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The Latest Travel News from the WorldEscape Community

Bangkok: More than just a stopover

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Bangkok is seen by many people as purely a stopover destination while en route to somewhere else in South East Asia or Australia. However, the city has so much to see and do that it’s easy to spend at least a week here. If you’re thinking of booking one of the cheap apartments, make sure that you reserve it for more than a couple of days; you won’t be disappointed!

The temples

Bangkok is packed with stunning and elaborate temples to visit. You can climb to the top of the tower in the Wat Arun temple to get marvelous views of the city or admire the impressive interior of the Wat Phra Kaeo temple. When you visit temples here, you must ensure that you wear respectful clothes and have your shoulders and knees covered.

Ko Kret Island

If you fancy escaping the city for the day, head to the island of Ko Kret. There are many food stalls and temples to explore, and the island is famous for its beautiful pottery.

Boat tours

There are various boat tours that you can fit into a break in Bangkok. For example, you can take a trip along the Chao Phraya River on one of the long-tail boats or try a tour of the Klongs, which are Bangkok’s small canals.

Shopping

Those who want to pick up some affordable gifts should visit the Chatuchak Market on a weekend. This is one of the biggest markets in the world. With more than 10,000 stalls, you’ll find everything, including souvenirs, clothes and food.

Enjoying Washington, D.C., on a budget

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Washington, D.C., is an amazing city to visit. It is steeped in history and American politics, with plenty of sights and attractions to keep you occupied. If you’re traveling on a budget, there is no need to worry about missing out on the highlights. Unlike many American cities, Washington, D.C., has an impressive number of free attractions, and there are many cheap apartments you can rent.

Washington’s monuments

Most of the city’s monuments have free entry and are open 24 hours a day. Visiting the monuments at night gives you the chance to experience them when they’re much quieter, and they look stunning when they’re lit up. The Lincoln Memorial is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, and you can enlist the help of the National Mall and Memorial parks app to avoid getting lost.

Arlington National Cemetery

A visit to this sprawling cemetery provides a poignant opportunity to reflect on the country’s history. At the cemetery, you can visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK’s grave.

Museums

The vast array of museums in the city could easily fill up your whole time there. If you just want to check out a few, find your favorites and get there early in the morning when it’s much quieter. Three of the most popular choices are:

  • The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where you can see the actual Apollo 11
  • The National Museum of Crime and Punishment, where you can pretend you’re a crime scene investigator or attempt to get out of jail.

 

 

Macau has more than just casinos

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Macau in China is regarded as the Las Vegas of the Far East. With 33 casinos to choose from, the city attracts gamblers from across the region and further afield. However, if you look away from the glitz and glamour of the casinos, Macau has plenty of other activities that highlight the local cultures.

Local cuisine

If you’re in search of some delicious food during your stay in one of Macau’s cheap apartments, you won’t have to look far. There are a number of local specialties, some of which go back to its time as a Portuguese colony, including Portuguese egg tarts. There is also the opportunity to taste great dim sum, Pork Chop buns, and durian ice cream.

Take a walk down Taipa Village

Taipa Village has a more rustic charm than other parts of Macau and benefits from its Chinese and Portuguese influences. Along the narrow alleys and streets, you’ll come across traditional shops. At night, its colorful facades are brought to life with lights. Here you’ll also find one of the city’s Chinese temples. There are other temples to explore, including the Ah Ma and Na Tcha Temples.

Admire Senado Square

This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Historic Center of Macau. The square features traditional Portuguese-style mosaics, and there is a stunning water fountain in the middle. A number of attractions worth visiting can be found close to the square, including the Holy House of Mercy, St Dominic’s Church, and the ruins of St Paul’s.

A few good reasons to visit Ibiza out of season

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The Spanish island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean is largely seen as a summer destination, when thousands of tourists flock there for the big club nights and warm weather. However, this doesn’t mean that the island shuts down outside of the main season. There is still plenty to see and do on the island during the winter months.

Still time for clubbing

Prices during the summer can rise considerably, so there should be a range of cheap apartments to choose from after October. If you still want to hit the dance floor, Pacha remains open on the weekend and has an amazing New Year’s Eve party. On Fridays, you can also dance the night away at Booom and Pikes Hotel, so you won’t be short of some Ibiza action.

