Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 86 of 196

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most scenic sites around the world not in Egypt

The most scenic pyramids around the world not in Egypt

When people think of pyramids, their thoughts jump straight to the wonders of the ancient world in Egypt. However, this list will include an amazing addition to the coolest pyramids in the world that are often truly staggering in size and have impressed tourists from all over the world.

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THE GREAT PYRAMID OF CHOLULA, MEXICO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most scenic pyramids around the world not in Egypt

The Pyramid of Cholula in the Mexican state of Puebla, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, is the largest pyramid in the world, eclipsing even the Great Pyramid of Giza. At 173 feet tall and covering 45 acres in width, this enormous pyramid looks like a large hill, covered in vegetation and topped with a 16th-century church constructed by the Spanish. You can explore the nearly five miles of subterranean tunnels.

Must see: Cholula is 4 miles outside of Puebla, which is famous for its colonial buildings, cuisine and the recently opened International Museum of the Baroque.

PYRAMIDS OF TEOTIHUACAN, MEXICO

Located about 25 miles north of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is famous for the enormous Mesoamerican pyramids built by pre-Columbian peoples. Measuring an amazing height of 233 feet, the Pyramid of the Sun is the largest pyramid in Teotihuacan and the third-largest in the world. After seeing the beautiful scenery from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun, you can make your way to the Pyramid of the Moon for an excellent view of the 2.5-mile-long Avenue of the Dead. The site also contains beautiful murals and carvings and several museums through which you can explore the city’s fascinating history.

Tips: You should visit midweek for smaller crowds. Many tours stop en route at the Basilica of Guadalupe for a glimpse into another aspect of Mexican culture.

PYRAMIDS OF TIKAL, GUATEMALA

Situated in a unique setting, scattered throughout the jungle, the Pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala has to be one of the best Mayan ruins to visit. Here, you will find 5 limestone pyramid temples built by the Mayans to honour their gods. The largest pyramid, Pyramid IV, stands 213 feet high and is topped by the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent – a great vantage point for a sweeping view of the jungle. As a ceremonial centre, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a variety of palaces, temples and public squares.

Tips: It is sunny, hot and humid even in winter, so dress lightly and bring water since you will be climbing up the many steep steps of the temples and walking from building to building. Winter nights can be cool.

ZIGGURAT OF UR, IRAQ

Constructed in the Early Bronze Age around 2100 BC, the Ziggurat of Ur is one of the world’s oldest pyramids. Before the war, the Ziggurat was a favourite place for locals from Baghdad to have a picnic and enjoy their days off. The 210-foot tiered structure consists of three layers connected by stairs, culminating in a temple at the top. The site had served as an administrative hub for the city and a shrine to the moon god Nanna and has been restored several times over the centuries.

Must see: Located around 22 miles south-east of Baghdad – the Iraqi Capital, you can take a visit to the ruins of Ctesiphon, the last Persian capital in Iraq.

CHINESE PYRAMIDS, CHINA

A far cry from many other pyramids around the world, the Chinese Pyramids resemble hills and mountains, covered in earth, grass and trees. It was originally used as burial chambers for ancient Chinese emperors from the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. Located primarily around the Xi’an region, the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the First Qin Emperor, is considered to be one of the world’s splendid architectural wonders, in addition to the Great Wall of China. Visiting this awe-inspiring site, you will find around 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, alongside hundreds of other figures such as horses and chariots that guard the tomb.

Must see: There are many historical and cultural sites around Xi’an such as Shaanxi History Museum, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street, Huaqing Palace, Famen Temple and the Drum Tower of Xi’an.

Wanderlust Tips

The best cheese shops in Orange County, California

Are you looking for the best cheese shops in Orange County to learn about the regional palate, to taste all the delicious dairy products, and to pick up an edible souvenir that you love? These are the best ones in Orange County, California to stock your kitchen with cheesy goodness.

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VIN GOAT

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The best cheese shops in Orange County, California

If you were to road trip along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, Vin Goat would be a must-stop spot. This shop will give you plenty of reasons to slice and nibble as they have got an impressive selection of 200 hand-made kinds of cheese. There is a menu with delectable sandwiches and salads if you want to dine in while visiting and the shop even offers catering. With so many flavours available, you can enjoy classic cheese favourites and explore new ones. Keep your eye on the mouth-watering menu and your belly will be filled with cheddar.

