You’re planning for your next vacation, and Malta is one of the countries on your mind. Of course, you’ve heard that the country is a beautiful place with scenic beaches and wonderful weather. But are there enough sights in the country to give you an unforgettable experience? The short answer is yes. Malta has a lot of unique sites that make it a worthwhile place to visit. There are also a million things to do there, so you’ll never get bored. In this article, we’ll explore the best reasons why you should take a trip to Malta. You’ll also learn about all the exciting places and the activities you can enjoy while on your trip. Can’t wait? Then, let’s dive in. 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Malta 1. Valetta Valetta is the best place to explore Maltese culture. The city boasts traditional buildings, ranging from theatres to archaeological museums. These structures are designed in classical styles, true to the ancient Maltese heritage. You can watch a performance in one of the city’s famous theatres or learn about museum artifacts. When you get hungry, you should visit Caffe Cordina — the oldest restaurant in Valetta — and try their world-famous Pastizzi. Although Valetta may look like a medieval city, it’s just as busy as any metropolis. In fact, it has the largest population in Malta. So, make sure to start out early when you want to explore the city. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in traffic for several hours. Best Locations in Valetta for Tourists. Don’t leave Valetta without visiting the following places: St John’s Co-Cathedral The St John’s Co-Cathedral showcases beautiful architecture and famous artworks hung on gold-plated walls. The most notable piece in the church is the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, created by the renowned Italian painter Caravaggio. Grand Master’s Palace The Grand Master’s Palace is the official seat of the President of Malta. All the corridors of this palace are lined with staterooms, where parliamentary members used to hold their sessions until 2015. Near these staterooms is a Knights’ armory that houses a collection of medieval weapons dating back to the 16th century. Fort St. Elmo Fort St. Elmo is a pentagon-shaped fortress built to defend the country against sea attacks during the Great Siege. This fort displays artifacts that help you understand the evolution of the Maltese. National War MuseumThe National War Museum is a military-themed museum located inside Fort St. Elmo. This museum contains war relics like the Gloster Gladiator, Franklin Roosevelt’s Husky Jeep, and the armor of the Ottoman Turks. Upper Barraka Gardens Take an afternoon stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy a view of saluting battery cannons. In these gardens, you’ll also find monuments of prominent men in history, such as Winston Churchill and Sir Thomas Waitland. The National Museum of Archaeology The National Museum of Archaeology showcases the tools used by the earliest Maltese citizens to perform their daily activities. There are also several statues and artworks that demonstrate the artistic skills of those people. The most famous element in the museum is the Venus of Malta, a headless female statue that depicts the fertility goddess. The Three Cities The Three Cities are a group of fortified cities near Valetta, namely Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa. You can take a ferry from Valetta to the area and admire the hundreds of boats docked by the harbor. 2. Gozo Gozo is the center of history in Malta. Most of the structures in this city were constructed several centuries ago by the earliest dwellers in Malta. Unlike Valetta, Gozo has a peaceful environment. Expect scenic beaches, idyllic landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Best Locations in Gozo to Visit Citadel The Basilica of Ta’PinuThe Citadel is a large fort built by the Knights of St John to defend Malta against land attacks. The alleys in this site contain three museums that house exhibitions that improve your understanding of Malta’s history. Although entrance to the Citadel is free, you’ll have to buy a ticket to visit the museums. The Basilica of Ta’Pinu The Basilica of Ta’Pinu is a pilgrimage site that attracts Christians worldwide. This chapel was built by the Holy Church after Karmela Grima, a Catholic, heard someone calling her in the area. Today, believers visit the church to pray for the intercession of the Lady of Ta’Pinu in their life problems. And when their problems are solved, they display the site with tokens to show their appreciation. The site also contains several mosaic artworks depicting the life of Christ. Marsalforn Bay Marsalforn Bay is a small seaside village with a large promenade. You can take a midday stroll on the path and explore restaurants that serve local seafood delicacies. When you get to the front of the promenade, you’ll find a sandy beach with rocky shoreline. This beach is great for sunbathing and snorkeling. If you take a short walk from the beach, you’ll discover the Schweini saltpans, where Maltese residents harvest and process salt. Dwejra Inland Sea The Dwejra Inland Sea was naturally formed when two limestone caves collapsed millions of years ago. That collapse led to the development of unique rock formations in crocodile shapes. You can ride through the sea and view the rock formations in the ocean. Azure Window Azure Window used to be an arch above the sea until it collapsed in 2017. Yet, the Azure Window still draws divers to the site. In fact, it has been named one of the top destinations for divers worldwide. If you are an amateur diver, you can take a shallow swim in the sea to watch the tropical fish. Advanced divers often scuba dive into the ocean to explore the remains of the azure window and view old shipwrecks. 