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How to Find Cheap Accommodation in Italy
If you’re trying to save money while you travel in Italy, finding budget accommodation is the key. Since hotels in Italy, especially cities like Florence, Rome and Venice, can easily cost €150 a night, that can be tough!
But, of course, we’re here to help. This is our second post in our series on how to travel to Italy… on a budget!
Want to stay somewhere beautiful in Italy… without breaking the bank? It is possible
Scour the best hotel sites… but call the hotels directly
One of the best ways to get a feel for average hotel prices in your destination in Italy is, of course, to do some research. The booking site Venere is easily searchable and has tons of reviews. (Just be aware that in our experience, for whatever reason, these reviews tend to be a bit more on the positive side than those on other review sites). For hotels, Tripadvisor is also a good bet — check out some of travelers’ top choices in your price range and see if any fit the bill.
If you see something fantastic, then don’t automatically book it through the site you’re on. Call or email the hotel directly to see if you can get a cheaper rate.
Don’t automatically think “hotel”
One of the easiest ways to save on staying in a hotel in Italy? Don’t stay in a hotel! Italy is chock-full of other options, some of which can be much better value than even a budget hotel. Here are some of our favorites.
An agriturismo
Farm-stays can be a great way to save on both accommodation and food
Since we’ve sung the praises ofItaly’s agriturismi earlier, we won’t go into too much detail now. Suffice it to say that these are “farm-stays,” where a family has accommodation for guests on their (usually gorgeous and scenic) farm, with the option of homecooked, farm-fresh meals included. Some are rustic; some are luxurious; and all have the kind of character that you just can’t get at a place with a front desk. Plus? They’re cheap. Expect to spend 30 to 50 euros per person, per night, depending on the season and region, including dinner and breakfast. (Bonus: Since these have lots of open space and animals, this is a great option for families with children).
Animals and beautiful views are just one benefit to staying at an agriturismo. The other part? The price!
One of the best ways to find agriturismi is, believe it or not, to use Google maps. (There are simply so many in Italy, no review or booking site could cover even a fraction of them — and we’ve stayed at dozens over the years, almost always without reading a single review first, without once having a negative experience). Zoom into the region in Italy where you plan to be staying, then type “agriturismo” or “agriturismi” into the search bar. When you click on those that pop up, many will have a website with photos that you can check out.
A convent or monastery stay
Want to stay in the heart of Venice? Why not at a convent guest house, like this one of the Suore Figlie di San Giuseppe del Caburlotto?
Another off-the-beaten-path way to both experience Italian culture and save money, convent or monastery stays have some real benefits. They’re usually in beautiful, historic buildings; they can be in the heart of the city center, or out in the countryside; and you can’t get any more tranquil! Just make sure you read carefully. Some stays have curfews or rules (like no drinking or no noise after a certain hour), and they’re certainly not meant for those who want to party it up in their hotel room! For a double in a city center, expect to pay between about 60 and 100 euros for a double per night.
To find (and book) them, we like the site Monastery Stays, which lists more than 500 convents and monasteries with options for guests across Italy. And keep in mind the site’s advice: “Do not expect luxury — that is not a monstery’s purpose. Expect clean, well presented simple and functional rooms with warm hospitality from your hosts.” Sounds good to us.
A B&B or “pensione“
Room at a B&B in the Valle d’Aosta, Italy — cute, cozy… and cheap!
In the United States, bed and breakfasts tend to be on the pricey side. In Italy, though, they can be one of your cheaper options.
Know that it’s getting harder to find a “pensione,” that type of old-school accommodation where an Italian rents out a couple of rooms in their house for cheap. Instead, B&Bs tend to be a block of three to ten rooms that strike a balance between the amenities of a hotel (daily cleanings, breakfast) and that type of traditionalpensione (often family-run, with an informal touch).
In general, expect a double in a good, central B&B to cost between 80 and 130 euros per night. They’re included onTripadvisor and Venere, as well as on other sites like Homelidays, so just change the accommodation type if you want to search for them. Just don’t expect a full-on, American or British breakfast: Often, breakfast is light with cold options only. And some “B&Bs” don’t even serve you breakfast there, but give you a voucher for a nearby cafe. So if a big breakfast is what you’re after, you might just have better luck at an agriturismo!
An apartment or villa
Want to be in the heart of Rome’s historic center, but not break the bank? Consider renting an apartment
Especially for families, renting a short-term apartment can be one of the best choices for saving on expensive city accommodation — and there are lots of options for renting homes or villas in the countryside, too. The bonus, of course, is that you can get separate rooms under one roof for the whole family, plus that you have a kitchen, so you can save money by cooking at home. The downside? Don’t expect concierge service… and rentals by owner can be hit-or-miss, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting!
While you used to have to use a commission-charging rental company to find apartments safely, it’s now gotten a lot easier. Sites we like that let you search, and book, yourself — and that have photos and reviews from past guests — includeAirBnB, HouseTrip, CrashPadder, and Homelidays. (They hold the money for you to make sure there’s no hanky-panky before delivering it to the apartment owner). While you can also find lots of listings in cities like Rome on Craigslist, be very wary, as scams there are rife. Never, ever send or wire any money to a Craigslist poster in advance.
A hostel
In all honesty, with all of the other cheap accommodation options in Italy, it’s not really necessary to stay at a hostel — unless you really need to save that extra 20 euros, or if you’re young or traveling alone and want to meet other people. Expect to pay between 20 and 40 euros per person, per night for a no-frills bed in a city center; to find them, one of our favorite sites is Hostelbookers, which has reviews from past guests. We also like the site Hostelz, a no-frills site with thousands of hostel options worldwide.
Think outside of the location box — carefully
Another way to save on hotels in Italy? Be a little creative with your location. We say this with hesitation, since there’s no better way to put a damper on your vacation than having to walk 10 minutes through a dicey-looking area each night to get to your hotel, or needing a long commute to the top sites. Plus, it’s generally a good idea to pay for the place you’ve been imagining — so if you’re excited about the winding streets of the historic center in Rome, don’t book a modern hotel in the E.U.R. business district.
