Finland

Enjoying Nature: Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland

For the rugged outdoors lover or the novice hiker, the Urho Kekkonen National Park is an idyllic park with amazing views and the perfect adventure. A family friendly destination, this park is located across the Eastern and Northern Lapland in Finland, it’s the perfect place for skiing and hiking. Idyllic views await you as you trek through the wilderness, hiking through gorges, boulder fields, and traipsing beautiful mini waterfalls.

One of the pulls of this wonderful piece of nature is its seclusion. You can be alone for days (if you desire) because the park is so vast and has so many different trails. Though you won’t be completely alone, as the park is filled with animals such as bears, lynx, and reindeer. These majestic creatures pepper the grounds, but you don’t have to worry too much about them. They give humans a wide berth, but bring your camera and binoculars.

The weather maintains on the cold side, but it does warm up significantly during the day. The skiing season is usually in March, but it often holds until summer. The summer nights are moderately cold, but the mosquitos don’t show up until mid June, and are kept at bay because of the freezing temperatures at night. The best place to stay are in the huts on the ground. The off season tends to be less crowded, but it’s definitely fun to go any time of year.  At night, you’re treated to perfect stargazing conditions with the regular appearance of Aurora Borealis, also known as The Northern Lights!

With any national park, there are a few provisos. The park borders Russia, whose boundaries tourists are expected to maintain. There are a few entry restrictions during bird season and the area called Sompio is a strict nature reserve, so hikers need to strictly keep to the trails. The greatest part about visiting here is that you don’t need a permit to go! Unlike the national parks in the US, there are no restrictions on camping or “roughing it” so to speak, however, there are some permits needed to fish.

This beautiful park is the perfect location to get back to nature and explore your more daring side. Get down on the ground and remember where the human race is rooted. You can feel the spin of the Earth here as you look up at the stars and witness the wonders of the world. Whether you’re visiting with your family, or finding your own inner peace, there is something to enjoy for every soul on the planet.

Charleston

Charleston: Part of America’s Intriguing Past

As far back as America’s history can take us, there have always been stories and echoes of the past hidden along the banks of the Eastern shoreline. From New England to the tip of Florida, the grandeur of the past floats in front of our eyes wherever we look. Charleston, South Carolina offers this reminiscent feel of the colonies. The town is filled with history in its walls and cobblestone streets telling tales of old.

Along with everything old, intriguing stories follow of life in the hereafter. Ghost tours abound in Charleston. Walk among the spirits in the cemeteries and ride past the scandalous landscapes that drip with echoes of people who have been. Nightly tours are given in several locations and are very reasonably priced.

The avid tourist knows that nothing is remembered if nothing is cherished. Such is the mentality of the town commissioners. There are walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, amazing food tours, and tons of different activities to choose from that focus on life in Charleston far behind the modern day. Step into the past and absorb the intensity of colonial America.

The food in the south is notoriously incredible. Carolina barbeque is tangy and spicy in a way that brings a whole new flavor to your palette. They are light on the sauce, as the meat speaks for itself, however the unique vinegar and spicy smoke flavor is found in nearly every diner, around every corner. There are endless options. Dig in.

Additionally, there are lots of local fare options. The diner scene is vast and can really have a tremendous impact on your day. The famous southern comfort food is amazing at Early Bird Diner. Chicken and Waffles and Fried Green Tomatoes are just about the best things on a Menu south of Memphis. They deliver. Breizh Pan Crepes has been a staple in Charleston for years. The crepes they have are limitless. They even have gluten free options. The divine creation that is the crepe is idolized at this quaint little bistro. The wide breadth of food served in this historic city alone is worth the trip. It’s a definite bucket list option.

Bratislava

Bratislava: Explore the Unique Culture

Modern day Slovakia is a haven of beauty and rustic antiquity. The capitol city is home to lots of culturally rich hot spots. The city is an exciting metropolis in a vastly underrated tourist city.

Devin Castle has picturesque walking tours and rich history. The main tours run all day, so you can explore the stunning landscape whenever is convenient for you. Walking the vast historical site, you can see ruins from the Romans, hear the history of the USSR, and picnic in the courtyard.

Bratislava offers both day and night walking tours. The night tours are stunning with lighting that dazzles the senses. The day tours are gorgeous and create the perfect tourist climate. The landscape is not huge so it’s manageable in a day!

For the symphony fan, the Slovak Philharmonic can play music into your soul. All manor of shows bring the culture and fun into this gorgeous hall. The acoustics are incredible and the story of this building is fascinating. A must see! If you’re looking for more culture after, you can visit the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. Home to modern art with a unique perspective on the world, this museum will give you a whole new outlook on the modern-day artist. If you’re into art, you can also walk the winding landscape of the Nedbalka Gallery. Reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York City, this beautiful display of artistic finery will open your eyes to a whole new world of light and color.

What trip would be complete without shopping? The Eurovia Galleria is the visually pleasing and budget blasting (in a good way!) destination for anyone who loves souvenirs. Armed with enough shops to tire out a marathon runner and enough gorgeous art and sculptures to outfit the Met, this is the ultimate shopping destination.

Food, a necessity, yet a thrilling adventure in Bratislava. Start your day at the Literature Tearoom and Café. A vast assortment of tea creates the perfect morning. For lunch, head to Koliba Kamzik; exquisite Slovakian fare with a chic yet quaint atmosphere. Wine Not! or the Fou Zoo Pan Asian restaurant are perfect for a fine dining dinner experience.

In Bratislava, the ambience is beautiful, the history is splendid, and the food is exciting. This destination is perfect for someone who wants something unique and rich in culture. The avid tourist is sure to be pleased and the infrequent traveler will find a new zest in exploring the world.