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The post Barryville and Minisink Ford, NY: A Travel Guide appeared first on Footloose. The 70 plus mile Scenic Route 97 begins in Port Jervis, New York and takes intrepid motorists on a meandering road trip bursting with opportunities for year round adventure. Route 97 makes its way through such towns, communities and hamlets as Barryville and Minisink Ford, which are roughly just 5 miles apart. What follows are suggestions on what to see, where to dine and spend the night while in the Barryville and Minisink Ford area. Barryville Travelers making their way along Scenic Route 97 will start to see signs for Barryville shortly after they pass through Pond Eddy. Known as a premier Eagle watching destination, Barryville is home to the Eagle Institute, which runs guided eagle watch tours during the winter months. It is also home to several white water rafting bases, Kittatinny Paintball, a good size Farmer’s Market, several shops like Until Next Time Antiques and a few quaint eateries. Dining Before departing Barryville, travelers may want to consider stopping by the Chocolate Mousse Café and Bakery for a hot cup of coffee and a slice of Aunt Butchie’s Chaos Cake. While there it might also be a good idea to order a few club sandwiches or wraps to go as there are no restaurants of note in Minisink Ford but plenty of ideal, Delaware River front, picnic areas to choose from. Travelers approaching Minisink Ford will first notice the unmistakable outline of the Roebling Bridge. Roebling Bridge A true feat of engineering, the 535 foot long Roebling Bridge is the oldest wire suspension bridge in America still in existence today. Consisting of dual, 8 ½ inch round, wrought iron suspension cables that were spun on-site, it connects Minisink Ford to Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania and was created under the tutelage of John Roebling, who later went on to design the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. In addition to its historic construction, the bridge is located near the site of the Revolutionary Battle of Minisink, the D & H Canal Towpath, a tollhouse museum and the Zane Grey Museum on the Pennsylvania side. Minisink Battlefield Park Known as the site of the only Revolutionary battle waged in the Upper Delaware River Valley, Minisink Battlefield Park will be of immense interest to history buffs. The Minisink Battlefield Park is located just a short distance off Route 97 on County Route 168 near the town of Highland. It contains a visitor’s center replete with informative, interactive displays as well as three hiking trails of varying length and difficulty; the Battleground Trail, the Woodland Trail and the Old Quarry Trail. Particularly noteworthy locations along the trails include Hospital Rock, Sentinel Rock, Indian Rock and the Minisink Battlefield Monument. Some may question the idea of a trio of rocks being deemed noteworthy, but they truly are due to the history and legends surrounding them. All three were reputedly sites of uncommon valor and death in battle at the hands of the notorious Brandt’s Raiders. In addition to the above, Minisink Battlefield Park also features clean, public restrooms and ample picnic areas for those travelers that would like to sit and enjoy a snack before getting back onto Route 97. Travelers should also note that the Minisink Battlefield Park is seasonal and as such is only open from May through early October. Travelers should call the park staff to verify admission fees and hours of operation prior to trip departure. Roebling Tollhouse Located on the New York side of the Roebling Bridge is a toll house turned museum that is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The toll house museum’s exhibits include old photographs and relics from the days when both the area’s canals and railroads were thriving. Presently there is no admission fee and tours are self-guided. Delaware and Hudson Canal Towpath The 1 mile Delaware and Hudson Canal Towpath begins at the base of the Roebling Bridge and spreads outward along the Delaware River affording visitors an opportunity to experience what it was once like to work along the famed canal. There is no admission fee to access the towpath and it is open daily, year round. Zane Grey Museum As Zane Grey’s first published article was about a “Day on the Delaware” it is only fitting that a museum honoring his writing career be located near it. A former resident of Lackawaxen, Zane was an avid fisherman who enjoyed living, fishing and writing on the Delaware River. Visitors who decide to venture over the Roebling Bridge to tour Zane Grey’s home and museum may also want to consider a stop at the Lackawaxen Cemetery where he and his wife were interred. The Zane Grey Museum is open on the weekends from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm September through Mid-October and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Travelers should allow at least one hour of exploration to fully appreciate what exhibits the Zane Grey Museum has to offer. Due to the small amount of people allowed on each 20 minute, guided museum tour at one time advance reservations are also strongly encouraged. Lodging Travelers enamored by the Roebling Bridge and the Delaware River’s commanding views may want to consider spending the night on the Pennsylvania side of the bridge at the Roebling Inn on the Delaware. Located between the Roebling Bridge and the Zane Grey Museum, the 1870 clapboard home turned Inn use to be owned by the Delaware Hudson Canal Company, as were many of the buildings in the area. It features expertly appointed guest rooms with such quaint amenities as fireplaces and antique claw-foot tubs that are perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration. Overnight accommodations at the Roebling Inn on the Delaware are also easy on the wallet with double occupancy rates starting at $99 per night. Advance reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Inn’s staff directly. Eagle Watch Institute Until Next Time Antiques Barryville Farmer’s Market Chocolate Mousse Café and Bakery Minisink Valley Historical Society Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Zane Grey Museum Roebling Inn on the Delaware The post Barryville and Minisink Ford, NY: A Travel Guide appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/barryville-minisink-ford-ny-travel-guide/
