The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

December 4, 2025 |   |  Comment  |  Place to Stay

Luxury watches, the best chocolate in the world and delicious cheese – it must be Switzerland! This small and rich country is a dream for many ski-lovers while very often is forgotten during the summer. That’s a pity as Switzerland hypnotizes with its stunning views, blue lakes and hundreds of interesting activities. Located among the highest European mountains may pleasure everyone’s eyes with its gorgeous landscapes. Switzerland vacation should be a great option not only during the winter because of winter sports, but also in the summer. Learn more about Switzerland culture and the best places to eat, sleep and visit in the article below. For sure you will fall in love with this beautiful country and you will start planning your best Switzerland vacation!

Switzerland vacation

The Alps

Everyone who loves winter sports will be amazed by the Alps and the number of spots for skiing in Switzerland. Switzerland boasts the largest number of peaks above 4,000 meters among the Alpine countries. In such high mountains, winter lasts almost all year – the season for white madness lasts from early autumn to late spring. The good news is that not everyone here skis like Marcel Hirscher, and these majestic mountains are not just for experts. Most Switzerland ski resorts offer first-rate learning programs. Many of them have dedicated lifts and slopes just for learners and beginners. Another good news is that a lot of Switzerland’s ski resorts are fairly well-tuned to the demands of families offering family-friendly lift passes, packages, and lodgings. Some skiers prefer groomed trails, others love first tracks in fresh white powder, in the end, both will enjoy skiing in the Swiss Alps.

Swiss Alps

Swiss cities

The greatest and the most well-known of Switzerland ski resorts are, without any doubt, Zermatt. Situated just next to the border with Italy is the highest winter sports area in the Alps. Its ski terrain is located at altitudes between 2500 and 3900 meters. In Zermatt, you may also try the world’s highest 3S cableway while skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. This spot is recognized by its long ski runs and terrain applicable for all ski levels. You may download a free Zermatt Skiguide app that uses GPS. It will help you to navigate between mountain locations. The application adjusts routes and time to the user’s skiing style, currently open ski runs and lifts, weather and safety concerns. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them – you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities – Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations – one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

There is a wide offer of Switzerland hotels around Zermatt. If you want to stay for luxury you should consider Hotel Mont Cervin Palace that features traditional Swiss construction and interior design. The dream-like suites with lovely balconies overlooking the windswept peak of the Matterhorn and downtown invite for a moment of relaxing and meditation. But if you want to feel special, check CERVO Zermatt that is the only ski-in, ski-out luxury hotel location. This boutique hotel offers 36 rooms and suites with its spa and fireplace. Extraordinary location, breathtaking views will make your Switzerland vacation unforgettable.

Hotels and Resorts

That’s obvious that Switzerland is not the cheapest place in the world. But it does not mean that only rich people can be so lucky to spend their vacation in this beautiful place. There are many options to make your trip interesting and not to go bankrupt after all. For more budget vacation you may try mid-range and budget Switzerland hotels. Bella Vista Hotel owned by two sisters characterized by a typical Swiss brown wooden structure. Hotel Alpenhof located close to the cable car Sunnegga and just steps from Gornergrat train station or Hotel Carina that offers delicious hearty breakfast. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them – you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities – Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations – one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bella Vista Hotel

Mountains

Switzerland is not a big country. Getting to the international airport in Zurich you may rent a car with Swiss company Sarent and move freely between Swiss villages. Only 150km distance is between Zurich and Tschuggen mountain with one of the most astonishing Switzerland hotels – Tschuggen Grand Hotel located almost on the peak. This most unique wellness hotel has a private mountain railway that will allow you to reach the skiing and hiking area in less than four minutes and without any queues! The Tschuggen Mountain Oasis, a masterpiece of star architect Mario Botta, occasions a new sense of nature and geometry, coziness and space, rocks, warmth, water, and light. In the summer consider spending the night in the open air under the stars. On the peak, you may find the old observatory that was in service between 1938 and 2002 and currently belongs to the civil community of Chur. For the ones who look for a budget vacation, small village Davos, close to Tschuggen can be a good option for camping. Also, in the winter is a good spot for winter sports.

