Vayama Travel Blog

Book your Stockholm Flights on AirBerlin and discover the trendiest city in Europe this summer.

By Max Milano *

I am at the outdoor terrace of the Café Opera nightclub in Stockholm. It’s 2 am and nightfall never came. All we got was a kind of twilight after midnight. I look outside and can still see a blue dusk. At 3 am the sun begins to rise. Pretty soon it’s as bright as noon back home, but my watch tells me it’s still not quite 3.30 in the morning. Welcome to Stockholm’s white nights. I had promised myself to go back to my hotel as soon as it got dark, but it never did. That explains why I am still at the VIP terrace of the Café Opera at 3.30 in the morning among the beautiful people of Stockholm. I order another drink. The bartender looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch model (and the punters too). All the girls inside are impossibly blond and tall. Miniskirts and cut off leather jackets seem to be de rigueur in Stockholm this season. I’m slightly embarrassed at my total lack of Swedish, so I just speak in English to everyone. The locals don’t seem to mind. Behind the velvet ropes of Stockholm’s Cafe Opera, I’m in a kind of parallel universe; a Scandi-America where everyone speaks perfect English while tripping the 3am light fantastic and moonlighting for modeling agencies. It’s like a Lars von Trier movie on prozac. If Berlin is “poor and sexy”, Stockholm is “sexy and it knows it”.

Stockholm 3AM Sun: We're Sexy and we Know It

Moose Burgers and Stockholm Syndrome

My evening had started rather interestingly with an excellent plate of Moose Burger. The Swedes call it elk, but it’s a bit like calling deer meat venison. We were at the restaurant of the Hotel Hellsten. The moose burger was wonderfully moist and not gamy at all. We then enjoyed a few drinks at the hotel bar, which is decorated with African masks and gorgeous black and white Leica photographs of African tribesmen and 1970’s London Punks.  It was a gorgeous Nordic summer night so we decided to head down towards the waterfront. As we passed Stockholm’s trendiest bars and cafes, our minder pointed out an elegant hotel from which emanated cool lounge chill out music. “Welcome to the location of the Stockholm Syndrome”  she said as we walk trough the lobby bar as the DJ spun “The Best of Hotel Costes”.  “It’s called the Nobis hotel now”, continued our minder, “It used to be a bank back in the day, this is where the infamous 1973 bank robbery and hostage crisis occurred. It’s a big favorite among our American visitors, they all want to stay at the ‘Stockholm Syndrome hotel’. We call it ‘kidnapping chic’.” Of course, this is Sweden, even their bank robbers are nice.

Visit Stockholm

Even though Stockholm is compact enough to explore by foot, we decided to use the services of Visit Stockholm. This is a great way of getting the best out of the city as their guides have inside information and very interesting stories about historical events (yes, Abba owns a bar in Stockholm, yes there is an IKEA store just outside of town, no, Ace of Base is not a national treasure in Sweden). Visit Stockholm offers a range of tours, from “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” to a boat ride to the lakeside Royal Palace. What we didn’t know then was that they are also quite fond of white knuckle rides.

The first stop of our Stockholm tour was a courthouse in the old town, but we were not there to walk its gilded corridors, we were there to walk on its roof. The guide was very enthusiastic and friendly as she distributed helmets and strapped on our harnesses. My head was still sore from just one hour of sleep and hours of midnight sun at the Café Opera (perhaps not the best conditions for rooftop walking), but I soldiered on. The roof has a catwalk with a railing onto which we were to clasp our safety lines. The view was spectacular. The spires of the old town gleamed in the midday sun as we attempted to walk atop the roof without falling. “Don’t worry”, said the guide, “we haven’t lost anyone yet”. My legs were shaking a bit towards the end due to the catwalk having a sheer eight stories drop onto an interior courtyard. We all made it in one piece and even though I would not do it again, I was quite glad that I actualy managed to do it.

Stockholm Roof-top Walk

Vassa Museum  & Gamla Stan

Our next stop was the Vassa museum. Stockholm’s world famous shipwreck that was raised from the muddy bottom of the Baltic sea into permanent exhibition. The ship is absolutely massive, all varnished wood and two rows of cannons. It looks a bit like a 17^th century version of Noah’s Ark, you half expect to see elephants and lions stepping off its massive hull. It’s easy to imagine it as a huge ghost ship. Its eerie beauty offers a warning to the ages. The mighty battleship only floated for 20 minutes in 1628 before rolling over and sinking for centuries. It lay lost under the Baltic mud for over 300 years until a local fisherman and the Swedish Navy pulled it up. Now its a beautiful symbol of the city and to human endurance.

That evening our Visit Stockholm guide took us for a walk of the old town (Gamla Stan). Stockholm has one of the best preserved old towns in Europe: Beautiful cobblestoned streets, centuries old buildings, narrow alleyways. Every corner of the old town has a story; be it the beheading of several noblemen in the main square, or the street where the town’s executioner lived. We dined in a Viking themed restaurant. It was a bit gimmicky, but the food and the décor were as historically accurate as possible and the waiters all looked and acted like real Vikings (whatever it is real Vikings act like).

