Money can be a real barrier to travelling as much as you would like. As experienced trip bookers, we noticed that booking smart, can save a lot of money. We gathered all our booking tips for you, so continue reading if you also want to travel big on a small budget.

Plane Tickets

1. When to buy plane tickets?

Tickets usually go on sale 11 months in advance. For most flights its best to wait a lot longer before buying tickets. It’s only a good idea to get your tickets as early as possible when you will be flying at a very busy time like Christmas or Chinese New Year.

For other situations, the average best time is five or six weeks before you want to travel. But beware that this is an average, a safer bet is buying three months in advance. Around this time you won’t have any great deals but you also don’t pay any premium prices. To help you out use apps like Hopper or Kayak to advice you when to buy.

There are sales in January for March-May and in September for October-November. Airlines usually announce their sales via their newsletters, social media and website. So it’s a good thing to sign up and follow them.

Another thing to consider is when to fly. There is the obvious difference between high and low season. But flights on Friday afternoon and evening and Sunday are also usually more expensive than others. This is caused by all the people wanting to maximize their weekends and people travelling back home and vice versa. Therefore it’s often worth to take one extra day off and travel back on Monday instead of Sunday.

2. Be aware of additional luggage charges

Although airline tickets have become much cheaper in the last decade, pricing has become less transparent. This started with paying extra for check-in luggage, meals and drinks. It has reached new extreme levels with the introduction of low-cost intercontinental travel. Many low-cost carriers are now charging you for anything you bring aboard that is bigger than a purse or a laptop bag. The cost of these charges varies and will change over time. So think clearly about what you really need to take and what kind of luggage space you need. It’s usually cheaper to pay someone to wash your clothes than taking an extra suitcase.

Accommodation

3. Book accommodation as early as possible

Hotel rooms are usually cheaper the earlier you book them. So, book them as early as possible. Otherwise, wait until the last moment and try to get a discount on the day itself. If possible avoid the weekends or book a stay in business hotels which often have discounts during the weekends.

It pays to look around and use different booking platforms to check for the best prices. Also give Airbnb a look, although the price difference isn’t that huge when travelling as a couple or solo. It is usually much cheaper when travelling with a group. If you can avoid the commercial listings on the platform it provides an interesting way to get an insight into local culture and housing.

As a rule, accommodations get more expensive the shorter in advance you book them. But there are exceptions to this rule.

So if you can’t seem to find a great deal book something you can cancel without additional costs. This way you can keep looking and see how the prices develop and maybe do a last-minute switch and get a sweet deal.

4. Try to book package deals for flights and accommodation.

If you book your flights and accommodation together you can save a lot of money. Look for deals at travel websites or deal-aggregate sites. Websites like Expedia also give you the options to build your own package deals.

5. Use incognito browser window/wipe cookies

To avoid a sudden rise in prices for your flights or accommodation, make sure that you use an incognito browser window when searching. Or at least wipe your cookies after each browsing session. This way you avoid some of the tracking and targeted advertising.

Cars

6. Car rental

If you thought that buying an airline ticket was untransparent, then you haven’t rented a car yet. There are quite a few bad apples in this business, and it pays to be extra aware of possible pitfalls. Use a website like Rentalcars.com to check the different prices.

Different fuel policies

There are different fuel policies on offer. Full-full is the best option since it doesn’t force you to give them free petrol. The half-half option, empty-empty and anything in between are the non-preferred options. They require you to do advance fuel consumption calculations to predict how much fuel you will need to end up at the required level. The empty-empty option is the worst one, as most people don’t like to drive around with an empty gas tank.

Crossing borders

Depending on your destination and itinerary it’s useful to check if you’re allowed to cross borders and drive in other countries. Take extra care when renting a car in Europe where national borders are invisible but also frequent. Many companies ask a big surcharge for this. This can make a cheap option twice as expensive as before.

Insurance

The last point is the upselling of insurances. Cheap companies often ask ridiculously high deposits which they will only waive if you buy their insurance. So be aware if you book via a booking agency and buy their insurance. Even though the insurance can be cheaper and have better coverage, you have to pay a higher deposit. So, sometimes it’s worth to pay a little bit extra so you can avoid the potential hassle of dealing with murky claims.

Mistakes

7. Know where you’re flying to

Ok, this sounds too obvious to be a tip, but we booked flights to different places than planned. So we can confirm that this does happen. And it will cost you extra money and time depending on the mistake.

There are two things to look out for. First, if you’re flying to a city with multiple airports: Which one are you flying to, what is its location and what will you pay extra or save on transportation to your ultimate destination.

When we flew to Israel we landed on a military airport in the desert 2 hours away from Eilat. Meanwhile, the city has its own airport in the middle of the city from which you can just walk to the beach and your hotel. So, the cheaper flight ended up costing us more than six hours needlessly travelling on a bus.

The second thing to look out for is less obvious and an even bigger mistake on our part. So, please learn from us and double check to make sure that the city you’re flying to is the city you want to fly to. There are many cities in the world which share the same name, even within the same country. Therefore always try to look for the unique airport codes and check where you’re really flying to. We booked a flight to Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca instead of La Palma, the Spanish Canary Island.

How to stay safe while travelling

Spending 2 days in Copenhagen

As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Many people come to see the little mermaid, but this Scandinavian capital has much more to offer. Denmark is one of the more expensive European countries to visit, so adjust your budget accordingly. Luckily there are some good deals to get. One thing we would advise all visitors who will be visiting at least a couple of sites, is to buy the Copenhagen Card. It offers free entry to almost all sites in Copenhagen, its surrounding area and free public transport including local trains.

Day one

We did most of our exploration on foot, but Copenhagen has an excellent public transport network to help you out if you’re getting tired. There is a lot to see, so get up as early as possible for you. The first six sites are always open, so ideally you would do this all before ten o’clock when the SMK opens.

Nyhavn

Besides the little mermaid, Copenhagen’s Nyhavn is its most recognizable spot. Start your day here, just to get it over with, but also since the early morning light and the lack of huge crowds will enhance your experience.

Amalienborg

Just up the road towards the little mermaid is Amalienborg, the residence of the Danish Kings and Queens. Amalienborg isn’t just one palace but four built around a central square. The current buildings were built in the Roccoco style in the 18^th century.

Marble Church

If you turn your back to the water, you have a nice vista towards Frederik’s Church or the Marble Church. This rococo building has the largest dome in Scandinavia and was inspired by St Peters Church in Rome.

Kastallet

Further north lies Kastallet, a 17^th-century fortress built to protect the city and the harbour. The fortress is in excellent condition since it is still partly used as a military base. But a large part can be visited and, moreover, it forms a nice park for quiet walks.

Little Mermaid

So, as you make your way around the outer ramparts, you’ll see the most disappointing tourist attraction in the world, The Little Mermaid. Go here if you’re a completist and want to see it with your own eyes, or go here for the fun of it, the crowds swarming the little statue, doing strange poses and making their Instagram posts.

Nyboder

As you complete your walk around Kastallet, you enter the Nyboder district with its historic row houses. Originally built to house the families of the navy personnel.

Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)

The SMK, or National Gallery, has a good collection of European art from 1300 onwards. The best parts of the collection are the Danish and Nordic art from 1750 until 1900 not often seen outside of the Nordic countries.

Rosenborg Castle

Just across the road lies the Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by the lush Kongens Have, the royal gardens. These gardens are always busy with people escaping the bustling city and enjoying the green surroundings.

The castle itself is built in Dutch Renaissance style, by the same architects who also worked on the famous Kronborg Castle. The castle was mostly used as a summer house for the royal family but has been used as their residence also. The castle is in great condition and besides the contemporary interior, you can also see the Danish crown jewels here.

David Collection

Just outside the park lies a wonderful relatively small private museum which has free admission. The David Collection houses three separate collections, the most beautiful and largest is its Islamic Art collection. The European art collection is nothing special, and the Danish modern art collection is small but interesting.

Round Tower

As you walk into the modern city centre you’ll find the Round Tower. This 17^th-century tower can easily be climbed to the top for some nice views over the city. There are some expositions in the tower and the tower also has an observatory to watch the night sky.

Borse

Don’t forget to pass the beautiful 17^th century Borse or commodity exchange. It’s a private building but it’s worth to look at the outside.

The National Museum

If you’re into history don’t forget to stop at the National history museum. They have some beautiful prehistoric treasures and bog bodies and a good section on the Vikings.   

Food

For dinner, try one of the street food places, the latest hip one is Reffen.

