This Week's Five Great Little Ideas!

1.    It's called Matera.  This is a cave settlement, pretty far away from about anything you've heard of in southern Italy.  Evidence says it was probably founded during Byzantine times and has quite a history.  It was a city for decades, maybe millennia.  Once more modern times were upon them, most of the people moved to areas where they could have electricity and running water and sewage.  It fell into a shambles over time.  Recently, however, it's become a hidden gem of luxury travel.  You can stay in a luxurious cave hotel with all the modern amenities.  You can go to a cave spa.  You can also enjoy wandering the rest of the town with your camera enjoying a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site area.  I wouldn't miss that one for the world.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/04/27/a-cave-with-a-view

https://www.aptbasilicata.it/new-dove-dormire/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/mater-went-from-ancient-civilization-slum-hidden-gem-180949445/

https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/sassi-matera-italy/

2.    Faja do Padres on the south coast of Madeira.  That's a mouthful, but what a place to see.  Now, anyone in their right mind would love to see Madeira.  It's a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean.  But, if you take that rental car and drive to the south of the island, you'll find a cable car that takes you down a cliff like nothing you've ever seen before.  300 meters down a cliff.  I'm not joking.  900+ feet.  It will be one of the most scenic rides of your life.  Below are the gardens and the shore.  It's beautiful.  The people are wonderful.  There's even a restaurant.  It's the ride of a lifetime.

https://fajadospadres.com/faja/index.php/acessos-en/elevador-en

https://digitaltravelcouple.com/faja-dos-padres-madeira/

https://www.madeira-web.com/en/places/camara-de-lobos/what-to-do/faja-dos-padres-cable-car.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQQfKFnQ_4

3.    The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.  Ancient times called for ancient ways.  Istanbul sits on a lot of water, but what they needed was drinking water.  Hence, the cistern.  One of the most famous cisterns in the world, this one is located not far from the Hagia Sofia.  Once the premiere place to get water, it's now been turned into a museum, and is one of the most unique museums you'll ever visit.  There are so many amazing things to see in Istanbul.  This is that gem that tends to get overlooked.

http://yerebatansarnici.com/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/istanbul/sultanahmet/attractions/basilica-cistern/a/poi-sig/402088/1324696

https://theistanbulinsider.com/the-basilica-cistern-the-coolest-spot-in-town/

https://istanbul-tourist-information.com/en/experience-istanbul/fountains-cisterns-in-istanbul/basilica-cistern-yerebatan-sarnici/

4.    Torgny, Belgium.  I said it.  Do you have any idea what the town is?  I didn't.  They call it the Provence of Belgium.  It's closer to France and Luxembourg than it is to anything we've heard of in Belgium.  It's the wine producing area.  That's right.  If you like wine tasting, this is a great area to visit.  They have fantastic vineyards and a gorgeous little village with cozy bed and breakfasts.  It's an amazing way to get your wine on without going to all the bourgeois locales that everyone else goes to.  

https://nextstopbelgium.com/guide-to-torgny/

https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/poirier-du-loup-vineyard 

http://thismustbebelgium.com/torgny-the-prettiest-belgian-village/

https://hotellagrappedor.com-hotel.com/en/

5.    Belgium is a hidden gem to most Americans.  Fortunately, I watch World Wanderista and she spent some time where she actually lives during the pandemic.  Belgium has a region filled with ancient villages and castles, where you get around by gondolas and boats.  It's beautiful and referred to as Dinant Region.  Namur is a beautiful city to visit and apparently became a favorite of an American with a lot of money.  While in the area, you should make the hazardous trek to see the house he built for when he visits this tiny country.  It's known as "The Wizard's Cabin, and will take some work to get to, but it is one of the most unique places you'll see in Belgium.

https://briscoveries.wordpress.com/2021/02/11/dinant-region-belgium/#2-1-the-wazards-cabin

https://www.worldwanderista.com/hidden-gems-in-belgium/

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/destinations/namur/

https://www.namurtourisme.be/en/

So, there you have it.  Five more kitschy places to visit.  I love the unusual.  I love being off the beaten path.  Sometimes it gets so crowded in the usual places that you just want to do something else.  I'll keep finding and posting these little things to do while in the area to try and help keep your travel fresh.  So, try something different, wander, and enjoy!
 

Have You Heard of Play? It's an Airline!