Zurich

If you decide to stay in Zurich, you should go for a walk to the Old Town. Visit Town Hall, The Fraumünster Church and walk down the luxury Bahnhofstrasse street. Once you get hungry you may pass to Schipfe 16 restaurant with typical Swiss food for lunch or Bar Am Wasser located just next to the river. You may enjoy the view of beautiful Lake Zurich either by walking around or from the water if you choose any of the attractive cruises with ZSG. In case the weather is not favorable, try FIFA World Football Museum that will be a delight not only for the biggest football fans! Being in the cradle of chocolate, cheese, and watches, it is essential to check The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum located in the most prestigious shopping district, just in the very heart of Zurich.

Not far from Zurich, is located the most picturesque place in all Switzerland! Check the stunning panorama view of Lucerne from Pilatus peak that you can reach by cable car all over the year. The city is a great place to get a better view of Switzerland culture and try its fabulous cuisine. The harsh mountain climate dictated the local culinary customs. Swiss cuisine is caloric. The famous cheese and chocolate specialties are probably the best proof of this. One of the must-try Swiss dishes is of course fondue or raclette. The delicious melted cheese that can be served with whatever you want will be a feast for the palate! Try it in Wilhelm Tell floating restaurant located on the boat. Not only may you taste excellent food, but also you can enjoy the amazing view of the lake and mountains in the background. If you don’t mind trying international cuisine during your Switzerland vacation, the interesting choice would be to visit the Thai Garden restaurant. This special and amazing place will take to Asia in the most royal way. Fell like VIP during your stunning dinner and during your stay in Palace Luzern – one of the best Switzerland hotels. If you look for some bad and breakfast option, you may try Hotel Alpha just a few steps from the old town or Hotel Ameron located in the heart of Luzern. There is also a very nice option for backpackers in Backpackers Lucerne that offers double, triple and quadruple rooms. The majority has a stunning lake view. Switzerland is also a country of tradition and true perfection. The Swiss love breaking records. For example, they have the highest ATM in the world, the highest railway station in Europe and will scare a mountain hotel in the world.

Vacation

As you can see, Switzerland does not have to be a choice only for people with a big wallet. Also, it is not only a great ski spot, but it is also as beautiful during the summer as in the winter. Everyone may enjoy the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, excellent slopes for skiing and stunning trekking routes. Don’t be afraid while planning your vacation, think about the best way of spending your free time and have joy with your loved ones. Switzerland is a symbol of luxury, rules and picturesque spots. This is the best place to try fondue, raclette or hot wine in the winter. Everyone deserves a little bit of that, so do not wait too long! Plan your next escapade! Just do it!

Top 10 Things About Spain Culture and Traditions

December 4, 2025 |   |  Comment  |  Culture & Traditions

There is no better way to learn by yourself Spain culture and traditions than to visit this gorgeous country during your summer vacation. Be it just a road trip or a fully-fledged excursion, Spain has tons to offer, from beautiful beaches to tasty cuisine, to crazy nightlife. Picturesque mountain ranges combined with desert landscapes gives Spain a unique, one of a kind atmosphere. You can even visit some of the world’s most unique ecosystems on the Canary islands. Since Spain has so much to offer and it can be pretty intimidating to figure out a travel plan on your own, we have created this Top 10 Things About Spain Culture and Traditions list, which will surely help you decide on what to do on your trip!

Visit the beaches

Probably the most famous part of Spain are its marvelous beaches. The country boasts over three thousand miles of coastline, and some of its beaches are rated among the best this planet has to offer. For example, Playa de Ses Illetes beach, which is a part of the Balearic Islands, situated on Formentera, was considered the best beach in the world in 2016. Spanish has so many pretty beaches it will be impossible to visit them all in one trip, so prepare for several attempts at this difficult task. We assure you, however, that the memories and souvenirs you will get from this experience will bring a smile to your face for the rest of your life!

