A Ryanair aircraft stands on the tarmac at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport Germany, September 12, 2018. The airline will mount a fight to block Italian government funding of the airline poised to succeed Alitalia. Ralph Orlowski / Reuters
Airlines are pushing the UK and U.S. governments to reopen travel this summer. hildgrim / Wikimedia
Thomas Cook expects record demand for Lisbon in Portugal. Rustam Aliyev / Flickr
Mako is a steel roller coaster located at SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida. Amusement park operators in the U.S. are in an awkward spot, as they must convert more one-off visitors into season pass holders. SeaWorld
Educational programming director and tour guide Erin Herbert poses in front of a Muhammad Ali mural at the Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Erin Herbert/Ali Center / Skift
Beach umbrellas and the ocean in Lagos, Portugal. The United Kingdom removed the country from its coronavirus safe list today. eriK / Unsplash
Houses in a village in Italy’s Piedmont region. Megan Mallen / Wikimedia Commons
You could travel and explore the typical highlights of Europe… But why don’t you visit these hidden gems in Europe as well?
When thinking about a trip in Europe, your first thoughts are probably the big cities of Europe like visiting Paris, Barcelona, Prague or going sailing Croatia. But, there’s a lot more to Europe to discover than these hot spots.
If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, check out these hidden gems in Europe.
Skip the crowds and check out these secret spots in Europe.
100 kilometers south of Florence, this small corner of Tuscan wine country has managed to its keep old-world charms while producing some of the most striking new-school Super Tuscan wines.
Breathtaking views of endless fields and vineyards, even better at sunset, are around practically every corner. Yet somehow, the crush of crowds isn’t.
Tour organic family-run vineyards like Cantina Basile or live royally while staying at the Castello di Vicarello. It’s all truly divine.
Another lovely place to visit nearby is the vineyards of Chianti.
Foodies will find eating their way across the French countryside is a breeze, no matter where they go. But those serious about top-notch gastronomy cannot miss Roanne, home of the Troisgros family and of Maison Troisgos, a restaurant that foodie bible Gault Millau referred to as the best in the entire world.
Those who prefer to sharpen their own skills in the kitchen can attend The Ecole des Trois Ponts, a famous nearby cooking school.
Take a stroll by the Loire river to walk off the calories, and enjoy some of the historical architecture.
Here are a few other trips in France that aren’t Paris.
Closer to Saint Petersburg than to Helsinki, Lappeenranta draws a fair share of visitors from nearby during the summer months. A short drive from Saimaa, the fourth largest lake in all of Europe, travelers come for boat cruises and sunbathing during the warmer months.
But there are plenty of great ways to spend the day that don’t involve fishing or swimming. A bustling central market, ancient fortress, and plenty of museums and other cultural attractions mean there’s never a dull moment in this curious Scandinavian city.
Winter brings low temperatures and plentiful skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding.
Another hidden gem in Finland is Hossa National Park.
A couple years back, Portugal’s Duoro Valley was anointed the next Napa, and while the international market might not have reacted accordingly, wine lovers and fans of peaceful vistas overlooking rolling hills will fall in love once they visit.
The small town of Cotas is predominantly known for Quinta da Romaneira, where old-world decor is preserved but cutting-edge fermenting tanks and materials are used to help local vines step up their game.
It’s a perfect luxury retreat for travelers looking to be pampered somewhere other than the typical European haunts.
This secluded Lapland town might not immediately seem like a must-see spot, but that’s before travelers take into account its Arctic Circle location – definitely one of the hidden gems in Europe.
Photographers, nature-lovers, and anyone who wants a mind-blowing experience should make the pilgrimage to Abisko National Park, one of the best spots in the world to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights). Shimmering curtains of bright green and blue dance across the sky for hours during the winter months, and clear skies mean an even more stunning spectacle.
For those who are serious about their viewing experience, booking an overnight with the Aurora Sky Station is a must. Check out these accommodation options.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
Surround by tall pine trees at the basin of Heavenly Mountain and a close walk to the shores of Lake Tahoe, Basecamp Hotel is a rustic camp-like accommodation with chic undertones located in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada.
The hotel offers travelers a stylish home base with a strong resemblance to that of a base camp to rest after an adventurous day discovering the area’s natural beauty.
The highly-affordable and eco-friendly hotel in South Lake Tahoe adds a sheer bit of luxury to make everyone a happy camper.
Designed with exploration in mind, the 50-room boutique hotel offers travelers modern amenities in a cozy atmosphere. From a typical plush king-sized room to queen-sized rooms featuring bunk beds, the hotel can accommodate any size party. Each room takes on a rustic decor lined with reclaimed wood, painted tarps as headboards and comfortable wool blankets at the end of every bed. The high-thread count bed linens featured in each room adds a touch of luxury for travelers. Other amenities include a flat-screen TV, gear racks, free wireless Internet access, a desk and a spacious in-room bathroom with a walk-in shower and eco-friendly bath products.
Energy efficient room heaters, in-room recycle bins and reclaimed building materials are just a few of the additional green credentials Basecamp Hotel offers. But while the hotel’s founding principals include sustainability, its chic comfort is the main attraction.
