Top 5 Amazing European Destinations Nomads Need to Visit

Nomads regularly move from one place to another, and many of them have travelled all around the world. However, there might be some who have not yet visited the vibrant cities and historical areas in Europe. Here are some of the most amazing destinations to visit while you are in Europe.

1. Turkish Spas in Turkey

You would most commonly hear that Turkey is famous for Kebabs and Turkish Delights apart from its carpets and rugs. But did you know that Turkey has some of the best spas you would find in the entire Europe?

Istanbul has approximately 269 spas and wellness destinations and topping all of them is the Cagaloglu Hamami. Suleyman Aga designed Cagaloglu Hamamito has architectural and historical significance. This spa is the final great Turkish bath said to be built just before the construction of great baths was prohibited by Sultan Mustafa III back in 1768.

2. Canals of England

Who said you cannot enjoy an exploration of the English Canals in the UK? There is no doubt that nomads will love an exploration of the canals of England. Most tourists have found narrowboat renting to be a new experience for their vacation and exploration. Chas Hardern is one of the established companies that allow you to rent narrowboats and have a trip down the canal. The most popular routes for nomadic narrowboat holidays in England, as they are known are the Cheshire ring, Cambridge waterways, and Grand Union Canal.

    

3. Party in Ibiza

The third largest of the Balearic Islands, which is branded as an autonomous community of Spain is Ibiza. Most people tend to believe that swimming is the only activity that they can ever do in the Ibiza beaches.

However, Ibiza is notoriously known to have over 50 heavy electronic-themed party nights. From Glow Neon parties in Es Paradis to Flower Power themed parties in Pacha, they have it all. One of the most famous and favourite parties in Ibiza that brings a distinct type of Urban Flair is La Espuma which is the only foam party available here.

4. Go Island Hopping in Greece

If you are planning an adventurous Mediterranean holiday, Greece would be one of the most magical and wonderful places to visit. Here, you can plan an Island hopping within the Mediterranean Sea in Greece or visit the Iguana Beach in Crete, which is known for its easterly cove and pristine waters.

You can also plan a trip to Kalathos in Rhodes which is less windy or the famous Pelion peninsula which has the tiny caste.

5. Wild Camping in Scotland

Wild camping is a famous activity in Scotland due to its surroundings and atmosphere. Some of the most famous Scottish wild camping sites which you can enjoy are Loch Lomond, Aviemore, Pitlochry, and Glencoe. Of course, there are guides going around these camping sites to preserve its natural beauty.

Conclusion:

Make your vacation unique and brilliant by visiting these amazing places. You will be surprised by how much fun you and your family or friends will have.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post. 

Top 4 Things to Do in Mallorca

Mallorca is known as the main and largest island of Spain in terms of area. It is one of the top 2 most populated places among the Balearic Islands. It is wonderfully filled with breathtaking coastal drives, towns, wineries, hiking trails, cycling roads, limestone mountains, sandy beaches, and private coves.

What are you waiting for? Explore the vastness and beauty Mallorca has to offer!

These are the top 4 things to do when visiting this wonderful place:

Eat Some Amazing Seafood in Palma:

Flying into Palma De Mallorca would be most satisfying when you take time to eat some amazing seafood. You can use this past time to check in on your flight delay cover and a great way to appease your hunger.

The Balearic Islands are known for their passion for seafood and fish. The place indeed has a wide array of traditional menus and fusion cuisines wherein fresh produce is given much importance.You can enjoy food from Michelin-starred restaurants preparing world-class food.

Here are some of the restaurants you can visit:

Sadrassana:

This 19^th Century establishment is owned by an art gallery named Horrach Moyà. The place has a delicious menu of dishes, namely the Rack of Lamb and the Suckling Pig.

Kurobota:

One of the most sought after food this store can cook for you is their Steamed Pork Belly Buns, which are worth the try. They also have Soft-shelled Crabs you can feast on, and even have a professional mixologist to bring you top-notch and unique cocktails.