Winter sun

You might not realize that the island gets 300 days of sunshine, and with temperatures still around 16oC, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather for sightseeing or relaxing on the many beaches.

What to see

These cooler months are ideal for renting a car and exploring the island. Ibiza Old Town has some beautiful architecture, and you can climb up to the cathedral and castle for some stunning views of the area. It’s also a fantastic time for walking or cycling. The island has miles of nature trails that take you through the lush forests and past lovely beaches. If you want to pick up some gifts, head to Las Dalias on Saturdays, which is a hippie market.

Why tourists shouldn’t overlook Chittagong

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Bangladesh attracts thousands of tourists every year, but the majority of them stick to the capital city of Dhaka. For those travelers who want to see a different side of the Asian country away from the dusty streets and old temples, Chittagong has much to offer the modern tourist.

Chittagong is a vibrant international port and Bangladesh’s second biggest city. It benefits from an ideal climate, glorious and long sandy beaches, areas of forests and green hills, and cheap apartments to rent. It has a completely different image from the one most people expect to find when they visit Bangladesh.

The Shaheed Zia Memorial Complex is one of the city’s major attractions. This modern center gives visitors the opportunity to view replicas of national monuments and landmarks, such as Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, and Gazipur’s Church of Saint Nicholas, alongside replicas of tribal homes, enabling them to learn more about the culture and heritage of the Bangladeshi people. They can also spend time in the stunning landscaped gardens or have fun in the amusement park, which features a carousel and Ferris wheel.

Other notable places that should be on your itinerary of Chittagong include the intricate buildings that make up the Qadam Mubarak and Shahi Jama-e-Masjid mosques and the Ethnological Museum, which highlights the tribal history of the country

Chittagong is undergoing huge changes at the moment that will see it develop into a tourist and commercial center to rival Dhaka.

Have a fun and safe time in Morocco

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Morocco has lots to offer the adventurous tourist, but many visitors can be put off by the worries they have over safety. If you’re planning to wander the medinas in Marrakech while staying in one of the city’s cheap apartments, how can you enjoy yourself and still stay safe?

Stay in groups at night

The busier and more well-lit areas of the city should be fine, but it’s still best to stay in groups after dark. Petty crime can be a problem if you’re not careful.

Don’t be a solo woman

Men in Morocco can give women by themselves attention that they don’t necessarily want. This is more manageable if you’re in a larger group, and it will seem less intimidating if you’re not alone.

Dress appropriately

As a Muslim country, Morocco has a conservative dress policy. Tourists are expected to follow this in order to avoid causing offense. It’s best to keep your legs, shoulders and arms covered, and you shouldn’t wear anything skimpy.

Keep valuables hidden

When you’re away from your accommodation, you should only take out the minimum amount of cash you need and leave the rest of it safely behind in your hotel or apartment. Keep any valuables hidden, and never take your passport with you when you’re going out around the city.

Don’t go with tour guides

The tour guides will try to entice tourists by saying that they don’t need to pay for their services. However, they will get you to pay in some way, such as by directing you to certain shops.

Edinburgh topless demo aims to “Free the Nipple”

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The Free The Nipple protest in Edinburgh was billed as a Royal Mile Topless Takeover, and a hundred people showed up in support of the right for women to go topless in public.

The demo was held along with similar events in 60 cities around the world as part of the 8th annual GoTopless Day.

With the city in the hold of the annual Fringe festival, comedian Samantha Pressdee from Darlastan in the West Midlands was one of those taking part.

“We all came together to celebrate equality,” she said of the movement, which aims to relax worldwide laws to allow women to go topless whenever they choose.

Criminal act

US actress, director, and activist Lina Esco started the Free the Nipple campaign as a protest against the fact that it is a criminal act for women to be publicly topless in 37 American states.

High-profile support has come from celebrity Miley Cyrus. The turnout in Edinburgh indicates that the idea is catching on with women around the world.

Sunbathing session

With Edinburgh full of visitors taking advantage of cheap apartments for Fringe, it is estimated that between 50 and 100 women took part in the actual demo, which ended with a two-hour topless sunbathing session outside St Giles’ Cathedral.

