Eastern Europe and the Balkans bucket list

188 Flares Twitter 0 Facebook 0 Google+ 2 Pin It Share 84 StumbleUpon 102 188 Flares × As you probably know very well I'm a huge enthusiast of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. That's where you will find me most often (and I'm not even talking about Warsaw where I live) and where I feel the best. I can't even explain what attracts me the most in this part of the world, it's just the overall feeling I guess. My Eastern Europe and the Balkans bucket list is really long and I'm hoping to cross few places of it soon – getting to know Romania or Bosnia and Herzegovina better, visiting cities of Kharkiv or Baku or seeing incredible architecture in Russia. I'm glad I'm not the only who really likes this part of the world. I asked fellow travel bloggers which places of their Eastern Europe and the Balkans bucket list they would like to cross off this upcoming year – you can see their answers below! Some places would be completely new to them, others were enjoyed so much they want to return (and I can't blame them) but altogether it's a great list of desti nations you should consider too! Here's the travel bloggers Eastern Europe and the Balkans bucket list! Eastern Europe bucket list Bratislava, Slovakia by Megan and Mike Jerrard of Mapping Megan and Waking Up Wild

We're looking forward to returning to Bratislava in 2017; a hidden gem which gets so few tourists compared to the Vienna, Budapest, or Prague, that there is hardly a beaten path at all! Though Slovakia's tiny capital deserves much more acclaim … between history, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food and nightlife, the city may be small, but it's a destination which has it all! Located on the Danube River, Bratislava is an accessible city, and with its laid back atmosphere it's a great place to hang out. It's very safe, friendly, and hassle-free, and there's always something to do. There are plenty of museums, galleries, parks and beautiful gardens to explore. And a fairytale castle which offer beautiful panoramic views over the Danube. There are street artists everywhere, dressed up in costumes which adds charm to the small Old Town, and colorful buildings throughout the historic center make every street corner photogenic. There are outdoor markets wher e you can pick up souvenirs, photographs, ceramics, and traditional food. There is a great nightlife scene, and plenty of places with beautiful panoramic views of the Danube. Bratislava is an intriguing and charming city, a mix of wild and urban, classic and contemporary. The city is always quite lively, though never has a crowded feel.

Budapest by Gabor of Surfing the Planet

Budapest is one of those cities, where you can return several times and you can still discover faces of the city that you haven't known yet. My case is special, since I am Hungarian, but I have lived far from my country for more than a decade now, and when I go to Hungary I spend most of my time at my family's place a couple of hundred kilometers from Budapest. Hence, I haven't really had too much chance to explore my capital for the last few years.I decided that this year I would travel to Budapest as a tourist to discover the things that have changed there recently. I would like to spend some time in the Jewish neighborhood for example, where a lot of ruin bars opened these years, Szimpla Kert being the most famous of them. I have never had the time to visit Memento Park either, where the remaining communist statues of Lenin and others are exhibited. In addition, I would also like to explore the Hospital on the Rock near Buda Castle, where one can visit the bunker, which s erved as a hospital during World War II. Apart from exploring these and other new sites, I will definitely enjoy a walk around the classic landmarks of Budapest.

Tallinn, Estonia by Barbara of Jet-Settera

The Estonian capital, Tallinn in a small, but very charming city. It is my absolute favorite capital in Eastern Europe. Tallinn is situated right by the Baltic Sea and it has served as an important trade hub ever since the middle ages. The city was founded in 1248 and today it is one of the oldest cities of Northern Europe. Tallinn's old town is one of the best preserved medieval cities of Europe and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. As Tallinn is situated between Russia and Finland, tourists can see a massive Russian influence as well as the Finnish influence in this city. The Russian Orthodox Church in the center of the city is a very beautiful site to visit. Today Tallinn serves as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Many tech start-ups are headquartered in this Baltic capital.

Romania by Allison of Eternal Arrival

Romania is my travel dream destination. It checks all the boxes: relatively untouristy, fascinating history, gorgeous landscapes, and friendly people. I keep finding myself staring at pictures of surprisingly colorful Transylvanian towns, like Sibiu and Sighisoara, aching to be there. I'd love to drive the Transfăgărășan highway and take in the epic mountain views. I'm lusting after the Painted Monasteries of northeastern Romania and hiking the Maramureș mountains. And of course, I want to visit the beautiful coastline of the Black Sea, where cute towns like Constanța sit atop beautiful blue waters. Oh, Romania, I really hope to visit you in 2017!

Moldova by Alice of Teacake Travels

Oh Moldova! This is one of Europe's least visited destinations and if it wasn't for me driving back through here after the Mongol Rally, I'm not sure if I would have come here too. Thing is, Moldova has some absolutely awesome perks that you're probably unaware of, one of them being wine! Did you know that Moldova has the one of the world's largest wine collections in the world? The cellars at Mileştii Mici stretch to nearly 200km. That is a hell of a lot of wine! Ridiculous. If you're really up for it, there's a National Wine Day in Chişinău the first weekend in October every year.

