image credit to residencesatsobe.com

A business trip? Kill two birds with one stone:)

Last year I took a few business trips to USA. Every time I flew there I tried to visit other places than the business parks as well. The last trip I had was pretty well organised:) I had to be in Las Vegas for 5 days Mon-Fri, but since i loooove the ocean, I decided to kill two birds with one stone.

Las Vegas- Business

I left London on Sunday morning and landed in LV in the afternoon.I stayed in the Trump Hotel (highly recommend) and got a free room upgrade! At the end the apartment I stayed in was 3x larger than the one I have in London! There was an amazing bathroom (actually two, one of them was larger than my living room in UK:) with a desert view from the bath itself! But anyway, the great thing was that i left LV on Friday night and on Saturday morning I was already at Miami Airport!

Miami- South Beach- Pleasure

Getting from the airport to the hotel in South Beach was the most pleasant transfer I have ever had! Forget about taxis, trains, metro and take the bus. Yes, the bus! It takes 20 minutes and cost… $2.75 (!!!!) and it stops just in the front of popular hotels! (again just to compare to London- one way to Stansted airport by trains cost approx. 30 GBP (!) and by taxi 50 GBP! (It should be calles a crime!). I booked Richmond Hotel just in the middle of South Beach (for those who are not aware this is where you want to stay when you visit Florida!), 5 minutes walk from Lincoln Road.

After check-in at the hotel, I headed to the beach. I have never seen such a wide, sandy beach in my life! and all of that just minutes walk from the city! Here is a photo I took with my iPhone, no filters have been used:

Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is a pedestrian-only promenade and the epicenter of what’s happening in South Beach and offers unique shopping, sidewalk cafes, bars, galleries, and fine dining. I went out for a walk along Lincoln Road in the first evening. The vibe of this place is like nowhere else and everything is so RETRO!

Going back

I stayed in Miami for two days. Since my flight was only at 6 p.m. on Sunday. I checked out from my room at 11 a.m., but stayed next to the pool till the afternoon, then again I hopped on the bus and in 20 minutes i was at the airport. A flight to London takes 6 hours, I landed on Monday morning and at 9.30 a.m. I was already at the front of my desk, in the office;)

Tuscany is a place that inspires a lot of different itineraries: you could go sightseeing, visit the art cities and their monuments and museums; or maybe you prefer enogastronomic routes, discovering the countryside surrounded by amazing landscapes; or go shopping at the luxury boutiques in the center of Florence; or choose a relaxing stay in a thermal bath, a nice idea for your wellness.

All these suggestions are within your reach if you go to Chianti area, the most romantic side of Tuscany. All the year around you’ll find events, enchanting venues, funny activities and many more, the only thing to do first is book one of the Tuscan country hotels that offer many services.

About enogastronomic itineraries, every tourist wants to taste the genuine Chianti wine: our tip is to reserve a guided tour to a wine cellar, where to meet the winemakers and recognize the true high quality of this Tuscan jewel.

The extravirgin olive oil is another delicious peculiarity, in fact many recipes have oil among other ingredients (try, for example, the “ribollita” soup).

Chianti means also oak woods, Medieval castles and watch towers, abbeys and farm houses close to little towns that you can visit by walk.

Shopping is one of the favorite activities to do during a Tuscan stay: the Prada Outlet at Montevarchi is ideal for shopping addicted, a place where to buy the best clothes and accessories from the trendiest Italian brands.

The most important thing to do is find accommodations in Chianti, so you can move across the region and discover why actors, musicians and others creatives love this side of Italy.

People who likes art cities probably will visit Florence and Siena, the most famous locations in Tuscany, rich of masterpieces and cultural initiatives.

In Florence, from 13th to 16th September, there will be Emozioni dal Chianti, a festival at Piazza della Repubblica with many stands, handicrafts and local products, a nice idea for a souvenir!

In Siena try the peculiar Contradas dinner, because during all the year each Contrada organizes parties and dinners: furthermore, each Contrada has a museum and a hall with the “drappelloni” (typical banners) and the Medieval costumes, the best way to knwo Siena’s history and understand why Palio is so important here.