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The post Traveling to Mexico? Here is What You Should Know and Avoid appeared first on Footloose. You have decided to go to Mexico. Great! Where are you going to? Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, or the tourist hotspots such as: Can Cun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco? Wherever you go there are a couple of things you should ALWAYS keep in mind when traveling to Mexico. First, here are some suggestions of things you should do: One Don’t do anything stupid. It goes without saying, but chances are you are not an expert on the laws of Mexico. If you commit a crime in Mexico, unlike the U.S., you are not innocent until proved guilty. They assume you are guilty, then you pay your way out. Two When traveling to Mexico, avoid flashing your wealth. If you can, put most of your money on your card, many places will take your card. If you must have cash, trade it into pesos as soon as you can, carrying or showing dollars make you more prone to abduction, or robbery. Three Always know where you are going. Make a plan of your travel route. See the place you want to travel by day, and so when you travel it at night you will have some idea of where you are going. Also, make sure it’s well lit. Four If you go to a tropical hot spot such as Can Cun, Playa or Acapulco, be on the lookout for weird situations, specially in places like clubs or bars. Five Know emergency contacts. Find out the numbers for the police, hospitals and the like. Speak with the receptionist at the hotel about these things, they may be able to print you a list of numbers. Six Buy a prepaid cel phone. They are very cheap and a great way to communicate with friends around town if you decide to split up. Remember communication is key, and can save your life in case somehting bad should happen. Seven: Go in groups, the old saying “safety in numbers” is very true. You are less likely to be robbed, hurt or have anything bad happen to you if you travel in groups. Now, here is a list of things you should avoid: One: I mentioned not doing anything stupid. Here is what can land you in jail: public drunkeness, destroying property, breaking laws such as jay walking, making a scence, getting in a fight, getting in a fight with the locals. Two: Carring large ammounts of cash (dollars or pesos). If you are going to be buying touristy things, make sure that you pay for them in cash, because many times you can make a deal with the merchants, specially on the beach. Three: Dark places, very crowded clubs. Yes, it’s hard to avoid these two, specially if the club you go to is very hot. Watch out for the drinks. If you are going to get a drink at a club make sure you see the bartender open it up. Also, most bars are open bars, which means you get unlimited drinks, for this reason, if the drink looks suspicious, take it back or ask for another one, it’s no big deal. Four: This one is funny, avoid time share dealers. In beach destinations avoid sales people who will want you to buy a time share. It’s not worth it. It sounds great, but you don’t want to get in debt when traveling to Mexico, you want to have fun. Five: Avoid tap water. It is not like the U.S. Most tap water is non-potable. If you get water at a restaurant make sure it is bottled water. Many tourists report getting suck due to the water they have drank in Mexico. Six: Avoid flashing jewelry, cash, high tech devices, watches, gold, silver and such. Remember, always use common sense, don’t break the law, don’t get incredibly drunk, and keep safe while traveling to Mexico, you will enjoy the place even more. Have fun! The post Traveling to Mexico? Here is What You Should Know and Avoid appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/traveling-mexico-know-avoid/ The post Enjoy the Best Of Russia At 2018 FIFA World Cup! appeared first on Footloose. However, there is more to Russia — this is also a country boasting of glorious civilisations, rich history, culture,music, theatres, art, literature, and beautiful cities like Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Sochi. The year 2018 marks a special occasion in Russia’s history with the nation is all set to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet — The 2018 FIFA World Cup! This is undoubtedly going to be the best time to explore Russia while enjoying the festive spirit of the football world cup. Check out top destinations that you must visit during the 2018 FIFA World Cup (14 June 2018 to 17 July 2018). MoscowThe Russian capital is indeed the incarnation of beauty. Founded in the 12th century, Moscow is a buzzing metropolitan city with a renowned nightlife scene, restaurants, cafes, art and culture galleries, opera theatres, and wonderful architecture. Places of interest — Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Theatre, Pushkin Museum. Saint PetersburgSaint Petersburg is an embodiment of the best of Russia’s artistic and creative talents. Established as an Imperial capital by Peter I the Great, way back in 1703, Saint Petersburg today stands as a testament to the very best of Russian creative magnificence. From stately palaces to rich museums to opulent theatres; this stunning city is the main