Gamla Stan

Stockholm Archipelago & Grinda Island

We met our guide by the docks early the next morning. She promised us a boat ride to Grinda Island in the Stockholm archipelago. What she didn’t mention was that the boat was an oversized dingy with a powerful outdoor motor. I started to get a bit worried when I saw six pairs of survival suits laid on the planks of the dock. “The Baltic is a bit cold” the guide explained (right after confirming that she wouldn’t join us on the boat ride). We struggled into our suits and then the ‘Captain’ (also dressed in survival suit) distributed goggles. We sat in saddle seats and held on to the railings for dear life. The boat ride started smoothly enough; Stockholm’s waterfront passed by as we skirted massive cruise ships. We were soon racing along beautiful weekend homes on small islands as the boat started to catch speed. The captain stepped on it and we rushed over the gray waters of the Baltic like a bat out of hell. The boat jumped several feet in the air with every wave and landed with a splash. I was really glad we were given goggles. The Baltic splashed coldly onto our faces as we held on for dear life. The water felt like hitting concrete after every jump. After a 45 minute white knuckle ride we slowed down into an inlet. We could see couples sipping beers and conversing on a beachfront bar. We had finally reached Grinda Island.

As close as Grinda is to Stockholm, it’s worlds apart from the city’s modernity. There are no cars on Grinda; the only way to get around is on foot. The island has miles of trails, scented pine trees and secluded coves that offer breathtaking views of the Stockholm archipelago. The place evokes the coast of Maine or the rugged shores of Northern California. Vacation cabins dot the island, where you can stay with friends and relax. We walked into the main hotel. It’s an old manor house from the late 19^th century with a wonderful terrace restaurant with great views of the Baltic. There is a cozy bar inside and a roaring fireplace for the evening chill. We sat in the terrace to enjoy the view as sailboats bobbed in the marina below. The 26 year old chef gave us the specials of the day as the day trippers came in from the marina for dinner. As we ordered drinks, we could not help but be captivated by the beauty of the moment and we were all glad to suffer from Stockholm syndrome.

Stockholm Grinda Island

How to get there: AirBerlin offers smooth same day connection to Stockholm via Berlin from six US gateways: Miami, Fort Myers, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Where to Stay: Hotel Hellsten for its quaint traditional rooms, quirky bar and Moose burgers.  The Clarion Hotel Sign for its sleek Scandinavian design, rooftop bar and black toilet paper.

When to go: Summers are magnificent. The sun practically doesn’t set and everyone is in a great mood. Fall and spring are great too. Winters can be bitter cold and the Baltic Sea freezes over.

* Max Milano is a travel writer and the author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Book Your Flights to Berlin on AirBerlin and Discover the Most Uniquely Fascinating City in Europe this Summer

By Max Milano *

(The Traveler That Came in From the Cold)

I’m crossing tonight. The Trabby rolls by the Friedrichstrasse in the dark, will the Vopos see through my bluff?  I can see the famous sign ahead: “You are entering the American sector”. I’m at Checkpoint Charlie.

Checkpoint Charlie

(Checkpoint Charlie)

I’m crossing now. Almost into West Berlin, just a few more steps to go. A man approaches, my pulse quickens, have the Vopos (Volkspolizei) finally caught on? The strange man is standing next to me now; he’s wearing jeans, Nike trainers and a Gore-Tex jacket. “Where’s the McDonalds” He asks in a thick Texas drawl. I point to the bright lights behind him. The McDonalds is on the West Berlin side of the Friedrichstrasse. The man smiles and walks back where he came from. I’ve crossed. The Checkpoint Charlie cabin is unmanned at this time of the night. The cold war is long over, the Berlin wall torn down 23 years ago and the only Vopos guarding the East Berlin side of Checkpoint Charlie are actors posing for tourists. But still, crossing Checkpoint Charlie at night, when all the uniformed actors have gone home for the evening and the creeping shadows bring back memories of the bad old days, it’s quite easy to imagine oneself as a desperate character from “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” trying to cross  no man’s land before the bright searchlights cut you down.

Currywurst

The Trabbi comes back; it is painted in a strange giraffe pattern, part of a convoy on a “Trabby Safari” (the only way to ride in a Trabby in Berlin nowadays).  I walk deeper into the former West Berlin. There is a currywurst restaurant on the west side of Checkpoint Charlie. I go up to the street counter and order one. I’ve heard so much about currywurst since my arrival in Berlin. The man behind the counter cuts a German sausage in 4 or 5 pieces and sprinkles curry powder on top, followed by a generous dosage of tomato ketchup. The sausage has a nice crispy skin and the curry gives the tomato ketchup an exotic twist. I wonder how curry became a Berlin staple. I later find out that it’s a legacy of the Berlin Airlift, when West Berlin was starving under a communist blockade. The only lifeline was provided by American and British military cargo airplanes flying from Frankfurt into West Berlin’s Tempelhof airport. The cargo planes had only ten minutes to land, unload their cargo and take off back to Frankfurt, so the military had to invent air traffic control in order to handle all the flying logistics. And since the only food available in West Berlin during the blockade was whatever the Brits and Americans could fly in, the inventive Germans created a new dish: Currywurst. As I finish my curried sausage I begin to understand that Berlin is a city that has been shaped by history like no other. Its historic scars have only just begun to heal and are still quite visible. This is something that Berliners embrace every day in the shabby chic way they have restored East Berlin. Forget the BMW gleam of Bavaria, or Frankfurt’s glass and steel bank towers, the reconstructed East Berlin shows its cracks proudly. Berlin is a city with a lot of personality, a city that is very cool, and knows it. In two words: A hipster paradise.