3. Malta’s Temples Malta has some of the oldest temples in human history. A lot of these religious sites were built between 3,000 – 4,000 BC. They also have highly sophisticated designs and have even been named World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. If you are fascinated by religion, you might want to visit Malta to see the temples. To help you, we’ve made a list of the best temples in Malta and why they might interest you. Best Malta Temples to Visit Ggantija Temples It is generally believed that giants built the Ggantija temples. That must be why they were given the name Ggantija, which means ‘Giant’ in the Maltese language. True to their legend, the limestone blocks used in building the temples are over 5 meters long and fifty tons in size. In front of each Ggantija temple is a large terrace that holds animal remains and stone hearths. These items suggest that the terrace may have been used to conduct animal sacrifices many years ago. When you visit the temples, you might also see some statues on display. The Ggantija temples are located in Gozo. Hagar Qim Hagar Qim is another notable Maltese temple built from limestone. This temple stands on a hilltop and is located only 2km away from the Qrendi village in Malta. Like the Ggantija temples, Hagar Qim contains animal remains, carvings, and statues. But the most fascinating object in the temple is a statue named the Fat Lady of Malta. This statue provides a reminder of the old Maltese culture of worshipping fat women. In the past, these women were believed to symbolize agricultural and reproductive fertility. Mnajdra Temple The Mnajdra temple is situated at the bottom of the hill that houses the Hagar Qim temples. This temple is grouped into three sanctuaries, each of which comprises several buildings with unique shapes. If you study the walls of these sanctuaries, you’ll find carvings that helped the Maltese track the passage of time. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum Although Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is classified as a temple, it was primarily used as a funeral hall and cemetery in the last 1000 years. According to archaeologists, approximately 6,000 people have been buried in the building. Most rooms that house these bodies are also shaped like mass graves and burial chambers. 4. Malta’s Caves Malta has several caves which boast unique shades of blue and contain the remains of rare animal species. It’s no surprise that they’ve graced the scenes of many Hollywood movies. We’ll only cover the best caves in the article: Best Malta Caves to Visit Blue Grotto The Blue Grotto is a group of sea caverns located on the borders of the Qrendi village in Malta. Inside this cave, you’ll find exotic sea animals and plants whose bright colors enhance the beauty of the area. Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon is an aquamarine beach on Comino Island lined by jagged cliffs and unique rock formations. Thanks to its distinct hue, this cave is a popular spot for hikers and divers alike. If the beach gets too busy for you, you can take a short walk to the nearby coasts for some time alone. Crystal Lagoon If you prefer a quiet cave that’s just as beautiful as the famous ones, Crystal Lagoon is the place to be. Like Blue Lagoon, this cave contains crystal clear waters separated into different sections by jagged cliffs. Whether you are swimming on the beach or watching it from the shore, the Crystal Lagoon offers a breathtaking view. 5. Mdina Mdina is a fortified settlement that has the smallest population in Malta. Known as the silent city, this town only allows tourists to visit the area on foot. You’ll consider this long walk worthwhile when you see the baroque buildings surrounding the city. Before you leave Mdina, make sure to check out the St. Paul’s Cathedral and Museum and the French Baroque Palazzo Vilhena. 6. The WeatherIf you are tired of the cold weather in your country, you should consider visiting Malta. 7. The FoodMalta offers many tasty local delicacies, but three dishes top the list. These meals are: Pastizzi Malta is famous for having warm weather all year round. The summers in the city are sunny, and the winters are warm but windy. When the weather gets too hot for you, you can swim in any of the country’s famous beaches. Pastizzi is the most famous snack in Malta. The original Pastizzi is a diamond-shaped pastry made with ricotta or mashed peas. But today, the snack exists in many shapes and flavors. You can find Pastizzi in most cafes and restaurants in Malta. Aljotta Aljotta is a Maltese fish shop that enjoys mass acceptance during the Lent period. Since Lent doesn’t permit meat, most Christians opt for the full-bodies fishes in Aljotta. Aljotta is made by cooking fish in a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, mint, onions, and rice. Bigilla Bigilla is a spicy bean dish that combines mashed beans with red pepper, salt, and olive oil. This meal is best enjoyed with Galletti, the local Maltese crackers.
