Why you should Visit Macedonia

Macedonia is a small country with a population just under 2 million, located in the hearth of the Balkan Peninsula. It has earned the reputation of the hidden gem of the Balkan, as it features some of the most beautiful mountains, lakes and valleys in the whole region. Macedonia is a common summer vacation for Eastern Europeans, but it’s heavily overlooked by Westerns when compared to other neighboring states like Greece, Serbia and Croatia. Adding to its wonderful landscapes, here are my top 5 reasons on why you should consider visiting Macedonia in the near future.

Natural Paradise

Macedonia has a unique natural environment that is composed of a number of large mountains, crystal clear lakes, and beautiful forests and valleys, presenting a great opportunity for outdoorsman or photographers to capture the spectacular scenery. Lake Ohrid is the most visited destination in the whole country, apart from being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lake also claims the title of the oldest lake in Europe and possibly even the world. The three National Parks of Macedonia: Pelister, Galichica and Mavrovo present a vast landscape of unspoiled wilderness for visitors to explore, featuring many different types of flora and fauna. Another “must see” site in Macedonia is the Canyon Matka, located just 15 km from the city capital.

History and Culture

The country of Macedonia is a meer shell of its former self, as during the conquest of Alexander The Great, the Macedonian Empire stretched from as far as the pyramids in Egypt, all the way to the Arabian Sea in India. Today, visitors have a chance to see several historic sites from ancient times such as the city of Heraclea, the ruins of Stobi, the temples in Plaoshnik and the Aqueduct in Skopje. However this aren’t the only tourist attractions from past times, as you can find many more relics from both ancient and medieval times scattered across the country.

Delicious cuisine and wine

The Macedonian cuisine is another part added to its rich tradition, as a large number of its dishes are still being prepared with the same ingredients and manners as they were done centuries ago. Whiles some recipes have stayed the same through the ages, others have been adapted to suit the local flavor of the present day. Another important aspect of Macedonia’s rich history and culture is its wine, as the land and climate of the country are more than suitable for making some of the finest wine in the world. The Tikvesh valley is among the biggest wine regions in the Balkan Peninsula, where visitors can come and enjoy several types of quality wines for a rather cheap price, which brings me to my next point.

Affordable

If you are traveling on a budget, Macedonia is the perfect destination for you, where you can find hostels for around 10 euro’s and some of the best local beers for around a euro. Like previously mentioned the food in Macedonia is quite cheap and you can fill up a week’s worth of food, for around 40 euro’s or dine at a fancy restaurant, where a standard dish, with a drink and salad included won’t cost you over 10 euros. I do recommend however being a bit cautious when taking a cab in the capital of Skopje, as locals will charge extra if they notice you are a tourist.

Where to Stay in Dubai as a Tourist

Where to stay in Dubai is often a question people ask. Why this is, is because there’s not really a center of town in Dubai but lots of areas that people can choose. Dubai used to be all deserts with a few villages and the only way to travel across it was by camel. Just before 1950 Land Rover were introduced to the region which made exploration and travels possible. After this, it grew into the Metropolis it is today and expands all the way up and down the coast.

The north of Dubai near the airport is old Dubai; this is where you find the more traditional markets called Souks like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. There’s also the Dubai Creek that separates the North and the South and then passes the “New Dubai with exciting areas, which start from JBR and the Dubai Marina and was a favorite stop for some friends of mine who own CDM Waste Management back in Canada. I will take you through all these areas today.

JBR Beach

JBR beach is actually a public beach and anyone can use this place. It’s right next to amazing restaurants and Retail Precinct. You could actually spend your whole holiday here and never have to leave. There is an array of shops, there are restaurants, there is the beach access and there are so many great hotels here that you can choose from.

Dubai Marina

Just on the other side of JBR beach is the Dubai Marina. This is actually a man-made waterway that has a lot of buildings around. Down here is one of the major centers of Dubai and you’ll always find a lot going on. You have got a huge choice of where to stay from an apartment, hotels, to Five Star luxury but wherever you stay it’s only a walk to the beach. You will find a huge choice of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It’s one of the best places you can stay in Dubai.

Palm Island

Probably the most famous area in Dubai stay is the Palm Islands. The Palm Islands are an archipelago of islands that are being man-made and considered the eighth wonder of the world. This is where you come if you want to relax and this is where all the luxury hotels are. You have many five-star hotels from Kempinski, Sofitel, and obviously Atlantis. From your hotel on the palm, you might also get a glimpse of the fronds; this is where you have luxury villas that all the rich and famous stay in.

As you come up the coast you come across a lot of five star hotels along the beach, you have the Mina Seyahi and then you come to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This is a cluster of five star hotels, which also has a very traditional Souk attached to it and you get beautiful views of the seven star hotels – the world’s only seven star hotel the Burj Al Arab the place that Dubai is famous for. If you keep going further along the coast, there is also the Four Seasons hotel, which is in a lovely Beach area.

Downtown Dubai & Business Bay

The area that probably has the most going on is downtown Dubai and Business Bay. In this area, you will find the Dubai Mall – the world’s largest shopping mall. You’ll also find the Dubai opera house, which has recently opened. And of course, the world’s tallest tower – the Burj Khalifa. You will find lots of chic restaurants and nice hotels. It’s not too far away from the airport and also not too far from the beach. It’s also the entrance of the canal which goes through this area. So there really is somewhere to stay in Dubai for everyone.

Wheeling, West Virginia Travel Guide

Nestled along Ohio River’s bank, Wheeling is a historic West Virginia city. Locals take pride in the city’s history, repurposing and restoring buildings while maintaining a sense of tradition. Wheeling was once the industrial epicenter of the USA as it was responsible for giving the country many of its beneficial products, from overalls to cut nails. Explore that history at landmark sites, bed-and-breakfast inns, marketplaces, and museums. Here are some of the most enjoyable things you can do in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Step Back in History

Built in 1849, look to this bridge to transport you back to this city’s past. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a heritage area that includes West Virginia Independence Hall. To learn about Wheeling’s past and American decorative arts, take a trip to the Museums of Oglebay Institute. You can also visit the Eckhart House to taste the traditional tea served there. Visit the Grave Creek Mound to see one of the world’s largest Adena burial mounds. While here, explore the Delf Norona Museum to learn about the historian behind this place

Entertaining Pursuits

The Capitol Theatre is a restored building that hosts Broadway concerts, shows, and other performances, as well as the Wheeling Symphony. Towngate Theatre and Cinema serves as both a venue for films and plays. You will find restaurants, antiques, shops, and art galleries. The open-air shopping area of Highlands features lots of entertainment and over 50 stores. The Good Zoo is a great place to watch kangaroos hopping around and you can also get a chance to feed the parrots.

Outdoor Fun

Grand Vue Park’s biking trails, low elements course, and dual zipline will keep visitors busy throughout the day. At Oglebay Resort’s Environmental Center, walk the trail system, visit the butterfly and wildflower gardens, and enjoy hands-on exhibits. For more outdoor adventures, head to the Wheeling Park where you can play mini-golf, start a game of tennis, swim in the pool, or ice skate depending on the season. If you want to discover Wheeling’s parks, streams, and rivers on your own, hike or bike the Heritage Trail System’s repurposed railroad beds.

Wheeling Island

Wheeling Island is a place solely dedicated to recreational and entertainment activities. This place is a great place for non-stop entertainment and gaming action. With luxurious accommodations, casinos, table games, live entertainment, and the best slot games, Wheeling Island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Venice, Los Angeles

Venice is a lively beachside neighborhood in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best experiences you can have in this bohemian gem.

Venice Beach

First, make your way down to the famous Venice Beach where you will find a whole load of things to see and do. Check out the Venice art walls; these ever-changing walls are a historic landmark for street art in LA. From here, if you walk towards the ocean there’s plenty of space to play some Frisbee, chill out, or catch a few waves. For the young at heart, there’s also a skate park where you can check out the talented skateboarders.

Muscle Beach

Wander down to the famous outdoor gym known as Muscle Beach. This was the birthplace of the fitness boom in the States during the 20th century and it’s still really popular today.

Venice Boardwalk

Venice Boardwalk runs parallel to the beach. It can be pretty hectic to walk down here on a busy day but it’s worth the crowds. You will find free-spirited individuals, funky shops street performers, and public art murals. It’s mesmerizing to walk through here and admire all the weird and wonderful things going on around you. The boardwalk turns into a promenade for runners, cyclists, and skateboarders, so why not join in. You can hire a bike from J’s rentals for just $6 an hour.

They are one of the oldest and most recognizable rental shops in Venice having been featured in almost any film made on Venice Beach. If cycling isn’t for you, then one of the newest ways to cruise down Venice Boardwalk is on a ‘bird’. These electric scooters are extremely popular. You will notice people zooming around on them straight away. All you have to do is download their app, and it works just like Uber.

Santa Monica Pier

Make your way down the boardwalk and you will end up at Santa Monica Pier. Just before the pier, you will find the original Muscle Beach which is full of people trying out gymnast rings, monkey bars, and ropes. If you are the athletic type, try out the rings for yourself once you get to the pier walk all the way down and check out some attractions. It’s a must-see but we wouldn’t recommend spending too much time here as the sideshows can be quite expensive.

Venice Canals

Back in Venice, wander over to the picturesque Venice canals. The man-made canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. Kinney wanted to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice in Southern California. The canals are now a quaint upscale neighborhood; fully restored and remodeled homes make it a postcard-perfect location. From the canals, it’s only a 10-minute walk to Abbot Kinney Boulevard one of LA’s best shopping districts which feature fabulous foodie, hotspots stylish boutiques, and coffee shops. It’s also regarded as one of the coolest streets in the States.

After a full day of discovering Venice, end your day at the rooftop bar at Hotel Erwin. Enjoy a couple of drinks and watch a perfect sunset.