Bustling or isolated? Loud or quiet? Big or small? Expensive or modest? Fancy or casual? There are so many different parameters for one to consider that depends on your temperament and style.

Since we don’t want to overwhelm you with an almost endless list of the best spots in romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, we decided to break it down for you—minimize it to just 15—of our top cities that all come with variety and style, and are sure to be the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.

The Most Romantic Cities For Valentine’s Day Are:

1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Santa Barbara, California
3. Quebec City, Canada
4. Cape Town, South Africa
5. Charleston, United States
6. New York City, USA
7. Venice, Italy
8. Paris, France
9. Prague, Czech Republic
10. Florence, Italy
11. Buenos Aires, Argentina
12. Kyoto, Japan
13. Rome, Italy
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Budapest, Hungary

1. Barcelona, Spain

One of the major criteria used in picking out the cities that made this list is their beauty. When it comes to the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, the beauty of Barcelona sets it apart from other cities. Trust me; nothing guarantees romance and passion like the blissful moments shared in its numerous seaside cafés, and rooftop restaurants eating tapas for two.

And with loads of attractions to see such as Sagrada Familia and the famous street, Las Ramblas, you won’t get bored exploring.

2. Santa Barbara, California

This city is called America’s Riviera for a reason—it is a city that offers the best weather for romance all year long. If you are looking for the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner, while enjoying the view as the evening sun kisses the top of the mountains, then Santa Barbara is the perfect place for you.

Santa Barbara is also renowned for its restaurants (e.g. Stella Mare’s and Zaytoon), great sights (e.g. Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Santa Barbara Harbor, etc.), and beaches (e.g. Summerland Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, Butterfly Beach, etc.).

3. Quebec City, Canada

Your Valentine’s Day celebrations here will be well spent and will leave you amazed at this beautiful city. Quebec City watches over the beautiful St. Lawrence River and, with the beautiful music from its numerous jazz bars, you can rest assured that you and your partner will have a good time.

The romance in this city is not limited to its streets; there’s a lot of fun to be had in its luxurious hotels and boutiques. Take a stroll along Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, go skating in Place D’Youville, pass the aforementioned St, Lawrence River on your way to the Château Frontenac terrace, one of the best cheese and wine bars.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

The Table Mountains, dinners, resorts and relaxing spas of Cape Town has earned it this spot as one of the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day. You can spend the whole day doing different things, yet you won’t run out of sites to see, things to do and eat in this romantic city.

Enjoy the wildlife, go horse riding on Noordhoek Beach, take a sunset boat cruise or helicopter ride with your partner to complete your experience here in one of the best cities for Valentine’s Day.

5. Charleston, United States

Talk about a city that has received lots of recognition in the US for being one of the most romantic cities for lovers! Seriously, two Nicholas Sparks films were made here. The beautiful architectural designs of the pastel-colored houses that line its streets offer the best opportunity to those that want to stoke the flame on Valentine’s Day.

This city is packed with lots of fun activities for couples such as speedboat adventures, minor league games, ice rinks, live theater, aquariums, and cooking classes. Find out more about these here,

6. New York City, USA

New York City, the city of sparkling lights. Because of its limitless opportunities, we simply couldn’t pass over New York City for our list of 15 most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day.

You could visit one of the many incredible jazz bars, picnic in Central Park, escape the busyness of the streets and see the stars at the Hayden Planetarium, check out and experience the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or even going ring shopping with your special someone at the Diamond District (if you’ve not yet popped the question).

7. Venice, Italy

You can’t list the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day around the world, without thinking about the city of the Casanova. Everything in this amazing city is designed to make you fall a hundred times over in love. A great many people have found love in this city, and more do every day.

Are you looking for memorable experiences with your special someone? The gondola rides through Venice’s many canals, the many quaint places you could share gelato or pizza, places to watch opera, places to dine such as Cantina Do Spade, or simply getting lost in the many winding streets of Venice—you won’t be short of options!

8. Paris, France

I’m fairly certain that you’ve been waiting with patience to see if this city will feature as one of our most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day. The fact that most people travel from different countries to pop the “will you marry me” question in this city, should tell you something. And so, here it is.

Paris is certainly one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day in Europe, not just for its Eiffel Tower that offers an amazing view at night, but for numerous neighborhoods each with their own charm.

Romantic ideas include picnicking at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, taking a cruise during the sunset on the river Seine, eating somewhere fancy like Hôtel Plaza Athénée, or watching a classic movie at Le Champo.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

This amazing city is home to many castles, cathedrals and amazing structures that make the light bounce of their roofs at night—which is when the city truly comes alive. This city is one of the perfect places to go if you fancy a magical stroll at night.

You and your partner can have a good time by taking a walk through its romantic old town and winding cobblestoned streets, or better yet, by being pulled by a horse and carriage. Going to the symphony at Municipal House or seeing the opera are also great choices.

10. Florence, Italy

Florence is a city overflowing with the magnificent architecture and stunning works of art. If a thousand lists were made for the most romantic cities for Valentine’s Day, I am fairly certain that Florence will make the cut on each of them.

Be sure to check out Florence’s romantic gardens: Giardino Bardini, Giardino delle Rose, or Giardino di Boboli. All are beautiful. And the places to eat are boundless—seriously, most places will be quaint and special.

11. Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you’re looking for Valentine Day weekend getaways, Buenos Aires is a great option for anyone in America. From fantastic romantic eateries like Aramburu, Toro 777, and i Latina, to places to visit like the magnificent Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, to and escaping the noise at the beautiful Paseo El Rosedal gardens, this city is the embodiment of a romantic Valentine’s Day retreat.

12. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is packed with beautiful gardens and mesmerizing verdant spaces that will help you spend some quality time with your special someone, while also experiencing something different and exotic.

There are also great temples and shrines in Kyoto that will cure your wanderlust. Seriously, history nerds will love Kyoto. And not to mention, the Japanese people around Kyoto are compassionate, somewhat reserved, detail-oriented, and a joy to meet.

13. Rome, Italy

Needless to say, Rome is the place where lovers go to stoke the flame of their romance. This is a city overflowing with old-world glamour. Everything in this city inspires romance—walking on the pavements of its historical streets, eating in the luxurious sidestreet restaurants, sipping a drink with your partner in the open-air bars—everything in the city exudes romance.

From connecting with the ancient past of Catholicism and the Roman Empire, to eating gelato and pizza (the wine is also very good and cheap!), to marveling at all the architecture, you’ll love it here even if it is a bit crowded at times.

The city is so dripping with culture and history that you won’t know where to begin, so plan ahead what you’ll do in advance before visiting, perhaps, the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

14. Istanbul, Turkey

Alternatively, what better place can you pick to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a city where the setting of the sun literally changes the color of the sky?

