Let's Hit a Few Continents With This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    Salamis, North Cyprus.  Cyprus is one of the places that I'm fascinated with.  The conflict that leads to the Turks and Greeks building a wall all the way across the country.  The fact that with all the conflict in the world, no one in America is ever talking about it.  It's a fascinating place off the coast of Greece and Turkey; an island with a partially desert climate and beautiful shoreline all the way around.  Another thing it is, is the home of Salamis.  No, it doesn't go on a sandwich.  It's a well preserved Roman Ruins site that housed an enormous sports complex.  It not only had a theater, but also a gymnasium and many other sports related features to go in its town.  It's located on the east side of North Cyprus just north of Famagusta.  It's open 9 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.  You can take a tour there or just drive out for a look.  It's well worth the trip if you happen to be in North Cyprus.

https://www.cyprusparadise.com/articles/salamis-ruins/

https://www.visitncy.com/discover/salamis-ruins/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190375-d313643-Reviews-Salamis-Famagusta_Famagusta_District.html

https://www.getyourguide.com/salamis-ancient-city-l143877/?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=6654173973&cq_con=76427540862&cq_term=&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=6654173973&adgroup_id=76427540862&target_id=aud-1393039795340:dsa-84666501466&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=&ad_id=678191199117&keyword=&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0PuuBhBsEiwAS7fsNSxwuK-O7rf5G9ksJEqZG-WEAsEAq3-_zRn38GE38zzL6H_RrQ7SZRoC9E4QAvD_BwE

https://www.cypruspremier.com/articles/salamis-ruins/

1.    Go on a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.  We've all thought about it.  I've often wondered what an African safari would be like.  The Masai Mara is the Serengeti in action.  It's the Lion King, baby!  There are several companies who provide safaris, so choose the one that best fits your bucket list and your budget.  There are several lands to safari on throughout Africa, but this is the home of the great migration, massive numbers of animals and one of the oldest safari lands in Africa.

https://www.masaimara.com/index.php

https://www.expedia.com/Maasai-Mara-Hotels-All-Inclusive-Hotel.0-0-d2412-tAllinclusiveHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels?semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a111320466322.b1108955464217.g1aud-2068928983903:dsa-978192826038.e1c.m1CjwKCAiA0PuuBhBsEiwAS7fsNd-xe2EM2rbbB_wQO1gj5WzklKH7oUkZKjmW1qpqgtlZopWKbn9AgBoCwOwQAvD_BwE.r1.c1.j19003419.k1.d1658413978168.h1.i135761373963.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0PuuBhBsEiwAS7fsNd-xe2EM2rbbB_wQO1gj5WzklKH7oUkZKjmW1qpqgtlZopWKbn9AgBoCwOwQAvD_BwE

https://www.maasaimara.com/

https://www.masaimara.travel/

https://www.maasaimarakenyapark.com/

3.    Epidaurus, Greece.   Most people go to Athens, some islands, Thessaloniki, and even Meteora; but on the peninsula to the west of Athens sits remnants of  an ancient city.  The theater is the centerpiece of these ruins.  It's in great shape after millennia, and the acoustics are absolutely fabulous.  When a person stands in the center of the arena and speaks lowly, you can hear it in the nosebleed seats.  It's an important archaeological site in Greece; complete with stadium, foundations and many other things at the site.  There's a museum there to visit as well.  But, the best is if you come during the warm months, if you time it right; you can still see live performances of Greek tragedies at the theater.

https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/epidaurus/

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/491/

https://www.introducingathens.com/epidaurus

https://www.viator.com/tours/Corinth/Epidaurus-Skip-The-Line-Ticket-to-Temple-of-Asclepius-and-Theatre/d4613-370480P17?m=28353&supag=153710049013&supca=20578700387&supsc=aud-435409373039:dsa-1456167871416&supai=674830740207&supdv=c&supnt=g&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039:dsa-1456167871416&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039:dsa-1456167871416&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0PuuBhBsEiwAS7fsNeDj3RJSkHxj98hVgGM_mBL8lG3R7wiCq8Biz5v8cVBrCBlpYsOxvhoCj-YQAvD_BwE

https://www.discovergreece.com/peloponnese/ancient-epidaurus

4.    Go into the desert from Marrakech, Morocco.  In Marrakech, Morocco, it's not hard to take a side trip right out into the Sahara Desert.  Bottom line, I like to do things on my own, but I can't do this.  There's a host of companies that provide all kinds of experiences, so all you have to do is choose one.  You can go for a day trip on ATVs or for a multi night adventure that will make you feel like a Bedouin.  Bottom line,  don't be that close to the Sahara and not bother to go out and experience it in full.