Brandenburg Gate…and Hip Hop Artists?

(Brandenburg Gate…and Hip Hop Artists?)

Where Hipsters Go to Heaven

If you are a tourist today in Berlin you will spend most of your time in the former East Berlin. Most of the historical buildings are all located there. Take a stroll along the trendy shops and cafes of the Mitte district. Walk into the side alleys and be rewarded by Berlin’s wonderful interior courtyards, full of cafés, design studios and independent cinemas. Berlin is also a city of art galleries: Collectors from all over the world come to sip a glass of Prosecco as they browse the works of the hippest artists working today, like Marcel van Eeden, currently exhibiting at Galerie Zink. The best way to hit all the coolest galleries, art cinemas and small cafes is to do a Berlin Art Tour. These walking tours with a local guide organized by Go Art! Berlin will let you discover the gritty-trendy side of the former east-Berlin, now reborn as a hipster heaven. Most walking tours culminate in a traditional beer garden, where you can sample Berlin’s amazing brews. Berlin is also a clubber’s paradise. Most clubs are located inside former East Berlin factories and offer speakeasy style entrances so that only in the know hipsters show up.

Hip Berlin

U2: Zoo Station

When in Berlin do as the locals do and get a subway pass. Berlin’s U-Bahn and S-Bahn are run on the honor system, so no annoying lines or turnstiles; you simply walk onto the platform and board your train. You can visit most of the main tourist sites like the Brandenburg gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, Potzdamer Platz, Museum Island and Alexanderplatz using the subway. The system is very easy to use and each line is tagged as U2, U5, S5 and so on. The S lines are above ground and the U lines underground. Trams complete the system, making it possible to go anywhere in the city, east or west, in speedy comfort. Zoo station, in the heart of the former West Berlin, may no longer be the Times Square of Berlin (the tourist center of town has moved east to Alexanderplatz), but the western part of the city still offers a radical contrast of high end shops and malls versus the more bohemian eastern quarters.

U2: Zoo Station

Bike Berlin

Berlin is flat, so one of the best ways to explore the city and get all the historical tidbits (from the cold war to World War 2) is to go on a bicycle tour. You can book one from Fat Tire Bike Tours in Alexanderplatz. Their knowledgeable guides will guide you through Berlin’s often turbulent but always interesting history, including the site of Hitler’s underground bunker and the last remaining segments of the Berlin wall.

In Berlin, by the Wall

A River Runs Through It

The River Spree snakes its way along Berlin. One of the best ways to appreciate the hidden charms of the city is to go for a jog or a walk along the river. Berlin can be a city of un-charming apartment blocks built during the DDR period, but as you approach the river, quaintness is restored, riverside cafes appear, and cute facades reveal themselves. Follow the river as it moves along the neo classical lines of Museum Island and trough the ultra-modern government quarter. A half day boat tour can reveal this beautiful side of Berlin, allowing for stops along the way to explore the sites.

It’s time to come in from the cold and discover Berlin, a city like no other in the world.

How to get there: AirBerlin offers nonstop flights to Berlin from six USA gateways: New York, Miami, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Where to Stay: The Titanic Comfort Hotel offers all the comforts of a business hotel with an ideal location between Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

When to go: Spring, summer and fall are ideal. Winters can be bitterly cold.

Next Week: Summer in Stockholm and Going Mad for the Med in Majorca.

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Have an Air Berlin trilogy this summer with new routes to Berlin, Stockholm and Palma de Mayorca and discover the best of Europe for less.

By Max Milano *

Air Berlin is now offering the best of Europe this summer from its six USA gateways: New York, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. This means that Americans now have access to the best European beach resorts and cultural capitals with smooth, same day connections in Berlin or Dusseldorf. What I like about Air Berlin is that they make it possible to fly into formerly hard to reach Mediterranean beach resorts or into that hard to get European city of your dreams with just one connecting stop. Thus making a summer break in Majorca, Ibiza or Stockholm just a little bit more irresistible and a lot more affordable and convenient.

The Air Berlin Trilogy: Berlin, Stockholm & Majorca

This Summer Air Berlin is celebrating the midnight sun in Stockholm, the culture and cuisine of Berlin and the sun, sand, sea and paellas of Majorca.

Berlin
Berlin has inspired countless artists and writers for generations; Lou Reed, David Bowie, John Le Carre and even The Sex Pistols have all paid homage to the city and it’s easy to understand why. Berlin has risen from the ashes of history and painless division to become the European capital of culture. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, explore the cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museumsinsel (Museum Island), enjoy the bustle of Alexanderplatz and take in the history lesson of Checkpoint Charlie. Do the techno clubs and trendy lounges of the former East Berlin and take a relaxing stroll “under the linden trees”. Uncover Berlin, the German capital awaits.