Istanbul is not just popular for its incredible sunset; there are additionally numerous romantic spots to see. Take a ferry out to the Prince Islands, sit along the shore of the Bosphorus, be absorbed in culture and history at Hagia Sofia and the Grand Bazaar, or go underground at the Basilica Cistern.

15. Budapest, Hungary

The streets of this city are filled to the brim with gorgeous 19^th Century structures and architecture that exude romance. It is well renowned as one of the best cities in the world to enjoy music and food. This city is home to many luxurious hotels and cafés such as Corinthia Hotel Budapest and Walzer Café or Asztalka.

Regardless of whether you are taking a dip in the thermally heated pool, Szechenyi Bath,  or taking a walk with your partner, you’ll have a great time going here this Valentines Day.

What has been your experience of these cities? Or are there any more romantic cities for Valentine’s Day that you feel that we missed out? Comment and share your experiences/tips below!

Suggested next reading: 3 Romantic Paradises You Need to Try

The post 15 Most Romantic Cities That Are Perfect For Valentine’s Day appeared first on Modern Trekker.

But first of all, context! If you are knee-deep in wedding preparations, you will either be ridiculously excited, absolutely terrified, or a mixture of the two. Committing to your partner, saying “I do” and having the perfect ceremony, gathering of friends and family, and celebration is important to you. You have flowers to arrange, entertainment to sort, the caterers to book, the photographer to organize and the venue to source.

However, try not to lose sight of the fact that this is your day to make a promise to each other and God. You are planning the first day of the rest of your married lives together, so be aware of that and don’t spend too much time worrying about what other people may think of your wedding plans.

When you are planning the big day, the honeymoon can sometimes be put on the back burner, but it shouldn’t be. This is the week or two that you get to spend time alone with your partner after all the stresses of planning such a big and momentous occasion. You want it to be special, memorable and the trip of a lifetime.

Don’t neglect the planning of your honeymoon to concentrate on the color of your floral bouquets. What will be most important in the long run? Take a look at these four honeymoon planning tips and tricks that will help you make your honeymoon the best trip you will ever experience.

1. Set A Budget

It doesn’t matter whether you have $500 to spend or $5000 to spend, it’s vital that you give yourself a budget and that you stick to it. As you have quickly found out when planning your wedding, costings can dramatically increase and get out of control. To save this from happening for your honeymoon, you need to begin planning your finances early.

If you do have a little bit of debt to shift, it might be wise to look into consolidating this debt in one payment each month by taking out a personal loan. Even if your credit history isn’t glowing, you can still look at the best APR for a guarantor loan that could be more suitable for you. Consolidating can even decrease the amount you are repaying each month, but could see your debt shifting much quicker, leaving you with more readies to put towards your honeymoon.

Set yourself a personal budget as a couple and try and stick to it. Refrain from the takeaways, don’t eat out quite so often and steer clear of the most expensive wines bars when heading out with pals in an evening. By living more frugally in the months leading up to getting married, you will have more money to put towards your trip of a lifetime.

2. Work Out Where To Go

The biggest question is working out where you will venture to for your honeymoon. Your honeymoon ideas will all depend on your lifestyle, your likes and dislikes, and whether there is a burning desire to visit a particular place.

You might be the sort of couple that loves nothing more than total relaxation. The idea of an all-inclusive resort, five-star luxury, white sandy beaches, sun loungers, cocktails and no stress whatsoever may sound like bliss. If this sounds like you and your partner, you may fancy checking out places like Santorini, the Maldives, a Caribbean island or a Balearic.

For some couples, the idea of doing nothing but lie in the sun for two weeks sounds horrendous and boring. These couples prefer a more active lifestyle and want to cram their days with visiting sights, meeting new people, immersing themselves in new cultures and trying out new experiences. For people who want to enjoy a totally different way of life, they might fancy taking a jaunt to the Far East, or hot-footing on the Inca Trail in Peru or taking a trip down the Amazon in Brazil.

Alternatively, if you love wildlife, a Kenyan safari might be idyllic or a trip to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda might be perfect.

Consider your hobbies, interests, and likes, and build your honeymoon around that. You might even want a multi-destination honeymoon to cater for your different desires. A week sunning yourself on a beach followed by a trek through the Costa Rican jungle isn’t out of the question.

3. Find Deals

It doesn’t matter whether you are going to the Isle of Skye or Australia, there are always deals to be had. Venture onto comparison websites for accommodation and flights. You may find that by catching a plane at 2 am, you are paying up to half the price of the same flight at 2 pm. Sure, you might be a tad more jet-lagged, but you will have extra money in your pocket to spend with your other half to make your trip more memorable.

If you are visiting more than one destination, set a schedule and plan a skeleton itinerary. Many hotel booking websites will allow you to reserve rooms without paying up front. You can also cancel if you give enough notice without being charged. This gives you the freedom to play with your travel plans, hone your itinerary and work out the route you wish to take around the globe if you are planning a multi-centre trip.

4. Enjoy Time Together

The most important aspect of your honeymoon is the quality time you spend together. There’s nothing better than waking up next to your spouse for the first time and knowing that you are together on this adventure through your honeymoon and through life.

Be patient with one another and allow for a bit of give and take on your trip. You might need to eat at a restaurant that doesn’t take your fancy but that your partner simply adores. At the same time, your partner may need to show a bit of leeway when you book an excursion that doesn’t really appeal to them. Learning to appreciate one another will be another aspect to your honeymoon for you to enjoy.

Your honeymoon should be the most memorable trip of your lifetime. Follow these honeymoon precautions, and you will be able to start your married life together in style.

Suggested next reading: How To Honeymoon Like Harry And Meghan

The post 4 Perfect Tips On How To Have The Best Honeymoon appeared first on Modern Trekker.

For example, an American saying, “spill the beans” could potentially be taken literally by a Brit, thinking they actually spilled beans on the floor (the American saying means to tell a secret.)

What is the history behind these local sayings? What are the contexts these expressions are used in? We decided to take a closer look at 15 funny and witty local sayings from around the world:

1. “To pace around hot porridge like a cat”

Country: Finland and Sweden

Meaning: Someone is not being direct, they are not saying what they want to say

History: Unclear. Both Finland and Sweden are quite vocal about any issues they have in public but prefer to be less open in their private lives.

2. “Not my circus, not my monkey”

Country: Poland

Meaning: The issue at hand is not my problem

Context: A friend comes to you with an idea and you warn them not to go ahead with the idea. They don’t listen to your advice and continue anyway. They then want help cleaning up the mess they made, but you tell them, “not my circus, not my monkey.”

3. “A hungry stomach has no ears”

Country: France

Meaning: When someone is hungry, there is no point talking with them because they won’t listen

History: The saying was made popular by the famous French poet, Jean de La Fontaine. This saying has been translated and is now used in various English-speaking countries as well.