Tuscany is waiting for all the travellers that love art, nature and beauty: a destination that constantly renovates itself.

For century’s sacred and mysterious places have had a special hold over the world, with many of us searching for tranquil chill out spots to bring peace and solitude back into our lives; Bhutan and Taktsang Palphug Pro Monastery in Bhutan is one of those places.

The country is hidden in the breathtaking Himalayas, a seemingly untouched country surrounded by lush, unforgettable landscapes, the perfect place for this extraordinary monastery.

Located in the Paro districts, the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger Nest, has long been considered one of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries. This monastery seems to literally hang on a high and steep granite cliff, filled with tranquil hidden places overlooking the inspiring vision that is the northern Paro valley.

The monastery buildings (4 main temples and shelters) are built into the nearly vertical rock slopes which are extremely steep however are accessible from a number of directions with 4 of the 8 caves fairly easy to get to. Access routes include the northwest path through a magical forest, the south which is the path followers use and the north over the rocky plateau known as “Hundred Thousand Fairies”, a surreal path that seems to prepare you for the amazing hidden places you’ll be experiencing up ahead. There’s mule track that leads to the monastery as well, passing through the mystical pine forest that is graced by splashes of color due to collections of prayer flags and moss. On most days the monastery is shrouded in clouds, giving its many chill out spots providing special feelings of solitude and peace of the likes you’ve never felt before in your life.

All the monastery buildings are interconnected through stairways and steps magically built into rocks as well as questionable wooden bridges along a few of the paths. The temple nestled at the monastery’s highest level showcase a beautiful frieze of Buddha and each building includes a balcony, an unreal place to relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the remarkable views of the picturesque Paro valley below.

A temple complex was initially constructed in 1692, around the iconic Paro Taktsang Senge Samdu cave where it is said that Guru Padmasambhava, who is acknowledged for bringing Buddhism to Bhutan, meditated for 3 months during the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is the most infamous of the 13 taktsang caves where he spent most of his time meditating. As you gaze out at the wonders that surround you, you can easily see why Padmasambhava chose this majestic area for his meditations. Today, sometime during the months of March and April, a popular festival, referred to as the Tsechu, is celebrated in the stunning Paro Valley, celebrating and honoring Padmasambhava, considered Bhutan’s much loved deity.

We should all be thankful to Guru Padmasambhava for his vision in having the enlightened monks who followed him build this incredible monastery. The monastery so precariously perched, seems as if it is sharing itself with the world, and its glorious surroundings provide all of those who visit tranquil chill out spots so unique that you’ll never find another place in the world like it; truly an experience of a lifetime. The many images of Bodhisattvas and the flickering butter lamps that honor the idols will leave you with an inner peace that you can take home with you and will never forget.

Golden Gate Park is huge and there are tons of things to do that could take you a couple of days to get through, followed by a visit to the Haight which is a cool neighborhood with its fun pubs, restaurants and trendy boutiques. Of course a visit to San Francisco isn’t complete without a stop by the Golden Gate Bridge where you can take a walk, bike or even book a cruise that takes you under the bridge and around Alcatraz. Speaking of Alcatraz; you’ll want to take a tour of the historic prison itself as well.

Another fun way to spend the day alone in San Francisco is to fill it with a combination of shopping, eating and sightseeing; what could possibly be the downside? Union Square offers an upscale shopping experience with lots of fun restaurants. It’s actually blocks long so you’ll get lots of exercise, shopping and stopping for a cool drink as you wander in and out of the shops. Chinatown and North Beach are also fun places to visit, offering everything from exotic herbal shops to trendy beach shops and cafes.