Day two

We opted to leave the city to see a bit of the countryside, the famous castle of Hamlet at Kronborg, and the outstanding Louisiana Modern Art Museum. We finished our day back in Copenhagen. There is enough to do to stay in the city but with limited time, this way you’ll optimize your time in Denmark. If you or your children are into Vikings, you can go to Roskilde instead. There, you’ll find a beautiful medieval church and an excellent Viking museum complete with original Viking Longboats.

Helsingør

Kronborg castle

Since the Copenhagen card includes transport and sites outside the city, we choose to optimize our stay by visiting the castle at Kronborg. This UNESCO world heritage site lies at the entryway to the Oresund and controls its access. There have been earlier castles on this site, but the present-day one is in the same Dutch Renaissance style as Rosenborg castle. The castle in pretty good shape, sadly much of its interior has been lost to the Swedes who captured this castle in one of the many wars between the Kingdoms. Read our UNESCO World heritage site review of Kronborg Castle for more info.

Humlebæk

Louisiana Modern Art Museum

On your way back to Copenhagen you’ll pass the Louisiana Modern Art Museum. Get off at Humlebæk station and from there it’s a 10-minute walk to the museum. This museum is beautifully located in a sculpture park overlooking the sea. The sculpture garden has works by greats like Calder and Serra. The collection of the museum itself includes works of Giacometti, Asger Jorn and Yayoi Kusama.

Copenhagen

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

When you’re back in Copenhagen, make your way to the Glyptotek. This fabulous museum has one of the best collections of ancient sculptures in the world. But also, a big collection of 19^th-century French sculptures and impressionist paintings.

Tivoli

End your stay in Copenhagen with a visit to the second oldest amusement park in the world. Tivoli is right in the centre of Copenhagen and next to the Glyptotek. Even if you don’t like attraction parks, it’s worth to just go for a walk through the grounds in the evening as everything is lighted and the atmosphere is magical.

Most people come to Shiraz to visit the ancient sites of Persepolis and Pasargadae. But Shiraz itself holds many beautiful gems too. So, make sure to have at least one full day to spend in this lovely city. As with most Iranian cities, traffic can be a nightmare and pollution can be a hinder. Don’t let that dissuade you, leave early if you are going on a day trip to Persepolis to avoid the traffic. And take your time when going from one place to another. If the weather allows it, walking can be a faster mode of transport than a taxi.

Masjed-e Nasir al Molk

Masjed-e Nasir al Molk is a beautiful mosque you’ve probably seen. Pictures of this magical mosque are everywhere on social media, travel guides and brochures for trips to Iran. Although the mosque itself is just over a hundred years old it’s hugely popular with tourists for its stained-glass windows. Go early in the morning when the light falls through the windows for the best sights and pictures.

Vakil Bazaar

Vakil Bazaar and the next-door Mosque were both build at the end of the 18^th century by Karim Khan Zand, who was the regent (vakil) of this area. Hence the name. The bazaar is huge and it’s easy to veer off in the wrong direction, but help is always nearby, as are good shopping opportunities.

Vakil Mosque

Vakil mosque is as old as the bazaar. It probably replaced an earlier mosque which stood on the same spot. The mosque is decorated with lush coloured tiles with floral motives.

Citadel Karim Khan Zand

This citadel was again built by the productive Karim Khan, around 1763. The citadel is well preserved and gives a good insight into urban fortifications in 18^th century Persia. It also has a nice courtyard and a bathing area you can visit.

Aramgah-e Ali Ibn Hamzeh

Most visitors of Shiraz flock to the mausoleum of Shah Cheragh with its two shrines to brothers of the eighth imam Reza. This shrine, however, is dedicated to Ali Ibn Hamzeh, a nephew of the Imam. The shrine is much quieter and just as beautiful. The reception is also much more relaxed, we got invited into the tourist office and handed some cookies, water and tea. While we could cool down we take a look at some picture books and got some information about Shia islam. Afterwards, we were guided around and encouraged to take pictures. This still was a bit awkward as people next to you are kneeling on the ground, engaged in prayer.

Hafez Tomb

Just 5 minutes from the shrine Aramgah-e Ali Ibn Hamzeh is the tomb of Hafez, one of the most popular poets of Iran. The mausoleum is always busy both with admirers of the poet, who will recite some poems there and ordinary people escaping the hot city and enjoying the surrounding garden. The present-day mausoleum is a 20^th-century construction which replaced the earlier when build by Karim Khan.

Bagh-e Delgosha (Garden)

These extensive gardens are on the way to Saadi’s tomb. They date to the end of the 18^th century and are a good example of a classical Persian garden.

Saadi Tomb

Also set in a nice garden is Saadi’s tomb. This is the quieter of the two poet’s tombs as its more on the outskirts of the town. It’s set in a nice relaxed area with beautiful cypress trees and hills.

Mausoleum of Shah Cheragh

The mausoleum of Shah Cheragh is one of the more important ones in Iran. It holds the shrines to two of the brothers of the eighth imam Reza. Therefor it is a very busy place. Tourists can only visit this place with a guide which will be provided at the entrance. Guards with green feather dusters will correct females if their clothing slips up.

Bagh-e Eram (garden)

The best garden in Shiraz, this classical Persian garden is one of the highlights of the city. It’s always busy with people searching for refreshment and shade. It has a beautiful little palace which now houses the law faculty but can still be admired from the outside. There are many different species of plants and trees here which all are named, also in English.

Isfahan a two day itinerary

As Aristotle said, ‘well begun is half done’. It saves you a lot of time, many worries and a bigger chance for the best deals and nicest hot spots, when you prepare your travels well. In this blog, we share 24 travel preparation tips to make your journey smoother. Being prepared saves a lot of time

1. Don’t plan

Don’t plan your days from morning to midnight every day. Many great moments on your travels come from spontaneous decisions and the ability to be flexible and be able to jump on the opportunity or extended invitation. So, leave enough room in your travel plans for these moments to appear and for you to take full advantage of.

2. Plan

At the same time, it’s wise to plan ahead, to prevent tickets for popular attractions or events to be sold out. You’ll usually get the best deals on accommodations when you book early. This way you can save a lot of money or upgrade your stay without busting your budget. The same goes for transportation tickets, they can either be sold out or be much more expensive when you decide last minute. And while you make your plans, investigate the calendar for national holidays, festivals and religious events, these can have a huge impact on the availability of transport and accommodation. And while some religious festivals can add to the experience others can subtract from it when a lot of things are closed.

3. Travel insurance

Nobody plans to get sick or robbed, but these things sadly do happen when on holiday. So be prepared and make sure that you have the right type of coverage for the area you’re going to and the activities you want to engage in. Pay extra attention when you want to do adventure sports like kayaking, mountain climbing, etc. Some countries even demand that you have health insurance to be able to enter the country and or get a visa. For more tips about staying healthy while travelling, click here.

4. Extra passport photos

Whether it is for a visa, an emergency passport or some obscure form you have to fill out, it never hurts to have some extra passport photos on you. Or you can be old school and give them to your holiday crush.

5. Learn some words in the language of the country you’re travelling to.

Knowing a few words in the local language goes a long way. It’s a good way to initiate contact with the locals. It gives you more credit and people tend to try just a bit harder to help you.

6. Bring earplugs and sleep mask

Being well rested is of key importance whatever your travel plans. Whether you’re trying to sleep while travelling or staying in noisy hotels or hostels, earplugs and a sleep mask bring relief in most situations. Alternatively, you can use them on that crowded beach to help you imagine being alone. A neck cushion might also be helpful, to get some rest while travelling by train or bus.

7. Bring multiple debit and credit cards

It’s usually a good idea to have at least one debit and a credit card. But it’s even safer if you have multiple from different banks when your one bank has problems or is not accepted by the nearby ATM.

8. Expect the worse

This goes with the travel insurance advice. Plan for the worse, this way, things can only look up while you’re there.

9. Write down the address of your accommodation

Write down the address of your accommodation, your phone battery may die on you or get lost. It’s especially useful to have it in the local language so you can be sure taxi drivers know where they are taking you. And while on the topic, double check with taxi drivers that they know where they are taking you.

10. Have a check out routine

Develop a check out routine so you make sure that you check for all your important belongings and don’t forget anything when you check out. Before I leave the room, I at least always check if I have my passport, wallet and phone.

11. Inform your bank of your travels

Most banking apps nowadays let you set your card to world setting via their app. But still it doesn’t hurt if your bank knows where you are, so it won’t decide to block your account because of activity on the other side of the globe.

12. Pack light

Check-in luggage is expensive. Moreover, big luggage items are a drag to carry around and to leave in luggage lockers. So, make your life easier and cheaper by bringing less stuff. There are even schools of thought who believe that the abundance of choice is the main factor for present-day stress.