4. “The devil always takes back his gifts”

Country: Ukraine

Meaning: Enjoy the moment, nothing lasts forever

History: The saying was often said on St. Nicholas Day, which used to be celebrated over Christmas in Ukraine. The day was made for gift giving and the saying was told to many children to help them feel grateful for the gifts they received.

5. “To have a stick in your ear”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ANDREA „TWM“ (@twinwinmommy) on Oct 22, 2018 at 11:49pm PDT

Country: Denmark

Meaning: To not listen to someone

History: The expression is popular in Denmark and used to be popular around the 1970’s in English. It is now considered rude to say to someone in English.

6. “To ride as a hare”

Country: Russia

Meaning: To travel for free without buying a ticket

History: Russia is a massive country and train travel has always been a cheap way to travel from one end to the other. The saying came about from paying passengers noticing that those who did not pay their fare would shake uncontrollably like a hare whenever a ticket inspector would come into the train cars.

7. “Take ears to the field, take eyes to the farm”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Misha Takanashi (@faces.of.anime) on Sep 6, 2018 at 11:30pm PDT

Country: Thailand

Meaning: Don’t pay attention to what is happening

Context: The Thai have come up with clever local sayings for almost any situation, and this is no different. The saying means to try not paying attention to what is happening around you, even though it is almost impossible not to. A saying within a saying.

8. “To push something with your belly”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by IGatti conquisteranno il Mondo (@gatti_conquisteranno_il_mondo) on Oct 18, 2018 at 9:43am PDT

Country: Portugal

Meaning: To ignore a responsibility, a priority

Context: The more you eat, the sleepier you get, and the more likely you are to ignore something you have to do.

9. “Willing to borrow a cat’s paw”

Country: Japan

Meaning: You have too much going on and you are willing to take any help that anyone will offer

History: Cats play a big role in Japanese society and have for over 1,000 years. There are even entire temples and islands dedicated to cats. The Japanese have many sayings that involve cats. Many of the sayings involve good fortune or trying to obtain it.

10. “Buying something for an apple and an egg”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by J-E-J (@lanipsebcn) on Oct 7, 2017 at 4:05am PDT

Country: Netherlands

Meaning: You bought something for very cheap

History: In Dutch society, it is frowned upon to show off your wealth. The Dutch prefer simplicity and efficiency. Discussing one’s salary is considered rude. A better way to talk about a good price is through items that everyone can understand such as apples and eggs.

11. “To slide in on a shrimp sandwich”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Food Lover (@saudimasterchef) on Jun 29, 2016 at 2:24pm PDT

Country: Sweden

Meaning: Someone who did not have to work hard to get where they are

History: In Sweden, shrimp have always been considered an expensive commodity and food for the wealthy. That explains the shrimp part, but it is not entirely clear why this person is sliding in on a sandwich. I guess we’ll never know!

12. “You have tomatoes on your eyes”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Highline Vision Center (@highlinevisioncenter) on Sep 14, 2018 at 10:09am PDT

Country: Germany

Meaning: You are distracted and not seeing what everyone else can already see

Context: You would say this idiom to one of your good friends and try to make them aware of something they’re blind to. It’s a little bit insulting but in a playful way.

13. “I’ll take a rain check”

Country: America

Meaning: Postponing an invitation or offer that someone has put forth to a more convenient time

History: This saying dates back to the 19th Century when ticket holders for canceled baseball games—canceled due to weather—would be given new tickets to the rescheduled game. Several other American sayings originate from the country’s national sport.

14. “Bob’s your uncle!”

Country: England

Meaning: Used as encouragement. Means, “There you go!”

History: In 1887, Britain Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil made his nephew, Arthur James Balfour, the Minister of Ireland. In a speech, Balfour referred to his “Uncle Bob” and the saying was born! It somehow stuck and is one of those local sayings still used to this day.

15. “It doesn’t rain on it”

Country: Italy

Meaning: No doubt about it. You won’t change my mind.

Context: Italians love to talk about the weather when making small talk. This is one of many local sayings that involve weather. Using this idiom means one is extremely confident in what they are saying and they cannot be swayed.

Are there any other local sayings from around the world that you know?

Suggested next reading: 5 Crazy & Delicious Foods I Tried While Traveling

The post 15 Awesome Local Sayings From Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

By myself, I’ve visited over 60 countries on 6 continents. I did everything from cruising in the Mediterranean, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, shopping in Paris, to climbing Kilimanjaro. I’ve almost always stayed in hostels, worked in exchange for room and board, or traveled carry-on only to avoid baggage fees on budget airlines.

I am no stranger to budgeting for travel. But then we had our son.

We didn’t want our travel lifestyle to change, but we needed to make some adjustments for our baby and to better suit our situation.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite ways to travel cheap with kids. Take a look to see if your family can benefit from any of these tips!

1. Travel Cheap With Kids While They’re Young

My little guy is under 2 which means most of what we do is no more expensive than if I was doing it by myself. We do pay a little extra for international flights, even as a lap child, but it is a fraction of what we’re going to pay after his second birthday.

On our most recent trip, we traveled from Texas, stopped in Boston, and visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. I paid $75 for my baby. That’s it.

Besides food (which we would be buying no matter where we were), I paid $0 for a ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm, $0 for hotel rooms (because they count per person in most hotels), $0 for activities, $0 for public transportation. The only money specifically for him was for the international flights.

2. Sign Up For Travel Deal Alerts

These sites are great for looking up the best-priced hotel and flight deals. They also give you the ability to sign up for deal alerts so you get information right into your inbox.

My favorite way to use this is to set a few alerts on Skyscanner for different routes or trips I’m thinking of taking. It alerts me to trends in prices, and I can see how they are changing daily. This helps when I want to hold off on buying in the hopes of price drops.

Here are some websites for you to check out:

• Skyscanner
• Groupon Getaways
• Travelzoo
• Living Social Escapes
• hotels.com
• booking.com
• Dealbase
• Airfare Watchdog
• The Flight Deal

3. Start Travel Hacking

Travel hacking is the art of accumulating points by patronizing travel companies (like airlines and hotels), using credit cards to gain more points, and finding great deals to redeem said points for hotels or air travel.

It’s definitely not for those in a shaky financial situation and shouldn’t be taken too lightly. The best place to start is to sign up for every reward program for each airline or hotel chain that you stay with. Just patronizing those companies help gain you points that can be used later.

However, the real “money” comes in when credit cards get involved. There are sign up bonuses on cards that will maximize your return. You’ll gain points for every purchase you make (1 point/mile per $ is standard but some get 2/$ or special 5x deals). There are other perks that come with cards like priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and lounge access.

Check out The Points Guy online for guides and advice that I’m still learning from myself.

