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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Blog

  1. How to Be a Responsible Traveller

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    The world is in crisis and humans are to blame, so how can you be a responsible traveller? For decades we have been filling our air, soil, and water with toxins and it’s anyone’s guess whether or not we will be able to claw back the planet from the brink of destruction. This might sound melodramatic, but there is a reason why millions of school children went on strike recently to protest against climate change. It is real and it is happening, despite what certain world leaders might say.

    Here’s the good news. You can travel and be and eco-warrior at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. You just need to think a bit harder about the way in which you travel to ensure you travel practices are sustainable and responsible. If you want to adjust your habits to help save the planet, here are some suggestions.

    Use Transport Wisely

    So how to you travel responsibly?The fact is long-haul flights are really bad for the environment, but short-haul flights and passenger ferries are not quite as bad. Trains are generally quite eco-friendly, as are electric vehicles. Gasoline powered vehicles are highly polluting, especially over long distances. With this information, you should try and work out the most environmentally friendly ways to get from point A to B. Of course, walking and cycling are the cleanest way to travel so if you can use your own legs to get around, do it wherever possible.

    Eat and Shop Locally

    What else can you do to travel responsibly? Eating in a small family-run restaurant or street shack not only gives you a more authentic experience of your destination, but it contributes to the local community. The same goes for souvenir shopping. Buying local, handmade goods is an excellent way to put your money into the right hands, rather than fuelling big, polluting industries. You should also bear in mind the importance of paying a fair price, rather than always going for the best deal.

    Take Nothing but Memories and Leave No Trace

    It might be tempting to pick flowers from the forest or pick up shells from the beach, but if everyone did this it would be an ecological disaster. If you want to take souvenirs home, buy them responsibly. Similarly, leave the animals alone as this can wreak havoc within the delicate eco-system.

    What’s more, do not leave a trace of your visit by carving your name into a tree or dropping your litter on the ground (even if the locals do so). Recycle what you use whenever you can and avoid buying and using things with lots of unnecessary plastic packaging.

    Look for Accommodation with Green Practices

    There are plenty of eco-lodges out there that have sustainable practices. These are usually small, independent businesses that deserve your support a lot more than the Hilton and Holiday Inn. Look for hotels with solar panels, rainwater collection buckets, locally sourced ingredients in the restaurants, and sustainable tours, among other things. You can add to the sustainability of your accommodation by not leaving taps running and switching off your lights.

    Be Generous

    You don’t need to be a billionaire philanthropist to be generous whilst on vacation. Don’t haggle merchants in to the ground and be prepared to buy an extra coffee for someone less fortunate than you. However, you should not give money to beggars, especially child beggars. This is tough, but if you do you are perpetuating the abominable practice of child slavery. Buy them food, sweets, toys – whatever you want. Just don’t hand over cash. If you don’t have money to spare, consider volunteering an hour or two of your time to a local project.

  2. Why should you visit Canada in 2020

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    We are writing a new series of places to visit in 2020. Where do you want to go next? Have you ever visited Canada in the summer? It is a big country and there is much diversity from East to West and therefore the choice is not simple. We are focusing on the cottage country of Ontario, more specifically the area close to the city of Toronto. It has many beautiful lakes and much spectacular scenery. So why should you visit Canada in 2020?

    Cottage country is dotted with beautiful lakes, small charming cottages and large luxurious ones. If you like the great outdoors it is a must. When referring to the  cottage country around Toronto we are talking about  Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Georgetown or  Haliburton. The space and landscape is quite amazing.If you come from European cities like London, Paris, Rome, it is quite hard to grasp how vast it is. One provincial park like Algonquin Park in Ontario is larger than Wales in the UK.

    The other benefits are that it is peaceful, tranquil and remote. You are surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife – moose, bears, it is the great outdoors. If you are keen on water sports it is truly heaven – sailing , kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, waterboarding, fishing. Your long days are spent with few distractions other than enjoying your dip in the lake, boating around the lake, participating in water sports and enjoying a wonderful BBQ at the end of the day.

    There are many options and choices of where to stay. You can of course rent a cottage but there are many great resort options. The resorts allow you to experience all the benefits of being in cottage country with all the comforts of a resort, such as swimming pools, a spa, a great choice of restaurants, golf,  water sports, organised activities for the kids and varied and wonderful accommodation.

