Category Archives: JETSETTER TIPS

Weekend Winter Getaways to the Caribbean

The sun-kissed latitudes of the tropics may seem further and further away as the winter days get darker and colder, but in our shrinking world a sunny weekend getaway is never as far as you think.

Most of us weather the winter months believing that a quick rejuvenating jaunt somewhere warm is too distant, too expensive, or just plain out of reach. This was probably true even just five years ago; but in the meantime we’ve transitioned into a new era of travel, in which we’re all walking around with a pocketful of travel-hacking apps, and dramatically dropping airfares implore us to board a plane and soak up the sun stat.

If the thought of a romantic winter getaway gives you the chills, turn your wanderlusting gaze south to look at the Caribbean.

For under $300 round-trip, you can get from most major US airports to the Caribbean and back. You can go budget backpacker style, sleeping in a hostel and grazing on street food while you wander the streets of a new destination, or you can use the extra room in your budget to splurge on the star treatment.

However you spend your winter escape, try it out in one of these four affordable, easily reachable, and gloriously tropical Caribbean destinations.

Cancun

cancun

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula sort of reaches out into the Gulf towards Florida, and if you look hard enough and squint, it’s almost like Mexico is curling its index finger in a “come here” gesture inviting you down for a weekend out of the snow.

A classic destination for American winterbirds, Cancun is easily reachable, reasonably priced, and most importantly, never runs out of sunshine. Get packed for your beach vacation and spend a long weekend lounging on Playa Delfines near the Iberostar Cancun resort, or pop down to Playa del Carmen and set up shop at one of the dozens of hostels within walking distance of the sand. If you’ve got a roomier schedule, make an adventurous day trip down to the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

Cheapest departure airports: Miami, Dallas, Detroit, NYC, Chicago

Low-cost carriers with service to Cancun: Jetblue, Frontier, Spirit, Virgin America, Southwest

Havana

winter weekend getaways

Once illegal for US citizens, travel to Cuba sailed past off-the-beaten-path hipster destination and almost immediately exploded into the travel mainstream in the last couple of years. And at just over 200 miles from Miami, it’s one of the closest and most inviting places to spend a weekend thawing out and stocking up on some much-needed vitamin D.

The Cuban capital of Havana has become exceedingly easy to reach by plane or cruise in recent years, but there’s also more to the Caribbean’s largest island than the tourist districts of historic Havana Vieja. Treat yourself to a café cubano upon arrival and then shove on to the best beaches in Baracoa or Varadero. Once you’ve seen enough of the main island, take a boat across the narrow straits to idyllic Isla de Juventud, where you can go diving or keep it simple sipping cocktails in your lounge chair.

Cheapest departure airports: Miami, Orlando, NYC, Boston

Low-cost carriers with service to Havana: Jetblue, Spirit, Frontier

Cartagena

weekend winter getaways

Far from the street art of Bogotá, Cartagena is Colombia’s vivid and vibrant tourist outpost on the Caribbean; and despite being all the way on the other side of the sea, it’s one of December’s cheapest sunny getaways.

Spend your days walking under nonstop sunshine, walking between and upon the city walls and taking in the Spanish colonial architecture of the historic city center. You can walk up the Bocagrande peninsula to catch some rays by the beach, but the better choice is an hour south on Playa Blanca, where a couple dollars will rent you an overnight hammock just steps away from the aquamarine waves rushing up out of the Caribbean Sea.

Cheapest departure airports: Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, NYC

Low-cost carriers with service to Cartagena: Spirit, Avianca, Jetblue

The Florida Keys

weekend winter getaways

Sometimes the depth of winter makes you feel like you’re stuck in a frigid world somewhere far from the center of the solar system, but actually you don’t even have to leave the country to feel the heat of the sun again.

The Florida Keys are home to some of the best beaches in the Sunshine State. You can fly into Key West and spend your weekend flip-flopping around the historic district under the shade of palm trees, or visit any of the quieter yet oh-so-splendidly-sunny keys leading back up to Miami. Islamorada and Key Largo are popular among Floridians, but all that really matters is that you enjoy fresh conch fritters and a proper key lime pie while you’re there.

You’ll be able to fly into Key West from New Orleans, Charleston, and Atlanta, as well as other major Florida airports, for around $300 round trip; but you’ll do better by finding a cheap flight to Miami from anywhere in the country and busing or boating the rest of the way.

You can reach either Key West or Miami at a reasonable price from most major US cities and carriers.

7 of the World’s Most Beautiful Theatres

Walking into a theatre is to step into a land of fairytales. For centuries they’ve been places where stories come alive, discoveries are made and dreams come true. So it’s no wonder that the theatres themselves are works of art. From expressionist marvels to open-air masterpieces, here are seven of the world’s most beautiful theatres, all of them sure to inspire.

 

Fox Theatre, United States

The Detroit theatre conjures Gatsby vibes and speakeasy glamour. Not surprising considering the 5,048-seat theatre was built in the 1920s and is the United State’s largest surviving movie palace of that time. The theatre was fully restored in the 1980s which earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it hosts musicals, comedians, singers, and a variety of children’s programs.

detroit theater
Photo: gab482 on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Minack Theatre, United Kingdom

Try not to get so distracted by the views at Minack Theatre that you miss the actual show. Located in Cornwall on England’s southernmost tip, Minack was built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It’s a breathtaking setting where the views of the landscape are more than worth the trip to see the landmark.  Because the theatre is open to the elements the theatre season only runs May through September.

minack theater
Minack Theater | Photo: itinerant librarian on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Greece

Step into history at this Greek open-air theatre. Located in the southwest part of the Acropolis, Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the oldest entertainment venues in the world, dating back to at least 174 AD. It was commissioned by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife and the stone theatre structure continues to host acts, mainly musical, to this day.

