuk tuk before it can be tempting to go with what you know and pay for a car and a driver. But this is going to cost you more and it’s not actually as enjoyable.

Tuk tuks are maybe a third of the price of cars in Siem Reap, and you’ll get the experience of traveling like a local and feeling the wind against your face as you race through the bumpy streets.

Best tuk tuk in Siem Reap

Most tuk tuks are basically the same – it’s a motorbike with a carriage attached. But if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you could always go for one of the novelty tuk tuks.

There are movie-themed tuk tuks, colour-themed tuk tuks, and simply tuk tuks with booming sound systems (and before you ask, yes you can plug in your own phone and choose your own music).

Tuk Tuk safety

I’m a great advocate of tuk tuks, but I’ll admit, they’re not as safe as cars. They’re more prone to accidents, mainly because they’re more unstable and can’t cope with bad roads as well as cars.

However, they’re great for short rides around the city and to the temples, just maybe consider a car for the further out temples like Beng Mealea and Phnom Kulen National Park.

You can also make your tuk tuk ride much safer just by keeping your wits about you.

Tuk tuks are a bumpy ride, and there’s nothing really to keep you or your belongings in. So hold on to your hats and sunglasses, and try not to drop anything valuable whilst you’re on the go.

You should also always clarify a price before getting in, you don’t want to get ripped off, and a tuk tuk driver will always stick to the quote he gave you.

Tuk Tuk tipping etiquette

People often ask if you should tip tuk tuk drivers, but the short answer is no, not usually. Tipping is a western tradition, and most tuk tuk drivers don’t expect it, not for short one-off trips anyway.

It’s okay to say ‘keep the change’ and drivers won’t be offended by a tip at all, just know that you’re not obliged to, and you won’t be frowned upon if you don’t.

However, if you’ve hired one driver for most days of your trip, and they’ve treated you well, it’s usually the done thing to give them a tip at the end of your stay. It doesn’t have to be a lot, maybe $15-$30 at the end of your trip.

11/09/2018
12 Things You Should Know Before Climbing The Great Wall Of China

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]

So recently I climbed the Great Wall of China, from Jingshanling to Simatai, and in more ways than one, it was not what I was expecting.

Every few minutes, I found myself thinking ‘I wish someone had mentioned this online’. I think, to put it simply, I just wasn’t mentally prepared.

I’m not going to be one of those people that pretends I ran the entire length of the Great Wall without even breaking a sweat, instead I’m going to be brutally honest: it was hard work. So hard in fact, that in my exhausted state of mind, I genuinely wondered how much it would cost to get someone to air lift me off of the wall, and back to safety.

This might sound like an exaggeration, and of course I would never actually have called myself a helicopter because 1) that would be ridiculous, and 2) that would have been the worst Great Wall victory story ever.

But the point is, I lived to tell the tale, and tell the tale I shall. So for those about to embark on an adventure on the Great Wall of China, here are 10 things you should know before doing so, so that you can mentally prepare yourself for what’s to come.

1) Climbing the Great Wall is hard work

The Wall stretches for thousands of miles, and climbing even a bit of it is hard work. Okay, if you go to the restored, more popular areas, like the area with a Starbucks built into the side of it, it’s going to be a little easier to wander about. But if you want to walk a good stretch of it, and go beyond the tourist sections, you’re in for a hard hike.

I walked 12km of the Great Wall, starting from Jinshanling, expecting a moderate hike, but 20 minutes in, I realised I was sorely mistaken.

Flat paths are few and far between on the Great Wall, instead, there are hundreds of rises and falls, with tall steps and ridiculously steep slopes.

If (like me) you’ve got short legs, the Great Wall isn’t going to be a walking experience, or even a hiking experience, it’s going to be a day of climbing. I had to use both my hands and feet to pull me up the Wall, and when it came to the steep downwards slopes, I won’t lie, I ungracefully stumbled and bum-shuffled my way down.

That being said though, it only took just over 3 hours, and whilst it was hard work, it was 100% worth it. Plus, I was able to indulge in a calorific meal afterwards, completely guilt-free.

2) It’s very, very high up

I never realised I was scared of heights, until I climbed the Great Wall. One thing I definitely wasn’t expecting was the sheer height of it.

Because I visited a relatively untouched section of the Wall, in spots the Wall had crumbled, giving way to massive drops. One wrong foot and I’d have tumbled off the Wall, into the Jungle.

At first, I hardly noticed the height, but as the slopes got steeper, with nothing to stop me from sliding down, and over the edge, my legs started to wobble a little.

When someone suggested we take a seat on one of the steepest slops, to take in the view, I reluctantly sat down, but sat clinging to the slates beneath me, and keeping my eyes shut most of the time.

3) The steps are not suited to those with short legs

The steps were much easier to tackle than the slopes, but still, they definitely weren’t built with shorter people in mind.

I’m 5ft3 and a lot of the steps were as tall as my waist, so I had to do some serious gymnastics to get up and down them. And when I say gymnastics, it wasn’t anywhere near as graceful as that.

4) There are some scary insects on the Great Wall

We’ve all read about the scary creatures that live in Asia, from the Asian Hornet to the Botfly, but what they don’t tell you is these critters apparently love to hang out at the Great Wall.

In the crevices of the Wall lurked spiders and beetles, and hornets and paper wasps seemed to be everywhere.

Looking back, I think the insects might have been what kept me going. Every time I stopped for more than a few moments, something would scuttle across the path in front of me, or buzz in my ear.

5) Don’t walk up to the Great Wall, take the cable car!

Before we started our walk on the Great Wall, we were given the option to either walk up to the Great Wall, or take the cable car.

We opted for the cable car, and after talking the rest of our group who walked it, we knew that we’d made the right decision.

Climbing the Wall was hard enough, and I can’t imagine how much harder it would have been if I’d have used all my energy on the 6km climb up to the start of it.

6) There was no one around for miles

The last thing I wanted was to go to a section of the Wall that was just a tourist trap, so I was pleased when we were the only group at Jinshanling. I could get perfect shots without having to battle through crowds, and without the risk of anyone’s head appearing in the bottom of my photos.

Although I was on a tour, we were simply given the instructions to walk the Wall at our own pace, and take the exit at the 500^thtower or something like that, so after twenty minutes or so, our group had spread out so dramatically that at times there was no one in sight.