    Take a look at these resorts:

    Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka http://www.deerhurstresort.com/

    Taboo Muskoka Reseort : http://www.taboomuskoka.com/

    Take a look at these summer camps for kids:

    The Taylor Statten Camps https://www.taylorstattencamps.com/

    Camp Wapomeo for Girls http://campwapomeo.com/

    Camp Ahmek for Boys http://campahmek.com/

    Let us know if you have been to Canada. Where did you go, what did you experience? Is it on your bucket list?

  3. Why Every Traveler Needs a Scratch Off Map

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    Imagine a huge map of the world covered in that foil you get on scratch cards that you scratch off with a penny.

    The point of it is to scratch off the places you have visited. Simple, yet brilliant and if you consider yourself a traveler then you need to get one. Why? Here’s why.

    It Is a Visual Reminder of What You Have Achieved

    You will never forget the places you have travelled. But, having a visual reminder beaming down on you from pride of place on your bedroom wall is a really nice way to visualize these memories. A scratch off map is a constant reminder of all of the amazing things you have seen and done. This alone will put a smile on your face every time you look at it.

    Traveling is a huge achievement and not everyone is cut out for it. If you’ve got the determination and motivation to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown then that deserves to be celebrated daily.

    It Is an Instant Conversation Piece

    So you’re hosting a dinner party and your guests glimpse your scratch away map. Suddenly, there is something to talk about. You can recite those well-loved travel stories your significant other has heard a billion times, and your guests can shoot off some of theirs. You can exchange travel tips, compare travel plans, and even whip out some photos on your Instagram. Before you know it, everyone is chatting away and it’s all thanks to your map.

    Travel Gives You Bragging Rights and a Scratch Off Map is a Subtle Way of Doing It

    Everyone who travels automatically has bragging rights, but there’s a difference between letting people know you’ve traveled and being an obnoxious jerk about it. Instead of going around telling everyone about how well traveled you are, simply scratch off where you’ve been on your map and let that speak for itself.

    It Makes a Great Decoration

    When you decorate your home you should inject some of your personality into it. You can do this with the colors and furniture you choose, as well as what you adorn the walls with. If you love to travel then there is no better way to show this than with a scratch away map.

    Use it to Set Targets With Your Friends

    A scratch away map is a great gift for someone who loves traveling. If you know someone that shares your passion for exploring the world, why don’t you treat them to a map for their birthday/Christmas/random present day because you love them. Once you each have a map, challenge each other to see who can scratch off 20 countries first, or 30, or 40! There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition – especially if it drives you to travel more.

    It Will Motivate You to Keep Traveling

    Even the most voracious traveler will still have places on their map they haven’t scratched off yet. Let your map motivate you to keep traveling and keep scratching off new places. Who knows, maybe one day you will have scratched off the entire thing!

  4. 10 International Foods That Only the Bravest Stomachs Can Handle

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

    One of the most exciting things about travelling is being able to sample all kinds of exotic, international dishes. No doubt during your time on the road you will across some weird and wonderful food and been equally curious and gross out by it. In general, when you eat gross food you will hate it at the time, but love it in the years to come as it makes for an excellent anecdote. In fact, the grosser the food, the better the story.

    Of course, there’s always the possibility you might really like this strange dish you’ve been presented with. In which case it is win-win – good food and a cool story. So, if you’re ready to toughen up your stomach and try someone of the world’s most interesting food, take a look at this list for some inspiration on what to eat.

    Shirako, Japan

    Trust the Japanese to come up with this revolting dish. Shirako is the sperm sack or a cod, puffer fish or angler fish. It is gooey and white and looks a bit like a tiny brain.

    Balut, the Philippines

    Utterly stomach-churning, this dish is a fertilised duck egg containing a partially developed duck foetus. You’re supposed to crack a little hole in the shell and slurp out the juice before eating the rest of the foetus.

    A-Ping, Cambodia

    A-Ping is a deep fried tarantula, need I say more. These bizarre snacks are dirt cheap and pack a lot of protein if you can get past the fact that you are eating a huge spider. Eat the crispy legs first and then dig into the gooey body. Yum?

    Cuy, Peru

    Did you ever have a guinea pig as a pet as a child? If so, you might want to look away right now. Cuy is a national delicacy in Peru and is simply a roasted whole guinea pig. There’s not a lot of meat on it and it has a very strong game-y taste and the Peruvians love it.