It’s also important to keep transport in mind: In most cities, public transport is infrequent (or nonexistent) at night and taking lots of cabs negate the whole attempt to save money!
It’s not right in Venice — but this agriturismo just outside the city, Villa Mocenigo, is a great (and beautiful) budget option
Still, sometimes, being off the beaten path can give you what you didn’t even know you wanted… at a cheaper price. Case in point: We recently traveled to Venice. On our first night, we stayed at an agriturismo. Tranquil, lush, filled with farm animals (and puppies!), the Villa Mocenigo even had a 16th-century villa; we stayed in a room with antique furniture and dined on homemade, farm-fresh food.
Okay, maybe it was the puppy that really sold us on our budget hotel choice.
The price? 35 euros per person. Sure, we weren’t in Venice — but we were just a 20-minute drive from the city center. Since we were visiting Venice at the height of high season, that meant we not only got to save money, but that we got to rest our heads somewhere tranquil, outside of the craziness of the center. While staying at a farm just outside Venice on a trip to seeVenice might not be for everyone, it was for us.
So always weigh your options. At the same time, always ask why a certain neighborhood might be so much cheaper than others. In Rome, for example, there are lots of cheap options around the Termini train station. The reason? Many parts of the neighborhood aren’t very nice. So be on your guard and do your research — but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
The Negev desert wine route
By Dan Savery Raz, Lonely Planet
Like most Middle Eastern deserts, the Negev is usually associated with sand, rock and the odd camel. However, this seemingly dry and arid region in southern Israel is now home to a burgeoning wine route, thanks to a group of pioneering 21st-century farmers and their use of computerized drip irrigation.
The Negev gets less than 100mm of rain per year, most of which is washed away in flash floods down mountainsides, so the use of irrigation is not necessarily new. The Nabataeans – the ancient desert nomads who built their capital in Petra in the Hellenistic period – were so good at conserving water that their kings used to deliberately waste it in front of guests to show off. You can still see traces of their ancient irrigation systems at the ruined cities of Shivta and Mamshit in the Negev. The Romans, who later controlled this region, were also partial to a drop of wine. Indeed, the ruins of Avdat even include an old Byzantine wine press.
But modern drip irrigation uses underground computerized probes and long plastic tubes to slowly release water over long distances. Today, this efficient method is used in more than 100 countries to grow crops using less water, energy and fewer chemicals, including projects in South Africa, China, India and even for growing tea in Tanzania.
Polish-born Simcha Blass is credited with introducing new “spaghetti tubes” to Israel in the 1950s, with longer passageways that would not get blocked by small particles. And now, for the first time in centuries, grapevines are taking root in soil that was once considered infertile.
The wine route started in the late 1990s, when Zvi Remak, who studied winemaking at California’s Napa Valley College, decided to plant a vineyard on the grounds of the Sde Boker Kibbutz in the northern Negev. The Sde Boker Winery opened in 1999, and today specializes in handcrafted red wines made from zinfandel and carignan grapes. The winery is next to the former desert home of Israel’s first prime minister David Ben-Gurion, and offers tastings in its small shop.
The Yatir Winery, which is close to the Dead Sea and the ancient 3,000-year-old Canaanite settlement of Tel Arad, released its first wines in 2004. Known for its sauvignon blanc and cabernet merlot blends, Yatir achieved meteoric success and was the first Israeli winery to be listed in London’s exclusive department store Selfridges. The actual vineyard is located in the Yatir Forest underneath the Judean hills, the biggest planted forest in Israel, where you will find carob, pistachio and pine trees.
Most of the Negev desert wineries are located along Route 40, between the city of Be’er Sheva and the hilltop town of Mitzpe Ramon. Maps are available at the Negev Highlands tourist office.
Heading south on Route 40, the Boker Valley Vineyard has an excellent wine lodge and restaurant, as well as a farm store that sells wines and olive oil. The vineyard is run by a friendly Israeli-Dutch couple and offers accommodation in its modern, South African-style wooden cabins. An outdoor jacuzzi in the desert valley is the perfect place to sip champagne and watch the sunset.
Further south still, just before the town of Mitzpe Ramon and opposite the ruined Nabataean city of Avdat , the Carmey Avdat Winery is a family-run, ecological farm that cultivates grapes using ancient irrigation terraces. The winery produces fine merlots with a unique, salty desert taste, and they also offer bed and breakfast in six luxurious rooms.
Located 60km north of Eilat in the Arava valley, Neot Semadar (“Neot” means “oasis” in Hebrew) is the southernmost winery in Israel. This alternative organic farm and vineyard sells its own range of boutique wines, olive oils, jams, homemade ice cream and cheeses in its rustic roadside restaurant surrounded by desert terrain.
Dan Savery Raz is co-author of Lonely Planet’s Israel & the Palestinian Territories guide.
Shopping in Singapore is better than Paris
By CNNGO
Secret shoppers rate the prettiest, most welcoming, most customer-friendly retail streets — which is your no. 1?
Mystery shoppers suss out the surroundings to rate the appearance of luxury stores.How many shopping trips truly turn out to to be the idyllic experiences your friends promised they would be?
Presence Mystery Shopping, a Paris-based market consulting company, thinks it has found 30 places that really truly can offer shopping heaven. It has published a report ranking the welcome and service for the world’s most famous shopping streets.
“We surveyed the quality of retail service on iconic shopping streets that tourists are told they just need to visit,” says Presence Business Development Manager, Leslie Kambourian.
Over 30 main avenues were visited, and nearly 400 individual retail outlets were observed, including perfume shops, restaurants, ready-to-wear outlets and showrooms.
Orchard Road in Singapore came out in first place, Avenue de la Liberté in Luxembourg followed in second and PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam took third spot.