7) Dress in gym clothes

Our guide picked us up at 6:15am, the day after I’d arrived in Beijing, and being jet lagged, I overslept my alarm, and woke up at 6:08am, 7 minutes before we were due to meet Chen (our guide) in our hotel lobby.

I threw on some harem pants and a baggy top, put my hair up in an unintentionally messy pony tail and grabbed my day bag (luckily I’d already got this ready). In my rush though, I hadn’t actually had time to think about what a practical outfit for climbing the Great Wall might be.

Now that I’ve been there and done that, I can definitely say: wear gym clothes! Anything light and breathable that’s going to wick the moisture away from your skin, because trust me, you are going to sweat.

8) Pack light

My day bag consisted of two cameras, two different lenses, a GoPro, a gimbal, a bottle of water, headphones, a book, and a whole load of other pointless nonsense.

Whilst I’m pleased I was able to get some photos of the Great Wall, I definitely didn’t need all my camera gear. I quickly realised how heavy DSLRs are, and how unsuited to big hikes they are.

In fact, after about an hour of walking and climbing, I put all of my camera gear away, and I didn’t touch it again for the rest of the climb.

Whilst you might not be traveling with camera gear, the point is: make your day bag as light as possible, and don’t bring anything that’s ridiculously and unnecessarily heavy.

10) Watch your step

So I’ve mentioned the slopes and steps, but seriously, the slopes can be lethal. At times, there’s no ‘wall’ to hang onto, just an open slope, with a steep drop either side.

This wasn’t so much an issue for us, because it was a sunny day, but even then it was slippy in places. And if we’d have slipped, we’d probably have slipped all the way back down the slope.

So especially if you’re going in wet weather, wear the right shoes, and watch your step.

11) Definitely have a hearty meal before climbing the Wall

I’m normally a budget traveller, but on this occasion I’d booked a four-star hotel, with a buffet breakfast, so that I could get the perfect night’s sleep and a full breakfast before the climb.

But because I woke up so late, I had to skip breakfast entirely, and got on the coach with a rumbling tummy. Our guide gave us all a Soreen loaf, which I know is packed with energy and protein, but in all honesty, it tasted awful.

So I climbed the Great Wall without having had anything to eat, and instantly I knew I’d made a mistake. My lack of breakfast was likely the reason I’d struggled so much, so moral of the story? Have breakfast before climbing the Great Wall.

12) The Great Wall is beautiful, and definitely worth the climb

Despite all my errors in preparation, and the hard work it took to climb the 12km, it was definitely worth it.

The views were beautiful, and it really was the most impressive thing I’d ever seen. It’s one of those things that you can’t really appreciate fully until you’ve seen it in person. So even if you’ve stalked every inch of the Great Wall on Instagram, visiting it in person is an entirely different experience.

And even though Jinshanling was a harder section of the wall to climb than Mutianyu, I would definitely recommend visiting this section for a more authentic Great Wall experience.

Miles away from civilisation, there were no tourist traps at Jinshanling. Just beautiful scenery and the noises of the jungle.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

10/02/2018
A Review Of Bungalows Korana, Plitvička Jezera

The moment I saw pictures of Croatia’s Plitvice lakes I knew I had to go. The only trouble was that the flights were fairly pricey (as Monarch Airlines had just collapsed) and so if I was to stay within my budget I had to find super cheap accommodation.

I’m not all that big on hostels, and I was traveling with my boyfriend, so we wanted our own space. So I was determined to find somewhere (other than a hostel) for less than £30 a night for both of us.

After a lot of research and some searching of booking.com, I found Bungalows Korana.

Here’s a review of camp Korana based on our week there!

The Bungalows are basically just glamping pods

Whilst the accommodation at Camp Korana is referred to as Bungalows, they were essentially just glamping pods.

Having already seen pictures online, we knew what to expect so this didn’t come as a shock to us, and for the price we weren’t complaining.

The pods have two single beds, with a desk, a chair and a single plug socket.

There’s only one plug socket

My boyfriend and I are both travel bloggers, so we travel with a lot of camera gear, laptops, phones etc. This meant that for us, one socket was definitely not enough.

That being said though, given the fact that Bungalows are just wooden huts, we were grateful to even have one. And in hindsight, we should have bought an extender with us.

It was super cheap

We booked a bungalow at Camp Korana for just £23 a night for the two of us, which was basically as cheap as a hostel would have been.

So for £11.50 each a night, we had a place to sleep, and a free place to park our rental car.

There are loads of facilities on-site

The site of Camp Korana was fully equipped with warm showers, toilets, a bar and a restaurant.

Having a bar and restaurant just a two minute walk from our cabin meant that after a long day of hiking, we could just get back to camp and relax, and not worry about finding somewhere to go for dinner.

The Korana River was just a short walk away

For those that fancy going for a walk or finding a peaceful place to sit, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Korana river is so close that it basically runs through the camp.

We went in October so there was nothing really going on, but apparently in the summer months they have white water rafting on the river.

The Bungalows are fairly exposed to the weather

Because the Bungalows are basically just wooden huts, they can get quite warm in the summer and cold in the winter and at night.

We stayed here mid-October time, and the nights were fairly cold. So it might not be the best place to stay during the colder months, unless you’ve packed a whole load of layers!

It’s within easy reach of Plitvice Lakes

The main reason we visited Croatia was to see the Plitvice Lakes, so we were definitely pleased with the location of Camp Korana.

It was only a short drive (around ten minutes) to the National Park, and there was a bus from just outside the camp for those that didn’t have a car.

We didn’t see many other hotels so ideally located, so we couldn’t have been happier with the location.

07/14/2018
Lamma Island Family Trail: What To Expect From This Hong Kong Hike

A trip to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without visiting Lamma Island. Sure, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island have a lot to offer, but there’s something about catching a local ferry to one of the smaller surrounding islands that just completes the authentic Hong Kong experience.

So you want to hop over to Lamma Island, but you’re not sure what to actually do there, at least that’s the position I found myself in. And the most recommended hike was the family trail.

At first I was a little unsure about hiking the family trail, I wasn’t sure it would be adventurous enough for me. But after doing a bit of research, I concluded that it was probably the best way to see what the island had to offer, and I reckon I was right.