    Sannakji, South Korea

    This dish is highly controversial and requires a young, live octopus to be chopped into small pieces and served up on a plate. When the plate arrives at the table, the octopus pieces are still wriggling around and the strong suckers on the tentacles kill at least six people every year as they choke on them. Enjoy.

    Hákarl, Iceland

    Hákarl is chunks of fermented shark and it is as gross as it sounds. The shark is served in cube-sized pieces and the smell it gives off is comparable to a mixture of cleaning products and urine.

    Casu Marzu, Italy

    A sheep’s milk cheese has its hard crust cut away after 3 weeks of curing so that flies can come and lay their eggs in it. The eggs hatch and the larvae eat the cheese and excrete it back out. We then eat the cheese, maggots and all.

    Blood Soup, Thailand

    Guess what the main ingredient of blood soup is. That’s right: blood! Pig’s blood to be precise. It isn’t the most sanitary dish on this list but it is definitely one of the best for anecdote fodder.

    Escargot, France

    Everyone knows that the French eat snails, but has it ever occurred to you that that is really weird and gross? The snails are usually smothered with garlic and don’t taste too bad so long as you swallow them quickly.

    Escamoles, Mexico

    Not to be confused with guacamole, escamoles are ant eggs. They are often pan fried and served as a topping alongside tacos and omelettes. They have a strange nutty taste and are considered a delicacy.

  5. 5 Beautiful Green Spaces in Paris

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    When you think of Paris what comes to mind? Is it the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe? Perhaps it’s the Louvre or the Champs-Elysées. Whatever it is that you conjured up in your mind, it is unlikely to be a park. Paris is known for a lot of things, but nature is not one of them. However, that doesn’t mean this city doesn’t have some beautiful green spaces – it just means you have to look a little harder to find the green spaces in Paris.

    If you’re sick of visiting the same old tourist spots in the French capital and want your next visit to be more nature-focused, here are five of the best green spaces in Paris.

    Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

    This gorgeous park is out in the 19th arrondissement and is blissfully free from tourist crowds. Throughout the park, you will find waterfalls, chalky cliffs, and a temple in the middle of a lake. Spend a few hours here and you will quickly forget about the noise and chaos of Paris. If the sun is out, take a picnic basket with you and basket in the peace and serenity of your surroundings. This is undoubtedly one of the top green spaces in the whole city.

    Jardin des Tuileries

    Running alongside the Seine is the stunning Jardin des Tuileries. At one end of the park you will find the iconic Louvre Gallery and at the other sits the Place de la Concorde. In the middle of the park, tucked away in the vegetation is the Orangerie gallery, famous for holding a number of Monet’s waterlily paintings. If you want to combine your nature fix with a spot of culture, this is the best place to do it.

    Jardin des Plantes

    The Jardin des Plantes is the sort of park in which you could easily spend an entire day. Within the park itself are four of Paris’ most prestigious museums, including the Natural History Museum. It also encompasses a number of botanical gardens and is just a stone’s throw away from the exceptionally photogenic Paris Mosque. There are thousands of different plant species growing in the park and its accompanying greenhouses. If you needed some flower shots for the ‘gram, you’ll find them here.

    Bois de Boulogne

    Situated on the border of the 16th arrondissement, the Bois de Boulogne is the second biggest park in the city after the Bois de Vincennes. In the heart of the park is an amusement park for kids, which features a small zoo and some rides. Don’t worry if that’s not your thing, the park is so big, there is plenty for people of all ages. If you want to relax, nothing beats meandering through the woods or sitting by the lake with a book in the sunshine.

    Bois de Vincennes

    Finally, we come to the largest public park in the city and one of the capital’s most beloved green spaces: the Bois de Vincennes. Perhaps the most enchanting part of this space is the Parc Floral, which takes up a hefty chunk of the Bois de Vincennes. The flower beds here boast every colour of the rainbow and are a delight to behold. Elsewhere in the park you will find a chateau, a lake, plenty of plant and wildlife species, and, if you time it right, an exciting free event taking place al fresco.

  6. 6 Places in Cambodia You Shouldn’t Miss

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    Despite its turbulent past, Cambodia has become a mainstay on the Southeast Asia backpacking route and sees million of international visitors every year. So what are the 6 Places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss?While neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are ostensibly more popular, Cambodia has an under-stated charm that captivates visitors. Indeed, Cambodia is one of those places that has everything, from mouth-watering food, to world class scenery. If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you would be crazy not to dedicate a decent chunk of time exploring this fascinating country.

