Top Tips for Summer Travel in 2016

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year to travel. There is nothing like lounging in the hot sun and breathing in the warm air while you pound the pavement. If you haven’t booked your adventure yet this year, now is the time!

Before you grab your bikinis and shades, check out my top tips for summer travel!

Be Prepared

Nothing will ruin your travel plans faster than being disorganized. Think of all your essentials before you go and don’t leave anything to the last minute. If you are renewing your passport, you should plan on at least three months of waiting. Likewise, plan for any required visas long in advance.

Trust me, you don’t want to be anxiously checking your mailbox while you count down the days to your departure.

When it comes to airport security, remember to arrive at least two hours before your flight. If you need transport at your destination, book it in advance. Before you start packing, your top priority should be making sure you don’t get stranded anywhere. Always know exactly how you’re going to get to where you’re going.

Read More: 10 Things You Should Never Forget Before a Trip

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs can be a total nightmare. They can travel undetected and they don’t discriminate! Even though bed bugs are often associated with dingy hostels or budget hotels, the truth is that you can get a bed bug infestation anywhere, anytime. In fact, according to the experts at Raid®, infestations of bed bugs have been increasing since the 1990s.

So, before you get settled in for the night, go on a bed bug hunt! Search pillowcases, sheets, box springs, and mattresses for little red smears and dots, which are telltale signs of an infestation.

We’re definitely getting smarter about these types of bugs. I learned that three out of four Millennial travelers check the bed or mattress for bed bugs while traveling, but only 37 percent check the headboard, according to the Raid® Bed Bug Survey.

One of my latest and greatest travel essentials is the new Raid® Bed Bug Detector & Trap.

Check these awesome traps two to three times a week and you can easily detect bed bugs before infestations get out of hand. When you are packing for your next getaway, stash one of these lightweight, travel friendly traps in your bag. They can easily be placed under hotel mattresses or on the floor next to furniture closest to your head where you sleep or rest.

Before you pack up and ship out, check the see through window for bed bugs to avoid bringing these types of bugs home as souvenirs.

Pack Light

Always stick with the essentials. Don’t waste precious luggage space on generic, consumable items. You can buy things like sunscreen at your destination—often for less! Unless you are obsessed with a particular product, buy it when you arrive. If you are going away for a couple of weeks, grab a cheap bottle of body wash and sunscreen when you get there.

You’ll probably finish it before you head home.

When I pack, I always make a list of the most important stuff and check it off as I stick it in my bag. Double check your daily essentials like cash, medications, and travel documents.

You definitely don’t want to be searching for allergy pills or practical shoes while you’re on your trip. If you can buy it at a convenience store, you’ll have no problem getting it at most any destination.

Read More: How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

Budget Accordingly

Summer is the peak season in most destinations so expect higher prices. Focus on spending your money where it matters. You won’t remember that pricey coffee after you go home so forget about wasting your cash on it. If your traveling partner wants to go to a museum that you have no interest in, skip it! Agree to disagree sometimes.

Spending a couple of hours solo can be a great experience, so don’t feel like you have to be glued at the hip. Splurge where it counts and you’ll never feel deprived.

Read More: Six Travel Budget Busters to Avoid

Book Accommodations Ahead of Time

Don’t waste your valuable time searching for accommodation. Book before you arrive and save yourself a ton of stress. During the peak season, beds will sell out quickly so you will need to come prepared—especially if you want to nab a hostel bed in a big city.

If you decide to just wing it, you might end up paying a lot more for a room you don’t really want. Search for rooms online in advance, read reviews, and know exactly what you are getting.

Read More: How to Find Cheap Accommodation Around the World

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SC Johnson RAID. The opinions and text are all mine.

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A Guide to North Central Sri Lanka

Often lost between the tourist hot spots of the Maldives and India, Sri Lanka is an undiscovered gem of Asia. Diverse, multicultural, and drop-dead gorgeous, this country deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list. Check out a few of the must-see wonders of Sri Lanka and you’ll be ready to pack your bags tonight.

Here’s my guide to North Central Sri Lanka!

– – Anuradhapura – –

Anuradhapura has an amazing history. This UNESCO World Heritage cultural site was the political and religious capital for the Ceylonese people for more than 1,300 years before it was abandoned. After being lost in the dense jungle for years, this breathtaking city is thriving once again.

Anuradhapura is an architectural and archaeological wonder that is home to countless monuments, stupas, monasteries, and palaces.

For an epic sunset, climb to the top of Mihintale and take in the 360 degrees view!

Whether you are a history buff or just want to take in the stunning sites, you will definitely want to take your time exploring the leftover treasures from Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka.

– – Sigiriya – –

The stunning rock fortress of Sigiriya is well worth the trip. This 660-foot-tall rock has been a cultural centerpiece for centuries. It was home to the king nearly 2,000 years ago and was later used for a Buddhist monastery.

Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site, this is one of the planet’s best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

While the walk to the top might seem intense, it’s not actually as bad as it looks, and the view from above makes it worth every step.