Address: 3326 E. Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA

THE CHEESE SHOP AT THE MIX

Let a pilgrimage to The Cheese Shop at the Mix inspire your next culinary adventure. For domestic and imported cheese varieties, this shop has you covered. There, you will find numerous cow, buffalo, sheep, and goat cheeses and gourmet grocery products to choose from. Then, you can serve them with local ingredients such as honey, bacon jam, pickled fruits, or hand-crafted salumi. If you get hungry, you can order fresh cheese-filled sandwiches to elevate your next meal.

Address: 3313 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

BLACK SHEEP GCB

Cheese alone can be a decadent treat, but a grilled cheese sandwich can take flavors to a whole new level. With nearly 10 different grilled cheeses to choose from and combinations such as manchego, Spanish ham and quince paste, pickled jalapeños curd, and bacon jam, you are likely to find a gourmet sandwich that will satisfy your tastebuds. If you are a cheese lover, make a special stop at Black Sheep GCB and enjoy a unique flavourful journey.

Address: 440 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA

CHEESE ADDICTION

In addition to an extensive selection of artisan cheeses, Cheese Addiction has charcuterie and international wine to pair with your meal. This store will satisfy your sweet, savory, and salty tooth with its diverse offerings. Additionally, there are even events and classes centered around cheese and a club in which you can try new flavors every month. If you are in need of food as soon as possible, it also has fantastic cut-to-offer cheeses that will help you find god.

Address: 195 Claremont Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA

THE CELLAR

The Cellar is more than a cheese shop. It is a destination for live music, good food, and tangy wine. In addition to an amazing variety of high-quality cheese flavors, the fantastic menu consists of tasty small plates and fresh salads that cater to those who want to indulge in heartier plates as well as those who prefer a healthier meal. If you have a craving for meaty dishes, the shop also offers anchovy toast, short ribs, salmon, and mac n’ cheese. On Tuesday through Sundays, the venue has live music to complement your dining experience.

Address: 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

Wanderlust Tips

The best destinations in the America for wine lovers

With so many wine destinations emerging across the country, America is truly worth a visit. If you are planning to go wine tasting in the US, here are the top 5 scenic places to think about.

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON, AMERICA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The best destinations in America for wine lovers

A short drive from Portland, Willamette Valley encompasses 7 AVAs (American Viticultural Area), more than 300 wineries and is the third-largest wine grape producer in America, making it easy for you to find one to suit your taste. It is also famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Most wineries dotting the valley are family-owned with small production, so you can spend time rubbing elbows with the actual winemaker before packing out some highly-prized bottles. Furthermore, some wineries offer vineyard tours and hiking activities for those who enjoy the outdoors.

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

Aside from being known for historic Main Street, friendly locals, homegrown restaurants and photogenic fields of wheat and apples, the beautiful town of Walla Walla, Washington, is the second-largest wine producer in the US and home to more than 100 wineries. Here, you can stroll around the hillside roads covered with vineyards, sip the finest wine and tour the city’s impressive sculpture collection. Whether you are in the mood for top-notch Syrahs, tobacco-scented Cabernets or great Chardonnay, Walla Walla, known as a compelling wine tourism destination, can melt on your palate.

FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

If you are looking for a wine destination in New York, America, look no further than the Finger Lakes, known for producing excellent wines such as world-renowned Riesling, Pinot Noir and ice wine. The region also boasts a number of breweries, distilleries and hard cider producers. Furthermore, the region attracts many with its outdoors, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing. Though most noted for its wine tours, the Finger Lakes Region is also host to a number of other tours, including boat tours and food tours. If you visit Watkins Glen State Park, make sure to stroll along the gorge trail complete with 19 waterfalls.

BOISE, IDAHO, AMERICA

Nestled in the forests and foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise, Idaho’s capital, is poised to make its mark on the American wine world. Thanks to Idaho’s semi-arid climate and four distinct seasons, this area is famed for high-quality sparkling wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Only a half-hour drive of the city, there are 30 wineries across the near Treasure Valley. If you are looking to get outdoors, Boise is perfect for an escape from the grind where you can visit the University of Idaho and nearby skiing, hiking, camping and river rafting opportunities.