    If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip to Cambodia, here are six places that you absolutely have to visit while you’re there.

    Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

    Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s pride and joy and the number one reason why people travel to the country. The Angkor Wat complex consists of dozens of temples, ruins, shrines, palaces, and mausoleums, dating back to the 12th century. Visitors spend up to three days exploring the various buildings and admiring the rugged landscape that surrounds them. The best way to explore the site is to hire a driver to take you around in a car or tuk-tuk or rent a bike and cycle around.

    Tuol Sleng, Phnom Penh

    Tuol Sleng is the high school turned extermination camp that was set up by the Khmer Rouge during Pol Pot’s regime. Today, it is a genocide museum that depicts the horrors that occurred under Pol Pot’s rule. While the experience is deeply harrowing, it is a fascinating insight into what happened and an important reminder of how humanity can be completely lost under a dictatorship.

    Koh Rong

    Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most beautiful island and it is exactly what you would expect a tropical paradise island to look like. It’s definately one of the 6 places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss.Think white powder sand, sparkling turquoise water, and plenty of beach bars where you can quench your thirst (and then some). If you need somewhere to chill out and forget about the outside world for a bit, Koh Rong will do the trick.

    Ka Choung Waterfall, Ratnakiri

    Who doesn’t love waterfalls, am I right? If you can’t get enough of water cascading over rocks, the Ka Choung Waterfall will take your breath away and give you some outstanding photo ops. The journey to the waterfall is an adventure in itself and involves hiking through the jungle. Once you’ve built up a sweat and arrived at the waterfall you can cool off under its refreshing cascade.

    Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

    Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier seaside spot and unlike the beach hubs in Thailand, it has retained a lot of its natural beauty. On Otres Beach you’ll find super soft sand, lapped at gently by the Gulf of Thailand, that isn’t covered with garbage and doesn’t have a million other people jostling for space on it. But, that doesn’t mean Sihanoukville is quiet. Beach bars and a fun vibe are staples on and around Otres Beach.

    Botum Sakor National Park

    This national park is one of the largest in Cambodia and boasts an astonishing level of biodiversity. Take a guide along with you to point out the monkeys, birds, and tigers that call this park home. In addition to its wildlife, the vegetation in the park is rich and varied. In just one hour of walking, you could encounter jungle, woodland, mangrove, and evergreen forest.

  7. 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car in Iceland

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    Road Trip

    There really are  5 Reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland as it has become such a popular travel destination over the past decade or so. Nicknamed ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’, Iceland is one of the few places left on the planet where nature still dominates the land, unhindered by human behaviour. Many who visit this island nation are utterly awestruck by the natural beauty that flourishes around every corner.

    From Reykjavik, the most common routes are the Golden Circle and the Ring Road. The Golden Circle can be done in under a week, while the whole Ring Road takes a lot longer as it runs along the perimeter of the entire country. It is possible to take public transport along these routes, but having your own vehicle is incomparable. In this article we will look at why hiring a car in Iceland will be the best idea you’ve ever had.

    It Will Save You Valuable Time

    Unless you are a digital nomad or endless traveller, you probably have some kind of time constraint for your vacation. With this in mind, the last thing you want to do is waste your precious time working out public transport maps and trying to schedule your timetable to allow for lengthy bus journeys and potentially long waits for transport. With your own car you are free to set off and come back as and when you want. There really are 5 reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland.

    It Will Save You Money

    Public transport will not take you everywhere you want to go. For some sites you either need your own vehicle or you need to book yourself onto a tour. Needless to say, tours can be really expensive and while they offer the opportunities to see the country with a professional guide and meet new people, your budget might not allow for it. With your own car, you have access to the whole country and you don’t need to waste money on tour groups.

    You Can Take Detours

    The beauty of Iceland is… well… its beauty! Away from the tourist hotspots that everyone visits are dozens of smaller spots that most people have never heard of. The only way to find some of these places is to accidentally stumble across them as you’re driving between destinations. When you have your own car you have complete freedom to follow a curious road or change course to get a better look at a waterfall you spotted in the distance. The freedom is utterly liberating.

