Author: LetsGet1

Cruising through the Panama canal

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Although the original Panama canal was completed in 1914, in 2016 the expansion project was completed. This added 2 new sets of locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides which doubled the canal’s capacity and allows larger vessels to pass. The ship I was on would not have been able to get through the original locks but we were able to transit the new Agua Clara 3-step locks. At dawn we cruised under the new Atlantic bridge which was built in 2019 to make a 3rd crossing over the canal.

Shortly after the bridge the canal separates, the new canal to the left and the old one to the right. Approaching the locks we are greeted by 2 tug boats to guide us through, one in front and one behind. A pilot also needs to come aboard our cruise ship to navigate us through the 3 new locks. This takes about 2 hours until we pass the visitor observation point and enter the Gatun lake.

The new locks are built with sliding gates and each lock has 3 water saving basins to reduce the volume of water that is needed from lake Gatun for lock operation. The operation of the new locks uses gravity and valves. There is no pumping involved. It was an amazing experience to watch the opening and closing of the gates.

Our cruise was staying on the Atlantic (north) side of the canal which meant that we were only going as far as Gatun lake before turning to go back through the same 3 locks. Once we had passed through the 3rd lock into Gatun lake, we stayed there for about another 2 hours while some of the passengers left the ship in tenders to go on various excursions.

The length of time in Gatun lake depends on how many other ships are coming through the canal as we needed to wait for them before going back through. Once back through the 3 locks we docked at Port Cristobel to collect the passengers who had been on excursions.

6 Stunning European Castles

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What is it about castles that are so alluring to travelers? Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world’s best architecture and most stunning landscapes—and maybe even a ghost story or two.

There’s perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can’t visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal residence. Here you’ll find medieval stone walls, sky-high towers, and bridges arching over glittering moats, everywhere from the Bavarian Alps to the Mediterranean coast

Pena Palace, Portugal

Inspired by German Romantic architecture, Pena Palace—situated on top of a hill in Sintra—looks like a Disney castle with its pink and yellow towers, ornamental buttresses, and cartoonish gargoyles. The interiors are equally dramatic. Don’t miss the intricately carved ceilings and walls of Queen Amelia’s apartments and the striking all-white reception room. (Bonus: Sintra is only 40 minutes from Lisbon, meaning you really have no excuse not to visit.)

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, but it is also one of the most recognizable castles on the planet—thanks in large part to the fact that it served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Originally built at the behest of reclusive King Ludwig II as a private retreat in 1886, the majestic structure boasts a clifftop location and ornate rooms; today, it attracts some 1.4 million visitors every year.

Guaita Tower, San Marino

San Marino may be tiny—under 24 square miles, and completely surrounded by Italy—but it still has some pretty impressive sites. The capital city is known for its three hilltop towers (you can even spot them on the country’s coat of arms), the prettiest of which is Guaita Tower. It was constructed atop Monte Titano in the 10th century, and it is now open year-round to visitors.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

The Alcázar de Segovia was once a medieval fortress, but it was rebuilt in its current, castle-like style following a fire in 1862. Today, visitors can explore its museum, multiple halls and secret passageways, and towers overlooking Segovia’s town square. Then, be prepared for some equally impressive interiors. They’re marked by stained glass windows, polished suits of armor, lavish dining and dancing halls, and so many canopied beds.

Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria

Another medieval, mountaintop castle, Hohenwerfen Fortress is one of the most stunning sites in all of Austria—and that’s saying something. The 11th-century castle overlooks the scenic Salzach River Valley (about 35 miles south of Salzburg), offering Christmas markets and falconry demonstrations along with its daily tours.

Bled Castle, Slovenia

There’s a reason (well, many reasons) why Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites, featuring emerald waters, a church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and, of course, a Disney-like castle on a hill. Climb your way up the forest trail to see Bled Castle’s orange-roofed towers and 11th-century walls up close, then turn around to be afforded some of the most picture-perfect views of the lake you’ll ever find.

Best Day Trips From Vegas

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Winner: Death Valley

The salt flats are probably what you picture when you think of Death Valley – and they are indeed a sight to behold. Badwater Basin stretches out into the valley as a great white plain and visitors are invited to wander across as they please.