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

There are lots of reasons to visit the scenic city of Fredericksburg in Texas, but put wine tourism at the top of the list. Stretching from north of San Antonio to west of Austin with an amazing area of over 9 million acres, the Texas Hill Country AVA is the largest state-specific AVA in America. The small town of Fredericksburg is notable for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and even Portuguese favourite, Touriga Nacional. Here, you can visit more than 50 unique wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country. It is also a favourite destination for hikers, wildflower enthusiasts and antique hunters.

Wanderlust Tips

An introduction to spices and condiments in Japanese cuisine

Aside from the easily recognisable soy sauce and vinegar, Japanese cuisine is known for its range of taste-enhancing condiments which can be sprinkled and stirred into soups and noodles as well as a dipping sauce. Here are some original Japanese condiments to spice up your favourite Japanese food.

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SHICHIMI – THE MOST FAVOURITE CONDIMENT IN JAPANESE CUISINE

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | An introduction to spices and condiments in Japanese cuisine

If you have eaten at any typical Japanese restaurant, you have probably a wooden block filled with red-coloured spice, called shichimi. In Japanese, shichimi means ‘seven flavours’, which is a fascinating blend of seven ingredients, typically including red peppers, sansho pepper, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, dried seaweed and orange peel. Shichimi is both spicy and fragrant and can be a great addition to traditional Japanese cuisines such as udon and soba, pork miso soup and some donburi dishes. What’s more, this seasoning is popular for sprinkling on some Western dishes such as fried chicken, French fries, popcorn and many others.

YUZU KOSHO

Made from a mix of yuzu citrus, salt and chilli peppers, yuzu kosho is a punchy seasoning that can be used for all types of dishes in Japanese cuisine. When fermented together, the delightful trio excellently makes an incredible addition to meat dishes in Japanese cuisine. Try yuzu kosho with soup, poached or scrambled eggs as a salad topping, mixed with sour cream or plain yoghurt to create a dip and spread. It is also great on fatty foods, for instance, beef rib steaks, roast, pork belly any types of fish or sushi, fried chicken, lamp and ramen.

MISO – THE BEST SAUCE IN JAPANESE CUISINE

Miso or fermented soybean paste is made from soybeans, grains, salt and koji (a type of fungus). This traditional seasoning makes a great dip or you can brush it onto meaty food such as yakitori and yakiniku. There are countless varieties of miso, ranging from the slightly sweet taste to the richer, more intense flavour and you can categorise them based on colours: red, white and yellow. Each miso varies in terms of taste, aroma, texture and saltiness. If you are new to miso in Japanese cuisine, start with yellow miso, also known as Awase miso for its versatility.

KARASHI

Karashi is Japanese yellow mustard that is sure to get your nose tingling. A far cry from typical American mustard variations, karashi can actually be hotter and spicier, making it a great condiment in classic Japanese cuisine. Made from crushed brassica juncea seeds and horseradish, karashi comes in a paste or powder form. Karashi is a versatile condiment and can be commonly served alongside pork belly and fried chicken, spread on burgers and sandwiches or used as part of a dipping sauce. If you are unsure about how much to use, just remember a little goes a long way.

PONZU – AN AMAZING CONDIMENT IN JAPANESE CUISINE

A classic Japanese condiment, ponzu is a tangy citrus-based sauce that has a long culinary history in Japan. Ponzu is traditionally made from citrus juices including yuzu and sudachi, mixed with vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, sugar and dashi. Ponzu is usually provided as a dipping sauce for hotpot and seafood dishes. With its refreshing flavour, ponzu also makes it an ideal condiment for cold noodle dishes in Japanese cuisine. You can easily make ponzu yourself, but you will also find plenty of bottled versions at any Japanese grocery store. Additionally, you can try dipping your sushi or sashimi in ponzu instead of soy sauce.

RAYU

Rayu is a Japanese-style chilli oil that is typically made by infusing dried chilli peppers with sesame oil. The most common way of enjoying rayu is mixing a few drops with vinegar and soy sauce to create a spicy dipping sauce for fried or steamed dumplings. Rayu’s bright red colour lets you know this is not a condiment for the faint-hearted. You can find a wide variety of rayu available in ramen shops or gyoza restaurants. If you are a diehard fan of spicy food, you have try to this enchanting condiment.