Uzbekistan by Kirsty of Kathmandu and Beyond

Uzbekistan is high up on my list of 2017 travel destinations. We were so close to visiting a few months ago, but were forced to abandon our plans due to red tape and visa restrictions. Fables from the Silk Road have always fascinated me and Uzbekistan is home to some of the routes most significant cities. I am also enamoured with images of the turquoise, jade and ochre mosaic decorated mosques and can't wait to see them for myself. Uzbekistan is one of only three countries of the former USSR that I have yet to visit and a fascination for Soviet-era architecture is another reason I'm itching to get there. Thankfully, visa restrictions for travellers from the UK (and many other nationalities) are going to be lifted in April 2017 so I am one step closer to getting to my dream destination.

Lviv, Ukraine by Mariana of Rucksack Ramblings

Do you like a little light BDSM with your beer? Or maybe some shooting practice to make the rakija shots go down faster? Then you should drop by Lviv and check out some of Ukraine's weirdest nightlife. You see, Lviv has something quite unusual to offer. When the sun sets, all sorts of quirky theme bars open their doors for a night of fun like you've never had it before. At Masoch Cafe, you can get spanked by your waitress or get hot wax poured on your naked chest while sitting blindfolded on a chair in the middle of the bar. Suffice to say this is not for the fainthearted. And then there's Kryvijka, oh boy! If you say the right password (Slava Ukraini, glory to Ukraine!) and make it past the scary doorman, you get to shoot at a picture of Mr. Putin himself in an indoor shooting range and leave him a personal greeting on the Putin-faced toilet paper. In other words, if you like surprises and have a high pain threshold, Lviv is your spot in 2017!

Bulgaria by Adelina od Pack Me To

A destination that I would love to visit in 2017 is Bulgaria. A friend of mine is Bulgarian and recently moved back home to Sofia, its capital. For as long as I can remember, she has been inviting me to visit, but because I didn't know much about the country, I've been putting it off. Now that she is back, the photos and adventures she has shared from the country has made me want to visit sooner rather than later. From the intricate frescos of the Rila Monastery to the beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes area to the history and Roman influence found in the city of Plovdiv, there is much to discover in Bulgaria which makes it one of the top places that I would like to visit.

St. Petersburg, Russia by Maria of Maria Abroad

St Petersburg is often called the Venice of the North. The blue veins of water connect and divide the city at the same time. St Petersburg is a bustling city of over 5 Million, the largest Northern city with a population over 1 million. I have been dreaming about visiting St Petersburg ever since I've seen a documentary about this city. To me, St Petersburg has always been Russia's golden jewel – a place where the grey dust of war and communism didn't cover the beauty and glamour of better times. Russia is an intriguing place and I can't wait to see the Hermitage, the Winter Palace, and the Peterhof Gardens and all its splendor with my own eyes.

Prague, Czech Republic by Geoff & Katie of WanderTooth

After leaving Prague in 2015 following 15 months in the city, I hope 2017 is the year we return once again to the Czech Republic's lovely capital. With a magical castle, winding river that runs under the world-famous Charles Bridge, and picture-perfect Old Town, Prague is recognized around the world for the sheer force of its beauty. And while its looks are a draw for all travelers, Prague is also an incredibly young, fun city to spend some time in, with plenty of things to do. When we return, one of our first stops will be the riverfront area of Naplavka, where hole-in-the-wall bars burst to life each summer, serving cheap Czech beer in plastic cups to residents dangling their legs over the edge of the river walk. From there, we'll visit Letna Park, which offers spectacular views over the Old Town, and catch the sunrise over Charles Bridge at least once.

Kazan, Russia by Pedro of Travel with Pedro

While in 2016, Russia was one of the countries I visited the most number of times, I only spent time in Moscow and St Petersburg. Being such a massive country and a lot more diverse than people think, there's no doubt I'll be back in there in 2017. This time, however, I will be visiting some other places. The city I'm most eager to visit is Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. What makes Kazan a more special place is its multicultural background. The city's population is roughly half Russian and half Tatars. Tatars came from Central Asia, speak their own language and are Muslims, while Russians are Orthodox Christians. The city's architecture shows a good blend of both influences and, top of the list for any visitor, is the local Kremlin, a World Heritage site. There, we will find the oldest church in Kazan, as well as the opulent Kul Sharif mosque, built to celebrate the 1000 anniversary of the city's foundation.

