4 Best Pubs in Rome for Solo Travellers

When on a solo holiday in Italy, you may find that you tire of wine tasting and instead are searching for a nice pint and a lively crowd. You are in luck because Rome has several good Irish pubs to help you quench your thirst properly and plenty of friendly people to enjoy a beer with while telling your outrageous vacation tales. A pub stop in Rome is just the place to find a fun atmosphere if only for a pint or a whole evening.

The Fiddler's Elbow

Around since 1976, The Fiddler’s Elbow prides itself on being Italy’s first Irish owned and run pub. Found at Via dell'Olmata 43, off the beaten path in the heart of "Old Rome," the pub is only a 10-minute walk from the Coliseum. The prices are reasonable in this cosy spot, and food is served as well. You will often see live music playing and can enjoy a friendly game of pool or darts with locals or fellow travelers.

Druid's Pubs

Druid’s Den Pub, located outside of the city center at Via San Martino ai Monti 28, boasts traditional Irish music live every Monday evening. You can enjoy a cheap pint of one of their 8 types of beers while watching your favorite live sports on their TVs. It’s sister pub, The Druid’s Rock, is located in Piazza Esquilino, and is very popular with both locals and tourists. It hosts an international mix of English speaking Europeans, expats, students, travelers, as well as local sports fans. It is also close walking distance to Fiddlers Elbow, making it convenient stop on a pub-crawl.

Finnegan's

Finnegan's is an Irish owned pub, at Via Leonina, 66, where many of the Irish and British expats come to meet.
Great for solo travelers looking to catch a sports game, Finnegan’s shows all English and Scottish Premiership football, Ireland and England Internationals. Additionally, they have BBC1 and show 6 Nations Rugby, Formula 1, American Football and all other sporting events being aired. Finnegan's friendly environment beckons you to go there for a Guinness and game of pool.

Mad Jack's

This pub is located at Via Arenula, 20, in the heart of Rome. It is situated between Campo de' Fiori, Largo Argentina and the Jewish ghetto. Its staff are young, friendly and multilingual. For your drinking convenience, Mad Jack’s is open every day and boasts a large selection of draught beers, as well as spirits, cocktails, liquors and wines. Its large bar, beer posters, stained glass windows, and wooden booths are reminiscent of your neighborhood pub at home. They even offer some tasty pub food. Mad Jack’s big and welcoming terrace is great for socializing and enjoying the mild Roman climate year-round. This pub is also great for watching live sports with other enthusiastic fans.

There are several Italy tours on offer which will take you to explore some of these pubs and places where locals hang out. Whether you’re exploring on your own or joining of the organized tours, Rome is a destination for the thirsty solo travellers.

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Top 3 Ski Resorts in Australia for Couples

For a romantic getaway with an adventurous twist, you simply can’t beat a trip to the snow. Skiing is a fun way for you and your partner to spend some quality time together, and fortunately Australia is home to a range of world-class ski facilities. When you’re taking a holiday to the snow, you want to know that your time off the slopes will be just as good as on, so it’s essential to book quality accommodation in a well-appointed resort. If you’re looking for the best place to take your partner this snow season, here are the top 3 ski resorts in Australia for couples.

Thredbo

Thredbo has consistently been listed as one of Australia’s best ski resorts by independent luxury travel magazines. Situated in the spectacular surrounds of Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo ski resort caters for all abilities, from the very beginner taking their first tentative glide, to the avid ski and snowboard fans who can carve it up on the advanced slopes. Thredbo Village is where it all comes to life after a day on the slopes, with luxury accommodation, spa facilities, restaurants, bars and more all within a short distance of one another. Staying at Thredbo gives you and your partner the opportunity to enjoy everything that this fantastic alpine experience has to offer.