https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/desert-safaris-tc37/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293734-d10501245-Reviews-Marrakech_Desert_Trips-Marrakech_Marrakech_Safi.html

https://www.marrakech-desert-trips.com/

https://www.topdesert.com/

https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/

5.    What to call it?  The Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang), Petchaburi, Thailand.  That's a mouthful, but bear with me.  Around 1859 King Rama IV decided to build a summer palace.  I won't get into the details; you have to visit this place!  It's a mix of Thai, Chinese and European style and is a multi building royal palace to visit.  You can hike up one side or take a cable car up the other to reach it.  And...there's monkeys!  There are great views from this hill and it's all only a couple of hours south of Bangkok.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297932-d4206703-Reviews-Khao_Wang_Phra_Nakhon_Khiri_Historical_Park-Phetchaburi_Phetchaburi_Province.html

http://virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th/phranakhonkhiri/index.php/th/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/upper-southern-gulf/phetchaburi-phetburi/attractions/phra-nakhon-khiri-historical-park/a/poi-sig/1243027/357803

https://www.huahin-travel.com/tour/petchaburi-historical-temples-palace-day-tour-with-private-guide

https://www.thaitrainguide.com/excursion-trains/kiha-183/phra-nakhon-khiri-fair-in-phetchaburi/

There you have it.  If you happen to be in any of these neighborhoods, there's some ideas for that little something that's less touristy and a little different.  I always say to get out of the city, and these ideas are no exception.  There's a lot to see and do in major cities like Athens, Bangkok, and Marrakech, but every tour and every person who ever saw a traditional travel show will flood into the cities and their well known attractions like ants to a picnic.  Hopefully, these will give you some ideas for how to do something different and less like everyone else.  These days, the Greek islands and Athens are the top spots in Greece.  Cyprus is rarely even talked about these days, and who's ever heard of Epidaurus?  Safaris are far more advertised in South Africa and Botswana, but they've been guarding the animals in Kenya forever.  Bangkok is one of the most popular cities to visit in South Asia, but the whole country is amazing.  Don't think you have to see all the most popular tourist spots.  Travelers tend to see the most fascinating things in the world, because they're looking for a unique experience.  Be a traveler.  Look beyond the tourist realms and enjoy!

Valentine's Day is Over...Time to Plan a Trip! This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.  This is called Drive Me, and you find the headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.  There are thousands of things to see and do in Barcelona, and I can't believe I'm singling any one of them out.  The last thing you will ever be in that city is bored.  However, there are few places on Earth where you can rent a classic supercar.  Drive Me has any and all experiences for any driver.  You can take a test drive for 10 minutes or hire the entire fleet for an event.  You can take tours of the countryside or the city.  You can participate in track days.  It does cost.  That's for sure, but it's an experience you'll never forget.  So, if you have some extra money and time in Barcelona, check it out.

https://www.drivemebarcelona.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187497-d7833301-Reviews-Drive_Me_Barcelona-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

https://www.drivemegroup.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Drivemebarcelona

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/barcelona-spain/places

2.    Go visit a really old fort.  I don't care if you're in India and the Middle East where some of the most famous forts in the world are, or if you're in my neighborhood in New England; visiting an old fort is a great experience.  You learn about history, both general and local.  But, my favorite part is the view.  Forts were designed so that early armies could see the enemy coming.  They were created with a view.  Here in New England, most of them are free to visit.  Some of them are in fine shape and some are  dilapidated; but they're all interesting and they all have great views.  Don't overlook these places when visiting the areas they're in.

