Darjeeling- The Queen of Eastern Himalayas

85 year old Aku was happy to see visitors and gleefully narrated stories about the secluded monastery, where he is the head monk and caretaker. He was the lone person at the monastery which also offers breathtaking views of the snow clad Himalayas. As I listened to his stories, my eyes loitered around the colourful walls of the monastery and the spectacular views. I was a tad disappointed that it was only on the last day of my travel in Darjeeling that I found this gem, tucked away from the touristy trail. I could have probably spent more time here, otherwise. While some like Aku love meeting people, otherwise like me are on the lookout for serene corners away from the crowds, and Darjeeling ensures that it offers the best of both worlds to both tourists and travellers.

The name Darjeeling translates to Land of Thunderbolt in Tibetan (Dorje means thunderbolt and Ling means place or land). Nestled at a height of a more than 6700 feet in the northern tip of the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling has over the years grown from being a colonial hill station to offering the widely popular Darjeeling tea to cementing itself as one of the prominent tourist destinations in the country. The neighbouring hill stations of Kalimpong and Kurseong too are worth a visit. While the view of the splendid Kanchenjunga, chugging along on the toy train, enjoying a sip of Darjeeling tea and exploring the age old monasteries remain the highlights of this hill town, Darjeeling definitely has more to offer if you are ready to go beyond the guide book.

It was a nice long drive from Bagdogra, the closest airport to Darjeeling as landscapes changed and the frames turned more captivating. Despite being in the east and well known for its sunrises, especially from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling offered a gorgeous sunset with a mélange of hues as I entered the hill town. 

I have always believed that the best way to explore any place is by foot and I did that for a large part while exploring Darjeeling. A walk down the road from my hotel led me past the heart of Darjeeling lined with popular cafes, colourful shops and bustling markets to Lloyd Botanical garden. It was a long walk down on slopping roads and through residential areas to the garden, which definitely seemed not too popular on the tourist’s trail. With hardly a soul around, I strolled through the beautiful pathway that meandered through the lush greenery and moss laden trees. Listening to resonance of cicadas and taking in the fragrance of orchids, cacti, herbs and rhododendrons, I soaked in the sunlight that percolated through the canopy, and the surroundings of this 19^th century garden built during the colonial era. The garden is home to a wide range of flora characteristic to Eastern Himalayas with more than 110 species of orchids, and has a glass house as well.

From the serene gardens I trudged back to the market on top and walked further to Happy Valley Tea Estate, the most popular tea gardens in Darjeeling. Though the sun turned harsh by then, the gorgeous intermittent views of the distant hills and colourfully stacked houses amidst them with floating mist to boot made the walk less tiring. I went past the winding road and gardens which had a few workers plucking tea leaves. While the estate is not a sprawling one, the engulfing mountains in the backdrop create a picturesque frame. The tea here came from China, and over the years Darjeeling tea has become one of the renowned teas worldwide.  The tea factory here offered a lovely tour of how the tea leaves are plucked, processed and made into tea powder. The tea tasting session offered a deeper insight into different types of tea such as black tea, white tea and green tea.

The next pit stop was at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute within the premise of Padmaja zoological park. The institute has exhibits of equipment, photographs and stories about Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and various other mountaineers. The stories and displays are quite inspiring and gives you a glimpse of what these adventurers went through while climbing some of the highest peaks in the world. Unfortunately, photography inside the museum is prohibited. Just outside the museum is the statue of Tenzing Norgay where his remains are also kept.

An ideal time to explore the famous mall road of Darjeeling is in the evening. The crowded street which is lined with shops selling myriad items, cafes and restaurants offering continental and Tibetan cuisine, musicians performing and street hawkers selling random things is a vibrant place to enjoy an evening stroll. Relishing different types of momos to tasting Darjeeling tea to buying curios to people watching, I spent most of my evenings in Darjeeling on this street. The evening skies are an absolute treat with a mélange of colours spreading over the horizon.