What You Should Know Before Visiting MaltaHow Many Days Should You Spend In Malta?If you only want to visit the famous sights in Malta and enjoy all the special Maltese delicacies, you’ll need to spend at least four days there. But if you want to experience all the areas in Malta, you may have to spend over a week there. So, you need to spend between 4-7 days to enjoy your Malta tour to the fullest. Best Time to Visit MaltaThe best time to visit Malta is from the beginning of June to the end of October. The prominent temperature during this period is pleasant sunny weather, enough for you to lounge in the sun without getting sunburned. Transportation is StressfulThe best way to get around Malta is to rent a car. That said, renting a car in the country can easily drain your wallet. If you are traveling on a budget, you’ll have to use the bus. But because Malta is densely populated, the buses are often insufficient for the number of waiting passengers. You’ll have to battle through long queues to reach your destination. Besides, traffic is regular and unpredictable in Malta—rush hour times change based on the day of the week. If you don’t understand the prevalent lifestyle of the Maltese, you may end up wasting several hours on the road. Book a Smooth Malta Tour with Absolutely Amazing TravelDue to the transportation issues and constant traffic jams in Malta, touring the country can be a hassle. That’s why you need an experienced travel agency to organize and manage your trips. We’ll set your arrival and departure times during the off-peak hours in Malta so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. Ready to start planning your trip. Book a Vacation Planning Session
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People are always talking about taking their “dream vacation” — but largely what people mean when they say this is that every detail of the trip was planned flawlessly, everything went according to plan, and the service and food were stellar.
But what if the key to having the best vacations of your life has as much to do with how you approach traveling as it does with where you go and the number of stars on your hotel? Here are 5 Traveler’s Resolutions you can make right now to make this the best year of travel yet:
A common thread among these resolutions is the ability to let go of anxiety, relax and enjoy yourself. Hiring a Travel Professional is one of the best ways to avoid the most stressful parts of travel altogether. I can do all the planning, handle all the details, and you get to enjoy. I will also be on call for you while you are on your trip to handle any complications or emergencies that may come up. Let me take all the stress out of organizing and leave all the pleasure to you. Click the link below contact me today! Fries or Chips. What's the Difference? Experience England's famous dishes and find out for yourself the answer to the age old question; which is better, American fries or English chips? England has become a melting pot of cultures and as a result, a melting pot of cuisines. In the heart of London you can find Indian cuisines, African cuisines, Chinese, Japanese, Jamaican, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, French, German… any kind of cuisine you can think of, London has it! Although there is so much amazing new ethnic food for you to try during your trip to England, and we encourage you to try as many different ethnic foods as possible, it is also fun to try some foods that are very common in the United States and compare them to what you can find in England, like french fries! Referred to as chips in England, and typically paired with fish such as cod or haddock to make England's famous dish: fish and chips, chips are just sliced potatoes that are fried. Similarly, in America, we also like to slice up potatoes and fry them; however, we call them french fries! You may be asking yourself, “so, aren’t they the same thing with different names?”. And although that is technically true I have found there are some big differences between french fries and chips. Here is a list of differences that I noticed while I was traveling abroad in England.