The “mystery shoppers” ranked their experiences based on observations in four categories:
- Appearance (cleanliness, lighting)
- Welcome (staff greetings, courtesy, availability)
- Atmosphere (garbage cans available, open space, clean pavement)
- Contact with passers-by (friendliness, helpfulness to people passing through the store)
Got your own favorite shopping areas? Tell us about them in the comments.
World’s top 10 shopping avenues and their scores out of 100
1. Orchard Road, Singapore: 89
According to mystery shoppers, Orchard Road led with the best atmosphere because of its “wide and clean pavements and diversity of shops.”
But tourists won’t be able to sweep every shop in one day; the whopping 22 shopping malls and six department stores on the Road might wipe them out.
2. Avenue de la Liberté, Luxembourg: 85
This avenue placed first in overall appearance. “The atmosphere is perfect, there is plenty of room and everywhere is well lit,” says a mystery shopper.
If you suddenly have an urgent situation where you need to see a praline specialist, visit the Jeff de Bruges. This chocolate expert has whatever chocolates you need, spicy, soft, creamy, fruit and rich.
Jeff de Bruges, 17 Rue de la Liberté – Guéliz, 40000, +33 (0)3 87 37 15 61
3. PC Hoofstraat, Amsterdam: 83
The district of PC Hoofstraat was noted for its friendliness, retail outlets were courteous and welcoming to the people walking by the store, creating an inviting atmosphere.
But, there is always backlash with a bit of popularity. The local Dutch refer to Sports Utility Vehicles as “P.C. Hooft-tractors.” It’s a derogatory term because you can find one on every corner.
4. Bagdat Avenue, Istanbul: 83
Shoppers thought Bagdat Avenue was a winner in appearance because of its “floral areas, collective taxis and water sellers.”
If you want a traditional Turkish coffee that won’t break the budget on a high-end street, look no further than Starbucks. The American chain has properly integrated Turkish style coffee on its menu to blend in with Istanbul’s café culture.
5. Oscar Freire, Sao Paolo: 82
Brazilians are known to be among the friendliest people in the world, so it’s no wonder this street came in as the third most welcoming.
Don’t be surprised if you walk into a luxury store and find the odd “ in-store butler” who will hand you a glass of Champagne or coffee.
For a mid-shop snack, try some locally made fresh baked goods at the Casa de Paes (Bella Paulista House of Bread). The bakery offers gelato, pizzas, confectionaries and other guilt-less pleasures you grant yourself on vacation.
6. George Street, Sydney: 82
Beyond the friendly department stores and brightly lit boutiques, there are many quirky little shops at the southern end of George Street.
Nestled under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are boutiques selling everything from high-end art and photography to nick-knack shells and shark teeth.
But if you’re in the mood for up-scale, the beautiful old sandstone Queen Victoria building is home to top-end fashion stores and cafes. The building sits next to the Sydney Townhall building, the iconic steps are a common meeting place for locals.
7. Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna: 80
Stretching 1.8 kilometers, the avenue places third in the “appearance” category, and it’s not just its shops that are commendable. There are some noteworthy historic buildings to visit nearby.
Check out the Museum Quarter which holds a variety of outstanding contemporary art and classic modern pieces. Also, look out for the iconic Rahlstiege staircase from 1886.
Museum’s Quarter, Museumsplatz 1/5 1 1070 Vienna, Austria
8. Avenue Louise, Brussels: 78
Scoring points for out-of-store atmosphere, this shopping street has a peaceful Nirvana nearby in the form of the Jardin Du Roi, (Garden of the King).
True to its name, the garden has a perfectly manicured geometric bushes and stunning flower designs.
Jardin Du Roi, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels
9. Ginza Line, Tokyo: 78
There’s been enough written about Ginza over the years to wallpaper every eye-wateringly expensive hostess bar in the area, but there is actually more to the high-end shopping, eating and drinking. At Ginza, you can look to the streets for inspiration.
Given a free Sunday afternoon, few things give a visitor a glimpse of the real Tokyo as readily as a stroll down the temporarily pedestrianized Chuo Dori.
Stripped of cars between noon and 5 p.m., the main strip is the spot in the capital for people watching, lounging at pavement cafés and generally freeloading your way to a memorable day out.
10. Bond Street, London: 77
If you’re heading over to Bond Street, make sure you’re not just going for a leisurely stroll. The report writes “Bond Street in London is by far the last for its atmosphere. It is certainly clean, but there is work going on all the time.”
The mystery shoppers came across construction on 63 percent of the visits. On the bright side, shoppers say that the friendliness of Londoners make people forget the work going on in the avenue.
World’s best shopping avenues, 11-30
11. Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki: 77
12. Passage Victor Emmanuel, Milan: 76
13. Strøget, Copenhagen: 75
14. Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing: 75
15 Alvear, Buenos Aires: 71
16. Champs Elysées, Paris: 71
17. Drottninggatan, Stockholm: 71
18. Apgujeong-dong, Seoul: 71
19. Karl Johan, Oslo: 70
20. Calle Serrano, Madrid: 69
21. Friedrischstrasse, Berlin: 68
22. Ulica Florianska, Krakow: 67
23. Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg: 67
24. Ermou Street, Athens: 65
25. Rue Ste Catherine, Montreal: 64
26. 5th Avenue, New York: 64
27. Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon: 61
28. Rue du Rhône, Geneva: 59
29. Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong: 57
30. Linking Road, Bandra, Mumbai: 56
Best of Koh Samui
By CNNGo staff, Tina Hsiao and Jules Kay
Experiencing the best of Koh Samui is no easy feat.
The most popular island in the Gulf of Thailand is best described as a confusing version of paradise. Koh Samui’s beaches, bays, tourist strips and villages each have their own distinct personalities.
Some are sleazy. Some over-saturated. But most are fabulous.
Whether your idea of the best of Koh Samui beach break is getting lost in the tropics with your partner or getting hammered every night and sleeping it off on the beach, this wrap-up of the best of Koh Samui covers it all.