13. Test-walk your shoes and backpack

Test your gear before you go away. It’s common practice to do this with shoes, really don’t forget to do it with new shoes, because you will get blisters. But also do this with your backpack, is it comfortable to wear for long periods and make the right adjustments to lighten to load on your back.

14. Pack your bag the night before

If your bag is ready to go, you’ll sleep a lot sounder and minimize the risk in forgetting stuff when in a morning rush. It also gives you a little bit more time to sleep in and especially when sleeping in a bunk room, it keeps the noise down for the other guests. Nothing more annoying than people who start to pack at 5 a.m. and waking everybody with the sound of crackling plastic bags.

15. Have enough money, travelling is expensive

Travelling is expensive, make sure you have enough money. It’s a shame if you can’t enjoy yourself while away or if you have to skip going to special places because you have run out of money. Plan ahead and save some more. Travelling is almost always more expensive than you think.

16. Unlocked phone / Mobile WiFi

While roaming costs have been abolished within the EU, they still exist in the rest of the world and are stupidly expensive. So, avoid this by buying a local sim card. This way you’ll be able to use almost as much data as you would at home for the same price. Either put the sim in your phone, especially easy if you have a dual sim or use a mobile Wi-Fi device. We use a TP-link 4g mobile hotspot, so all our devices are connected all the time without the need to tether and thereby saving valuable battery power of our phones 😉 Additionally this way you can also use a VPN on all your devices, since tethering and VPN doesn’t seem to work together.

17. Bring your favourite clothes

Unless your wardrobe is totally unsuitable for the place you’re going to, wear your favourite clothes. You want to look good in your pictures, don’t stand out as a tourist in your fast-drying cargo pants and feel comfortable. The easiest way to achieve this is in your favourite clothes.

18. Bring some toilet paper

Especially handy to do when you’re travelling to an area with squat toilets.

19. Bring a power strip/extension block

Most hotel rooms are not built for multiple device owners. A camera, a phone, a battery pack and a laptop are just a few of the devices the modern travel needs power for. An extension block makes charging that much easier without the need to rotate your devices. It also saves the need to have multiple travel adapters when in a country with different power outlets. You use your one adapter for your power strip and the rest of the devices can use their normal adapters.

20. Know local customs

Don’t be an idiot and be respectful of local customs.

21. > 6 months validity on your passport

For most countries, your passport doesn’t just need to be valid but needs to be valid for at least another 6 months. Be sure to check this well in advance so you can get a new one if necessary.

22. Bring your student card

If you’re a student, don’t forget to bring your student card. This can save you massive amounts of money especially when you plan on visiting a lot of stuff. Almost all museums and other tourist sites have a discount for students.

23. Know how to pack

Practice packing beforehand, so you can keep your luggage organised. Also, practice the clothes roll technique. It saves a lot of space.

24. Coordinate colours

To get the most out of the clothes you bring make sure that all items fit with each other and can be worn in different combinations. This also decreases the need to bring multiple outfits.

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as such it also attracts hordes of tourists. Don’t let all these people dissuade you, it’s still worth to go to this city. But if you want to minimize your irritation, adjust your schedule and get to the sites early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Also try to explore some of the less visited places this city has to offer.

Day one

The itinerary of the first day can easily be done by foot, if you have difficulty climbing and or walking for longer periods, take the cable cart to the top of Petřín hill or the bus to the castle.

Charles Bridge

Together with the Golden Gate bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the world, and with reason. This medieval bridge was built by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.  The bridge was decorated with 30 statues in the 18^th century, all the statues you see today are replicas.

Petřín Strahov Monastery

As you walk up the Petřín Orchards, you can either go to the Petřín View Tower, a 60-meter high copy of the Eifel Tower. It was built for the world fair in 1891. Otherwise, you can directly go to the Strahov Monastery. This 12^th-century monastery was rebuilt many times and its current face is a baroque one. It houses a picture gallery with 14-19^th century paintings, a library with old books and the monastery itself.

National Gallery

The National Gallery has many buildings throughout the city. Just outside the castle complex are two palaces which have been completely renovated to act as museums. The Schwarzenberg Palace and the Sternberg Palace, both are beautiful buildings. Visit the Schwarzenberg Palace if you’re into Baroque art as the museum is focused on art from this period. The museum is currently closed and will open again later in 2019. The Sternberg Palace has a more eclectic collection covering the whole spectrum of European art from antiquity to the 18^th century. The collection has some outstanding works of art so if you only want to visit one of the palaces, go here.

Prague Castle

From the monastery it’s a short walk to the castle. This is another tourist magnet, expect it to be busy.

Outside you’ll find the president palace with the presidential guard. You can watch the changing of the guards here every hour from 7.00 in the morning. The big one is at noon, with fanfare and all.

Continue inside and decide whether you want to see the interior of any of the buildings and decide which ticket suits your wishes best. I would suggest the cheapest option, circuit B, as this gives you all the highlights without the unnecessary extra exhibitions. The highlights of the castle complex are the St Vitus Cathedral and the old royal palace. If included in your ticket don’t forget to visit the St. George’s Basilica. This old church dates back to the 10th century and has a beautiful Romanesque interior. The other thing every tourist seems to do, is visiting the Golden Lane. It’s a nice medieval looking street, where you can find the house where Franz Kafka used to live. But it’s usually overcrowded so you won’t have the opportunity to imagine what it would have looked like in the past.

St Vitus Cathedral

As with most Cathedrals, the St Vitus Cathedral was built on top of the earlier 10^th-century church. Although construction of this Gothic Cathedral started in 1344 again by Charles IV, it was not consecrated until 1929. The biggest part of this cathedral is therefore not Gothic but Neo-Gothic which luckily complements each other well.

Old Royal Palace

There was a royal palace on this hill since the end of the 9th century. But the earliest remains are that of the 12th-century Romanesque palace, which can be seen in the underground. The present-day castle is a Gothic part started by emperor Charles IV and a late Gothic and Renaissance part from the end of the 15th century. The main attraction is the Vladislav Hall, this huge vaulted hall has been the scene of many important events in the country’s history. Don’t forget to go outside to the gallery for some great views of the Ramparts and Prague.

Best Viewpoints of the city

If you are looking for great viewpoints there are a couple with different perspectives.

St Vitus Cathedral great south tower

You need to buy a separate ticket for the tower of the cathedral. From there you’ll have marvellous views over the castle grounds towards Charles Bridge, the Moldau river and the old town.

Old Royal Palace balcony of Vladislav Hall

If you have bought a ticket for one of the castle circuits, then the Old Royal Palace and this viewpoint are included. From the balcony accessible from the Vladislav Hall in the palace you can view the ramparts of the castle, the Charles bridge and the old town. The view is nice but a bit inferior to the one from the cathedral tower.

Petřín orchard

For free views of the castle, the bridge and the old town, climb Petřín hill via the orchard. Besides this being a nice and relaxing walk away from the crowds it offers some of the best views of the city, and all for free. If you don’t feel like climbing, you can take the cable car to the top.

Petřín tower

Petřín Tower provides slightly wider views than available for free from the hill. The view of the castle and old city won’t improve that much, but it does offer grander vistas of the surroundings of Prague and its suburbs. You’ll have to pay to go to the top.

Letna

You can get another free view with a different perspective from Letna. Letna park lies opposite the old town and provides magnificent views of the old town and the river. Depending on where you go you can also view the castle and the Charles bridge.

Old Town Hall Tower

This paid viewpoint is a great one for close-up views of the old town, since it stands right in the middle of the old town square.

Day two

The sites of the second day are a spread out more than on the first day. It’s still doable to walk but if you’re tired or want to speed things along, take a ride in a tram or metro. Prague has some beautiful metro stations and the trams are a nice way to explore the city while sitting.

Jewish Cemetery

Start your day with the Jewish Cemetery, since it is one of the busier places and cemeteries are better experienced without too many people around. Take your time to wander around, read up on the history of the Jewish community in Prague and its downfall during the Second World War.

Old New Synagogue

As you exit the cemetery make your way to the nearby Old-New synagogue, this is one the oldest still active synagogue in Europe. It’s a beautiful little Gothic building dating from 1270. It’s also the site of the mythical Golem of Prague.

Spanish Synagogue

Just a block away lies the most beautiful synagogue of Prague, the Spanish Synagogue. It’s the newest synagogue in the area built to replace the oldest synagogue of Prague in 1868. It’s built in a Moorish revival style with domes, gold and geometric patterns.

Convent st Agnes

Just a couple of minutes from the Jewish quarter lies the medieval 13th-century Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia. The convent now is part of the National Gallery of Prague and houses its excellent medieval art collection. The collection focuses on art from Bohemia and Central Europe and has altarpieces and sculptures. The convent garden is freely accessible.