tourist destination of Russia. Places of interest — Hermitage Museum, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Church of the Saviour on Blood, Palace Square, Peterhof Palace, Mariinsky Theatre, Pavlovsk Palace. KaliningradKaliningrad, the western most city of Russia, has a typical Baltic look and feel and is sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. Check out attractions like the Kaliningrad Amber Museum, Brandenburg Gate, Kreuzkirche, Königsberg Cathedral, Fort Friedrichsburg, and Kaliningrad Central Park. EkaterinburgEkaterinburg is the fourth largest city of Russia located at the foot of the Ural Mountains. The city is one of the leading sport, industries and diplomatic centres in Russia. Visit the Church of All Saints, Rastorguyev-Kharitonov Palace, Historic Square, Ekaterinburg Zoo and Ipatiev House. KazanKazan is one of the oldest cities of Russia known for its rich and diverse culture, and renowned for its higher education and sporting centres. Kazan is also a centre of Russian Tartar culture. Visit the Kazan Kremlin, Kaban Lakes, Temple of All Religions, the Qolsarif Mosque, Soyembika Tower, and the National Museum of the Republic Tatarstan. SochiThe Black Sea resort town of Sochi rose to global prominence following the successful conclusion of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Sochi lies on the coast of Black Sea amidst the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, earning its nickname “Russian Riviera”. Enjoy plethora of activities like mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, diving, sailing, and para gliding, along with the pulsating World Cup matches. VolgogradVolgograd, situated on the banks of River Volga, has emerged as a key centre of shipbuilding, oil refining, steel and aluminium industry. Volgograd is also the hub of ecotourism and boasts of beautiful lakes and over 200 species of birds. See the statue of Mamayev Kurgan (a memorial complex dedicated to the fierce Battle of Stalingrad during WWII, among other attractions. Rostov-On-DonRostov-On-Don was founded way back in 1749 and eventually became the home of the freedom-loving and fierce warrior community of Cossacks. Rostov-On-Don has wonderful, scenic beaches, charming parks, delightful cuisines, and is a major cultural and transportation hub of Southern Russia. SaranskFounded as early as 1641, Saransk is the capital of the Republic of Mordovia. This small Russian city boasts of a rich ethnographic diversity and has preserved its culture, language, and customs. The city is also known for its famous ethnographic and folk festivals. SamaraSamara served as the de-facto capital of the USSR during WWII. Today, Samara is one of the most prominent cities of the Volga region and is home to the Russian aerospace industry. In Samara, do visit the 37-meter deep bunker belonging to Joseph Stalin, and other key attractions like the Zhigulevskie Hills, and the Volga River, among others. Nizhny NovgorodNizhny Novgorod is a charming Russian city that flourished as a key merchant and business city due to its favourable location along the Volga River. The city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Russia and has a 16th century Kremlin (fort) that has a two-kilometre-long fortified wall with 13 watchtowers. Nizhny Novgorod is also associated with the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky. The post Enjoy the Best Of Russia At 2018 FIFA World Cup! appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/enjoy-best-russia-2018-fifa-world-cup/ The post Enjoy the Best Of Russia At 2018 FIFA World Cup! appeared first on Footloose. However, there is more to Russia — this is also a country boasting of glorious civilisations, rich history, culture,music, theatres, art, literature, and beautiful cities like Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Sochi. The year 2018 marks a special occasion in Russia’s history with the nation is all set to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet — The 2018 FIFA World Cup! This is undoubtedly going to be the best time to explore Russia while enjoying the festive spirit of the football world cup. Check out top destinations that you must visit during the 2018 FIFA World Cup (14 June 2018 to 17 July 2018). MoscowThe Russian capital is indeed the incarnation of beauty. Founded in the 12th century, Moscow is a buzzing metropolitan city with a renowned nightlife scene, restaurants, cafes, art and culture galleries, opera theatres, and wonderful architecture. Places of interest — Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Theatre, Pushkin Museum. Saint PetersburgSaint Petersburg is an embodiment of the best of Russia’s artistic and creative talents. Established as an Imperial capital by Peter I the Great, way back in 1703, Saint Petersburg today stands as a testament to the very best of Russian creative magnificence. From stately palaces to rich museums to opulent theatres; this stunning city is the main tourist destination of Russia. Places of interest — Hermitage Museum, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Church of the Saviour on Blood, Palace Square, Peterhof Palace, Mariinsky Theatre, Pavlovsk Palace. KaliningradKaliningrad, the western most city of Russia, has a typical Baltic look and feel and is sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. Check out attractions like the Kaliningrad Amber Museum, Brandenburg Gate, Kreuzkirche, Königsberg Cathedral, Fort Friedrichsburg, and Kaliningrad Central Park. EkaterinburgEkaterinburg is the fourth largest city of Russia located at the foot of the Ural Mountains. The city is one of the leading sport, industries and diplomatic centres in Russia. Visit the Church of All Saints, Rastorguyev-Kharitonov Palace, Historic Square, Ekaterinburg Zoo and Ipatiev House. KazanKazan is one of the