– – Pidurangala Rock – –

Another seriously impressive piece of stone, the Pidurangala Rock is home to the Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple. It has one of the best views that you will find anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Plan to hike up at sunset for an amazing view of Sigiriya. The journey doesn’t require any climbing skills but the final hike to the summit is a bit challenging so make sure you are wearing proper shoes. Plan about an hour to get up there, and you’ll want to start the descent before it starts to get dark.

The peak is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and watch the sun set.

– – Minneriya National Park – –

Ready to get wild? Head over to Minneriya National Park! The forest and wetlands in this impressive park are home to wild elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, leopards, and an array of other animals.

During the dry season, you can see what is known as “The Gathering” where as many as 200 elephants come together to bathe with all the local birds and fish. It is truly the safari of a lifetime.

If you are a city girl who has never gotten the chance to see wild animals up close and personal, this experience will seriously blow your mind.

– – Hiriwadunna – –

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a Sri Lankan village? Here is your chance to find out! Visit Hiriwadunna to get a better view of local life.

One of the highlights of my Sri Lankan adventure was taking a local cooking class. If you think that Sri Lankan food is the same as Indian food, think again!

The food in Sri Lanka is more diverse than any other Asian cuisine. With influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and English, Sri Lankan food is unlike anything you’ve ever had before.

This diverse, colorful, spicy cuisine is truly unforgettable and it’s definitely something you’ll want to know how to make at home. If you want to bring back just one souvenir from Sri Lanka, let it be a delicious family recipe.

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5 Romantic Places for Couples in Santorini

Santorini is essentially a honeymoon island that emanates romance regardless where you are on the island. Having explored the whole of the island, we thought we would share our favorite spots with y’all.

Here’s the top romantic places for couples in Santorini!

Akrotiri

Akrotiri is one of the most under-appreciated areas on the island of Santorini. Oia and Fira are much more common destinations for travelers, but we absolutely loved Akrotiri!

It’s positioned on the southern tip of the island so you have an incredible view of the volcano and the entire west coast of Santorini. Hotels are cheaper and locals are incredibly friendly.

Check out Akrotiri while you’re here for an awesome, romantic experience!

Oia for Sunset

When you see images of Santorini there is a fairly good chance that they were captured in Oia. Oia is the most famous town on the Island and is renowned for its gorgeous buildings, incredible panoramic views, delicious Greek food, and of course the famous sunset of Oia.

The famous sunset of Oia is arguably one of the most coveted parts of Santorini. Get to the edge of Oia and enjoy a romantic sunset with your partner.

Word of advice: get there early! It gets SUPER crowded around sunset.

It gets SUPER crowded in Oia around sunset. There are a number of spots you’ll find at the northernmost part of Oia that give you a great view for sunset.

If you’re struggling to find one, just look for where all the crowds are and you will be in the right spot. Then, adventure around and find a more private area for you and your partner to watch the sunset.

Red Beach

Have you ever seen a red sand beach? The famous Red Sand beach of Santorini is will blow your mind and definitely set the mood for you and your lover. The massive red cliff and red sand are nothing like you’ve ever seen in the world and the water is gorgeous!

Everything about our trip to Red Beach was like a dream. We rode in on our ATVs, parked, and then had to take a very short, walk/hike down to Red Beach. When you get to the lookout over the beach your jaw will most likely drop.

You can enjoy this view and perhaps have a quick picnic here, or you can head down to the beach with your partner and enjoy one of the most unique beaches in the world.

Imerovigli

Similar to Akrotiri, Imerovigli is a bit under appreciated. The town is a perfect sunset viewing destination, yet most travelers aren’t familiar enough with the area to know that. Walk through the town and find a nice rooftop or lookout for the sunset while you enjoy an awesome view of the Caldera.

The local vibe here is awesome and the lack of a crowd makes the romance that much stronger.

Hiking Trail Between Fira & Oia

Hiking isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of hikes, you’ll love the trail between Fira and Oia. This trail wraps up the west coast of Santorini, goes through Imerovigli, and offers hikers some of the best views on the island. We hiked it in high season and it wasn’t crowded at all!

So you’ll also enjoy some peace and quiet.

Depending on your pace (and of course how often you stop to take pictures and soak in the views) you could expect to take about 4 hours for the hike. If we remember right, we did it in about 2.5 hours, but then again, we hike on an almost weekly basis.

READ NEXT: Top Romantic Getaways in Greece for Couples

 

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The Ultimate Guide to The Yacht Week Greece

• What to Expect

For me, The Yacht Week Greece is the most well-balanced route of them all. You get the gorgeous sailing experience, incredible island destinations, delicious Greek food and fun parties. You definitely have one of the liveliest nightlife and party scenes compared to other routes.

It’s non-stop fun!

Rated on a scale of 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Nightlife: 4

You’re guaranteed to have some really fun nights on the Greece route. Bottle service is available at nearly every party and is great because you can save money on drinks with a big group. There are a LOT of organized parties on this route so bottle service costs can rack up quickly.

