Located just north of the Italian border (7km) in southern Switzerland, Lugano (the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland) is home to lakeside retreats, gourmet eateries, galleries, museums, universities and world-class shopping.
Read more about Lugano, here.
Written By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com
Malecón 2000 is the name given to boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil. An urban renewal project focusing on the old Simón Bolívar boardwalk, it stands along the west shore of the river for an approximate length of 2.5 km. (1.5 mi.) Several of the greatest historical monuments in the history of Guayaquil can be seen along its length, as well as museums, gardens, fountains, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, food courts, the first IMAX theater in South America, as well as boarding docks where several embarkations offer both daytime and nighttime tours up and down the Guayas River. It is one of the largest works realized in Guayaquil and it is considered a model of urban regeneration by global standards, having been declared a healthy public space’ by the Pan-American Organization of Health (POH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Definitely worth a visit, but don’t be in a hurry…this walk demands taking it slowly to enjoy it all.
We had come prepared to this tropical extravaganza…we knew we would be walking in areas where it was wet so had all bought rubber boots. We saw flowers, we saw fruits and tasted fruits right off the plant. We even found a small birds nest while we were trekking through the plantation…what a visit. To see teeny tiny cacao pods and baby bananas, to split open a cacao pod and pick away at the seeds, which are a sweet sour taste, to watch how the flowers are treated and prepared for delivery, it was all such an experience. This is a huge place and demands hours to fully appreciate it. A circle of information really as you start out seeing where the plants are grown, then watching the fruit ripen and the flowers mature, then they are cut and taken into the warehouse where they are prepared to be shipped all over the world. From the warehouse to the coolers to the trucks to the planes to the florists and then to you!
And then when it was all over…we left our boots as we knew they would be put to good use and appreciated…
Milan is either Italy’s second or first city, depending on whom you ask. While Rome may be the administrative capital, Milan is the country’s financial powerhouse, the fashion capital, and the heartland of the wealthy and productive North.
The city is vibrant and has many sights of interest, as well as being a good jumping-off place for other North Italy destinations, such as Lake Como and the Alps. It’s a good spot to spend a romantic city break, a long weekend, or as the starting point for a longer trip around Italy.
The new and upmarket Bvlgari hotel is re-knowned for being a cool nightspot, designer chic heaven and its luscious spa. A perfect place for couples wanting an oasis from the city yet is central enough to explore. If you travel in the low season you can pick up a room for about £180 per night. The luxurious spa is a destination in itself, offering expert Asian-inspired treatments to re-align your back and massages to soothe away tired shopper’s feet!
Follow me as I journey from the southern tip of Italy’s Puglia region all the way up to the Trento Alps. I’ll be focusing on budget-friendly travel, and I’ll rarely use a car. Along the way I’ll sample traditional foods, visit lesser-known ruins and cities, sample excellent wines, and visit local cooking schools, the entire two months living out of a backpack…
Day 39
Last night, to celebrate the dollar’s dramatic comeback against the euro, Kristin and I scoured Florence for the famous bistecca alla fiorentina. Made from a unique breed of cow, Chianina, the steak is served in huge slabs of between 1.5 lbs and 3 lbs, and traditionally cooked al sangue, which means “bloody.” I say “scoured” because the prices of bistecca alla fiorentina vary, and I was looking for the best combination of price and quality. I discovered that most restaurants charge 45 euros per kilo (2.2 lbs); the cheapest I found the steak for was 30/kilo, and the most expensive was 55/kilo.
We ate at Gusta Osteria, and the meal was excellent. The house-made pastas are authentic and inspired. The bistecca alla fiorentina was excellently simple: a very, very thin cut of beef, cooked to a succulent crisp on the outside, barely warm on the inside. I’ve only eaten raw beef that tender once before, and that was a porcini carpaccio in Puglia. Gusta Osteria is an impressive restaurant. During the day it operates a panino bar that serves cheap and delicious panini (3-4 euro) to go. It’s called Gustapanino. Right across from Chiesa di San Spirito, it’s a good way to grab lunch on the go.
Another traditional Tuscany dish is a soup called ribollita. So far I’ve sampled it at two restaurants. It is a rustic soup composed of bread, fava beans, black cabbage, and other vegetables. The bread makes the soup very light. Certainly a good example of a dish from Italy’s culinary past that’s still alive today. I highly suggest sampling it for yourself.
I’ll leave you with a tip for finding cheap accommodations in Florence. Online booking sites do not include many of the cheaper hotels in Florence. This means that, if you’re willing to roll the dice, you can shop around upon arrival. There are probably 30 hotels just around the train station, most of which are respectable, offer free WiFi, and cheap. Go door to door and get the best price. We found ours for 40 euros/night with WiFi. Not bad for peak season. However, I don’t recommend trying your luck during July or August.
Tomorrow I’m renting a car and heading for Tuscany’s wine country, where I’ll taste the latest Chianti wines. I can’t wait to hit the road.
Gusta Osteria
Via De’ Michelozzi 13/r
Florence, Italy
Written by and photos by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpCLose.com
This holiday idea How to pack a suitcase – tips for packing a case is a great tip from the guest travel writers at Europe & Beyond full of terrific travel tips.
Save money and back ache going hand luggage only – but there’s an art to getting it all in the case.
Guest post from travel writer and blogger Alison Chambers
On return from a recent trip to Cairo, I looked across the baggage belt at Heathrow to see a couple of women passengers grabbing armloads of clothes and underwear off the belt and dumping them on the floor. “Some poor sod’s bag has broken,” the guy next to me muttered.
I looked down to see one of my M & S new dresses glide past me on the baggage belt. I was that poor sod.
My bag had split open because I’d stuffed it full, many of the clothes returning unworn, and as a result my holiday wardrobe was doing a catwalk of shame around Terminal 3.
From that moment I vowed to take my own advice: to pack light and travel hand luggage only.
It’s not just the threat of humiliation that’s a good reason to travel light – there’s the strain of lugging a heavy bag stuffed with clothes you won’t wear – according to a survey released this week by tour operators Thomson and First Choice, only 16 per cent of us actually wear all of the clothes we take on holiday. And then there’s the cost of travelling with hold luggage.
This summer Ryanair is charging £60 to take a 20kg bag on a return trip, or £100 if you don’t pay the charge in advance. Frankly, that’s money I’d rather be spending on ice creams and pina coladas.
I’ve tried to summarise all the little gems that I’ve been told by hotel concierges, business travellers and fellow travel writers, to get as much in as possible and keep clothes crease-free and undamaged.
Here are a few more pointers about what to pack and tips how to pack:
How to pack it into a suitcase that even Ryanair will allow onboard.
During the walk through the plantation we were amazed at the variety and sizes of orchid flowers – from the smallest to the largest orchids – some so tiny and fragile you have to observe them with a loupe. You can see a small yellow orchid being held – that is a Dracula orchid and if you look closely you can see the little monkey face. There are more there…You wonder why orchids might cost a lot? Each crossing takes about 5 years and to see the flower add another 3 years to that. He even let us into an area that had his very special orchids..what a treat that was! We were all in orchid overdrive here…Ecuagenera was launched 50 years ago with the arrival of Father Angel Andreetta. As a result of his work in 1968, it was possible for Ecuador to participate for the first time in a world exposition of orchids in Columbia. Wanting his work to continue, Andreetta found help from a young man who demonstrated a real love for nature, Mario Portilla, who would become his main ally for many years.
I also thought it was great that they have school for children. They have 150 students taking courses in computers, accounting and tourism.
The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands and is home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market. Here you will find ponchos, embroidered blouses and shirts (extremely well priced), ceramics, wall hangings, native jewelry and authentic Panama hats plus fruit, vegetables and just about anything else you can think of! Saturday is the best day to visit as there are hundreds of stands set up so we will not only enjoy a fun day but walking around and watching the stall owners, you will see what these people are like….wonderful and very friendly. Otavalo is the most famous Indian market in Ecuador and much of South America!
The textile industry was established in 1540 and became home to textile haciendas where the Indians, under Spanish control, would weave up to 200,000 yards of fabric a year. That was traded locally or in Peru or Potosi. What started out hard for them has turned into a sustaining ability to earn a living to this day.
This holiday idea Gran Canaria: Wonderful Beaches Beautiful Landscapes is a great tip from the guest travel writers at Europe & Beyond full of terrific travel tips.
The Canary Islands are a very popular tourist attraction. One of the most popular islands in this chain is the Gran Canaria. This translates from Spanish roughly as ‘grand canary’. This island is found around 93 miles off of the coast of Africa. It is the second most populated of the islands, and the third island in the extension of the Canary Islands. A great fact that is popular among many tourists to this island is the fact that it is of volcanic birth. The area on the surface of the island a bit over 1,500 kilometers, with a width of around 50 kilometers, divided into 21 municipalities. As of the year 2005 the island itself was said to have a population of almost 1 million.
The climate of Gran Canaria can reach highs in the daytime of 20 degrees Celsius in the winter, and 26 degrees Celsius on the summertime. This is a wonderful temperature for people who would like to be somewhere that isn’t quite scorching, but doesn’t get below freezing. The coldest temperatures that can be found here are around 10 degrees Celsius, but are quite rare. There is a decent amount of rainfall on the island measuring around 230 millimeters are year. The entire island is beautiful but the southern part attracts the most attention due to its warmer climate. The northern part of the island is a bit chillier. The eastern part of the island is somewhat flat and covered in beaches. The western part of the island has numerous rocky areas and mountains.
There are many different types of landscapes that can be found on Gran Canaria, making it somewhat of a small continent. A few of these beautiful landscapes are the wonderful stretches of white sand dunes, golden sand beaches, and breathtaking ravines. Historical seekers will be happy to known that a third of the entire island has been made into a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The island is extremely popular and averages a couple million tourists each year looking for classic summer holidays.
There are many wonderful places to visit while on Gran Canaria holidays. For people who are interested in taking a view of the island from the skies, a visit to Tarahajilo offers an aero club that offers scenic trips. A place that has many caves to explore is Cenobio de Valeron, and the Ceuva Pintada has beautiful botanical gardens that can be explored. This makes this country a wonderful stop for anybody who is interested in the magnificence and beauty of nature.
Hungary is a must-see for anyone interested in Europe’s history, music, cuisine or culture. Hungarians have contributed some of the world’s best musicians, world class cuisine and a glorious medieval legacy. Budapest is a cosmopolitan city of old lanes and flashy people and has a lot to offer to everyone. The surrounding countryside is dotted with castles, fortresses, monasteries and beautiful villages and towns that hark back to the days when Hungary was a great empire. The Danube River flows across the country and right through Budapest — you should take the opportunity to float down this 
great river while in Hungary.
Passports are required to enter and leave Hungary. Visas are not required for US citizens for visits of less than 90 days. For longer visits, contact the nearest Hungarian embassy. Hungary is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which eases travel in 24 different European countries.
Obtaining a US passport
The US Government Website is where to start.
Visa information
Embassy of the Republic of Hungary
3910 Shoemaker Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel (202) 362-6730
American Offices
The U.S. Embassy in Budapest
Szabadság tér 12
H-1054 Budapest
Tel: (36)(1) 475-4400 or (36)(1) 475-4703
After-hours emergency calls — for U.S. citizens only: (36)(1) 475-4703/4924
The Consular Section’s fax is (36)(1) 475-4188 or (36)(1) 475-4113
Culture and History of Hungary
There truly is too much to tell when it comes to Hungary’s storied history. Hungarians speak a language of the Finno-Ugric family, which ties them to the riders of the steppes that swept across Asia more than 100 years ago. In the 9th century, Arpad presided as the first ruler of the Magyar people (Hungarians), establishing a loose confederation of tribes that struck fear into the hearts of then unsettled Europe.
The Kingdom of Hungary was founded by Arpad’s great-grandson, King Stephen the First, who converted to Christianity and was crowned in December 1000, in the capital, Esztergom. When the Mongols invaded and destroyed much of the kingdom in the 13th century, the kings of Hungary ordered the construction of hundreds of walled fortresses and castles across the nation to protect from a second invasion. This network of fortresses worked well and Hungary was able to provide refuge for a host of defeated, harried peoples stumbling in from the east just ahead of the Mongols. Repeated conflicts with the rising Ottoman Empire eventually led to Hungary’s decline and dismemberment in the late 16th century. The Hapsurg Kings of Austria “allied” themselves with the Hungarians and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was born. This Empire would last until the end of WWI, when all of the old Empires were shattered by defeat or revolution or both. Hungary fought on the side of the Germans in both World Wars and suffered accordingly, when the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 took away 70% of the nation’s territory. Subsequent to WWII, the Soviets occupied the country and established a Communist dictatorship. The Hungarians rose up and were summarily crushed in 1956. Their struggle gave them great standing in the West and they were the first country to open their borders — with Austria — which hastened the fall of the USSR. Since the end of the Cold War, Hungary has struggled to make a free market economy work, and today the country is trucking along just fine as evidenced by the new construction that is such a common and encouraging sight across much of the urban landscape.
Currency in Hungary
Hungary uses the Forint. The exchange rate is currently(June 2010) 1USD = 200.370HUF
Driving in Hungary
Roads in Hungary are generally in good condition, although there is construction going on throughout the country, especially in the capital. Rural roads are quite narrow, badly lit and vary in condition from poor to good.
According to the US State Department, “Hungary recognizes international driver’s permits (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance when presented in conjunction with a state driver’s license. U.S. driver’s licenses will be accepted in Hungary for one year after arrival provided that a certified Hungarian translation has been attached to the license. Those with IDPs do not need to have the license translated, but must present both IDP and state driver’s license together. After one year in Hungary, U.S. citizens must obtain a 
Hungarian driver’s license.”
Electricity in Hungary
Electricity here is run off of 230V, 50Hz, so American travelers should bring converters or use local appliances.
Emergency Numbers in Hungary
Ambulance: 104 or 350-0388
Police: 107
Fire: 105
24-hour English speaker: 112
Etiquette in Hungary
Hungary is a family-oriented society with Central Asian roots. Close friends kiss each other on the cheek when greeting; although a predominantly male culture, women are treated as equals, but you should address a woman after she has addressed you first, or has been introduced if accompanied. You might be invited out for horseback riding, if so, accept. In terms of other etiquette, standard procedure applies i.e. be polite and respectful and you should be fine.
Public Hours in Hungary
Business hours in Hungary vary according to the store, but are generally from 9am to 6pm for smaller stores, more flexible for mom and pop shops and 7am to 7pm for larger supermarkets and multinational complexes. Banks stay open until 3 or 4pm, but close early on Friday. Post offices stay open a bit later, until roughly 5pm.
Safety
Hungary has a very low rate of violent crime, according to the US State Department, but there are definitely thieves and pickpockets as in every country. Take standard precautions with your money, wallets and valuables and be aware of your surroundings at night and you should be fine.
Time Zone
Hungary is in the Central European Time Zone (GMT+1)
Tipping in Hungary
Tipping is generally recommended in Hungary. A 10% tip for good service is normal, encouraged and appreciated; and feel free to give more if the situation warrants it.
Weather in Hungary
Landlocked as it is, Hungary’s temperature can be fickle and extreme. Summers can be abnormally hot or just temperate, then change suddenly. Same goes for the duration and severity of winter. The Danube often freezes over in winter and flows strong in the summer. Hungary is surrounded by mountains and much of the country is low-lying, so there is often fog.
Air Transportation
Malev Hungarian Airlines is a major carrier with service all over Continental Europe, to North America, to the Middle East and East Asia as well. All major and minor airlines in Europe provide scheduled flights to Budapest.
Boats and Ferries
There is a hydrofoil that runs from Vienna to Budapest along the Danube River on a daily basis from April to October. Visit the Mahart site to book tickets and learn more about the service. This same company also offers inner-Hungarian trips up and down the Danube.
Rail
Hungary is landlocked so the connections via rail and bus with its neighbors are well-established. You can get to Budapest via any major city in Europe with Eurolines (bus) or a Eurorail Pass. The Hungarian rail agency links up with all major European railways and has various specials available for travelers. Inside Hungary, the bus system works very well and is inexpensive to boot. Volanbusz is the national carrier and serves all of the smaller towns in the country and most, if not all, of the provincial villages and towns. The bus system is set up for locals, so bring your pocket translator and remember to be patient when buying tickets or finding the right bus.
Car Rental
You have to be 21 years old and have insurance to rent a car in Hungary. All of the major companies have a presence in Budapest and there are a few other companies that you might want to check out as well, to compare prices and services, such as locals Steverent and Nova.
Hospitals in Hungary have adequate care, but may not be what you are used to at home. Doctors might speak English, but also might not. We recommend checking out the World Health Organization site for Hungary for more information.
Personal Medications
No permit is required to carry medication in your luggage. However, you should pack your medication in its original containers and/or have your doctor’s prescription with you. Customs officials will have to be satisfied that you are not 
importing more than would be necessary for your personal use, taking into account the drug type and length of stay (for no more than three months).
There are a host of sites that offer booking information for hotels, hostels and B&Bs, chief among them is Budapest Hotels, with a lot to choose from plus extra information on Hungary’s famous spas, sights and other useful info. Hungary’s official hotel site also has great information.
Budapest – capital of one of the most storied nations in Europe
The Danube Bend – a breathtaking sight surrounded by medieval castles and quaint towns
Esztergom – historic seat of Hungarian Catholicism and medieval capital
Lake Balaton – largest lake in Europe
Most of Hungary’s holidays are standard European fare, except for March 15th, the anniversary of the uprising against Russian rule and August 20th, National Day.
2010
1 Jan New Year’s Day
15 Mar Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule
5 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labour Day
24 May Whit Monday
20 Aug National Day (Feast of St Stephen)
23 Oct Republic Day (Anniversary of 1956)
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
15 Mar Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule
25 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labour Day
13 Jun Whit Monday
20 Aug National Day (Feast of St Stephen
23 Oct Republic Day (Anniversary of 1956)
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day
Dialing Procedures
You can make international calls from a variety of places in Hungary, shopping centers, pay phones, the post office and your hotel. It is a good idea to buy a calling card for international and national calls. For a good breakdown of the various city codes in Hungary and where you can buy a calling card, check out Budapest Hotels.
Useful Country Codes:
USA and Canada 1
UK 44
Customs,VAT & Duty Free
For Americans going to or returning from Hungary, TravelDocs has information on customs allowances, but you should always check the Hungarian Embassy site for more information.
Value Added Tax (VAT or IVA) Refund Information
In Hungary there is a 20 % tax on all goods, called ÁFA (Value Added Tax), which is included in the price. Foreign visitors can get a refund of their VAT purchases when they leave the country . As in other European countries, there is a system for a refund of the VAT called Europe Tax-free Shopping.
Follow these instructions
After your purchase, ask the shop clerk for your Fiscal Receipt and VAT Reclaim Form, which is your export and tax refund document. After you complete the form, you’ll receive a Tax-free Envelope which will show the offices, where you can receive your refund in cash. A service charge is deducted when the refund amount is calculated.
If you paid cash in the store, be sure to keep your receipts from changing money into Hungarian Forints, along with your receipt and VAT Reclaim Form. If you used your credit card, keep the credit card slip along with the receipt and VAT Reclaim Form.
As you leave Hungary, have your documents stamped at the border by Hungarian Customs.
You may receive your VAT refund in cash at Budapest Airport and at all border crossings at IBUSZ Travel Agency Offices. If a cash refund is not possible, you should send all your original documents to the office named on the Tax-free Envelope. You will then receive the credit to your credit card or bank account or a bank cheque to your home address.
Further information on Tax-free Shopping is available in the tax-free shops, Europe Tax-free Shopping information leaflets and Shopping Guides distributed in hotels, tourist offices, airports and business centers.
Duty Free
If you are a U.S. or Canadian resident, you may qualify for a personal exemption which allows you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying customs duties, excise taxes, or Value Added Tax.