    You Can Enjoy a Holiday Playlist at Full Volume

    Songs have the powerful ability of allowing us to conjure up vivid memories. Just a few opening chords are sometimes all it takes to transport you to a very specific time and place and help you relive a cherished moment. Yes, if you’re on a tour you can put your headphones in a listen to your Spotify playlist, but it is not the same as blasting your tunes in your own car and sharing the experience with your fellow passengers.

    It is the Ultimate Adventure

    Things will go wrong while you are driving. You might run out of gas or take a wrong turn, but these mishaps are sometimes just as exciting as the bits that go according to plan. They certainly make good anecdotes at any rate. Striking off on your own is an exhilarating adventure where you get to call the shots. Explore Iceland in your very own car and create a unique experience that you will never forget.

  8. 5 Things You Should Know About Visiting Dubai During Ramadan

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    Before you think about visiting Dubai during Ramadan, it is important to understand what this festival is all about. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout the month, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset – this means abstaining from eating, drinking, and even engaging in anything that could be considered entertainment.

    However, there is a flip side to this seemingly sombre sacred period. Before sunrise, Muslims fill up for the day with a hearty meal called suhoor. This meal needs to last them all day until they can break their fast with the iftar meal. Iftar is an extravagant banquet, often served in a Bedouin style tent.

    The feasts can be quite elaborate and there is nowhere better to experience them than in Dubai, in the heart of the Middle East. Feasting aside, however, there are some other things you should know if you are planning on visiting Dubai during Ramadan.

    The Shops Have Crazy Ramadan Sales

    Most of the malls in Dubai stay open extra late during Ramadan – sometimes until 2am! This gives people plenty of time to hunt for bargains after their iftar meal. In addition to the extra opening hours, the shops in the malls often have fabulous sales in honour of the holy month. It might be worth starving all day if it means you can nab some delightful deals in the evening!

    Hotels and Flights Are Cheaper

    As you might imagine, people are often put off travelling to Dubai during Ramadan. This is a blessing for those who do travel as accommodation and flight prices plummet in this month. You could see your budget going far further than you imagined while you shack up in a luxury resort for a fraction of the normal price.

    Eating and Drinking in Public is Illegal

    It is important to note that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan in Dubai is illegal. Even something as trivial as chewing gum can be seen as disrespectful and could cause you problems with the authorities. If you are hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of restaurants that still serve food and drinks during fasting hours. However, out of respect to observers of Ramadan, they will put up a screen to hide you from public view.

    Some Activities Will Have Reduced Opening Hours

    If you have grand ideas about all the activities you are going to do while you are in Dubai, don’t worry. You can probably still do everything you planned, you might just need to be a bit more meticulous with your planning. Some activities open late and close early over Ramadan. These include water parks, safari tours and some entertainment complexes. It is simply a case of googling the activity and finding out its Ramadan opening hours.

    Be Wary of Offending People

    While Dubai is generally a lenient place, people expect a higher level of respect during the holy month. Refrain from kissing or touching in public, dress modestly, and do not play music out loud (headphones are fine). The holy month is a time for peace, tranquillity, and self-reflection. Be sensitive to this and you won’t have any problems.

  9. 5 Off the Beaten Track Countries You Need to Visit in 2019

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    If you only promise to do one thing in 2019, make it to visit somewhere new and exciting. The world is full of weird and wonderful places. Some have long been a favourite with tourists, while others are only just coming into the limelight.

    There are certainly benefits that come with visiting a well-established travel hotspot. There is already an infrastructure in place for travellers and lots of people will speak at least some English. But, there is something truly exhilarating about visiting somewhere completely off the beaten track.

    Travelling away from the well trodden path is a challenge, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you’re ready to make 2019 the year you take the plunge into the unknown, here are five destinations you should check out.

    Uzbekistan

    Central Asia is a complete mystery to most of the world. How often do you here of people travelling through the ‘Stans? It’s time for this region to join the travel circuit and Uzbekistan is an excellent place to start. Steeped in ancient mysticism, Uzbekistan sits along the old Silk Road and dazzles visitors with its sparkling minarets, domes and mosques. In fact, just wandering through Tashkent, the capital, is enough to take your breath away.