 

Years ago, I took Icelandair to Iceland.  It was one of the best trips of my life.  The rates were good, the service was direct, and I loved it so much.  Lately, we've been victims of rising air travel prices, gouging over luggage and stuff; and recently American Airlines announced that they may give away your seat.  Not good.  And, by the way, American, give away my seat?  That's just rude.  I don't care if you think I can't make my connection.  I made an impossible one last winter that you would have given my seat away on.  Glad I was flying Delta.

At any rate, Play Airlines is the latest budget service to many countries, and it seems to be flying under the radar.  I haven't had it come up on any of the big travel sites, even though they partner with Booking.com.  They have some of the cheapest flights to Europe I've seen in decades, with a chance for stopovers in Iceland on almost all the trips.  They are the latest in the class of "I want to go to Europe, but the prices are stupid."

Now, there's a catch like always.  Will you have first class?  Business class?  No.  They are a budget airline.  Will you pay for luggage and carry ons?  It depends on what service you book.  Will you have to travel on certain days of the week for some trips?  Yes.  Is there food service?  Yes, but for pay.  You can bring your own snacks if you don't want to buy from the menu.  But, if you aren't rich and want to head to Europe, just follow their guidelines and go.  I don't really care about luxury.  I can make time to travel.  I'm just like Tom Brady on a Hertz commercial.  I want to GO!   And Play Airlines will get you there for cheap.

Take a look and don't overlook.  They won't give away your seat either.  Enjoy!

https://www.flyplay.com/en?origin=SWF

https://www.booking.com/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/05/04/play-airlines-cheap-flight-test/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR9vu4IzsGA

Bourbon has arrived on Kindle!

 

I know bumping my latest book isn't really travel, but let's think about this.  I have eight self published novels on Kindle and Amazon.  When you fly 9 plus hours to Europe, 20 plus hours to Australia, or even 6 plus hours to cross the USA; entertainment can be tough.  So many times I decided not to fight with viewing movies or TV on the plane, because everyone is watching something.  That means you have to wear ear buds, and who doesn't hate that?  I don't like things being stuck in my ears.  This problem can also cross over into trains, buses, ferries, and more.  The one thing you can always do quietly?  You can read.

https://www.booklemur.com/authors/terridixon.html?fbclid=IwAR2RHHk4evTaHLMWPkUAjVZh8ABocNCCsLOkGDYHBcVX-sIEMNX3C73o0dM

I've been traveling a lifetime, and my books are evidence of that.  Most of them take place in various locations around the world.  "Bourbon" is no different, taking place in Manhattan's East Village and Northwestern Connecticut with some side trips to Spain and other parts of NYC.  Even though it's a story about a woman who ran off to the military straight out of high school to escape her dysfunctional family, only to be forced to reunite with her mother several years later; there's quite a bit of culture and action in the story.  It's not just a couple of women ironing out their issues.  It's so much more.  It has humor, tragedy, action, surprises, and passion.  It's a well rounded story.  I recommend this one, and it will be a free download on Kindle Unlimited always.  It will also be a free Kindle purchase from August 2nd through August 6th 2023.

Always check my Kindles.  Whenever I can I make them free for five days or so, because I really just want good people to have good stories to read.  I have eight novels to choose from.  "Bourbon" is just the latest.  They range from action/adventure to women's fiction.  Take your pick about what you like.  Would you like to read a whimsical thriller?  I have that too.  Would you like a story about a dream that won't go away and is there to guide your life?  I have that too.  Love?  It's in there.  Intrigue?  It's around.  Danger?  I can provide that.  A bestseller?  Greenville is that.  Take a look and see what you find.  Reading is a great activity during travel.  I've done it my whole life.  

So, that's what my writing has to do with travel.  It's based in travel a lot.  And reading is a great activity while en route to anywhere.  So, catch me on Amazon and Kindle!  Pick up a freebie from time to time!  Enjoy my new release!  There will always be more books coming!  Use books to shut out the rest of the world while flying, riding a train, bus or ferry, or relaxing in a remote location; enjoy!

https://www.booklemur.com/authors/terridixon.html?fbclid=IwAR2RHHk4evTaHLMWPkUAjVZh8ABocNCCsLOkGDYHBcVX-sIEMNX3C73o0dM

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Terri-Dixon/author/B06Y1C2MS7

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ninakindred

https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred

https://www.fictionpress.com/u/866564/ninakindred1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8WC82KG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMWG8M7P

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y17BJP8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLJRPPQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D6B3BYR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9F1XPJV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FH93JJX

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6SF62F

It's That Time! 5 More Quick Ideas!