Hotels
Luxury
Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort
Koh Samui has become pool villa central in the last five years, with the swanky Four Seasons leading the development charge through erstwhile coconut plantations.
All of the resort’s 40 one-bedroom villas and 14 one- to five-bedroom residence villas come with a private infinity pool. Highly recommended if swimming in the buff is your thing.
Designed to bring the outside in, each villa rocks panoramic, best of Koh Samui views of Laem Yai Bay and nearby Koh Pha Ngan.
There’s also a forest spa, a white-sand private bay, kids’ club, beachfront pool and all the other stuff one comes to expect from a property that sits atop the branded-hotel food chain.
Bonus for location nitpickers: Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort’s position in the northwest corner of Samui makes it a good option for those who don’t want to be smothered by the action, but still want to venture out for nightlife.
Mid-Range
Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
To avoid the ubiquitous, ho-hum Thai-style resorts, check into Zazen. This boutique resort has Moroccan-inspired décor, open bathrooms, a peaceful beachfront vibe and friendly staff.
The resort’s Le Salon de Ti is a bay-view tea lounge with Louis XVI-style furniture, crystal chandeliers and a funky framed mirror that doubles as a TV. What every good hotel needs, really.
Zazen is a good option for foodies as it’s in Bophut, near the famed Fisherman’s Village and seafood restaurants that rank among the best of Koh Samui.
There are also plenty of pubs in the area, which is blessedly sleaze-free.
177, Moo 1, Bophut; +66 (0) 7742 5085; from 5,610 baht (US$177) per night (excluding service charge and tax). www.samuizazen.com
Budget
Jungle Club
Though the luxury hotel industry has spread its pricey, posh tentacles over the island, there are still some worthy budget options that prove you don’t need to spend thousands to get million-dollar views.
The Jungle Club, with its chilled, unpretentious vibe, features cliff-perched bungalows and sublime sundowner spots that present 180-degree views across Chaweng and out to Samui’s offshore islands.
Jungle Club’s decent choice of fan-cooled accommodations range from huts to private mountain lodges. Family-friendly facilities make it well worth the accident-in-your-pants-scary drive up a steep hill to the entrance.
Chaweng Noi beach, near Soi Panyadee school; +66 (0)81 894 2327; from 800 baht per night for a hut; www.jungleclubsamui.com
Dining
H Bistro
Chef Stephen Dion’s French Mediterranean expressions at H-Bistro bring metropolitan flair to the beach, earning the restaurant a spot on any best of Koh Samui list.
Dion has cooked for royalty in the past. Lucky commoners can now also enjoy his epicurean creations, crafted from quality imported ingredients.
Pair it all with a vintage bottle from the extensive wine list.
Appetizers start at 300 baht and main courses at 810 baht.
H-Bistro at Hansar Samui, +66 (0) 7724 5511. www.hansarsamui.com/h-bistro
Wannai
Wannai restaurant earned a spot on this best of Koh Samui round-up at the end of 2010 by introducing a menu of gourmet Thai food that includes an upscale take on classic street stall dishes.
Set in an expansive, lakeside garden, the restaurant offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating options, including a private air-conditioned room that doubles as a function venue.
The emphasis is on all things live — seafood, music, football. The latter is shown on large screens on weekends.
Wannai is set back from the main island Ring Road in Bophut, near the traffic lights.
Shambala Restaurant
Proving that you can stick to tradition and pull in the crowds, Shambala Restaurant is a laid-back eatery featuring several Thai classics.
The original recipe for the signature massaman was acquired (ripped off?) from an old man in the local market. The rich curry flavors infuse the meat and potato with a spicy kick to provide the culinary coup de grâce.
Shambala Restaurant, Bangrak. www.samui-shambala.com
Orgasmic by Chef Wally
Chef Wally is something of a celebrity chef on Koh Samui, having established what is now one of the island’s best known resort restaurants at Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa.
Striking out on his own, he created Orgasmic, a sexy Mediterranean eatery overlooking Bophut Bay that has required reservations since day one.
Filled with unique Mediterranean creations, Royal Thai cuisine and organic vegetarian delights, the rich menu is something of a culinary sensation for a small island in Thailand.
Located beachside between Bophut and Bang Rak; +66 (0) 8 6276 9101
Krua Chao Baan
A best of Koh Samui beachfront feast for locals and visitors in the know, this established restaurant is a well-kept secret among lovers of fresh local seafood.
The vast menu includes interesting southern delicacies like “Gaeng Som,” a popular local sour curry, as well as a full list of Thai favorites and excellent fresh seafood choices.
The red snapper with chili and mango salad is a particular treat atKrua Chao Baan, as are the tiger prawns in tamarind sauce, if available. Everything goes well with coconut juice straight from the tree.
Don’t worry about stuffing your face — you can always work off the calories by going for a post-meal paddle in the restaurant’s kayaks, offered free of charge.
Driving south from Lamai, on the left-hand side by the beach, around 1 kilometer before you reach Hua Thanon fishing village, near Silangu Temple; +66 (0) 7741 8589
Starfish & Coffee
With its warm Mediterranean décor and beachside terrace in the heart of Bophut Fisherman’s Village, Starfish, as it’s known, is always abuzz with hungry holiday-makers.
An eclectic, occasionally quirky menu of Thai and Western dishes complements the restaurant’s fresh daily seafood offerings, the latter displayed on ice out front and cooked fresh to your taste.
A distinct French influence also guarantees a good wine selection and some desirably dangerous desserts, such as the ever-popular mango and sticky rice.
The restaurant is named after the Prince song, but opens at noon so don’t expect to get your butterscotch clouds and tangerines here for breakfast.
On the main beachside strip in Bophut Fisherman’s Village; + 66 (0) 7742 7201
Ocean 11
An idyllic seafront setting right on Big Buddha Beach is but one of many qualities that make Ocean 11 one of Samui’s most celebrated restaurants.