Visit the Mallorca Caves:

There are more than 200 caves around the Mallorca island. Here are some of the caverns you can venture during your stay:

Dragon Caves or the Cuevas del Drach:

It is one of the most striking caves in the area. These caves have canopies that dramatically drip from the ceilings and astonishing stalactites.

Cuevas de Artá:

It is found on the top of a cliff overseeing the Canyamel bay.The entrance room of the cave is similar in size to the nave of La Seu Cathedral. Meanwhile, the Queen’s room is surrounded with formations that grow almost less than a half annually.

Go Kayaking:

Going on a kayaking adventure in the Mallorca Islands is an outstanding substitute for your beach escapade. It welcomes you to the hidden natural reserves of the place which can only be reached through waters.

There are guided kayaking tours to assist you and make the tour easier. You just have to choose the package and the company that works best for you.The most beautiful sceneries are situated on the west and north coast where the Serrade Tramuntana is located. One kayak trip often takes around two to four hours to complete.

If you love snorkeling, then you may do so in the crystal clear waters of Mallorca. Stony corals and sea anemones dominate the cliffs while moray eels as well as squids are in the unseen fissures.

Take a Spanish Cooking Class:

Lonja 18 is an open kitchen in Mallorca where you can take top notch Spanish cooking classes.

They will teach the great classics of Spain and give you a hands-on cooking practice of a full four-course Spanish cuisine.

You can even incorporate your regular cooking class with a market tour. This shall consist of a directed visit to their famous market called Santa Catalina. This way, you’ll see the fresh ingredients first hand. You will also be guided on what ingredients you need for the recipes you prepare.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Here are the Best Places to Stay on Your Visit to Europe

Europe is a beautiful getaway destination with outstanding places to stay in. Whether you are travelling with your partner, family, or group of friends, you will be impressed by what this continent has to offer. Below are some of the best places to stay that will make your vacation in Europe a remarkable experience:

1. Igloo in Kakslauttanen

The Igloo in the Kakslauttanen Artic Resort in Finland is a luxurious place to stay in. The resort has 65 glass igloos: 53 for two people and 12 igloos for four people. The igloos have a fireplace, kitchenette, as well as a private bathroom and sauna.

The two-person igloo comes with a toilet and an optional extra bed. The bedroom has a beautiful glass roof that makes this place great for viewing the northern lights.

Apart from spending the night gazing at the bright starry sky, there are a lot of activities that visitors can do in Kakslauttanen resort. During winter, the hotel accommodates activities like ice fishing, sleigh rides with huskies, and snowmobile rides. Other activities include panning for gold and horseback riding.

2. Stay in a Villa in Dubrovnik

Staying in one of the villas in Dubrovnik is a good way to make the most of your vacation in Europe. Dubrovnik is famous for hosting charming, unique, and luxurious Croatian villas with magnificent views. Some of the best villas in this region include Villa Marco, Villa Vega, Apartment Laura, Villa Zeus, Villa Mlini, and more.

These villas are perfect for couples, families, and groups who prefer authentic experience and a peaceful atmosphere. Most villas come with a pool while others feature an outdoor jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. Plus, villas like Apartment Laus are in proximity to historical attractions where you can spend the day learning more about the region’s history.

3. Stay in Classic Lake District Cottage

If you enjoy independence and luxury while travelling, consider staying in one of the classic Lake District independent cottages that are by the winding roads around the surrounding hills. Lake District is home to a wide selection of cottages that can accommodate couples as well as a large group of people.

Most of these cottages are in the popular towns in Lake District such as Keswick, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Windermere. If you enjoy the outskirts, you can also find Lake District cottages in areas like St. John and Grange.

Lake District is loved by many tourists because of its scenic views and attractions in the area. Here, you can go trekking up England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, or take a boat ride in one of the 16 lakes. Families can also visit the national park that covers about 2,000 square kilometres.

4. Stay in Tree House in Berlin

Adventurous and nature lovers will enjoy spending the holiday in the gorgeous tree house in Berlin, Germany. Interestingly, the tree houses feature a modern and sleek design with amenities like a full kitchen, bathroom with rain shower, steam room, and more.