Berlin: Have a Holiday in the Sun

Fly to Berlin for Less on Air Berlin

Stockholm
Stockholm is a lot more than just IKEA and ABBA (way more). Stockholm is not your typical city: Situated on 14 islands connected by more than 50 bridges, over 60 percent of it consists of waterways, parks and green spaces. So get ready to inhale some fresh Swedish air. Enjoy Stockholm’s midnight Sun this summer when beer gardens open through the well lit midnight. The city has everything you need for a sophisticated Nordic getaway: World class shopping, fantastic nightlife, greats museums (even the subway is a work of art), plenty of nature, a gorgeous old town (Gamla Stan) and even The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Discover the trendiest city in Scandinavia: Discover Stockholm.

Stockholm: A lot more than Ikea and Abba

Fly to Stockholm for Less on Air Berlin

Majorca
Thousands of European tourists can’t be wrong. The time has come for Americans to discover the charms of Majorca and the Balearic islands. Located in the balmy Mediterranean, Spain’s Balearic chain have been charming Europeans Holidaymakers for decades. Visit Palma de Mallorca, the largest city on the island of Majorca. Palma’s beautiful weather and rich cultural heritage, evidenced by its wondrously diverse architectural styles, make it one of the most picturesque destinations in the Mediterranean. Visit the vast grounds of La Seu Cathedral, the lush gardens of Ca’n Fontirroig and the ancient Banys Àrabs (Arab baths). For the best beachside experience, check out Playa de Palma in El Arenal for warm sands and mild surf, sure to put your mind at ease. Make Mallorca your 2012 summer travel destination and have a Balearic of a time.

Majorca: Have a Balearic time

Fly to Palma de Mallorca for Less on Air Berlin

Stay tuned during the next weeks for my “on the ground” travel report from Berlin, Stockholm and Palma de Mallorca, courtesy of AirBerlin: The No. 1 Choice for Travel to Europe.

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Time to Study the World

By Max Milano *

This year American students are ready to hit the road and see the world. Savvy students have discovered the cultural benefits of international travel and that just a few weeks of foreign travel can be more educational than months in the classroom. We have compiled a list of the top five summer destinations trending with US students booking on Vayama for the summer of 2012.

1-Morroco
Just a short ferry trip from southern Spain, Morocco appeals to students for its inexpensive hotels and food, beatnik cachet, exotic medinas (markets) and the chance to pick up some Arabic. Casablanca has the real Rick’s Cafe (based on the movie Casablanca), Marrakesh offers the largest medina in Morocco and Tangier the opportunity to stay at the hotel where William Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch.

The Real Rick's Cafe in Casablanca

Find flights to Casablanca, Morocco for less on Vayama.

2-Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey is an open air history classroom. The old capital of Byzantium and of the Ottoman Empire is virtually dripping with over 2000 years of history. Straggling both Europe and Asia, this forward looking but yet traditional city has much to offer students, from Turkish Baths to Turkish delights. Student travelers can also head down to Turkey’s Aegean coast to enjoy some of the best beach resorts in the Mediterranean without having to pay Eurozone prices.

Book flights to Istanbul, Turney for less on Vayama.

3-Shanghai:
Go east young man (or young woman). With global economic power shifting eastwards, American students will do well for themselves by familiarizing themselves with China’s most exiting city. Shanghai is a thriving megalopolis where east meets west and China’s nouveau riche party and shop. Shanghai’s 24/7 activity, 1930’s European architecture and 21st century high tech glass towers, will give students travelers a crash course in liberal economics. Also a great chance to pick up some mandarin, the new up and coming language of business and commerce.

Shanghai: Go East

Fly to Shanghai for less on Vayama.

4-Buenos Aires
Don’t cry for me Argentina. Buenos Aires’s air is very good indeed. With international students from all over the world, the capital of Tango is one of the best places to learn Spanish on a budget and still enjoy the affordable sophistication of a world capital. Buenos Aires channels a bit of New York, Madrid, Milan and Paris. The city speaks Spanish with a Neapolitan accent and displays a lively southern European vibe. During the months of July and August, student travelers can head up to the Andean ski resort of Bariloche for skiing and apre-ski galore, or drive south to Patagonia to admire the majestic blue glaciers and sub-arctic wildlife (including killer whales and seals).

Buenos Aires: A bit of Paris and a Lot of Tango

Find flights to Buenos Aires for less on Vayama

5- Thailand
Thailand is the epicenter of budget travel. A perfect place for students travelers. Thailand is exotic and laid back and extremely cheap for travelers on a budget. Bangkok’s Koh San road offers everything your average student traveler would need: From budget hotels to cheap eateries and travel agencies selling low cost flights to Phuket (Thailand’s party island) or nearby countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore.

Find cheap flights to Bangkok, Thailand on Vayama

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

“Women are traveling alone all over the globe. It’s an excellent way to get to know yourself and these four destinations a little better.”

By Kristin Zibell of Takeyourbigtrip.com*

Kristin Zibell

In the metropolis of Mumbai, where close to a million people a day ride the local trains; there is a ladies-only train. I learned this when I stood waiting on the platform and heard a polite voice with an English accent announce over the address system that, please, remember the next train is for women only and would the gentlemen, please, refrain from getting on it. Such is the importance of the safety and protection of women in Mumbai, that there is an entire train just for them.