If you’d rather take a look at my walk-through vlog of Lamma Island’s Family Trail, watch it below. I apologise in advance for the quality of this vlog! It was raining so I had to use my GoPro Hero 4 without a stabiliser!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTiEOGBFT0c[/embedyt]

It’s a fairly easy-going hike

Everything I’d read online referred to the Family Trail as a hike, so I was expecting a lot of hills, uneven paths, and a bit of a challenge. But the family trail was actually quite easy-going, I suppose that’s why it’s suitable for families.

Sure, there were a few slopes, but nothing too strenuous, and whilst some of the path was a little uneven, with slippy gravel (when I went, it was pouring with rain, bad move I know), the walk was generally fairly laid back.

It’s not entirely clear where the trail starts

Everything I read online said that the family trail was really clearly signposted. And it was, once you were on the family trail. But when you first dock in Yung Shue Wan, there aren’t many signs until you get past the first few shops. My advice here is follow the crowds, other people always seem to know where they’re going.

There’s lots to see on the way

We started off in Yung Shu Wan, so we got to explore the local shops before we started the walk. I probably wouldn’t have bothered with the shops, but I was dressed in shorts and a little top, and the rain had already soaked me through, so I had to try and find an umbrella.

Then once you get onto the family trail, you’ll pass by local houses, massive banana trees, and you’ll also reach Hung Shing Yeh beach after about 20 minutes.

Had it not been such awful weather when I went, we would have spent much longer at the beach and that would have broken up the walk a bit more.

Spend some time at the beach

If the weather is good when you go, make sure you spend some time at the beach. There are plenty of bars and cafes around it, there’s a changing room, and even a lifeguard, so it’s perfectly safe to swim, or just relax on the sand if you prefer.

There are also rocks that are quite fun to climb, and you’ll probably find some crabs in the rock pools too.

Look out for wildlife

The amount of butterflies flying around the island was amazing. I’ve never seen so many different butterflies of so many different colours (if you watch the video at the top of this post you’ll see my attempt to capture them on camera).

If you stray from the family trail, you’re also bound to see some pretty massive spiders. I’m from England, so I’m definitely not used to spiders that are any bigger than a coin, so as you can imagine, I tried to steer clear of spiders as best I could.

Check out Lo So Shing Beach

Lo So Shing Beach was something that I hadn’t read about anywhere online, in fact I’d never heard of it before. The only way I found this beach was by taking a detour to some public toilets a short while after Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

Just outside of the toilets there was a sign that pointed to the beach, and we decided to stray from the path to follow it.

The path to get to this beach was admittedly a bit more wild than the rest of the Family Trail, but it was only a five minute walk or so from the toilets, and it was definitely worth a visit.

The beach was just as beautiful as Hung Shing Yeh beach, and I’d say I actually preferred it here. There were plenty of rocks, so we spent a while climbing the rocks and checking out the rock pools.

For those visiting on a sunny day (which is probably most people), there’s also a viewing deck, where you can sit and enjoy a drink whilst looking out to sea.

Don’t miss the Kamikaze Caves

The island has a few different caves, which have been named the Kamikaze Caves, because they were built by occupying Japanese forces. We almost walked straight past one that was just before Sok Kwu Wan.

The cave we went into stretched quite a way back, and it was definitely interesting to venture into. There weren’t as many spiders as I’d thought there’d be (in fact I didn’t see any), and there were offerings that people had left in the cave.

Stop at Tin Hau Temple

Before you reach Sok Kwu Wan, you’ll pass by Tin Hau temple, a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the sea, and it’s worth stopping at. You can admire the building, or light some incense.

The design of the temple is often seen as symbolic of the east-meets-west culture of Hong Kong and Lamma Island. Whilst temples typically have an eastern design, you might notice the lions in front of the temple’s entrance have a more western design.

There are loads of restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan…unless you’re vegan or vegetarian

I had read a lot about how amazing the restaurants on Lamma Island were, especially in Sok Kwu Wan, so I was hoping to grab a bite to eat after we’d finished the family trail.

But being vegan, I had no chance.

All of the restaurants were seafood restaurants, with the fish and sea creatures swimming in tanks beside the restaurants’ tables – you can’t get fresher than that I suppose.

So if you’re a fan of seafood, you’re in for a treat, but if, like me, you’d rather steer clear of animal products, I’d suggest bringing a picnic, or at least a few snacks.

Ferries aren’t quite as regular from Sok Kwu Wan

Ferries from Yung Shue Wan are fairly regular, but from Sok Kwu Wan it’s a different story. Try to time your hike so that you’re not waiting around in Sok Kwu Wan. We ended up waiting around an hour and a half.

However, if you’re a fish eater you could always pass the time with a fresh meal. And if you have kids, there’s a play park near the ferry docks.

Make sure you get the right ferry back!

There are ferries to central and ferries to Aberdeen, so you want to make sure you get on the ferry, or you’ll end up spending a lot on the MTR.

06/19/2018
TUI Fuerteventura Uncovered Tour Review: What To Expect
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″]

The Canary Islands are well known for their hundreds of all inclusive resorts, but if you fancy something a little more adventurous, you might want to consider taking a tour or booking a few excursions.

If you’ve travelled with TUI to Fuerteventura, the Fuerteventura Uncovered tour is one day out that the reps insist is worthwhile, or at least they did for us.

But if you’re wondering whether or not to go for it (because it is pretty costly at around £50), here’s a recap of what the tour entailed, followed by the pros and cons (feel free to skip to the pros and cons if you don’t want any spoilers, I won’t be offended!).

What to expect: a step by step account of the tour

The pick up

We were picked up at just after 8am in a bright blue TUI bus that you could see coming from a mile away (one of the benefits of this tour being TUI exclusive I guess). The coach was comfy with leather seats, super effective air con, and nice little foot rests, which was lovely after traveling to the Island on a budget airline.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”rgba(237,240,0,0.62)”]

TIP

If like me, you don’t book the tour in advance, and just book it at your hotel, you’ll just be given a paper receipt that looks like any other receipt that you’d normally bin – but keep hold of it! They scan this as you get on the bus.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″]

The coach then drove to a few other hotels, and by the time it hit 9am, we had picked everyone up.