Not only are these tree houses great getaways, but they are also a unique way to enjoy nature. Since they are located far from the city, they provide the perfect opportunity to hike and bike along the forest paths. Besides, some are near the lake where visitors can head to swim or sunbath.

Conclusion:

People come to Europe for vacations, and it’s for good reasons. After all, this beautiful continent has a lot to offer including wonderful hotels and resorts. The places above are all unique and extraordinary to make your stay in Europe quite exceptional.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Top 5 Food and Wine Destinations for the Foodie Nomad

While some eat food to survive, others eat to feel alive. These people are foodies, and those who are willing to travel to enjoy various dishes are dubbed as foodie nomads.

If you consider yourself a foodie nomad, you should know about these top 5 food and wine destinations.

Top Food and Wine Destinations for Foodie Nomads

Greece:

Greek cuisine is known for its Greek salads and Giros, but it has so much more to offer. You should try their tasty Taramasalata, which is a mainstay of most Greek meals.

You should also not miss out tasting the different varieties of Dolmades, which commonly a classic vine life parcel stuffed with meat and long-grain.

The Greeks also know how to cook meat very well, whether it is spit-roasted or charcoal grilled. They even taste better when paired with fresh pita bread with some tzatziki. On top of all that, you can enjoy their delicious food along with the great scenery of nature and scenic landscapes.

France:

If you are a true foodie, then you know that France is a must-visit. They have plenty of beautiful and delicious pastries and bread that you should discover.

Not only that, but they also have a wide selection of wine. You can experience their exquisite taste by doing a wine tour of the Loire Valley, which is a popular place for high-quality wine in France.

Thailand:

Are you looking for a budget-friendly food destination? Then Thailand might just be the place for you.

Along the busy and bustling streets of Thailand, you can get a bowl of hot and satisfying GuayTeow noodle soup. You can have it with pork, beef, or chicken. Some vendors also even add some meatballs and wantons to the broth.

If you love spicy food, then taste some authentic Yam Talay or Laab. Yam Talay is a type of spicy seafood salad. It is not only very healthy but delicious and appetizing as well.

Meanwhile, Laab is another type of Thai salad that is from the northern region. It is mixed with mint, mushroom, and meat for a refreshing yet mouthwatering taste.

Italy:

When you hear about Italy, the first thing that might come into your mind is the word pasta. If that is the case, you should definitely try to learn how to cook pasta in Florence when you visit Italy.

You should also definitely visit Sicily and taste their regional cuisine and fine wine. You will be amazed by how much people love their food in this country, so as a foodie, you will fit right in!

Argentina:

Want some amazing steak? If you do, then you should visit Argentina.

Their vast grassland is one of the best places to raise cattle and other domesticated animals. This enables them to have high-quality meat for steak. Their expertise in cooking meat and adding spices and unique flavors makes the steak even more impressive.

Final Word:

So, where is your next destination? Regardless of what destination you choose among the countries listed above, be sure to prepare for a gastronomic adventure of a lifetime.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Top Places to Visit in Kalimpong

The first impression of Kalimpong is that of one of the innumerable bustling and dusty small towns in India. The town of Kalimpong which is just 50 Kms away from its big brother, Darjeeling, has a few interesting attractions which include Buddhist monasteries, nurseries, colonial architecture and magnificent views of the snow clad Eastern Himalayas. The drive from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a nice winding one through lush greenery with river Teesta and snow mountains popping up intermittently. The town spreads itself over a ridge and was once a prominent link along the trade route with Tibet. Kalimpong is also culturally an important place and was a part of Bhutan during the colonial era. With tea plantations booming across Darjeeling and surrounding areas during colonial times, the face of this region changed with trade really picking up. While the town in itself might not be too appealing due to the chaos, Kalimpong has its numerous corners overlooking the magnificent landscape that engulfs it.