Odeon of Herodes
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens | Photo: Tom Doel on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Palau de la Musica Catalana, Spain

Barcelona’s Palau de La Musica Catalana is an art nouveau-styled masterpiece. Stained glass, tiled mosaics, and marble sculptures fill the venue that was built for a Catalan choral society in the early 1900s. In 1997, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. If you go, it’s musical performances you’ll be listening to including symphonies, jazz, and Catalan.

Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana | Photo: Alessandro Gruss on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Teatro Amazonas, Brazil

It look nearly 20 years to complete the Teatro Amazonas in Brazil. The opulent structure had everything from Italian marble to the walls of British steel to the roof tiles and furniture from France shipped to the middle of the rainforest. Inside, Italian painter Domenico de Angelis decorated the Renaissance-style theatre, which is home today to the Amazonas Philharmonic and the annual Amazonas Opera Festival.

amazon theater
Photo: Rob on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

The Winter Garden Theatre, Canada

You’re meant to feel as though you’ve stepped into a garden upon entering The Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto. Flowers, trees and plantings have been handpainted on the walls and beech boughs hang from the ceiling. Originally opened in 1914, the theatre fell into disrepair and was shuttered for decades. The Ontario Heritage Trust restored the property in 1987 and has been a favorite of theatre-goers around the world ever since.

winter garden theater
Photo: Jackman Chiu on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

United Palace Theatre, New York

There’s no shortage of beautiful theatres in Manhattan but the one that often goes unnoticed is United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights. Walk inside and you won’t be able to stop looking at the painted ceiling or the lavish details on the walls. Architect Thomas W. Lamb built it as a movie palace in the 1930s. Today it is part church, part nonprofit cultural center, and part music venue.

In awe of this theatre

A photo posted by Bree Shirvell (@breeshirvell) on

Thanksgiving Travel Hacks: 3 Detours to Steer Clear of Traffic Jams

It’s that time of year again: The busiest and most backed-up travel day of the year is almost upon us. What’s meant to be a mid-season break full of fall fashion and family time can easily devolve into a stressed-out mess where you expend all your energy crawling one stoplight at a time toward the interstate onramp.

Let’s skip all that this year. Instead, transform your holiday transportation nightmare into a revitalizing Thanksgiving weekend mini-vacation.

Pick somewhere to watch the fall leaves turn colors on your way home or back, inject a dose of mindfulness to shift your mindset from one of fulfilling obligations to one of adventure, and avoid the seasonal crowds with one of these three alternative approaches to Thanksgiving travel.

Coast Home in the Carpool Lane

thanksgiving travel hacks

Creepy anonymous Craigslist rideshares are a thing of the past, one thing you should be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Nowadays there are plenty of apps and websites to choose from that’ll get you there and back safely and affordably, and let you meet other adventurous travelers on the way.

Zimride is one of the most popular rideshare platforms. Whether you use it online or in app form, you’ll log in with Facebook and connect to other drivers and passengers who study at your university, work at your company, or have mutual Facebook friends, removing the anonymity that turns off many would-be carpoolers. Other apps and sites like Hitch-A-Ride and Carpool World will offer a few more options.

Moreover, try to approach the platforms with a sense of adventure. Do you see a friendly-looking driver headed to a cool historic town close enough to home that a short train connection or Mom’s shuttle service can get you the rest of the way? Send her a message and take it from there.

Take a Trans-American Train Trip

thanksgiving travel hacks

What ever happened to traveling by train in the US? You don’t have to go to Europe for a tranquil tour of the countryside, and it’s a great way to add a dose of novelty to your Thanksgiving commute.

Train travel at the start of the holiday season has picked up so much that Amtrak is even offering extra holiday service in the Great Lakes area — good news for Chicago-dwelling yuppies heading back home to the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or New England. Whether you live on the East coast, the West coast, or somewhere in between, there’s probably an Amtrak station close to home, and the national train service has quite a few deals to be thankful for this time of year.

Doing some research before booking your itinerary can save you enough money to fit in an extra day trip on your way home or back. Amtrak Smart Fares are available every week, and you can use them to score a 30% discount on tickets booked the week before you leave. Additionally, students, military personnel and families, veterans and more are eligible discounts everyday, be it a holiday weekend or a spontaneous mid-week jaunt.

For more deals, browse by region and find an itinerary that fits your holiday travel plans.

Skip the Checked Baggage, Opt for a Budget Airline

airport baggage

If home is too far for the carpool lane or the train car, it’s time to take advantage of the explosive growth in discount airlines in recent years that have revolutionized air travel in the US.

Frontier, and JetBlue, and Southwest are some of the most popular, and you can board your flight on all three airlines with a free piece of carry-on luggage big enough to get you through the weekend and then some.

Check Fare Compare to see different airlines’ baggage policies, and take an extra minute to check against the individual airline’s website to make sure the policy is up to date.

And if discount sounds too discount for you, there are other smart ways to bypass baggage fees and still fly home and back in style. Just remember, checking a bag will usually mean one more line to wait in on either end of your trip, so spend a little time training yourself in the art of packing light no matter who you fly with this Thanksgiving.

Traveling Light: 11 Tips to Pack Efficiently

Whether you’re flying across the country for a backpacking trip, or planning a scenic drive to a nearby state, effectively packing is essential to saving both time and money. There a several foolproof ways to condense the clutter and ensure an effortless trip by traveling light. Use these tips before packing next time to enjoy a more organized adventure free of checked bags and lost luggage.

Bring only essential toiletries

Most likely, it’s not absolutely necessary to tote that primer, concealer, bronzer, moisturizer, lip liner, and eyebrow pen. Especially if your trip involves a lot of outdoor activities, stick to the bare minimums such as face wash, dry shampoo, chapstick, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. Makeup essentials like mascara and liquid eyeliner usually fit easily with a quick game of Tetris. Remember, if you’re staying in a hotel, they’ll almost always have whatever you need.

toiletries hotel

Roll your clothes

You’d be amazed how much fits in a carry-on bag with a little maneuvering. Tightly rolling or folding clothes optimizes space. If you’re curious, there’s a whole culture of light packers on Youtube that can tutor you on the easiest ways to condense enough for even a long-term backpacking trip.