GoTopless spokeswoman Rachel Jessee commented: “It’s liberating and empowering for women to free their bodies from repression. Freeing nipples and bodies frees minds as well, restoring self-image and self-esteem.”

Rediscover yourself in Goa

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The Indian retreat of Goa has long been a destination for those who want to kick back and relax. This is the perfect time to book one of the area’s cheap apartments and see just what everyone loves about this place. If you want to get away from other tourists and enjoy an authentic Goan experience, here are some fantastic ways to do so.

Head to Chorao

This laid-back island can be reached by ferry from Pomburpa. It has a far more relaxed and local vibe than the main resorts in Goa, with an abundance of wildlife to observe.

Try fresh poi

Poi is the traditional bread of Goa, and it is particularly delicious when it’s eaten fresh from the oven. There is only one traditional bakery left in this region, and it’s worth a visit just to smell the aromas while you’re waiting for the bread to cook.

Get out on the open roads

If you want to explore more of the region, the road between Pomburpa and Panjim is definitely worth experiencing. You’ll go past open green meadows, grazing cattle, rice paddies, and locals fishing in the backwaters.

Celebrate like the locals

The Sao Joao festival in late June is a time for celebrations, and the Goan locals have their own way of doing this. An old tradition says that any of the men who are newly married have to jump into an irrigation well to recover the gifts that the villagers have thrown inside of it. If you happen to be visiting at this time, it is certainly an experience unlike any other.

Vacation in Los Angeles and discover the rare chaparral scenery

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If you want visit Los Angeles on a budget, consider booking your own accommodations online where you can find cheap apartments in a variety neighborhoods. A number of entertainment options in the City of Angels are free, giving you the opportunity to explore the city to the fullest.

Some of the top free visitor attractions that Los Angeles has to offer include:

  • A great place for the kids is the California Science Center, which is known for being very “hands-on”. It has an IMAX 3D theatre, excellent exhibitions and houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
  • The Getty Center is a must see for all lovers of visual art.
  • Why not take a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and get a real feel for the Los Angeles lifestyle?
  • If you feel like spotting a movie star or two, why not check out Rodeo Drive? For the more literal star gazers there’s the Griffith Observatory, where you can find out about the stars and planets in the night skies;
  • Check out the art neighborhoods in this busy city or stroll along Sunset Strip to absorb the sights and culture of Hollywood;
  • It goes without saying that you can shop ’til you drop in a variety of different LA neighborhoods, and you are sure to appreciate the vibrant cultural scene in and around the city;
  • If you enjoy hiking, running, or biking, check out the Runyon Canyon trails. You will find three entrances to this park, two on the south side and one on the northern end of the canyon. A variety of trails around the park provide opportunities to see the local landscape. Strategic observation points allow you to see for miles from some areas of the park. Some areas of the park allow off-leash dogs, so your hound can enjoy the exercise, too.

You will find luxury rentals, short term rentals, or cheap apartments offered in a number of Los Angeles neighborhoods, so why not head down to explore the wild chaparral to the utmost?

Iberia boosts links with Hungary

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Iberia, the Spanish national airline, is the latest major carrier to announce a service into Budapest Airport in Hungary. The flights will operate out of Madrid, providing ongoing connections to global destinations including South America.

The seasonal service between Madrid and Budapest will fly six times a week through October 22. Iberia’s A320s will cover the 1,977-kilometer route.

Hungary is a popular destination for Spanish tourists and offers great options for a city break or longer stay. With Madrid’s excellent international connections, it also makes the Hungarian capital more accessible to those from North and South America.

A city with two sides

Budapest is situated on the Danube Rover, which splits the city in two. Both sides have a range of cheap apartments that tourists can rent. The city has been influenced by more than 1,000 years of culture as well as the elements that remain from original settlers in the area.

The two sides of the city, Buda and Pest, have very different styles and characters. Buda is packed with medieval houses, Roman ruins, caves and museums, whereas Pest has a more vibrant atmosphere thanks to its eclectic mix of riverside promenades, bookstores, cafes, flea markets, and antique stores.

Whichever part of the city you choose to stay in will make a superb base for your vacation. There is always something a little bit unique about Budapest, and you never know what’s around the next corner.