Old Town square

You can’t visit Prague without a visit to the Old town square. The square is lined with beautiful baroque buildings. Here you’ll also find the gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Old Town hall with its famous Astronomical clock. So, join the crowds in anticipation of the clock striking the hour.

Astronomical clock

Let me start off by saying the Astronomical clock in Prague is a marvellous piece of engineering which is fun to watch. But don’t take all its claims to serious. It’s not the oldest in the world, just one earlier example is the Gros Horloge in Rouen, France which predates the Prague one by some 30 years. And be aware that much of what you see today is a restoration of the original. The statues are a 1948 reconstruction after the original statues were destroyed by fire in 1945, the same goes for much of the machinery. Don’t let this lessen your enjoyment of this great piece of art and engineering, but it doesn’t hurt to be informed.

Kinsky Palace

While you’re on the square you can enjoy some more art if you want in the Kinský Palace. This is also a dependence of the National Gallery of Prague and is used as an exhibition space. So, check their website to see what is on. The palace itself dates from the second part of the 18^th century, built on top of an earlier Romanesque and gothic structure which can still be seen in the basement.

Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is one of the original 13 city gates of the city of Prague. You can visit it for some views of the surrounding area. It was built at the end of the 15^th century but suffered great damage at the Battle of Prague in 1757 so much of what you see today is a later reconstruction.

Mucha Museum

One of the Czech Republic’s most famous artists is Alphonse Mucha. Mucha is best known for his Art Nouveau advertisement posters. If you want to see his works of art, you can either visit the Mucha museum dedicated to the artist and his work or go to the National Gallery which has some of his major works like the Slav Epic. If you want to see his best work, go to the National Gallery, if you want to get an overview of his work visit the Mucha museum, or visit both for a complete picture.

Trade fair palace

If you’re not tired yet and love modern art, go visit the Trade Fair Palace dependence of the National Gallery. Here you will find an excellent collection of Czech art from the 1920s onwards.

Food is a major part of life and therefore automatically of travelling. Eating delicious and new things helps to create unique and unforgettable memories. But can also just be a basic necessity to keep you going from A to B.

1. Eat local food

Food is a great way to get to know a place and its people. Don’t be scared to eat things you have never heard of. Try them. You can use translate apps to get some idea of what you’re eating. But you can also be more adventurous and let the staff surprise you with their recommendations.

2. Smaller menu, better food

First heard this tip while watching Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmare, when Gordon was complaining about the ridiculous amount of choices in failing restaurants. Since then I’ve paid attention to this when eating out and can confirm that it’s a good rough indicator of the quality of the food. More than 15-20 options per course is a warning sign for bad food. Extra care should be taken when the many options are also from different cuisines, I’ve never eaten in a good restaurant that does pizza’s, hamburgers and sushi at the same time.

3. The longer the line, the better the food & the experience

This almost always holds true, since nobody likes to wait in line, so the reward must be good. Find your way to the town’s restaurant area and follow the people.

4. Try to eat healthy

When you’re eating out every day, it will be hard to eat healthy. An average restaurant meal is as unhealthy as a fast food meal. Cooks use a lot of salt, give small portions of vegetables and relative big portions of meat. So, change it up by ordering a vegetarian meal occasionally, get extra vegetables instead of fries or eat two lighter entrees instead of a main course. Read this article about eating healthy while travelling for more health tips.

5. Visit local markets

Local markets are a great place to visit to get to know the local produce. Go here to get fresh fruit, your breakfast and/or lunch. While you’re there use the opportunity to take some nice photos of all the colourful wares on display.

6. Self-catering for one meal a day

This tip helps to save money and at the same time provides you with the option to eat healthier.

7. Go for lunch instead of dinner

If you want to get the luxurious dining experience on a budget, go for lunch instead of dinner. Many high-end restaurants offer lunch menus at a fraction of the price of dinner. An added bonus is that the waiting lists for lunch are usually also a lot shorter or even none existing.

Of course, it is important to enjoy your travels and not to be on guard all the time. But you’re more vulnerable when you’re travelling: You’ve all your important stuff with you, you don’t know the local culture and your way, and you have a lot to watch out for. So to help you stay safe we’ve listed our tips and tricks. Most of the time everything will be fine and you’ll have a great time, learning these tips will improve these odds a bit more.

Valuables and Luggage

1. Keep important stuff on your body

The closer you keep your important stuff, the less likely you are to lose it. So, use a money belt, and/or the inside pocket or your front pockets. Try to avoid pockets in the back of your jeans and don’t use rucksacks for storing important stuff like passports, big amounts of money, your wallet and important cards.

2. Don’t hang your jacket over a chair

As said never use your back pockets to store anything of value, you’re begging people to steal it. Also, be aware when hanging a jacket over the chair you’re sitting on, this then becomes an easy target for people sitting behind you. The same goes for bags and purses of course. Also avoid leaving your phone and/or wallet on the table when you’re enjoying your dinner, lunch or a drink.

3. Money belt – multiple wallets

While not everyone likes to use a money belt, some people find it annoying to wear. I feel that it’s a good way to keep your most important items, passports, one bank card and some reserve cash safe. You shouldn’t use it as your main wallet because that is a hassle and makes everybody aware of its position. You should have two other wallets, one ‘decoy’ with only money for a day and some cards. This one you use most of the time and refill in the morning in the privacy of your room, the other you keep in a safe space.

4. Have some emergency cash with you

Always bring some emergency cash with you so you can pay for some food and a place to sleep in case your cards stop working or are stolen. Depending on where you are and where you are from, either bring your own currency or get the local currency. Currencies like US dollars and euros can be exchanged almost everywhere on the planet.

5. Mark your luggage

Suitcases have a generic look to them. To avoid (un)intentional switching, make your luggage stand out. This also makes it less attractive to thieves.

6. Bring a dry bag

Whether you will be actively searching for water adventures or are just travelling around. Having a dry bag secures your valuables against water damage. Many come with water sealed cases for your phone, so you can also take some pictures of your kayaking adventures.

7. Have both digital and paper copies of important documents

Have copies of important documents, at least your ID, so you can provide some proof when your ID gets stolen and you want to get an emergency passport at the consulate. A copy of your insurance can also come in handy in emergency situations. Other things you could copy are your bank card, credit card and driver’s license, to name a few. You can send a digital copy to a friend or relative, so they have some information about you back home.

Digital safety

8. Use a VPN

Although a VPN doesn’t provide 100% security, it adds a layer of security which stops you from being an easy target. So especially if you plan to use open Wi-Fi, use a VPN. It’s also a way to circumvent (social) media censorship in some countries but be aware that using a VPN in those circumstances could be illegal. Check local regulations to know if you can legally use a VPN and then decide whether to use it anyways.

Transport

9. Get the rear-facing seat and wear a seatbelt

Sitting backwards is always safer than sitting forward, e.g. in trains and buses. When the train or bus hits something, you will be pressed against the backrest, instead of flying forward. Also, always wear a seatbelt when they provide one. We don’t understand why so many people don’t use their seatbelt on a bus while they ordinarily would in a car. After we’ve been shown some graphic advisory movies on the bus in China, we always use ours. Also, don’t let taxi drivers dissuade you of using seatbelts acting like it’s an insult to their driving ability. These drivers usually see themselves as Formula One drivers.

10. Don’t relax when you’re using public transport

Always watch your friends, and their belongings, when you use public transport. Although it might seem like the perfect moment to sit back and relax, tourists in these places are the easy picks for thieves. This is especially the case when your mode of transports has a lot of short stops. This is ideal for thieves to hop and hop off with your stuff without you noticing it’s gone before it’s too late.

Precautions

11. Give family/friends your itinerary

Provide friends and family with at least a rough itinerary and keep them updated where you are going. Especially let people know if you plan to go on a solo hike into unpopulated areas. This way people have an idea of where to look for you if you disappear.

12. Learn a phrase to pretend that your local

Sentences like “I live in Moscow” (Я живу в Москве) or “I live in Bali” (Saya tinggal di Bali) or the local equivalent for where you are at the time can help you stay clear of scammers looking for easy prey. It can also help you negotiate a less touristy fare price for taxis.

13. Have a first aid kit with you

Always have a small first aid kit with you. The exact content depends on where you’re going, but bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relief, antibacterial stuff, Imodium tablets and antihistamine cream will come in handy wherever you are. Also, always have sunscreen and water with you. No excuses.

Behaviour

14. Follow your instinct

Sometimes you have the feeling things are not right. Listen to your instinct and stop doing what you’re doing. Even if you don’t have a rational explanation for it. Sometimes your body knows things better than your mind. It’s the trick to listen to those feelings and do something with it.