 

1.     When in Rio, take time for the street art.  There are tons of reasons to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The beaches, the Jesus statue, the culture, and so many more.  What a lot of people overlook is that Rio is home to one of the most famous street art scenes in the world.  Many muralists who paint in Rio are world famous.  On Olympic Boulevard, you'll find the 190 meter long Eduardo Kobra Mural.  This is the biggest painting of its kind in the world.  It's in the Guinness book and everything.  So, if you want to see something truly spectacular in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; check out the street art.

https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/a-tour-of-rio-de-janeiros-street-art/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/largest-street-art-mural-in-the-world

https://www.getyourguide.com/rio-de-janeiro-l9/graffiti-urban-art-tc30/

https://www.riodejaneiro.com/blog/2017/11/20/admire-worlds-largest-street-art-mural-rio/

2.    Go swimming in Iceland.  That's right; I said swimming.  I don't necessarily mean indoors.  I don't mean only in the summer.  Iceland is a puzzle to a lot of people that have never visited.  I assure you, the geothermal nature of the country makes it a great place to be.  The government heats a lot of the buildings from those volcanoes.  The swimming came about the same way.  Even as early as the 1300s people were swimming in those pools.  Now, the pools come in all shapes, sizes and styles.  It's not just the Blue Lagoon.  There are over 100 public thermal heated swimming pools around the country.  Take your pick.  They're open year round and can be a lot of fun.

https://www.visiticeland.com/article/swimming-pool-culture-in-iceland

https://www.vogue.com/article/iceland-swimming-culture-guide

https://nat.is/swimming-pools-iceland/

https://www.funiceland.is/blog/posts/2018/april/best-swimming-pools-around-iceland/

3.   The World's Biggest Wheel.  That's right,  250 meters high, sitting on a luxury island off the coast of Dubai with cars the size of a living room.  It's AIN Dubai.  Opened in 2021, it's only the latest record breaking piece of architecture in Dubai.  It's always bigger and better when it comes to this tiny country.  There are over 100 eye style wheels around the world and they all provide amazing views of their areas.  I've ridden some of them.  I love it.  But, if you're in Dubai, it's the biggest.  Check it out.

https://aindubai.com/en

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/ain-dubai

https://www.dubai-tickets.co/ain-dubai/

https://www.discoveryuk.com/building-big/the-biggest-ferris-wheels-in-the-world/

4.    While in Dubai, don't miss the Burj Khalifa.  It is the tallest building in the world.  Period.  Opened in 2010, it shattered all the tallest building records around the world and hasn't been topped yet.  The observation deck sits 456 meters above the street, but the building itself is 828 meters, 2717 feet, or 160 stories high.  It shines in the sun and is a great showplace for New Year's fireworks.  So, while you're riding that giant eye wheel, skiing indoors and whatever else Dubai has to offer in amazing activities; don't miss the Burj.

https://www.thecollector.com/what-are-the-5-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/hall-of-fame/burj-khalifa-tallest-building-in-the-world

https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/facts-figures/

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/burj-khalifa

5.    The location is Nuri.  The kingdom was the Kushites.  They are the Meroe Pyramids.  They are pyramids, and they are along the Nile.  They are some of the most mysterious of all pyramids around the world and we're still learning about the people who built them.  Egypt you say?  Nope.  These are in Sudan.  That's a thought.  They're excavating in the area right now.  So, if you love pyramids and the cultures that built them.  Check that out.  It's a little known place to tourists, so you'll see more archaeologists than travelers.  You may want to talk to a Sudanese based travel company to hire a guide as well.  You won't want to just show up.  

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sudan-archaeology-pyramdis-kush-nubia

https://againstthecompass.com/en/nubian-pyramids-sudan/

https://www.geoex.com/trips/sudan-ancient-riches-nubian-desert/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/meroa-pyramids-in-sudan-1454488

So, there's some of the weirdest ideas I've had in a while.  It gives you some ideas for things to look forward to trying around the world.  Just remember, travel is that way of life that gives you memories that you'll never forget.  Part of that is finding truly unique adventures and trying new things.  We only have one life, so live it and enjoy!

