French open market by kurmanstaff

Paris has been a home to the open markets for centuries. During the 5th century, the city of Paris (known as Lutetia at the time) opened its first market, known as Palu, to allow locals to buy, sell, and trade with one another and merchants from afar.

Today, there are over 90 open markets across the city of Paris, each offering its own unique flavour to the city. From there, open markets spread to other towns, each providing its own touch of exclusivity when it comes to the treasures you can find if you know what to look for.

The open markets have everything to offer. You might be searching for something unique to the Paris environment to dress up your home or attire, or maybe just a few gifts for your friends. Items can range from exotic cloth material, clothing, beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarves, hand-crafted jewelry, and even a few necessities you forgot to pack for the trip (oops!).

Every market has a different venue composed of different merchants, so no two markets are the same. If you didn’t find what you were looking for in one market, it’s probably time to move on to another in search of the right opportunity. And the truth is: if you couldn’t find it, you weren’t looking hard enough.

But it may not always be the products you’re actually looking for. Perhaps it’s the culture and learning experience that the open market presents that truly drives your eagerness to explore these fine cities. It’s even a great opportunity to really practice your French. And you’re definitely going to put your haggling skills to the test as you do a little bartering to practice your finesse. After all, getting the perfect deal for the right price is half the fun. As a helpful reminder, keep in mind that the markets are crowded, so be cautious where you keep your wallet or purse.

And the best part about exploring these vast, open markets is that you don’t always have to worry about lugging around too many goodies. You can always return to your comfy cabin in the barge to lighten the load and rest your feet for a while.

Enjoying the French culture is more than just seeing the sights. It’s meeting the people and interacting with them through the open markets. Here, you can really get to know the heart of Paris as you share the experience of a French cruise with your friends and family.

Author Bio:

Crystal Groome is owner of Barge Connection – specializing in European Barge Vacations since 1988.  Crystal has specialized in barging vacations specifically for over eleven years and visits Europe yearly to personally inspect individual barges and operators. Check our latest time sensitive specials on Facebook and Twitter (@bargeconnection).

The post Cruising The Open French Markets appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by Dave Dugdale

One of the things that catch many people out is knowing who and when to tip, and this is a factor that can prove to be somewhat confusing. Tipping is an established custom in many countries around the world, of course, but in the UK there are some groups who will always expect a tip and several more that will not, and these groupings can be very different from those in other parts of the world.

In most pubs and bars, for example, tipping the bartender is rare. In the USA, to use an example, it’s customary to tip every time drinks are bought, but in Britain this doesn’t usually happen. It may be more of a regular practice in some of the cosmopolitan bars in the centre of London, for example, but in the average British pub the server doesn’t usually receive a gratuity from customers.

Good service is everything

Those who would expect to be tipped include waiting staff in restaurants, but if you feel the service wasn’t particularly good you should consider giving less than the usual amount, which is often deemed to be around ten per cent of the total bill. Be warned, however, that many establishments already include a service charge, so make sure you check the details when the check is brought to the table.

Taxi drivers will usually expect to be tipped, as will hotel porters and hairdressers. There is no hard and fast rule about the amount of money you should offer in the UK, but generally a tip of between ten and fifteen per cent is acceptable. As always, you should see tipping as a reward for good service, not just as an expected payment that is part of the overall cost of a particular process.

When you’re budgeting for travelling around the UK, especially in the heart of London, it’s worth factoring in the cost of tipping a taxi driver. In general, cabs are relatively costly anyway in the capital, so it’s often a better option to take the underground railway, which is always less expensive and is usually quicker as well.

Sam Wilkes lives in the UK and works for https://www.timeto.co.uk/.

The post Tipping in the United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

The post Soak up all that Cyprus has to Offer appeared first on Europe Explored.

Chapel at King’s College, Cambridge, UK by seier+seier

Famous sights

The majority of visitors to the city probably don’t realise that punting on the Cam is not just the best but pretty much the only guaranteed way to get a really good look at all of the famous colleges along the river. Because the land is all private property and there isn’t a tow path that follows along the banks of the river, you can’t walk the course of the Cam through the city centre.

Admission fees

Every Cambridge college charges an entry fee to visitors. The combined cost of these, if you were to visit all the colleges you see on a punt tour would be more than the price of a ticket for the same punt tour. Additionally to of this, the colleges are not open to visitors at set times of the year, such as when the students are studying for their exams.