oldest cities of Russia known for its rich and diverse culture, and renowned for its higher education and sporting centres. Kazan is also a centre of Russian Tartar culture. Visit the Kazan Kremlin, Kaban Lakes, Temple of All Religions, the Qolsarif Mosque, Soyembika Tower, and the National Museum of the Republic Tatarstan. SochiThe Black Sea resort town of Sochi rose to global prominence following the successful conclusion of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Sochi lies on the coast of Black Sea amidst the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, earning its nickname “Russian Riviera”. Enjoy plethora of activities like mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, diving, sailing, and para gliding, along with the pulsating World Cup matches. VolgogradVolgograd, situated on the banks of River Volga, has emerged as a key centre of shipbuilding, oil refining, steel and aluminium industry. Volgograd is also the hub of ecotourism and boasts of beautiful lakes and over 200 species of birds. See the statue of Mamayev Kurgan (a memorial complex dedicated to the fierce Battle of Stalingrad during WWII, among other attractions. Rostov-On-DonRostov-On-Don was founded way back in 1749 and eventually became the home of the freedom-loving and fierce warrior community of Cossacks. Rostov-On-Don has wonderful, scenic beaches, charming parks, delightful cuisines, and is a major cultural and transportation hub of Southern Russia. SaranskFounded as early as 1641, Saransk is the capital of the Republic of Mordovia. This small Russian city boasts of a rich ethnographic diversity and has preserved its culture, language, and customs. The city is also known for its famous ethnographic and folk festivals. SamaraSamara served as the de-facto capital of the USSR during WWII. Today, Samara is one of the most prominent cities of the Volga region and is home to the Russian aerospace industry. In Samara, do visit the 37-meter deep bunker belonging to Joseph Stalin, and other key attractions like the Zhigulevskie Hills, and the Volga River, among others. Nizhny NovgorodNizhny Novgorod is a charming Russian city that flourished as a key merchant and business city due to its favourable location along the Volga River. The city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Russia and has a 16th century Kremlin (fort) that has a two-kilometre-long fortified wall with 13 watchtowers. Nizhny Novgorod is also associated with the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky. The post Enjoy the Best Of Russia At 2018 FIFA World Cup! appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/enjoy-best-russia-2018-fifa-world-cup/ The post Traveling To New Cities Using a Limousine Service appeared first on Footloose. Are you excited to get ready for your next vacation, or maybe you get ready for a business trip and want everything to be set up ahead of time so you can make the most out of your experience? Whatever the purpose of the trip may be, traveling can be an exciting, relaxing time if you take care of certain aspects. Transportation is one of the main things to consider when you prepare for your trip. Especially if you are planning to go to a city that you have never visited before, the risk of not having a service of transportation may be significantly increased and being left at the airport with nowhere to go is not a desirable situation. As soon as you arrive at your destination, you will have to take a taxi, rent a car, take a public transportation or call an acquaintance to pick you up. All these options require extra work, preparation, money and sometimes none of them is possible. Not to mention that, as a foreigner, you can easily be taken advantage of and the situation can get out of hands in a matter of minutes. But luckily, there is a solution to your transportation dilemma and that is the limousine service. Nowadays, limousine services are more and more popular especially since the price quality ratio is rather affordable to most categories of people. Why choose a limousine transportation service?First reason should be that it is the safest transportation service you can choose! You do not take any risks regarding your comfort and your luggage. The chauffeurs working for such a service are responsible and have a professional behaviour as well as clean driving records and years of experience; all of these skills being provided in order to keep you safe and comfortable during your trip. The vehicles, limousine style ones, are usually equipped with a high level of options and you will be able to choose the one that fits your needs the most. But along with these advantages, there are others such as a safe payment system since you will pay a bill already established beforehand so you will have no financial surprises which are always a good thing. Another advantage is the fact that a limousine service will, indeed, make your experience different from your daily routine life which will allow you to completely relax and enjoy the ride. There are many options when it comes to companies, here is a good example of professional limo service in Chicago, companies you are picking should have sites with similar characteristics. Like, clearly described services and pricing, easy online booking and last but not least decent reviews. When you book your limousine service you might want to consider the type of car you will need, your budget and options that way the final deal is the best one for you. So, spoil yourself with one of the best transportation services and feel the comfort you deserve! Now that you took care of the transportation aspect of your trip, let’s look at some helpful tips you might need to know when you travel to a city that you have never been to before. Make sure you have enough cash with you.Sure, credit cards are of great help