Travelers can take advantage of a unique experience and stay in their Great Indoors room, which brings the great outdoors camping experience indoors. Lined with green carpet to resemble grass, an electric log fireplace, landscape painting adorning the walls and a tent pitched over a king-size bed, book your “campsite” inside Basecamp Hotel.
Or step into the lap of luxury where travelers have the option of renting the Penthouse Suite. After a day of exploration, unwind with a stocked wet bar and views stretching through the forest to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
A communal environment is encouraged inside Basecamp Hotel as it provides travelers a lounge area with large leather couches to sink into and a fireplace to warm up by all while sharing stories and travel experiences with others. Or enjoy a coffee with a fellow traveler during continental breakfast, which is served daily and included in the price of the room.
The hotel also offers two dinner sittings at the large reclaimed farm table in the center of the lobby; share in a fondue experience among other travelers or possibly another family style dish depending on the day of week and time of year.
A few added touches Basecamp Hotel offers travelers includes a roof-top hot tub over looking the mountains, cozy fire pits to toast some marsh mellows at night and a stocked cash bar featuring organic beers and steaming hot chocolate.
With long trails through the woods, water activities within walking distance and two of North America’s best ski resorts are just some of the natural resources just waiting to be explored, Basecamp Hotel is the most affordable and stylish option no matter the type of traveler or adventurist.
The eco-friendly hotel will have you traveling back to South Lake Tahoe year after year.
If you’re going to Lake Tahoe in the skiing season, check out these ski resorts in Lake Tahoe.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
You will need travel insurance when you plan to volunteer abroad. Most companies that organize travel trips insist or recommend you having volunteer abroad travel insurance.
Travel insurance is an insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial and other losses incurred while travelling.
Travel insurance can be gotten directly from insurance companies, travel agents and travel suppliers. The insurance covers student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel and international travel.
If you’re going to be volunteering abroad, you’re going to need to get specific travel insurance.
Buying travel insurance is tricky especially when finding the right plan for you that will cover you extensively. Travel insurance covers you against risks such as severe weather, last minute cancellations, terrorist attacks, emergency/accidental care, and travel delays, missed connections, lost baggage etc.
Most people buy travel insurance so that they are medically covered when they are abroad; they don’t want to lose money due to cancellations and others want to prevent losing their luggage and travel documents.
There are various companies to buy travel insurance from depending on your location, price and what you want. Some insurance companies provide travel insurance which is niche specific where they specialize in student travel; others offer simple policies for everyday travelers, some offer just medical insurance or evacuation plans.
World Nomads, for example, has specific travel insurance for volunteering abroad – get more details here.
Depending on what plan you want there are generally two types of plans which are package plans and travel medical plans.
Trip cancellation coverage provides reimbursement for lost travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip. Unexpected events like sickness, death, severe weather, industrial strike, terrorist incidents, something happens to your destination residence, theft of travel documents like passports, financial default by tour operator, and you may be needed back at work.
Trip cancellation insurance is important because some volunteer abroad fees are expensive which can go up to $ 5,000. With some organizations you are asked to plan early in advance in order to confirm a place with them. In such a situation during the period of waiting a lot can happen and you may need to cancel your trip. Also volunteer abroad programs involve a lot of several stops and connections and they have a higher risk of problems and things to go wrong.
Trip cancellation is important as you may choose to volunteer as a group or as a family and you may need to cancel because one of you may fall sick. This will save the money that could have been lost. Depending on the insurance company you use, they each have a number of reasons for you to cancel and they will reimburse you. Trip cancellation coverage should be bought early in advance to make sure you get the full benefits.
Health insurance from your country only covers you while you are at home. When you decide to volunteer abroad you will need travel insurance. Travel insurance takes care of medical coverage while you are volunteering abroad. When you are abroad despite of the vaccinations you are given you are still prone to be infected by indigenous diseases.
The coverage includes being taken to hospital, being treated, charges for hospital stays, the cost of drugs, and evacuation back to your home country. Medical insurance is important since when you are in a foreign country and you might know where the hospital is. Also they may be speaking in a foreign language and getting help might be a bit difficult. When you are evacuated back to your home country, they will take you straight to hospital for further treatment. When buying medical insurance, inform them of your preexisting conditions to make sure you are fully covered.
Travel insurance covers against lost or damage baggage. This happens a lot due to connecting many different flights. It also protects against your property being stolen. There are some occasions when you arrive at your destination and your baggage is delayed.
The cover includes reimbursement of essential items like toiletries, and basic clothing. Some companies offer extra coverage on car rental damage protection, identity theft, and adventure travel coverage. Consult your travel agent on which is the best insurance company to use and what exactly they cover
There are many companies, travel agents and specialty travel companies that provide travel insurance. They vary greatly on price and what they offer or cover.
At Travel Dudes, we highly recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.
Volunteer activities in their Standard plan may cover include:
Volunteer activities their Explorer plan may cover include:
Get a quote from World Nomads below:
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
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