    Belize

    Often over looked in favour of neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is one of Latin America’s most underrated countries. But, you can change that. A trip to Belize combines everything you could want from a vacation in one handy destination. There are forests and mountains for those who want to get their hike on and caves for the extra adventurous. If you’re all about chilling, Belize’s two main islands, Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris are perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

    Bangladesh

    The best way to describe Bangladesh is as a more raw and complete un-touristed version of India. Expect landscapes so beautiful they defy belief and a chaotic blend of colour and fragrances in the cities. Bangladesh is not an easy place to travel, but if you’re looking for adventure you will find it here. Wildlife lovers should head to Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, while beach babies can get their kicks over on St. Martin’s Island or Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest uninterrupted stretch of beach.

    Montenegro

    The scenery in Montenegro looks like something out of a fairytale. Verdant forests cover hills that slope from the horizon into glittering lakes. Adrenaline junkies should hop in a dinghy and race down the Tara River or hike up the jagged peaks and through the ice caves of Durmitor National Park. There is also plenty of beauty and wonder to be found in the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most beautiful towns.

    Senegal

    Located on the westernmost tip of Africa, French-speaking Senegal makes the perfect vacation spot for any kind of traveller. If you visit Senegal, chances are you will spend most of your time in Dakar, the capital. Here, you can surf the delightfully consistent (and not too big) waves that lap against the edge of the city. Or you can get lost in the local markets and pick up some souvenirs while you’re at it. For something a bit different, head out of the city to the Lac Rose – a super salty lake you can float on, just like Israel’s Dead Sea.

  10. 6 Ways Budapest Will Blow You Away

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    Budapest is, hands down, one of the best cities in Europe. It is a beautiful city, rich with culture and history and (fun fact) did you know the city is actually made up of two different cities- Buda and Pest? They just combined the names together to form what we all now refer to as Budapest. It is also delightfully cheap, meaning you get some serious bang for your buck when you spend here.

    Thinking about visiting? Here are some of the ways in which Budapest will blow you away.

    1. Szechenyi Baths

    Best visited on a hot summer’s day, these baths will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. Picture the scene: you’re under the weather after a night of cheap Hungarian beer and you just need to unwind and chill out. Now imagine huge outdoor pools with perfectly heated medicinal water, accompanied by a whole host of indoor pools and saunas at varying temperatures for health purposes. One word of warning, once you’re in, you can’t go out and then come back in again so take lunch with you or you’ll end up forking out for over-priced poolside food.

    2. Goulash

    It’s actually pronounced Gwee-Yash according to a reliable Hungarian source. You’ve probably heard of it but chances are you’ve never experienced real Hungarian goulash. Well now is your chance. It’s a weird but wonderful experience and once you’ve had your first sip, there’s no going back. For those of you that don’t know, goulash is chunks of meat and potato in a delicious broth spiced with paprika. What more could you possibly want? There are loads of places that sell this stuff in Budapest and, of course, it is dirt cheap.

    3. The Castle

    To get to the castle you’ve either got to take the Funicular train or you can try and burn off some of that heavy Hungarian food you’ve been stuffing yourself with and walk up. The castle itself is gorgeous, but what really blows you away is the view from the top. The castle is in Buda and from the top of the hill you can see the entire of Pest, including the spectacular houses of parliament, the river and the famous chain bridge. It’s worth going up there at night as well when the city is all lit up.

    4. Langos

    If you’re a fan of heart-stoppingly greasy but mind-blowingly delicious food then Langos is the only Hungarian word you need to learn for your trip. This national staple contains a hideous number of calories but it will be the best thing you eat on your trip. It’s a thick disk of deep-fried dough smothered in a generous layer of sour cream and then sprinkled with grated cheese. Simple yet deeply satisfying.

    5. A River Cruise

    What better way to enjoy the city than cruising along the Danube Rivers, which separates Buda from Pest? There are dozens of different cruises available, day and night, If you are after something civilised opt for a dinner and wine cruise. If you want debauchery, there are a number of booze cruises to choose from. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed world class views of Hungary’s finest architecture.

    6. The City

    Just walk around the city and look at everything. It is free to do and highly enjoyable. The National Museum, the Synagogue and the National Gallery are all incredible on the inside but also pretty beautiful from the outside as well. Once you get in to the touristy centre near the river, things start to get a bit more modern but the city has somehow found the key to modernising without becoming cheap and tacky. Everywhere you turn there is something remarkable – you’d be amazed at how quickly time passes when you’re meandering through the streets of Budapest.