Our guide then introduced herself, cracked a few jokes, outlined the plan for the day and gave us some great facts about Fuerteventura’s history and culture.

First Stop: Ajuy

The first stop of the day was Ajuy, which was a beautiful black sand beach. Our guide walked us down to the beach and explained that we could either relax on the beach, and enjoy the bars and restaurants, or we could walk up a rocky path that winds up and around the cliff face, until eventually reaching some caves. But whatever we decided to do, we only had an hour to do it!

I was looking for a bit of adventure, so we opted for the rocky road to the caves. And boy were we glad we did.

The caves were huge and apart from the steps down to them, they seemed basically untouched. The steps ended just inside the mouth of the cave, and from there onwards, if you wanted to go further, you had to climb over rocks. Obviously for me, this was great fun, but there were a few older folks who had to turn back at that point.

But, if you are fit and well enough to venture further into the cave, it’s definitely good fun climbing the rocks, and you’ll get some great ocean views. The rocks aren’t actually that tricky to climb over either, you just have to watch your footing a bit, so don’t be put off by that!

The walk back felt like a bit of a trek. The exciting part was over, so we didn’t tackle the stairs with as much enthusiasm on the way back. Plus, a lot of the walk back was uphill.

Second Stop: Buenaventura Church

So the day had gotten off to an exciting start, and we were eager to see what the tour held in store for us next.

The next stop was only a short stop of 15 minutes, to see Buenaventura Church. Our guide explained the significance of the Church’s design, saying that the designer had wanted the Church to look Mayan, after being inspired by Mayan culture.

The town around the Church also looked quite quaint and it was bustling with people, unfortunately though our 15 minutes wasn’t enough time to explore any of the traditional looking restaurants or shops.

Third Stop: Aloe Vera Farm

Next we visited an Aloe Vera Farm, which I’d say was one of the trip’s best bits. We all piled out of the coach and found ourselves faced with rows and rows of hundreds of Aloe Vera plants. Considering the ground was pure volcanic rock, it was an odd sight to see so many plants thriving in such a dry environment.

Our visit to the farm began with a presentation about the natural powers of Aloe Vera, and the different types of Aloe plants. We were then guided over to a table already set up with a few Aloe Vera leaves and equipment. We were shown how to cut Aloe Vera leaves, and how to get rid of the orange sap.

Why get rid of the sap, you ask? Well, apparently, the slightest taste of the orange goo will send you running for the toilet! Yep, it’s a natural laxative.

Once the leaves had been cut, we were each offered a piece of the Aloe Vera from inside the leaves. This was a gel, putty like substance that we were encouraged to rub over our skin to feel the moisturising effect.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”rgba(237,240,0,0.67)”]

TIP

Don’t eat the Aloe Vera that they give you to rub on your skin! It’s a natural laxative, and there are only two toilets on site!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″]

We also got to try each of the products on offer in the farm’s store. We tried hand cream, moisturiser that had been mixed with avocado oil, and we even got to try Aloe Vera juice (the laxative substance had been removed, don’t worry!). Be warned though, even a tiny sip of the juice tastes like you’ve just bitten into a raw onion.

After our testers and tasters, we were able to buy the products if we wanted to. I didn’t, quite simply because I’m a budget traveller who can’t afford to spend €30 on moisturiser.

Lunch

Lunch was included in the tour, and by the time we got to the restaurant, we were all looking forward to a hearty meal.

The restaurant was full of other tour groups, and we were all sat on tables of eight. This meant that we got to know a few other people on the tour, and get tips from everyone else on what was worth visiting on the island.

I’m a vegetarian, so my meal was a little different to most people’s, but still, it was delicious. The starter for vegetarians was pumpkin soup, but everyone else had what they called a classic Canary Island dish: a soup consisting of noodles, chickpeas and bacon.

The main course was fairly simple, but still tasty. For the meat eaters, it was crispy chicken leg with potatoes and salad, and for us vegetarians, it was a Spanish omelette with salad.

Dessert wasn’t quite as nice as the first two courses. We were each given a choice of strawberry or chocolate ice cream, which came in yoghurt pots that reminded me a lot of school dinners. But still, ice cream is ice cream, no matter how it’s served!

The lunch also included free red wine, which certainly helped everyone get to know each other, as we gradually got slightly tipsy.

Fourth Stop: Bar, museum and viewing point

I’m not sure exactly what this stop was called, but it was located at the top of the tallest mountain. Our tour guide gave us around 20 minutes to enjoy this stop, and recommended we get a cocktail and take in the views.

Having just had lunch and free red wine, the thought of paying for a cocktail didn’t much appeal to me, so I spent some time looking around and taking photos of the view, before venturing inside to explore.

As well as the bar, there was also a museum inside, with beautiful displays, models of the island, and lots of information.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”rgba(237,240,0,0.67)”]

TIP

If you want to look around the museum, I’d recommend skipping the bar completely. There’s so much information to read that you won’t have time for both!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”15.9531px|0px|0px|0px” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″]

Fifth Stop: Betancuria

Next we stopped at the historic town of Betancuria, which looked quite similar to the Mamma Mia! setting.

We visited the 17th century church there, the admission already paid for and included in our tour price. This church was definitely more impressive than the first one we visited, with beautiful gold alters and cardinal robes on display.

We were taken through to the back of the church, to what we were told was the Cardinal’s dressing room. This room was full of amazing paitings, and a hand crafted, red and gold ceiling.

Aside from the church there wasn’t really much to do in Betancuria. We were given an hour here, but aside from restaurants there wasn’t anything else to see or do. The town only consists of two small streets, and so most people passed the time with an icecream.

Sixth Stop: Goat Farm

Our visit to the goat farm was definitely interesting. We got to see the goats being milked, the goat pens outside (where there was also camels, tortoises, and geese), and we had a few indoor demonstrations and tasters as well.

We watched the demonstration alongisde a French TUI tour, and half of the entertainment was the banter between the two tour guides.

We watched a farmer demonstrate how to make Gofio, a traditional Fuerteventura delicacy. Gofio they told us was like flour but with a more nutty taste, and to make the soft dough that was the finished product, the Gofio was mixed with water, sugar and a little salt in a goat skin!