In my two years of traveling around the world as a solo woman traveler, I’ve had experiences that have made me happy to be on the road as a lone gal – like the heartfelt conversation I struck up with a doctor on that lady train – and ones that have made me cringe- I’m talking to you guy in Aswan, Egypt who made a very rude proposal while I was walking to the ATM. Overall, traveling alone was rewarding and transformational. I learned to trust myself, grew a BS detector, accepted kindness from strangers, and felt comfortable being by myself.

For women considering striking out on their own global travels for the first, second, or third time, I recommend these four destinations as being solo girl-friendly. They are overall safe, minimal in harassment, and take the edge off being alone with receptive and lively social scenes and natural activities.

Scandinavia
The Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark consistently rank in the top 10 places for women to live in the world, so travelers can take heart that they are some of the best places for women to travel solo in as well. Traveling around is safe and easy – there is mass transit and reserved, yet helpful English-speaking locals. The sophisticated and progressive capital cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are the best places to start a tour with lively art scenes, Nordic heritage museums, and gorgeous waterways.

Get Scandi Handy

Fly to Scandinavia for less with Vayama airfare deals

Scandinavia, especially Norway, has a vibrant hiking culture and well-established national park system. Start with the very popular Jotunheimen National Park and you are bound to meet other backpackers and hikers at the lodges or starting points. Sweden even has a “right of public access” law, which means you can go to any natural area in the country and explore, ideally with those new hiking friends. Relax tired muscles and mix with local women by visiting a communal sauna afterwards, called a Bastu.

Cambodia
The Temples at Angkor in Siem Reap are the travel poster destination for visitors to Cambodia. Not only is this one destination to cross off on a “wonders of the world” bucket list, but also the town and the temples are accessible and friendly for women travelers. The tourism-friendly city has many open-air cafes and inexpensive, clean hotels where it’s amenable to meet other travelers from around the world.

Holiday in Cambodia

Fly to Cambodia for less with Vayama’s airfare deals

Tired of temples? Head to the beach provinces along Cambodia’s Southern Coast. Try visiting Kep and relax with others who enjoy the relaxed, post-French-colonial environs and fresh seafood in this revitalized beach paradise. Sihanoukville has more of a Bangkok party vibe, but the town rewards with white sand beaches and plenty of social activity.

Hong Kong
A foodie and shopping paradise with a skyline of the future, Hong Kong is safe and bustling at all hours. This means a solo traveler can find herself always around people, safely exploring this Eastern city that never sleeps. Serious shoppers will find high-end shops sprinkled throughout the Landmark on Queens Road in Central. The more budget conscious shoppers can hit the markets on Ladies Street in Mong Kok.

Hang Out in Hong Kong

Fly to Hong Kong for Less with Vayama’s airfare deals

For a social scene, expats are found partying at clubs and restaurants in the neon Lan Kwai Fong area, which is also near the Central district. Foodies have a plethora of dim sum choices at popular places like Maxim’s Palace City Hall Dim Sum or Tim Ho Wan. For desert, try Tofu Fa, a creamy bean curd pudding that is topped with ginger and available at food stands throughout the city.

Argentina
With a reputation for steak, cowboys, and beautiful women, Argentina may seem like more on the machismo traveler track. For a solo women traveler it’s a friendly, relaxed destination where it’s easy to settle down for a while. Many travelers come to Argentina, Buenos Aires, in particular, to take classes – either immersion in Spanish language or dance – tango and salsa. Renting an apartment is common in neighborhoods like Puerto Modero and Recoleta, which offer a glimpse into daily Argentinean life.

Buenos Aires: the air is very good

Fly to Argentina for less with Vayama’s airfare deal

Want more natural scenery? Grab a wine tour to the Mendoza region and sip on Malbecs with like-minded travelers or join a group heading to the extreme natural beauty of Ignazu falls or the almost-to-Antarctica Tierra Del Fuego.

Women are traveling alone all over the globe. It’s an excellent way to get to know yourself and these four destinations a little better. With any travel, even to the safest places, use common sense by not showing off valuables, taking care of belongings, and dressing for touring, not night-clubbing or the beach (unless you’re actually going to those places). Bon Voyage!

*Kristin Zibell is a chronic world traveler and travel writer. She authors the popular travel blog TakeYourBigTrip.com to inspire would-be travelers to live their travel dreams. When not traveling locally in San Francisco, Kristin is always planning her next big trip.

We welcome Nomadic Matt as our new guest blogger.

Nomadic Matt has made long term travel his goal in life and he is eager to share his knowledge and travel tips so that you can finally embark on that trip of your dreams. Doesn’t matter if you want to see the world for one week or for one year, Nomadic Matt will tell you how to travel the cheapest and smartest way possible.

Nomadic Matt’s Favorite Cities.

By Nomadic Matt

After traveling around the world for close to six years, I’ve been to a lot of places. Five continents, 60 countries, and countless cities. I’ve made many friends and had more memorable experiences than my brain can handle. But despite that, some places in the world remain my favorite. There are cities in the world that I love more than others, cities I return to regularly, cities where I could see myself living.

Despite all my travels in the last five years, these cities remain my favorite and stay in my thoughts no matter where I am. If you are planning a trip somewhere, I can’t recommend the following 9 cities enough. They will never disappoint you.