Wear bulkiest shoes on the way

Obviously, wearing your Danner’s hiking boots on the plane may not be the most comfortable experience given the ever-shrinking legroom in economy seating, but packing your flats or flip flops will free up enough room to make it worth the trouble.

boots airport

Layer clothes

Wearing your biggest sweater over a tank and t-shirt during transit can free up a lot of space and come in handy when the plane is set at 55 degrees during the journey. This works with socks and leggings too.

waiting at airport tablet

Freshen and reuse clothes

Packing only one or two pairs of pants can be intimidating unless you bring a travel-size container of laundry detergent in case of emergency. Usually, though, two pairs of jeans will be sufficient for a short-term trip. Some even argue that the less often you wash your jeans, the better they’ll fit.

ripped jeans sneakers

Treat purses and bags like Russian nesting dolls

Most planes allow you one carry-on bag and a personal item such as a purse, but if you want variety, throw a few wallet-sized purses in your carry-on or larger purse.

purse

Invest in a sturdy backpack

You probably don’t want to grievously cradle your backpack like an infant through a foreign airport after the zipper busts, spilling souvenirs everywhere. Invest in a reliable daypack or backpack that’ll serve you once you get to your destination too, preferably one with a drawstring.

woman airport backpack

Pack solid colors

Packing universal colors, like navy and black, limits how many outfits you need to bring. Pack durable tops that’ll go with anything, including jewelry.

black and white outfit

Limit technology wherever possible

If you’re bringing a DSLR camera, limit yourself to one battery, charger, and essential lenses. Use your smartphone for things like clocks, compasses, and weather maps. Make sure to bring a portable charger for this reason.

electronics

Take advantage of pockets

Don’t be afraid to stuff that pair of socks in a side pocket. It might seem counterintuitive to the order of things, but utilizing space efficiently sometimes means getting creative.

Use Spacemaker bags

For longer trips, using vacuum storage bags to pack bulky sweaters and jackets frees up significant space for other necessities.
suitcases airport

How to Move to Europe: 4 Affordable Ways to Make it Happen

Summer vacations and Euro-tripping gap years were once a thing reserved for the country club class, but today we can see the world on practically any budget.

And that comes with its consequences.

Whereas a generation ago we dreamed of training our way from Madrid to Munich or making a two-week tour of the continent’s most gorgeous castles, today an annual vacation no longer seems like enough. Moving abroad is our new collective cultural daydream, but it’s not the unaffordable fantasy most of us write it off as.

There are more ways to move to Europe for a year or two than there are countries on the crowded continent, and among those are several realistic, affordable options for Average Jane and Joe. If you’re wondering how to move to Europe, here are four possibilities.

moving to europe

Move to Europe as an Au Pair

If you thought Mary Poppins had a good gig, you’ll be glad to know that most European countries have a special visa designed for you to follow in her footsteps.

Au pairs are still popular in the suburbs of Western and Southern Europe, where young ladies and lads spend a year living with a host family, helping take care of the kids, and usually helping them learn your language as well.

In exchange for part-time help around the house, you’ll usually get not only room and board, but also a weekly spending allowance that differs depending on the country and your arrangement. That means you’ll have both time and money for gallivanting about your new city or weekend tripping to explore the countryside.

Becoming an au pair differs by country, and choosing the right agency will be key to a positive experience.

Get Your Master’s Degree at an Affordable European University

One of the popular myths about pursuing a graduate degree abroad is that it’ll bury you in debt.

In truth, pursuing your Master’s or PhD at a European university will often save you thousands annually versus American universities. Some places, you can even get your degree for free.

Master’s degrees tend to last one year in many parts of Europe, and more and more programs are being offered in English. Even in countries like the Netherlands that charge hefty tuition fees for non-EU enrollees, you’ll often find generous grant and scholarship opportunities that cover your tuition and sometimes even grant a small living allowance as well.

Go get that last bit of higher education you’ve been thinking about for years. Live off savings, teach some English classes on the side, or jump on the remote work bandwagon and earn money online while deepening your knowledge of a professional field and a foreign culture.

living in europe

Take a European Working Holiday

A working holiday is a particular kind of visa that allows travelers to stay longer than normally permitted by a tourist visa and engage in some part-time or temporary work along the way. It’s one of the best ways to not only replenish your bank account without ending your trip, but also to learn more about local culture by working in and interacting with a community.

Each country has its own working holiday policy and only offers the visa to citizens of specific other countries. For American citizens, Ireland is the only European country with a working holiday opportunity, but holders of Canadian and Australian passports will enjoy more opportunities to choose from.

For an exhaustive guide to which countries offer you a working holiday visa and under what conditions, check Global Goose.

Volunteer Your Way Across the Continent

You don’t have to be fresh out of high school or college to strap on a backpack and take a gap year. If you can’t stand the thought of limiting yourself to a small handful of cities or a couple of countries, consider scrapping the job offers and study schedules and volunteer your way across Europe.

Sites like Workaway and HelpX exist to connect travelers to volunteer opportunities in exchange for room and board. You can find work in a hostel in one of the best hostelling cities, work on conservation projects, spend a few weeks as a live-in language partner, or find a longer-term sustainable volunteer project to slow down and make an impact.

france

Most travelers’ Schengen visa will only permit 90 days in continental Europe, but a few hacks like an extended trip to the Balkans or the British Isles can make for an easy work-around.

These four methods are easy ways to get your foot in the door for a year, but the opportunities don’t end there. After your first year as an expat flies by, you may find you’re addicted to life abroad.

Once you’re halfway through your year as an au pair, student, working traveler, or volunteering backpacker, check sites like Expatica for detailed guides to visas, work permits, and turning your long-term vacation into a lifestyle.