I warn you, the first taste is a bit weird, and the texture is unexpected, but even if you don’t like at first, go for a second bite! Once you get used to the texture, you start to appreciate the nutty taste.

As well as the Gofio, we also got to taste honey rum (which honestly, is so tasty you could drink it like juice), and a few different types of goats cheese. We could also try cactus jam if we wanted to.

Of course, once we’d tasted everything, we were given the opportunity to buy everything we’d tasted and more.

Seventh Stop: Mountain Road and Viewpoint

This stop apparently wasn’t an official one (although there was another TUI bus there when we arrived, which makes me think it was). Our tour guide got the coach excited by telling us we were taking a detour down Fuerteventura’s most dangerous road.

The road was without a doubt a scary one, with sheer drops either side as it wound up the mountain.

The coach stopped at a viewing bay, where we all piled out of the coach to see the views and take pictures.

One word of warning, there aren’t really any barriers, so you could walk right to the edge if you wanted to. One member of our tour had a slight stumble, and it is easily done if you don’t have your wits about you.

You’ll also see some squirrels that look a bit like chipmunks, and these guys are super curious, and some of them quite tame. We managed to get a few good close-up shots of the little critters.

End of the day

That was the end of our tour, and we were each then dropped back to our hotels. It took around an hour/hour and a half to get back. The day finished at around 5:45pm.

Pros and Cons of the Tour

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.77″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|15.9531px|0px” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”rgba(42,198,33,0.61)”]

Pros
- We covered a lot of ground in one day, and got to see lots of Fuerteventura in a short space of time.
- Having a tour guide meant we weren’t just seeing Fuerteventura, but we were also learning about it.
- You get to meet like-minded people
- Lunch is included, so you don’t have to spend anything if you don’t want to.
- With so many different opportunities to taste and try local products, we fully immersed ourselves in Fuerteventura customs, and got an idea of great souvenirs to take home.
- Going with a tour meant that traveling around Fuerteventura was stress free.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”rgba(224,43,32,0.56)” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid”]

Cons
- Much of the tour felt like we were being sold to.
- Apart from the caves, it wasn’t particularly adventurous. It was perhaps more suited to an older crowd.
- The time spent at each stop could be reorganised. For example longer time was needed at the caves and perhaps at the museum, and less time was needed in Betancuria.
- It was sometimes not clear what would cost extra – for example we were told we could have orange juice instead of wine (which was included), but were then brought a bill for it. And we were told at the mountain stop that the next part of the tour was a cocktail stop – but the cocktails were not included.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″]

Was it worth the money?

This is a question I always get asked after going on tours, and the answer for this one is yes.

The tour was something like 50 euros each, but that included travel all around the island, lunch, a tour guide, and several private demonstrations.

We saw more than we would have had we just hired a car and hit the open road, and we visited places we wouldn’t even have known about.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
05/24/2018
7 Reasons Why Bangkok Is A Must-Visit Destination

Picture this. You’re cruising down a river and on either side, you’ve got boats full to the brim with fresh tropical fruits, local food being cooked, handmade gifts sold and ready-to-drink coconuts awaiting you. Welcome to Bangkok.

Thailand’s capital is a truly unique place, full of character and beauty. It’s the largest of the Thai cities, however, its managed to maintain its quite remarkable historical traditions still. From enormous city skyscrapers, grand palaces, temples and floating markets, to the general hustle and bustle of life, these are just some of the reasons why Bangkok is a must-visit destination.

1: The floating markets are a must-see

The floating markets in Bangkok are an incredible experience for any traveller, you need to make sure you visit one whilst you’re in the city.

There are a variety of markets to choose from, but each one is full of life. If haggling and shopping isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the experience by doing a guided tour instead.

The most popular floating markets in Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Klong Lat Mayom, and Amphawa.

2: You can explore Bangkok’s rivers in more ways than one

The rivers in Bangkok are great for many more reasons than just the floating markets. The rivers also play an important role in transport around the city – boat taxis and high-speed tours can take you around the city, and show you some of the city’s sights from a slightly different angle.

3: You can experience traveling in a Tuk Tuk

On dry land, your method of transport has to be a Tuk Tuk (a three-wheeled taxi). They look bizarre. In fact, they are bizarre. But the experience of riding in one is not to be missed. Just hold on to your valuables! It’s a hairy experience, zipping in and out of the dense traffic.

4: Bangkok is full of history and culture

Bangkok is a city bursting with colour and culture. And the best known cultural sights are Wat Arun (otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn), near the Grand Palace, the Palace itself, and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Thailand is full of amazing temples, but these are the best and most popular.

Wat Arun is a stunning temple with huge ornate towers made up of colourfully decorated spires. Standing majestically over the water, it makes a great photo opportunity. It’s also directly opposite Wat Pho, the home of the impressive ‘reclining Buddha’ – a buddha measuring 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf!

Just along the river is the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai King which was built back in 1782! It’s now probably Bangkok’s most glorified and visited landmark. The sheer beauty of it will impress even the most travelled visitor. The architecture and intricate detail are incredible, and you can lose yourself in the cultural sculptures and temples that flow within.

Lastly, Wat Phra Kaew is a 14^th century Emerald Buddha. It’s regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thailand and is home to the famous Buddha image that is precisely carved from a single block of jade.

5: You can visit the tallest building in the country

Back in the city, to enjoy a breath-taking view, you need to visit the famous Sky Bar and Hotel. It’s the tallest building in the country, standing 88 stories high, and provides a fantastic view of the entire city. At the very top, there’s a 360-degree rotating viewpoint. Not to be missed! It’s particularly impressive when the sun is going down.

6: Bangkok is one of the happiest cities in the world

It’s easy to see why Bangkok is a popular tourist destination. The people are very friendly, the weather is incredible, and the city has a unique mix of beauty and character. The locals are in fact known for their friendly, polite and helpful nature. Thailand is popularly known as ‘Land of Smiles’.

7: It’s a city full of bargains

Bangkok is also very cheap! There are many bargains to be found in the markets and shops (especially if you’re good at haggling!), and the general cost of food and amenities is much lower than most European countries. Don’t be afraid to haggle and negotiate the price of things when you are buying them. It can be good fun, and you won’t regret it afterwards, when you head home with a suitcase full of bargains!