Mount Hotham

Hotham offers the very best of ski in, ski out accommodation. When you wake up in the morning, you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before pulling on the skis, heading out the door and gliding straight onto the slopes for the utmost in convenience. With quality restaurants, bars and cafes all close by, you can duck off the slopes to grab a quick meal and a coffee whenever you want. At the end of the day, simply ski straight from the slopes and into the spa for the perfect romantic way to relax after a day of adventure. Take your partner on a ski holiday of a lifetime with Mount Hotham’s stunning snow experience.

Falls Creek

It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Falls Creek, the cosy atmosphere and ambience really accentuates the alpine village feel of the resort. With a range of great ski slopes and serious cross country trails, Falls Creek has deservedly earned a reputation as being one of the top ski resorts in Victoria. The village offers a range of different accommodation options, so you’re bound to find something perfect for your taste and budget. There are also fitness facilities, grocery store goods, and relaxing spa services to keep you occupied while you aren’t out in the snow. Spending a weekend skiing at Falls Creek is a great escape for any couple looking for a quiet getaway on Victoria’s finest slopes.

Escaping to the snow is a wonderful way to ensure that you and your partner have a romantic and fun getaway on your next holiday. These great Australian ski resorts are perfect for couples looking for a truly memorable experience, so book your next snow holiday today and enjoy the romance and action of an unforgettable ski adventure.

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Stopover or Stay? Why you Need to Visit Copenhagen

If you’re a regular jetsetter, then the chances are you’ve headed to Copenhagen at one point or another. A thriving economic and cultural hub, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest capitals and a popular destination for both business professionals and holidaymakers. And with cheap deals whizzing around these days, it’s never been easier to make your way over to the Danish capital. The only question is, should you stop over or stay?

Stopover

As the gateway to Scandinavia, a lot of flights will make Copenhagen a port of call. If you don’t want to wait around the airport for connecting flights, consider taking some time out for a quick turn around the city. If you’re there for work, make sure you take out some insurance, like Allianz Business Travel Insurance so you don’t have to worry about dragging your laptop all over town.

Once you’ve left the airport, electronics intact, head straight for the pølsevogn stands selling local hot dogs at all hours of the day and night. If you’ve got the company credit card on hand, then by all means dine like a king at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants around the inner city – Noma is just one of the many restaurants that will give you a real taste of Denmark with innovative Nordic fare.

Stop for a quick drop of Carlsberg before you head back to your next flight, well-fed and refreshed before that Monday morning meeting.

Stay

If you’ve got a few more holidays accrued, then Copenhagen has even more to offer. Head up to Rundetårn, one of the city’s most iconic buildings; go on a ride at the world’s most popular city park, the Tivoli Gardens; and walk across the Knippelsbro bridge to Slotsholmen, the island on which the city was founded.

Shopaholics will go crazy in Strøget, Europe’s largest pedestrian mall with high-end fashion stores lining the streets. Drink up the famous Danish design at the Danish Design Center, Kunstindustrimuseet and Royal Copenhagen museums.

Denmark also has one of the oldest monarchies in all of Europe, so stop by Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guards and see if you can catch a glimpse of Prince Christian and Princess Mary. And of course, no visit is complete without taking a photo of Hans Christian Anderson’s Den Lille Havfrue statue, otherwise known as the Little Mermaid.

Tuck in for a night at the Copenhagen Plaza, a ritzy hotel commissioned by King Frederik VII in 1913 that’s recently undergone a Scandinavian-style makeover.

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Cyprus: Potential To End The Complacency Of The Draghi Plan Of H2

In recent years, the Cypriot economy has become diversified and prosperous, however it suffered a major downturn in 2012 due to the banking crisis of the Eurozone. In June of 2012, the Cypriot government informed the Eurozone it would need a cash injection of nearly two billion euros in order to aid and support its economy, as well as the Cyprus Popular Bank.

Later in the year, the financial services authority Fitch announced it would be downgrading Cyprus’ credit rating to the infamous ‘junk status’, and recommended that it would need nearer to four billion euros in aid to support its faltering economy. Fitch firmly laid the blame of the woeful Cypriot economy at the hands of the Greek financial crisis, stating that the country’s banks were too ‘exposed’. Cyprus’ three largest banks, Hellenic Bank, Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank, all applied for aid from the European Union.