Balearic Islands

Discover the islands

Unless you’re living under a rock, you have undoubtedly heard something about the Canary Islands, Ibiza, or Mallorca. Spain has dozens of beautiful islands that vary greatly between each other, creating a unique experience each time you visit one of them. For example, the island of Ibiza is a world-famous party spot that bustles with life as much during the day as it does at night. Tenerife is home to a large number of luxurious resorts, making it a perfect destination if you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation inside of a villa with a private beach and activities aplenty. Other islands, such as Menorca, are more peaceful and quiet, great if you’re looking for a way to escape the heavy Spanish crowds and retreat to a secluded beach for some tranquility.

Canary Islands

Spanish language

Not only is Spanish among the most commonly spoken languages of the world, as it is the language of over 400 million people, but it is also one of the most popular ones. The number of Spanish speakers increases every day as people from all over the world start to learn this beautiful language. According to some research, the United States will become the largest Spanish speaking country in a couple of decades, possibly dethroning Mexico, which is yet another incentive to learn Spanish. It will improve your future job prospects, allow you to study abroad, and most importantly, prove to be a very enjoyable experience. Spanish is relatively easy to learn, making it one the perfect opportunity to learn more about Spain culture and traditions.

Flamenco

Flamenco

The world-famous dancing style of Flamenco can be seen in movies, TV shows, music videos, and events all over the world. It is hard to find a dancing competition that does not feature at least one Flamenco dancer. But Flamenco is so much more than just dance moves – it is about singing, perfectly playing guitar, and, most importantly, sex-appeal. This gorgeous tradition developed in the south of Spain within the region of Andalusia and is closely connected to the Romani gypsy community which is a significant margin of the Spanish population. If dancing is not for you and you prefer to watch rather than participate yourself, the elaborate hand-crafted costumes of the flamenco dancers are sure to thrill you!

Gaze upon Spanish art

When it comes to Spain culture and traditions, nothing showcases the enormous heritage of the country than its art, which has for centuries been a crucial contributor to Western art in general. Even in prehistoric times, Spain was the main center of European art, from rock art, to Celtic art, to Iberian sculptures. The names Velazquez, Goya, and Picasso also unmistakably must mean something to you, since these Spanish artists are among the world’s best and most famous. If you happen to visit Madrid, we recommend seeing the Prado museum, which is one of the largest art museums in the world. If you want more, we wholeheartedly advise exploring the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, as well as the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres.

The Meseta

Relax in the sun

When it comes to weather and climate, Spain features some of the world’s most enjoyable conditions to relax. The warm weather stays in Spain even after the summer is long gone, making it a great tourist destination year-round. The best part about Spain, however, is the variety of its climate. You can easily find Mediterranean zones, which are characterized by hot summers and rainy winters. The Meseta, located in the center of the country, has equally hot summers and cold winters, perfect for winter vacation. Finally, within the Basque Country, you can find areas of maritime climate, in which summers are not as hot and winters are milder, perfect if you are not a fan of extreme temperatures either way!

Explore Spanish Architecture

Even though the Gothic architecture is not limited to Spain and can be seen all throughout Europe, Spain adds its own little twist to it, making it much more decorative due to its added Moorish features. Similarly, Spain added their signature flavors to both Renaissance architecture and Baroque architecture. Moreover, Romans stayed in Spain from 218 B.C. all the way until the 5th century A.D., leaving behind roads, bridges, aqueducts, and theatres, the remnants of which can sometimes still be noticed within the country. One of such architectural wonders is the Segovia Aqueduct, which boasts over 160 stone arches, all set without the use of cement. The aqueduct used to bring water from the Fuenfria Spring, located 17 kilometers away in the mountains, and is more commonly known as the Devil’s Bridge, which, according to the legend, was built by the devil himself.