The basin is where the literal hotspot broke the North American records for the lowest and driest place, as well as the world record for hottest at 56.7° C. Not only can you fry an egg on the pavement there, so many people did it that the park had to ask them to stop.

Then there are the dunes dotting the valley, the best being Mesquite Flats – so otherwordly you might think you’ve gotten woefully lost and ended up in the Sahara.

The park is about 150 miles from downtown Vegas and takes about two hours to drive there. You can break up the trip by stopping in the ghost town of Rhyolite

Runner-Up: Lake Mead

This is the classic day trip from Vegas. It’s only about 30 miles from the city centre, and in a seemingly endless dry desert, it’s a bit of an oasis.

It’s got every outdoor activity covered: hiking, swimming, camping, boating, you name it. What this region lacks in foliage, it makes up for in sheer space. You could easily spend a week here exploring every craggy peak and shore.

It also includes the Hoover Dam, where the scale of the structure is pretty impressive.

If you’re looking for a one-stop outdoor adventure without sitting in the car for hours, Lake Mead is your place.

Honorable Mention: Grand Canyon West

The Grand Canyon is one of those things that everyone should experience at least once in their life. It’s not just a “big hole in the ground”; it’s so massive that it’s hard to believe it’s real when you’re looking right at it.

If the main spots were more accessible from Vegas, this would easily win this category. It still deserves a mention because the West Rim is way, way closer than the more popular viewpoints (125 miles from Vegas versus 290) while also providing some pretty sweet canyon views.

The West Rim’s unique attraction is the Skywalk, a glass-floored lookout point allowing you to peer deep into the abyss of the canyon (and your soul).

Oktoberfest

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Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things beer and Bavaria, its origins date back to 1810 and a royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The meadow in front of Munich’s city gates was named Theresienwiese in her honour, and it remains at the epicentre of all the Oktoberfest.

The Bavarian charm has spread far and wide, however, and most of us can enjoy a special Oktoberfest Mass or two without even hopping on a plane. But that’s no fun, really. So we say, why not mix it up a little and visit one of the world’s other great Oktoberfests instead?

Blumenau, Brazil
The (joint) second-largest Oktoberfest in the world is held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau. Having been founded in 1852 by German colonists, the city’s heritage is still clear to see in its architecture, restaurants and—you guessed it— beer. The area is frothing over with exceptional breweries, so you might need to work on your bar crawling stamina in advance.

Festivities at the 19-day event serve up everything you could hope for, with Lederhosen, beer tents, parades and live music all on offer. Plus, there’s an added splash of Samba to spice things up. But it can also get slightly surreal at points. Just know that you’re not imagining things if you spot a giant herring named Rollmops presiding over a herring-eating competition.

Blumenau will undoubtedly transport you right back to Munich, but no matter how much you like beer, you probably aren’t going all the way to Brazil just to drink a pint.

Right on its doorstep is the Spitzkopf Ecological Park, where you can sweat off the hangover with a hike along rainforest trails towards panoramic views, before a refreshing dip in a river or waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for protected species, like the white-bearded antshrike, white-necked hawk, cougar and margay.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
Also in the running for second place after Munich is the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Ontario, Canada. This is another area with deep German roots, having been settled by German Mennonite farming families from the early 1790s. In fact, until a referendum in 1916, Kitchener was actually called Berlin.

Known as the Twin Cities, Kitchener and Waterloo both take Oktoberfest seriously. What started out as a modest trial run in 1969 has become three weeks of partying, feasts, and family-friendly fun across the two cities.

The official keg tapping is the ceremonial opening event, but it’s the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade that really gets attention. The floats, marching bands and dancers make up the nation’s only Thanksgiving parade, drawing thousands come rain or shine.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

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Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.