15. Keep Calm

If things go wrong, try to keep calm. Maybe things turn out better than you expect. It also helps you to react wisely and avoid bigger drama.

Safe travels!

How to prepare for a great trip: 24 preparation tips

Are you ready for Japan?

U-erukomu! Are you ready for a modern world in the eastern part of the globe spread out over 6,000 islands? Get ready for an unending journey of temples, pagodas, modern art and high tech. But also neighbourhoods of samurais and geishas, Japanese gardens and a highly organized society? A world of fresh fish, the finest sushi, steaming ramen, tea ceremonies and strong sake? Continue reading about our adventures while travelling the land of the rising sun: Japan!

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We spend our honeymoon in Japan, which made this journey extra special for us. This meant: reading many books and watching tons of movies before we dared to visit the country. We wanted to be sure that we were prepared our trip in the best way possible. We hope you can use our information to your advantage!

So, we share our itinerary, made a list of 11 tips for travelling Japan, a blog about food, Tokyo and Kyoto, what to pack, how to prepare and much more…

When to go?

Japan is beautiful in all seasons. Just know that Cherry blossom season is somewhere in March or April depending on the weather and the location. But there are dedicated websites to forecasting when the blossoming will start. But be aware that it will be busier around this time. The same goes for Golden Week, which is a national holiday from the 29th of April to early May. Summers are hot and humid and August is also the time of another public holiday. Autumn colors will start to appear at the end of September in the north, slowly making their way south.

Our Japan itinerary

We had a hard time puzzling the best itinerary for our four weeks in Japan. We wanted to visit as much of Japan as possible. As you know, we love culture, history, art and nature and wanted a perfect combination of this. Since Japan has a lot to offer in all these categories, tough choices had to be made. We like to hear if you have a more efficient itinerary than this one.

WEEK 1

We flew to Tokyo to start our trip and spend one long day in this big city, visiting museums of Japanese history and Western art, temples and pagodas. Also, we used Tokyo as our base for two-day trips: one to Kamakura, a coastal town packed with temples and Buddha’s and one to the shrines of Nikko.

Next, we explored and crossed the Japanese Alps. We had a pit-stop Nagano; spent a night in Matsumoto to visit its famous black castle and the birthplace of modern artist Yayoi Kusama. We hiked a day in Kamakochi, a popular resort with spectacular mountain scenery. Then, we crossed the Japanese Alps to the west coast. There, we stayed in Kanazawa, home to one of the best landscape gardens of Japan, an impressive modern art museum and a beautiful castle.

WEEK 2

From there our trip continued southwards by bullet train, to visit Osaka a vibrant and modern city; Kyoto, the former Imperial capital of Japan and Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital.
To learn more about the Japanese religion and the art of meditation, we did a tour in the mystical mountains in Koyasan, where we slept in a temple. From Kii-Tanabe we walked the Kumano Kodo, in the footsteps of the pilgrims.

WEEK 3

From the heart of those misty Mountains, it was a substantial train ride back to the inhabited world. We joined civilization again in Okayama to visit its garden and castle. Took the boat across the inland sea to Naoshima, an island bursting with modern art. On the way, we also visited the beautiful, white Himeji castle and Hiroshima with its Atomic bomb museum, and the Miyajima shrine. You know that famous shrine that you see on every Japan brochure.

WEEK 4

And from here, the always unpredictable nature of Japanese earth’s crust threw a spanner in the works of the last weeks of our trip. We planned to visit Kumamoto and its castle and from there Mount Aso with its active volcano before we would hit Beppu, the onsen heaven of Japan. However, because of an earthquake, Kumamoto’s castle was partially collapsed and the city was isolated from most train traffic. Also, the volcano of Aso was a bit too active, and therefore, tourists were not allowed nearby. That is why we choose to go to Beppu straight away and spent the two days that we saved on an extra Japanese garden in Takamatsu, a temple in Kyoto and a museum, all the way back in Kanazawa. Also, we visited Nagasaki, to another city hit by an atomic bomb, and also check out Dejima, the Dutch trading post from the 17th-19th century.

From Fukuoka, we planned to fly to Iriomote, one of Japan’s tropical islands to finish our trip on the soft and sandy bounty beaches, to snorkel and hike through the jungle of the remote island. However, because of a typhoon, flights and boats were cancelled, which got us stuck on the main island of Okinawa for three days. This gave us all the time to learn the secrets of healthy living from the oldest people in the world, living in Okinawa.

Just before we had to leave Japan, we spent two more days in Tokyo, to make sure we could check all the remaining highlights there and don’t feel too sad to head back to the other side of the world.

Moscow has its many ring roads driving you crazy while circling this huge metropolis. But a couple of hours outside Moscow lies another ring, the Golden Ring. This imaginary circle links several ancient Russian cities. These Golden Ring cities, once were the heart of Russian culture and power before the supremacy of Moscow. Most of these cities have been spared the devastation of the Second World War and Communism. They offer a rare opportunity to travel back in time to medieval Russia. And they make for ideal day trips from Moscow.

As it’s a circle, you can choose which way to go. We choose to go counter-clockwise as this maximizes our time and divides the days evenly. It’s also possible to do the Golden Ring by public transport but it’s easier to go by car. Alternatively, you can also join one of the organised golden ring tours. Most of the roads are in good condition and signage is both in Cyrillic and Roman alphabet. Since every phone is a sat nav, there shouldn’t be too many obstacles to navigating the Golden Ring. If you’re going to rent a car, try to get one in the eastern part of Moscow.

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1. Vladimir

The first stop is Vladimir some 180km east of Moscow. Expect a lot of traffic inside Moscow and on the M7 towards Vladimir. This will be one of the busiest parts of the Golden Ring road. If you leave early, you can be in Vladimir in the early afternoon.
Vladimir is said to be founded in 1108. During the second half of the 12th century, Vladimir experienced its Golden Age. This Golden Age lasted until the Mongol invasion of 1237. The Golden Horde sacked the city in 1238 and the city never truly recovered.

Assumption Cathedral

There are two cathedrals which survived all this carnage, both belong to the World Heritage of UNESCO. The most important one is the Assumption Cathedral. Grand Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky built the cathedral in 1158. Inside some of the original 12th-century murals have been restored. This cathedral was the place where all Grand Princes of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir were crowned until Moscow became the seat of the Grand Princes in the 14th century. From then on, the coronations would take place in the Assumption Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin, which is a loose copy of this one.

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius

The second cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius. It served as a private chapel of Grand Prince Vsevolod III Yuryevich and was part of his palace. Usually, most of the splendour of a cathedral is on the inside, but this cathedral stands out for its exquisite exterior. The stone caving of this cathedral is one of the best in Russia.

Golden Gate

The Golden Gate of Vladimir is the only surviving ancient city gate in Russia. Although much of the present-day building is the result of the 18th-century reconstruction by Catherine the Great.

2. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

Just outside Vladimir lies a beautiful little church. The 12th century ‘Church of the Intercession on the Nerl’ was also built by Grand Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky and looks a lot like the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius in Vladimir. It lies on an island in the Nerl river and is not reachable by car, so you must walk there. It’s a 15-minute walk through the flower-filled floodplain. The church is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the site White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal.

3. Suzdal

Some 35km to the north lies Suzdal, the ancient capital in a time when Moscow was just a small outpost. Suzdal was founded around 1024 and became the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality in 1125. The capital moved to Vladimir in 1157 but it remained an active trade hub even after the Mongolian invasion. Suzdal was annexed by Moscow in 1392. From the 16th century onwards it became a religious centre. First, it was sponsored by the Tsars. Later, wealthy merchants tried to outdo each other by building dozens of churches. Thirty of these churches remain until this day.

Kremlin

The Kremlin is the oldest part of Suzdal and dates back to the 10th century. This Kremlin can be seen as the predecessor of the more famous one in Moscow as it was from here that Grand Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy fortified Moscow and laid the basis for the Kremlin there.

Saviour Monastery of Saint Euthymius

The monastery was founded in 1352. Originally it had a wooden palisade but that was destroyed by the Poles. Nowadays it has a red brick wall from 1640. The monastery also had a prison, from the 19th century onwards this became its main function. Its most notable prisoner was the German field marshal Friedrich Paulus who was imprisoned here after the surrender of the 6th Army at Stalingrad. Both the Kremlin and the monastery are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

4. Plyos

From Suzdal northwards, the road is much quieter. The next stop is Plyos, this small town on the banks of the Volga wouldn’t be that interesting if it wasn’t for the residence of Isaac Levitan. Levitan was one of Russia’s most famous landscape painters and painted many of his paintings in this town and its surroundings. There is a nice museum exhibiting his works. On top of a hill stands the ‘Wooden church of the resurrection’. From here you will have a marvellous view of the surrounding hills and the mighty Volga. And you will understand where Russian painters such as Levitan got their inspiration from.