The carefully crafted menu of Mediterranean and Italian delights is paired with a hand-selected wine list and tempting, ever-changing specials.
This cool combination has not only catapulted Ocean 11 to the top of the fine dining list on Samui, but has kept it there for a number of years.
Attentive service adds to the experience, and the simple but refined surroundings may even make you want to dress up a little for dinner.
In the end, though, it’s all about the food, which in this case includes succulent imported steak and lamb, mouth-melting fresh seafood, homemade pasta and a goat-cheese salad you’ll want to share, if only to make your dining partner jealous.
On the beach in Bang Rak, adjacent to 100 Degrees East; + 66 (0) 7724 5134; www.011s.com
Nightlife
9Gems
9Gems is a newcomer to the Samui wine and dine scene that’s part luxury villa, part upscale lounge.
There’s fusion food, tapas and cocktails, all served hillside, with great views over Chaweng Lake stretching to the beach.
Miami Vice meets Buddha Bar, this best of Koh Samui place offers the white linen-clad brigade a sassy place to splash some cash. Cocktails start at 350 baht (excluding service charge and tax).
9Gems Lounge, +66 (0)77 256 125. www.9gemssamui.com
Reggae Pub
On the edge of Chaweng Lake, the 20-plus-year-old Reggae Pub hosts a nightly live cover band polished in the art of crowd pleasing, and box set classics.
3/3 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach; www.reggae-pub.com
Green Mango Road
A few clubs in Chaweng manage to regularly fill their dance floors.For the best of Koh Samui nightlife in one area, check out Chaweng’s Green Mango Road, which has an aircraft hangar-like club of the same name.
Another top club to hit on the Green Mango strip is Solo, popular with the late-night crowd and known for bringing in a regular rotation of quality DJs from around the world.
Sound Club
The light and sound system at Sound Club in Chaweng gives Bangkok venues a run for their money, heaving well into the wee hours of the morning.
Different sections thump out varying music to cater to the variety-seeking clubber, and they regularly host international DJs.
Chawang Lake View, Chawang Beach; www.soundclubsamui.com
Q Bar
The Koh Samui reincarnation of the popular Bangkok club of the same name, Q Bar is another popular Chaweng venue.
Always a safe bet for a good night out, this club brings in top DJs and has a well-stocked bar manned by skilled bartenders who know their drinks.
Believe it or not, it’s family friendly. Q Bar Samui has its own kids room, where the young ones can play pool and watch cartoons while mommy and daddy get some alone time.
147/57 Moo 2 Bophut Sub-District; +66 (0)7 796 2420;www.qbarsamui.com
Black Moon Party
Samui’s answer to Koh Phangan’s legendary monthly Full Moon Party is the Black Moon bash, which, although more modest, often features big-name DJs and lasts until dawn.
Originally held at the Chaweng Lake Complex, the parties have recently been relocated to Chillin’ Feel at Plai Laem.
Adventure
Kiteboarding
In kiteboarding, the pros use wind and waves to perform stunts that make your toes curl. Learning to kiteboard takes energy and commitment.
But you can still nurse a hangover and give it a go.
Koh Samui is one of several Thailand beach destinations that attracts fans of the sport, due to the island’s optimal wind conditions. For lessons, hit up the Samui branch of Kiteboarding Asia.
+66 (0)81 591 4592, www.kiteboardingasia.com
Island hopping
The Ang Thong Marine Park is reachable on a day trip, but deserted enough to offer unspoiled Crusoe charm.
“The Beach” may have been filmed elsewhere, but it was this 42-island archipelago that provided the inspiration — a truly stunning spot to snorkel, dive, lie on the beach or kayak.
One of the park’s islands, Maekoh, has its own emerald inland lake, with steps that put thigh-busters worldwide to shame.
Most hotels and Koh Samui travel agencies offer a variety of Ang Thong tours.
Golf
Koh Samui has two mountainside golf country clubs — Santiburi and the Royal Samui Golf — with above-par views from the tees.
At Santiburi, carts are mandatory and absolutely necessary as this course takes you up, down and around, in the process offering fantastic views that challenge you to keep your mind on the game.
Sailing
If the thought of heading out on a group tour with a dozen other pleasure-seekers makes you cringe in horror, charter your own private boat with Samui Ocean Sports.
Sail to Koh Pha Ngan for the day. Island hop. Crank up the tunes on the iPod while the skipper catches the wind then drop anchor in a quiet bay for a swim and a Thai feast before absorbing the sunset as you open a bottle or two to toast your good fortune.
Don’t forget to throw a few photos of your day onto Twitter. What point is there in holidaying extravagantly if you can’t rub it in the faces of your followers?
Samui Ocean Sports, +66 (0)81 940 1999. www.sailing-in-samui.com
Diving
Because Samui is essentially a sand island, the water right off the shore can be murky. In other words, the island’s dive options suck.
But there are inspiring snorkeling and dive trips a short cruise away in the Gulf of Thailand.
For the real deal, join one of many snorkeling and diving trips that leave Samui daily for nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao and the Ang Thong Marine Park.
For snorkelers, the waters around the much photographed islets at Koh Nang Yuan, off Koh Tao, are often fishbowl clear.
Sail Rock is another much visited world-class dive site halfway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, one of the few places in the world where you can dive with whale sharks. Sightings generally occur between March and August.
Koh Tao itself has more than 30 dive sites and considerably more schools and operators.
With so many dive courses and trips on offer it’s wise to choose the more established, professional operators who maintain their equipment and follow international standards of safety.
The 100 Degrees East Dive Team limits the number of divers/snorkelers per trip and heads for less-visited areas or gets to the popular ones early to avoid the masses, varying the choice of location based on prevailing weather conditions and visibility.
100 Degrees East Koh Samui, +66 (0) 7724 5936. www.100degreeseast.com
Flying
Not all the action in Samui takes place over water. You can also fly through tropical treetops strapped into a harness while snatching glimpses of the glistening coast below.