Highlights

from $50.36  per adult

Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation

Duration: 1h 15m

Start time: Check availability

Reserve your spot

Best London Tours

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Buckingham Palace tour

Take the unique opportunity to step inside Buckingham Palace each summer. Explore the palace’s usually private spaces, including the State Rooms, Throne Room and galleries filled with fine art on this self-guided tour.

prices from $87 Book now

 Hop-on, hop-off bus tour

See London from the top deck of an open-top double decker bus. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket allows you explore London at your own pace, even at night, and you can enjoy added extras including free walking tours and a 24-hour Thames river pass.

prices from $45 Book now

London Explorer Pass including 2 to 7 Attractions

Save up to 25% on top London attractions with this hot Explorer Pass. Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions and tours from a list of 65+ attractions and see London’s best at your own pace.
Go City’s London Explorer Pass is a digital credits package which is loaded with credits, with each attraction being one credit. For example, 3 attractions = 3 credits, 7 attractions = 7 credits.
If you’re in London for a while, then don’t worry about time running out. Your pass will last for 60 days, with plenty of attractions to choose from across all of London. Tread the boards at Shakespeare’s Globe, admire the Gothic architecture at Westminster Abbey, and even enjoy the View from the Shard.

prices from $62 Book now

Japan in 2024

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If you are thinking of visiting Japan in 2024 there are a couple of extra-special events in the calendar.

Our trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival returns, with departures in February ’24. Visit this fascinating festival to marvel at enormous snow and ice sculptures in the shape of cute characters, ice caves and architectural landmarks. Combine this with bullet train journeys through wintery landscapes and an ice-breaker cruise for a unique take on Japan – a great way to experience Japanese culture for the first time, or for an alternative view if you’ve already seen Japan in the warmer seasons.

Or, if springtime is more your season, did you know Japan is famous for its cherry blossom? In 2024 the blossom trail is expected to start from mid-March and run until early April. Join one of our bestselling Japan trips at this to be treated with a spectacle for the eyes, with landscapes blooming in pink and white as you explore this fascinating country.

How to Plan a Budget Trip to Europe

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FREE WEBINAR: Learn the Secrets to Travelling Europe on a Budget!

Join Sarah Weingust (founder of HostelPass) for this entertaining (and free) webinar packed full of tips and tricks on how to make the most of your trip to Europe. Sarah will share everything she’s learnt from her years of travel and industry-experience to help you save more than you ever thought possible.

Considering Europe? This webinar isn’t just a recommendation – it’s a must-attend!

The holiday hotspots where your pound goes furthest

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BY RUTH EMERY

Three years on from the UK’s first lockdown, many holidaymakers are gearing up to travel abroad again. But where can British travellers get the most for their money?

La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you’re looking to save money on your holiday, then there’s good news for anyone planning to travel abroad this year. British holidaymakers now enjoy a better exchange rate in five out of six of the most popular foreign holiday destinations compared to three years ago.

According to analysis by travel money specialist No1 Currency the pound has strengthened considerably against the Argentine peso, Turkish lira, Egyptian pound and Sri Lankan rupee since 2020, meaning British tourists will find their money goes a lot further when visiting those countries.

Anyone going to Argentina will enjoy the biggest boost, with sterling more than trebling in value against the peso (up 234.6%), while those flying to Turkey will also get a much better exchange rate (the pound is up 205.8% against the lira).

Travellers going to the States or countries that use the euro, like France, Spain or Greece, will also receive a better – albeit more modest – exchange rate compared to March 2020.

The pound has risen by 5.4% against the euro since the UK’s first lockdown, and by 6.4% against the US dollar.

At the other end of the scale, sterling has shed a tenth of its value (down 9.3%) against the Australian dollar, meaning it’ll be more expensive for British tourists to go shopping, pay for meals in restaurants or grab an iced coffee. Sterling also buys nearly a fifth fewer Mexican pesos (down 18.9%) than it did in March 2020.

Simon Phillips, managing director of No1 Currency, comments: “No-one will be celebrating the anniversary of Britain’s first lockdown, but three years on from our national confinement, the pound’s rising value offers a bright spot for anyone planning a summer getaway.

“The pound in your pocket now goes further in the vast majority of the countries typically visited by British tourists. For example, the pound has doubled in value on Egypt’s popular Red Sea coast and in Sri Lanka, which offers palm-fringed beaches and year-round warmth.”

Kenya, Japan, Mauritius, Colombia, Hungary and Jamaica make up the rest of the top 10 holiday hotspots, where the currencies have fallen the most against the pound.