5. Kostroma

Rurikid Prince Yury Dolgoruky also founded Kostroma in 1152. It became part of the Duchy of Moscow in the 14th century and served as a refuge for the grand dukes in time of danger. Mikhail Romanov spent 13 years in exile here, until he was offered the Russian throne and started the Romanov dynasty.

Ipatievsky Monastery

The monastery is the main sight of Kostroma. It was founded in the early 14th century. It was in this monastery that Mikhail Romanov lived and excepted the Russian throne. His wooden house is still preserved and can be visited. Many of the buildings here were sponsored by the Romanov who paid tribute to the place where they rose to power.
In the centre of the city lies the Susaninskaya Ploshchad square. Here lied the Kremlin until a great fire destroyed most of the city in 1773. Catherine the Great redesigned the city including the great central market with all its arcade just south of the square.

6. Yaroslavl

Further upriver lies Yaroslavl. This industrial city was a place of early Viking activity in the 9th century. Yaroslavl the Wise, Grand Prince of Kiev, founded the city at the turn of the 11th century. It remained a small trading town in the Principality of Rostov until 1218 when it became its own principality. It would remain independent until 1463 when it was absorbed by Moscow. Nothing remained of this time as the Golden Horde razed and burned the city a couple of times. The city saw more destruction in the 20th century. First in the Russian Civil war and later in the Second World War by German bombing. What remained or was restored now is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour

The oldest buildings of Yaroslavl are in the ‘Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour’. The monastery itself was founded in the 12th century but the oldest remaining buildings, the Holy Gate and the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, date from 1516.

Annunciation Cathedral

The Annunciation Cathedral dates to 1215, the present-day building, however, is a 2010 reconstruction as Communists destroyed the original cathedral in 1937. Next to the cathedral lies the new Strelka Park, a popular spot for Russians to spend their evenings walking along the Volga.

John the Baptist Church

The most beautiful church in Yaroslavl and one of our all-time favourites is the ‘John the Baptist Church at Tolchkovo’. It lies on the other side of the river surrounded by industrial buildings. Nevertheless, it’s worth the detour. The church has 15 domes and extensive frescoes inside. Sadly, the frescoes look like they are deteriorating due to mould and water damage. So, visit this church now when it’s still in decent shape and contribute to the funds to care for the building. This church is also depicted on the banknote of 1,000 roubles.

7. Rostov

As we head south towards Moscow, we drive towards Rostov. Nowadays a sleepy provincial town, but one of the oldest cities in Russia. The main sight is the beautiful Kremlin.

Kremlin

The Rostov Kremlin was founded in the 12th century but most buildings are from the 17th century. The Kremlin is dominated by the Assumption Cathedral with a big bell tower. The largest bell weighs a stunning 32,000 kilos and is named Sysoy.

Monastery of Saviour and Saint Jacob (Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery)

On the outskirts of the city alongside Lake Nero lies the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery. This colourful monastery was founded in the 14th century but the oldest building is from the 17th century. You can climb the walls for a great view of the lake and the monastery itself.

8. Pereslavl-Zalessky

Some 70km to the south lies Pereslavl-Zalessky. This lakeside town is the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky who would successfully battle German and Swedish invaders. And Lake Pleshcheyevo is considered the birthplace of the Russian fleet. Here Peter the Great built his toy fleet and developed his obsession for the sea.

Kremlin

The Kremlin is little more than a grass ring, but within is one of Russia’s oldest buildings, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour from 1152. It’s a small church in a similar style as the little, but beautiful, churches of Vladimir.

Botik Museum

Just outside the town lies the Botik Museum, dedicated to Peter the Great’s toy fleet. One of the buildings houses one of the two remaining ships, the rest was destroyed.

9. Sergiev Posad

The last stop is Sergiev Posad. Named after Russia’s patron saint Sergius of Radonezh, it is the holiest town in Russia. Until 1983 it was the seat of the Russian Orthodox church.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

The spiritual centre of the city and of Russia is the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius monastery. It was founded in 1337 and grew ever greater until the Russian revolution when it was closed. Nowadays it’s once again an active monastery.
The monastery is colourful and photogenic. The most important churches are the Trinity Cathedral built in 1422 and the Cathedral of the Assumption built in 1585. Here you find the grave of Tsar Boris Godunov.

Now we have completed the Golden Ring and most of its highlights. It’s time to return to Moscow and its big city life.

How to spend four wonderful days in the city of Moscow

Saint Petersburg was the brainchild of Tsar Peter the Great. Once a swamp, now it’s a beautiful bustling city on the Finnish Gulf. There is a lot to explore. The two major tourist attractions are the palaces and the museums. This combination comes together in the Hermitage Museum, this winter palace is one of the greatest museums in the world.

So, to do this city justice stay for at least three days. Let us guide you to spend these days wisely.

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Day 1 Saint Petersburg

The first day in Saint Petersburg is a full one with a schedule that would take at least 8 hours to complete. So, if you want to create some extra time, skip the Stroganov Palace, the Marble Palace is the better of the two city palaces.

Kazan Cathedral

Since Kazan Cathedral is free and opens early, this is the best place to start your exploration of Saint Petersburg. The cathedral is loosely modelled after the Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. Inside Russians will line up to kiss a copy of our Lady of Kazan. The original was a 13th Century Icon brought to Russia from Constantinople. The cathedral is consecrated to this Icon.

Nevsky Prospekt

Kazan Cathedral lies along Nevsky Prospekt, the main road through the city centre. It’s a good place to watch people, do some souvenir shopping and have a drink. It’s just a short walk from the cathedral to the Stroganov palace.

Stroganov Palace

This beautifully restored pink palace is part of the Russian Museum. You can buy a combination ticket for the Stroganov Palace, the Marble Palace, and the Russian Museum. It was in the kitchen of this palace that the famous beef Stroganoff was invented. The palace is also a good first introduction to the splendour of upper class living in pre-Soviet times.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Cross the street and walk to the Griboyedov Canal, walk northwards on the left bank for a better view of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The long name refers to the assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II here in 1881. The inside of this church is decorated with beautiful mosaics.

Russian Museum

Just behind the church lies the Russian Museum. This museum houses the largest collection of Russian art in the world. You’ll find great medieval icons and paintings by Russian greats like Ilja Repin and Kasimir Malevich.

Summer Gardens

When you’re done with all the art, spend some time leisurely walking through Mikailovsky’s Garden. Cross the Moyka river and continue your walk in the beautiful Summer Gardens. The Summer Garden is the city’s oldest park and began as the private garden of Tsar Peter the Great. Take the northern exit and head to the Marble palace a couple of meters to the west.

Marble Palace

The Marble Palace gets its name from all the different forms of marble used in the construction and decoration of the 18th Century palace. It houses different art collections and temporary exhibitions.

Neva

After the head towards the Neva and take the Trinity Bridge to cross it. From here you have a great view of the waterfront of the city.

Peter and Paul Fortress

On the other side of the bridge lies the Peter and Paul Fortress. This is the oldest site in the city. From this fortress, the rest of the city evolved. Climb the ramparts for more great views of the river and the city.

Peter and Paul Cathedral

The oldest landmark of the city and the island is the Peter and Paul Cathedral. The cathedral has the highest Orthodox bell tower in the world with a height of 122 meters. The cathedral also houses the tombs of most Russian emperors, from Peter the Great to the last Tsar Nicolas II and his family. The grave of Anastasia is one which is particularly often photographed.

If you have some energy left, go to the Erarta Museum which is open until 22.00 every day but Tuesdays when it’s closed. So, this is a good thing to do in the evening to maximize your time. On Wednesday and Friday, the Hermitage museum is open until 21.00. So, if you’re in Saint Petersburg on those days either get a head start or finish things you have missed before by visiting the Hermitage museum in the evening.

Erarta Museum

The Erarta Museum is an excellent contemporary art museum which focuses on Russian contemporary art. The museum has a good flow and a good mix of art, so everybody should find something to their liking.

Day 2 Half-day trip and more Saint Petersburg

Boat ride

Start the second day in Saint Petersburg early and get a ticket for the hydrofoil to Peterhof at the Lion palace pier. You can buy tickets online or at the pier. This is a great way to see Saint Petersburg from the water and the fastest way to get to Peterhof.

Peterhof

If you’re going to visit Peterhof individually it’s best to go as early as possible since it will be busy. Buy a ticket to the park via the official website so you can skip the line once you get off the boat.