To sum up…

It is a city that has so much to offer, from astoundingly beautiful temples and exciting historical sites, to world famous food and exotic wildlife (who doesn’t want to get up close and personal with an adorable elephant??).

Regardless of what you enjoy and your reason for visiting, Bangkok has something for you. And if you are looking for places to go on holiday, it’s definitely worth going to see what all the fuss is about…

12/14/2017
Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Cape Town

Imagine looking out of your plane window and seeing huge stately mansions, the beautiful vastness of the ocean, imposing white cliffs, an iconic mountain range poking through the clouds and the sun glinting off the beach. Arriving in Cape Town makes that dream a reality.

This is Africa at its best. It’s easy to see why millions of people visit the South African city every year. Simply put, it has it all: beaches, gardens, mountains, harbors and waterfronts, wine lands, islands and wildlife.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Cape Town

1: You can visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the world

Cape Town has a lot to offer, and its highlight sights are spectacular. Let’s start with my favorite, Table Mountain. It’s the iconic mountain that looms over the city and harbor. It’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the world.

Hiking Table Mountain is one of the best things you can do when visiting Cape Town. There are a few different routes, from one which is suitable for all fitness levels to some more daring and difficult climbs.

Then there’s also Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, which offer harder climbs, but views that are just as impressive. From the peak, you’ll be able to see the entire city, the ocean, the famous cricket stadium, the royal gardens and more. And if hiking isn’t for you, you can get a cable car up and down, so you can soak up the views and save your energy.

2: There are beaches galore

If beaches are what you’re looking for, Cape Town has plenty. Your options include Clifton’s four beaches, Llandudno’s beach on the Atlantic seaboard, Fish Hoek’s swimming beach, and the beaches at Cape Point. Any of these beaches are bound to blow you away with their stunning landscapes, and they’re all perfect for lazy beach days.

Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, Cape Town’s beaches are perfect for water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding – you name it!

3: You can watch penguins lazing on the beach

It’s not just people that enjoy the beaches of Cape Town, it’s the local penguins too! Cape Town is home to the famous Boulders Beach. Why is it famous? Because 3,000 penguins live there. It’s a bit of a drive from the city centre, but it’s definitely worth it. Just think of the Instagram picture!

4: The city is packed full of sights and history

The V&A Waterfront is the tourist centre of the city, and for good reason. It’s the city’s hub of activity. It’s where you’ll find some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as popular tourist attractions like the aquarium, boat trips, crazy golf and more.

The city also has a brilliant city bus tour route if you want to capture the sights in one go. Camps Bay, Sea Point, Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch and the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront are all en route and each is definitely worth visiting.

Kirstenbosch is where you’ll find the impressive botanical gardens, and from here you take a boat to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. And if you’re feeling more daring, you could do a great white sharking diving trip instead… Warning – it’s not for the faint hearted!

5: The city is perfect for wine-lovers

Cape Town is one of the only cities in the world with a city wine route. If you’re a wine fan, this is not to be missed. Why wouldn’t you want to spend a day exploring the famous wine lands which produce bottles of wine sold all over the world?

There’s a day-long tour that takes you from vineyard to vineyard, allowing you to sample the different and diverse flavors of South African wine. It’s a long day, but worth every minute! And you might just go home feeling even jollier than when you started!

6: Wildlife is everywhere

Wildlife is everywhere in Cape Town. At various points in the city you can find seals, penguins, baboons, flamingos, rock hyraxes (which look like a weird mix between a squirrel and a rabbit), and lizards. And, if you head out on a boat, keep your eyes peeled for whales, sharks and a wide variety of exotic fish.

How to spend the perfect day in Cape Town

If you only had one day to spend in Cape Town, here is how I’d spend it. I’d start with an early hike up to the top of Table Mountain, before it gets too hot, take the cable car back down, enjoy the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, before heading to the Waterfront to watch the sun go down and sample the local food and wine.

Cape Town is a must for all travellers. Aside from its incredible beauty, there is so much to see and do. Whether you want to experience the wilderness of an African safari, spend your day drinking the famous wine, watch some cricket in the Sun, or build up an appetite by hiking the mountains, Cape Town can offer it.

12/14/2017
A Guide To Gay And Lesbian Travel In Istanbul

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0.0″]

Turkey is a beautiful place to visit whether you’re going alone or with your partner. And in Istanbul especially, there are so many sights to see and perfect memories to be made. However it’s one of the places that people are often concerned about visiting. Political and religious elements often mean that safety concerns are raised. So if you’re a gay or lesbian traveller, it makes sense that you want some reassurance before heading to Istanbul. You want to see the world, but you also want to travel without worrying about being yourself.

How safe is Istanbul for the LGBT community?

Homosexuality isn’t illegal in Turkey, in fact, it was first legalized in 1858 in the Ottoman Empire. In the Turkey we know today, homosexuality has been legal since 1923, and the country even offers asylum to those LGBT people who have fled their home countries. As for transsexuals, people have been legally allowed to change their gender since 1988. So in terms of the legality of homosexuality and trans-sexuality, LGBT members will have the protection of the law.

Given the legal and social context, it’s unlikely that you will find openly gay-friendly casinos in Istanbul or anywhere else in Turkey. If you’re interested in LGBTQ+-friendly establishments or events, you may want to explore the LuckyTigerSlots.com LGBTQ+ scene in Istanbul, which includes bars, clubs, and community organizations. Keep in mind to research local laws, customs, and safety considerations.

However, the laws regarding discrimination in Turkey aren’t quite so modern. There are currently no laws preventing people from discriminating against the LGBT community. However, there have been legal debates on the topic, so hopefully these laws will be brought in fairly soon.

However, despite homosexuality and trans-sexuality being legal, there are still those with backwards views, and so there have been reports of violence towards LGBT people.

In order to maximise your safety whilst in Istanbul, it’s important that you stay in the city centre, and well known areas, travel in groups, and just generally remember your common sense. It’s also worth noting that whilst homosexuality is legal, it’s advised not to be too publicly affectionate (whether you’re gay or straight). Even simple things like kissing on the lips in public aren’t generally the done thing in Turkish culture.