Azerbaijan by Trisha of P.S.I'm on my way

I am currently on a 3-month trip in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan when I decided to withdraw my visit to Az because of the very strict visa policies. I've been really dreaming of visiting Baku. I don't know anything about it as I don't research places before going. I love surprising myself. The need to visit is out of curiosity — I want to know what Azerbaijan is like. Not many people visit this country and I want to be one of the many people to tell a good story about it. Additionally, I have friends in Baku whom I met while traveling South America last year! I would love to witness how my Latin friends exist in such a country as Azerbaijan.

The Balkans bucket list Croatia by Lina of Divergent Travelers

Croatia is a country that has eluded us for many years, yet a place that remains on the forefront of our minds when we are looking for new places to visit. In 2017 we'd love to tackle one of our Top 100 Travel Adventures that involves a kayaking expedition along the coastal edge of Croatia. While most people hop into boats and cruise this route, we're looking to make it a good paddle accompanied with camping and communing with nature along the way. When we've finished with that, we want to head inland for some rafting and hiking before paying a visit to the stunning Plitvice. All that said, we'll probably end up back in the water as we hear the diving is decent as well. With its natural beauty and variety of adventure options, it's no secret why we have Croatia on our places to visit in 2017.

Herceg Novi by Viktoria of Chronic Wanderlust

Montenegro was on my list for 2015, yet it took me a year to get there, and now I'm feeling that I should go back in 2017 again. There's many wonderful places to be explored, but Herceg Novi was one of the unexpected surprises. The city overlooks the sea, the food is incredibly well – try some octopus near the harbour, and the centre of the town which is located a bit above the harbour is simply stunning. The old buildings are well maintained and invite to a wonderful stroll around. Most visitors skip Herceg Novi, which I'm very glad and happy about – because then it will stay our little secret. Let's try to keep it that way ;)

Ohrid, Macedonia by Lance and Laura of Travel Addicts

The Balkans is where it's at in 2017! And there's no place better than Macedonia. The former Yugoslav Republic has amazing mountains, beautiful lakes, delicious food and a quirky capital. The Lake Ohrid region of Macedonia is one of our new favorite places in the world. Beautiful mountains tower above the crystal blue freshwater lake. Lake Ohrid is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further to the east, the valleys of central Macedonia produce stunning wines that rival anything in southern Europe…for less than half the price. Macedonia's capital, Skopje, is a quirky collection of buildings built in various European styles. Skopje is also the childhood home of Mother Teresa, where she lived for 18 years. Macedonia is a cheap and fun travel destination for 2017!

Slovenia by Claudia of My Adventures Across the World

I visited Slovenia for the first time in September 2016, and I can't wait to go back. Although it borders Italy, I had never really thought of going. It just didn't attract my attention, for whatever reason. Then I had the opportunity to go and, as soon as I arrived, I fell in love with it. What I loved about Slovenia is its untouched nature – imagine mountain peaks that called to be hiked and forests that want to be explored. But I also liked the many castles scattered around the country; the picturesque villages. I truly enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming vibe of the capital Ljubljana and I appreciated the still undiscovered beauty of Bela Krajina, which is yet untouched by mass tourism. Slovenia is definitely one of the most interesting and beautiful countries in Europe, that we should all visit at least once in life.

Durmitor National Park by Alesha and Jarryd of Nomadasaurus

The tiny Eastern European nation of Montenegro is best known for its idyllic seaside town Kotor, but few know that if they head into the north of the country there are some spectacular mountains just waiting to be explored.

Durmitor National Park is a gorgeous nature reserve that is home to picturesque lakes, jagged peaks, the deepest canyon in Europe and the highest mountain in the nation, Bobotov Kuk. It's a perfect place for anyone that likes being out in nature, with gentle walks in the forest right through to white water rafting, canyoning, mountaineering and even ice climbing in the winter. It's should definitely be on your list for places to visit in 2017!

Slovenia by Tracy of Tracy's travels in time

I have visited Lake Bled in Slovenia once before – in summer. The area is simply stunning The beautiful lake is surrounded by hills and mountains and there is a magnificent castle perched on a hillside. It is like something from a fairy tale. And there in the middle of the lake is an island with a church on it. A boat ride to the island is an experience as a traditional pletna boat is rowed out by the owner (for a small fee) and you are free to walk the island for 360 degree views of the lake and surrounding countryside. To visit in winter would be my choice next time – to see the snow covered peaks and sit at the castle admiring the views below whilst sipping a hot chocolate and sampling the local cream cake. That would be simply amazing!

Plitvice National Park, Croatia by Ewa of Daleko Niedaleko

Thinking about the Balkans and Eastern Europe I could name many places worth visiting but one is especially stuck in my mind. I have already visited Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia many years ago, but the details of that visit have already faded in my childhood memory. What stayed is the overall impression of a marvellously picturesque place in all shades of green, full of crystal clear water in lakes and ponds as well as the soothing sound of waterfalls. I can recall lush forest growing on whiteish limestone rock. I can picture in my mind the wooden boardwalks allowing to stroll between the trees, ponds and waterfalls. That is why I would love to go back there, see it again, spot the details of this wonder of nature and save them on my photographs.

Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Margherita of The Crowded Planet

I've been around the Balkans a fair bit, but until last October I had never been to Herzegovina. As a lover of nature and adventure, I completely fell in love – there are so many things to do in Herzegovina involving the outdoors! Hiking, cycling, picking wild herbs, kayaking… it truly is an adventurer's paradise, and the southern Herzegovina region is still quite undiscovered. A place I am planning to visit again is Trebinje, a town that despite being one of the largest still retains a village atmosphere. There's a river where it's possible to kayak and a cool historic centre surrounded by mountains that looks a little like Sarajevo's Baščaršija. On top of that, the area around Trebinje offers great hiking opportunities and there are also some ruined Austro-Hungarian forts. I want to visit again because the weather was so bad while we were in Trebinje that we couldn't hike at all. Locals are really cool and we made some friends, so I'm looking forward to seei ng them again!

Stari Grad, Hvar, Croatia by Lotte of Phenomenal Globe

The east part of Europe is an area where I have not traveled much (yet;-). But I am planning to change that, because the villages I visited during my 1 week sailing trip in the Central Dalmatian Archipelago were absolutely gorgeous. And really old too! The prettiest village I came across on my sailing trip is Stari Grad on the island Hvar. This ancient town is an UNESCO Heritage site and rightfully so, it's one of the prettiest towns (perhaps even the prettiest town) I have ever seen… I was amazed when I found out Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, it was founded 400 years BC!I couldn't stop taking pictures, every corner I turned there was another cobbled street. I could have walked around the old town of Stari Grad forever and not be bored. Add this little village in Croatia to you ‚Places to Visit' list now! This cute as a button town has been nominated for Best European destination 2017 and rightfully so!

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro by Alexis and Bertaut of World Travel Adventures

We visited Sveti Stefan in Montenegro this year and definitely want to go back! We stayed at the incredible Aman resort, which is the only way to set foot on the tiny island, and it was a romantic, magical, one-of-a-kind experience. The fortified village on the charming island dates back to the 15th century, and the resort has seamlessly fused understated luxury with historic stone buildings to create a unique experience that only Aman can deliver. The views of the Adriatic Sea are breathtaking, whether from the outdoor dining terrace, cliff pool, piazza, or cottage. The cobblestone pathways lined by ivy glow by candles at night, and you feel like you've been transported back in time. Montenegro is nicknamed the „pearl of the Mediterranean" and delivers some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, one of the best being at Sveti Stefan and reserved for Aman guests only. We felt like royalty relaxing on the exquisite Queen's beach, once the favorite beach of the Queen of Montenegro. The sea is such a vivid stunning blue that photos need no filters. We could lay there all day and take in that view.

Kotor, Montenegro by Sonja of Migrating Miss

Kotor is one of the most spectacularly scenic places I've ever been. This fortified old town is secluded away in the Gulf of Kotor, where the water is surrounded by towering mountains. It's winding cobblestone streets are full of cafes, cats, museums and churches stretching back to Venetian times. During the day climb the fortress behind the city for an amazing view across the whole bay, and at night go out for dinner and relax in the romantic ambience of this historical city.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Evan Kristine of Pretty Wild World

I was in Sarajevo just last September, and though I must admit I was not expecting much, my visit to this underrated city in Europe was indeed the one that left a lot of emotions to me. I only spend few days in the town because it was my first destination in my two weeks visit through the Balkans and my initial plan was just to chill around and maybe see few sites which the backpackers would recommend – that I did but I ended up doing more than I thought I would. Sarajevo interest me so much that few days was not enough! I wanted to explore the city and the whole country more than ever and to leave it undiscovered made me want to visit once more and see what else it can offer. There's something about Sarajevo that bewildered me and I can't put my finger on it and since my visit, I did not stop thinking about what it could be.

And what's on your bucket list? Any of these places?

Are you planning a trip to Eastern Europe or the Balkans? Do you like these regions as much as I do? I've created a Facebook group where you can look for advise or inspiration and share your travel stories and pictures from Eastern Europe, the Balkans and beyond. Join now!

If you're looking for articles about any place in particular this map with posts might be useful for you. Or just take a look at the „destinations" page.

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 19.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, G+ or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter!

188 Flares Twitter 0 Facebook 0 Google+ 2 Pin It Share 84 StumbleUpon 102 188 Flares × by kami 6 Sty '17 guestpost
Source: Eastern Europe and the Balkans bucket list

Xavi: Europe can no longer compete with China

The former Barcelona star says even bigger stars will be lured away from by the spending power of the Chinese Super League

Former Barcelona star Xavi has encouraged Europe's top clubs to take the threat of the Chinese Super League seriously as he expects the world's best to move to Asia.