The Cypriot Economy

In terms of GDP, Cyprus is the third smallest economy in Europe, with Malta and Estonia taking first and second place. However due to the country’s ‘junk status’, it’s likely to be outgrown by Malta and Estonia towards the end of 2013. Although Cyprus’ GDP accounts for around two per cent of the Eurozone’s output, the country is still causing trouble for the surrounding economies.

Last summer, the Cypriot Government applied for nearly eighteen billion euros of emergency funding from the EU and IMF – that’s 100 per cent of its GDP. Although the aid package has the potential to kick start the Cypriot economy, and maybe even the Greek economy too, the package has been met with fierce resistance from major EU players, including the governments of Italy, France, Holland and the UK.

Many countries in Europe believe that the state of Cyprus economy is much to their own doing. There has been widespread criticism that the Cypriot economy is regulated by a ‘soft’ banking system, consisting of low-taxes and flawed business models. Furthermore, although the financial giants of Europe are trying to come up with a solution to Cyprus, they’re also concerned that the Eurozone’s reputation is up for question – namely by the rest of the world.

What emerges is an ultimatum – a new and revised Cypriot government that’s willing to increase taxes and fall into line with the rest of the Eurozone, or the possibility that other financial regulators like Fitch will start considering the credit rating of the Eurozone’s big cheeses.

Other Countries In Need Of Aid

Due to a dysfunctional public sector and excessive leverage in financial control, the Greek economy also collapsed last year, placing the Eurozone into further turmoil. Furthermore, Ireland’s real estate bubble finally burst last year, causing their banking system, and thus the country’s economy, to implode. If we look into the reason why the Cypriot economy collapsed, there are a number of similarities to Ireland and Greece.

When demand from Greece demand from Greece dried up, the strong business and trade links to Cyprus collapsed. This in turn caused tax revenues to diminish, and combined with shrinking house prices and large amounts of capital written off bank assets, Cyprus was in dire need of external funding.

This guest post was created on behalf of cruise.co.uk who cater for cruises all around the world including the Mediterranean.

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Best European City Bungee Jumps

Verzasca Dam, Switzerland

High up on the bucket list of most adrenalin junkies, this jump is certainly not for the faint hearted. The hydroelectric dam offers a pure and unique 720 foot freefall down its apex towards the reservoir it forms, Lago di Vogorno. It was even featured in the James Bond film Golden Eye, confirming its status as one of the top 5 highest and most daring bungee jumps in the world.

Zvikovské podhradí Bridge, Prague

You may have already visited Prague’s Charles Bridge, one of the city’s most popular tourist sights, but travel about an hour outside of the city to find a bridge located high over the Vltava valley with a different appeal. Unlike the Charles Bridge, the Zvikovské podhradí is one you from which you can experience the intense adrenalin rush of falling through mid air on a rope. The Zvikov Bridge is the highest bridge in the Czech Republic, surrounded by beautiful nature it makes for the perfect day trip with a difference!

For accommodation in both of these cities visit GowithOh who have a huge selection of apartments all over Europe - perfect for relaxing after your daily dose of adventure!

Danube Tower, Austria

For an extreme experience, take a bungee jump off the tallest free-standing structure that Austria has to offer. This is the dream of many bungee enthusiasts, providing a spectacular panoramic view of Vienna as you stand on the edge of the 8-meter long steel ramp with 80 km of viewing distance. The pre-jump jitters won’t have to last too long either thanks to the high-speed elevators which take only 35 seconds to transport passengers to the tower's platform!

About the Author: Georgia is a European enthusiast who believes that this continent can cater to every type of traveller and even when you think you’ve seen it all, there is always more to be discovered!