The Best Artisan Desserts in LA

Los Angeles has some of the best sweet treats in the country, and with warm weather year round, you’ll never run out of reasons to eat ice cream. From macaron ice cream sandwiches to maple bacon donuts to homemade pop tarts, you can find it in LA and it’s guaranteed delicious.

You couldn’t taste all the delicious sweet treats in LA even if you tried, but you may as well! Here are a few to get you started.

Ice Cream – Salt and Straw

This small batch, artisanal sweet cream shop on Abbott Kinney is always packed, no matter the weather or time of day.

Drool over flavor combinations like their cult favorite, honey lavender, for which they steep two pounds of lavender flowers in honey and cream, bringing out a deep, almost smoky lavender color and then add a sweet touch of honey.

Salt & Straw
Image courtesy of Salt & Straw

For the more adventurous, try black olive brittle and goat cheese. They create a sticky olive candy using diverse olive oils and combine it with a “funky” goat cheese ice cream.

Salt & Straw
Image courtesy of Salt & Straw

 

Donuts – Sidecar Doughnuts

No matter your pleasure, sweet or savory, you can get your fix at Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica. These donuts are made fresh all day every day and, without the use of preservatives, they’re recommended to be consumed within an hour of purchasing.

They feature flavors like huckleberry, with a berry pink icing and bits of berry baked inside the warm dough. Another favorite is maple bacon, a gooey donut covered in maple icing with chunks of candied bacon on top.

As an extra treat, you can see the chefs pouring the glaze and frying the donuts right in front of you.

 

Cookies – Milkjar Cookies

In addition to being an absolutely adorable venue, with cookies served on pretty china and drinks in mason jars with paper straws, this place has some of the best cookies in LA.

Milkjar Cookies
Image courtesy of Milkjar Cookies

Banana split, birthday cookie, mint chocolate, white chocolate chip macadamia, lemon blueberry; whatever you pick, you really can’t go wrong. Every cookie has a nice, crispy crunch on the outside but is warm and soft inside like a cookie should be.

Milkjar Cookies
Image courtesy of Milkjar Cookies

Wash your tasty morsel down with a big glass of milk or go all out and add ice cream.

 

Cakes & Pies – Cake Monkey Bakery

This place will bring you back to your childhood, serving up adult versions of ding dongs and whoopie pies and other confections. Their pies are delicious as well and come in single serving flavors such as cider roasted apple pie in a double cheddar crust. Yum!

Image courtesy of Cake Monkey
Image courtesy of Cake Monkey

Try some of the retro treats like their homemade Poptarts, filled with your choice of brown sugar cinnamon, blueberry crumble, apple, or chocolate almond.

Be sure not to miss the cult favorite; the summer Camp Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is made with caramelized Rice Krispies and marshmallow. Delish!

cake monkey
Image courtesy of Cake Monkey

 

Cupcakes – Sprinkles Cupcakes

This place is practically an LA landmark and often has a line out the door. The cupcakes are made fresh daily and have the perfect frosting to cake ratio, with neither being too sweet but just sweet enough.

sprinkles cupcakes
Image courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes

The cupcakes are rich in flavor, hitting the sweet spot after eating just one. Sprinkles offers classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous you can find your perfect cupcake in flavors like green tea with lavender frosting, ginger lemon, or vanilla peppermint. Get your dog a pupcake too!

 

Ice Cream Sandwiches – Milk

Milk takes ice cream sandwiches to the next level, and stuffs homemade ice cream between their giant macarons and dips them in melted chocolate and toppings.

The macarons give the ice cream sandwich a satisfying crunch, with a chewy bite inside. The ice cream is served at the perfect level of “meltiness” so that it doesn’t get all over your hands and isn’t too cold to taste.

Strawberry shortcake bar from Milk
Strawberry shortcake bar from Milk | Image via L.A. Foodie on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Explore flavors like thai tea, coffee toffee, fruity pebbles, strawberry with white chocolate, or matcha green tea macaron ice cream sandwiches. Milk has other goodies, but this is what they’re known for and best at.

6657633593_185e8a4716_o
Rocky Road ice cream sandwich from MILK | Image via Larry on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

10 Must-Visit Cities for Summer Sweets

 

Nothing is more synonymous with summer than sweets. Twisted soft serve in a cone topped with rainbow sprinkles, shaved iced decked out with handmade syrups, fried rolls full of cool, creamy delights. They may look and taste different depending on where in the world you are but they all have one thing in the common; the ability to put a smile on a face whether you’re 9 or 99.

From Bangkok to New Orleans and everywhere in between we rounded up the desserts of summer you’ll want to travel for.

 

Palawan, Philippines

Hidden off the beaten traveler’s path, Palawan is the stuff of dreams. Small fishing villages, turquoise waters and sandy beaches, jungles full of wildlife. It’s no wonder Travel + Leisure keeps putting Palawan on its must-visit list. And when you’re lounging on the beach you’ll order Halo-Halo. It’s basically everything sweet in a jar. The name actually means “mixed together.” There’s shaved ice, syrup, ice cream, custard and some sweet toppings.

halo-halo
Halo-halo | Photo via lalaine22shoots on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Visit:  Noki Nocs Savory House, Tita Esh

 

Portland, Oregon

It should come as no surprise that America’s locavore capital is serious about its ice cream. Known for food trucks and local brews, Portland has upped its ice cream skills in recent years. You’ll find spots offering up ice cream flights of six tastings for when it’s just impossible to choose between scoops filled with a variety of local ingredients including strawberries and microbrews.

ice cream

Visit: Salty Sow, Ruby’s Jewel.