Choice of punt companies

There are a several companies offering Cambridge punt tours from the very large to the not quite so.

Cambridge River Tour

Cambridge River Tours is an independent punt tour operator set up by two punt chauffeurs with many years experience of working on the river Cam, that has been in business since 2005 .

The guides who give the tours are experienced and knowledgeable whilst still being and friendly and fun, all of which means you will have a wonderful time.

Once in a lifetime

Whether this is your first visit or one of many, a trip on the river Cam is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. They will help make sure your trip is one to remember for the right reasons.

Groups of any size can be accommodated, from individuals and couples to hen parties, large tour groups and any one else who wants an experience to remember.

From their modest start operating just two of the traditional small punts, they have built on their knowledge and experience to offer trips on the more comfortable and stable 12 seat ferry punts.

Looking to find the best deal on punting in Cambridge? Then visit Cambridge River Tours to find the best deals for you.

The post What Is Punting In Cambridge? appeared first on Europe Explored.

It has always been something that puzzles me, in that why would someone pay out a lot of money to go on holiday, and then spend the time basically repeating how they live their own lives at home.

Mount Olympus, Greece by Gabriel

Check out our list of top five unusual ideas of activities to do during a visit to Greece – throw the beach towel away and embrace all of what the country has to offer.

Mountain Biking

Many companies promote activities such as hiking across the many natural trails that Greece has to offer, so why not get on a mountain bike to explore the surroundings instead? If you do not wish to explore generally, there are several sites across Greece that have specific trails designed for mountain biking, and most of them are open all year round. Among the most popular sites is Mount Parnitha, which is on the outskirts of Athens.

This mountain can be a great resort in its own right, with a casino and several hotels among its many attractions.

Tactual Museum, Athens

One of only five museums of its kind in the entire world, Athens’ Tactual Museum is set up specifically for partially sighted people. The museum contains copies of many famous works of art an ancient artefacts, and people who can see are even offered the option of wearing a mask so they can experience the full spectacle of why the museum was built.

Climb a Mountain

We have already looked at mountain biking down a mountain, but how about climbing one? Situated midway between the cities of Thessaloniki and Larissa, Mount Olympus is one of the most challenging peaks in the whole of Europe. The mountain is accessible to most people, with the vast majority of the climb being a simple hike, although only trained climbers will reach the very highest peak.

As well as climbing the mountain itself, Olympus is surrounded by many charming villages that contain historical churches and other landmarks.

Paintballing

Paintballing has only recently caught on as a hobby in Greece, having been popular elsewhere for many years. Although perhaps not advisable during the height of summer, a visit to Greece can take an added twist of fun should you decide to go paintballing at one of the many centres popping up across the country.

Skiing at Delphi

While the southern resort of Delphi is best known for its mythical ancient ruins and thriving village, it also offers opportunities for skiing. This is perhaps best booked specifically as part of the holiday, unlike our other ideas which can be organised on impulse upon arriving in the country.

Give your trip to Greece a unique twist with our different and out of the box tourism ideas.

One of the leading Greece holiday websites is Touristorama. The website provides all the information you need to enjoy when you visit Greece and the surrounding islands.

The post Top 5 Unusual Things To Do In Greece appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Why would it benefit me?

Be it an active holiday, or a cultural tour, everyone wants to get the most out of their holiday. If you choose to travel with a local company, you are immediately put in front of local experts, people who have lived there all their lives and know the area like the back of their hand. These are the people who can take you to places not featured in that well-worn guide book!

If I’m on holiday then for sure I want to see the great landmarks in that area, but I also want to find the best restaurant frequented by the locals, where the best curry or fish soup can be found – why wouldn’t you?! It is this very local knowledge which, for us, can make or break a holiday.

Does it help anyone else?

Ok, so we love the local travel, but we’re not the only ones to benefit from it. By actively choosing the local operators it is far more likely that the money you spend stays in the community, that it supports local businesses, and isn’t leached into the pockets of rich Western shareholders. It’s fair to say, that many places charm is brought about by the people who make the place what it is – the local people!

Positive impacts don’t stop there though. By choosing a local company, whether it be a Nepali Teahouse or a surf shack on a Mexican beach, you are recognising the local culture and customs that have shaped the area over millennia. If we are moving towards a world where every hotel is the same, trying to match what we are assumed to desire from a hotel, we are losing cultures of hospitality and we are losing the charm and personality that can come from a local, independent business. By choosing those local travel options you are saying ‘Yes, this is a culture we want to explore and experience’.