4. Stay In An Airbnb Or Similar

While some Airbnbs can be extremely expensive, there are plenty out there that will save you money in the long run. Not only will you be more comfortable as a family, as opposed to a one-room hotel, but you’ll have access to a kitchen and laundry facilities.

You can shop for groceries and cook meals at home instead of eating out every meal. Laundry facilities will help save on expensive hotel laundry services and will allow you to pack less, possibly saving on baggage fees on airlines.

5. Avoid The Busy Season

This is harder the older children get because of school and other activities they might be involved in, but steering clear of school holidays is essential when trying to travel cheap with kids. Flights, hotels, and activity prices all increase with demand.

You can travel during the week, instead of Friday to Sunday, when most travelers want to get away for the weekend.

For typical family trips like Disney, there are calendars that mark the most popular days. Visiting those areas in low-season will save on hotels and transportation. Other high-demand times are any school holidays like summer, Christmas or Easter. Even choosing to travel a week outside those times might save you, while still being able to appreciate the season or weather typical during those days.

6. Set A Budget For Every Day

To truly travel cheap with kids, you can’t just cut costs for travel. By setting a budget for everyday expenses like food, you’ll be able to increase your travel fund to either go on more trips or add some wiggle room for more expensive activities.

Try cutting out things that aren’t essential. We don’t have cable, instead we choose to use Netflix and save a ton every month not paying for a TV we wouldn’t really need. We also rarely buy clothes (except for my child who seems to need a bigger size every day), live in a home well below our budget, don’t spend a ton on home decor, and just generally try to save for travel.

Start by looking at your finances and cutting out things that you’re not getting your money’s worth with. Start shopping at less expensive grocery stores, use coupons, and plan meals to avoid food waste. Set up a separate account, or piggy bank, to store any money that you save and watch as your travel fund grows.

7. Be Flexible

As parents you know that things don’t always work out. How often have you left home with your kids thinking one thing was going to happen, but your kid had other ideas? It’s the same with travel.

Be open to the possibility of traveling to not-so-typical places or on routes that aren’t ideal. Usually, the cheapest option isn’t the easiest but having an open mind will let you still experience the world while saving a ton.

Look into traveling to less expensive locations. Southeast Asia might be far from home, but hotels, food, and transportation in the area are a fraction of the cost of similar locations in Europe. Your dollar will go further and you will be able to experience some amazing places along the way.

8. Travel Close To Home

Travel doesn’t always have to mean long-haul flights, weeks away, and exotic locations.  Travel can be a weekend away in the city a few hours from your home. It could be a small road trip camping in state parks. It could also be a week at the beach near where you live.

If you can’t work a trip to Europe into your budget today, there’s no shame in planning a weekend away to experience what your area has to offer. We often travel to cities around Texas. We aren’t originally from here, so we make it a point to visit as many places as possible.

You’ll save on flights, time away from work or school, but can still get away from home to create some new memories.

Try out a few of these tips so that you can travel cheap with kids and explore the world as a family. Good luck!

Suggested next reading: Fun Places To Take Your Kids This Summer In The U.S.

The post How This Family Is Actually Able To Travel Cheap With Kids appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So you pack your best beret, scroll through your phrasebook and gather up your Euros. But it’s always worth remembering that real life does get in the way sometimes and occasionally, just occasionally, things may not turn out exactly as you expected. It doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time though—especially if you prepare yourself by reading our real life vs expectation in Paris list.

1. Speaking French

Expectation:

You have always wanted to learn another language and now you have a wonderful chance to practice all those phrases you learned in school.

“One baguette please, sir”

“It is lovely weather today!”

“Where is the swimming pool?”

It never really leaves you. Soon you’ll be lounging on a wicker chair on a cobbled street, sipping coffee and conversing with the locals as you wave to ladies riding past on bicycles.

Reality:

Despite your best efforts, everyone speaks better English than you speak French. This crushing realization happens when you ask something in French and once again get an answer in English. Paris is used to visitors and most people are ready and willing to speak your language to help you out.

2. Eat amazing food

Expectations:

The French are known around the world for their delectable cuisine. The wine, the cheese, the meat. There’s a reason why everyone who visits France comes back with a much heavier suitcase than when they arrived. A much rounder girth too, but it is your holiday after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris P@RIS #ThisisParis (@paris)

Reality:

After the millionth rich, creamy and indulgent meal, your belly starts to revolt and your heart starts to burn. All you want is something plain, simple and ashamedly unfussy. You finally admit this yourself as you search for a Subway sandwich shop. You’re just not practiced enough in this rich food….yet.

3. Have a romantic night out

Expectation:

The city of love, Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere. The city of love is a well-earned nickname and when staying there it’s hard not to get swept up in the emotions and feel yourself wanting to go with the flow. So grab another oyster, a small glass of champagne and settle in for a good time.

Reality:

Realistically, how romantic can you feel after a full days sightseeing and a stomach full of indulgent food? Maybe that last macaron was a mistake, but it went so well after the slice of chocolate gateaux that realistically, what else could you have done?

Luckily France is also an excellent place to have a quiet lie down and possibly…very possibly…a small cuddle. Aww.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by M_J (@melle_jones)

4. Embrace the continental greeting

Expectation:

How free and laid back the French are will undoubtedly rub off on you. Kissing strangers to greet them immediately breaks down barriers and you feel at one with the country and its people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Photographer (@kissinpariscom)

Reality:

Is it one kiss or two? Is it different for men and women? Gaah, don’t get it wrong. The repercussions could be toe itchingly awkward. What’s wrong with a good old-fashioned handshake anyway?

5. Be a fashionista

Expectation:

France equals fashion. As host to Paris fashion week and birthplace of Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior (to name but a few), this is the place to see and be seen. Finally, you can wear your highest end, trendiest and most fashionable outfits and be appreciated for the fashionista superstar you’ve always known you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jessica | Architetto a spasso (@jessicalovivo)

Reality:

Most French people wear the same as everyone else in the world but annoyingly have an air of grace that makes them carry it off all the better. Even in your best outfit, you still quite can’t get that “Je Ne Sais Quoi” that is born into the people of this fine nation. Nevermind, you still look cute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Street Styles (@paris_streetstyles)

6. Appreciate French art

Expectation:

Once again France leads the way and boasts a wonderful heritage of world-famous artists. Duchamp, Matisse, Cezanne, Monet. All outstanding visionaries who changed the face of the art world and are celebrated to this day. As a result, it’s capital is brimming with art galleries and famous works.

This means that now is the time to put on those thick-rimmed spectacles, don your best turtleneck sweater and prepare to feed your artistic mind.

Reality:

Turns out lots of visitors go to Paris for the art and you realize this as you stand behind a crowd of people and cameras and peek a quick glimpse at the Mona Lisa. Nevermind, you can always drink a tipple of absinthe at the local bar and relive the experience of many a starving artiste instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by deborahlap (@deborahlapebie)

7. Explore Parisian Parks

Expectation:

When people think of Paris they probably think mainly of the architecture, the Lourve, the Arc de Troimphe. All the exciting urban landscapes…

But if they do, they’re missing a trick because tucked away, Paris also has some of the most beautiful parks around. The formal glory of the Jardin Des Tuileries, the flowers at the Parc Floral de Paris. It’s largest, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont even has waterfalls and cliffs to admire. Is there a better way to spend a sunny day?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Pedro Henrique (@flyer288)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PEDRO & PAULI (@moments_of_yugen)

Reality:

These parks may be beautiful, but the local wildlife thinks so too, and you realize that as you reach for another spray of the insect repellent. Still, there aren’t that many more aesthetically pleasing places to get bitten by bugs.

8. Visit the best museums

Expectation:

France is cosmopolitan, cultural, historical and full of learned people. As a result, it prizes it’s museums very highly and it shows. A plethora of learning is available to you, especially in its esteemed capital. What a perfect opportunity to introduce the little ones to the idea that learning can be fun. They’ll be tiny intellectuals before you know it.

Reality:

Turns out children are just as bored by foreign museums as they are by ones at home. Still, all the moaning, running around and stamping of their feet should tire them out nicely and leave you some quiet time to enjoy a nice glass of French wine before bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Musées (@parismusees)

Despite any slight differences between expectation and reality, you will undoubtedly still have an amazing time in France. We challenge anyone to visit and not fall in love with its cities, parks, people and ethos. Have you ever been? Tell us about your experiences below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Victor Neviere (@victorneviere)

Can you think of any more real life vs expectation in Paris we should add to our list? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: Italy On Instagram Vs Italy In Real Life

The post Real Life Vs Expectation In Paris appeared first on Modern Trekker.

To be honest, autumn is my favorite time of the year. As I write this piece in the comfort of my Montréal apartment, I can look out and see trees with red and orange leaves. I believe that fall is a time of reflection as most spend more and more time inside to prepare for the long winter days ahead.

Every culture celebrates autumn differently, but here are 10 fall festivals that you can’t miss around the world:

1. Diwali

Taking place on November 7^th, Diwali is one of the most well-known fall festivals in India. The festival is named after the lights that are lit to symbolically shine a light on the spiritual emptiness and darkness that one may feel. It’s an incredibly important holiday for those that practice Hinduism around the world.

It’s an interesting holiday because it is celebrated differently throughout India. In the north of the country, they believe that Diwali symbolizes the story of King Rama’s return after winning a war. The row of lights serving as his helping guide on his return home.

In the south of India, however, they believe that Diwali is the day Krishna bested the demon Narakasura. Diwali is one of those fall festivals that must be experienced in person to truly understand it.

2. Guy Fawkes Night

One of those historical fall festivals that occurs every year, Guy Fawkes night happens on November 5^th and is celebrated in the United Kingdom to honor the foiling of the plot to kill the King.

Guy Fawkes was found with an unusually large quantity of gunpowder and he had detailed plans to kill the King!

Today, you can find many in the UK celebrating with parades in the streets, drinking mulled wine, eating way too much food, and watching fireworks at night. Overall, sounds like a lot of fun and is one of those events that brings everyone together.  

3. Dia De Los Muertos

Known as “Day Of The Dead” in English, the festival takes place over two days on the first two days of November.

It’s a time for many Mexicans to honor and remember their dead loved ones. While many might think of this as a sad event, it’s actually a festive and lively event to celebrate those that have moved on into the next world and to pray for loved ones in Purgatory.

Many Mexicans go to graves and decorate them to make their dead relatives feel at home. It’s now recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage event. Many come from all over the world just to partake in the festivities. If you have a chance, going to a Day Of The Dead celebration is well worth the trip to Mexico.

4. Iceland Airwaves

 

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A post shared by Future Figment (@futurefigment) on Oct 20, 2018 at 11:04am PDT

This music festival takes place the weekend of November 7^th  to the 10^th. Originally started in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has drawn music lovers from all over. It’s put on to celebrate Iceland’s unique musical heritage, but also features musical acts from other parts.

With Iceland’s rise in popularity among travelers, so has this fall festivals attendance. 2018’s version looks like it will be the biggest…and best edition yet. Have we convinced you to hop on a flight over yet?

5. Loi Krathong

Much like Diwali, Loi Krathong is celebrated with lights. However, it is much less known than India’s version.

Held on November 23^rd throughout the Thai Kingdom, Loi Krathong is an event to celebrate all that nature has done for the Thai people and to continue to prosper as a result of its use.

On this day, Thai people float Krathong or floating structures made out of flowers, banana leaves, candles, and incense sticks. In the past some were made out of Styrofoam, but as many become more and more conscious of the harm this causes to the environment, many have switched to bread.

There are a few theories about why the holiday exists, but the most prominent one is that rivers are considered sacred by Thai people as most of the country supports itself through agriculture. To show respect and forgiveness, the Thai people created Loi Krathong. Through this, in a manner of speaking, they wash away their misdeeds and hope for good luck in the coming year.

6. Jasper Dark Sky Festival

 

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A post shared by 文 (@weennnz) on Oct 20, 2018 at 9:17pm PDT

The night sky in Jasper, Alberta is always incredible, but it really shines for 10 days in October. The event offers some of the best stargazing opportunities anywhere in the world. If you want to go to space or that topic interests you, there is a whole panel of astronauts, scientists, and other experts that discuss the future of space exploration.

7. Oktoberfest

One of the most famous fall festivals, Oktoberfest takes place for two weeks in late September to early October. There are more than 6 million people that attend the event and consume over 7.7 million liters of beer. Impressive numbers from a two-week festival.

8. Paris Autumn Festival

 

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A post shared by ia_2v (@la_2v) on Oct 20, 2018 at 4:27am PDT

Paris is known for its vibrant arts scene so what better time to celebrate it than in fall! From dance to theatre to concerts, the festival has a bit of something for everyone.

Taking place from September to early December, the festival is celebrating its 46^th edition and has only grown in recent years. If you love the arts or want to see some of the best that Paris has to offer, this is one of those fall festivals you can’t miss!

9. Harvest On The Harbor

 

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A post shared by Some Do. Others Witness. (@somedootherswitness) on Oct 19, 2018 at 5:29pm PDT

This week-long festival was created in 2007 to showcase some of Maine’s best food (the lobster is to die for!) In its 11^th year of existence, the festival has now expanded to showcase some of the art of local artists. Of course, you’ll be able to see some beautiful fall foliage all while eating some of the best food that the New England region has to offer.

10. Chuseok

Chuseok, also known as “Autumn’s Eve” in English, is a harvest festival celebrated throughout the Korean peninsula. Its celebration is timed to match the Fall Equinox and features tons of delicious food.

During the festival, Koreans go back to where they are from and celebrate with their families. If you are invited over for a Chuseok feast, you should absolutely try it!

Suggested next reading: 14 Road Trip Ideas In The US That Are Perfect For This Fall

The post 10 Fall Festivals Around The World To See Before You Die appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Before you know it, you’re searching for more, scrolling through countless pictures of Italy from every possible angle. Gorgeous, rustic, rolling hills with a faint mist slightly obscuring the dazzlingly orange sunlight that paints the chiseled, timeless landscape and excites the explosive shades of green in every leaf, every blade of grass swooning in the beauty of it all.

Freshly made pizza slowly rising in an oven coated with flour as the ripened San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella melt and ooze together, becoming entwined in what you suspect would be the most intoxicating bite of your life.

Italy sure looks enchanting.

You book your plane tickets and, within a few long months you find yourself standing inside your Italian dream. It’s beautiful, of course. But what you failed to see while scrolling on Instagram many months ago was that, in actual fact, Italy is not quite as immaculate as you first assumed.

You don’t regret your purchasing decision but, perhaps, you realize this is an opportunity to become slightly more world-wise and more consciously aware of expectation vs reality when it comes to traveling in general.

And so, my friends, here were my 8 observations of expectation vs reality when I traveled to Italy (from a Brits perspective!)

1. Driving In Italy

Expectation: Rolling hills, lots of sunshine, a happy and calm disposition.

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A post shared by Irma (@irms_p)

Reality: I’ve never felt so stressed. Why is everyone’s car so battered and bruised? Did I just see a car parked on a roundabout? Why was that person shouting at me from their car?

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A post shared by Scott Rennie (@doctorrennie)

2. Food In Italy

Expectation: I’ll definitely eat more than just pizza in Italy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqzWwRFdG_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

Reality: The chef preparing my order (the same as what I ordered yesterday…and the day before yesterday).

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A post shared by Chef Matthew Driscoll (@the_pizza_series)

But it tastes so good, so who cares?

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A post shared by S A R A O T E R I (@sara.oteri)

3. Personal Space In Italy

Expectation: I will continue to presume that I have an invisible circle barrier around myself that successfully inoculates me from the outside world.

Reality: Although it’s a warm gesture, my reserved non-Latin personality could never get used to it!

4. Crossing The Road In Italy

Expectation: Elegant, easy, care-free, with clear road-markings and signs indicating when to walk and when not to get hit by a car.

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Reality: Who needs order when you can just embrace a certain type of chaos that somehow runs seamlessly like clockwork?

5. Dress In Italy

Expectation: I just assumed most people would be wearing T-shirts and shorts.

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Reality: Scarves! Why is everyone wearing scarves? It’s like 95 degrees outside.

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A post shared by MaritRa (@maritraag)

6. Countryside In Italy

Expectation: The countryside in Italy will consistently offer stunning views.

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A post shared by Discover Tuscany (@discovertuscany)

Reality: To be fair, that one is mostly true!

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A post shared by World TravelBloggers Community (@travelbloggeres)

7. Cities In Italy

Expectation: Italy’s major cities will inspire me at every turn with that European charm.

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Reality: Oops. I’ll just pretend I didn’t see that.

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A post shared by Photographer Croatia (@katarina.tati)

8. Conversations In Italy

Expectation: Like other Western and non-Latin places, people in public will speak politely and reservedly to each other so as not to offend or draw any undue attention to themselves.

Reality: Best friends having what appears to be shouting matches with each other and waving their hands enthusiastically (its the Latin way…apparently!)

Here’s how to understand some of those Italian hand gestures!

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A post shared by REAL ITALIANS (@real_italians)

Finally, you arrive back home after your trip to Italy. Sure, you may have realized there was quite a discrepancy in expectation vs reality, but you had a fantastic trip nonetheless.

Italy is a wonderful country, it’s people are charming, and the food stunning, so who cares if it wasn’t exactly as you expected? Being surprised by the adventure is kind of the point of travel anyway, right?

Suggested next reading: Venice: How To Enjoy It Without Destroying It

The post Italy On Instagram Vs Italy In Real Life appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Flexible, alternative lifestyles are becoming more and more common in 2018, especially among millennials. Cities all over the world are becoming digital nomad hotspots, tempting remote workers with things like low costs of living, easy-to-obtain visas, and plentiful wifi.

Chiang Mai has become one of those cities.

A beautiful mountain town in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has recently seen a surge in its population of digital nomads. It’s been a popular destination among English teachers for years, but it’s now becoming especially popular among remote workers.

 

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A post shared by Travel/Thailand/Gopro/Enduro (@mileshunta) on May 7, 2018 at 6:13pm PDT

Why are there so many digital nomads in Chiang Mai? Here are seven reasons:

1. A Low Cost of Living

Southeast Asia in general is an incredibly inexpensive place to live, and Thailand is no exception. Basic studio apartments are available to rent for as low as $150 USD/month, with luxury units still only around $800 USD/month. Month-to-month leases are common and spaces often come furnished. Mobile phone packages with unlimited data can run around $18 USD/month (in case you need to hotspot your phone) and wifi is abundant at nearly every coffee shop and restaurant. Local transportation is easy with songthaews (local pickup trucks converted into taxis with two benches fixed along the inside) and Grab, an Uber-like app. And the best expense? Food! You can get a mouth-watering local dish from a street vendor for as little as $1 USD. If you’re making a western salary, digital nomads in Chiang Mai can live like kings, easily.

2. Accessibility to Western Comforts

 

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While Chiang Mai is a city rich in Thai culture and history, it also boasts some familiar Western comforts to appease even the most reluctant of travelers. Thai malls are some of the best you’ll find (seriously, give one a visit and you’ll be pleasantly surprised) with amazing food courts, well-known clothing shops, and plenty of services like mobile phone retailers. Western-influenced neighborhoods attract plenty of foreigners, making them a bit more expensive but with many comforts of home, like American grocery stores, European restaurants, and trendy cafés. The Nimmanhaemin Road area is especially popular.

3. Good Infrastructure and WiFi

Chiang Mai is renowned for the ease it provides remote workers. Traveling within Thailand is easy, with major airport hubs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. In fact, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi international airport is the ninth busiest airport in Asia, offering cheaper tickets and more accessible flights. (And flights between Chiang Mai and Bangkok are dirt cheap.) Internet is plentiful in Chiang Mai, with most coffee shops and restaurants happily offering free wifi. Coworking spaces are common, offering affordable daily and monthly rates—some host fun informational talks and meetups so you can network and get to know other digital nomads in Chiang Mai. In general, Chiang Mai is an incredibly easy city to settle into and work from comfortably.

 

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A post shared by Thailand / Таиланд (@landofsmilethailand) on Sep 14, 2018 at 2:20am PDT

4. Stunning Landscape and Temples

Chiang Mai is bordered to the west by Doi Suthep, one of the twin peaks of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. You can grab beers from 7-Eleven and sit on a rooftop or balcony (both of which are common in apartment buildings in CM) to watch the sunset behind the mountain, which never gets old. Dotted throughout the city are over 300 ancient temples, anomalies amidst the modern shops and cafés. Strolling through the streets of Old Town, it’s impossible to avoid stumbling upon a majestic temple, and for a nominal fee you can enter and wander the grounds. (Usually the equivalent of $3 USD—but make sure you’re dressed appropriately.) And sitting at the top of Doi Suthep is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist monastery from the 14^th Century offering incredible views of the city below. No matter where you look, there’s always so much beauty on offer for digital nomads in Chiang Mai.

 

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A post shared by DEL (@livewellwithdel) on Sep 10, 2018 at 4:51am PDT

5. A Plethora of Outdoor Activities

There’s also no lack of things to do outside in Chiang Mai. Feel like climbing waterfalls? Swimming in a reservoir? Hiking up a mountain in a national park? All of these are possible in CM! Sticky Waterfalls, Huay Tung Tao, and Doi Inthanon National Park are all within a day’s drive. Jungle trekking, zip lining, and mountain biking are also available, proving you’ll never be bored in Chiang Mai. (Check out a full list of ideas here.)

6. The Kindness of the Thai People

Perhaps another reason why so many people stay in Chiang Mai long-term is the Thai people themselves. In general, they are welcoming, gracious, and kind. Even if they only speak a bit of English, they’ll go out of their way to try to talk to you and learn about you. Rather than seeing foreigners as an imposition, they’re usually eager to practice English and tell you about their country, which they take so much pride in. They certainly help you feel at home in Thailand, even if it’s a temporary home.

7. Incredible Food

Saved the best for last! Because not only do digital nomads in Chiang Mai live like kings, they eat like kings, too. Noodle soups, chicken and rice, fruit shakes, curries galore—it’s all so good. Ingredients are fresh and family recipes abound. Most food is served street-style, cooked up right in front of you on a cart on the curb. The popular dish local to northern Thailand is khao soi, a coconut and curry noodle soup usually served with chicken, pork, or beef. It’s topped with crunchy fried noodles, and spicy pickled mustard root, shallots, and lime wedges are served on the side. Food just doesn’t get any better than Thai food in Chiang Mai.

There you have it. Chiang Mai is a little spot of heaven amidst Southeast Asia. Is it really any wonder why there are so many digital nomads in Chiang Mai?

Suggested next reading: 7 Wonderful Things To Do In Chiang Mai

The post 7 Legit Reasons Why Digital Nomads Are Flocking To Chiang Mai appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Welcome to the “Red Center” of Australia, the extraordinary desert smack in the middle of the country, the ancient heart of the continent. It is the home of the traditional indigenous landowners, boasting some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see, and Uluru, the sandstone monolith rising from the middle of the Northern Territory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And just beyond Uluru itself is the incredible installation Field of Light, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. As the light fades and Uluru’s silhouette is cast against the purple sky, the exhibition comes to life. In the local Pitjantjatjara language, it is called “Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku,” or “looking at lots of beautiful lights.”

A post shared by Australia (@australia) on Aug 9, 2017 at 11:06pm PDT

The installation’s shuttle bus picks up visitors at three different departure times throughout the evening, rumbling quietly through the remote desert landscape to the site. Upon arrival, the vastness of the pitch dark surrounding you feels almost stifling, as if the inky black sky couldn’t possibly get any blacker. Event guides greet you as you disembark from the bus, their stark flashlights feeling harsh amidst the natural landscape.

The group walks quietly through the bush until you start to see dots of glowing light ahead, as you quicken your pace to see more. Slowly, an anomaly amidst the dusty desert unfolds before you, and you have to stop to make sure you’re not imagining it. 50,000 solar powered globes come to light in a “garden” spanning the size of seven football fields. Their stems bend slightly in the hot night air, frosted spheres glowing blue, purple, ochre, and soft white as the sky above them darkens. Visitors stop to take photos before entering, the more advanced photographers setting up tripods and getting stunning time-lapse shots. It feels almost wrong to enter the installation; as if stepping inside might ruin the beauty of it all, and swallow you up whole.

Pathways draw visitors into the “fantasy garden” to explore at their own pace, guiding you along the winding paths through fields of psychedelic blooms. Shuttle buses depart the exhibition every two hours, giving visitors plenty of time to get lost amidst the lights. And lose yourself you will, as you wander further and further from the entrance deeper into the desert. Punctuated by small trees and benches for the occasional rest, the fields of solar powered globes feel almost trippy to gaze into. Before you know it, you’ve made your way back to the start, and will probably want to wander through again.

A post shared by Explore Uluru (@exploreuluru) on Nov 6, 2017 at 1:05am PST

Field of Light is British artist Bruce Munro’s largest installation to date, and his first work that is entirely solar powered. “Field of Light was one idea that landed in my sketchbook and kept on nagging at me to be done,” he says. “I saw in my mind a landscape of illuminated stems that, like dormant seeds in a dry desert, quietly wait until darkness falls, under a blazing blanket of southern stars, to bloom with gentle rhythms of light”. He first conceived of the idea during a visit to Uluru in 1992, after living in Australia for eight years. His work uses light to evoke an emotional response, often in an outdoor setting and on a grand scale. Other “Field of Light” installations had taken place in England, the U.S.A., Scotland, and Mexico, before finally being created in Australia, the birthplace of its inspiration.

Once you’ve sufficiently wandered the exhibition and feel ready to drag yourself from its ethereal grip, make your way back to the shuttle bus location, taking in one last drink of the night sky sprinkled with stars—the kind you only see with the lack of light pollution that exists in the middle of a remote desert. Stepping into the cool air of the bus feels like a shock after the hot desert air, and the bus slowly fills with passengers similarly aglow in the aftermath of such an otherworldly experience.