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With all eyes turned to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games it’s only natural to include the city in a list of must-visit places for summer desserts.  Especially, when you consider that the typical Rio dessert of summer is actually something you can eat for breakfast, lunch or just as a snack. You know it as an açaí bowl, (Açaí na tigela). It’s made of frozen, mashed açaí, served in a bowl or as smoothie and topped with tapioca, or granola and banana.

acai bowl
Acai bowl

Visit: Bibi Sucos

 

New Delhi, India

Apologizes to the ice cream fans but once you’ve had Kulfi you’ll never really be satisfied with your beachside favorite again. India’s version of ice cream is creamy, dense and designed to melt slowly. Grab a cup, mango is one of the most popular flavors, and wander around historic Old Delhi, take in the Jama Masjid Mosque and shop at Chandni Chowk.

Girls having Faluda Kulfi
Girls having Faluda Kulfi

Visit: Kuremal Mahavir Prasad Kulfiwale, Giani

 

New Orleans, Louisiana 

The Crescent City is bursting with history, music and food. So much so, it could take a lifetime to try all of New Orleans’s delights. Bananas Foster was invented here, Antonine’s Baked Alaska is famous, but if you only indulge in one sweet during your trip make it the Sno-Balls. Don’t mistake their traditional dessert of summer as a snow cone.  Sno-balls, are made of shaved ice not crushed or ground, which New Orleanians believe makes the handmade syrup soak in better.

new orleans sno-ball
New Orleans Spearmint Sno Ball with condensed milk | Photo via Aromas on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Visit: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz.

 

Rome, Italy

Multiple gelato shops on each block make Rome, one of the best cities for something cold and sweet. Denser and more intense than American ice cream you’ll find a gelato flavor for every type of sweet lover in the Italian capital. Stick to the traditional in a cup or opt for something more indulgent like a gelato panini, a warm brioche filled with gelato, or affogato—a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato–additional shot of coffee liqueur optional, but recommended.

gelato
Case of various gelato flavors

Visit: Ciampini

 

New York, New York

Many turn their back on New York City during the summer choosing sand over sidewalk, but minimal crowds make the summer one of the best times to visit the city that never sleeps.  Especially if you’re a lover of frozen desserts. Want a Blueberry Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich? A Tangerine Granita? What about gelato or the Philippines’s halo-halo? In addition to homegrown ice cream boutiques where you can grab an old-school scoop or a classic sundae, NYC is home to shops serving the world’s hottest dessert trends.

Irish Coffee Milkshake Shot 3
Image courtesy of Vandal

Visit: Vandal, Stanton Social, Patisserie by Francois Payard

 

Bangkok, Thailand

For street food lovers Bangkok is paradise. Around every corner is a new vendor and the food is as unique as the city’s districts. In the green area you’ll find some of the oldest markets selling traditional Thai food while the Victory Monument area has a plethora of modern options. But one thing you’ll find almost everywhere is stir-fried ice cream. As you watch a vendor pours milk onto an ice gold grill, adding in flavors of your choice such as green tea, coffee, chocolate, and fruit and mixing it until rolls form at which point you can add more toppings.

thai woman holding ice cream

Visit: Any vendor selling it that has a line.

 

Paris, France

Much like New York, Paris empties in the summer and while there is never a bad time to visit the City of Light, in the summer you’ll find it a little calmer. It’s the ideal time to wander the streets, take in the sights while window shopping and sample the many many delicious sweets. There’s the ultimate profiterole, an ice cream sandwich with pastry and chocolate sauce, the classic cream puff and of course you can never go wrong with macaroons with ice cream centers.

profiteroles
Profiteroles | Photo via Edward Kimber on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Visit: Profiterole Chéri, Amorino

 

5 Vacation Swaps to Avoid the Crowds this August

Vacationing at the end of the summer can sometimes mean being stuck in a crowd of other August travelers trying to squeeze in a trip before the season is over. Instead of picking a stereotypical summertime hot spot, consider some of these  alternatives that are less crowded with tourists this time of year, including winter destinations that offer discounted deals in the summer months, small cities that lie in the shadows of larger neighboring locales, and spots that are simply too gorgeous to overlook.

Here are five alternatives to popular summer destinations for a unique, uncrowded, and memorable vacation.

 

Popular vacation destination: New York City

Amazing alternative: Providence

If you want to visit the east coast, why not try Rhode Island’s capital? Unlike NYC, Providence is a college town that gets a little quieter as it empties of students during the summer.

Providence Rhode Island skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island skyline.

Known as America’s Renaissance City, Providence is certainly historical, but it is also eclectic with everything a tourist can want. One thing that is for sure is you won’t go hungry during your visit. Not only is it home to Johnson & Wales University, globally recognized as one of the best institutions for culinary arts and whose graduates oftentimes stay in the area to work, but the entire city is a foodie’s dream come true. Downtown is peppered with dining options from pizza places and fast food restaurants to a smorgasbord of diversity in the form of Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, European and New American restaurants that are both family and singles-friendly and alive with musical entertainment. And if Italian food is among your favorites, hop over to Federal Hill, the city’s Little Italy.

providence rhode island
Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

As one of the oldest cities in the US (and one of the 13 original colonies), many of the historical landmarks that reflect 19th and 18th century architecture are open to the public for tours. Among these is the John Brown House, a mansion that was once the home of John Brown (a major benefactor of the Ivy League Brown University) and visited by prominent historical figures like George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Providence also boasts cute boutiques, remarkable sculptures and nationally-renowned theaters that showcase a strong performing arts culture.

Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.

If you want to break your time between sightseeing and the seaside, head to one of the many gorgeous beaches on the nearby Rhode Island and Massachusetts coasts.  Skip over Cape Cod, which is a sardine-can tourist-packed alternative, and try any one of the several little beach-side towns, like Little Compton, that are the area’s lovely little secrets.

Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.
Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.

And don’t miss the chance to experience Water Fire, a public event that blends artistic expression with spiritual and community symbolism. During this event, 100 fire lanterns flow along the river through the city’s downtown area. Keep in mind that there are only a couple of these showings in August (it is mostly a fall event), so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy this experience.