Carlos Tevez, Axel Witsel, Oscar and John Obi-Mikel have this month become the latest big names to move to the CSL.

WATCH: Mikel's career in numbers

And Xavi believes the CSL's financial means will secure even bigger names, saying the league is "just getting started".

"[China] now has to be taken very seriously," Xavi told The Sun . "For so long, it's been [the case that] Europe is the only destination for the world's top players.

"China are showing that they mean business and they have the finances to attract the best players in Europe. Already they have great players, but it looks like they are just getting started.

"We have seen some of the best players join the MLS, but that was usually at the end of their career. What China are doing is totally different because they are attracting top players at the peak of their careers.

CSL clubs facing rule changes

"The wages they are able to offer, Europe just can not compete with, and that makes China a very real destination for the best players.

"For so long now it has been about playing in one of the top four or five leagues in Europe and competing in the Champions League, but, if China are going to create a competitive league with top players and top coaches, it may be that Europe is not the only option for the world's best."

Source: Xavi: Europe can no longer compete with China

Chinese bookings to Europe up again after dip in 2016

According to the travel intelligence company, ForwardKeys – which monitors future travel patterns – Chinese travellers will return to Europe to celebrate Chinese New Year at the end of January, after a dip in numbers in 2016, most likely due to concerns over terrorist threats.

Although security concerns remain, as of 30 December 2016, bookings to Europe for the start of the Chinese lunar calendar year on 28 January, were 68.5% ahead, compared to a 7.4% fall in visitor numbers last year.

Whilst at first glance, this looks like very good news for Europe's tourism industry, ForwardKeys cautions that the outlook may not be as positive as the 68.5% number suggests because it is possible that bookings have just been made at an earlier date than in previous years.

Nevertheless, benchmarked against the equivalent period in 2015, before terrorist threats damaged European tourism, bookings are still +56% ahead, with Northern European and Central/Eastern European destinations showing the greatest gains in popularity.

Click to enlarge all graphs.

ForwardKeys also reveals that the global number of international Chinese air travel bookings to all destinations, made in December for the busy period from 18 January to 1 February, is ahead by 9.8%.

GOLDEN WEEK RUSH

Most departures are concentrated in the four days immediately before the 2017 Golden Week dates, which run from 27 January-2 February. The average length of stay is eight days.

In addition to Europe, South East Asia, currently ahead 12.2%, accounts for this year's growth. Malaysia is ahead 46.3%, Indonesia 44%, Vietnam 37.8% and Philippines 31.8%, all possibly due to improved political and economic relations after visits by President Xi. The top destination is Thailand, followed by Japan and Taiwan.

In Europe, Spain is the fastest-growing destination for Chinese to celebrate their New Year, says Forwardkeys. It's ahead 89%, followed closely by the UK on 88%, and Italy, 59%. Despite suffering numerous terrorist attacks, France is ahead 49%.

Central and Eastern Europe are also seeing more bookings, thanks to the popularity of Russia and improved connectivity with Czech Republic. Turkey is the sole exception among top markets, behind 14% as terrorism continues to hit the country.

FAMILIES OF FOUR MAKE UP OVER 50%

As for who's travelling, it appears to be mostly families of up to four people who make up 51% of the total. Travellers from the first-tier cities – Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou – are more likely than their counterparts travelling from smaller cities to travel beyond Asia, 36%, and to use online travel agencies, 26%.

But looking to the future, departures from the smaller, second-tier cities are growing faster, although they still only represent a 34% share of outbound travel.

Olivier Jager, CEO of ForwardKeys, said: "Yet again, we see that Chinese travelling abroad for the New Year is a driver of global growth, which is good news for business. But the real news is that Chinese travel trends are evolving – Chinese travellers are becoming more adventurous; they are prepared to seek out new destinations. What's also interesting is the return to Europe, demonstrating tourism's resilience to the terrorist threats that impacted the region last year."

Source: Chinese bookings to Europe up again after dip in 2016

Trip to Europe: Safety Travel Tips & How You Can Minimise the Hazards

Eiffel Tower - HD footage, information and facts on the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel tower is without a doubt Paris number one landmark and one of the most famous structures in the whole world.(Photo: WorldSiteGuides / Youtube)

When we travel, safety is of utmost importance especially these days where violence and terrorism are rampant. However, these shouldn't hinder us from having an adventure. There are some safety tips on how to minimize hazards when you are planning a trip to Europe.

Hurt or injury often happens in the bars. If you can't avoid going to the bars in Europe to socialize, just walk away from confrontations. There are incidents that were reported worldwide about the increasing violence in parts of Europe associated with a large concentration of tourists. Be vigilant all the time.