Probably the most popular activity while exploring Darjeeling is to witness the sun rise from Tiger hill. My driver sped away through the narrow alleys of the town which was still dark except for the sodium vapour lamps at the corners. As we neared the hill at 4.30 A.M., I could sense the crowd up there with numerous vehicles, people hustling to reach the hill, vendors selling tea and photographers walking around with lenses dangling around their necks. That was definitely not a pleasing sight when you would like to experience a serene sunrise. The wait continued until 5.00 A.M. and then the dark sky slowly gave way to a tinge of morning rays. As far as I could see there were floating clouds interspersed with mist and the silhouettes of mountains beyond them. The changing hues over the horizon and the first rays immersing the snow clad peaks in a golden glow was undoubtedly a spellbinding frame. Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world stood tall amidst the clouds and mist, and looked the most prettiest of the lot.  While I have always loved the hues of a sunset over sunrise, the gaze waiting to see the orange ball come up was definitely worth it.

Darjeeling has a host of wonderful cafes and restaurants that serve delicious continental breakfast, and post relishing my spread I took a taxi to Japanese Peace Pagoda. Built by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization, the large white pagoda has numerous carvings of Buddha and his preaching. I strolled around the pagoda and visited the adjoining Buddhist temple as well before heading out.

Darjeeling has a couple of old monasteries and I headed out to Druk Sangak Choling Gompa or Dali monastery as it is commonly referred. Built in 1993 and enroute Ghum, what caught my attention at this monastery were its extensive and vibrant wall art. Though the monastery was shut when I visited, it was nice to see numerous young monks going about their daily activities. The monastery is home to more than 300 monks who learn philosophy, literature, meditation, music and dance here.

Next in line was Samten Choling Gompa, by the main road which had a couple of young monks selling Buddhist curios and paraphernalia. The inner sanctum seemed like any other monastery with a huge statue of Buddha, which I was told later by my taxi driver that it’s one of the largest in West Bengal.

Guru Sakya monastery looks like it is built inside fort walls from a distance. It took a while for me to see the red coloured structure in full frame due to the intermittent mist that wafted across. When it finally cleared it was a delight to see many kids playing football with the tall monastery in the backdrop. The art works on the walls are quite an attraction here.

More mist welcomed me at Yiga Choling gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in this region built in 1850. There was some celebration that was coming to an end and the monks happily offered me food and tea. This is also apparently the largest and most popular monastery in Darjeeling. A large statue of Maitreya (known as future Buddha) sat calmly surrounded by beautiful mural works, a huge collection of sacred texts and various smaller statues. A monk lit the lights and incense sticks as I went around gawking at the wonderful works.

Back in town and after a quick lunch at Kunga, a Tibetan restaurant which serves delicious fried momos, I rushed to Darjeeling Railway station to get on the popular Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. A UNESCO World Heritage area, this mountain rail was built in 1881 connecting 13 stations over 88 km on a mountainous terrain during the British colonial rule. Criss crossing along the Hill Cart road, running along loops and reversing on a ‘Z’ shaped layout are some of the highlights of this train ride apart from the lovely vistas all along. I took the ride to Ghum, the highest railway station in India at more than 7400 feet. The steam locomotive from the bygone era was a charmer and created a sense of nostalgia as it chugged its way past the town and alongside the road. Apart from the shrilling sound it gave out intermittently, the ride was quite a pleasant experience. The train had a short stop at Batasia loop which has a small but pretty garden and overlooks the city of Darjeeling. Ghum railway station reminded me of some of the old railway stations that you can probably see in movies from 1960s or 70s. The station also houses a museum which displays stories, pictures and technicalities of how the rail line was built more than a century ago. Back in Darjeeling, it was time for more nonchalant walks, sunset views and café hopping.

My last day in Darjeeling started with a late and delicious continental breakfast at Tom & Jerry café. A stroll towards observatory hill led me to St. Andrew’s church, a pretty looking white structure against the blue skies. The church was closed and I walked further ahead to the view point on observatory hill. The views of the spectacular snow clad Kanchenjunga peak with clear skies were absolutely breathtaking. All that I did was to gaze at it in oblivion, while sipping multiple cups of tea. This vantage point undoubtedly offers the best view of  Kanhenjunga from Darjeeling.

Back amidst the crowd, the long road down from Mall road took me to Bhutia Basti monastery, the prettiest monastery (more for its location) in Darjeeling. The views enroute are scenic and that helped me to go on, despite losing my way a couple of times. The 19^th century monastery was earlier located in Sikkim and then transferred to the Observatory hill in Darjeeling before being moved again to its present location due to a Gorkha invasion. The interiors are adorned with the statue of Buddha and beautiful murals. The picturesque location with views of endless snow clad mountains and deep gorges is absolutely spectacular and adds to the charm of the monastery. If I come back to Darjeeling, I would love to spend solitude time at this monastery and listen to more stories from the head monk, Aku.

How to reach Darjeeling:

Located in West Bengal, the closest airport to Darjeeling is at Bagdogra, 70 Kms away. From Bagdogra you can take a private taxi to reach Darjeeling. Public transportation such as shared jeeps is available as well, which could work out cheaper.

Food and Accommodation:

Darjeeling is well known for its numerous cafes and restaurants that serve continental and Tibetan cuisine. If you would like to check out Darjeeling tea, head to Nathmull’s. There are a host of options to stay from hostels to resorts to choose from. I stayed at Golden Dolma hotel near mall road, which is well recommended.

Ten Must Visit Cafes and Restaurants in Darjeeling

When you talk about Darjeeling, beyond mountains and monasteries, what pops up in every mind would be Darjeeling Tea. This hill station is widely popular for its tea, which is considered one of the best across the globe. There are quite a few shops that sell high quality Darjeeling tea and different other varieties as well in this hill town nestled at the foot of Eastern Himalayas. Being a popular hill station since the colonial times, Darjeeling has seen travellers and tourists in large numbers over the years. As the travellers thronged this beautiful hill station, this resulted in numerous hotels, resorts, cafes and restaurants sprouting across the town. From Tibetan to Continental to Chinese to Indian, there are a wide range of eateries across Darjeeling to tingle your taste buds.

Below are some of the must visit eateries that I suggest to visit while exploring Darjeeling.

 

1. Kunga

Quite a popular place near the Mall road, Kunga majorly offers Tibetan cuisine and probably serves the best Momos in Darjeeling. From thukpas to thenthuks to wantons to fried momos, the restaurant has a delicious spread of Tibetan dishes. The restaurant also offers continental breakfast. Make sure to visit Kunga early as getting a table here is quite a challenge, but definitely worth the wait.

2. Tom and Jerry

This cute little café, tucked away from the main road is a delightful breakfast joint if you are looking for continental cuisine. Their pancakes and hash brownies are absolutely delicious and well recommended. The service is excellent and the place has a nice décor with books and wall paintings of the iconic Tom and Jerry.

3. Nathmull’s

Nathmull’s is probably the best place to pick up the renowned Darjeeling tea bags. Apart from the different varieties of tea that you can purchase, they also help you understand the differences and suggest the tea leaves/ powder that suits your taste. Nathmull’s also has a café where they serve sandwiches, burgers, cakes and other short eats. Do check out their quirky collection of tea pots.

4. Sonam’s Kitchen

A short walk away from the Mall road leads to Sonam’s Kitchen, a popular place for breakfast and brunch. The restaurant is well known for its English breakfast, French toast, sandwiches, hash brownies, pancakes and ginger lemon tea. It is open only until 2:30 P.M. every day and breakfast is served until then.

5. Glenary’s

If you are looking for a fancy place to enjoy your meal, head to Glenarys, a lovely café and restaurant overlooking the hills. While you can enjoy short eats such as pastries and cakes at the lower floor, head up if you are keen on a relaxed lunch or dinner with a bigger spread. The white coloured building with a tinge of colonial charm located near the clock tower is hard to miss.

6. Shangri-La

Shangri-La, as the name suggests serves a good spread of Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. The restaurant is inside an old fashioned heritage building with a nice warm ambience. Their momos and thukpas are well recommended. The place is open for both lunch and breakfast. Apart from the restaurant, Shangri-La also has a bar and rooms as well.

7. Himalayan Java Coffee

Are you missing caffeine while in Darjeeling? If so, head to Himalayan Java Coffee to enjoy your cappuccino! Overlooking the crowded streets of Darjeeling, sip your coffee and see the world go by. The neatly done up chic cafe serves a wide range of cakes and pastries as well.

8. Joey’s Pub

Away from the hustle bustle of the touristy lanes of Darjeeling, Joey’s Pub enroute the railway station is a cosy pub with wooden interiors and has a colonial charm. This is also the only pub in Darjeeling to unwind after a good day of exploration. As you listen to the music, gulp down that mug of beer and let your mind wander, Joey’s Pub would easily beguile as one of the old British country pubs.

9. Keventer’s

A landmark place in Darjeeling, Keventer’s, a 100 year old establishment is well known for its English breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, sausages and cutlets. While the lower floor has a bakery from where you can take away,  it is recommended to relish your breakfast on the open terrace with magnificent views of the snow clad mountains.

10. Chowrasta

Nehru road that leads to Chowrasta, a boulevard, has a line of road side vendors who sell pipping hot momos and a couple of other delicacies. Check them out if you are up for some momo binging.

 

How to Reach Darjeeling:

Located in Northern West Bengal, the closest airport to Darjeeling is at Bagdogra, 70 Kms away. From Bagdogra you can take a private taxi to reach Darjeeling. Public transportation such as shared jeeps are available as well, which could work out cheaper.

 

Here Are the Most Unusual Destinations for Experienced Nomads

Traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures and meeting lovely peculiar people are a big dream for most travellers, but only a few of us get to embark on such journeys. Experienced nomads are hardcore travel enthusiasts that brave the challenges of unknown countries and places all over the world. In this article, let’s look at some unusual destinations that an experienced nomad may not have been to yet, and should definitely visit.

1. Brazilian Pantanal

Considered as the world’s largest flooded grasslands or wetland, the Brazilian Pantanal would be a fascinating place for an experienced nomad to tackle and explore. These flooded fields are teeming with biodiversity. From cute capybaras to dangerous predators such as the caiman, this place will satiate that thirst for exploration in any experienced nomad.

You can explore the Brazilian Pantanal on a small cruise across the wetlands, seeing all the different unique fauna and flora along the way. Even though it gets fewer tourists than the famous Amazon forest, the Brazilian Pantanal is still a destination worth visiting at least once.

2. Armenia

Armenia is a beautiful country rich with history and culture. This destination is a must-visit for any nomad looking to experience one of the earliest Christian civilizations in the world. The city of Yerevan is an excellent start for any traveller looking to explore the wonders of Armenia on an adventure holiday of a lifetime. The capital of Armenia and its largest city, Yerevan is full of history waiting to be explored.

A private tour around the city and its surrounding areas is worth every second. The best trips around the city are during the day as it is also known as the City of Cafes. If you’re confused about where in Armenia you should visit, Yerevan is the place to go.

3. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia and has been a part of multiple great empires and civilizations over thousands of years as it lies on the crossroads of the ancient trading route named ‘The Silk Road’. This gorgeous country may not be the most popular tourist destination but it sure is worth visiting for an experienced nomad. While trekking in Kyrgyzstan, you can visit the second largest mountain lake in the world, Issyk Kul Lake. Go on picnics and hikes in the Ala Archa National Park as well. You can even visit the vast pasture plains of Song Kul Lake where native nomads graze their animals as they have been doing for centuries.

4. Azerbaijan

The wonderful fusion of medieval times and modernity, Azerbaijan is a destination any experienced nomad should visit at least once in their lives. The first destination one should explore while in Azerbaijan is its capital city, Baku. Baku is situated along the beautiful Caspian Sea and is famous for the medieval walled city of Cheri Seher which beautifully blends with the modern skyscrapers. Strolling through the city, you’ll experience thousands of years of history and culture all concentrated in one place.

5. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is one of the common bucket-list travel destinations and for good reasons too. If you’re an experienced nomad and haven’t been to the islands, then you have to step up your game. Located off the coast of Ecuador, this beautiful archipelago consists of 19 islands. Going on private rainforest cruises in a small cruiser is the best way to experience the islands and its unique endemic wildlife.

Conclusion:

So those are our top picks for unusual destinations for experienced nomads to visit. If you are one who hasn’t visited any of these places, do head out soon as these destinations are spellbinding and rich in unique culture and history.    

P.S.: This is a collaborative post 

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. You can check out some of the best kayak dry suits from  https://www.globosurfer.com/best-kayak-drysuits/.

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 Mimosa, Villa Danni, Villa Estella and Villa Amana.

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 Spirit of Dubrovnik 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.