 

Popular vacation destination: London

Amazing alternative: Ireland

Are you craving a taste of Europe, but are unsure whether you’re mentally prepared for the crowded August peak vacation season? While droves flock to England, why not head to Ireland? This is the perfect place to go for cool weather, luscious landscapes, thousands of castles, cathedrals, and more charming pubs than you can imagine.

Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.

While the well-known cities like Dublin, Galway and Belfast are must-sees, make your trip memorable by adding some unique stops along the way, like the breathtaking 2,000 year old Cliffs of Moher, whose landscape inspired centuries worth of Celtic folklore, myths, legends and witch stories, and where bird watchers and photographers spot over 20 species of seabirds. Or, jump back in time while visiting Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which extends from the 13th-century St. Canice’s cathedral (and its 9th century tower) to the 13th-century Kilkenny castle and 16th century Rothe House and Garden.

Ocean and O'Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Ocean and O’Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Known as the Marble city due to the natural limestone that makes up many of the shiny pavements and buildings, Kilkenny is also chock full of pubs, including the Kyteler’s Inn Pub which was originally owned by Alice Kyteler, the woman whose story instigated the first witch trial in Irish history. .

ireland

In addition to immersing you in history, Ireland will also tickle your nerdy side. Do your best impression of a Hogwarts student while visiting the library at Trinity College (and sneak a peek at the Book of Kells), or spend a day acting as a member of your favorite Westeros clan during a Game Of Thrones tour in Belfast and Dublin.

ireland

And the summer is a time riddled with festivals: boat festivals, cultural festivals, horse races and drinking fests are on the agenda throughout the country all season long. Guinness, anyone?

 

Popular vacation destinations: Finland, Norway, Denmark

Amazing alternative: Iceland

Are the Nordic countries on your bucket list? While much of northern Europe is breathtakingly beautiful, few places in the world are as ethereal as Iceland. In fact, parts of the countryside feel so otherworldly that fantasy movies and TV shows are consistently filmed there.

Thingvellir National Park. Southern Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Southern Iceland.

August is one of the best times to visit and though it’s also the country’s busiest season, the crowds may seem minuscule for tourists from most American or European cities. In Reykjavík, the capital, you can enjoy striking architecture, late-night clubs, and adventurous expeditions through nature, not to mention a diverse assortment of museums. The days are also long and you can expect between 16-18 hours of sunlight to help you see as much as possible.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland.

Unparalleled natural landscapes are the main magnets that attract tourists to Iceland and its three major national parks. To the southeast is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a mixture of fresh and salt water covered in chunks of floating ice. These glass mirrors of calm water reflect surroundings that include a painter’s palette of colors from blue and pink skies to black ice and sand, and turquoise glaciers.

Icelandic Ponies
Icelandic Ponies

Then, located 40 km east of Reykjavík, is Thingvellir National Park, the location of the oldest Parliament in the world, as well as one of the only spots where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on land. Last, but certainly not least, is the 700,000 year old volcanic site built atop alternating lava and ash, known as Snæfellsjökull National Park. Located on the west coast, Snæfellsjökull is a spot for discovering caves, bird watching, and hiking.

Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.
Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.

In Iceland, you can also go swimming in a geothermal beach or the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, check out local festivals, drive around the perimeter of the country on its Ring Road for more photographic opportunities, and ride on Icelandic horses.

Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Summer is also the only time the roads open to the Highlands, the center of the country. More glaciers, volcanoes, nature reserves, mountains, deserts and hot springs than you can fathom are all part of the ecosystems in this virtually untouched part of the world.

 

Popular vacation destination: South Florida

Amazing Alternative: Mexico

In a hotspot with over 40 miles of beach lined with turquoise blue waters, the south of Florida is muy caliente (bienvenido a Miami), but don’t overlook the 6,000 miles of coastline in Mexico. The temperatures will scorch, which is why winter is a popular time to visit, but those who can handle the heat may appreciate the reduced airfare, hotel prices and decreased tourism.

Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun in Mexico
Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun will answer the prayers of party-seekers, but in August it also attracts families with thoughts of water parks, day and dinner cruises, and zoos. For a bit more sophistication, visit Playa del Carmen, and those who want to submerge can find one of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving sites in the world in Cozumel.

The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel
The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel, Mexico.

Then again, maybe snorkeling followed by yoga and exploring old ruins are more your pace? In that case, head to Tulum, which is also among the smallest and quietest beaches on the Mexican coastline. This relaxing little getaway might make you want to curl up on a hammock with a book and is filled with relaxing spas, but don’t overlook the hiking opportunities through Mayan archeological sites.

People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.
People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.

 

Popular vacation destination: Los Angeles

Amazing alternative: San Francisco

California conjures thoughts of summertime, convertibles, surfers’ waves, and beautiful, friendly people, so considering it as the location for your summer vacation is a no-brainer. And while it’s true that Los Angeles is where you will find both the happiest place on Earth and some of the best Mexican food without going to Mexico, the smog and traffic may be enough reason to avoid it and skip right on over to San Francisco.

The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.
The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate City is home to miles of waterfront, beautiful yet underrated beaches, and weather that is much cooler than in its southern counterpart. While it is the most densely-populated city in the state,and the second most densely populated city in the US, the vibe is welcoming and relaxing. Don’t let the jaw-dropping 10,000+ people per square mile make you overlook the countless and assorted neighborhoods that offer distinctive experiences from ritzy hotels and hipster bars to quieter “small town” streets. And no matter which part of the city you choose to visit, bring a camera as there is lots to see. One of the more popular spots is North Beach, the second “Little Italy” on this list, filled with cafes and restaurants. Here you can climb to the top of the 210-foot Coit Tower for panoramic views, picnic on the luscious green Washington Square, and absorb the beauty of the 19th-century Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.
View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.