Due to the endless war in religion and politics, there's an increase in terrorist attacks in Europe. So, how can you plan a safe vacation in Europe? Consider a rural vacation and head to smaller cities and towns. The countryside has a lot to offer, just be appreciative of nature and the nice culture that you'd be able to experience with the locals.

Just like in other major cities in the world, street hazards is something to watch out for when you are traveling to Europe. In  Rome, Florence and Barcelona which are the major tourist destinations, pickpockets is very common. Women are discouraged to carry a purse while men must not put their wallet in the back pocket. Everyone must carry their valuables like money, passport and credit cards in a secure below-the-belt wallet.

A common scene in a crowded subway are women with over-swaddled babies. It's more likely that hiding somewhere inside the excess cloth are her wandering hands ready to whatever valuables you may have at her reach. Don't get distracted and move!

If you come across with a group of dirty kids carrying a piece of cardboard with all the rubbish written on it, don't be distracted. It's their way to steal from you. It's fine to push them away.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you can avoid or minimize hazards on your trips, then, by all means, do it. Most importantly be alert all the time.

Source: Trip to Europe: Safety Travel Tips & How You Can Minimise the Hazards

Norwegian prepares for continued growth at Edinburgh Airport

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Low-cost airline Norwegian has announced it will be creating more than 130 crew and pilot jobs in Scotland as it prepares for continued growth at Edinburgh Airport in 2017.

Norwegian began flying from Edinburgh in 2009 and has now flown over 1.1 million passengers with services to six European destinations. With a range of new aircraft being delivered in 2017, including the Boeing 737 MAX, Norwegian is planning further new routes from Edinburgh.

The new routes include plans for low-cost transatlantic flights from Edinburgh to the US east coast which are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Along with offering affordable transatlantic travel to Scottish passengers, the new routes are also expected to generate increased inbound traffic from the US to Edinburgh, helping support tourism, business and hospitality opportunities in Scotland.

As part of Norwegian's growth ambitions at Edinburgh Airport, Europe's third-largest low cost airline has now started the recruitment of a series of new crew and pilots including:

– Over 100 cabin crew opportunities – Norwegian is looking for candidates with friendly and outgoing personalities to join the airline's cabin crew operating from Edinburgh Airport.

– 30 pilot opportunities – Norwegian is looking for qualified Boeing 737 Pilots to join its growing operation and new aircraft fleet at Edinburgh Airport.

Norwegian's Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl said:

"Edinburgh is a central part of our UK growth plans and together with new aircraft and new flights, we are also creating new jobs in Scotland.

"We are looking for talented crew and pilots to join us in delivering our ambitious growth plans at Edinburgh Airport. As an award-winning airline, with new aircraft and global expansion plans, this is a great opportunity for people to join us as we head into our busiest ever year.

"More jobs in the air will help also create more jobs on the ground and Norwegian's plans for new flights into Edinburgh will help support tourism, business and hospitality opportunities in the UK's second most visited city. We look forward to unveiling more about our Edinburgh expansion plans in the coming weeks."

Norwegian is the world's sixth largest low-cost airline, carrying around 30 million passengers per year to 150 global destinations. Norwegian has a fleet of more than 120 aircraft with an average age of 3.6 years, making it one of the world's youngest fleets – the airline also has more than 200 additional new aircraft on order.

Around 6,000 staff work for Norwegian including more than 700 pilots and crew based at London Gatwick Airport, together with other bases in key European cities. The announcement of new crew and pilot job opportunities in Edinburgh also follows plans to create new crew bases in Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam, together with a further two new bases in the US announced earlier this month.

Source: Norwegian prepares for continued growth at Edinburgh Airport

It Ain’t Your Grandma’s Aliyah as Trendy Newcomers Pick Tel Aviv

(JTA) — Meet Daniel Rubin, in many ways the new face of aliyah.

Originally from Los Angeles, Rubin, 27, moved to Israel a decade ago to study at a Jerusalem yeshiva. In the following years he served in the Israeli army and bounced back and forth between Israel and the U.S. for college and work.

But last month, he and his wife made aliyah. They settled in Tel Aviv so he could found a startup and they could enjoy the coastal city's Mediterranean lifestyle. The couple were among about 3,000 new immigrants who made this city home in 2016, helping Tel Aviv earn the title of the "aliyah capital" of Israel for the third straight year.

"Tel Aviv is young, Tel Aviv is fun, Tel Aviv is exciting," Rubin told JTA. "And I'm from L.A., so I love the beach."

Rubin's story reflects recent trends in aliyah.