Five More Little but Good Ideas!

 

1.  First on my list today is the Cherokee Reservation in Qualla Township, North Carolina.  Lots of people visit nearby Asheville and have a wonderful time at the Vanderbilt Estate and with the artist colony that the city has become.  They drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and have a great time.  But, the Cherokee are the people you should take time to meet.  Their whispering theater has a show that teaches you about their history.  The Native Americans will be happy to share everything about their ancient culture.  It's a great way to spend the day, and if you have children; it's educational.  If you really want, which I didn't; there's a casino too.

https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/oconaluftee-indian-village/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-7OlBhB8EiwAnoOEk-6db7dPKrnopOyVgWXcrGJqYZ1dHT7oGNPJBuqfdx1lqwFuH1pIZRoCag4QAvD_BwE

https://www.romanticasheville.com/cherokee.htm

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/wxwm/cherokee-indian-reservation-cherokee-welcome-center

https://visitncsmokies.com/listings/cherokee-indian-reservation/

2.  This is a must see.  I've been to Switzerland multiple times, but Lauterbrunnen, it's valley, and it's excursions were my favorite.  One of the most amazing adventures you can take is the train to Jungfrau.  It's a cog and it ends in a tunnel at the top of Europe, as it's self proclaimed.  Not only can you walk and play on glaciers, see some incredible scenery and have lunch of course; you can walk through caves carved in the ice of the glacier way back in the 1930's.  It's a spectacular feeling to walk inside a glacier.  It's the only place I know you can do that.  Just make sure you bring something warm to wear.

https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/

https://jungfrauregion.swiss/en/

https://www.jungfraujochtickets.com/jungfraujoch-railway-and-train/

https://holidaystoeurope.com/things-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen-and-the-jungfrau-region/

3.   Berlin, Germany is a fascinating place.  It's one of the most openly historical cities on Earth.  The first time I visited it, they were still tearing down the Berlin Wall.  I got to see the original Checkpoint Charlie, in shambles in the street.  Since then, they've turned the checkpoint and a building nearby into one of the most educational museums in the city.  If you find Wall History interesting, you'll love all you can learn at The Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

https://www.mauermuseum.de/en/start/

https://www.visitberlin.de/en/mauermuseum-museum-haus-am-checkpoint-charlie-wall-museum

https://www.museumsportal-berlin.de/en/museums/mauermuseum-haus-am-checkpoint-charlie/

https://www.visitberlin.de/en

4.     One of the most formidable leaders in all of history was Genghis Khan.  He conquered more lands than probably anyone else in history.  He was also known for having thousands of children.  One of the great mysteries of the world is where is he buried?  That, no one knows.  But, outside of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia stands one of the largest stature monuments in the world to this amazing man.  The Mongolian people are proud to be his descendants, so they placed the monument outside one of the few cities in the entire country where the most people can visit.  So, if you ever thought about going to Mongolia, this is one spot you have to visit.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/genghis-khan-equestrian-statue

https://www.viewmongolia.com/mongolia-genghis-khan-statue.html

https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/9-must-see-places-in-ulaanbaatar-capital-city-of-mongolia

https://www.discovermongolia.mn/about-mongolia/destinations/ulaanbaatar-capital-city

 

5.    And finally, one of my favorite vacations ever.  I love to do unusual things like take a vacation to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in February.  Weird, yeah.  But, I stayed at the West Edmonton Mall.  This is the perfect place to spend some time during a frozen almost arctic winter.  With an indoor water park, indoor amusement park and hundreds of other activities to keep you busy; you'll never realize how cold it is outside.  There's a hotel in the mall, meaning you never have to go outside except to and from the airport.  Classic.

https://www.wem.ca/

https://exploreedmonton.com/attractions-and-experiences/west-edmonton-mall

https://funworldfacts.com/west-edmonton-mall/

https://www.travelalberta.com/places-to-go/cities-towns/edmonton

As I continue with my short lists of little parts of vacations that you should look into, I hope you enjoy my ideas.  I don't like to spend my time with a lot of the typical tourist attractions.  That's just not me.  So, if you like the things that are a bit strange, weirdly timed, or just off the beaten path; follow along with my blurbs on great little side trips and enjoy!