On top of yummy chips and other delicious cuisines, England also has lots of shopping, sightseeing, bustling cities, quiet country sides, and TONS of history. England is a wonderful destination to travel to for any type of traveler! I strongly encourage you to travel to England and try some chips and come up with your own comparisons and share your opinions with me! Book an adventure planning session today to get started planning your trip to England! Some pictures that I took while I was in London at a restaurant called 'Fish& Chips". I got fried cod and fresh chips with some gravy because I'm in love with poutine! It was so delicious!
Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience? If so, expedition cruising may be just what you need. Unlike traditional cruises, expedition cruises take you to some of the most remote and pristine destinations in the world, providing you with an immersive and educational travel experience.
Expedition cruising is a type of travel that combines the best of both worlds: the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship, and the adventure and exploration of a land-based expedition. These cruises are designed for travelers who crave adventure and want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations while enjoying the comforts of a cruise ship. So, what exactly can you expect from an expedition cruise? Here are just a few examples of the incredible experiences that await you:
Book an Expedition Cruise Planning Session. Let’s face it, who doesn't love to travel? Exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and trying new foods are all part of the thrill of travel. But when it comes to planning your next adventure, you might find yourself stuck between two popular travel styles: luxury travel and backpacking.
Luxury travel is all about indulging in the finer things in life, while backpacking is all about budget-friendly accommodations and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. So, which one should you choose? Luxury Travel: The Life of Luxury If you’re looking to pamper yourself and indulge in the luxurious side of travel, then luxury travel might be for you. From staying in high-end hotels to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury travel is all about comfort and convenience. You’ll have access to top-notch amenities and services, making your trip more relaxing and enjoyable. But, as with most things in life, luxury travel comes at a price. With high-end hotels, fancy restaurants, and exclusive experiences, luxury travel can quickly become expensive. And while you’ll be living the high life, you may miss out on the local culture and adventure that backpacking can provide. Backpacking: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures If you’re on a budget and value cultural immersion and adventure, then backpacking might be for you. Backpacking is all about exploring the local culture, staying in budget-friendly accommodations, and prioritizing experiences over luxury. Backpacking is not for the faint of heart, but it can provide a deeper cultural immersion experience. You’ll interact more with locals, explore the local culture in greater depth, and participate in adventurous activities like hiking and camping. However, backpacking can be less comfortable and convenient than luxury travel. You may have to deal with cramped accommodations, limited amenities, and a lack of creature comforts. Additionally, backpacking can be less safe and secure than luxury travel, making it important to do your research and take necessary precautions before embarking on your adventure. So, which travel style should you choose? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and budget. If you value comfort and convenience and want to indulge in the finer things in life, luxury travel might be the way to go. But if you’re on a budget and value cultural immersion and adventure, then backpacking might be the perfect fit for you. No matter which travel style you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and create memorable experiences. Whether you’re living the life of luxury or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel has a way of broadening our horizons and providing us with unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Switzerland is a beautiful country that offers stunning views, winding roads, and challenging terrain, making it a perfect destination for cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned road biker or a casual recreational rider, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore the country on two wheels.