Amsterdam
I can’t say exactly how many times I’ve been to Amsterdam, but it’s in the double digits. Before I became a travel writer, I was a semi-professional poker player. (Seriously). In 2006, I stayed in Amsterdam playing poker and fell in love with Amsterdam. The fast-paced life, friendly locals, easy access to the rest of Europe, picturesque canals, and great architecture keep me coming back. In some ways, Amsterdam reminds me of my hometown of Boston, which might be why I love it so much. I never travel around Europe without finding a way to this city.

Book your flights to Amsterdam for less on Vayama.

Paris
Ever since I stepped out on the Champs Elysees, I knew Paris was as magical as they said it would be. I was in love. It had that “je ne sais quoi” that people talked about, and I was unable to ignore its magic. Sure, Paris is large and expensive, and the people can be rude. But what big city isn’t like that? Paris is just too beautiful, vibrant, and filled with great food and history. Being here is like being in a real life romantic comedy, but better. And every time I see a movie like “Midnight in Paris” I can’t help but love Paris a little more.

Book your flights to Paris for less on Vayama.

Nomadic Matt Loves Paris

Bangkok
I hated Bangkok the first few times I visited the city. It was a dirty, polluted city with no redeeming qualities. And there didn’t seem like many activities to do there. It wasn’t until I moved there that I realized Bangkok gives out its beauty only over time. Bangkok was an easy city to live in – there is a lot to do (just not normal tourist stuff), plenty of social events, great bars, wonderful food (nothing beats Thailand street food), and some of the nicest people on the planet. Bangkok showed me that looks can be deceiving, and that there is more to a city than what is on the surface.

Book your flights to Bangkok for less on Vayama.

Stockholm
I’ve been to Stockholm three times, and I love it so much I am moving there in July to live for 6 months while I learn Swedish. I think this city is one of the most beautiful on earth. The reds and greens of the buildings have an old world charm that rivals cities like Prague, and, during the fall, the changing leaves only highlight that beauty. The history, high quality of life, beautiful scenery, and super friendly and welcoming Swedes make this one of my top travel destinations.

New York City
I never really liked New York until after I lived in Bangkok and got used to big city life. Now, whenever it is I decide to move back to the United States, I will move to New York City. I lived there last summer and came back every other week between trips around the U.S. New York City is a place where dreams are made into reality, where there is always something to do, something to see, or a new place to eat. The city is so multi-cultural that when I feel like I need to travel and I can’t, there’s an ethnic area of the city that will make me feel miles away.

Chicago
After NYC, Chicago is my favorite U.S. city. In the summertime, this lake-side city seems to come to life after it emerges from its long and cold winter. Chicago is a buzz with activity that creates a eclectic atmosphere. Along with its lively atmosphere, the food here is delicious and the architecture is second to none. The Chicago School of Architecture is one of the most famous in the world and the tours showcasing the various styles in the city are fascinating. I never get bored of visiting Chicago.

Chicago is trendy-cool

Vancouver
I think Vancouver must be one of the most livable cities in the world. I’d live in it, which is my benchmark for whether or not I like a place. In Vancouver, you can go from the city into the mountains in minutes. I think that is really the highlight of the city for me – the fact that I don’t have to go far to be with nature. Moreover, there’s a park so big in the middle of the city, I often feel like I am in the center of a forest. Add in a vibrant food and art scene, and Vancouver is definitely a world-class city.

Queenstown
Perched in the stunning south island mountains of New Zealand, Queenstown is a place for adventures. There’s bungy jumping, hiking, rafting, zip lining, boating, and tons more. Travelers come here because they want to be outside. Situated on a lake near the Remarkable mountain range, Queenstown is a high-energy resort town. It’s small, prettier than a postcard, and perfect for people who like the outdoors. I would jump on a plane and head back there right now if I could.

Beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand

Perth
Perth, Australia is more like a big town than a city, and I think that’s what I like about it. It’s big enough to have a lot to do, but small enough to feel cozy. I love Perth because of that small town, big city feel, the fact that it is on the water and has great nightlife, that it’s a great jumping-off spot to see the western Australian parks and natural sites, and that it is close to hip Freemantle, which is home to my favorite Australian brewery, Little Creatures. I find it much more personal than other Australian towns.

Book your flights to Perth for less on Vayama.

Want more? Here’s a blog I wrote with 20 more interesting facts about me!

Discover Turkish Delights this Summer in Istanbul’s Bazaars and palaces.

By Max Milano

Europeans go mad for the Med in the summer. But nothing beats the eastern Mediterranean for its beauty, history and affordability (as long as you are outside of the Eurozone). So when in Europe, do as the Europeans do, and enjoy the charms of the Aegean in Turkish Liras, not Euros.

Vayama and Turkish Airways are teaming up to offer 2 free tickets to Istanbul. Visit Vayama’s Facebook page and sign up for this sweepstakes, you might just be heading to Istanbul this summer for free!