Here are a few of the must visit places in Kalimpong:

Colonial Remnants:

With the Biritsh colonial rule and influence of Scottish missionaries, Kalimpong witnessed churches and missionary schools being built alongside temples and monasteries, bringing in varied architectural styles. A walk along the secluded narrow by-lanes of Kalimpong would reveal some of the colonial beauties that have withstood time. One of the popular structures is Graham’s house, which belonged to a Scottish missionary, Dr. J.A. Graham. It was an educational institution for the children of British planters and estate workers in 1900s. The chapel nearby is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows. Morgan’s House, which is presently a tourist lodge run by the tourism department is another beautiful structure from the colonial era.

Kalimpong is also known for its gorgeous churches such as St. Teresa’s church known for its Bhutanese Gompa architectural influences. Macfarlane memorial church built in late 19^th century in memory of Rev. Macfarlane is another prominent colonial structure in Kalimpong.

Nurseries:

Kalimpong is home to many nurseries and also produces exotic varieties of orchids and cacti apart from gladioli, roses and anthuriums. Pine View nursery with its huge collection of cacti is one of the most popular nurseries in the town. The view of Kalimpong from here is a pretty one. Some of the other nurseries in Kalimpong are Holumba Haven, Universal nursery and Standard nursery. Most of these nurseries hold flower exhibitions as well in October every year.

Durpin Gompa:

Often referred as Durpin Gompa, Zang Dhog Pelri gompa was consecrated in the year 1976 by Dalai Lama and sits atop Durpin hill from which the gompa get its name. Adorned with mandalas and wall paintings, the interiors of the monastery are vibrant. One can walk up to the top deck of this Nyingmapa monastery and enjoy the magnificent views of the hills from there. Near to the monastery is a nice view point which offers a bird’s eye view of the beautiful undulating hills and river Teesta.

Tharpa Choling Gompa:

This gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was built in the year 1992 overlooking the town of Kalimpong. The premise also houses a new monastery and has a few chortens as well. The view of the colourful houses scattered over the hills from Tharpa Choling gompa is an interesting sight.

Thongsa Gompa:

Founded in 1678 A.D., Thongsa Gompa is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and is also referred as the Bhutanese monastery. The original structure was destroyed in local wars and the present one was built in the 19^th century. The monastery has a couple of chortens and more than two hundred prayer wheels.

Deolo Hill:

A winding road leads to Deolo Hills, the highest point in Kalimpong with a large open park. Deolo hill offers captivating panoramic views of the engulfing distant mountains, deep valleys and river Teesta snaking its way through them.  Even Mount Kanchenjunga can be sighted from here on a clear day. Enroute the hill lies a large satue of Buddha seated on a statue and a view point named Sherpa view point.

Army Golf Course:

Laid out along the Durpin Hill, the Army Golf course opposite Morgan’s house offers lovely views of the surrounding hills and villages. Enjoy a cup of tea from the army canteen and gaze at the vistas from the highest golf course in West Bengal.

Forest Museum:

Nature Interpretation Centre or the Forst museum as it is commonly referred has a nice collection of photographs of Kalimpong, it’s forests, animals and landscape. This museum is a great place to understand in detail about Kalimpong’s ecosystem.

How to reach Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is 52 Kms away from Darjeeling and 67 Kms from Siliguri. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 78 Kms away and the closest railway station is at Siliguri. There are private taxis available from both Darjeeling and Siliguri to Kalimpong. There are frequent local jeeps plying between these towns as well.

Accommodation and Food:

Holumba Haven, Deki Lodge and Himalayan Hotel are some of the recommended places to stay in Kalimpong. There are cheaper places as well within the town. There are quite a few small eateries in Kalimpong, but two of the must visit places are Zakhang, for its authentic Bhutanese cuisine and Art Café for its continental cuisine and amazing views.

Stacked Up!

Colourful houses and buildings stacked up together like match boxes are a common pretty frame that one can sight at many popular hill stations across India. Howsoever colourful and pretty they might seem, in reality it is encroachment of a hill; and all that remains of it are the sporadic 'greens' that you might easily miss out amidst the blues, reds and yellows.

Kalimpong, West Bengal. October 2019.

5 Safest and Best Rated Taxi Services in Kerala During the Lockdown

Known to the rest of the world as God’s Own Country, Kerala boasts of an expansive coastline on the South-western side of the Malabar Coast. Its exotic backwaters and rich heritage undoubtedly make Kerala a dreamy escape for travelers across the world. Its scenic beauty along with the umpteen number of activities to indulge in make it hard to not fall in love with this slice of paradise on earth.

With some of the best places in Kerala scattered around, one of the ideal ways to get around is by renting a safe and convenient taxi service. Call for a convenient door to door pick up and go sightseeing with your friends and family. These hassle-free experiences save you the inconvenience of an uncomfortable commute - every traveller’s nightmare. Most of these car rental companies offer drivers who are well-versed with the roads, know a lot about local history, and can give a nice tour of all the good places, including hidden gems in their state.

Kerala is well-connected via roads. Its amazing network of roads allows commuters to get to any part of Kerala in just a few hours. While there are a ton of options out there, we bring to you only the best so you can make a safe choice in the post-COVID world.

Some of the safest and best-rated taxi services in Kerala that you can trust during the lockdown are:

1.  Savaari Car Rentals

Founded in 2006, Savaari Car Rentals is known to offer its services in 130+ cities in India. Rated 4.4 on Google with over 2000 reviews, Savaari takes the extra mile to give its customers a great travel experience. From offering travel kits to real-time food-breaks suggestions during the trip, Savaari prides itself on being the real road trip expert and their blogs surely speak volumes for this testimony. They cover a wide range of services such as intercity, one-way, airport pick and drop as well as local rentals. Their cab offerings vary from hatchbacks, sedans, luxury cars, SUVs to 16 seater tempo travelers. But what makes Savaari one of the best car rentals in India is that they offer COVID digit insurance to its driver-partners as well as customers during the pandemic, thus redefining safe travel in the post-COVID world. Get a taste of Savaari’s excellent service with a car on rent in Thrissur with an experienced driver.

2. Kerala Taxis

Boasting an amazing team of car rental and tourism professionals, Kerala Taxis assures a hassle-free experience and all the positive feedback left by people on their website will only strengthen your faith in them. Their taxis are well-maintained and they take immense pride in offering only their best vehicles to the customers. Being a Kochi based taxi company, they sure know some of the best places in and around, so be rest assured of a great and comfortable time with them. Their drivers are well trained and have a record of being on time.

3. Grandeur Car and Coach Hire

Whether it is a business trip or a leisure holiday, Grandeur Car and Coach Hire will have you covered regardless. Their mantra is “Safety, Sincerity, Good faith, and Genuineness”. Located in surfer’s paradise, this car rental company ensures each of its drivers are thoroughly screened and carefully selected through interviews. They are well versed in English and Hindi. This car rental takes its customers very seriously. Their round the clock customer support only shows their dedication in ensuring a comfortable time to each of their customers, making it one of the most trusted taxi services in Kerala. For all their airport pickups, they ensure the guests are graciously received with a placard bearing the names and other details.

4.  Avis India

AVIS India offers premium cars for rent. They offer cars with or without a driver. Their mobile app makes booking a car an effortless experience. The company is recognized world over as a strong, iconic and truly global brand, catering to the expectations of all business, corporate & leisure travelers. Founded in 1946, Avis was launched as a company to rent cars from airport locations.

5. Le-Cabz

Le Cabz has a large fleet of cars, utility vehicles, coaches with all India permits. These folks make renting a car ridiculously simple. They take their visitor experience quite seriously. Not beaten on price for economy car hire in Kerala, they are one of the most affordable car hire companies offering brand new cars. Most of their customers love the price offered by Le-Cabz and have applauded their dedication in providing brand new cars to their clients.

With COVID changing the way people travel, the above-mentioned car rental companies are strictly following all precautions to curb the spread of the contagious disease. Savaari is one such company that has strictly adhered to all precautions recommended by WHO. Keeping in mind the safety of their customers as well as their driver-partners on the road, all cabs are sanitized and disinfected at regular intervals, drivers are trained to practice social distancing and mandatory to wear a face mask. Savaari’s car rentals in Kottayam is quite popular for being a safe and reliable mode of transport in Kerala.

P.S.: This is a sponsored post.

Lover's Confluence

The Lover's view point between Darjeeling and Kalimpong offers a magnificent view of the the confluence of River Tessta and River Rangeet. The hills on the left are a part of Sikkim and the ones on the right fall under the territory of West Bengal. It is easy to discern the rivers with the difference in colour apart from the direction of the flow. Teesta flows from north Sikkim separating Sikkim and West Bengal for a large distance, and Rangeet joins Teesta from the left as seen in the above frame. The white sandy stretch near the confluence is often used as a launch for river rafting on Teesta. 

Mountains are Calling!

It's not just the mountains; even beaches, lakes, roads, forts, islands, waterfalls and wildlife as well are calling every travelling soul out there during these uncertain times. It would take a while before travelling becomes common again, an even when it does post COVID 19, the way we travel is going to be totally different. 

However, until travel sneaks its way back into our life, let's relive our old travels through photographs, videos, experiences, views, adventures and numerous memories that we have collected over the years. Go search your hard discs and phone galleries to run through them for some virtual travels.

Am gazing at the above picture of Kanchenjunga Peak (taken in October 2019 near Darjeeling) today to celebrate the completion of 11 years of Tales of a Nomad.

Islands of Kadamakkudy

Kadamakkudy was half awake as we manoeuvered the car through its narrow alleys sandwiched between marshy lands, mangroves, fish farms and endless paddy fields. There was hardly anyone outside at 6:30 in the morning. Google map wasn’t really helpful as I took a few wrong detours to turn up at dead ends with gorgeous views of the backwaters, fishing nets, slanting coconut trees, paddy fields, numerous birds and a few solo fishermen going about their chores. Most of these islands are still not connected by a road or a bridge and we had to take a couple of make shift ferry services. These are a few small boats tied up together and operated with an engine to help people and vehicles hop on from one island to another. It is an interesting experience to float away with your vehicle on the serene backwaters and enjoy the surroundings.

Kadamakkudy in the suburbs of Ernakulam is a cluster of 14 islands- Valiya Kadamakudy , Pizhala, Cheriya Kadamakudy, Murikkal, Palyam Thuruth, Pulikkapuram, Moolampilly, Kothad, Korambadam, Kandanad, Puthussery, Chariyam Thuruth, Chennur and Karikkad Thuruthu. The islands are majorly known for their large cultivation of Pokkali rice and fish farms.

I wouldn’t say there is a list of places to see or explore in Kadamakkudy. Instead, the place is all about soaking in the surrounding, nature and landscape. The breathtaking landscape and the engulfing tranquility would definitely leave anyone gazing in oblivion. This is a great place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who love landscapes and avian fauna. There are more than 70 species of birds around these islands.  With beautiful narrow alleys running through the country side, Kadamakkudy islands offer lovely trails for cyclists as well. The islands are known for its sunrises and sunsets, and it is well recommended to visit Kadamakkudy during either of these times.

Travel Tips:

• There aren’t any good restaurants except for a couple of toddy shops.
• Visit early in the morning or in the evening. 
• If you would like to cover multiple islands, it is ideal to come in own vehicle

How to reach Kadamakkudy islands:

Kadamakkudy islands are 18 Kms away from Ernakulam. If travelling by own vehicle, cross over the islands of Bolghatty, Mulavukad and Moolampilly to reach Pizhala, the main island in Kadammakudy. Alternately you can take a bus from Ernakalum to Varappuzha and then take another bus to Kadamkkudy. There are also boat services from Ernakulam, but the frequency and timing needs to be checked prior to the visit.