The Swiss Alps provide some of the most scenic routes in the world, with towering mountains, rolling hills, and crystal clear lakes. For a challenging ride, consider tackling one of the iconic passes, such as the Stelvio Pass or the Furka Pass. These steep climbs will test your endurance and reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of flatter routes to choose from, such as the Lake Geneva cycle path. This scenic route takes you along the lake's shore, passing through charming villages and vineyards, and offering picturesque views of the lake and the mountains. When planning your trip, it's important to consider the time of year, as weather can have a big impact on your ride. Summer is generally the best time for cycling in Switzerland, with warm and sunny days, but some of the high-altitude routes may still be snow-covered. In the spring and autumn, you'll have milder temperatures but may encounter more rain and fog. In terms of gear, a good quality road bike is recommended, with comfortable shoes, a helmet, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Make sure to carry plenty of water, energy bars, and a repair kit, as well as a map or GPS device. Whether you're looking for a challenging workout or a scenic tour, biking through Switzerland is a must-do experience for any cyclist. So grab your bike and hit the road, and be prepared for some of the most breathtaking scenery you've ever seen. Scotland is a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. This country is the perfect destination for solo travelers who are looking for an adventure, breathtaking views, and an escape from the daily grind. If you're thinking of visiting Scotland on your own, this blog post is for you.
Why Scotland is Ideal for Solo Travelers Scotland is an incredibly safe country, making it ideal for solo travelers. The people are welcoming, and crime rates are low, so you can explore the country with peace of mind. Scotland is also easy to navigate, and the public transportation system is reliable and affordable. Whether you're taking the train or bus, you'll be able to get around easily and see all that Scotland has to offer. What to See and Do in Scotland Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and there's no shortage of things to see and do. Here are a few must- visit destinations for solo travelers:
Tips for Solo Travelers Here are a few tips to help make your solo trip to Scotland a success:
Solo traveling in Scotland is an experience like no other. From its stunning landscapes to its rich history and friendly locals, this country has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for an escape from the daily grind, Scotland is the perfect destination for solo travelers. Playa del Carmen is the perfect location for a budget friendly honeymoon destination. You can make the trip as expensive or as cheap as you want. There are tons of options for accommodations, restaurants and excursions ranging from low to high prices, allowing you to customize your honeymoon so that it is perfect for your budgeting needs.
Accommodation If you are looking for a more budget friendly accommodation, Airbnb’s are the way to go! They have condos, apartments and little homes ranging from $20 to $97 a night. Most places are also located right on the beach or within walking and biking distance. Going to the beach is also free, spend a day relaxing on the beach and all you need to worry about spending money on is food! Restaurants The 5th avenue in Playa del Carmen is very touristy. The streets are filled with little shops, tons of restaurants and a shopping mall! There are some great restaurants, bars, and clubs for a fun nightlife atmosphere of drinking and dancing. However, these restaurants can be pricey due to the tourist attraction. If you are wanting to get away from the overpriced food, the crowded and noisy streets, here is the link to a website of some budget friendly, authentic Mexican food! Excursions Now this is what you want to spend most of your money on… memories that will last! There are so many fun and cool activities in Playa del Carmen. Just like the accommodations and food, there are both expensive and cheap excursions. Most excursions can be expensive. They usually offer one activity for half a day and only one meal included. If you’re looking for adventure and excitement at a reasonable price, Xcaret and Xplor are the way to go! They are all day adventure parks with buffets included! Each park has multiple different activities to do and the price per person is a fraction of the cost of other excursions. If you want to plan your perfect budget friendly honeymoon but don’t know where to start, I am here to help! I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to reach out so we can customize your unforgettable Playa del Carmen vacation. Ready to start planning? Click on the link Book My Session to book a complementary Travel Planning session . When it comes to taking a cruise on river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.