And don’t forget to enjoy the winding streets over the rolling hills, traversed by bright cable cars, that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise
Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise.

While the Mexican food may not compare to what you can find in LA, the other cuisines are widely known for their excellence and authenticity. Culinary diversity is strong in San Francisco and the area is especially known for delicious Filipino and Caribbean food. You can also find plenty of farmer’s markets (like Ferry Building Marketplace), where locals and tourists enjoy spending their days.

6 Countries to Visit Now (While They’re Still Here)

When the United Kingdom abruptly elected to Brexit its way out of the European Union last month, it showed us just how quickly our world and the lines that divide it up can shift and heave.

In recent years we’ve seen everything from melting permafrost in Alaska to pulverized world heritage sites in Aleppo reshaping the face of our planet. When physical geography and political borders change, so do the countries they delineate: Shifting borders can signal shifting laws and even shifting attitudes toward foreign visitors.

Forces like conflict, secession, and climate change don’t make special exemptions for tourist favorites, which means your dream itinerary can’t wait for “one day.” Here are six places to book a trip to today, because they might not be there tomorrow.

 

#1: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Not So United?

Although the Brexit vote isn’t likely to topple the rocks at Stonehenge or wash away the stunning seaside of Cornwall, it’s prompted a series of reactions that could lead to a much less united kingdom and a series of new hurdles and headaches for travelers.

Old Harry Rocks, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom; the downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago
Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom. The downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago.

As soon as the UK’s plans to divorce Europe became clear, leaders in the Scottish and Northern Irish governments announced their intentions to investigate leaving the United Kingdom and remaining EU members. That would mean heavy revisions to the destinations listed on the official Visit Britain tourism site.

Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland
Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland

The dissolution of the United Kingdom won’t make the countries that currently comprise it dangerous or any less attractive tourist destinations, but it could shuffle up visa requirements and even flight prices, leaving travel to and between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland more complicated. In a couple of years Hadrian’s Wall, the historic line separating England from Scotland, could renew its status as official border, joining the likes of Niagara Falls and other border-straddling attractions whose exploration require a trip or two through customs.

hadrians_wall
Hadrian’s Wall | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

 

#2: Jordan: Hospitality in the Heart of the Middle East

When travelers are confronted with generalizations about the dangerous Middle East, Morocco and its many hidden gems may be the standard counterexample; but there’s another peaceful and historically rich country right in the heart of the region many avoid out of misguided fear. Jordan is a pillar of stability in a region that usually makes headlines for the wrong reasons, and today it’s your best opportunity for exploring the cradle of civilization.

jordan petra
Petra, Jordan | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain).

Some say that we’re living through a rebirth of the Arab World, and others argue for a more pessimistic interpretation; but everyone agrees that it’s the world’s most unpredictable region today, and the Syrian Civil War is proof enough that neither cosmopolitan cities nor world heritage sites are immune to the fallout of social struggles. Seize the day with a trip to backpacker favorites like Petra and the Dead Sea, or take a camel-back tour of the Valley of the Moon.

Jordanian desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan viewed from Lawrence's Spring. Wadi Rum is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wadi Rum in Jordan is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dead Sea
Dead Sea

#3: Hong Kong: Counting Down the End of “One Country, Two Systems”

Unlike most of the others on this list, the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is virtually guaranteed to disappear in 21 years with the expiration of the “one country, two systems” policy in 2047 and its reabsorption into China.

hong kong
A temple in Hong Kong | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

Hong Kong currently maintains its own immigration system, independent of the notoriously difficult-to-navigate visa laws of mainland China, allowing most residents of North America and Europe up to 90 days of visa-free travel. But it’s not just the formalities of coming and going that separate Hong Kong from the mainland: Everything from the language to press freedom and censorship contribute to Hong Kong’s distinct identity and unofficial status as “Asia’s World City.”

Hong Kong harbor
Hong Kong harbor

There’s no telling how much of traditional Hong Kong culture will survive its looming reunification with the mainland, but the kind of budget shopping tours Hong Kong is famous for seem unlikely to stay after Beijing jumps back into the driver’s seat.

Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China.
Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China. Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

 

#4 Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Country That Was Never Supposed to Be a Country

Of all the countries that emerged from the former Yugoslavia in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably the one with the least staying power. The Dayton Accords that brought peace to the region left the country divided into three autonomous federal entities governed somewhat chaotically by three presidents, leading to frequent and unsurprising separatist movements that may one day lead to further fragmentation in the Balkans.

bosnia starimost
The Stari Most bridge in Mostar, Bosnia | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Stari Most bridge in Mostar is both one of the country’s most popular tourist sites and a symbol of the tenuous unity between its disparate groups, spanning the river that marks the boundary between the Catholic Croat-majority western side and Bosniak Muslim-majority eastern side of the multicultural city. The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars, but reconstructed in 2004, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site the following year.

Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina

When you visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, give yourself plenty of time to explore the starkly contrasting yet peacefully harmonious west and east sides of the city, each offering different but stunning views of the Stari Most.

People walking through the Old Town with many shops and cafes on July 20, 2014 in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River.
The Old Town with many shops and cafes in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Nightman1965 / Shutterstock.com

 

#5 Turkey: Anatolia’s Complicated Conundrum

The crossroads of East and West is a favorite among travelers worldwide, probably because Turkey’s unique geographic situation assures its landscapes and the people who inhabit them are different than those of anywhere else in the world. With pressure from conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq, tensions inside Turkey may in the future lead to a violent civil war and the possible separation of long-marginalized Turkish Kurdistan, yielding a messy situation for travelers.

Mardin, Turkey
Mardin, Turkey

Be sure to visit the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, enjoy rich Mediterranean cuisine, and explore the area around Lake Van, the region of the country most vulnerable to being cut off to travelers in the coming years.

turkey lake van
Akhtamar Island in Lake Van in Eastern Turkey | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 3.0
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey steve estvanik / Shutterstock.com

#6 The Maldives: The Country that’s Literally Sinking

An island vacation in the Indian Ocean sounds like a dream come true for many, but in a matter of years your choices of islands may be drastically narrowed.

