Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 173 of 194

25 secret destinations revealed by Lonely Planet Magazine

(#wanderlusttips #Secretdestinations) Boasting crystal clear waters and oozing with history, Malta has been revealed as one of 25 top “secret” destinations listed by Lonely Planet Magazine.

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The sunny archipelago, located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, beat 24 other destinations to the top spot.

Abigail Blasi, a guidebook author and specialist on the country, said people shouldn’t dispel it for being a hot spot with ‘elderly tour groups’ as the there has been an emergence of new architecture, restaurant launches and hotel openings over recent years.

“The face of the city is evolving… Meanwhile, Malta’s smaller sibling Gozo – an island of steep cliffs and quiet inlets over the water – is home to some of Europe’s best scuba diving”, added she.

Coming in second on Lonely Planet’s list of 25 “travel secrets” was Seoul. Megan Eaves, the guidebook’s destination editor for North Asia, said the South Korean city definitely gets her vote for being ‘one of the hippest places in the world right now.

She praised it for its amazing food scene and efficient metro system.

For the outdoors types, she notes that there are also excellent winter sports and summer hiking in the mountains that surround the metropolis.

Vojvodina in Serbia slid in at third place.

Brana Vladisavljevic, Lonely Planet’s destination editor for Southeastern and Eastern Europe, said the Northern province is ‘so off the tourist radar that you really feel like one of the locals’.

She applauded the region for being rich in art and history. Her appraisal also highlights the outdoor activities on offer, ranging from horseback riding to the more sedate activity of bird-watching.

On an even more relaxed level, holidaymakers are urged to check out the rural spas, vineyards and monasteries.

Other destinations to make it into the top ten on Lonely Planet’s list of ‘secret places’ were Stock Island in Florida, the Southern Islands in Cambodia and Ilhabela in Brazil.

Lonely Planet Magazine, which is designed exclusively with North American readers in mind, has a readership of 1.35 million.

The total list:

Malta
Seoul, South Korea
Vojvodina, Serbia
Stock Island/Key West, Florida
The Southern Islands, Cambodia
Ilhabela, Brazil
Lombok, Indonesia
Lost Sierra, California
Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Netherlands
Silent Green, Berlin, Germany
Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
Kjerringøy, Norway
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mallorca, Spain
Ushuaia, Argentina
Honduras
Shekhawati Region, India
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Aroudant, Morocco
The Champlain Islands, Vermont
Pieve, Italy
Madragoa, Lisbon, Portugal
Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan
Vršovice, Prague, czech republic
Belleville, Paris

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Jal Mahal: Jaipur’s Submerged Water Palace

(#wanderlusttips #Jahmahal #India) Submerged in the waters of an artificial lake, in the “pink city” of Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, India, is the beautiful marbled palace of Jal Mahal, or “Water Palace”.

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Not much is known about its history, except the fact that it was constructed by Maharaja Madho Singh in the 18th century —the precise date is unknown— as a place for his duck hunting parties. Later, Madho Singh’s son, Madho Singh II, enlarged the palace by adding a courtyard. Then, it fell into disuse and remained terribly neglected for two centuries until its recent renovation in the 2000s.

Jal Mahal is a curious structure. It’s not exactly a palace, because there are no habitable rooms to stay. Just a terrace garden where the Maharaja took leisurely walks. The palace is actually five stories tall, but only the top floor stays above water. The lower four floors remain mostly submerged when the lake is full.

Jal Mahal is a blend of different architectural styles, such as Rajput and Mughal, which is actually very common across Rajasthan. Rajput architecture is mostly inspired by traditional Hindu architecture, while Mughal architecture is heavily influenced by Islamic and Persian styles. You can see bits of both in Jal Mahal. The hallways and grand chambers on the first floor are gracefully decorated with beautiful paintings. On the terrace of the palace, there is a garden with arched passages. At each corner of this palace are semi-octagonal towers with an elegant cupolas. At the center of the terrace is a Bengali-style rectangular pavilion called a Chhatri.

