Holidaying with my wife and youngest son (18). Something a bit different this year. Berlin for four nights and then the train to Prague where we will spend 3 nights and then the train to Budapest for four nights. Really looking forward to it. (Thanks to @PragueAddick for his help and recommendations.)
3 great cities mate
We're off to Budapest for 4 nights next month. Staying in District V. Any recommendations for restaurants welcome, else I'll do some analysis on Tripadvisor
Two of the best places to eat in Budapest are the Karavan street food market (for dinner), about 15 minute walk from centre of District V, and Central Market (for lunch), a huge covered market with some decent local restaurants/cafes upstairs.
Holidaying with my wife and youngest son (18). Something a bit different this year. Berlin for four nights and then the train to Prague where we will spend 3 nights and then the train to Budapest for four nights. Really looking forward to it. (Thanks to @PragueAddick for his help and recommendations.)
3 great cities mate
We're off to Budapest for 4 nights next month. Staying in District V. Any recommendations for restaurants welcome, else I'll do some analysis on Tripadvisor
Two of the best places to eat in Budapest are the Karavan street food market (for dinner), about 15 minute walk from centre of District V, and Central Market (for lunch), a huge covered market with some decent local restaurants/cafes upstairs.
How was it overall and where were you? I'm asking because Croatia is a big thing for typical Czech families, going back to pre-revolution and being the first tourists to return after the wars in 1996. Loads of them now complain that everything is expensive, the service is bad, and that the Croats don't want them any more. But I suspect it's a certain kind of Czech saying this.
We took all our three kids to Pula and Istria last year, everyone loved it and my wife still says aren't the Croatians so lovely. They all went the extra mile and helped in way possible, learn a bit of Croatian and they will be shocked as nobody usually bothers. One negative is the taxi drivers aren't very honest, when it comes to tourists.
Good to hear. Interested in more Lifers’ experiences in Croatia.
My first holiday abroad was where you went. Rabac, along the coast from Pula. Six of us, 18 years old, between school and uni. Package holiday with Yugotours. Made friends with the locals, bewitched by the local girls ( waiters advice“don’t waste your time with Yugoslav girl, stick with German or Dutch” 😂) and returned 3 times. That was back in early 70s! It was basically the beginning of my fascination with the other Europe.
Been back twice recently, with wife and dog, to Istria, and Nin/Hvar. It’s driveable from Prague, thats why the Czechs love it (or did). I loved it all again, but my wife doesnt much take to the Croatians, and she’s pretty cosmopolitan. I just don’t pick up whatever signals she gets, and that’s why I’m curious.
Holidaying with my wife and youngest son (18). Something a bit different this year. Berlin for four nights and then the train to Prague where we will spend 3 nights and then the train to Budapest for four nights. Really looking forward to it. (Thanks to @PragueAddick for his help and recommendations.)
3 great cities mate
We're off to Budapest for 4 nights next month. Staying in District V. Any recommendations for restaurants welcome, else I'll do some analysis on Tripadvisor
Two of the best places to eat in Budapest are the Karavan street food market (for dinner), about 15 minute walk from centre of District V, and Central Market (for lunch), a huge covered market with some decent local restaurants/cafes upstairs.
Can vouch for this. Our AirBnB was pretty much directly opposite and the street food in Karavan was lovely.
How was it overall and where were you? I'm asking because Croatia is a big thing for typical Czech families, going back to pre-revolution and being the first tourists to return after the wars in 1996. Loads of them now complain that everything is expensive, the service is bad, and that the Croats don't want them any more. But I suspect it's a certain kind of Czech saying this.
We took all our three kids to Pula and Istria last year, everyone loved it and my wife still says aren't the Croatians so lovely. They all went the extra mile and helped in way possible, learn a bit of Croatian and they will be shocked as nobody usually bothers. One negative is the taxi drivers aren't very honest, when it comes to tourists.
Good to hear. Interested in more Lifers’ experiences in Croatia.
My first holiday abroad was where you went. Rabac, along the coast from Pula. Six of us, 18 years old, between school and uni. Package holiday with Yugotours. Made friends with the locals, bewitched by the local girls ( waiters advice“don’t waste your time with Yugoslav girl, stick with German or Dutch” 😂) and returned 3 times. That was back in early 70s! It was basically the beginning of my fascination with the other Europe.