Not to be ignored are the many museums and art galleries in the city like the Museum of Modern art and the Craft and Folk Art museum or visiting the Yerba Buena Gardens filled with nature’s artwork. Other local treasures to see include the Coit Tower, Ghirardeli Square, the Old Ferry and Pyramid buildings and Hyde St Pier, all easy to get to from most of the

If the weather is nice, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and dine on some fresh seafood; rent a bike and ride along the waterfront or across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and take a ferry back. You’ll also find that most of the cheap hotels in the city offer transportation options from cable cars to trolleys and buses that will make it easy to visit places like Lombard Street and just about everything else the city has to offer. San Francisco is a great vacation destination for anyone traveling on their own offering unique activities that will make the time breeze by. ]]> http://chilloutspots.com/blog/traveling-to-san-francisco-alone/feed/ 0 http://chilloutspots.com/blog/a-gate-to-nowhere-topanga-ca/ http://chilloutspots.com/blog/a-gate-to-nowhere-topanga-ca/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:04:12 +0000 Erin Kingsley http://chilloutspots.com/?p=2992 I recently visited a friend in Malibu, CA. I love California! It’s all about the ocean, beautiful weather and always smiled people (how could you not be there!). Anyway, one day, my friend took me to Topanga, CA. What a place! it’s filled with nature, artists and amazing views! It definitely makes me dream about leaving rainy London and moving there for awhile. And actually, why not? We have only one life! Again. I am moving away from the subject…

So we travelled to Topanga, to get there from Malibu, you have to drive through Malibu Canyon, and take a very steep road up the hills. Since the road is very curvy and narrow, it can make you a bit sick to be honest, but the views are breathtaking! we drove for while and then when we stop next to the house, my friend loves. We spoke to the owner for while and then he showed us the garden with so beautiful untouched plants. And there was also that small gate! impossible to open with a small brook behind. and here is the image…

A gate to nowhere in Topanga, CA

Once visitors arrive in New York, the sky is the limit. Central Park has always been a scenic icon representing the New York lifestyle and is always on the top of the list when it comes to places to visit in New York, even on a budget. The massive 843 acre park is packed with an endless amount of fun activities from the Central Park Zoo to the Belvedere Castle Exhibit, the ice skating rink in the winter and the fun restaurants and bars dotting the park near New York’s most popular city streets. Imagine enjoying a leisurely lunch in Central Park while enjoying the view; spectacular. It would be easy to spend 3 day in Central Park alone which is another reason to carefully plan your 3 day’s worth of activities.

A visit to NY isn’t complete without going to the Statue of Liberty and it’s easy to spend the better part of a day there. The island itself is a scenic getaway from the city and spending the day relaxing there; looking out at your breathtaking surroundings, enjoying the company of Lady Liberty herself is something that everyone should do at least once. Best of all, the many cheap hotels that are around the area make it easy to enjoy the experience.

The West Village neighborhood has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike because of its welcoming, laid back ambience. You can spend a whole day wandering around West Village and enjoying their fantastic bakeries with to die for pastries, intimate restaurants as well as shops selling vintage and unique jewelry that is often handmade. It offers a slower paced environment than the always vibrant, hustle and bustle of New York and is a nice break in the action.

Not to be missed before wrapping up 3 days in New York is a walk long the lively streets of Manhattan, soaking up the city’s energetic vibe, stopping by Time Square or touring the Brooklyn Brewery, a beer lover’s dream come true and the perfect way to wrap up a “New York in 3 Days” vacation.

A cheap vacation is easily had if you plan it out right; all you need to do is book reservations at one of the many discount hotels and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the city life in no time and will be able to stay within your budget as well. ]]> http://chilloutspots.com/blog/new-york-in-3-days/feed/ 0 http://chilloutspots.com/blog/top-relaxing-places-in-new-york/ http://chilloutspots.com/blog/top-relaxing-places-in-new-york/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:06:15 +0000 Erin Kingsley http://chilloutspots.com/?p=2660

NY Central Park

When you find yourself in the city that never sleeps, it can sometimes become overwhelming and you just want to find somewhere quiet where you can just go and enjoy quaint surroundings without the hussle of everyday life and this is particularly essential in the metropolis of New York. Here, I have suggested 5 places to escape the mayhem of New York.

Riverside Park

Set against the banks of the River Hudson, Riverside Park is perfect for escaping New York as well as offering breathtaking views of the River Hudson. This 4 mile long, 266,701 acre park is extremely popular with cyclists and joggers as it wide paths and open spaces are combined with the cool breeze blowing from the river. The park also has several benches for the perfect chill out and is less busy than the alternative, Central Park.