The artificial lake, Man Sagar, in the middle of which Jala Mahal stands, was constructed in 1610 by Raja Man Singh, the then ruler of Amer, in response to a famine and acute shortage of water that plagued his state at the end of the previous century. In order to prevent such a reoccurrence, Raja Man Singh ordered a dam to be built across Dharbawati river, along with a reservoir, the Man Sagar Lake, for water storage. For decades, the lake provided the inhabitants of the region with water for drinking and irrigation. It was also home to a large number of bird species.

But in the last century, the lake became a dumping ground for raw, untreated sewage and other industrial wastes. The filthy water and the stink kept visitors away from this otherwise splendid monument.

In 2004, a privately owned company took over the whole area of the lake including Jal Mahal with the intention of turning it into a resort and a tourist destination. For the past decade, the company has been busy cleaning the lake and restoring the palace, and the results have been positive. The water quality has improved and the birds have returned.

Jal Mahal is still not open to tourists, although you can enjoy the view of the palace by boating in the lake.

Amusing Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Home Hoi An – a brand new destination for foodies

(#wanderlusttips #ParadiseVietnam #HomeHoiAnrestaurant) Following the success of its restaurants in Hanoi, Paradise Vietnam is going to open a new Home at Hoi An – the most famous tourist attraction of Quang Nam Province – on October 1, 2016, featuring authentic Hoi An and Vietnamese cuisine.

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Located at 112 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, the 120-seat restaurant is within a two-minute walking distance to the famous Japanese Bridge and pretty close to Hoi An’s most popular attractions, vibrant art shops, and local markets.

Executive Chef Nguyen Gia Thien leads the kitchen with a menu that showcases the authentic Hoi An and Vietnamese cuisine along with the natural flavors of the freshest seasonal ingredients, which are sourced directly from local gardens within a day to ensure the best possible quality. Upon visiting Home Hoi An Restaurant, guests will be captivated by a wealth of spectacular Hoi An culinary delicacies with the fullest collection of Hoi An signature dishes including Mi Quang (Quang-styled noodle); Cao Lau; Hoi An shredded chicken and local herb salad; Banh Dap (Cracked/ smashed rice pancakes) and many more.

Open seven days a week, the restaurant is available for all day dining from 10AM am to 11PM. Moreover, Hoi An Cuisine Cooking Class allows guests to explore and try spectacular Hoi An gastronomy by both five senses through their own making with the restaurant’s experienced and friendly cooking experts.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Ana Mandara Dalat Resort and Spa to honour your beloved women

(#wanderlusttips #AnaMandaraDalat) Vietnam Women’s Day October 20 is an occasion for us to express our gratitude and love to our special women, who have the biggest influence on our lives. Ana Mandara Dalat Resort and Spa offers you a chance to do something special for your women to take a break from their daily life and celebrate with an indulgent treat.

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“Indulgence Package” is to commemorate to occasion with special benefit for woman with two nights stay at Villa Room included daily breakfast for two persons, complimentary one refreshment facial or foot massage for lady at La Cochinchine Spa, complimentary one way airport transfer, complimentary use of outdoor heated swimming pool, walking trails, gym and other amenities; warm welcome with personal butler service and complimentary WIFI in room and throughout resort.

Additionally, resort will offer discount 30% on spa treatment service (apply from 9:00 am to 15:00 pm every day), 10% discount on food and beverage and 10% discount on excursion service. All of these benefits is only VND5,460,000Nett/ Two Nights/2 Adults.

Promotion valid fromSeptember 26 to October 31, 2016. Apply for new bookings with minimum 2 nights stay at the resort, surcharge VND 420,000 per room per night for room upgrading.

Promotion Code: ANA/LM/ML/035
Hotline: 0164.525.9977
Email: reservation-dalat@anamandara- resort.com o
Tel: (+84) 6 33 555888

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

End the year in a vibrant way at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

(#wanderlusttips #InterContinentalHanoi) For the end of this year is coming closer, it’s time to join with friends, families or colleagues in vibrants parties.