Istanbul: Getting There

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and its main gateway. The capital was moved to Ankara when modern Turkey was created but Istanbul is still the country’s main commercial and cultural capital, as it has been for over 2000 years. Istanbul is hot this summer, and it’s not just the weather. The city is trendy and getting trendier. Boutiques, nightclubs, lounges and fashionably dressed locals are now a staple, sharing the city with ancient Roman and Ottoman palaces and Mosques. The fact that Turkey is outside of the Eurozone has been noted by appreciative European tourist who formerly would vacation in Greece. Tourists now flock to Istanbul and the beaches of Aegean turkey to enjoy the eastern Mediterranean way of life for less. Visit Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar for that traditional Turkish shopping experience, followed by an even more traditional visit to a historical hamam (Turkish bath). Start your night in a traditional meyhane restaurant for a plate of mezze and kebabs. Istanbul’s casual eateries are part of city’s fabric of life. Join the locals sitting in the many outdoor cafés sipping small grasses of raki as they watch the world go by.

Istanbul: Half in Europe and Half in Asia

The Bosphorus straits divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts. Grand Ottoman palaces line the waterfront and the skyline of Mosque spires now competes with the glass towers of the new financial district. Don’t miss the Hagia Sophia Church/Mosque. Originally a Byzantine church, it was later turned into a Mosque with the advent of the Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia is now a museum showcasing the clashing empires that have shaped Istanbul thought its history.

Aegean Turkey

After enjoying Istanbul’s charms, head south along the coast to Izmir. Izmir is the epicenter of Aegean Turkey. You will be forgiven to believe that the rolling hills and coves around Izmir belong to a Greek shoreline (and it used to). This part of Turkey was fully Hellenized until the advent of the Ottoman Empire and the food and beaches have a lot in common with the Greek islands just off shore. Visit the nearby Roman ruins of Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor and now the best preserved Roman ruins in Turkey.  Take a day trip to Pamukkale, these petrified waterfalls have been used as a spa for centuries, where you can swim with next to Roman ruins in a large natural swimming pool.  For the full Aegean experience, you can rent a traditional wooden Gulet boat and sail the coves and islands of the Aegean coast.  A typical Gulet day cruise will include meals and some offer accommodations below deck.

Gulet boat in Aegean Turkey

Enjoy Istanbul and the Aegean side of Turkey this summer. You will be happy you did.

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Fly South African Airways to one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Cape Town.

By Max Milano *

Fly South African Airways to Cape Town, South Africa’s second city and legislative capital. Located near the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town is the southernmost city on the African continent and one of the most iconic ports in the world. When you book your flights to Cape Town, you will discover a place where oceans and cultures meet at the foot of Table Mountain. A city blessed by nature, warmed by the African sun and visited by an amazing array of aquatic life; including whales, penguins, seals and some the largest great white sharks in the world. The perfect day in Cape Town starts with sunbathing with dolphins on Boulder Beach in the morning and then cage diving with great white sharks in the afternoon!

Visit Cape Town’s world famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, set against spectacular Table Mountain. The Victoria & Alfred is one of the most iconic shopping and entertainment centers on earth, with many shops, restaurants, cafes and even a pair of ocean aquariums.

Cape Town's waterfront and Table Mountain

Cape Town’s Dutch heritage is visible in its architecture. Walk along Long Street for its well maintained colonial era buildings and visit the British Imperial Edwardian City hall.

Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for the great views and unique flora and fauna. Rent a car and check out Chapman drive, one of the most spectacular scenic drives on earth, with soaring views of the ocean against craggy cliffs. Drive to Constantia for its wine route, centuries-old estates, and fine dining.

Take a walk in Cape Town’s colorful Bo-Kaap district (Cape Town’s Malay quarter), where the narrow streets are lined with pastel houses and restaurants serving spicy Cape Malay curries.

Take one of the en vogue township tours to the Cape Flats area of Cape Town. These popular walking tours will usually include a visit to a local shebeen (pub), a school, a community center and a traditional South African healer. The best music in Cape Town comes from the townships. A visit to South Africa would be rather lacking without a visit to these vibrant communities.

Night life in Cape Town is also legendary and some of the best restaurants in the whole of South Africa are there. Join the party at the end of Long Street, where restaurants, night clubs and bars hop all night long.

Cape wine is very fine.

Top your Cape Town trip with a ferry ride to Robben Island. This is the island prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years during the struggle against apartheid. South Africa today is a vibrant multicultural nation and Cape Town is the best place to enjoy it all in one place. Even the Penguins agree, they love it here, and you will too.

March of the Cape Town Penguins

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

With Vayama’s “Win 2 free Tickets to Paris this Summer” sweepstakes, you have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the city of lights and discover Europe’s wonderful tradition of  summer festivals.

By Max Milano *

Top Europe Summer Festivals of 2012

Summer in Europe is an endless parade of fiestas and festivals. From Hemingway to the cast of the Jersey Shore, American tourists and expats have been attracted to their incredible (and sometimes downright wacky) variety. From running down cobblestoned alleys while being chased by wild bulls (Pamplona’s Running of the bulls), to the world’s largest tomato fight, Europe’s quirky summer fiestas offer something for everybody. These festivities are often the best way to experience the best of a country’s culture, cuisine and drinking habits.