Things to do in Spain

If gorgeous architecture is not good enough for you, Spain is among the countries which have the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the whole world, summing up to a whopping 45 in total. Visit the historic center of Cordoba, which is home to multiple mosques and magnificent cathedrals, some of which go back over thousands of years. In Cuenca, you can visit the first Spanish Gothic cathedral, located on the top of a cliff overlooking a river. The prehistoric city of Toledo is sure to thrill you, as it was occupied by Romans, Visigoths, Moors and more, and is one of the most varied cities in the world, hosting synagogues, cathedrals, mosques, and many more!

Spanish Croquetas

Food and Drinks

Never tried the famous Spanish croquetas or an original Tortilla Espanola? Now is the perfect opportunity to do so! While Spanish cuisine is very popular all over the world, there is no better place to taste it than its country of origin. If you are a fan of soups, definitely try the tasty gazpacho, which is a special type of tomato soup that is served cold, usually as an appetizer. For breakfasts, we recommend tasting some of the famous cured meats Spain has to offer – Jamon and Chorizo. Finally, for the main course, you absolutely must try the local paella, which is a rice-based dish filled with delicious fresh seafood, sometimes with a mixture of chicken or rabbit, beans, and vegetables. If that’s not enough for you and you demand a tasty dessert, why not try the famous “fried milk” – a classic Spanish dessert, made out of a milk-pudding with a sugary crust?

History of Spain

Traveling to foreign countries is not only about beautiful views, sandy beaches, and tasty food. While you’re in Spain, take the opportunity and learn a thing or two about the rich history of the country. Notice the wonders and achievements of the Spanish people during the Golden Age, when the country was a superpower the whole world feared. Delve down into the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and commemorate the memory of the victims by learning more about their past. Through both democracy and dictatorship, through being the capital of Christan Conquista and the country of Islamic Moors, Spain has always been one of the major players in world politics and their history is among the craziest and richest the world has to offer!

Top 10 Tips to Save Money on Hong Kong Airlines Tickets

December 1, 2025 |   |  Comment  |  Cheap Flights

Apart from all the controversy surrounding Hong Kong, it is still a great place to visit if you’re planning a vacation abroad. The city brings together both Eastern and Western cultures, creating a truly unique place on Earth, surrounded by tall mountains and speckled with futuristic skyscrapers. Whether you’re looking for energetic nightlife or things to learn about a foreign culture, you will definitely find plenty of things to do in Hong Kong.

However, despite everything it has to offer, getting to Honk Kong can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to airline tickets. Do not worry though, as we have prepared for you a list of Top 10 Tips to Save Money on Hong Kong Airlines Tickets, as well as some general on how to save money on your trip to Hong Kong.

Book in advance

Whenever traveling abroad, it is generally a good idea to book and buy your flight tickets in advance. The prices are usually much higher when trying to buy your tickets, let’s say, a month before your departure. Instead, try to plan your trip as far back as possible, even a year in advance. This way you will save hundreds of dollars on the trip itself, allowing you to see and do more when finally in Hong Kong. Make sure you book not only the flight itself, but also the accommodations and all of the attractions you definitely want to see since most places offer huge discounts when booked in advance.

Do not use the Airport Express

Even though you might be tempted to use the Airport Express to reach the city of Hong Kong quicker, stop for a moment and calculate if it is really worth it. While the Airport Express will take you to the city in thirty minutes or less, it is definitely way too expensive for most travelers to afford. Instead, look for alternative ways to get to the city. You can always call a cab, but that is also quite expensive in Hong Kong. The best and cheapest way to get to the city proper is to use the buses which cruise between the airport and the city. You can check the full list of available busses online, on the airport’s website, or at the terminal. If you absolutely have to use Airport Express, make sure to book it online for a discount.

Get the Octopus Card

The Octopus Card is a very frequently used smart card in Hong Kong, made primarily for paying for transportation around the city. Whether you plan to use buses, metro or trams, the Octopus Card will net you a huge discount, and the longer you use it, the bigger the benefits get! The card itself costs HK$150, but you get an HK$100 deposit on the card from the get-go, so the price is really just HK$50, which amounts to about $6. You can then add further credit onto the card at every metro station, at most convenience stores like Circle-K or 7-Eleven, and even at McDonald’s (at which you can even pay with the card!). For maximum convenience, you can even recharge the Octopus Card with an online transfer.