nowadays but what if you end up in a new city, with no possibility to reach an ATM and with no cash in your pocket? Not an ideal case at all especially under the stress of being in a new place and now knowing how the system works. If you bring cash with you and never spend it, even better. You can always put it back into your bank account when you get back. Do some research regarding the culture of the city you are planning to visit!Yes, this is important, maybe more than you think. You might expect to get adapted in a miraculous way as soon as you reach your destination but without a previous research, many things might shock you and put you on the spot or even get you in trouble. Spend a few moments and click away online to see what are the “dos” and the “don’ts” of the city and then try to integrate for everybody’s sake. Buy your water!Drinking the local public water might not be a very good idea. You will probably think that is fine because everyone else is drinking it so why would it harm you? The answer is simple because your immunity system didn’t have a chance to develop any immunity to the new environment that you are exposing it to. Therefore, what seems perfectly fine and safe for the locals, might not be so safe for you. Go to a supermarket and buy an international brand of water to begin, with. At least until you get used to the new habitat. Have the right phone numbers!This is a crucial point. Make sure you have important contacts in your phone or agenda such as the police, the ambulance, the embassy that you belong to and possible other authorities that could help you in case you get yourself into an awkward or dangerous situation. This is highly important especially if you go to a city where you don’t speak the language and you don’t have many acquaintances to help you. Unexpected situations do happen and it is better to be ready than sorry. Always have a map with you.If you go to a city you have never been to before, maps are your friends, possibly your best friends. Make sure you keep it close to you and decide the route you are going to take accordingly. Is better than getting lost and spending extra money to get back on track. Looks like you are all set! Now all you have to do is follow these tips and book your limousine service to guide you through the new world that you are about to discover. No matter the differences that you might encounter, make sure to relax and always enjoy the ride! The post Traveling To New Cities Using a Limousine Service appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/traveling-using-limousine-service/ The post Sofia Travel Guide appeared first on Footloose. So, first up is Sofia, the lovely capital city of Bulgaria: Why did I choose to go to Sofia?
The cheapness of the country cannot be understated. The travel to the country only set me back £65, with the AirBnb flat costing £40 for 3 nights, and that isn’t even getting started on how cheap the food and expenses are when you actually arrive in the city! So, having enjoyed a lot of what Sofia had to offer, here’s some tips and advice for visiting Sofia: Ensure you have lots of sun cream!When it’s sunny, there’s no clouds and next to no shade around the city, so you don’t wanna get sunburnt when you’re spending most of your days walking around. We managed to buy some sun cream in one of the first shops we visited for 13 lev — a bit pricey for sure, but definitely essential should you not want to be uncomfortable whilst exploring. Never ask for extras when ordering anythingShould you order anything, from a hotdog, to a burger at restaurant, never ask for anything or say yes to what the waiter asks. One day I wanted a hot dog in the park, so saw a stand saying they were selling some for 2.50 lev. I pointed to the hot dog, so the man started making it. He then asked if I wanted cheese, or fries in it, to which I said yeah sure. Two seconds later when he’s already finished making it he asks for 7.00 lev! Not having any idea what had happened, I paid, and just thought I was a fool. That night, we got a burger at a restaurant, and proceeded to ask for fries to share with the burger. The menu said that extra’s with the burgers would cost 1.90 lev, so imagine our surprise when we were charged 6.00 lev for the very same thing! Both times we deviated ever so slightly from the exact quote, and were charged 3 times as much for doing so! So be warned: you will be ripped off if you’re not careful! Visit a local Billa and grab some pretzel sticksI’m not even shitting you, for 30p you can get some of the best snacks in the world. It’s genuinely mental how good these small snacks are! You can easily distinguish them from the red packaging and a panda on the front. You will not regret getting them. Buy a litre of Beer, because well, you canI unfortunately didn’t manage to take a pic of this, but man oh man, do the Bulgarians love their beer! Every shop visited had a selection of beers all ranging from 1.09 lev (for a glass bottle beer), to 2 lev for a 1 litre plastic bottle beer! We managed to spend 3.50 lev (around £1.75) on 2 litres of fairly good tasting beer, a fantastic bargain in my books! Go on the Free Sofia Walking Tour, you won’t regret itThe Free Sofia Walking Tour (as the name implies) is a free tour which takes you around the best sights of Sofia, giving you a massive amount of facts and tidbits so you can impress friends and family with your knowledge of another land. It only lasts a few hours, with the guides being extremely knowledgeable, so is definitely worth it should you decide to donate some money at the end. If you’re into cake, visit the Grand HotelHarking back to what I said earlier, the cheapness of Bulgaria helps you live the life of luxury for relatively little cash. No other location makes you truly feel rich better than The Grand Hotel. For the