Many of us associate Romania with vampires, creepy stories and the infamous gypsies that roam Europe. And many of us actually have no idea what Romania ACTUALLY has to offer!
I kept getting asked by so many people, why are you going to Romania for a week? Now, imagine a country full of castles and citadels, legends and traditions, mixed with beautiful landscapes of colorful forests, lakes and mountains, medieval towns, fairytale houses and kind welcoming people… Welcome to Romania! Romania is more than definitely worth visiting for a week.
BEST OF ROMANIA: MY ROMANIA ONE WEEK ITINERARY
Days 1-2: Bucharest
Bucharest has it’s own airport which is serviced by many budget European airlines and flights are usually cheap. You can also arrive by train or bus from neighbouring countries. Chances are you will get to Bucharest in partway through the day which is perfect, because I think Romania’s capital is worth a day and a half at least.
Monteverde was my second stop in Costa Rica. I chose to visit it as Monteverde has a Cloud Forest, which is the only in Costa Rica but also one of the few Cloud Forests in the world, as they only represent 1% of the global woodland. I had never visited a Cloud Forest before! If you are wondering what a Cloud Forest is, well it’s just that, a forest which is constantly covered in clouds at the canopy level and is very, very moist.
When I began doing research about Monteverde I found that it is very small, but also that there are a lot of things to do! See below a full list of all the best things to do in Monteverde, where to stay in Monteverde, and how to get there and around.
VISITING MONTEVERDE: THE ESSENTIALS
Transport / The easiest and fastest way to get to Monteverde is by car, but the roads getting there are not paved and are in a pretty rough state, so you’ll need a 4×4. After searching around various Costa Rican 4×4 companies, DiscoverCars provided the cheapest rates with full insurance included which you’ll want. For buses and private transfers, check this site.
Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Costa Rica, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.
Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Are you planning a getaway to the picturesque islands of Antigua and Barbuda? Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this stunning destination offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, before you pack your bags and set off on your adventure, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. From practical tips to cultural insights, here are 10 essential things to keep in mind before visiting Antigua and Barbuda.
VISITING ANTIGUA: THE ESSENTIALS
Car / I strongly recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay, this is the best way to explore the island, as public transport is almost non-existent – I suggest checking availability and booking via DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all interactional car hires.
Tours / There are countless tours across the island, taking in the hills, the sea, the food and the culture. These are the ones I’ve tried and tested and also the most popular ones:
Stay / There are an abundance of resorts on the island, and which you choose will depend on your budget, whether you’re visiting Antigua with children and facilities required. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:
The first thing that surprised me my first days in Antigua was how warm, happy, welcoming and good vibes people are. They will greet you on the street, wish you a good day, with no ulterior interest. Additionally, sellers were quite chill. Even if offering their product, they would stop at the first sign of no coming from you. This alone means so much!
IT’S EXPENSIVE
Being a Caribbean island, most things are imported. Which means, most things are expensive! You’ll find that if you are visiting on a budget, even the supermarket prices are crazy (compared to London, for example). So if you are a budget traveller, stick to basic foods, and leave imported items for back home. And try to rent a car, to avoid paying for taxis a lot as these are also quite expensive.
Welcome to the Caribbean paradise of Antigua & Barbuda: the land of sea and sun. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, this twin-island nation offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From basking in the sun on picture-perfect shores to exploring colonial landmarks and indulging in delicious local cuisine, Antigua & Barbuda beckon travellers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Caribbean.
However, the beach is just the beginning. It can be difficult to imagine ever wanting to leave your sun lounger and explore one of the small roads that winds itself around this tropical paradise. Any yet, this is exactly what I implore you to do. Here’s my guide to help you plan the perfect trip, including the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda.
VISITING ANTIGUA: THE ESSENTIALS
Car / I strongly recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay, this is the best way to explore the island, as public transport is almost non-existent – I suggest checking availability and booking via DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires.
Tours / There are countless tours across the island, taking in the hills, the sea, the food and the culture. These are the ones I’ve tried and tested and also the most popular ones:
Stay / There are an abundance of resorts on the island, and which you choose will depend on your budget, whether you’re visiting Antigua with children and facilities required. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:
Sink your toes into the powdery sands of Antigua’s beaches, such as Dickenson Bay, Darkwood Beach, and Half Moon Bay. With their turquoise waters and swaying palm trees, these shores provide the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
There’s 365 beaches in Antigua (one for every day of the year), but as you’ll likely only be visiting a week, here’s the ones I would recommend:
Carlisle Bay
Darkwood Beach
Coco Bay
Long Bay
Ffryes Bay
It’s important to note that if you truly want to explore the best beaches in Antigua, you will need a hire car. Also, as I mention in my post of things to know before you visit Antigua all beaches are public, and you have the right to be in them, even if they seem like they belong to an All Inclusive Hotel.