Brooklyn Heights

If you want to escape the madness of Manhattan but still want to feel a part of it then cross the Brooklyn Bridge and walk along the Brooklyn Heights promenade. The promenade has numerous benches for you to sit on and take it one of the most breathtaking views of New York. You will be able to see the height of lower Manhattan, the magnitude of the Empire State Building in the background and the architectural brilliance of Brooklyn Bridge. Perfect for escaping your troubles and just relaxing whilst enjoying one of the most breathtaking views in the world.

Harlem Meer

While many people associate Central Park with tourists, the north-eastern corner near Harlem contains a hidden gem of the park. Harlem Meer is a 11 acre water space containing numerous forms of different wildlife such as fish, turtles and waterfowl. Allows the visitor to witness all of the beauty and history of being in one of the most iconic parks in the world but without the crowds. A ideal relaxing location.

Battery Park

Set in the heart of downturn Manhattan is the 25 acre Battery Park. Battery Park overlooks New York Harbour but it is the difference to its surroundings that make Battery Park so relaxing as it stands amongst the concrete jungle of downtown Manhattan. The park is also full of monuments so also allows you the time to think about those less fortunate such as the fallen victims in WW2 and also the September 11 terrorist attacks in the city. The Park also offers stunning views of New York Harbour and the Statue of Liberty in one direction and lower Manhattan on the other.

Governor’s Island

A island just off the mainland of Manhattan, Governor’s island has only been open since 2005 as it was a military base before. There is a free ferry to the island and once there, you find 172 acres of green space whilst enjoying the views of Manhattan. The Island is perfect for picnics and for those who want to spend a relaxing day in New York. The park is however only open during the summer so don’t miss out.

This blog was submitted by a traveller and blogger, from apartime.com, providers of apartment rentals New York. ]]> http://chilloutspots.com/blog/top-relaxing-places-in-new-york/feed/ 0 http://chilloutspots.com/blog/from-european-to-californian-girl/ http://chilloutspots.com/blog/from-european-to-californian-girl/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:26:30 +0000 Jessie http://chilloutspots.com/?p=2494 Finally I had saved enough money to take the vacation of my dreams by visiting the West Coast of the United States and thanks to the cheap hotels in San Francisco, my dream became reality. I’ve spent the biggest portion of my life living all over Europe, a wonderful country I might add, but have always wanted to visit a place that always had sunny skies (no rain!). Over the years I have poured over travel magazines planning the perfect California vacation and finally off I went!

My first stop was a 2 day stay in San Francisco, and the first place I visited was the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge. All I can say is Wow! It has to be one of the world’s most stunning bridges! I took a tour bus to cross the bridge and delight in the panoramic view it offers, and it ended up being the perfect way to enjoy the experience. Next I did something that everyone should do while in San Francisco; ride a cable car! Cable cars are an iconic San Francisco tradition and a really fun way to get around the city. I always managed to get an outside seat which is the best way to enjoy the experience, loving every minute as they clattered along the vibrant San Francisco streets. Before leaving San Francisco I decided to visit Alcatraz prison which is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and it was definitely worth the trip. It’s amazing to step back in time and imagine what the prisoner’s held here were like, almost haunting really.

I also visited Fisherman’s Wharf and had fun mingling with the locals and buying some tasty treats to enjoy later in my lovely cheap hotel room just minutes away. I was really pleased with my accommodations and had no idea that the cheap hotel rooms in California would also be as luxurious as they ended up being, and in convenient locations; a fantastic surprise! I am really going to miss San Francisco and decided I would be returning one day.

My next stop was the famous city of Los Angeles and vicinity where I visited one of my childhood friends who moved to Malibu, CA years before. It was so good to see her and it felt like time hadn’t passed at all; we were like excited young girls again.

Enterprise Fish Co

She couldn’t wait to take me out to see the sights in her lovely Malibu and a few of the charming cities nestled around it. Right from the airport we headed out to explore the city, all under sunny, cloudless skies, enjoying the mild California weather that couldn’t be more perfect. I was starving so she took me to her favorite restaurant for lunch, the Fish Enterprise Co. in Santa Barbara. It’s a great place to chill out when you  It was a fantastic restaurant with an extensive menu that made it hard to decide which tasty dish to order. We decided on oysters and they were delish! The restaurant has also been voted the “Best Happy Hour Venue” in town and I can see why. They have affordable drinks and a fun crowd, a great way to spend the evening after exploring the city.