France

The French love motorsports, bicycle races, egalitarian revolutions, and summer. July is the month of the Le Mans 24 hour race, where you can camp and be festive as the race continues through the night. If you prefer human powered vehicles, the Tour de France races along the most picturesque French alpine roads, culminating in glory on the Champs-Élysées. For a sample of Gallic egalitarian pride, be in Paris for Bastille Day. It’s the biggest bash of the summer, with parties, fireworks and égalité galore. Fly to France for free this summer with Vayama’s Win 2 Free Tickets to Paris Facebook Sweepstakes.

Tour de France!

Spain

Spain has perhaps the most famous summer festivals in Europe (La Tomatina & the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona), but it also has a plethora of lesser known summer festivities that are no less raucous and fun. Galicia’s “Romeria Vikinga” (Viking Romp) features the whole town of Pontevedra dressed either as a Viking raider or a Christian defender to re-enact the Viking invasion of “Torres de Oeste”. After the mock battle, everyone joins in on a large feast of red wine and free seafood. Fly to Spain for less with this hot airfare deal and don’t forget your Viking helmet.

Galicia's Viking Hordes

Italy

What can be better than Italy in the summer, especially during festival season? Siena’s famous Palio races (featured in the last James Bond movie) is just one of many Italian festivities you can enjoy this summer.  Enjoy this discounted airfare to Italy and get festive, James Bond style.

Siena's Palio: James Bond was here

Russia

Russians love any excuse to celebrate with vodka, and given their long cold winters, who can blame them? So it comes as no surprise that the summer solstice is celebrated with the St Petersburg’s White Nights Festival.  It’s a weeklong party where the best of Russian opera, ballet and theatre is showcased, as well as plenty of open air drinking at dusk (which occurs around 12 am). Hence the White Nights moniker! Fly to St Petersburg for less with this airfare and watch the sun set after midnight.

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Win 2 Free Tickets to Paris this Summer with XL Airways France

By Max Milano *

“We will always have Paris” Humphrey Bogart (Rick) famously said in the classic film Casablanca. He didn’t say “We Will Always have Paris in the Summer”, perhaps because Paris is beautiful all year around. But there is something magical about the heat of a summer night in Paris. You can sit at an outdoor Café in Montmartre late in the evening sipping cold bubbly and chilled raw oysters. The summer is also when Parisians retreat to the Riviera or their ancestral farms and country cottages, leaving the city to the tourists. So use Paris as your base, but don’t forget that the French Riviera is just a short TGV train ride away.

Summer is also a time of great events in France. This year is particularly grand due to the London Olympics being celebrates just across the English Channel. You can use Paris as your European entry point and then hop on the Eurostar train to London to join the Olympic cheer.

Other big summer bashes in France this summer include Bastille Day, the Tour de France and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Bogie: We will Always Have Paris!

XL Fun in Paris

XL Airways France is now offering nonstop flights to Paris in the summer from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York. I like them because they are bringing to the USA a travel tradition popular in France for decades. That is the tradition of the nonstop flight to popular tourist destinations. These nonstop flights often bypass busy international hubs and take travelers directly to the beach resort or city of their choice. With these new nonstop flights to Paris from the East and West Coasts, XL Airways France and Vayama now offer American travelers the lowest summer airfare deals to their favorite European city.

And what could possibly be better than a nonstop discounted flight to Paris on Xl Airways France? The answer is; 2 Free tickets to Paris on XL Airways France! Vayama is offering a chance to win 2 free tickets to Paris this summer on XL Airways France on their Facebook page.  Facebook fans are asked to post their best reasons for flying to Paris this summer to enter the contest. So get your thinking caps on and post your best reasons to fly to Paris for free this summer, you might just be a winner! See you in Paris.

Hot Summer Events in Paris and France for 2012

Monaco Grand Prix – From Thursday 24th to Sunday 27^th of May, 2012

Parisians escape to La Cote Azure in the summer. The best way to reach the shores of the Mediterranean from Paris is to jump on the TGV train heading south. The Monaco grand Prix attracts a Who’s Who of international Jet Setters, but as of this writing, it’s still free to walk around Monaco during Le Grand Prix weekend to join in on the general festivities. Extra points if you manage to get invited to a party on a super-yacht docked on the marina, the best way to see the race.

The Tour De France – From Jun 30^th to July 22, 2012

The Tour the France offers a way to see the best of France: From fields of lavender to Alpine peaks. Rent a car for less on Vayama and follow le peloton as it struggles up steep Alpine passes and speeds trough medieval villages. The grand finale at les Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris rivals Bastille Day.

Bastille Day – Saturday, July 14, 2012

“Let them eat cake” was the cry that fired up the French revolution. Erroneously attributed to poor Marie Antoinette, who paid with her head for the revolutionary exuberance. The storming of the Bastille prison is celebrated every 14th of July as La Fête Nationale, better known in the English speaking world as Bastille Day. Parades, fireworks and firemen’s balls galore mark the occasion. A perfect time to be in Paris.

Bastille Day: Let then have their Cake and Eat it Too!

London Olympics – From July 27^th to August 12^th, 2012

Enjoy Paris for a few days before hopping on the Eurostar train to London for the Olympics. The Eurostar can be booked on Vayama for city center to city center travel in comfort and speed (in under 45 minutes total travel time). It could very well take longer than 45 minutes just to get to the airport, making the Eurostar a more convenient option to get to London.

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon