I straighten my curly hair every morning…except for the summer I spent in Europe. I had remembered to pack my straightener, but I packed the wrong adapter.
Did you know that there are at least 12 different sockets in widespread use! It’s already tough enough to pack!
Continue to read how it all happened.
It was over four decades ago that the Beatles were at the top of their game. But, for some reason, their music transcends generations. And with the advent of The Beatles’ Rock Band, a whole new generation will likely be introduced to their music. Check out these real-world locations that were frequented by or connected to the Beatles:
Cavern Club, Liverpool - a replica of the club where the Fab Four played over 300 gigs, built from the bricks of the original building.
Abbey Road Crossing, London - the location of the crosswalk where the Abbey Road album cover was photographed.
The Royal Albert Hall, London - The Beatles played this venue numerous times, once even sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones.
Hamburg, Germany - The early Beatles honed their craft in this city.
Amsterdam Hilton, the Netherlands - The location of John Lennon’s and Yoko Ono’s first Be-In for Peace.
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal - The location of John and Yoko’s next Bed-In, and where the song, “Give Peace a Chance,” was recorded.
Strawberry Fields, Central Park, New York - A memorial to John Lennon.
Candlestick Park, San Francisco - August 29th, 1969 was the Beatles’ next-to-last concert at Candlestick Park.
Rishikesh, India - After a week long meditation course with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Wales, the boys followed him to his ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Savile Row/Apple Studios, London - Location of the Beatles’ final rooftop performance.
Learn more about John and Yoko’s Montreal Bed-In for Peace in this video:
Looking at a monument is like an historical study in itself: many of these structures and sculptures have survived for many years. Here is a list of ten monuments you should check out, if you get the chance:
Check out WatchMojo’s profile of the Washington Monument:
Castles inevitably have a rich history, and are therefore a great interest to travelers. Here is a list of some of Europe’s most important and beautiful castles:
Check out a few more of Austria’s castles in WatchMojo’s travel profile:
Here is a list of countries around the world that are most friendly to expats. The list is based on the ease with which relocators can make friends, join local groups and learn the local language. Check it out:
Every year, Mercer consulting compiles a list of the most desirable cities to live in worldwide, based on quality of life. This year, like last, Zurich, Switzerland took the top spot. The highest-ranking US city is Honolulu, Hawaii, coming in at #28. Check out the top twenty:
1. Zurich, Switzerland
2. Vienna, Austria
2. Geneva, Switzerland
4. Vancouver, Canada
5. Auckland, New Zealand
6. Dusseldorf, Germany
7. Munich, Germany
7. Frankfurt, Germany
9. Bern, Switzerland
10. Sydney, Australia
11. Copenhagen, Denmark
12. Wellington, New Zealand
13. Amsterdam, Netherlands
14. Brussels, Belgium
15. Toronto, Canada
16. Berlin, Germany
17. Melbourne, Australia
17. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
19. Ottawa, Canada
20. Stockholm, Sweden
Now open to the public, German tourist attraction “The World Stands on its Head” is, well, an upside-down house. Visitors will even find furniture inside, on the ceiling of course. The only part of the house that is right-side up is the staircase…
Check out more pictures of the unfinished house…
“In October 1999 National Geographic Traveler showcased 50 of the world’s top destinations, places that every curious traveler should visit in a lifetime. Now we’re expanding our Places of a Lifetime franchise online, with personal essays on top destinations and the addition of a wealth of timely service information, from insiders’ tips on the best places to stay and eat, to great books and music, to recommended walking tours. In our online Places of a Lifetime you’ll find both inspiration and practical travel tips, and we plan to add more great cities on a regular basis.” - National Geographic
As we all know, spring break isn’t just for college students anymore. It’s not just margaritas, clubs, and hanging out on the beach. Many families and young professionals are joining the annual trend of a post-winter break in the sun. Another trend? Many students are ditching a week of fun in the sun to spend their days volunteering in a foreign country.
Regardless of their reason or destination, thousands of “spring breakers” are preparing for their upcoming travels and Europ Assistance USA, providers of travel and related assistance services, wants to make sure they have safe and smooth trips.
From a reminder to behave yourself to advice on exchange rates to something simple as knowing how to phone home or call for help, Europ Assistance is offering tips and advice that will help any spring breaker … whether partying in Mexico, relaxing with family in Bermuda, or building houses in Panama.
Travel Tips Help Ensure Smart, Safe and Healthy Trips
WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - February 27, 2008) - Every year, millions of students participate in the annual rite of passage that is spring break. However, each year more families, young professionals, and other travelers join coeds in ditching the dreary days of winter for a week of fun in the sun, a cross-country road trip or giving their time on community service-based trips. As Americans prepare for their travels, Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, offers the following tips to ensure smooth spring break trips.
1. Do your Homework. Find out whether you will need to have a passport or visa to travel to your destination. The U.S. Department of State website ( http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/safety/safety_2836.html )provides this information. Get background information about where you are going by visiting the CIA Factbook site (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html), which features overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world.
2. It’s All About the Benjamins. Read up on exchange rates and make sure you know how much you are really paying for your purchases. Contact your bank and credit card companies with your itinerary so they know to authorize payments. You may also want to ask them about ATMs and getting the best exchange rates.
3. Get to Know the Phone. Learn how to make phone calls from your destination, whether you are in an emergency or just to check back with friends and family at home.
4. Share Your Plan. Make sure to leave copies of your itineraries and passports with family members at home. If you should lose your passport or luggage, having additional copies of these important documents can help you get out of a jam.
5. Lock it Up. Once at your destination, make sure to secure your personal documents. Take advantage of in-room or front-desk safes by locking up passports, credit cards, and other important documents and valuable.
6. Speak the Language. If you have food allergies, be sure to write down how to say those foods in the language spoken in the country you are visiting. It is amazing how people can communicate without speaking the same language, but if your throat swells after eating shellfish, you may want to learn how to say shrimp in Spanish.
7. Empty Your Wallet. Avoid carrying excessive amounts of money and multiple credit cards and make sure to have a back-up credit card. If you become a victim of theft or lose your card, you won’t be stuck without money. When you return home, make sure to check your statements to ensure safe transactions occurred.
8. Get Covered. Check with your health insurance company to see what medical coverage you have in your destination country. Make sure to get the necessary vaccinations if there are country specific health warnings where you are visiting. Avoid illness by visiting your health care provider 4-6 weeks ahead of time, following his or her recommendations for preparation and treatment in the case of sickness.
9. Look Both Ways. Too many spring breakers are hurt or injured each year while vacationing. Make sure to set and follow personal rules for safety: always travel with at least one other person, limit exposure of valuables including jewelry, avoid excessive drinking, and beware of unmarked taxis or other public transportation.
10. Behave Yourself. For Real. Respect local customs, establishments and people and remember that spring break is an excuse to relax, not to act inappropriate. Many countries have different laws regarding public safety, water safety, and violations of law, so make sure you know these rules before visiting. If you find yourself in trouble, contact the closest U.S. Consulate.
“Expect the unexpected couldn’t ring more true when it comes to travel, especially during spring break when spirits are high and often carefree,” said Europ Assistance CEO Guillaume Deybach. “Lost passports, sudden illness, or unforeseen expenses can turn a dream vacation south. By taking precautions to ensure our safety and well-being we can, perhaps, achieve peace of mind when it’s most desired.”
NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced its list of the top ten converted hotels in Europe, as determined by TripAdvisor travelers and editors. These unconventional buildings have been wonderfully converted into hotels, retaining the spirit of the original structure, while offering luxurious accommodations and modern amenities.
1. Watershed Moment: Hotel Im Wasserturm, Cologne, Germany - Average Nightly Rate: $341
A former aquatic hub, the unique Hotel Im Wasserturm was the largest water tower in Europe before its conversion to a hotel in 1990. Enjoy the hotel’s beautiful and chic interior design and continue the liquid tradition by sipping a drink at La Vision, located on the circular brick tower’s roof terrace. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This is a designer’s dream of a hotel, well thought out and very cleverly built from a water tower with lots of design touches from the bottom to the top!”
2. Palace Props: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary - Average Nightly Rate: $437
Sleep like a king at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a former Art Nouveau palace restored to its original magnificence in 2004 and adorned with exquisite gold mosaic tiles. Sashay down the grandiose stairwells, peer at the stained-glass windows or have a drink below the cupola, all while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Danube. As one TripAdvisor traveler described, “The Four Seasons Gresham Palace is truly a palace. From the grand foyer, to the luxurious rooms and personalized service, this hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at.”
3. Curtain Call: K+K Hotel Central, Prague, Czech Republic - Average Nightly Rate: $233
Steal the limelight by staying at K+K Hotel Central, an historic Art Nouveau building and cabaret before its conversion in 2004. Enjoy the hotel’s theatrical elements, including glass elevators, ornate staircase and show-stopping breakfast room, converted from a theater, with a high ceiling and views of the old balconies. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The building has been restored to its former glory. As soon as you enter reception you know it’s a high quality hotel.”
4. Medieval Times: Chateau de Trigance, Trigance, France - Average Nightly Rate: $168
Step back in time at Chateau de Trigance, a former XI medieval fortress (converted in 1961) perched on a rock, towering over the village of Trigance in the South of France. Dine at the candle-lit restaurant, with ancient arched artillery-filled rooms before returning to your stone-walled accommodation, decked with antique furniture and medieval tapestry. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This is an extraordinary place - an atmospheric little restored castle ringed by stunning mountains. Sip kir on the terrace or have breakfast on the battlements.”
5. Guiding Light: The Lighthouse, Llandudno, North Wales - Average Nightly Rate: $150 (per person)
Follow the glow to The Lighthouse, built of Canadian pine and limestone, once a beacon for mariners until 1985. The Victorian dining room, facing the north, overlooks a 100 meter vertical drop and serves a renowned traditional Welsh breakfast. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “It was a unique experience amidst dramatic scenery with the most welcoming hosts you can imagine. This was more of a dream than reality.”
6. Bank On It: Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, England - Average Nightly Rate: $466
Invest in the Old Bank Hotel, converted in 1999 from what was Oxford’s first bank. In contrast to the traditional 18th century facade, the interior favors a modern style with a chic lobby, 20th century British art and bedrooms with silk linens, chenille headboards and suede sofas. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The Old Bank is a small and intimate delight in a stunning location. We were very well treated by the staff and enjoyed the lively sense of humor of the head porter.”
7. Pulitzer Prize: Hotel Pulitzer, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Average Nightly Rate: $440
Cruise up to the jetty at the Hotel Pulitzer, comprised of 25 adjoining 17th and 18th century canal houses, renovated in 2000 and located on the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. The hotel features unique Dutch-influenced rooms, a cigar lounge, and for art lovers, its own modern art gallery. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The hotel lies along a grand canal in a beautiful and historic Amsterdam neighborhood. Everything about it is five stars; especially the service, elegant and comfortable rooms, and food.”
8. The Big Krolewski: Krolewski Hotel, Gdansk, Poland - Average Nightly Rate: $132
Once producing a staple of Gdansk’s economy, the Krolewski is located in one of 30 former granaries, opening as a hotel in 2000. On the edge of the Motlawa River in northern Poland, the Krolewski is a stunning building with 30 rooms that seamlessly integrate the granary’s architectural features into elegant suites. As one TripAdvisor traveler described, “An excellent hotel, beautifully converted from an old granary building, with amazing attention to detail, a friendly staff, and top notch restaurant.”
9. Lock Me Up: Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden - Average Nightly Rate: $179
Serve a voluntary sentence at the Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, once Sweden’s biggest prison before its conversion in 1989. Stay in one of the former “cells,” now furnished, eat in the cafeteria, offering 24-hour service, and grab your room key, which will make you feel like a guest rather than an inmate. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This hotel is an absolute delight! The old prison has just barely been transformed into a hotel. At the front desk we didn’t check in we were ’sentenced.’”
10. Monastery Mojo: Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic - Average Nightly Rate: $426
Find inner peace at the Mandarin Oriental, Prague, a 14th century Dominican monastery before its conversion in 2006. Dine at the five-room Essentia restaurant below vaulted ceilings or appreciate the view of the city’s historical buildings and rooftops, featured in many of the rooms. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Built in a renovated monastery, the hotel keeps a lot of the old and impressive design in the common areas. However, you still feel you are in a top-of-the-line modern hotel.”
“With such a deep and rich history of architecture, Europe is a natural breeding ground for elegantly converted hotels,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “From former lighthouses to theatres to water towers, these conversions offer something unique for every kind of traveler, but are consistent in that they all receive high marks from TripAdvisor travelers.”
Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 280,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com)
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