JAPANESE MAYONNAISE

Japanese mayonnaise or Kewpie mayo is characterised by its rich taste and creamy texture, partly because only egg yolks are used compared to the American mayo that contains the entire eggs. Japanese mayo is traditionally made with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of distilled vinegar. Along with soy sauce, sake, mirin and miso, Kewpie mayo has been one of the predominant condiments in Japanese cuisine since it was first introduced to Japan in 1925. This amazing seasoning is frequently used in Japanese egg salad and is also used as a dip for French fries and many other fried food.

Wanderlust Tips

Mad Cow Wine & Grill: The finest steakhouse on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Immerse yourself in a panoramic ocean view while dining at the exclusive rooftop restaurant, Mad Cow Phu Quoc, which offers a wide selection of damn-good steaks and handpicked wines.

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Mouth-watering steaks, madly priced wines, and damn-good view, are what a great dine-out calls for. With not only exceptional food and drinks but also a casual rooftop setting and a live view of the ever-changing sunset, diners are now tipped a playful place with families and friends.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Mad Cow Wine & Grill: The finest steakhouse on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

A tropical departure from the first outlet in Ho Chi Minh City, Mad Cow Phu Quoc is the island’s answer to a casual yet cool experience far from a traditional steakhouse. It is perched on Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort’s highest floor, the newest 5-star resort in the area, and a refreshing getaway option with a lush garden and multiple culinary options.

We dared ourselves to develop a smart concept and provide a robust and vivid name, look and feel; something fresh, straightforward, and authentic on Phu Quoc. Mad Cow showcases mouth-watering dishes coupling with hand-picked wines at retail prices. The dining area with a comfortable setting is perfect for any occasion – the interior features a bold and up-to-date touch with marble elements. Blended with tailor-made and localized ornaments, Mad Cow will be the finest the resort has to offer. Its content, at the same time laid-back ambiance, presents a truly unparalleled dining experience within either the premises or the island.

Mad Cow Phu Quoc is a wonderful place to enjoy the succulent flavor plus the best flame-grilled steak, richly fresh seafood, tasty appetizers, and platters for sharing that will leave the taste buds craving for another bite. With quality ingredients and timeless recipes, everything in the menu is made flawlessly each and every time, starring mastered techniques that incorporate global accents, farm-fresh stocks, and locally sourced ingredients. No one leaves unsatisfied from Mad Cow.

Mad Cow Wine & Grill combines the feel of an edgy grill with the casual tone of an urban wine bar to create a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal. Mad Cow’s expert culinary team brings each cut of meat to flavorful perfection on our handmade charcoal grill. Aside from grilled delights, we offer delicious tapas – sourced locally and created fresh every day. For maximum experience at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort, please visit our resort’s official website here.

MAD COW PHU QUOC
Opening time: Wednesday – Sunday from 6 pm – 11 pm
Tel: +84 (0) 297 267 9999
Email: HA248@accor.com

Wanderlust Tips

Marriott International appoints new CEO and president

Marriott International’s (NASDAQ: MAR) Board of Directors announced today that Anthony “Tony” Capuano has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and has joined the company’s Board of Directors and Stephanie Linnartz has been appointed President. Mr. Capuano’s and Ms. Linnartz’s appointments follow the unexpected passing of Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson on February 15, 2021.

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS ANTHONY CAPUANO AS NEW CEO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Marriott International appoints new CEO and president

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Capuano, 55, was Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services. In this role, he was responsible for leading global development and design efforts and overseeing the company’s Global Operations discipline. During Mr. Capuano’s tenure leading global development, the company grew its footprint from just over 3,200 properties in early 2009 to over 7,600 properties by year-end 2020. In addition, Mr. Capuano has overseen the tremendous growth and globalization of Marriott’s development pipeline to 498,000 rooms as of December 31, 2020, with more than half of the pipeline representing projects outside of the U.S. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Capuano has led Marriott’s work on its Commitment to Clean initiative, which was designed to enhance Marriott’s already substantial cleaning protocols to provide additional peace of mind for travellers.