Use the trams

While the MTR (metro) is usually the fastest of traversing the city, make sure to only use it if you’re in a hurry or are traveling over longer distances, since it is a bit expensive when compared to other means of public transportation. In all the other cases, it is preferable to use the Ding Ding Tram instead, which is not only much cheaper than the metro, but will also provide you with a picturesque view of the city as you travel through its busy streets. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to get in touch with the locals who also prefer to use trams, since they are not that much slower than the metro, have great coverage, and are way cheaper. When it comes to buses, you should usually stay away from those, as they tend to get stuck in heavy traffic quite often.

Look for accommodation in Kowloon

Being one of the regions of Hong Kong, Kowloon can be found between the Honk Kong island and the New Territories. Not only does it have very well-connected transportation between those three, but it is considerably cheaper, especially when it comes to accommodation, and since the land prices in Honk Kong are rising at an alarming rate, finding cheap accommodation will save you tons of money, and Kowloon has some of the cheapest prices in all of Hong Kong. Try to look for smaller guesthouses and assess the prices before you book, and, as with everything, always book in as much an advance as possible.

Choose Couchsurfing or Airbnb

While picking a grand hotel or a luxurious guesthouse may seem lucrative at first, considering the famous level of luxury of Honk Kong’s establishments, make sure to consider it thoroughly. With the prices on a steep increase, you can easily spend up to a thousand dollars per night for a quite mediocre hotel, and it only goes higher for the more renowned ones. Instead, why not look through Couchsurfing or Airbnb for a way cheaper alternative, which is usually more money-efficient than even the cheapest hotels in Hong Kong. Moreover, you get to spend some time with the locals who will be happy to share their knowledge of the city and give you some tips on how to save your money further and what to see while you’re there.

Avoid western food

If you have done at least a bit of research prior to going to Hong Kong, you must have already heard that western food is extremely overpriced in Hong Kong. When in a rush, choose a local fast-food chain like Maxims or Fairwood (you can also try McDonald’s if you’re looking for something a bit more western, but still at a reasonable price). If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, noodle shops and tea restaurants are great places to go, both to try some of the local, eastern cuisine and to save some money. When ordering, make sure to get a set menu instead of individual dishes, since those are also usually way cheaper.

Always haggle

When browsing through small-time, flea market like stalls which are speckled all over Hong Kong, never buy anything at the price which is on the label. Similarly to how it is in the Middle East, you are expected to haggle when buying from a local trader, thus making the base prices insanely over-the-top. However, unlike in the Middle East, the locals in Honk Kong will not take offense at the lack of haggling – they will happily accept your money whenever you buy something at a high markup. The traders will often try and convince you that they do not understand English and will not accept a smaller price – ignore that, as it is a very frequent tourist trap used in Honk Kong.

Do not buy electronics from flea markets

Hong Kong is famous for its photos of numerous electronic stalls, filled with the newest technological advancements available on the market. While it may be tempting to get some electronic goodies when browsing through stalls near Nathan Road or around Tsim Sha Tsui, you should probably limit your electronic purchases to big chain shops. Even though the price may seem lucrative, Honk Kong is filled with bootleg electronics which look just like the original thing. Moreover, always check if what you buy works and is sealed, as locals sometimes try to trap tourists and get them to buy a used or broken product. For security reasons, limit your electronic shopping to places like Broadway, Fortress, or Citicall.

Yau Ma Tei Restaurants Hong Kong

Visit Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok

Before you stuff your wallet with money and head over to Nathan Road or Tsim Sha Tsui to go shopping at a local flea market, visit the night markets of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok first. Not only is it usually way cheaper there, but there is also a very wide variety of available products, unlike Nathan Road which is primarily filled with electronics and bootlegs. Whether you are looking for some fancy new clothes, cute socks with intricate designs, a new leather suitcase for all the souvenirs you’ve gotten on your trip, or some fancy tea, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok will definitely have you covered. And as always, remember to haggle or you are very prone to overpay!