How do I really make a difference?

The thing is, the blame doesn’t lie with the big corporations – they are merely supplying the demand we as consumers have created. By choosing to stay with a large hotel chain you are reinforcing the impression that this is what should be supplied.
By travelling locally you are supporting the work local people are doing, encouraging their enterprising spirit and communicating to them that they are creating a desirable product – this is something that should be encouraged!

So there we have it – travelling locally really can be a great experience, and not just for you. In this interconnected world in which we live, it is up to us all to help preserve heritage and local environments. What was once a distant place is now coming ever closer, becoming our local. Next time you’re on the lookout for a holiday, have a think about whether travelling with a large international company is what you really want. Dig around, explore and help make the world a better place!

At Much Better Adventures we are trying to find the world’s best local, independent and ethical adventure operators!

The post Why Travel Locally appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Kristian Dela Cour

Final finishing works were carried out under the guidance of architect Henry Hetzel. From 1529 until 1945 it served to the Protestants. It was destroyed during the World War II and then undergone extensive reconstruction, just like many other monuments in Poland. The interior of the church is furnished with a Gothic, manneristic and baroque furniture. You can see here also several memorial plaques of the leading local families.

This truly monstrous Gothic building has the shape of the cross and features a great nave and huge windows along the entire perimeter. You should visit it early in the morning when the sun is still low – it’s worth to wake up early!

View St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk – the largest Brick Gothic church in the world Poland in a larger map

The post St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk – the largest Brick Gothic church in the world | Poland appeared first on Europe Explored.

Mountain meadows are typical for this national park. They can be found on mountain ranges in the Bukovské hills/Bukovské vrchy. The most beautiful are near Pľaša, Ďurkovec, Riaba skala and Kamenná lúka/Kamenná meadow.

In Poloniny National Park there are unique cultural landmarks, particularly famous are the wooden churches in Topola, Uličské Krivné, Ruský Potok and Jalová.

The highest peak is Kremenec (1 221 m above sea level). It is the easternmost peak of Slovakia, where three state borders meet (Slovakia, Poland and the Ukraine).

View Poloniny National Park in Slovakia in a larger map

The post Poloniny National Park in Slovakia appeared first on Europe Explored.

Prehistoric settlements were excavated in the centre of the present city, near the royal palace, as well as in outer districts such as Slatina and Obelya. The well-preserved town walls (especially their substructures) from antiquity date back before the 7th century BC, when Thracians established their city next to the most important and highly respected mineral spring, still functioning today. Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence, and remnants from the city’s past can still be seen today alongside modern landmarks.

View Sofia – administrative, cultural, economic, and educational centre of Bulgaria in a larger map

The post Sofia – administrative, cultural, economic, and educational centre of Bulgaria appeared first on Europe Explored.

Durdle Door, Dorset, England, UK by W. Lloyd MacKenzie

The vast majority of Durdle Door is composed of limestone which is why over the centuries it has slowly eroded away to form the arch. Its mammoth size however has led to its popularity over the years. Countless people have made their way to Durdle Door and to enjoy the English countryside.

The limestone rock formation has appeared in a number of music videos over the last few decades which have increased its popularity. One of the more popular videos is the Tears for Fears’ Shout video which was filmed on location in and around Durdle Door. Also, Pink Floyd fans have seen an image of the rock formation in the lyric books supplied with every “The Division Bell” album sold.

The rock that the Durdle Door is composed of stretch for great distances in every direction. They can be found hundreds of meters inland as well as out in the sea. Those who visit the Durdle Door will also be able to see the Bull which is located just off shore. This has been determined to be a continuation of the rock that the door itself is made of.

Durdle Door, Dorset Coast, England, UK by W. Lloyd MacKenzie

While there are many things to see and do in England, many people make the choice to head out into the countryside to get as far away from the hustle and bustle of life in London. While there are many great attractions in the capital city, some of the best destinations in the country are not.

There are countless castles and other ruins of days gone by that can be found in and around the area where the Durdle Door is located. The area known as the Jurassic Coast is one of the more popular destinations in the country.

The post Durdle Door natural wonder on the Jurassic Coast | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.