Mr. Capuano began his Marriott career in 1995 as part of the Market Planning and Feasibility team. Between 1997 and 2005, he led Marriott’s full-service development efforts in the Western U.S. & Canada. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Capuano served as Senior Vice President of full-service development for North America. In 2008, his responsibilities expanded to include all of U.S. & Canada and the Caribbean and Latin America, and he became Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer in 2009. Mr. Capuano began his professional career in Laventhol and Horwath’s Boston-based Leisure Time Advisory Group. He then joined Kenneth Leventhal and Company’s hospitality consulting group in Los Angeles. Mr. Capuano earned his bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. He is an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society and a member of The Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean’s Advisory Board. Mr. Capuano is also a member of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Industry Real Estate Financial Advisory Council.

STEPHANIE LINNARTZ TAKES ON MARRIOTT PRESIDENT ROLE

As President, Ms. Linnartz will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy, including brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies. In addition, Ms. Linnartz will oversee Marriott’s global development organization, which is responsible for the strategic growth of the company’s 30 lodging brands, as well as the global design and operations services functions. Ms. Linnartz will also spearhead the company’s progress on issues including the intersection of technology and hospitality, the continued growth of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform, the excellence of our brand portfolio, and environmental sustainability.

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Linnartz, 52, was Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, where she was responsible for brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies. Ms. Linnartz played a pivotal role during Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the integration of business-critical systems including reservations, property management, revenue management and loyalty. In 2019, under her leadership, the company combined the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs to create the world’s largest hospitality loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which currently has more than 147 million global members.

Ms. Linnartz, who began her Marriott career in 1997, served as Global Chief Commercial Officer from 2013 to 2019; Global Officer, Sales and Revenue Management from 2009 to 2013; Senior Vice President, Global Sales from 2008 to 2009; Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Planning and Support from 2005 to 2008; and prior to that, various roles in Marriott’s Finance and Business Development Department. She currently serves on the board of directors of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the College of the Holy Cross, where she is a member of the Board of Trustees, and earned her Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.

Wanderlust Tips

What is in a traditional English breakfast?

With traditional cooking methods and distinct flavours, English breakfasts are more and more popular on menus in hotels and restaurants. Here are the staple ingredients that you will encounter in a full English breakfast.

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SAUSAGES – MUST-HAVE FOOD IN A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | What is in a traditional English breakfast?

When it comes to a full English breakfast, English pork sausages are always a must which is historically and famously made in Cumberland, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, amongst other counties. Commonly called bangers during World War Two, the quintessential English sausages had a habit of bursting open while cooking. There are many different variations of the English sausages, for instance, Lincolnshire sausages seasoned with sage, Oxford sausages mixed with veal and Glamorgan sausage from Wales, a vegetarian combination of breadcrumbs, leeks and cheese.

BACK BACON

A traditional English breakfast just is not the same without traditional British back bacon. British back bacon is a combination of both pork belly and pork loin in one cut. A slice of back bacon often includes belly and loin in one beautiful piece of meat to create an unforgettable bacon-eating experience. Back bacon usually tends to be thicker and rounder in shape, making it one of the best-loved national foods in the world.

EGGS AND CRISPY TOAST

Aside from being eaten in many regions across the world as a breakfast or fast food, eggs and crispy toast are a famous couple of classic English breakfast ingredients. Instead of frying the eggs sunny-side-up, some restaurants serve breakfast eggs scrambled or poached. If you are making your breakfast at home, be sure to fry the bread after the bacon and sausage so that the bread soaks up the delicious grease leftover from the meat.

MUSHROOMS AND TOMATOES MAKE A TRUE ENGLISH BREAKFAST

A full English breakfast would not be complete without mushrooms and tomatoes. A whole tomato cut in half will be seasoned with salt and peppers and then cooked until it becomes tender and crispy around the edges. The sweetness and acidity in the tomatoes nicely balances out the fatness on the other side of the plate. Furthermore, an eclectic mix of mushrooms fried in butter will make your plate look like an stunningly flavourful forest.