The jungle hike to the top of the six zipline runs that make up Canopy Adventures is sweaty but part of the appeal, with the rides set in one of Samui’s least spoiled patches of forest, near Mae Nam.
There’s even a waterfall with a swimming hole to cool off in after the ride, which costs 1,900 baht per person.
Canopy Adventures, +66 (0) 7741 4150-1. www.canopyadventuresthailand.com
Spa
Almost as ubitqutious as 7-Eleven is the Koh Samui spa. One of the best of Koh Samui spa options is Tamarind Springs, with its unique forest spa concept.
The steam cave is infused with a mix of herbs that stimulates blood circulation and helps cleanse the body and clear breathing passages.
It’s a great way to soften the muscles before a massage.
Or, just spend a few hours switching between the steam cave and rock plunge pool, living out your Flintstones fantasies.
Price: 1,500 baht for an unlimited “Steam and Dream” treatment (excluding service charge and tax).
Tamarind Springs, +66 (0) 7742 4221, www.tamarindsprings.com
Magic Buddha Garden
Hidden in the mists of Koh Samui’s hillside jungle, the Magic Buddha Garden is a mystical anomaly that was created by local septogenarian fruit farmer Nimm Thongsuk.
Uncle Nimm built statues and sculptures along a mountain stream that portray various deities and mythical creatures.
It’s one of those oddball, best of Koh Samui attractions that’s worth including on an island tour, in addition to the usual Big Buddha and Grandfather/Grandmother (penis/vagina) rock stops.
One way to efficiently take in the highlights of Samui is a full day eco-safari tour. For 1,700 baht per adult you get an eight-hour trip around the island.
Island Safari Tour, +66 (0) 7742 5563. www.islandsafaritour.com
Tong Krut fishing village
Tong Krut fishing village on the southwest coast of Samui is a rare snapshot of the island’s past.
Traditional beach shacks line the shore, with longtail boats leaning on the sand.
A handful of modest restaurants serve some of the best fresh seafood in the Thai Gulf — straight from the sea to the plate.
Beaches
Let’s be honest. The main thing tourists looking to experience the best of Koh Samui want to know about are the beaches, not the culture.
Picking which strip of Samui sand to rest your butt on depends on whether you want white sands with no crowds or want to lay in front of a ratty-looking beach bar run by locals who never seem to tire of listening to Bob Marley.
For action, the busiest strip of sand in town is Chaweng Beach, which has the most concentrated accomodations and the best nightlife. Though over-crowded, it’s a nice beach with the prerequisite white sand and turquoise waters that drew all those tourists in the first place.
Second on the popularity scale is Lamai Beach. Not as busy as Chaweng, but with plenty of hotel options and a lovely beach, it’s an alternative for traveling families who want to be in the thick of the action but without the wild nights.
Other good options include Choeng Mon, Bophut, Lipa Noi and Maenam, all of which have resorts and bungalows to suit different budgets.
If views of the neighboring Ang Thong National Park are preferable to fine sand, hit Taling Ngam, which sits in a remote corner of Koh Samui. Keep in mind, this one is really far from the action.
Transportation
Airlines
Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways operate flights from Bangkok, with Bangkok Airways operating direct flights to/from Singapore and Hong Kong.
Firefly also connects Kuala Lumpur with the island.
Airport transfers
Most hotels provide airport transfers, but for a slightly cheaper option there’s an official airport taxi counter, where you pay the fare in advance.
The cabs aren’t metered so, for example, it’s usually 400 baht for a 10-minute ride to Bophut. It’s 100 baht in a shared mini-bus if you’re not on a tight schedule.
Ferry
Ferries connect mainland Surat Thani with Koh Samui, with buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Station making the trip to Samui regularly.
Car rentals
If you plan to do more than laze on the beach, the easiest way to get around the island is by car. The airport has several rental counters — Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar — each offering a fleet of sedans, SUVs, mini-vans and jeeps.
A small sedan will set you back around 1,500 baht per day. Local companies such as TA Car Rentusually have lower rates and flexible car drop-off and return locations.
Motorbikes
Motorbike rentals are popular with tourists for 150-250 baht per day depending on the bike’s condition. Keep in mind, the island has one of the highest road fatality rates in the country. Legend has it the only activity that’s deadlier is sitting under a coconut tree.
Local transport
A safer way to get around is to flag a converted red pickup (songthaew), the island’s non-scheduled public transportation. Prices range from 30-80 baht per ride for short distances.
For longer distances, the rule of thumb is 100 baht per beach you want to travel to (for example, 300 baht from Chaweng to Bophut).
Wine tasting trips in Canada
- By Lonely Planet Author
The best way to sample any wine is to head straight to the source, where you can taste the region in the glass. You won’t want to miss the multitude of top table wineries in Ontario’s Niagara region or British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley – the country’s leading producers – but a visit to the smaller, often rustic wineries of Québecand the charming boutique operations of Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley can be just as rewarding.
Wherever your tipple-craving crawl takes you (with a designated driver of course), drink widely and deeply and prepare to be surprised. And make sure you have plenty of room in your suitcase – packing materials are always available, but you’ll probably drink everything before you make it to the airport anyway.
Regional Wine List
Depending on how thirsty you are, you’re rarely too far from a wine region in Canada. Which means that most visitors can easily add a mini taste-tripping tour to their visit if they’d like to meet a few producers and sample some intriguing local flavors. Here’s a rundown of the best areas, including the magnum-sized larger regions and the thimble-sized smaller locales – why not stay all summer and visit them all?
The rolling hills of this lakeside BC region are well worth the five-hour drive from Vancouver. Studded among the vine-striped slopes are more than 100 wineries enjoying a diverse climate that fosters both crisp whites and bold reds. With varietals including pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, merlot and chardonnay, there’s a wine here to suit almost every palate. Most visitors base themselves in Kelowna, the Okanagan’s wine capital, before fanning out to well-known blockbuster wineries like Mission Hill, Quail’s Gate, Cedar Creek and Summerhill Pyramid Winery (yes, it has a pyramid). Many of them also have excellent vista-hugging restaurants.
