Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Europe

Trip to France: Essentials

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When traveling to France, in order to get the most out of your trip, you need to come prepared. Making a list of destinations to visit can take a lot of time and research, so we have laid out some of the must-visit places for a true taste of the French spirit.

Marseille

Not only is Marseille the second largest city in France, but it’s also one of the major seaports located on the western Mediterranean coast. Marseille is known for its beautiful climate, monuments of the Roman Empire, medieval ruins and a variety of cultural venues. One of the must-see places in Marseille is Calanques, a series of astonishing islands with immensely blue waters. Rock climbing in Calanques is a promising experience for all of you adventurers out there.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is not to be missed by wine lovers. Known as the French capital of wine, in Bordeaux, you can encounter a variety of bars à vin and many other national beverages. While you are here, don’t forget to visit the magnificent Garonne river where you can dip your feet and enjoy your wine in the most relaxing and dreamy atmosphere. As for the more active part of this trip, you can take a walk up to the Pey-Berland Tower that has an amazing overlook of the city houses, which are fairly interesting and picturesque due to their Lego-like structure.

Champagne

It would be a waste to visit France without a cruise through the river Marne and the Canal Lateral a la Marne. Although the Champagne region is most famous for its bubbly, white wine, there is also a ton of historical reasons to visit this region. As Champagne is one of the most prominent French provinces, you can learn a lot about the history of France by booking a luxurious barge holiday in France and visiting the town of Château-Thierry or touring through the Reims and Hautvillers. Don’t forget to visit the very popular Champagne houses to find out what authentic, homemade bubbly wine tastes like.

Paris

There is no excuse to go to France and not visit the city of love. Paris is especially dreamy during warm, summer nights, when you can see it guarding its reputation of the “city of lights” in all of its shine. It’s no wonder that the French have an expression il n’y a qu’un Paris, meaning “there is only one Paris”. There is far too much to see in Paris, all the way from the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the famous Eiffel Tower, through the Latin Quarter and artistic Montmartre, down to the treasures of the Louvre museum. To make visiting all of these monuments possible, it will take you at least a couple of days, so get your comfy shoes on and prepare yourself for a true cultural expedition.

The French Riviera

The famous French Riviera is one of the most visited coastlines in France due to its stunning blue waters in Côte d’Azur. This coast is also known to be the sunniest part of France, which is why the blue skies give this area an even more beautiful appearance. Côte d’Azur begins with the luxurious Saint-Tropez, known for its glitz and glam, nightlife and beautiful beaches, and ends with Menton, close to the border of Italy. Even though this area is mostly crowded in the summer, a good idea would be to visit during the spring period because you can enjoy a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with the weather still mostly on the sunny side.

These five destinations are our choice of France essentials, but there are so many other places to visit in France that will surely leave you breathless, like Normandy, The Châteaux of the Loire Valley, or the Alsace region. Wherever you choose to go, one thing is certain – you are ought to come back again.

30 Reasons to Holiday in Croatia

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Are you looking for a getaway break with a difference? Are you tired of the same old beach resort holidays but don’t want to travel to the other side of the world? Croatia is a perfect solution. The food is fabulous, there’s plenty to explore and you still have the option of spending time at the beach.

Stunning scenery and mountains to climb, as well as national parks and trails to explore means you can indulge your adventurous side. If history is more your thing, then Croatia won’t disappoint.

Discover unusual traditions, quirky places, islands and so much more with a holiday in Croatia. Game of Thrones fans will be delighted by the tours on offer, giving you the chance to visit some famous sites from the hit show.

The beaches might be rocky, but you can still enjoy an ocean retreat or book into one of the hotels with salt water pools. Whatever you’re looking for, Croatia makes an ideal break from the stress of daily life. The infographic below reveals some interesting facts about Croatia that can make your holiday even more special.

From Atlanta to Catalonia: Exploring Barcelona’s Hidden Gems this Xmas

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When you think of Barcelona, what images does it conjure up?

The fairytale wonders of Park Güell? Gaudi’s stunning architecture at Sagrada Família? The funfair at Tibidabo? Picking up a bargain at Las Ramblas? Lionel Messi?

Admittedly, Spain’s second largest city is as famous for its architectural triumphs and sporting heroes as it is for its position as one of the major cultural and economic centers in Europe.

It’s a wonderful city jam-packed with things to see and do, which is why we recommend swapping Atlanta for Catalonia this Christmas and jetting off to Barca for a holiday with a twist.

But first …

Flying from the world’s busiest passenger airport can throw up its own challenges, so to make sure your journey from Hartsfield-Jackson gets off to the best possible start, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot using the Atlanta airport parking comparison service Looking4.com.

Not only will this save your blood pressure, it’ll save you time circling the airport trying to find a parking spot—and you can even opt for a meet and greet service, which means you can drop your car off at the terminal. Magnífico! (as they say in España).

Now … on to the other important stuff …

Poblenou Cemetery

Fair enough, it’s not the cheeriest start to your trip, but the stunning architecture of Poblenou Cemetery is enough to raise your spirits (no pun intended). Located in calle de Taulat, the first cemetery here was opened in 1775.

Check out the two sections of the cemetery, with egalitarian burial niches at the front and monuments and mausolea at the rear, reserved for Barcelona’s wealthier residents to erect expensive reminders of where they lie.

Dine in the Dark

Unless you’ve been kidnapped, held hostage and blindfolded, it’s doubtful you’ve spent much time eating your meals in darkness.  However, at Barcelona’s Dans le Noir, you can break with tradition and engage your other senses as you sit down to some expertly prepared food.