BEANS

A true English breakfast often calls for canned baked beans. However, there is debate amongst connoisseurs of English cuisine over whether baked beans include on the list of must-have traditional breakfast ingredients or not because they are a soggy, mushy and wet mess. If you do choose to include them, it is better than serving them in a small ramekin on the side, so they do not spread across the plate.

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Amsterdam in the Netherlands will move red light district outside the city centre

With the aim of resetting tourist attractions in Amsterdam and cleaning up its reputation for when tourists return after the coronavirus pandemic, the city’s infamous brothel windows will be shut down and a new red light area set up away from the city center.

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Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Amsterdam in the Netherlands will move red light district outside the city centre

When red light tours were banned from De Wallen district last April in order to ease the pressure from tourism in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the city officials are currently taking a series of steps further with a plan to close the brothel windows and set up an ‘erotic centre’ outside of the central district. Sex workers in their glass-fronted booths will be invited to ‘resettle’ to a new ‘erotic centre’ elsewhere in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, the location of which is yet to be determined.

Under the proposed idea, a lobby group known as Red Light United claimed that 90% of female sex workers surveyed wanted to continue working in their current location. Foxxy – a sex worker revealed that relocating workers was ‘not an option as the customers will not know where to find the sex workers. Femke Halsema, Amsterdam’s first female mayor, explained that the regulation aims to combat the “rise in human trafficking by providing a safe environment in which sex workers can run their businesses”. She also expressed concern about the parade of ‘gawping tourists’, mainly groups of young men who roam the De Wallen in Amsterdam at weekends, on pub crawls or to celebrate stag parties drawn by easy access to drugs and prostitution.

What’s more, Halsema limits Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops to residents only. Amsterdam, famed for its picturesque canals, Anne Frank museum, and Vincent Van Gogh art collection, is dealing with the huge influx of tourism. It is estimated that over 19 million tourists visited Amsterdam in 2018 – more than the entire population of the Netherlands (850.000 people). Therefore, Amsterdam’s council raises tourist tax on rooms this year, restricts renting out Airbnbs, and bans to open new tourist-centric shops in the city.

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The most fascinating caves you should explore in Laos

With its magnificent waterfalls, tranquil temples and mystifying caves bursting with cultural and historical significance, Laos is one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. If you are a cave enthusiast, these should all be at the top of your travel bucket list.

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PAK OU CAVES, LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The most fascinating caves you should explore in Laos

Embedded into riverside limestone cliffs and dating back thousands of years, the caves of Pak Ou are known as the soul of the Mekong River – the longest river in Southeast Asia and home to a staggering collection of over 4,000 Buddha statues. Take a boat down the Mekong to reach the Pak Ou Caves, located 15 miles north of Luang Prabang in Laos. There are two main caves, called Tham Ting and Tham Thung. After a walk along with the first one of Tham Ting, you will continue to follow a steep stone staircase up a cliff to the second cave which is smaller than the first and similarly filled with Buddha statues. If you want to seek a bit of solitude and enjoy the caves’ spiritual ambience in Laos, a beautiful afternoon will be the best time for your discovery.

KONGLOR CAVE, KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE

A vast passageway tunnelled through a limestone mountain by the Hinboun River, Konglor Cave is regarded as one of Laos’s natural treasures located in Phu Hin Bun National Park, Khammouane Province. A tour of this dramatic 7.5-kilometre natural wonder will allow you to experience a thrilling, high-speed boat ride through the pitch-black whilst marvelling at the cave’s stunning formations up close. Make sure you have a headlamp and life jacket. Deep inside the cave, there is a glowing pool which locals believe is sacred since it reflects the skin colour of one Hindu God, Indra. The best time for you to visit Konglor Cave in Laos during the dry season, from November to April.

THAM NAM, THE WATER CAVE

Famed for outdoor adventure and natural beauty, Vang Vieng boat karst formations packed with visitor-friendly caves. Located four miles north of town and measuring a length of around 500 metres, Tham Nam or the Water Cave is the perfect place to cool off on a scorching hot day. For an ultimate cave experience in Laos, you ought to rent an inner tube, headlamp and a dry bag for your valuables at the entrance and then make your way into the pool at the mouth of the cave. Make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and wear footwear as you will have to wade through the water to get your tube over the shallow patches. The best time to visit is at the beginning or end of the dry season when the water level in the cave is ideal.