Whilst there has been the odd incident of discrimination, whether violent or otherwise, that’s not to say that Istanbul isn’t a safe place for gay and lesbian travellers to visit. Turkey is one of the more liberal Muslim countries, and plenty of people have spent time in this Turkish city and experienced nothing but kindness and warm welcomes.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Tomas’s Story – A Turkish Travel Story” _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_color=”#f4f4f4″ text_orientation=”justified” use_border_color=”on” border_style=”dotted” border_color=”#6b6b6b” border_width=”10px” image_max_width=”45%” content_max_width=”547px” max_width=”71%” module_alignment=”center” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”off” use_circle=”off” use_circle_border=”off” icon_placement=”top” use_icon_font_size=”off” background_layout=”light”]

I spent just over a year in Turkey, and honestly, it was amazing. My adventure started when I chose to study abroad with the Erasmus+ study mobility program, and the second I arrived in Turkey, I fell in love with the country, its culture and its people.

Most people only visit Turkey for a week or two, or in some cases three weeks, but believe me when I say that’s not enough. If you want to experience everything Turkey has to offer, from the historic sights, to the beautiful architecture, and fully immerse yourself in the different culture, you need a lot longer.

Plus, the gay scene in Turkey is actually huge, and if you want to explore and discover everything the LGBT community has to offer in Turkey, it’s worth spending at least a few months there.

I traveled alone to Turkey, and there were plenty of other gay individuals and singles, and I even found the love of my life during my travels there. The point is though, that even though I traveled alone, openly gay, which would have made me vulnerable in many other places, I’ve never felt safer and more at home than I did in Turkey. In fact, I even plan on moving there to live one day.

A lot of people are surprised at how accepting and open-minded the Turkish people are when it comes to homosexuality and diversity. It’s somewhere you can truly be yourself.

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid”]

Gay friendly places to stay in Istanbul

Every city has its different areas, and some of areas of Istanbul are more suited as gay travel destinations than others.

Beyoğlu is the best area to stay if you’re a gay or lesbian traveller. It’s one of the more liberal areas, it’s super gay-friendly, and it’s where you’ll find the best gay and lesbian bars. Around the Taksim square area is the same.

Gay and lesbian nightlife in Istanbul

Turkey is packed with beautiful landscapes and cities full of history. What makes it even better is that it’s actually a great destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

When you finish sightseeing, you can relax or enjoy the nightlife in Istanbul. There are plenty of gay bars that have the friendliest atmosphere, and most of them are some of the trendiest places you’ll find in Istanbul.

Chianti Bar

Address: Hüseyinağa Mahhallesi. Balo Sokak No:31 Kat:2/3, Beyoglu. İstanbul, 34300 Beyoğlu, Turkey

Opening Hours: Monday: 3pm-2am, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11am-2am, Friday-Saturday: 11am-3am,

Chianti Bar is a cafe by day and a bar by night. This gay-friendly bar has a nice atmosphere and friendly staff. It gets busy by early evenings, but that just makes it one of the best places to meet new people.

This is the sort of bar that once you’ve visited once, you won’t hesitate to head back there again. It’s the perfect bar to make new friends, enjoy refreshing drinks, or even a bite to eat whilst you relax during the day.

Tekyon Club

Address: Cihangir Mahallesi, Sıraselviler Cd. No:63, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Tekyon Club is the biggest gay club in Istanbul. It gets crazily crowded on weekends, but then you go to clubs to have fun, right? And the more people in a club, the more fun you’ll have and the more amazing people you’ll meet.

There’s great music, amiable staff, and no entrance fee! In short, Tekyon Club is wild. It’s a place for wild dances and crazy people. Head to this club if you want some truly unique memories of Istanbul’s nightlife.

Arjin Café

Address: Evliya Çelebi Mahallesi, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey

Cozy, liberal, calm environment and friendly staff – that’s what you’re in for at Arjin Cafe. It may not be a club, but it’s a good place to head to if you prefer to socialize during the day. It’s gay friendly, and it’s super cheap to eat or drink at.

Bigudi Cafe

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, İstiklal Caddesi Mis Sokak Altın Plak No:5, 34435 Taksim, Beyoğlu/Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

This café proudly holds the title of the first exclusively lesbian venue in Turkey. Plus, it’s perfectly located on the terrace on the top of the building. This place has been transformed into a cultural center where only women are allowed to enter.

Doors open around 10pm, and then the night really starts. A night out at Bigudi Café isn’t just a wild night out, but a real experience.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

12/08/2017
8 Literary Pubs In London: Top Spots For Book Lovers To Catch A Drink

You want to explore London’s culture and history, but at the same time, it’s quite tempting to check out London’s pubs instead, am I right? But what if I told you can do both at the same time? Here are some of London’s greatest literary pubs, so you can grab a drink at what used to be some of your favourite author’s locals. Many of these pubs were frequented by Charles Dickens, as it turns out, he had a fair few locals!

If you want to see more literary attractions in London (other than just pubs I mean), check out our list of the top literary attractions in London.

1: The George Inn – Southwark

Coaching Inns used to be the norm, but now the George Inn is the last one that’s still in service. This pub dates back to the 16^th century, and has been visited by some of the greatest names in literary history.

William Shakespeare often popped into this quaint little pub for a drink, and Charles Dickens even mentioned it in Little Dorrit.

As well as being a place of literary and historical interest, it’s also a really nice pub to stop at, with a friendly and warm atmosphere. There are plenty of tables in the historic building, or if you’d rather take your drink outside, there are plenty of benches where there once would have been horses and carriages.

2: Pillars Of Hercules – Soho

A literary pub with a literary name. Charles Dickens was a fan of this pub, and mentioned it in his novel A Tales Of Two Cities. In appreciation of the mention, one of the side streets by the pub was renamed Manette Street, in honour of the story’s Doctor Manette.

The modern writer Ian McEwan has also visited the pub, so it’s good spot to stop for a drink, if you want to drink at the same pub, perhaps even sit at the very same table as some of your favourite writers.

3: The Duke Of York – Fitzrovia

This is the pub that inspired Anthony Burgess’ popular dystopian novel, A Clockwork Orange. Burgess and his wife saw a razor gang’s invasion and violent outburst in the Duke Of York, and it was this horrific event that sparked the horrowshow story line of his most popular novel.