grand total of 20 lev (around £10), me and Lucy we able to enjoy gorgeous coffee, and fantastic cake. It may be a bit more money than the cheapness I’ve previously mentioned , but for this level of quality you’d usually expect to pay £25-£50 in the UK. Visiting massive old churches for free is cool, but your time could be better used elsewhereI’m not a religious person, but have loved churches I’ve explored in the past. The Vatican City for example was genuinely amazing, with so much to see and do. The same could be said for Gloucester cathedral, right here in the UK. Sofia’s churches are all free to enter and explore, the issue is, they’re boring as hell. Massive empty rooms, with next-to-no art what-so-ever is not my ideal way to be entertained, especially when everyone in the locations look down on you as if you’re scum and you’re annoying them for even being there. By all means pop in a couple, just don’t be surprised if you leave a few minutes later feeling bored and non-the wiser about the history of the building itself. If you’re visiting for more than 3 days, plan to visit other townsWhilst Sofia is lovely, it’s actually fairly small when it comes to tourist things to do. Most cities have palace’s to explore, or so many monuments you can never truly see them all — not so with Sofia. We found that 2 whole days of exploring (with one of those days including the walking tour) was more than enough for Sofia, with us seeing the same streets over and over, so much so that we started to get bored and actively went out of our way to find new experiences. Our third day was meant to entail getting a bus out to the mountains and seeing more of the country of Bulgaria. Unfortunately, the weather really got in the way of this, meaning pictures taken in the mountains would have been terrible, with us not exactly wanting to get back to the flat soaked through to our bone. So yeah, plan ahead of time and ensure you see more of Bulgaria than just its capital, otherwise you may just get bored. Museums are randomly closed on MondaysLearn from our mistake: don’t make plans to explore each of the museums on a day they aren’t open. Why Monday is the day everywhere’s closed is beyond me, just heed our words. So there you go! My first ever travel post! If you have any questions about anything I’ve said here, or want to know what you could do, please do reach out to me, I’m always happy to help! The post Sofia Travel Guide appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/sofia-travel-guide/ The post Tips for Traveling to Europe appeared first on Footloose. England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland At the end of May my mother, sister, and I left to meet my father in England. My father had been working in Iraq and we thought it would be the trip of a life time for our family. Sadly it was a trip of a life time for us but not in the way we had all hoped. The roads were more confusing than we had ever thought possible, the hotel rooms were cold and small, and gas stations with no bathrooms only added to the tension in the car. I am sharing this information because it could have all have gone another way. It all started when we got the car. We had found the perfect car to spend our two week vacation in. It had plenty of room and we thought we had done well. We were meeting my father at the hotel and in our excitement we made our first mistake. We forgot to ask for a GPS system. We quickly realized our mistake and decided to stop off at a gas station to look for a map. This did not go a smooth as we thought. First off there are things called round-a-bouts. I know we have some round-a-bouts in the good old USA but not like they have. They literally have no intersections, they only have round-abouts. Also their road signs are confusing. We had no idea where we were or where we were going. Couple this with the fact that the stick shift was on the wrong side and we were driving on the wrong side of the road we thought we were going to die. After receiving nine different confusing directions to a gas station we finally found on. We almost cried out of joy as we walked out with our map, that was before we realized the road map does not really help when it comes to the round-a-bouts. Some how we made it back to the car rental place two hours later and got the GPS system. We made the ten mile trip from the car rental place to the hotel in the grand total time of three hours. One good thing about London was that they had no cops. Police are just there to take care of crimes not speeding tickets. They do have cameras on the road sides but these seem to matter little to the locals. When driving you must go fast. The fast lane is the lane closest to the inside of the road. When someone comes up behind you, get over! These people know how to drive and they do not take kindly to slow drivers. They will politely flash their lights when you are in their way. If you do not get over you will soon find yourself the recipient of rude hand movements, and violent verbal assaults. Also they have roads that are big enough for just one car at a time. If you are as unfortunate to find yourself on one of these roads you may have to back up a long way to let the other person by. This could also get you in an argument with a less than happy local. Stone walls on either side makes it seem as if you are going to break the mirrors off of the car. For the poor person that has to drive these roads, I ask on their behalf that no one does the typical backseat driver routine. If they do, well driver stop the car and hand over the keys. Let them drive for a few minutes and they will no longer be so vocal when it comes to your driving. BOOK YOUR HOTELS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STATES! We had all but two days booked and we thought we would be fine. No my friends, we were not. A rugby game was going on and for 50 miles we could not find a room. The hotels also will most likely only allow two people to a room. So families start looking months a head of time to find your rooms. For some reason Scotland will give you the most problems with this. The rooms are very hard to find in advance and trust me, you will spend endless hours on this problem. The rooms will come with two towels only, and no wash clothes. They say it is to conserve energy but I say they were being cheap. At every hotel we went to I was cold. I could not get the heat up enough and several hotels said the heaters were broken. Maybe it is just because I am from Florida that I was so cold but my entire family took long hot showers before going to bed so that they would be warm enough to fall asleep. The rooms were all clean and nice but they just seemed to fall short next to American hotels. If you want to relax and watch some T.V. before bed, look hard for a hotel that offers that. At all the hotels we went to they all offered only three or four local channels. Luckily most of them had American movies playing all day. Smokers be sure to pack enough smokes to make it through. Cigarettes are expensive and they are not as strong. They also have great pictures on them that almost made my mother stop smoking. If you are a smoker you will need a cigarette after trying to park you car in the tiny parking spaces they provide. At a parking garage we went to they had empty spaces, not because they had no one to fill them, but because it was impossible to park your car. Even people who are accustom to this sort of thing have problems and will, instead, park on the side walk. And I mean all four tiers on the side walk. Besides all of this, Europe is amazing. Walking around in Bath, seeing the cliffs in Ireland, seeing the castles, the whisky in Scotland, the beer in Ireland. All of it is amazing and something you can just not see in America. History is every where and the locals are more than happy to help, especially if you are looking for a good pub. Things could have gone better if we had only known. The extra money you spend on having someone else planing your trip could be well worth it. All in all Europe is different and you should prepare yourself by doing the research. A well planed trip to Europe could become the best trip of your life. The post Tips for Traveling to Europe appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/tips-traveling-europe/ The post Bristol, Tennessee Vacation Travel Cheap Things to Do and See appeared first on Footloose. When people think of Bristol, Tennessee they automatically think of NASCAR’s Bristol Motor Speedway. While that is a great place to visit, Bristol, Tennessee can be a great vacation destination in its own right. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting. We found enough things to see and do to keep our family occupied over a long weekend. Bristol, Tennessee is a short drive from two other cities in East Tennessee, Kingsport and Johnson City. The city also spills over into Bristol, Virginia. Essentially, the state line runs through the middle of town. This makes it essentially one city in two states. There are lots of interesting things to do and see in Bristol, Tennessee. The pace is slower than what you’ll find in most cities. Life beckons you to slow down and enjoy being in a well of southern hospitality. We did just that and we enjoyed our visit to Bristol, TN. I hope you will too. The Steele Creek Park and Nature Center The State Street Farmer’s Market South Holston Dam Today the South Holston Dam and reservoir also acts as a tourist spot. Here you’ll find a picnic area, fishing pier, trails and visitor center. It is a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Bristol Caverns Historic Downtown Bristol The post Bristol, Tennessee Vacation Travel Cheap Things to Do and See appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/bristol-tennessee-vacation-travel-cheap-things-see/ The post Why You Should Travel to Libya appeared first on Footloose. Libya is fast becoming a new, fun and exotic place to visit for many people. There is a little something for everyone to be found in this North African country. For history buffs, there are ancient cities that date back to the Phoenician Empire and World War II battle fields made famous by the Desert Fox. For those who enjoy history in the making look no further, Libya is an oil rich country that has only recently decided to join the rest of the international community. And for the brave among us who enjoy sleeping under the stars, and taking roads less traveled, I ask what could be more interesting than visiting the Sahara. Libya is certainly a country with enough variety to satisfy many palettes. The doors to this Mediterranean jewel have only recently been opened so there would be much in the way of elbow rubbing with other tourists. And anyone who tells you that you’ll find terrorists lurking there, waiting for innocent westerners needs to recheck their facts. Libya is a country that desperately wants to be readmitted into the global community. After years of a foreign embargo, the oil rich country is seeking prosperity, and tourists welcome with open arms because they are a sign that this country has a new beginning. In fact this is a country that is doing everything it can to bring unity to the African Continent. The first to things to consider when planning a trip to Libya are securing a visa and a guide. The process of obtaining a visa is not as daunting as it sounds. The most important, and in some cases only, step is choosing a tour company. This is because all tourists in Libya are required to have an escort. An incident occurred in 2000 in which some ancient sites were vandalized, and subsequently all tourists must be accompanied with