Been back twice recently, with wife and dog, to Istria, and Nin/Hvar. It’s driveable from Prague, thats why the Czechs love it (or did). I loved it all again, but my wife doesnt much take to the Croatians, and she’s pretty cosmopolitan. I just don’t pick up whatever signals she gets, and that’s why I’m curious.
My first holiday abroad was in ‘87 in Poreč, then Yugoslavia. Absolutely loved it but Pula airport was basically a runway and a shed full of armed police/army personnel which was a bit of an eye opener. Never returned to Yugoslavia/Croatia since but keep getting drawn to Trogir near Split when looking at potential places to holiday.
If there are any specific hotel recommendations for this side of Mexico that would be great. Preferably adults only. I can see a box to untick "Loud American groups" so will have to roll with that one.
Just doing some reading about Cancun ('Hotel Zone'), Playa Del Carmen and Riviera Maya. If a passionate lifer fancies writing a summary, that would be welcomed as warmly as 3 points this weekend.
Just to add to this. The Excellence chain are utterly superb (same company owns Beloved & Finest resorts too). We go to Excellence Playa Mujeres every year. Amazing resort but a bit pricier than their other ones apart from the Jamaican one, transfers included when booking the hotel direct (about 35mins from the airport). Obviously full of Americans but it's generally not loud.
Yeah you can't go far wrong with any of the Excellence resorts (and Secrets) in Mexico or Dominican Republic.
How was it overall and where were you? I'm asking because Croatia is a big thing for typical Czech families, going back to pre-revolution and being the first tourists to return after the wars in 1996. Loads of them now complain that everything is expensive, the service is bad, and that the Croats don't want them any more. But I suspect it's a certain kind of Czech saying this.
We took all our three kids to Pula and Istria last year, everyone loved it and my wife still says aren't the Croatians so lovely. They all went the extra mile and helped in way possible, learn a bit of Croatian and they will be shocked as nobody usually bothers. One negative is the taxi drivers aren't very honest, when it comes to tourists.
Good to hear. Interested in more Lifers’ experiences in Croatia.
My first holiday abroad was where you went. Rabac, along the coast from Pula. Six of us, 18 years old, between school and uni. Package holiday with Yugotours. Made friends with the locals, bewitched by the local girls ( waiters advice“don’t waste your time with Yugoslav girl, stick with German or Dutch” 😂) and returned 3 times. That was back in early 70s! It was basically the beginning of my fascination with the other Europe.
Been back twice recently, with wife and dog, to Istria, and Nin/Hvar. It’s driveable from Prague, thats why the Czechs love it (or did). I loved it all again, but my wife doesnt much take to the Croatians, and she’s pretty cosmopolitan. I just don’t pick up whatever signals she gets, and that’s why I’m curious.
My first holiday abroad was in ‘87 in Poreč, then Yugoslavia. Absolutely loved it but Pula airport was basically a runway and a shed full of armed police/army personnel which was a bit of an eye opener. Never returned to Yugoslavia/Croatia since but keep getting drawn to Trogir near Split when looking at potential places to holiday.
Went to Trogir and Split this summer. Scenery was lovely and the architecture was incredible. Was fairly expensive in my eyes. Pint of local beer in Split was between 5 - 9Euros. Trogir was between 4-6Euros. Both places were very busy with tourists (early July). Id definitely recommend but maybe go at a quieter time of year.
Off to menorca with the wife for a week shortly. Not been there (Arenal d’en castell) not been in 20 or so years so any recommendations food, bars, places much appreciated
How was it overall and where were you? I'm asking because Croatia is a big thing for typical Czech families, going back to pre-revolution and being the first tourists to return after the wars in 1996. Loads of them now complain that everything is expensive, the service is bad, and that the Croats don't want them any more. But I suspect it's a certain kind of Czech saying this.
We took all our three kids to Pula and Istria last year, everyone loved it and my wife still says aren't the Croatians so lovely. They all went the extra mile and helped in way possible, learn a bit of Croatian and they will be shocked as nobody usually bothers. One negative is the taxi drivers aren't very honest, when it comes to tourists.
Good to hear. Interested in more Lifers’ experiences in Croatia.
My first holiday abroad was where you went. Rabac, along the coast from Pula. Six of us, 18 years old, between school and uni. Package holiday with Yugotours. Made friends with the locals, bewitched by the local girls ( waiters advice“don’t waste your time with Yugoslav girl, stick with German or Dutch” 😂) and returned 3 times. That was back in early 70s! It was basically the beginning of my fascination with the other Europe.
Been back twice recently, with wife and dog, to Istria, and Nin/Hvar. It’s driveable from Prague, thats why the Czechs love it (or did). I loved it all again, but my wife doesnt much take to the Croatians, and she’s pretty cosmopolitan. I just don’t pick up whatever signals she gets, and that’s why I’m curious.
My first holiday abroad was in ‘87 in Poreč, then Yugoslavia. Absolutely loved it but Pula airport was basically a runway and a shed full of armed police/army personnel which was a bit of an eye opener. Never returned to Yugoslavia/Croatia since but keep getting drawn to Trogir near Split when looking at potential places to holiday.
Went to Trogir and Split this summer. Scenery was lovely and the architecture was incredible. Was fairly expensive in my eyes. Pint of local beer in Split was between 5 - 9Euros. Trogir was between 4-6Euros. Both places were very busy with tourists (early July). Id definitely recommend but maybe go at a quieter time of year.
Interesting. Some Czechs are suggesting that Italy is cheaper than Croatia now. Well Italy is one big country, but they seem to be thinking of a mid-market beach place like Rimini. Any views anyone?
A great place on our recent tour of Italy and Europe was the dog beach at Rimini. They have a couple of dog hotels. Just as good as any other hotel but centred around dogs. They are served by the dog beach where you can get a fair sized enclosure with an umbrella, table and a couple of sunbeds and they have taps and bowls and watering cans for your dog/s. They also have a large play area with those dog course things you see at Crufts and they sell dog ice cream. Italy is amazingly dog friendly, we could even take him in most Supermarkets and virtually every restaurant. JJ could even sit on the bench and share a burger with us in the Hard Rock Cafe in Florence.
Just back from watching volcanos erupt, northern lights and trekking the Laugavegur trail in Iceland. If anyone likes walking/trekking that trail is incredible. One moment on a lava field, next on mountains with snow, then walking past geysirs and ice caves. Just crazy scenery and variety.
Has anyone ever done a narrowboat holiday in the UK?
Any recommendations re: where to do it, getting a good priced boat etc. very much appreciated
Might be just me but I’d recommend doing it on a river.
Or Norfolk Broads. I fancy doing it sometime. Was watching a series on people on narrow boats. The programme suddenly disappeared off the schedules, but it gave me a taste for it
Has anyone ever done a narrowboat holiday in the UK?
Any recommendations re: where to do it, getting a good priced boat etc. very much appreciated
Do you want to “drive” or sit back and relax? If the latter, google “Wessex Rose”. I personally advocate a trip down the Kennet and Avon (Even if you are renting and driving yourself, some lovely towns along the way and you can finish in the beautiful city of Bath)
Has anyone ever done a narrowboat holiday in the UK?
Any recommendations re: where to do it, getting a good priced boat etc. very much appreciated
Might be just me but I’d recommend doing it on a river.
Or Norfolk Broads. I fancy doing it sometime. Was watching a series on people on narrow boats. The programme suddenly disappeared off the schedules, but it gave me a taste for it
Couple of beer menus from Budapest earlier this year. One is a bar on Margaret Island, the other a bar with more specialised brews on a converted ice rink on the Buda side, with prices reflecting the 'craft' nature of the beer. Exchange rate is roughly 460 HUFs to the pound.
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Absolutely loved it but Pula airport was basically a runway and a shed full of armed police/army personnel which was a bit of an eye opener.
Never returned to Yugoslavia/Croatia since but keep getting drawn to Trogir near Split when looking at potential places to holiday.
If anyone likes walking/trekking that trail is incredible.
One moment on a lava field, next on mountains with snow, then walking past geysirs and ice caves.
Just crazy scenery and variety.
Any recommendations re: where to do it, getting a good priced boat etc. very much appreciated
Hot weather, cold beer, BBQ, college football. What more could one want?
When the wind blows right through you it’s no place for the old.
Great series.