The highlight of Peterhof is the Grand Palace. Sadly, you can’t buy individual tickets online. You can decide to opt for a guided tour package. Choose one with good reviews if you choose to do so and expect to pay at least 2.5 times the normal entry price. Otherwise go directly to the fountain show when you get off the boat, it starts at 11.00. Afterwards, do some exploring of the park. Go to the ticket office for the sale of the individual tickets for the Grand Palace a half hour in advance, to avoid long lines. Ticket sale should start at 12.00, check the website for the latest information. If you’re with more people, rotate your waiting spot and explore the surroundings while you wait.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace was completely destroyed by Stalin during the Second World War. After he heard that Hitler wanted to celebrate New Year here he ordered the palace to be bombed. So, the palace and the interior are post-war reconstructions.

Head back to the hydrofoil and try to get back in the city around 15.00. This would give you enough time to get a good impression of the Hermitage museum. It’s too big to see in a single visit for most people anyway. If you go on a Wednesday and Friday, you’ll have more time as it is open until 21.00 on these days. Buy a ticket online to avoid another queue.

Hermitage

The collection of the Hermitage Museum is enormous and provides a complete overview of Western art throughout the centuries. The museum started with the collection of Catherine the Great, who was the biggest art collector of her time. Nicolas I expanded upon this collection and opened it to the public in 1852. The collection expanded threefold in Soviet times when many valuable private collections were seized by the state. After the Second World War, even more art was added as the Soviets looted many private and public German art collections.

Winter Palace

This results in an enormous museum. So, decide what you want to see and stick to that and the highlights. Our favourites are the Italian and Dutch art and the ancient Egyptian pieces. Another approach is to do everything and systematically explore the whole museum room by room. Adjust your pace to your interests and you should be able to cover the Winter palace side of the museum under four hours.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the palace itself, as its architecture is almost as impressive as the art that it exhibits.

General Staff Building

Whatever you do, don’t forget to visit the General Staff building on the other side of the Palace Square. Although the building is far less impressive as the winter palace the art is exquisite. The General Staff Building houses an amazing collection of Impressionism, Modern, and Contemporary art. Highlights are rooms full of artworks by Monet, Matisse, Malevich and Picasso. But there is so much more. Plan wisely as this part of the museum only has extended visiting hours on Wednesday.

Day 3 Another half-day trip and more Saint Petersburg

Tsarskoe Selo

Tsarskoe Selo lies in the town of Pushkin 25 km south of Saint Petersburg. You can get there by bus and or by train. If you want to spare yourself the hassle of public transport, get a taxi via a taxi app which won’t be that more expansive when travelling in company.

Catherina Palace

The highlight of Tsarskoe Selo is Catherina’s palace. Construction started under Empress Elizabeth and was finished by Catherine the Great in 1796. The interior of this palace is magnificent and well worth it to explore. Getting in requires some preparation though. The easiest way is to buy tickets online. But there are only limited tickets available this way and they usually sell out a month in advance. So, plan well in advance. If they are sold out it’s back to queueing again. Arrive early, the queue starts when the parks open, but the ticket office will only open at 12.00. So, if you’re with company, rotate your stay in line and use the time to explore the beautiful palace gardens and surrounding buildings.

Amber Room

The highlights of the interior of Catherina’s Palace are the great mirror room and the mythical amber room. The interior was completely destroyed and looted during the Second World War as was the Grand Palace at Peterhof. It’s still a mystery what the Germans did with the amber. The restored interiors here have a more authentic look than those of the Grand Palace.

Get back to the city by whatever means of transport you prefer. Finish your visit to the Hermitage Museum or go to the Erarta museum if you haven’t been there yet.

Mariinsky theatre

End your stay in Saint Petersburg with a night out at the Mariinsky Theatre. The theatre itself is worth the visit but the ballet shows are a highlight too. Book tickets in advance to get decent tickets at a good price.

Also visiting Moscow? Then read our 4-day Moscow itinerary!

How to spend four wonderful days in the city of Moscow

Moscow is an enormous city, capital of the biggest country in the world and home to more than twelve million residents. It houses about 10 per cent of the total population of a country that covers 1/8 of the Earth’s inhabitable land area.

Most of Moscow is a concrete jungle, but there is so much to see and there are many gems, hidden or ostentatiously present. This is the first city for which three days were not enough for us to cover all its highlights. So, we packed all the highlights in a perfect and a loaded four-day itinerary for you!

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Day 1

Red Square

Start the first day in the heart and centre of the city, the Red Square. This is the oldest part of the city. On one side the Kremlin is situated, the early fortified part and political heart of Russia. On the other side lies Kitai Gorod, which although mostly demolished in the first half of the 20th century, still houses the oldest residential buildings and edifices of Moscow. The square itself is immense. Hopefully, you can admire it without makeshift stands for a parade or other spectacle occupying it.

Standing in line

One thing you should prepare for when visiting Russia, is standing in line. Ticket systems are not the most efficient and a great part of your time visiting popular tourist attractions will be spent on waiting. To combat this, try to buy tickets online. First check the official website, if they don’t sell them you can try to book through intermediaries. Decide for yourself if they seem trustworthy and if the extra expenses are worth it. The other option is to arrive early, check the cashier opening time and queue at least a half hour in advance. This minimizes your waiting time and some frustration as people will try to skip the line.

Lenin’s mausoleum

Start queuing for Lenin’s mausoleum right after breakfast. It’s only open from 10.00 to 13.00 on every day but Monday and Friday. It’s an eerie and surreal experience as you enter the mausoleum with honour guards silently manoeuvring you forward. Shushing those who can’t keep quiet. You’re only allowed a brief moment to pay your respects or gawk at Lenin’s mummy. No pictures are allowed inside and before you know it you’re back outside, wondering what you have just seen. Now you’re also part of the millions who disrespected Lenin’s final wish to be quietly buried beside his mother in Saint Petersburg.

Kremlin

If you’re smart, you’ll have bought tickets to the Kremlin online. Especially the separate ticket for the Armoury since they can otherwise only be bought within small timeslots with long associated queues.

The Kremlin is the fortified political heart of Moscow. Although the word ‘kremlin’ is mostly associated with the Kremlin in Moscow, it’s original meaning is fortified city. You can find many more kremlins in old Russian cities like Suzdal, Novgorod and Vladimir. If you have any time, we absolutely recommend you visiting the kremlins in Russia’s so-called ‘Golden Circle’, which lies close to Moscow.

Assumption Cathedral

The first thing to see inside the Kremlin is the Assumption Cathedral. The earliest building dates back to the end of the 15th century. This is the place where most Russian Tsars were coronated and it is seen as the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The cathedral is also the burial place for most Metropolitans (popes) and patriarchs (bishops) of the Russian Orthodox church. The building has five golden domes and beautiful frescos inside.

Ivan the Great Bell Tower

If you want, you can climb the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. But you will need a separate ticket to do so. From the top, you will have some nice views of the Kremlin, the Red Square and the Moscow river.

Other cathedrals

Also, visit the Archangel Cathedral, this is the final resting place of many tsars and princes of the Russian empire. And the next-door Annunciation Cathedral with great icons inside.

Armoury

The Armoury is a must-see if you like shiny objects and opulence. It’s full of silverware, jewellery, armour, weapons, crowns and Fabergé eggs. It also shows original gowns, suits and carriages for the less gold obsessed.

State historical museum

For a better understanding of Russian culture and history head over to the State historical museum. It gives a good overview of Russian history from the prehistory up to the Napoleonic wars at the beginning of the 19th century. Especially the exhibit on medieval Rus and its Viking origin are interesting. The museum itself is lavishly decorated and also houses the biggest coin collection in Russia. If the Napoleonic wars are of specific interest to you, you can visit the next-door War of 1812 museum which focuses on this time.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

As you exit back unto the Red Square walk towards the iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Construction of this colourful cathedral started in 1555 on orders from Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his capture of Kazan. The church was secularized in 1929 and now is part of the State Historical Museum and owned by the Russian Federation. The inside consists of a labyrinth of narrow vaulted corridors and vertical cylinders of the churches, absolutely worth a closer look.

Kitai Gorod

When you’re done at the cathedral, finish your day exploring Kitai Gorod. This is the oldest part of Moscow, besides the Kremlin. It still has some great historical buildings and churches from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nowadays it’s also a popular place to go for upscale diners and drinks, so enjoy reward yourself as the day of sightseeing comes to an end.

Day 2

Pushkin Museum

Start the second day with a great art museum, the Pushkin museum. This is the main museum in Moscow dedicated to foreign art. Here you’ll find masterpieces from antiquity until romanticism. Highlights are Priam’s Treasure, looted from Berlin, and Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt.