a guide. In most if not all cases this is a good thing, especially for those who plan to visit the Sahara, because a tour guide is guaranteed to be part of your package. Also once the tour company has been paid, everything is paid for except money for shopping. Some words of advice; do as much shopping around for a tour company as possible, and to be specific about your itinerary. Speaking of which, there is so much to do here that it really is in your best interests to plan ahead of time. Those interested in history without the adventure of the Sahara should definitely visit the capitol city of Tripoli. This is a city full of rich history; the Arch of Marcus Aurelius bears witness to this. Yet this is also a town undergoing new-found economic prosperity. It is indeed a great meeting place for past and present. World War Two buffs will definitely enjoy a trip to the city of Tobruk, the site of major battles and now memorials and cemeteries and even a bomber that crashed in the Sahara. Whatever you do don’t miss the ancient Greek city of Cyrene or the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna and take your time at both. If you feel like taking a worth-while trip, make sure that you see the region known as the Jebel Nafusa and the city of Ghadames. Here you can see ancient Berber architecture and an ancient African trade nexus in Ghadames. When planning a trip into the desert be sure that you have prepared: two four wheel drive vehicles, plenty of water and food, a satellite phone and most importantly an experienced guide. Wherever your destination, make sure that you follow some simple rules of etiquette in Libya. Even though the political climate has improved dramatically and continues to improve, most people will shy away from political conversations. Remember that Libya is a Muslim country, so be sure to dress modestly and be modest in respect to the opposite gender. Bring a gift when invited to someone’s home, and don’t turn away an offer of food or drink. Most if not all reports of Libya include good hospitality and kindness, but remember to always use caution in a foreign environment. The post Why You Should Travel to Libya appeared first on Footloose. from https://www.footloosetours.com/why-you-should-travel-to-libya/ The post Summer Travel to Italy on a Budget appeared first on Footloose. If the wind blows you to Europe this summer, you may be worried about surviving a vacation without going over-budget and spending more than you can realistically afford. When my family of four headed to Italy last summer for two weeks, staying within our budget was our first priority. Thankfully, Italy is filled with culture, varied accommodations, and delicious food that doesn’t have to break the bank. If a summer vacation to Italy is on the agenda, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can make the holiday work within a realistic budget. Consider self-catering accommodations, sometimes outside of the city limits. While hostels are typically the cheapest way to travel through Europe, they aren’t always known for their cleanliness, hospitality, and can’t meet the needs of families or those traveling with children or the elderly. Instead of a hostel, consider self-catering accommodations for your summer vacation to Italy. We chose to rent a car and stay in the Tuscan countryside, in a small villa within a secluded hamlet. Sound idyllic and a little too good to be true, especially for the budget conscious? In fact, the three bedroom, 1 ½ bathroom apartment with a living room and kitchen cost only 700 Euro a week. Because we were able to shop and cook for ourselves sometimes, we not only saved money on the lodging, but on our meals as well. Even with the rental car, it was cheaper to book through To Tuscany than it would have been to stay at a hotel large enough for a family of four in a major city like Florence. Take advantage of the free sights and traditional Italian culture at your fingertips. Rather than spend all of your money seeing museums and pricier exhibits, consider taking advantage of the exterior architecture of a city like Florence, instead. Walk the streets with nothing but a guidebook, rather than an expensive guided tour. See the inside of Il Duomo in Florence, but skip the inside of pricier exhibits. One of the best ways to get a real feel for Italy and to take in the city you’re in is to find a good coffee shop, and sit outside with a cup of coffee or a gelato. It won’t cost you tons of money and you can spend hours immersed and soaking up the atmosphere. Avoid the high season. An early summer vacation to Italy can save you more money than a holiday in the late summer. July vacations are often more expensive than June’s, and you’ll avoid the dreadful summer heat by just a little bit. Accommodations are less expensive in May and June than they are in July and August, and the cities will be less crowded, too. Take a drive or a train ride, rather than spending your days caught up in a congested and expensive city. Some of our favorite memories from our summer vacation in Italy aren’t of the expensive meals or the artwork that we saw, but rather of the drives through Chianti and the Italian countryside. Find small villages to explore, spend a day at a pool in the Tuscan hills (our hamlet had one of it’s own for guests), or visit a vineyard and sample some of the wines fresh from the source. Day trips by train, bus, or car are highlights of an Italian holiday, and don’t cost as much as spending the day inside the city. Italy is filled with culture, varied accommodations, and delicious food that doesn’t have to break the bank. If a summer vacation to Italy is on the agenda, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can make the holiday work within a realistic budget. 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