As the wave of immigrants from the former Soviet Union has ebbed since the 1990s, aliyah has reached historic lows. Among those who have continued coming, a greater ratio have been from Western countries, and they have been more likely to choose to launch their Israel experience in big cities. Tel Aviv, the nation's cultural capital, is now the favorite destination.

"Israel rescued millions of people from disadvantaged societies in Muslim countries and Eastern Europe," said Sergio DellaPergola, a preeminent scholar of Jewish demography and migration. "But today, Diaspora Jews are overwhelmingly free people, mostly employed and mostly urban. There are no more rural Jews, no more persecuted Jews in ghettos, and therefore the whole migration balance is totally different. Aliyah is voluntary and based on Israel's capability to offer employment and a good life."

Israel was largely built by Jews escaping persecution. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Russian pogroms, European anti-Semitism and Nazi persecution helped populate pre-state and early Israel. The country's Jewish ranks then swelled with consecutive floods of Jews fleeing the Middle East from the 1950s, Ethiopia from the 1970s and the former Soviet Union countries from the 1990s.

In recent years, anti-Semitism in France and war in Ukraine have contributed to another uptick in aliyah, with Russian immigration hitting a 10-year high in 2016. But the broader trend since the early 1990s is downward. Aliyah from the former Soviet Union has largely run its course — after bringing almost a million immigrants to Israel — and overall numbers have reached lows only seen before in the 1980s, data from Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics shows.

Meanwhile, immigration to Israel from Western countries — mostly Europe and the United States — has remained relatively steady. Therefore, new arrivals from the West now account for a much larger percentage of the total.

And apparently, Western Jews prefer big cities. Since 1989, no Israeli city has attracted more than 4 percent of new immigrants, with Tel Aviv — which is Israel's second most populous city, with about half as many residents as Jerusalem — getting just 3 percent. But in 2016, Tel Aviv was the destination for 12 percent of new immigrants. The next three most popular cities were Jerusalem (10 percent), Netanya (9 percent) and Haifa (8 percent), according to the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Integration.

In interviews with about a dozen people who had recently made aliyah to Tel Aviv or were considering doing so, the city's startup scene and liberal, cosmopolitan lifestyle were cited as the biggest draws.

After a year in Jerusalem, Rubin and his wife, Talia, 23, moved to Tel Aviv. They loved Jerusalem, Rubin said, and the modern Orthodox community in the capital. But only in Tel Aviv could he launch The Pub Hub, his startup that turns bars into co-working spaces during the day. He opened the first location last month on Rothschild Boulevard, the city's most happening thoroughfare.

"The vibe here — the energy and the opportunities — you just can't find anywhere else," he said.

Israel weathered the global recession better than most countries, and Tel Aviv is its financial and business center. The Israeli economy has grown by an average of nearly 4 percent annually over the past 13 years, and unemployment has fallen almost to 5 percent.

Much credit goes to Israel's startups. According to Tel Aviv's municipal government, the city is home to about 1,450 of the country's 5,000 early-stage companies, which is more than one startup for every 300 residents — the highest ratio of any city in the world. Many of those startups look to reach the international market, providing plenty of jobs for native English speakers.

Groups that seek to attract young people to Israel have recognized the opportunity. Birthright Israel, which brings young Jews to visit the country free of charge, started an entrepreneurship program this year in Tel Aviv called Excel Ventures. And Nefesh B'Nefesh, the aliyah services provider, said it is opening a new office in the city next month to cater to the growing number of American, Canadian and British immigrants.

What those interviewed seemed to most appreciate was Tel Aviv's lifestyle — the cafes, the nightlife and the beaches, plus the prevalence of English speakers. Tel Aviv boasts 1,748 cafes, bars and nightclubs — one for every 230 residents — along with some 1,500 restaurants, according to the municipality.

Uri Gafni, an official for Birthright's Excel, summed up the sentiment.

"Tel Aviv embodies many of the things these young professionals are looking for when they come to Israel — they want the nightlife and the bars and the beach and this delicate balance between lifestyle and work in an environment that is liberal and open to a variety of people from all over the world," he said.

"I think it's easier for secular Jews around the world to relate to Tel Aviv than to Jerusalem. It's much sexier for Jews to hang out in Tel Aviv, where they can finish the day and go drink a beer on Rothschild."

Although Tel Aviv is said to attract a secular crowd, a growing number of Orthodox Jews like Rubin are coming to the city, according to Nefesh B'Nefesh officials. Seventeen percent of the immigrants they helped make aliyah in the past two years were Orthodox, the agency's numbers show — similar to the community's representation in all of Israel.

The Tel Aviv municipality has made quality-of-life investments in recent years, such as introducing bike sharing, renovating the central Dizengoff Square to make it more pedestrian friendly and creating open-air markets. At the same time, it has branded Tel Aviv as a "world city," perhaps most effectively with Pride Week, which attracted more than 200,000 revelers and a handful of American celebrities this year.