Embark on a sensory journey as your perception of taste and smell are flipped on their head, with a unique atmosphere radiating through the restaurant. If it sounds odd, that’s because it is, but it’s an intriguing way to dine out for the evening.

Enjoy a Sub Zero Drink

Ever dreamed of sipping tasty cocktails while temperatures dip between -2°C and -10°C? When you get to Barcelona, you can make that dream a reality thanks to Icebarcelona. Located in the Condal City, it offers the world’s first ice bar situated on a beach.

Designed by internationally renowned artists, this extremely cool hangout is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The experience lasts for around 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to take a few snaps before checking out the shores of the Mediterranean.

Now it’s over to you …

Do you have any unusual attractions you’d like to visit when you head to Barcelona? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.

A Guide to Visiting Spain this Winter

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Spain is often seen as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers to rest their heads. With an extensive coastline and a history that has roots deep in the past, there is no wonder people turn to Spain when they are looking for their dose of sun and culture. Arguably the most loved part of Spain is its ability to attract year-round great weather. This means that dreams of beach holidays or sipping on sangria in the sunset can be achieved during the winter months. This makes for the perfect break from bleak British weather, but you should always make sure to follow some foolproof tips when it comes to planning your trip.

Make the most of the beaches

Visiting Spain without indulging in one of its many beaches is a mistake that should be avoided. With stretches of golden sand and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, there is no wonder that Spain is known as a hub for beach holidays across the world. Though there are many beaches on the mainland, some of the best for winter getaways can be found on island archipelagos like the Canary Islands. To ensure you escape the crowds of winter sun-chasers, a trip to the smaller island of Fuerteventura is recommended. You can put the jewel in the crown of your trip by browsing villas in Fuerteventura, which can add luxury and a sense of privacy to your trip. Unwind in a villa, rather than an impersonal hotel room.

Visit iconic cities

Although beach retreats are an unmissable part of Spain, you should still take the time to explore some of its most famous cities. From the sightseeing capital of Madrid to the architectural haven of Barcelona, there is something here that everyone can enjoy. If you are hoping to see the true Spain, you should take a trip down to the south to Seville. Here, you can see ancient buildings and cobbled streets, where the weather is notably sunny for most months of the year.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine

In terms of culinary delights, Spain has an array of options for you to try on every day of your holiday. For example, if you order a drink in a traditional Spanish bar, you are likely to have a plate of tapas brought out for you to snack on. If you are hoping to fill your stomach at lunchtime, you should try the Valencian marvel of paella, which often includes tender chicken thighs and fresh seafood. At any time of the day, a glass of cool sangria is perfect when you are hoping to cool down, but there are also many vineyards dotted around the country that offer you the chance to try local wine.

Take a dip in nature

There are some people who hope to escape to Spain during winter to experience the landscape without the blazing summer heat. With unique spectacles like the pink lake at Torrevieja, to the towering volcano at Teide National Park, there is something here for every nature lover to enjoy. Ideally, you should still aim to bring sunscreen with you on your trip, as spending so much time outdoors means you may be at risk of sunburn, even in winter.

Top UK Destinations You Can’t Miss This Summer

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The UK is filled with many gems in terms of places to go and things to do. However, if you’re not open to going out and exploring, you wouldn’t know that these many places exist. Whether you’re looking for adventure, peace, and quiet, breathtaking picturesque views, or high-end luxury, you’re likely to find it somewhere. Seeing as summer is around once again, this is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the mentioned. If you’re looking to do something out of the box this year, then keep reading as this article will look at a few top UK destinations you shouldn’t miss this summer.

Chester

For all of the animal lovers, if you haven’t yet been to Chester Zoo, in Chester, you’re definitely missing out. It boasts of being one of the best places to visit in the UK as a result of its beautiful views and vast wildlife. Chester zoo has over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals. It is easily the most visited zoo in the UK and has breathtaking views which are perfect for pictures. Aside from visiting the zoo, there are other things to do in Chester which consist of visiting the Chester cathedral, sailing on the River Dee, and going to the open-air theatre. It is great if you want to find yourself lost in nature and would like to capture unforgettable views.

Cleethorpes Beach

If your idea of a perfect destination is sand and seas, then you should find yourself at Cleethorpes Beach this summer. This dreamy beach is likely one that you haven’t heard of, but that doesn’t take away from its magic. This British seaside resort has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful sunsets, clean waters, and attractive views. Some things you could experience at Cleethorpes beach include the Promenade and Pier Gardens, the Fiddler Pub for love music and the Burlington Hotel if you need somewhere to lodge. In case you’re eager to visit another beach, you should put ‘Nearest beach to me’ in your search engine and see if there are any ones nearby that you can visit.

Edinburgh

In case you want to experience culture and heritage, Edinburgh is a great UK destination to consider. As the capital city of Scotland, there is a lot to explore in terms of both old and new towns. You can experience museums and galleries, food made from fresh produce, the famous summer festivals of culture and winter festivals of music, light, and Ceilidhs if you decide to go during that period. Other things to do in Edinburgh include exploring the Queen’s Scottish home, taking a whiskey masterclass, going ghost hunting, and cycling around the city.

Sometimes you look far and wide for unforgettable destinations, but many of them are in places that you wouldn’t expect. In light of this, you should try exploring the places around you as you never know what you might find. Hopefully, after reading through these suggestions, you’re more excited about seeing all the UK has to offer this summer.