For spectacular modern art, go next-door to the 19th and 20th century European and American art gallery. Here you can find works by artists like Caspar David Friedrich, Goya, van Gogh, Monet, and many more. You can buy a combination ticket for both museums.

Cathedral Christ the Saviour

Across the street stands a gigantic cathedral. This is the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. With a height of 103 metres, it is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world. As imposing as the building may be, it’s not that old. The cathedral was finished in 1997, rebuilt in the image of the original one but on a larger scale. The original cathedral was destroyed by Stalin in 1931.

Red October

To the south lies Balchug or Bolotny Island in the Moscow river. On the southwestern tip of the island, you can find the former Krasny Oktyabr’ (Red October) chocolate factory. This red-bricked building houses several art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. This is probably a good time to have some lunch before continuing southwards.

Krymskaya Naberezhnaya

When you cross the river once more you get a better view of the gigantic statue of Tsar Peter the Great which lies on a little island in the river. As you make your way towards Gorki park along the Krymskaya Naberezhnaya embankment, you pass a garden filled with statues of old Soviet leaders. These statues were removed from their original pedestals after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now they have a new home in this sculptures cemetery.

You will pass the gigantic New Tretyakov Gallery, which you can visit on the last day, so you won’t overload with art. But if you’re as art insatiable as us, you can also visit it now.

Gorki Park

On the other side of the Garden ring road lies Gorki Park. The full name gives you an idea of what to expect here – Maxim Gorki’s Central Park of Culture and Leisure. So, leisurely enjoy the green escape from the city noise. Watch people enjoy themselves, go for a boat trip or bike ride, and finish the day with a visit to the Garage museum.

Garage Museum of Contemporary Art

The Garage Museum of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum where you can find both Russian contemporary art and exhibition of international contemporary artists. The experience depends on the exhibition that is on but is overall very good.

Day 3

Kolomenskoye

Start your third day at the free to enter Kolomenskoye museum-reserve. This is an UNESCO world heritage site and ancient royal country estate. It lies on top of a hill overlooking a bend in the Moscow river.

It’s a 4 square kilometre picturesque park with some beautiful original buildings and some reconstructed iconic Russian wooden buildings such as wooden churches, gatehouses and palaces. The oldest and the most iconic building is the Ascension church from 1532.

Although the park itself is free, most of the buildings require a separate entrance fee. So, decide what you want to see from the inside, and just marvel at the rest from the outside. The reserve is immense and spread out, so go early as it is one of the few things in Moscow which opens early and expect to spend 2 to 4 hours here. You can get here easily by taking the subway to Kolomenskaya station.

Novospassky Monastery

Go north to Novospassky Monastery. This 15th-century monastery is free to enter. The imperial Romanov family built the main transfiguration cathedral in the 1640s. The frescoes inside show the history of Christianity in Russia and the Romanov family tree. During Soviet times the monastery was turned into a prison, since then it has been returned to the Russian Orthodox church and restored.

VDNKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva)

Continue your way northwards and head over to VDNKh. As you exit the metro station you’re greeted by the 100-meter-high ‘To the conquerors of Space’ monument. This monument celebrates the launch of the Sputnik. The base of the monument houses the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. Visit this museum if you want to learn more about the Soviet Space program.

The ‘Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy’ (VDNKh) shows the achievements of the Soviet Unions, its republics and their workers. The park has numerous palaces dedicated to the different Soviet republics and industries. At the centre of the park are two huge opulent fountains gilded in gold with precious gems. Other things you can find in this park are the Buran space shuttle, a rocket and fighter jets.

Day 4

Tretyakov Gallery

Begin your last day with the huge Tretyakov Gallery. It has an enormous collection of pre-revolutionary Russian art. Highlights of the museum are the paintings by Ilya Repin and the numerous 12th-century Icons.

New Tretyakov Gallery

From the Tretyakov Gallery, it is a 20-minute walk to the New Tretyakov Gallery. This gallery houses the 20th-century Russian art collection of the museum. Highlights are the works of our favourite artist Malevich, and also Goncherova, Popova, Kandinsky and Chagall. And don’t forget its big collection of socialist realist paintings.

Novodevichy Convent

Cross the river and take the number one subway from the Park of culture station to Sportivnaya station. From here it’s a 10-minute walk to Novodevichy Convent. The construction of this convent started in 1524 as a commemoration of the conquering of Smolensk by Vasili III in 1514. It’s main building therefore is the Smolensk Cathedral. The convent was also a place where ‘troublesome’ women from noble families were sent to spend their days in exile.

Novodevichy Cemetery

If you like wandering around cemeteries, the Novodevichy Cemetery next to the monastery is the best one in Moscow. Here you’ll find the tombs of Nikita Khrushchev, Boris Yeltsin, Anton Chekhov and Sergei Prokofiev, just to name a few.

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Now go to the Victory Park with the victory monument, the victory museum and an exposition of military equipment. Here you can get some understanding of the huge suffering the Soviet Union endured during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The centrepiece of the square is the 141.8-meter obelisk. Every 10 centimetres represent one day of the war.

Behind the obelisk is the museum of the Great Patriotic War. It houses dioramas of all the major battles the Soviets fought as well as impressive memorial halls. The story of the war is retold with a light show.

At the back of the museum in the southwest corner of the park is the Exhibition of Military Equipment and Weapons in the Open Air. If you’re interested in this kind of stuff be sure to visit it. Here you’ll find over 300 different World War II era pieces of military equipment from trains to tanks, to boats and planes.

Now you’ve seen the highlights of Moscow. But there still is much more to see. Moscow is definitely a city to come back to.

The best things to do in the vibrant city of Saint Petersburg

Both traveling and eating healthy are very important to us. We work hard to stay fit, so hopefully we can stay active and travel a lot in our lives. This started as a struggle, but we learned by doing, trying, failing and being creative. Read this post to learn more about our tips on how to eat and stay healthy while traveling!

Tip 1: Stick to a normal eating schedule

A traveling schedule can be quite irregular and casual. This can make it hard to stick to a normal eating routine. However, it’s key not to skip meals, have breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular times. And try not to snack too much between the meals. This will also help you overcome a possible jet lag (read this article on how to overcome your jet lag). And prevent cravings for unhealthy food, so you feel energized the whole day.

Tip 2: Prep your food

To achieve Tip 1, mentioned above, it will help to plan ahead and prepare meals and snacks beforehand. If you have to get up early, make sure you can have a healthy breakfast on the way. If you’re planning to do a lot of activities, make sure your backpack is filled with wholesome snacks.

Tip 3: Ideas for healthy snacks

• We always get some fruit at the market or in the supermarket. Apples, bananas, clementines and oranges are easy to transport and an easy snack for on the road.
• Another favorite are nuts, as they will really fill you up and give you an energy boost. Great for hiking.
• Dried fruit (eg. apricots or dates), dark chocolate (unless temperatures are too high!), and hard-boiled eggs are good snack alternatives.
• When you finish your supplies before you quench your hunger, go for salty, rather than sweet snacks. As sweet snacks will only make you more hungry and low on energy once the sugar rush has passed.

Tip 4: Salads to the rescue

We agree that salads are not always the most exciting dish on the menu. However, it can be hard to reach the daily goal of 250 grams of vegetables when you only eat out. So, try to eat balanced and diverse by ordering something with nice and fresh veggies every now and then.

Tip 5: Make good use of your accommodation’s facilities.

These tips can be achieved in your apartment or hostel, but also in most hotel rooms.

• Keep your supplies fresh in the fridge or minibar (e.g. some yoghurt and fruit for breakfast).
• Use the water cooker to fill up your thermos flasks and make some hot tea or coffee for on the road.
• Boil some eggs in the water cooker or coffee machine. Eggs are a fulfilling snack or breakfast addition.
• Fill up your water bottle at the water dispenser in the hotel gym, common area, kitchen or wherever there is drinking water available.

Tip 6: Do buffets better

Oh those hotel buffets. It can be very tempting at the ‘All you can eat buffet’ to eat all that you think you want. However, this won’t make your body happy and you will regret this later on. So, go easy on the cakes, pastries and even the bread. Go for yoghurt (without the sweetened breakfast cereal), eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans and salmon instead. And add color to your life with fruits and vegetables on the side.

Tip 7: You don’t need unhealthy food to enjoy your holiday

Try to change your mindset. Being on holiday and enjoying yourself doesn’t mean that you have to reward yourself with sugary and processed food all the time. In the end this won’t make you happy and energetic. There are other ways to reward and treat yourself. Visit a spa, get a massage, go to the theater or a music performance or buy some souvenirs. There are many ways to treat yourself, be creative.

Do you have any additional tips to eating healthy while abroad? Let us know!

How to overcome your Jet lag – 5 golden tips