A downside of all this choice, from an aliyah perspective, is that people can also choose to leave. According to DellaPergola, many immigrants to Tel Aviv return to their home countries at some point, or to move back and forth. Even those who build a life in Israel often get priced out of the city, where already high housing prices leaped 13 percent this summer from a year earlier. The internal migration rate from Tel Aviv to other parts of the country is among the highest of any city in Israel, said DellaPergola.

The good news for Tel Aviv, he said, is those who leave have in recent decades been replaced by new generations eager for their turn at life in the big city.

Source: It Ain't Your Grandma's Aliyah as Trendy Newcomers Pick Tel Aviv

Top 5 Best Places To Travel In 2017 – Europe’s Best Destinations

Where in Europe should you travel to in 2017? What are the best destinations, both in the city and in the country? What I don't know about Europe's best luxury hotels isn't worth knowing. Here is my pick of the best destinations in Europe for 2017.

1. FranceIn the wake of the recent terror attacks across Europe and particularly in Paris, France is being ignored by many international travellers. But lets get this into perspective; you are more likely to be in a car accident than to be the unlucky victim of an attack and France is a wonderful country. From the elegant Champs Elysées and romantic walks along the Seine in Paris, to the glorious sunshine of the Cote D'Azur (pictured above), France is my number one pick of 2017.

Take advantage of lower hotel rates across Paris and stay in one of the Grande Dames or how about picking a trendy boutique hotel – see my top 10 boutique hotels in Paris for inspiration! On the Cote D'Azur, if your budget will stretch, you must stay at the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat a Four Seasons hotel, for sunset beers on the pinnacle of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, or try the Monte Carlo Bay for the best swimming pool in Europe, or Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo with views across Monaco harbour.

2. EnglandLondon remains one of my favourite cities in the world. The food is fantastic, the shopping magnificent – I love wandering around Harrods and their Toy Department is the best toy shop in London. Visit the Queen in Buckingham Palace, tour of the galleries, or simply take a stroll around the many parks right in the centre. Hotels like the Intercontinental and the Four Seasons London Park Lane border Regents Park which meanders around numerous lakes with waterside cafes, perfect for grabbing a coffee, and Green Park which sits between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar square. There is something magical being in the midst of woodland with the city skyline poking over the trees.

Beyond London, the Cotswolds are about as chocolate box English as you will find. Drive through the rolling hills and stay in an elegant country house like The Greenway or in an olde world country pub and enjoy long walks in the country.

3. SwitzerlandSwitzerland remains on my list of favourite European countries to visit as it has so many uber luxury hotels. From it's lakeside cities of Zurich and Geneva, to the many rural and mountain retreats, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to lay your head. For something a bit different why not try the over water bungalows of Hôtel Palafitte. For Skiing it has to be Gstaad and if you love your music you must try the Jazz festival of Lausanne, a short train ride from Geneva.

4. ItalyFor me life doesn't get better than the Cipriani in Venice. I will never get over the novelty of swimming outdoors as a boat floats past, or the romance of catching a water taxi from the airport and speeding across the water to your hotel. I would always start with a couple of nights at the Aman Grande Canal with incredible staff and service and views out onto the Aman Grande Canal from the most intricate and beautiful building. I would then while 3 nights away at the Cipriani to simply relax as boats pass by.

Of course the joy of Italy is not restricted to Venice. The Amalfi coast must be on your bucket list of places to visit. With cliffs towering above Azur blue waters and higgledy-piggledy villages full of designer shops, high-end hotels and visitors dressed as beautifully as the views, Capri, Positano and Sorrento are all beautiful places to lay your head. My first choice would always be the JK Palace or the Capri Palace on the island of Capri.

5. NetherlandsWith so many new hotels popping up, Amsterdam in the Netherlands (or Holland) is my fifth choice of must visit of places in Europe. Top new hotels include Sir Adam Amsterdam (where they actually call you "Sir"!), the new Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Nhow Amsterdam, Maritim Amsterdam, Rosewood Hotel Amsterdam and Boot&Co in Houthavens. Old favourites of mine include the Intercontinental Amstel, which, like the Cipriani above, is another hotel where you can swim in a pool while boats motor by on the Amstel Canal. The Intercontinental is set in a beautiful historic building and the main hall is reminiscent of a wedding cake. If you prefer something modern, the 5 star Hyatt Andaz along Princes Canal is also a good choice.

There is no better place to enjoy a refreshing waterside beer than Amsterdam. Go in spring for the tulips in Keukenhof or the summer to enjoy the alfresco cafe scene of this truly unique city.

You can also read my other top five best articles to discover the best beaches and luxury hotels around the world.

Baarb.com

Source: Top 5 Best Places To Travel In 2017 – Europe's Best Destinations