Back in Malibu, I really got a feel for what California is all about. Beautiful beaches; said to be the best in the Los Angeles area, scenic parks, a fun variety of bars and restaurants and darling boutiques. My friend new all the best sights to see, the best places to eat and the best beach bar hang outs. We had such a great time and managed to pack in tons of fun together in just a couple of day’s time. I must say that by the end of my stay I found it difficult to leave.

I’m back home in London again, which I do love for many reasons, but I am already planning my next trip to the sunny West Coast of the US. I’ve already started making a list of the cheap hotel rooms to consider when I’m ready to pick a date and continue my adventures along the beautiful California coastlines. ]]> http://chilloutspots.com/blog/from-european-to-californian-girl/feed/ 0 http://chilloutspots.com/blog/relaxing-places-barcelona/ http://chilloutspots.com/blog/relaxing-places-barcelona/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:29:43 +0000 Erin Kingsley http://chilloutspots.com/?p=2357

Image credit to http://www.jenriks.de/

Barcelona is one of the most relaxing places in Europe!

If you are in one of the most cosmopolitan and cultural cities in Europe then finding a place to relax may not be high on your list of activities to do but sometimes, finding somewhere where you can just enjoy your holiday and take a break from sightseeing is perfect. In Barcelona, with its beautiful summer weather, there are a number of places that will allow you some relaxing time and who knows, some people find these spots more enjoyable than seeing the sights.

The Beach

Beach in Barcelona

One of the most relaxing things to do for me is to find a nice spot on the beach or on the promenade and just sit back and enjoy looking out to sea and becoming mesmerised by the waves breaking on the shore. Even in winter, as long as you bring a coat then you will still find the experience realxing and the perfect way to chill out after a stressful day of sightseeing. The sun also rises over Barcelona over the horizon so is a incredible sight for those early to rise or those who have not gone to bed yet. My favourite time to visit the beach is sunset as even though the sun sets behid you, the contrasting colours in the sky and in the sea make a fantastic view.

Montjuic

Montjuic in Barcelona

The hill of Montjuďc is most famous for being the home of the Olympic site that hosted the games in 1992 and also the famous Castell de Montjuďc on the top of the mountain offering stunning views of the city. The gardens of Montjuďc are the relaxing spot on the mountain though. The gardens underwent a massive restoration and clean up operation before the Olympics in 1992 and new gardens were also added. A trip to the lake and sitting on the grass enjoying the joys of silence knowing that below you is one of the world´s most visited cities.

Tibidabo

Tibidabo Barcelona

While Montjuďc is located to the side of Barcelona, the huge mountain behind the city and looking out to sea is Tibidabo. To get to the top of the mountain then take the finucular to the top and enjoy the stunning views of the city. The perfect place to relax while analysing the cities and finding the many sites of the city in tiny miniture detail.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Another great experience in Barcelona is to visit the Parc de la Ciutadella. The park includes a zoo, a lake, a large fountain and several museums. The Catalan Parliament is seated at a building in the center of the park. The park is great to relax in and take in the beautiful architecture particularly the impressive Cascada fountain which will take your breath away with the beauty of it.

La Rambla

This may come as a major surpirse to most people who have visited Barcelona as La Rambla is the street that is full of life all day and all night but there is something relaxing about grabbing a drink and then watching the world go by. If you are a fan of people-watching then there are few places to go in the world, better for people-watching then the street of La Rambla, just ask the locals seated in the chairs at the top of La Rambla near Plaza Catalunya.

I love Barcelona and I love to explore the city and all of its hidden treats but I also sometimes like to take a step back and just enjoy being in such a incredible city without the stress of having to force through crowds and just want to relax and these are the places where I love to go.

Article written by Sean, writer and blogger from homesearchbarcelona.com, providers of buy apartment barcelona.

Discover latest chill out spot…

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