Tag: Autumn

Travel tips to European Countries: Romania

About the county

Lying in the Southeastern Europe Romania is slowly emerging from the shackles of its dark history. Modern Romania was formed by merging two Principalities i. e. Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859 which were ruled by Ottoman Empire for centuries before. Romania is bordered by Moldova, Ukraine, the Sable Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary. Bucharest is the capital of Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia constitute the northern half of the country. Romanias main attractions build Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast is popular for its white sandy beaches further offers a perfect experience for families. The Carpathian Mountains are beautiful and covered by dense forests which offer skiing opportunities. There are many health resorts also in Romania. Transylvania is popular considering Romanian Spas which have been known for its lousy with healing powers. Local cheer specialty includes cuisines like ciorba de perisoare ( soup with meatballs ), ciorba tanancasca ( meat with vegetables ), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups.

Population & Languages

The population of Romania is around 22. 5 million and the official language being vocal is Romanian. The other popular languages are Hungarian and German.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment and ” Schuko ” contribute and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located weight Southeastern Europe bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria besides Ukraine. Existing is bordered by Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast further Bulgaria to the south. Carpathian Mountains pass through the center of Romania.

Climate

The climate of Romania onus be termed as Temperate and material has four seasons. While spring and autumn are cool again pleasant. Summers are very short and hot occurring in July also August. The winters can be harsh and cold with snowfall between December and March. The best months to visit Romania are May and June and September and October.

Local Customs

Handshaking is the common custom. It is also customary to kiss when being introduced to a woman. Mostly all normal European customs apply to Romania also. Dressing is conservative and casual. Searing is prohibited on conspicuous transportation vehicles and theaters. Romanians like smoking themselves and thus like if you gift them cigarettes. Tipping is 5 to 10 percent in restaurant, hotels and taxis.

Attractions

Bucharest: Once used to be known as Paris of the East the city of Bucharest is a city of lights bustling with cafes, night clubs and restaurants. It also has Romanian Opera House and a huge National Museum. The historic sites include the Palace of Parliament, Old Court Church and Athenee Palace Hotel.
Brasov: Not to be missed places are Castles in Transylvania which include Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle and also wind up miss to see Sighisoara about 90 miles from Brasov, the birth place of Vlad tepes.
Romanian Riviera: This is along the coast of Black Sea which is huge tourist attraction. It is also home to several resorts also Romanian spas famous for their healing powers.

Travel

By Air The national airline of Romania is Tarom. Many common airlines that fly to Bucharest consist of Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss. The biggest airport is Bucharest Otopeni Airport which is located like 10 miles north of the city.

By Sea Constanta is the major port on the Black Sea. Currently no ferries are being operated. But there are many cruises available which stop at assorted points of tourist interest like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest.

By Inveigh There is an international service to Bucharest from Western Europe which runs only in summer months i. e. from June to September, the name of the train service is Wiener Waltzer.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 200 gm tobacco
2. 200g cocoa and 200g coffee
3. Perfumes, medicines and souvenirs
4. Two cameras, One small movie camera, Twenty Four cassettes, One portable radio, One shot TV set, One tape recorder, One pair of binoculars and One typewriter.
5. Gifts up to 175

Prohibited Items
Un – canned goods, fast food or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, yamp further alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

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Travel tips to European Countries: Portugal

About the county

Portugal was a world power in 15th and 16th century but was reduced to rubbles during an earthquake in 1755, Napoleons Invasion and Brazils Independence. Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain and bordering Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast it is popular for its long and varied coastline, sunny climate and the charming towns makes it a travelers paradise. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.

The best thing about Portugal is that despite being a part of modern Europe one can harmonious find the still dwellings which has stood by time and has preserved its traditions. Instance modern architectural marvels like high – occur resorts dot the coast in the Southern province of the Algarve, Lisbon on the west coast on the other hand is a crowded city home to many fine tourist resorts. If you want to go back in time you have to just travel few miles north or east where you commit see scenic countryside still resemble medieval villages and towns of earlier centuries.

Population & Languages

The population of Portugal is roughly 10. 6 million and the official language being spoken is Portuguese. Mirandese is also second officially language spoken in some parts of Portugal.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are strife pin with attachment again ” Schuko ” plug and receptacle with lot grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

Solid is located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain rule north and east and borders Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast.

Climate

The climate of Portugal can be classified consequence two. It is oceanic in the north and Mediterranean in the south. It is also one of the warmest countries of Europe. The average temperatures string the mainland are 13C ( 55F ) in the north and 18C ( 64F ) in the south. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cold and wet. Spring again autumn are the best seasons to visit Portugal.

Local Customs
Banal dressing is acceptable. But keep in mind not to wear beachwear repercussion towns. Smoking is allowed after meals in Restaurants. Smoking is prohibited in theatres, cinemas and buses. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent in restaurant and hotels and 10 percent to taxis.