VIENG XAI CAVES, HOUAPHANH PROVINCE, LAOS

Located in Houaphanh Province, Laos, Vieng Xai caves are known as the ‘Hidden City’ that embraces fascinating history and distinct culture of the land of a million elephants. The sprawling subterranean complex includes underground military barracks and the Pathet Lao headquarters, as well as a school, hospital, radio station and a theatre. There are nearly 500 limestone caves in Vieng Xai, but only seven are open to the public. In the 1960s, these caves provided protection from the live ammunition dropped over Laos during the Vietnam War bombing campaign. Travel throughout northern Laos is pretty difficult and dangerous during the rainy season, so the best time to visit Vieng Xai is between November and April.

PIU CAVE, XIENG KHOUANG PROVINCE

Situated in northern Xieng Khouang Province in Laos, one of the most heavily bombed places in the world, Piu Cave stands as a solemn memorial to the the 374 innocent villages that were killed by a single US missile attack in 1968 as they they sought shelter. There is a small museum that gives visitors a sobering glimpse of the aftermath of the missile strike and a memorial shrine at the base of the trail up to Piu Cave. If you plan a trip to Piu Cave, make sure to avoid the rainy season from May to October. Piu Cave is especially teeming with visitors on 24^th November, the anniversary of the missile strike.

Wanderlust Tips

The most amazing train journeys in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is rich with amazing train journeys that pass striking natural views and stop at incredible cities and historical sites. If you are a lover of travel by a locomotive, make sure to check out the best of Sri Lanka’s scenic train routes.

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HEAD UP TO KANDY FROM COLOMBO IN SRI LANKA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The most amazing train journeys in Sri Lanka

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital, nothing compares with the three-hour train journey from Colombo to Kandy that features on almost every Sri Lankan itinerary. As the first major route established by the newly formed Ceylon Government Railway in the 1860s, this awe-inspiring line will whisk you away from the big city sprawl to the genteel greenery of Kandy, home to the legendary Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Enjoy sensational views of rolling hills, paddy fields, lush stands of tropical forests and miniature villages. You will also feel the air cool as you leave the coastal plain for the more pleasant climate of the forested hills.

RIDE THE MAIN LINE TO BADULLA

Built as a conduit for Sri Lanka’s most famous tea export, the British-era Main Line serves as the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan train travel. The astonishing journey from Kandy to Badulla takes seven to eight hours and covers the spectrum of natural splendour in Sri Lanka such as curling plantations, valleys and ravines. Rattling across the final stage from Ella to Badulla is perhaps the most dramatic highlight of the trip, which wends its way through the spectacular structures of 19th-century engineering and then curves over the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge before tackling the Demodara Loop, where the line circles a hilltop and passes back under itself.

BREATHE IN THE FRESH SEA AIR ON THE COAST LINE TO GALLE

Relax behind panoramic windows and soak up the spectacular Indian Ocean on the ride south from Colombo to the Portuguese-founded city of Galle. The rail line snakes through the shore just south of Galle Face Green, a large urban park on the outskirts of the capital. If the lure of the big blue gets too much, you can hop off the train at beachside towns including Moragalla via Hettimulla station with snorkelling opportunities amidst coral reefs or Hikkaduwa, where surfers ride the swells and sip smoothies in beachfront cafes. Along the way to Galle in Sri Lanka, you can also grab some buttered sweetcorn, sliced fruit and take in the bucolic scenes of coastal life in Sri Lanka.

AN AMAZING JOURNEY ON THE NORTHERN LINE IN SRI LANKA

When it comes to trail travel in Sri Lanka, the Northern Line is high up on the bucket list. The three-and-a-half-hour ride from the ancient Buddhist city of Anuradhapura to Jaffna offers a window onto a different Sri Lanka. You will marvel at the gleaming white stupas and multi-hued temples that start to color the countryside as you steam into Sri Lanka’s Hindu north. The landscape flattens out and patches of water appear as the train crosses Elephant Pass – the heavily militarised bottleneck guarding the entrance to the vibrant Hindu city of Jaffna. The best scenes of Sri Lanka’s most unspoiled islands, gentle beaches, and towering palms will bring joy and happiness to your heart.

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