The capital of the Maldives from above
The capital of the Maldives from above
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll

Of the many island nations whose very existence is threatened by climate change and rising sea levels, Maldives stands high on the list. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that “If carbon emissions continue at the rate they are climbing today, my country will be underwater in seven years”, a humanitarian disaster for the archipelago nation’s nearly half million citizens.

Water villas in the Maldives
Water villas in the Maldives
maldives sunset
Sunset in the Maldives | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain)

To enjoy Indian Ocean sunsets without contributing to the Maldives’ climate struggles, consider soaking up the sun at one of the country’s growing number of eco-friendly resorts.

 

At the same time as other countries and regions teeter on the brink and close their doors to tourists, others like Cuba and Myanmar are opening up and pitching woo to international travelers.

Part of travel is getting to see and live the world as it is right now, because the world of yesterday will never be the same as the world of tomorrow.

Don’t let the possibility of social unrest or seismic events in the near future scare you out of your dream itinerary. If you’re unsure about security conditions but still inspired to carpe diem, you can check the US State Department’s country-specific travel advisories, or consult with other experienced travelers via communities of travelers like Couchsurfing or the Lonely Planet forums.

Beyond Dining: Out of the Ordinary Restaurants Around the World

It’s currently trendy to overcome our fears, and nature provides beautiful backdrops for many blood-pumping activities, from surfing to skydiving and now, extreme dining. Going out to eat can be an adventure and offer an adrenaline rush on top of the memorable moments shared over a delicious meal. Some concept restaurants challenge their patrons by creating outrageously unconventional environments. Whether in the air or under the sea, these dining experiences will test your phobias while inviting you to taste some unforgettable meals.

 

Overcome your fear of heights

Dinner In The Sky is a truly novel way to enjoy a delicious three- or four-course meal, if you can avoid vertigo. What began in Belgium in 2007 has spread to 47 countries, and for approximately $300, diners strap into seats that are attached to table platforms and are hoisted by a crane to heights reaching 180 feet. Top chefs and servers soar with guests and add finishing touches to the dishes (that are first prepared on the ground).

dinner in the sky
The 10th Anniversary Celebration of Dinner in the Sky | Image courtesy of Dinner in the Sky

Also, the US has one of the only permanent locations, in Las Vegas. Who’s up for a side of sky with their main course?

dinner in the sky
Dinner in the Sky’s only permanent location in Las Vegas, NV | Image courtesy of Dinner in the Sky
dinner in the sky
Dinner in the Sky in Antwerp | Image courtesy of Dinner in the Sky

Leave the surf overhead and dine underwater

Usually, crashing waves enhance a feeling of relaxation when enjoying a meal, but what about dining 16 feet below the surf? At Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, diners are engulfed by panoramic views of turquoise blue and fish directly overhead. This is the first (and only) all-glass restaurant to be submerged under the sea.

rangali maldives
Maldives beach, Rangali and Rangalifinolhu island.

The subaquatic restaurant is located in remote Maldives, an island country located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, but the service will have you feeling like you’re in the center of a major metropolis. Lunch and dinner consist of four and seven courses respectively (which includes dessert). Clearly, plunging below the beaten path doesn’t need to mean sacrificing luxury.

 

Climb your way to a Swiss meal in picturesque surroundings

Scaling perilous cliffsides is a popular extreme activity, and in the northern Swiss Alps, the end of your trek can be met with a meal and drink along with the view. And although Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli is a hostel-style accommodation, a quaint breakfast or lunch reflecting the region’s produce (and cooked by the owner) is the main driving force that attracts many day visitors.

Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli Seealpsee
Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli Seealpsee | Photo: Patrick Dobler on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A cable car ride and 15-minute hike will cushion your efforts to reach this location. Once you make it, taking in the sights while sipping on a locally brewed beer or savoring a cup of coffee will make overcoming any reservations over steep precipices all the more worthwhile.

Spring scene in Appenzell Canton, Switzerland.
Spring scene in Appenzell Canton, Switzerland.

 

A fairytale ambiance awaits once you get past your fear of caves

While caves are typically described as dank and eerie, fantastical and romantic is a more accurate picture of the Grotta Palazzese summer cave restaurant. Located in Polignano a Mare, southern Italy, the restaurant sits in the limestone cliffside looking over the Adriatic Sea from 75 feet above sea level, and above the restaurant is its namesake hotel.

Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy
Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy

You may need to see this location for yourself to believe that it really exists. And don’t let claustrophobia prevent you from sitting inside the cave to dine, either. Not only does the seafood-laden menu fit the restaurant’s breathtaking view of the water, but you will also experience what was once the banquet venue for Italian royalty in the 1700s.

Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy
Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy

 

Brave the dark for tantalizing aroma and exploding flavor

Regardless of how a dish tastes, many people won’t touch it if it’s not visually appealing. The same mentality goes with enjoying a venue, and as this list has so far proven, the most beautiful, interesting or scenic sights top many to-go lists. Ignoring the trend in aesthetics, however, is what makes this last restaurant so exciting. Last but not least is Ctaste in Amsterdam, the restaurant where patrons eat in complete darkness, “seeing the taste” instead of the presentation.

Ctaste serre
Image courtesy of Ctaste

During this sensational dinner adventure, “sense” is the operative word. First, diners are led into a brightly-lit lounge, where the host will ask a few easy questions that will guide the chefs in creating a surprise meal. Options include a seafood dish, meat or poultry, or a vegetarian option, but it’s also possible to be 100% surprised. Afterward, a server will guide diners to their seats in a pitch black dining room and proceed to serve the dinner procession. If you go, be prepared to rely on your senses of taste and smell to guide you through a three- or five-course meal, each set at flat rates.