But each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So what are the major differences? One big difference can be summed up in one word: intimacy. River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members. That smaller scale translates to all areas of the river cruise. You dine on a regular schedule at tables with other passengers (wine is included in the price of the cruise). Instead of 50 different things to do on board, amenities tend to be more modest with river cruises — think libraries, a workout room, cultural programs, and free Wifi vs. ten kids’ playrooms, glitzy Broadway shows, and a skydiving simulator. There tend to be fewer kids on river cruises, making them popular for couples seeking quiet and relaxed time together. You stop almost every day at a new port with river cruises, often for walking tours through quaint towns with little tourist traffic, and you’re always in view of land. With ocean cruises, you can go days without seeing land, and ports of call and excursions tend to be more exotic and high-adventure. Because of their larger size, ocean cruises offer plenty of options for many ages, from young kids to octogenarians, and they are often more able to accommodate a wide variety of special health needs. For this reason, they tend to make the best option for multi-generational family gatherings that include young children. For the traveler who is into high-octane adventure, ocean cruises provide a wide variety of activities on board, as well as exotic and more daring day excursions. River cruises do tend to be more expensive per person — but that price also includes more things. Ocean cruises have a lower sticker price per person, but you are often charged extra for alcohol and other amenities. When you’re getting ready to plan your next on-the-water trip, here are a few questions to consider: 1. How many people are traveling? What are their ages? 2. What time of the year do you want to travel? 3. Do you need the amenities of a mega ship — spas, gyms, a dozen restaurants, and many activities? Or are you looking for something calmer, more intimate and easy-paced? 4. Are you seeking authentic inter-cultural experiences? Or do you prefer more familiar settings? As always, I’m here and would love to discuss your next cruise. We can look at all the moving parts of your upcoming trip — what you need, what you want, what your dream is — and together we can come up with a cruise you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your life. You’d think after millennia of people traveling, not to mention how quickly the world has shrunk with access to the Internet, that we would have seen it all.
But here are four beautiful and intriguing highlights from places that might not be as familiar. If you’d like a full list from National Geographic of the best trips for 2022 – some familiar, some not – check it out here. Here are four others that might pique your interest! If you’re craving a break from busy-ness and noise, Haida Gwaii will give you the silence you’re longing for. A 180-mile-long archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers. May-September is the summer season, with more tourist services available, and a greater chance of seeing spectacular wildlife like the Orca migration. But if you’re into surfing, try October-May for the best waves. To get a feel for what life was like for the Vikings, hop a ferry from Denmark or Iceland and check out the Faroe Islands. Located about 400 miles off the coast of Northern Europe and accessible by flights and ferries year-round, the Faroe Islands are ringed with dramatic green cliffs that plunge into the ocean, sparkling bays, and breathtaking Nordic scenery. In the city of Gjógv, stay in an authentic sod-roofed hotel and take hikes up into the mountains with a spectacular view of the gorge below. Go in July or August for mild temps and long days. A hidden travel gem lies in the Western Baltics, which is already a somewhat-unknown region that is brimming with breathtaking scenery and a proud cultural heritage. The Via Dinarica is a year-round adventurer’s wonderland. Love gorgeous summer hikes and biking tours? May-September, this trail stretches through 1,200 miles of varied terrain and eight different countries. If you’re into skiing and snowshoeing, hit the Via Dinarica from January to mid-March for a pristine wonderland. Stay in remote mountain shelters, or immerse yourself in centuries-old tradition by staying with local host families. We see a lot of Japan’s bustling cities, its towering skyscrapers, its industry, its bright lights. But if you’re interested in reclining into the contemplative heart of Japan, seek out Koyasan, a pristine monastic complex two hours south of Osaka by train and the seat of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Many temples here offer guest rooms, and you can get a feel for what monastic life is like in the lush, misty mountain interior. Savor the simple flavors of clean Buddhist eating, take in morning rituals, or hike by lantern and moonlight along winding green mountain paths. After the intense and amazing sensory experiences that the large urban areas of Japan provide, Koyasan really is the perfect retreat into silence, simplicity, and mystery. One of the many reasons I love what I do as a travel agent is that there is just so much to see, to take in, and to learn. We all have the amazing opportunity to launch out into new places, to find some new adventure that will change us forever — and I love getting to be a part of that process. If you’re feeling that pull to places that are new to you, contact me today and let’s start planning your next adventure! |
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