https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/six-revolutionary-forts/

https://ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-forts-fortresses

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/21-of-the-great-fortresses-around-the-world

https://archive.curbed.com/2016/11/16/13586980/castle-architecture-star-forts

https://archaeology-travel.com/fortresses-castles-palaces/

3.   Fort Kotor, Spiljari, Montenegro.  Some of you may not even have heard of Montenegro.  It's a tiny country that emerged from the former Yugoslavia.  We don't hear a lot about it these days, since it's far more trendy to visit Croatia.  However, Montenegro is both a beautiful country on its own, and a great side trip from Croatia, Serbia, Herzegovina or Slovenia.  One of the amazing things about this fort, is that it's a town with many sections of old fort.  It's enormous for a fort.  There are fortified walls, there's a St. John's Fortress and even a San Giovanni's Castle.  There's a lot to see and great views from it all.  This is why I mentioned this one separately.  Because it's a hidden gem.  Just be aware, there's a lot of walking involved in this attraction.  Up and down and back and forth, so be prepared.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g19196637-d14843631-Reviews-Kotor_Fortress-Spiljari_Kotor_Municipality.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/montenegro/coastal-montenegro/kotor

https://www.carryonchronicles.com/kotor-fortress/

https://www.theoutbound.com/montenegro/hiking/hike-up-to-kotor-fortress

https://www.montenegro.travel/en

4.    Visiting an olive oil production plant in North Cyprus.  That's right, I said it.  Most of us don't know a whole lot about Cyprus, except that it's an Island in the East Mediterranean with a bit of a checkered past.  In fact, there's a wall right down the middle of it, dividing it between Greece and Turkey.  The part known as North Cyprus is Turkish and not even recognized or maybe even legal as a port of entry to the island nation.  This destination is known for its beaches, surfing, and quirky venues, but in the north, they make olive oil.  Now, you wouldn't think about it much given that it's warm, dry, and Turkish, but they produce some amazing olive oil, and you can easily tour a facility.  They do produce olive oil in the south as well, and some even produce right on the wall that separates the island, but in the north it's exotic and traditional, hence why I say you should visit.  So, if you happen to be in North Cyprus and looking for something off the beaten path to do, stop off and see how they make olive oil the old fashioned way.

https://www.oleastro.com.cy/en/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lWEe4NaPbA

https://ecolivecyprus.com/

https://www.visitncy.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC7H5pRKaD4

5.  Back to budget airlines.  I traveled on Breeze last fall and found out that it was just fine.  I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not bleeding excess money, so I decided that it was time to check some of these airlines out.  They may charge for every little thing separately, they may not have fancy meals and may seem basic, but that's okay.  When I travel, I can entertain myself.  I can bring snacks.  I'm capable of passing time without expecting someone else to entertain me.  So, I've been trying out some of these budget airlines and I'm not done yet.  I think I'll try some more.

Recently, I went to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and I took Play airlines out of Logan International in Boston.  I have to say, Play is a bit hit and miss.  On the way there we had USB ports to charge devices, and the Wi-Fi wasn't bad.  But on the way back we had an older plane and really had none of that.  So, be prepared.  Charge up your devices before you go just in case.  The planes were comfortable, the staff in the cabins were great.  The available food and drink was reasonably priced for an airline and all was good.  But, there was a little something that disturbed me.  We had to wait for a delayed connecting flight before we left Keflavik International to fly home and that was fine.  The problem I had was that no one told us.  So, if they can get their communications in order, they'd be great.

Would I fly Play again?  I think I would.  The price is right, the flights are comfortable, and the flight attendants are great.  I'm a budget traveler, and I mostly enjoyed my flights with them.  So, before you book an expensive flight, think about what you really need and where you'd like to spend your money on your next trip.  I'll keep you updated as I use these different budget airlines and let you know if I find one that I wouldn't fly.

https://www.flyplay.com/en

https://www.flybreeze.com/home

https://flynorse.com/en-US

https://www.spirit.com/

https://www.aveloair.com/

So, there you have it.  Hope this gives you some ideas and tells you a little bit of what I know about budget airlines.  There's so much to see and do out there that I can't imagine you wanting to spend too much on getting there.  So, check out a budget airline to get you to a great place where you can enjoy the history, food and landscape of a far away exotic port.  Save your money to rent a supercar along the way and enjoy!