Find out more about BC’s wine regions and annual festivals – and download free touring maps – at www.winebc.com.
Golden Mile
Some of BC’s best Okanagan wineries are centered south of the valley around the historic town of Oliver, where the Golden Mile’s hot climate fosters a long, warm growing season. Combined with gravel, clay and sandy soils, this area is ideally suited to varietals like merlot, chardonnay, gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon. While the 20 or so wineries here are not actually crammed into one mile – it’s more like 20km – the proximity of celebrated producers like Burrowing Owl, Tinhorn Creek and Road 13 Vineyards makes this an ideal touring area. And if you’re still thirsty, continue south to Osoyoos and check out Nk’Mip Cellars, a First Nations winery on the edge of a desert.
Long-established as a farming area, Vancouver Island’s verdant Cowichan Valley is also home to some great little wineries. A short drive from Victoria, you’ll find Averill Creek, Blue Grouse, Cherry Point Vineyards and Venturie-Schulze. Also consider Merridale Estate Cidery, which produces six celebrated ciders on its gently-sloped orchard grounds. For information on the wineries here, visit www.wineislands.ca
This picture-perfect Ontario region of country inns and charming old towns offers more than 60 wineries and grows more than three-quarters of Canada’s grapes. Neatly divided between the low-lying Niagara-on-the-Lake area and the higher Niagara Escarpment, its complex mix of soils and climates – often likened to the Loire Valley – is ideal for chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir and cabernet-franc varietals. This is also the production center for Canadian icewine, that potently sweet dessert drink made from grapes frozen on the vine. Home to some of Canada’s biggest and best wineries, including Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs and Peller Estates, don’t miss smaller pit-stops like Magnotta and Cave Spring Cellars in the Escarpment area.
Prince Edward County
Proving that not all Ontario’s wineries are clustered in Niagara, this comparatively new grape-growing region – located in the province’s southeastern corner and almost three hours drive from Toronto – is a charming alternative if you want to avoid the tour buses winding through the main wine area. A long-established fruit-growing district with generally lower temperatures than Niagara, cooler-climate wines are favored here – including chardonnay and pinot noir. The most intriguing wineries include Closson Chase, Black Prince Winery and Grange of Prince Edward. If your taste buds are piqued, consider checking out other Ontario wine regions like Pelee Island and Lake Erie North Shore.
Starting around 80km southeast of Montréal, this idyllic patchwork farmland region in Québec is studded with quiet villages, leafy woodlands, crystal clear lakes and winding countryside roads. A rising tide of wineries has joined the traditional farm operations here in recent years, with rieslings and chardonnays particularly suited to the area’s cool climate and soil conditions. But it’s the local icewines, dessert wines and fruit wines that are the area’s main specialties, so make sure you come with a sweet tooth. Wineries to perk up your taste-buds here include Domaine Félibre, Vignoble de L’Orpailleur and Vignoble le Cep d’Argent.
Montérégie
The dominant player in Québec’s wider Eastern Townships, this bumpy and bucolic area is packed with vineyards and orchards (not to mention a surfeit of maple groves). A major fruit farming region – this is an ideal spot to try ciders and flavor-packed fruit wines – growers here are happy to try just about any red or white varietal, but it’s their rosés that are particularly memorable. Recommended wineries include Domaine St-Jacques, Les Petits Cailloux and Vignoble des Pins; and keep in mind that Québec restaurants often encourage diners to bring their own bottles, so fill your car as you explore the region.
Divided into six boutique wine-producing regions – from the warm shoreline of Northumberland Strait to the verdant Annapolis Valley – Nova Scotia’s two-dozen wineries are mostly just a couple of hours drive from big city Halifax. One of the world’s coldest grape-growing areas, cool-climate whites are a staple here, including a unique varietal known as l’Acadie Blanc. Innovative sparkling wines are a Nova Scotia specialty and they tend to dominate the drops that are on offer at the popular stops such as the excellent Benjamin Bridge Vineyards. Other highly recommended destinations to fill up your glass include Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards and Domaine De Grand Pre.
Why its so important to Travel Now Even if You Have Limited Cash..
Posted by travel answer man
There are numerous reasons travel is good for you, especially in economically difficult times. Please share these important tips with your friends and take advantage of them yourself today! Cash in on the great end of the year deals before it is too late!
Travel is great for your overall health! Just one vacation annually might be able to reduce an individual’s chance of a heart attack significantly and eliminate stress. Upon returning from a trip, many travelers admit their deep sleep is significantly improved. While traveling, most people’s blood pressure will drop. You can’t ignore these vital health tips!
It’s great for personal relationships! The anticipation of going on a vacation increases positive emotions about one’s own life. A new travel experience can cause a person to look at the world differently. Most will return from vacation with a much more open mind…a much improved outlook on life. That has got to be a good thing in today’s negative thinking world!
Travel may deposit more money in your wallet. Many people are more creative when they return refreshed from a long holiday. Your day to day performance at work is likely to improve also…rested physically and refreshed mentally. Imagine what you might be able to do! It might even help you get that new promotion or next raise. A “new you” might just be all it will take in the eyes of the boss.
So what are you waiting for? As the world economy has suffered the last number of months, the travel industry suppliers have been forced to re-invent themselves and revise their current strategy. They have lowered prices to levels that have not been seen for many years. This includes the airlines, hotels, resorts, spas, car rentals, cruise lines, trains, restaurants, golf courses, and various sightseeing activities. Go now! Don’t wait any longer…quit procrastinating! Travel is a wise investment in your life.
Holiday Pet Travel
he holidays are one of the peak seasons for travel, and it is the perfect time to take your pet along with you. Whether you are off on a ski vacation, visiting family or perhaps enjoying the magical feeling of a Swiss village at Christmas time, having your best friend along will make the trip more enjoyable.
Be sure to consider your pet’s identification before you leave. Pet ID tags with your CELL PHONE number are great since there will not be anyone at home to answer the phone. You should consider the added safety of a pet microchip. If your pet is separated from you, a shelter or a veterinarian can read the chip, and they can then track you down through the database of the manufacturer of the microchip. If you are going to be spending a couple of weeks in one place, consider buying a second Pet ID tag with the contact information on where you will be staying.
Pet Crates are a great way to keep your pet safe when traveling in the car. Unless a pet is confined or harnessed, its behavior can cause great distraction to the driver of the vehicle. As much as we all like our smaller pet in our lap, it is detrimental to the safety of the pet, the driver, and the passengers riding in the car. A collision, even at a slow speed, can seriously injure an unrestrained pet. The safety of your pet is your responsibility. Be sure and buckle them in with a pet harness or confine them in a crate.
If it is very warm or very cold, don’t leave your pet in the car alone. Be prepared by having a supply of water in portable pet water food bowls in the car. You may not find the brand of pet food that your pet is accustomed to where you are going, so bring extra food with you.
If your pet is larger than about 15 pounds, and you are traveling by air, then you will need an IATA compliant pet crate with special safety features. If you will be staying in a hotel, then the pet crate is the proper place to leave your pet while you go out to dinner. Make sure that the pet crate is large enough so that your pet can stand up and turn around. Be sure to leave an adequate supply of food and water to last for the period that you will be away. It’s also a good idea to place an absorbent pet pad in the bottom of the crate that will keep your pet dry in case of accidents.
Be sure and become familiar with hotel pet policies. Ask where it is appropriate to walk your pet and the areas where your pet is permitted. Always pick up after your pet.
Buy your crate well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it before you travel. Pet crates come in two pieces, a top and a bottom. For a few days leave the top off the crate and put treats and a favorite toy in just the bottom portion. After seeing that your pet is comfortable, assemble the crate and leave the door open. Invite them in with praise and treats.
Flying with your pet is easy these days. Almost all airlines accept pets on board the aircraft. Very small pets can often travel in the cabin of the aircraft with you in an airline compliant pet carrier. Larger pets will travel as checked baggage in a special section of the cargo hold where the temperature and pressure is the same as in the cabin. Be sure to alert the captain of the aircraft that you have a pet in cargo as he will take extra care to keep the temperature and pressure at the proper levels. You will need a health certificate stating that your pet is healthy enough to fly. Be sure to make reservations early as the airlines only allow a limited number of pets per flight. Stay away from medical tranquilizers for your pet and instead give them an all natural pet calmer that will make them less anxious.
You will need lodging on the way. A great majority of pet friendly hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts that accept pets but they do not always accept all types and sizes. It is important to make your reservations in advance and ask about their pet policy. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet in the car overnight.
When traveling, keep your pet on their normal schedule by feeding them and taking them for their “walk” as close to the regular time as possible. Be sure to pack a supply of plastic bags to take along on those walks. If you are traveling with a cat, there are portable kitty litter trays available. Realize that your pet is out of their normal surroundings, so be sure and keep them on a leash and watch them closely. Reassure them should they show signs of nervousness or anxiety.
Be considerate of other people. Although there are many pet lovers in this world, there are some that do not feel comfortable around pets. Respect others by restraining your pet when necessary.
So whether your destination is Grandma’s house, a mountain cabin, or a ski resort in Switzerland, your pet can accompany you with the proper planning. International destinations require special veterinary certificates, however when traveling to most countries, there will be no quarantine of your pet.
Find more articles at http://www.pettravel.com/
New Data Says Carry-On Bags, Checkpoint Top Frustrations
New survey data shows four of the top five air traveler frustrations relate to the checkpoint process, though a majority of travelers are supportive of recent initiatives to improve traveler facilitation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association to mark the 10th anniversary of TSA, the survey results were announced by U.S. Travel’s President and CEO Roger Dow at a press conference at Washington Reagan National Airport.
“I want to thank the men and women of TSA for a decade of dedicated service,” said Dow. “While we recognize the significant steps TSA has taken to improve security screening, the process still remains inefficient and frustrating for millions of Americans.”
Travelers are generally satisfied with TSA’s overall performance as it relates to security. A full two-thirds, 66 percent, of air travelers are satisfied with the job TSA is doing on security and only 13 percent said they were dissatisfied.
Additionally, a strong majority of air travelers support TSA’s recent efforts to improve the efficiency of the passenger checkpoint process, and they believe that the agency is headed on the “right track” with new initiatives such as the newly launched trusted traveler program PreCheck, the elimination of pat downs for children, software upgrades that replace personal body images with a generic body image and a decision to phase out the removal of shoes.
But while travelers commend TSA for these efforts, they continue to be frustrated with the checkpoint process. In fact, four out of five air travelers reported that their top frustrations with flying are still directly related to the checkpoint process:
- 72.4 percent chose “people who bring too many carry-on bags through the security checkpoint”;
- 68 percent chose “the wait time to clear the TSA checkpoint”;
- 62.3 percent chose “having to remove shoes, belts and jackets at the TSA checkpoint”; and
- 42.5 percent chose “TSA employees who are not friendly”.
In light of the survey’s findings, U.S. Travel makes three recommendations:
- Airlines must allow more opportunities for enrollment in PreCheck and not discriminate against consumers who are not members of their loyalty programs;
- Airlines must work with TSA and the travel industry to decrease the number of carry-on bags going through passenger checkpoints, which is a top frustration for passengers and a major security concern of TSA; and
- TSA must continue to focus on traveler facilitation because travelers are more willing to fly when the hassle is reduced.
“We can reduce the hassle of flying without compromising security,” said Dow. “When we do, more Americans will travel and our economy will benefit. If travelers took just two to three more trips a year, it would generate $85 billion in travel and spending and support 880,000 additional jobs.”
The executive summary of the report can be found here.
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