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Travelling with Mobility Issues: Top Tips

If you have mobility issues or difficulties, you may already experience difficulties within the home. When travelling, these still apply. As such, it can often make the idea of travelling less appealing but, like most things in life, the right preparation and knowledge can help.

Whether it’s inspecting the hotel before you book, being aware of your travel options or researching places you may go during your stay, there are plenty of ways to prepare for travel when you have mobility issues.

Hotel

Your hotel, or other form of accommodation, is somewhere where you'll spend a lot of your time. Even if you're out a lot, it’s somewhere you come back to every night and as such it needs to be accessible.

If you have mobility issues and needs, check that your accommodation meets these before you book. If you have problems walking, for instance, then look for somewhere that comes with lifts to make moving between floors an easy prospect. Likewise, if you have a wheelchair, ramps and wide corridors are essential.

You also want to make sure the hotel or accommodation prides itself on keeping everything at a high standard. Just as you would invest in stairlift maintenance for your lift at home, enquire about how often the hotel services their lifts and whether they’ve passed any recent inspections from health and safety bodies.

Transport

You also need to consider how you get to your destination as well as how you move around during your stay. Walking can be a problem, so sometimes it might be better to seek public transport.

As for your main method of going to and from your trip, look for what might be easiest for you. Buses may be cheaper but if they involve a hectic amount of swapping or movement then this won't be easy on you or your mobility issues.

A long, single train journey on the other hand puts less fuss and focus on moving around. Booking in advance can also help highlight any disability services or assistance you may require and potentially secure you a more comfortable seat that is easier to access.

Places

Of course, you're not going to stay in your accommodation for the duration of your travels. When out and about, look for the same factors you would want in your accommodation to ensure you visit all the attractions you’re interested in without sacrificing your comfort.

If you're eating out, for instance, make sure the restaurant has your mobility needs in mind. A very crowded restaurant with limited space can be a challenge if you have severe mobility issues so look for somewhere with plenty of entrances, space and easy access.

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5 Must See Places in Israel

The title of this article is misleading as to the point of being almost criminal. Yes, you will read about the “5 Must Sees in Israel,” however this is such a subjective analysis as there is so much to see and do in Israel as to render the list as perhaps just a starting point. Given the difficulty of the task and with its inherent limitations, I will try my best to come up with the top 5 places to see when in Israel, and don’t be surprised if I cheat just a little…

Western Wall – located in the Old City of Jerusalem and also known as the Kotel or Wailing Wall for all the tears that have been shed in supplication at this site, this is the outer western wall of the Second Temple of the Jews that was destroyed by the . It is the holiest site for the Jewish people (excluding the actual Temple Mount which religious Jews will not visit) and the most popular tourist attraction in Israel. Irrespective of your religion, a visit to the Western Wall is a must. If possible, visit on a Friday evening when the Jewish Sabbath begins for a truly spiritual experience. Feel free to offer your own prayer or perhaps place a small piece of paper with your wishes in the cracks.

Mahane Yehuda Market – also known as the Shuk (pronounced Shook). If you are someone who wants to really experience the real Israel then you will find no better place that Mahane Yehuda Market. Located approximately 15 minutes walk from the Western Wall, the shuk offers a microcosm of all the hustle and bustle of Israeli life in one location. Foods of all kinds, fruit and vegetables, spices, clothing, incredible restaurants; the shuk has it all. Friday is when the shuk is at its best as people do their pre-Sabbath shopping. There may be people who say the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv is better but I tend to disagree.

The Dead Sea – less than an hour’s drive from Jerusalem is the Dead Sea. You may not be able to walk on water as Jesus was reputed to have done on the Sea of Galilee in Israel’s north but you will be able to float on water without a buoyancy device. Try doing that at your local beach or swimming pool. The Dead Sea mud is said to have great health benefits, so go for a float, wrap yourself in mud, and enjoy the experience.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher – scene of Jesus’ crucifixion and the place where he is now buried, this is one of Christianity’s holiest sites. A magnificent building and scene of the final 5 of the 14 "Stations of the Cross" visited by pilgrims during Easter, the church is a place of beauty, holiness, and wonderment irrespective of religion.

Tel Aviv (OK, this is really cheating ) – in case anyone thinks I have paid too much attention to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv may be only 32 square miles (52 km²) but sure has a lot going for it. The beaches, Bauhaus architecture, energy, street culture, some of the best Israel luxury real estate; Night life like no other, Delicious food; Tel Aviv has got it all. 

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Get Away With the Girls - 7 Destinations for a Fun and Amazing Vacation

Hungry for girl time? When planning a getaway for the gals, there are tons of opportunities without even buying a passport. Vacation opportunities for ladies range from active adventures to calming retreats, and many are close enough to make a weekend out of it. Here are a few great ideas for your sorority sisters, office pals, high school besties or anyone else you'd like to hit the road with.

1. Beaches and Casinos Collide on the Gulf Coast

Partake in casino action across the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi. What makes these destinations better than the old standby, Las Vegas? Because they're right on the white beaches of the Gulf Coast. Most of the casinos are quaint, making them more inviting for women traveling who aren't schooled in the shark tanks of Vegas gambling pros. Spend endless days tanning, swimming or strolling the lazy beaches, and party the night away at one of the casinos. In between, savor the simply divine southern foods.

2. Foodie's Paradise in the Pacific Northwest

Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington are havens for food enthusiasts. Many of the fine restaurants here specialize in locally grown produce, meaning the food is fresh and prepared with hands who care. Perhaps the best part is how amicable these cities are to walking, so you can burn off extra calories walking from one attraction to the next, and feel zero guilt about your temporary excesses.

3. Wine Lovers' Haven in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a wonderful place to sample new varieties of wine, stock up the wine cellar and see how these extraordinary wines are grown. Wines are grown here because the weather is so dependably delightful, meaning you won't have to worry about how weather might hinder your getaway.

4. Hikers' Adventures in Arizona

More active groups might enjoy hitting the Arizona Trail, which winds its way from Mexico all the way to Utah. There are several routs to choose from, many conveniently located in the Phoenix area. Routes allow you to schedule as long or as brief a hike as the group prefers, meandering through breathtaking scenery of mountains, the desert, historical points of interest and fascinating geological formations.

5. Shopaholics' Dreams Come True in New York

Some women prefer a day gazing dreamily through shop windows as opposed to a grueling hike through nature. If this sounds like your party, schedule a shopping adventure in the home of fashion (on this side of the pond, anyway) in New York City. Here, you can get delicious deals on top designers' masterpieces, as well as samplings of some of the newest upcoming designers you might never hear about back home.

6. Spas for Every Desire in California

Would your group like to rejuvenate in mud baths, loose themselves in a pampering massage or learn to eat better in a wellness spa? The California coast, from top to bottom, is littered with spas of all types. Choose a spa offering a variety of massages and treatments, so everyone in the group can indulge in their favorite.

7. Music Lovers Jam All Day and Night in Nashville

Nashville is the official home of country music, and an exciting place to see the newest hit sensations along with the old favorite standbys. The food is also excellent, and Nashville enjoys an exciting nightlife. There are tons of fun museums, attractions and points of interest nearby, which all make for exciting day trips during your stay.

With this list, you can cover every wish without a trip out of the country.

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5 Unique Things to Do in Indiana

Indiana is a great place to visit. With a wide range of activities, such as visiting national parks and museums, fishing on a variety of lakes, and of course taking in a Pacers game, a vacation in Indiana can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Check out these five unique things to do in Indiana.

Tour the Taltree Arboretum & Gardens

Take a magnificent tour of a wide variety of plant life at Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. With over 360 acres of formal gardens, preserved woodlands, savanna, wetlands, and prairie, your family will witness a spectacular arrangement of wildlife from all over the world. There are nearly four miles of hiking trails that take you through the various areas, as well as themed displays. For the littlest members of your group, there’s a children’s adventure garden. This will be one unique vacation spot your family will never forget.

Camp at Shakamak State Park

Indiana has some wonderful parks with large lakes for fishing and boating. Shakamak State Park is among the larger state parks, with 400 acres of water for fishing and boating, and a family aquatic center that provides plenty of swimming opportunities. Two-thirds of the campsites are wooded areas, perfect for pitching a tent and enjoying nature night and day. Whether you come to enjoy the summer or see the beautiful fall colors, camping at Shakamak State Park is a truly unique vacation in Indiana.

See the Indiana Pacers

You can’t come to Indiana during basketball season and not go to a Pacers game. The Indiana Pacers are currently first in their division, and now is the perfect time to take in a game. Score some great Indiana Pacers Tickets and plan for a fun night at the court. Treat your family to a great night out at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with all of the trimmings, including grabbing a meal at halftime on the Main Concourse or Balcony Level, or munch on yummy nachos and hot dogs during the game. There are plenty of concession stands, so everyone in the family can find their favorite foods to snack on while cheering on the Pacers.

Visit Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

To experience more of Mother Nature, spend a day at the zoo. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden has over 700 animals from all over the world, as well as exotic plants, wildflowers, and trees. It’s not only a great place to view these animals and plants, but provides a fun learning opportunity for the whole family on conservation and more about the animals and plants from around the world. There are several activities provided throughout the year.

Hop on a Toboggan

Pokagon State Park offers a fun adventure for the whole family: Toboggan. With the only refrigerated, twin-track toboggan slide in Indiana, this track can provide hours of fun. The track is one-quarter mile long, and goes up to 35-40 miles per hour.

These five unique activities are just waiting for you and your family in Indiana. Start planning your trip today for the kids’ spring break or summer vacation. 

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5 Travel Tips For The Hamburg Red Light District

Hamburg is one of the cities in the world that any traveler needs to visit. It is a city full of architecture, cuisine, museums, and theaters. And a trip to this historic city is not complete without a night spent out in the legendary red light district, also known as the Reeperbahn. Below is a list of tips to maximize your experience and make it an unforgettable adventure!

If you ever want to visit Hamburg and need a nice and affordable place to stay check out the collection of Hamburg vacation rentals on Live Like a German.

Timing

The Hamburg Red Light District does not show signs of life until the evening hours, like any good nightlife scene in Europe. The best time to arrive is around 9 or 10 PM. This is when the bars and clubs really start to get busy, and you will see what you came out to see!

Bars and Clubs

The Beatles made Hamburg's red light district famous during their residency in the city. The band came to call numerous bars and clubs home. Although that was a while ago, many of these establishments are still in existence and better than ever. Visit "Top Ten" and "Starclub" to take in just a portion of the city's great night life.

Music

As Hamburg and its red light district attracted the Beatles many years ago, it still attracts many talented musicians today. Alongside the nightclub music scene, when in the red light district you should also visit the Operettenhaus, or Opera House. Here, you will see a performance that will wow you and you will never forget.

Adult Entertainment

Herbert Street, in Hamburg's Red Light District is famous for its strip clubs and brothels. This is the perfect place for those seeking erotic entertainment, as the red light district in Hamburg offers some of the best services in Europe. It is a sight to see, certainly!

Beatles-Platz

This is a plaza dedicated to the Beatles, who, as previously mentioned, spent a good portion of time in Hamburg and its red light district. The plaza is modeled after a vinyl record. Not far away from Beatles-Platz is the Beatlemania, a museum dedicated specifically to all things Beatles. If you are a music lover, this is like Heaven on Earth!

A trip to Hamburg and the Hamburg Red Light District has something for everyone. Just because it is a red light district does not mean it revolves around the erotic. Its nightlife, music-scene, and historic locales are all places that will make your vacation into an adventure of a lifetime!

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