A post shared by Denis Kopylov (@denisom) on Jul 11, 2018 at 7:19am PDT

Ayers Rock Resort, the host organization for the installation, offers a number of other Field of Light experiences as well, for those who want more than just a wander. The “Field of Light Star Pass” includes a panoramic view of the lights from atop a nearby dune, with an introduction to the exhibition before sunset, Outback-style appetizers, and drinks. “A Night at Field of Light” features the award-winning “Sounds of Silence” dinner, a three-course meal set under the desert sky while a resident “star talker” explains the southern night sky. Prefer the sunrise to sunset? Choose “Sunrise Field of Light” to explore the installation in the pre-dawn silence. Additionally, almost all of these options include an upgrade to the “Pass by Camel,” first bringing you to the Uluru Camel Farm where you can get a ride from a friendly camel to the installation. (Camels were originally brought to Australia in the 19^th Century from Britain and Afghanistan to help with transportation and construction as western Australia was colonized, eventually being released into the wild after being replaced by motorized vehicles.) For those looking for a really mesmerizing Uluru experience, “A Night at Field of Light by Heli” offers the ultimate experience: installation entrance, “Sounds of Silence” dinner, and a half hour aerial helicopter tour.

No matter which ticket you choose, it’s important to note that Field of Light has been installed on indigenous land, and the Anangu people are the traditional owners and guardians of the National Park. (The land was handed back over to the Anangu people in 1985, and they then signed an agreement leasing the land to the Director of National Parks.) It is considered sacred to the traditional owners, and they invite visitors to hear stories of their ancient land—a visit to the Cultural Centre is free.

Field of Light has been extended until December 2020. Can’t make it to the middle of the desert in Australia? Well, this video is the next best thing:

Suggested next reading: Belgium’s Best Kept Secret Is Jaw-Droppingly Pretty

The post Australia’s Must-See Art Installation In The Middle Of The Outback appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Are you a jazz lover? Here is our list of 10 of the best jazz bars around the world, so that you can experience some of that old-fashioned magic listening to some great music, getting into the groove, and just having that pleasant night out. Let’s dive into it!

1) Birdland, New York

Birdland is a historic jazz bar in New York. Over the years it has changed several locations. The original opened on Broadway in 1949 and was a landmark in the jazz scene of the time. Some of the best jazz musicians in the world have played here, like Miles Davis, Count Basie, and John Coltrane. Not only that, it was very popular with the celebrities of the time; Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra to give some examples. Even today it is one of the best jazz clubs in New York housing some truly great musicians.

Location: 315 W 44th Street
Price: ranging from $20-$50 per night

2) Preservation Hall, New Orleans

If you are looking for traditional New Orleans jazz you can’t miss Preservation Hall. This legendary bar located in the iconic French Quarter has been hosting the city’s finest traditional musicians nightly for decades.

Location: 726 St. Peter Street (French Quarter)
Price: General admission is $20. For special events $30-50

3) Café Central, Madrid

A unique place to listen to some good jazz music and grab something to eat and drink, Café Central offers the old-fashioned style providing a blast from the past you don’t want to miss. Located in Plaza del Angel this bar is great for a musical stop while having some fun strolling around the city’s main center.

Location: Plaza del Angel 10
Price: Admission about €13

4) Sunset Sunside, Paris

Paris loves music! If you want to take a break in the city of love and enjoy some untraditional exotic jazz music such as gypsy jazz, Sunset Sunside is definitely the place you are looking for. You can find a great intimate place where to grab a drink, eat something and listen to some brand new experimental music by newbies and pro musicians!

Location: 60 Rue des Lombards
Price:  €10-€28

5) 28DiVino, Rome

The Eternal City has a place for you, jazz lovers! A wine, cheese & jazz club in the Prati area, the 28DiVino, makes jazz music the focal point of the weekly program of live concerts that it organizes. On the 28DiVino stage, national and international jazz musicians alternate. The restaurant has two rooms where you can dine and taste fine wines and cheeses while waiting for the live performances. Is there a better way to spend an evening in Rome? You tell me.

Location: Via Mirandola, 21, 00182 Roma
Price: €12

6) Jazz SPOT Intro, Tokyo

A post shared by Drummer Tae-soo (@mogmusic_taeskim) on May 15, 2018 at 7:56am PDT

Hi-tech Tokyo has a thing for jazz music too! Jazz SPOT Intro is a New York inspired jazz bar where you can enjoy some live music, grab something to drink and chill away from the city buzz. The top highlight of this jazz bar is its 12-hour Saturday sessions, which run until 5 am. A great opportunity to spend some quality time during the weekend!

Location: 2-14-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-Ku
Price: Admission is ¥1000 (around $10)

7) Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen

This place is considered to be one of the most legendary and best jazz bars in all of Europe! All year round this bar hosts special events and concerts giving the chance for pros and newbies to show off their skills and passion for music. Besides the musical side, the Jazzhus Montmartre is a great place to eat something too making it a one-of-a-kind club with an atmosphere that is classy yet typical of the best of the best jazz bars. The perfect place to warm up and relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Location: Store Regnegade 19A, 1110
Price: Free admission for some events. You predominantly pay for what you eat and drink

8) Reduta Jazz Club, Prague

A post shared by crystal monee hall (@crystalmonee) on Apr 26, 2017 at 8:28am PDT

Reduta is located in the very heart of Prague and it is one of the oldest jazz clubs in Europe. A cultural spot not to be missed, this place offers the chance to chill and listen to some great jazz. Being an iconic place, over the years many politicians and celebrities have come to enjoy a gloriously jazzy night here. Bill Clinton has even played saxophone here! So, if you are tired of the same old pubs and crave some good live music, make your way down here, grab something to drink, sit down, and listen to new bands cover your favorite jazz masterpieces.

Location: Národní 116/20, 110 00 Nové Město
Price: Admission from €10

9) Donau 115, Berlin

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Berlin and jazz music might seem somewhat of a contradiction at first, but paying a visit to Donau 115 will definitely change your mind! Berlin is an experimenting city ready to use influences and vibes from several different genres and cultures, and so this is what you’ll notice (or hear) while spending some time in this jazz bar! You can find special events all year around hosting new bands creating a unique place for some jazz with that German vibe.

Location: Donaustraße 115, 12043
Price: Admission is free. You pay for what you eat and drink

10) Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon

We end our list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world with one of the most iconic European places you’ll ever find in Europe: the Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. Lisbon has a huge interest in jazz music and you can witness this while exploring the city and its nearby areas! This place is definitely worth a visit as the epicenter of European jazz music. From people like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and Dexter Gordon, this bar is always following the recent changes and development taking place in the jazz world, which makes for brand new music and bands from all over the world. Locals love it. You will too.

Location: Praça Alegria 48, 1250-004
Price: Admission is €7.50

So, if you’re a jazz lover, you certainly have plenty of choices to enjoy some good music and to experiment with the newest and best jazz bars around the world! We highly encourage you to always check the website of the jazz bar you are interested in as you can easily catch the best events while in town. Plus, in some cases, especially when it comes to special shows or during holidays and weekends, booking in advance can be a lifesaver to avoid any bad surprises once you get there. Besides that, we really hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world. Here’s to a great jazz-themed night out. Cheers!

Suggested next reading: 7 Best Cities For Street Art Around The World

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