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Whether it’s a corporate year-end function, private Christmas or New Year gathering, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake offers you great packages which devided into two different types and prices:

Signature year-end party package: VND690,000++/person (minimum of 30 guests), inclusive of Western/Asian buffet or set menu, complimentary corkage fee, table and venue themed decoration.
Rewarding year-end party package: VND790,000++/person (minimum of 30 guests), inclusive of Western/Asian buffet or set menu, table and venue themed decoration, 1-hour free flow of local beer, chilled juices, water and soft drinks.

Validity: now until February 28th 2017
Booking period: before December 16, 2016
Tel: (+844) 6270 8888
Email: laurene.raby@ihg.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

InterContinental Westlake Hanoi welcomes the month of celebrations

(#wanderlusttips #InterContinentalHanoi) The hotel-by-the-lake has launched a variety of programs to welcome the October with a lot of exclusive experiences for all guests.

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Café du lac restaurant – endless dining delights

Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20. The restaurant is the perfect venue to celebrate a special dinner for your beloved women, with delectable upgraded buffet dinner, featuring a versatile range of international and local delicacies.

Price starts from VND 1,100,000 net/adult including 1 special cocktail for every female guest.

Westlake Sunday brunch. The Sunday brunch at Café du lac restaurant will immerse diner in an epicurean feast boasting classic Vietnamese to contemporary international savor created from both the freshest local ingredients and the finest seasonal flavors.

Price starts from VND 1,100,000 net/adult excludes beverage.

Buffet dinner by the lake. There may be no better place to get your delightful dining experience with family at Café du lac restaurant where you are served with an elaborate buffet showcasing an extensive range of local & international dishes made from the season’s freshest ingredients.

Price: VND 999,000 net/adult excludes beverage

Sunset Bar – place for self-exploring

Liquid Laboratory. Following the success of the first celebration of “Liquid Laboratory” night last month, the second night will take place on October 14.

Modernist cocktails maker Richard McDonough, better known as “Mood Therapist”, and our executive chef Jeremy Lasserre will take you on their journey to sample 5 scientifically created cocktails paired with 5 modern Vietnamese dishes.

Price: VND 2.500.000 net/person. Seats are limited and should be booked in advance.

Vinoteca Night. They say a fine wine gets better with age and great company. An exclusive night designed will be held for wine lovers to share their desire with this passion drink and enjoy the guest speaker’ introduction of 6 selected fine wines along with his best stories.

Price is at VND 350,000 net/adult.

Savor the taste of Classic on October 13. InterContinental® Worldly Classics cocktails offer a selection of exceptional drinks, expertly mixed using only the finest ingredients from around the globe. You can also enjoy an extended bespoke selection of classic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Worldly Classics cocktail as part of Privileged Offer should be tried on with a specially crafted, complimentary canapé – part of an exquisite pairing created by the hotel’s consultant mixologist Nick Braun.

Opening hours: 16.00 – midnight

Diplomat Lounge Pret-a- portea, October 8.

Guests will be enchanted when the Diplomat Lounge of the hotel is elegently set as a runway for contemporary fashion and classic afternoon tea. As usaul, the event offers a deliciously gourmet selection of fashionable treats inspired by your favorite designs, while sipping on the finest range of tea.

On this occasion, you will be treated to a glamorous parade that showcases the latest collections by UP TO SECONDS.

Price: VND 390,000 net/adult. 3PM.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Special treat at Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi

(#wanderlusttips #MövenpickHanoi) From great food selections at Mangosteen to exclusive work-out offers in Kinetic Gym & Wellness Studio, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is welcoming guests to come in September and October with fabulous retreat.

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Mangosteen Restaurant is featuring live stations with diversified options including wraps and rolls corner, Chinese BBQ corner, grilled item corner, noodle soup corner and sweet treat corner.

11.30 am – 2.30 pm, from Tuesday to Friday until end of October.

Kinetic Gym & Wellness Studio – Gym Experiences

Kinetic Gym & Wellness Studio’s memberships can maximize their benefits with variety of preference boasting 20% off Go Healthy Menu in the Mangosteen Restaurant, 20% off spa treatments, complimentary gym towel and executive locker room on arrival each visit, 10% off total bill in the Mangosteen Restaurant.

3rd floor. Open daily from 11.00 am to 10.30 pm.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Flora world map at Heathrow Airport

(#wanderlusttips #flowermap #Heathrowairport) A new art installation at Terminal 5 features a map of the world created entirely in flowers featuring each country’s favourite scent.
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A map was created by florist Larry Walshe using about 2,000 fresh flowers, as well as other fragrant pieces like amber and sandalwood, to create a living artwork that will be in the terminal until 24 September. As the airport sells around 2.6 million bottles of perfume a year, the 11 x 18-foot piece is there to celebrate the new season of fragrances.

Each country in the map is depicted with a scent that is featured in the most popular fragrances of that country. For Brits, there are roses, for the US and Mexico there is lavender and orange blossoms, while in India there is mint and mandarin. According to Heathrow, the most popular scents around the world are jasmine (28%), lavender (27%) rose (24%), vanilla (20%) and sandalwood (19%).

Along with the art installation, there will also be a limited edition gift wrap at World Duty Free for passengers who buy a fragrance in the month of September.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Spectacular beauty of mountaintop villages in Yemen

(#wanderlusttips #Yemen #moutaintopvillages) Despite a conflict between Yemen’s government and the a rebel group known as the Houthis has boiled over into full-blown civil war killing 3,799 civilians and displacing 7.6 million, a western part of the country is completely isolated from the bloodshed.

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Offering refuge from the conflict, small mountaintop villages also bring hardship for people to fight to survive without basic amenities.

Reuters | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Five things to remember before eating street food

Not only is street food a cheaper meal option, but it’s also essential to experiencing the best and most authentic food that many cities have to offer. Before trying everything that’s sold from a cart, there a few tricks to living that street-meat life you need to know. Here are our tips for easing your mind (and stomach) around food-handling environments that you may not be used to.

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Knowledge is power

Before traveling, you need to research what to eat. Find what’s commonly eaten in the area you’re traveling to and get an idea of what the food should look like—as well as the scenario in which the food is usually served. Locals and travelers won’t be singing the praises of chicken skewers that have been sitting in the hot sun all day.

Always wait in line at the busy stall

Busy street food stalls are an indicator of popularity, and their high turnover rate means the food is never sitting out for hours and developing dreaded bacteria. Yes, long lines can be discouraging when you’re hungry after a full day of exploring, but it’s not worth the risk of grabbing precooked food from the empty spot next door.

But there’s a caveat: A line for squid on a stick outside of Wat Pho doesn’t necessarily mean that cart is particularly good—it’s probably busy because of its location. Instead, look for a line that has locals in it and order what they’re ordering. Pointing and nodding your head works just fine when you’re hungry and there’s a language barrier. Think of it as Yelp in real time.

Eat when the locals are eating

The last and most important element here is when to eat. You’re likely already on a weird eating schedule while you’re traveling, but it’s important to try and adjust to the eating times of where you are. A bowl of pho might be lunch for Americans, but it’s breakfast for the Vietnamese. This ensures that you’re eating freshly cooked food and that you can find the best and most popular places to eat.

If you can’t drink the water, then you can’t eat the salad.

Most people get so hung up on not drinking the water or skipping ice in drinks that they don’t think about all of the other ways in which water is used in food service. While eating a salad or fresh strawberries may seem like a much-needed break from the meaty, carb-heavy street meals you’ve been having, you’re much more likely to get sick. Fruits and vegetables tend to be washed with tap water in most places, rather than the filtered water that locals drink—or sometimes it’s not washed at all. If you’re really craving some produce, try fruits you can peel or cooked veggies.

Trust your gut

If you’re unsure about the food or the way that it’s being prepared, then keep moving. Eating street food all over the world doesn’t make you an expert. Every stall and every country are different, and sometimes the rules can be harder to follow. When something doesn’t look, smell, or feel right, don’t eat it! Trust your judgment. Chances are that there’s another spot close by that’s making something more delicious.

Business Insider | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet