Travel Tips

When Czech republic disintegrated after the end of the cold war, smaller countries began to emerge. One of these is Slovakia that is located in between Czechoslovakia and Hungary.

Slovakia is a small country that has about 5 million inhabitants and is a member of the European Union. Surveys shows that more people are visiting since this is something new and is less expensive.

The capital of this country is Bratislava. Given that industrialized neighbors surround it, it is not difficult for tourists to arrive to this country by plane or by train.

In the capital itself likes the Bratislava castle. This is located on top of a hill overlooking the Danube river. Visitors can get up to the towers to get a view of the city below and the countryside.

Various invaders have used this castle as a forward base. The government uses this as a venue to hold special events and exhibitions. Inside, there is also a museum, which features archaeological finds.

The castle is only happen from Tuesday to Sunday. This means tourists should find another place to visit on a Monday since this is closed.

Religion played a huge role in this countrys history. One of these places is St. Martins Cathedral on Castle Hill where 19 rules of this land were crowned. Visitors will appreciate the Gothic architecture and it is okay to take the time admiring the place given that it is free of charge.

The archbishops palace is another place to visit while exploring the capital. Years ago, this is where the archbishop will hold office but the one who uses this now is the mayor.

Since there are many rooms, this has also been used as a venue to hold exhibits. Guests can drop by to check it out or join a group to explore the various rooms.

Tourists will be able to interact more with the locals by visiting the Old town. Michaels Gate is located at the eastern entrance and is the only surviving watchtower that was used to warn the villages if there was any danger.

In the gate, lies a tower that is 50 meters in height. People can take pictures here and see some of the antiques at the nearby museum.

Going further, the person will reach the Main Square. There is an outdoor caf for the group to rest and have a cup of coffee. There are also some shops and a few meters away lies The Church of the Holy Savior.

Two other places to visit here are the Gothic Franciscan Church and Mirbachs Palace that has a lot of art work dating back to the Renaissance Period.

People who want to hear good music can get tickets to watch a show at the Slovak Opera House. There are also some ballet performances held here so the person should check what is showing before going in.

Outside the opera house is Ganymedes fountain. People can toss a coin and make a wish just like the Trevis Fountain in Italy.

Slovakia is home to many Jews. Though the people were persecuted and driven out to concentration camps, there are many who have moved back there today. The individual can check out the Zsigray Mansion on Zidovska Street, which has been converted into a Museum of Jewish culture.

After the end of the second world war, during Russias offensive against the Nazis, many small countries fell under the umbrella of the Soviet Union. When the wall came down and the cold war ended, many of these small republics declared impendence and one of these countries is Romania.

Tourists from the United States can get to Romania by boarding Austrian Airlines. This is the preferred carrier since it has daily flights from the Atlantic as well as to other cities in this country.

If the people are traveling across Europe and have arrived from another country, it is still possible to get to Romania by riding the train, renting a car or on a bus. The travel time will be from 2 to 6 hours depending where the person is coming from given the terrain.

Romania has some sights to offer people dating back to the middle ages. The most visited castle in this country is the Peles castle that is the work of German new renaissance architecture.

It has over 160 rooms and each room shows signs of excellent craftsmanship as done on the windows, chandeliers, leather, ebony and ivory sculptures.

A smaller castle not far from the first is Pelisor Castle. It has 70 rooms. This smaller version was constructed a few years after Peles was built since the new king did not appreciate the vastness of the other structure.

Both of these places can be found in the town of Sinaia that is situated at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the Prahova Valley.

Another historical castle that has importance in Romanian history is the Bran castle. This fortification, which is often, called Draculas castle served to protect the citizens from invaders.

Most of the castles in Romania are open from the Tuesday to Sunday from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. People should not plan going there then on Mondays since this place is closed. It is best to do other things then to make the tip worthwhile.

To the east of Ukraine is the Black Sea. There are many fine hotels and beach resorts along this area. Some of these places have remnants of Greek culture as far back as the 7th century B.C.

The main beach resorts covers a total of 45 miles and these include places like the Eforie, Mamaia, Jupiter, Neptun, Saturn and Venus.

There are also health spas in this country to help the body relax after walking up the steps of castles and museums that is exhausting for those who dont exercise often.

The two most famous rejuvenation treatments known as the “Gerovital” and the “Aslavital” can be availed at the beach resort before continuing on with the tour.

Romania also has treasures such as the Voronet Monastery Church in Bucovina that can compete with the Sistine chapel in Rome. This is because most of the artwork in this place and others were hand painted and are still in good condition today.

In most of the monasteries and churches are excellent vineyards so the tourist can taste something another glass of wine that is just as good as those produced in Italy or France.

There are a lot of places and things to see in Romania. This just shows that the former Eastern bloc countries are worth visiting just like those in the West.

An Asian wedding? Probably. An Asian honeymoon? Why not? If youve already explored the streets of Venice, taken pictures of the Eiffel Tower, visited the numerous museums and art galleries in Italy and wined and dined on tempting Italian and French cuisine, perhaps you may want to explore a different culture and different taste on your first time together as a married couple. This is an experience that would definitely leave a lasting impression on both of you.

Asia offers as much richness and romantic mood as the West. And one place you can explore is India, one of the oldest birthplaces of world civilization. Its a cultural experience you both would never forget, with the colorful muslins, the dark-skinned complexion of its people, the million temples, mosques, churches and palaces you can explore. This will be a honeymoon that would never leave you bored.

Ooty is one of the best destinations of honeymooners in India. From the fragrant wind to the silence punctuated by the rustling of trees and the enchanting scenery, this place spells romance, romance, and more romance. Visit the botanical gardens and the Doddabetta peak with it view of the Nilgiri hill ranges. Seven-hours away from Ooty, theres the Kodaikanal tucked among the hills of Tamil Nadu. Take a boat ride in the Kodai Lake with your loved one and enjoy the trees, the water and the solitude.

If youre looking for something tropical and sunny, plus sand and water in India, theres Goa and Kerala, two of Indias most famous beach get-aways. Goa also boasts of wooden carvings and furniture, coir mats, straw hats, artifacts, brassware, and junk jewelry you might want to stash away as honeymoon souvenir. Bask under the sun and experience the calm and soothing natural beauty of India.

Dont fail to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Made from white marble, this edifice was built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This is considered as one of the Orients greatest testimonies of love. Here you can feel the warmth and security of being loved greatly.

For some taste of Indian royalty, theres Rajasthan, one of the most colorful regions in India. Visit the Palace on wheels, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Lalgarh Palace.

Located in North India and covering the states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, dont miss the ultimate experience of exploring the Himalayas. The peaks in Kashmir are perfect for mountain climbing and trekking, while the Himalayan peaks in Uttaranchal are pilgrimage sites.

India is also known as one of the spiritual centers of many religions in the world. Khajuraho offers a tour at its temples constructed by the Chandela rulers during the 9th and 10th century B.C.

Nature lovers can also consider staying at Darjeeling, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Shimla and Manali, among others for an aesthetic experience with nature. Take pictures of the forest-covered hills and stroll through orchards and enjoy the sight of endemic Indian flora.

Its a paradise to be explored, boasting of pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains and a peaceful scenery. The hub of the Oriental culture, one of the melting pot of the worlds oldest traditions, religions and civilizations, India is the place to experience on your romantic sojourn.