4: The Fitzroy Tavern – Fitzrovia

This pub is such a literary location that it even as a writers and artists bar downstairs. Plus, George Orwell and Dylan Thomas were both regulars at this pub. So you can imagine, this corner pub gets pretty busy, with creatives keen to grab a drink at the writers bar.

5: The Flask – Highgate

This pub is a must-visit for any fans of the Romantic. It was frequented by Romantic writers including Mary and Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Keats. Even Karl Marx was known to stop off here every now and then for a drink.

6: The Grapes – Limehouse

A pub visited by many different authors, and mentioned in a handful of famous novels, including in the Sherlock Holmes books, and in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture Of Dorian Gray. Charles Dickens liked it here, but then it seems he liked it in many pubs across London.

7: The Dog And Duck – Soho

This is a great pub with a real local feel, and it was one of George Orwell’s favourite public houses (he, like Dickens, enjoyed drinking at a range of pubs).

The pub is now owned by a chain brand, but they’ve done their best to keep the Victorian décor as it would have been, so you can sip a not-too-badly priced drink whilst stepping back in time.

8: Dickens Inn

This literary pub may not have the same literary history as many of the other pubs on this list, but it was opened by Dickens’ grandson. When he formally opened the Inn he said that his grandfather would have loved it.

It’s a popular place to drink, and is even known as a tourist spot, thanks to its ideal location beside the River Thames and historical atmosphere.

12/08/2017
9 Literary Attractions In London That Every Book Lover Should Visit

London is a city that’s inspired so many novelists and poets over the years, and now it’s a city that’s packed full of literary attractions, making it the perfect destination for any book lovers.

Here are some must-see literary attractions in London. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite authors, stroll through the settings of your favourite books, even drink in the same bars as some of the biggest figures in literary history.

If you want to explore London’s literary history whilst grabbing a drink though, check out our article on London’s greatest literary pubs.

1: Shakespeare’s Globe

For any Shakespeare fans visiting London, this is a must-see. Whilst it’s the not the original globe theatre, as that was destroyed by a fire in 1613, the modern reconstruction is styled on the original, and is bound to throw you back in time.

Located on the South Bank of the Thames, the area surrounding the Globe has an amazing atmosphere. There are buskers and street artists all around, markets to browse and quaint little cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

As for the Globe itself, if you can, catch a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays. It’s unlike any theatre you’ve been to before. In order to keep the Globe authentic, as it would have been in Shakespeare’s time, the general admission area has no seats, and is instead a large standing area. Standing to watch a play might sound a little tiresome, and it might not be the most luxurious of theatres, but it’s definitely an experience. Plus, you’ll be as close to the action as you can get, with actors taking the performance off the stage and into the crowd.

Don’t worry though, if you don’t fancy standing, you can always pay a little more the circle seats. This is where the more wealthy families would have sat to watch Shakespeare’s plays.

If you don’t have the time to fit in a play at the Globe, it’s still worth a visit. You can still see some of the globe, and explore the Shakespeare shop.

2: Sherlock Holmes Museum

Whether you’ve read Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, or you’ve just seen the film and television adaptions, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is the perfect place to visit.

The museum is located, of course, at 221B Baker Street (the world’s most famous address), so you can visit the actual home of the world-famous fictional detective.

There are life size wax works of Sherlock Holmes, and rooms showcasing some of the adventures of Holmes and Watson. You’ll have the chance to step into a recreation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world, and do some deduction of your own.  And you won’t be disappointed with the souvenir shop either!

3: The British Library

Any book lover will want to visit the world’s largest library, The British Library. There are over 150 million items catalogued from all over the world, some as old as 4,000 years old. There are even original copies of Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Jane Eyre and so much more.

Whilst you can’t explore the entire library, as much of it is underground, it’s still an impressive sight to see. As soon as you walk in, you’ll spot the six-story glass column in the middle of the library, containing 65,000 of some of the library’s oldest and most important items.

4: Keats House

This house, where John Keats once lived and wrote Ode To A Nightingale, is just across from the Keats Museum.

You can attend one of the many literary events and exhibitions held here, or if there’s nothing on on the day of your visit, there’s an impressive collection of items that give a little insight into Keats’ life. From Keats’ letters, to the engagement ring he gave his fiancee, there’s plenty for you to see and discover.

5: The Garden Squares Of Bloomsbury

Open, green spaces offer a welcome break from London’s mostly urban environment. And the Garden Squares of Bloomsbury are one of the most idyllic green spaces London has to offer, especially for literary fanatics and aspiring writers.

The Gardens are famous for being the meeting place of many writers and artists in the 1920s and 30s, in fact it was the meeting place of the famous Bloomsbury Group. Several famous writers also had homes around the gardens. You can enjoy the beautiful gardens and the fountain plaza, and walk in the footsteps of famous writers, including Mary and Percy Shelley, Virginia Woolf, T.S Eliot, John Maynard Keynes and many more.

Because of its rich literary history, you’ll often find people relaxing in the park with a book. It’s the perfect place to sit and read, if you have a spare afternoon.

6: Platform 9 ¾, Kings Cross Station

Harry Potter fans from all over the world come to visit the real-life location of Platform 9 ¾, so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit.

You can pose with a trolley, that’s half disappeared into the wall, and shop until you drop at the Harry Potter shop there.

7: Charles Dickens Museum

The Charles Dickens Museum is located at Dickens’ old house, and gives visitors the chance to step back into time to the Victorian era, to Dickens’ time. The rooms are reconstructed to how they would have looked when Dickens lived there, and you can explore his library, and discover the books that inspired him.

You can also listen to the audio guide, and learn more about Dickens, his stories, and the Victorian era.

8: Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a sight to behold in itself, but if you want to satisfy your love of literature whilst visiting this beautiful landmark, head to the Poet’s Corner in the South Transcept of the Abbey.

Here you’ll find Chaucer’s tomb, and floor stones commemorating writers including Ted Hughes, C.S. Lewis and Philip Larkin. There are also carved stone monuments, and figurative busts in memorial of writers and poets.

9: Highgate Cemetry

Cemeteries are obviously a fairly morbid place to visit, but this one is worth it if you want to pay your respects to some key figures in history. Some of the tombs and graves are fairly ornate as well.

You can see the graves of Karl Marx, Henry Gray, and George Elliot, and explore the graveyard that is so often mentioned in films, TV shows, and books.

12/08/2017