Attractions

Castelo de Sao Jorge Co-op of St. George
Alfama – The oldest part of Lisbon
S ( Cathedral ) – first church in Lisbon
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Museum
The Bairro Alto – The Bairro Alto district, an historic enclave dating back to 1513
Monument to the Discoveries – Isolated of the popular attractions mastery Lisbon is the monument, situated on the riverbank moment the Avenida de Brasilia in the section of Belem, which was designed to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery
Tower of Belem – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Parque das Nacoes
Fatima
Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis – dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto
Igreja de Sao Francisco
Solar Vinho do Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Frederico de Freitas Museum
Sao Vicente Caves
Cable Car
Cathedral
Whale Museum
Porto Santo
Setubal
Coimbra
Coimbra University
Guimaraes
Guimaraes church and palace
Braganca

Travel

By Air The national airline of Portugal is TAP Air Portugal ( TP ). The airlines operates direct flights to many destinations like Faro, Lisbon and Porto from a number of countries, including Canada, France, Spain, the UK and USA. Portugalia Airlines ( NI ) operates flights from Europe. Many popular airlines that fly to Poland from UK are British Airways, GB Airways and Monarch Airlines, Easyjet, bmibaby, Jet 2, MyTravelLite, Flybe, Flyglobespan and SATA. The biggest airport is Lisbon International Airport which is located like 4. 5 miles north of the city.

By Sea The main ports for international passengers are Lisbon, Leixes ( Oporto ), Funchal ( Madeira ) besides Portimo ( Algarve ), served by Cunard, Italia, Linea C, Olympia, P&O and Union Cas

By Rail If coming from UK, the fastest way is to get on Eurostar train to Paris also from Paris to Portugal by Sud – Express.

Road Spain is the only country sharing border with Portugal. The major border posts are open most of the time now.

Duty Free Items
1. Upgrowth to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco for Non – European union countries.
2. 1 liter spirits with alcohol greater than 22 %, or 2 liter spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22 % or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or a proportionate mix of these, and 2 liters of wine
3. perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette
4. Gifts evolvement to 175
5. 500g coffee or 100g tea or 40g of tea recite
6. Medicines for personal use

Prohibited Items

Birds and poultry arriving from countries infected lock up Avian influenza, Un – canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

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Travel Tips to European Countries: Italy

About the county

Italy, the birthplace of pasta and pizza provides a wide range of choices for artwork lovers to experience. A temperate climate exists here with very hot summers and not so cold winters. The weather is the best in spring and autumn curtain pleasant temperatures and scenic views. At that time of the year, the place isnt crowded much and things can be enjoyed in leisure. Incase of emergency call 112. For fire call 115 and for ambulance call 118.

Culture

Italian is widely spoken and is the validated language. English isnt very familiar to the locals. Family ties are of utmost importance here again hence social courtesies mean a society to the locals. There is a great impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the culture here. There is a high content of chlorine in tap waters, so bottled water is recommended for staying fit during the trip. Since Italian is spoken on a wide scale, it is remarkably recommended to learn few common Italian phrases which can be of great handling. Social gatherings call for formal wear, but one shot can dress in casuals otherwise. At some religious places, sleeveless shirt and shorts are frowned upon. Hence they are better avoided. Purses besides wallets should be bright-eyed jaundiced besides in case of any theft, police should be informed about the incident.

Site Seeing

The first thing to check out is the leaning tower of Pisa, where Olympics originated. At places like museums and art galleries, photography, especially flash photography is restricted. Check out the ticket counter for more information. Italy should be majorly discovered on foot for a thorough viewing of all the beautiful buildings again monuments. Coaches and trains are a good option to get to a tourist spot.

Shopping

Shops here are open from 9am to 8pm, closed seeing lunch. Quality of goods is great although the prices are very less. Items like crystals, lacework, leather nice, and jewelry can be bought at the stores. Remember to clout on to the receipt. Tipping of 10 % is customary along with the service tax levied on the bill. Italy is famous for top designers of the heavenly body, so do buy clothes and accessories to update your wardrobe. Cruises have formal gatherings in the evening, so make certain to buy a cocktail dress or some formal wear, though casuals power be worn at other times.

Electricity

The voltage used is 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency.

Getting there

Alitalia is the national airline of Italy. Many other flights connect to Italy from USA, Canada and Australia again there is whopping competition to attract passengers giving a wide range of offers to travelers. Rome airport is located 26 km away from the city and it takes 45 minutes to get there from the airport. Trains connect directly to Termini Station from where one can yield taxi to get to their purpose. Duty free shops, bank, car hire and restaurants are the other services provided at this airport. Milan has another bad airport here, which is at a distance of 45km instantly from the city.

Brindisi, Ancona, Naples and Venice are the major seaports of Italy. Italian State Railways connects many European cities. But, Eurostar provides the fastest train service.

If choosing to drive, dont forget to carry international driving license and international insurance certificate. Roads intermix Italy to France, Austria and Switzerland. Many coach services are provided from the neighboring countries.

Affliction Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 2liter of wine and 1liter of spirits ( over 22 per cent ) or 2liter of fortified or burning wine
3. 50g of perfume also 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract ( if over 15 years of age )
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. Gifts not exceeding 89. 96 ( if entering from an EU country ), 175 ( if entering from a non – EU country ).

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