Day Parties: 4

One of the best day parties of all of the routes is the White Party on Ermioni island. There are lots of day party options along the route and plenty of opportunities to sail out and tie up to other boats for a little sipping and swimming.

Activities: 4

The Greece route is by far the best organized route. Sometimes things felt a little TOO organized at times but, remember, each activity organized on The Yacht Week is a suggestion and completely optional. If you want more free time to explore a destination, don’t get FOMO and skip some of the organized parties.

Each island destination has something special to offer, whether it’s a donkey ride in Hydra or some island exploring.

Local Culture: 3

As with most places in Greece, there is a lot of tourism throughout the islands. It’s great in some ways because you won’t have any problem finding things to do or places to eat. But, you may get the tourist treatment (and prices)!

Sailing Experience: 3

Greece has some of the longest sailing days of all the routes. Like, 6 hours of sailing on some days. And most days you’ll be motoring, not sailing.

It’s absolutely gorgeous and you will most likely spot dolphins along the way but, it can also feel like a really long day at sea depending on your experience with sailing. Fuel costs can also add up because of all the motoring.

Size of Route: 4

Approx. 15-25 boats per route

The Greece routes can vary in size but we had about 12 boats on our route. It’s a good number of people for some really fun parties and you get to meet a lot of people from around the world.

Extra Costs: 3

One of the best things about the Greece route is that you almost never have to pay port fees cutting out a major expense you would incur on other routes. It’s definitely the least expensive route in terms of additional expenses.

Food markets are also quite inexpensive and eating out can easily be done on a budget if necessary. Fuel will most likely be your biggest expense but overall costs still remain quite low.

Pros:

• Easy access to start location
• Well organized
• Gorgeous destinations

Cons:

• Long sailing days
• Bottle service at parties can get expensive

• Before You Go

There are a few key things to prepare before any trip on The Yacht Week. Obviously, finding a killer crew, booking a boat and getting travel insurance are the most important!

• Finding a Crew

Whether you have a group of friends ready to book the trip of a lifetime or not, there are a few key ingredients to putting together a crew. First off, you want a group of open-minded, fun-loving people (with at the very least, a mild sense of responsibility).

TYW is all about having a good time, but keep in mind that carrying your own weight on costs, cleanup on the boat throughout the week and planning is essential for all crew members. Also, keep in mind that TYW has a “gender ratio” on most routes- meaning you’ve gotta bring some girls. Nobody wants a bro fest.

If you don’t have a big enough group of friends to fill your boat, The Yacht Week crew finder is the best resource for putting together a crew. If you’re looking to join a crew, or are looking to fill your boat, you can find awesome people there to complete your tribe.

• Booking a Boat

Once you’re ready to book, the process is pretty straight forward. The Greece route now has 8 different weeks to choose from throughout July, August and September.

It is important to remember that most of the boats don’t have A/C or fans in the cabins, so bring you own battery-powered fans!

BOOK GREECE HERE

• Getting Travel Insurance

I know. I know. Nobody likes to talk about this stuff. But, what do you get when you mix cocktails, sunscreen and a boat deck? A blonde and a broken arm. A broken arm on a remote island means a first-class helicopter ride and thousands of dollars in medical bills. Get travel insurance.

You can read more about why you need travel insurance, but consider it a small price to pay for the reassurance of a great trip. One person in your crew should also pack a First-Aid kit. Cuts and boo-boos happen all the time.

Get a travel insurance quote here!

• What to Pack

Packing for The Yacht Week is pretty much the same whether you’re going to Croatia or the BVIs. Be sure to read my complete packing guide “How to Pack for The Yacht Week in a Carry On,” but here is a list of the essentials:

• Bag

First things first, do everything in your power to pack in a soft duffle bag. If everyone arrives with big, hard suitcases there is nowhere to store them and they will lay on top of your beds or in the living room. It’s the worst. Most cabins have mini-closets so you’re able to unpack most of your things and roll the duffle bag up to store completely out of your way.

• Duffle bag for your carry-on
• Small cross body-bag for everyday use

• Props & Toys

• Country flag for your crew
• Water-Guns
• Body-Paint
• Inflatable rafts & floaties

• Misc.

• Auxiliary-cord
• CD’s- Each boat has a different sound system setup. To be safe, I always bring an auxiliary-cord and make a handful of CD’s as well. Throw some 90’s songs on there just for nostalgia.
• LifeProof Waterproof iPhone Case
• GoPro with Floaty Back
• Selfie Stick – I know they don’t make you look cool, but this is one trip you’ll want one
• Multi-port charger
• Floating key chain (optional)
• Dry-bag (optional) – if you are bringing a camera or any electronic that is not waterproof
• Battery powered fan for your cabin (optional) – some boats have A/C, some have fans… and some do not

READ MORE: How to Pack for The Yacht Week in a Carry On

• Getting There

Yachts on The White Route will depart from Lavrio Marina and yachts on The Blue Route from Alimos Marina. The closest airport to both marinas is Athens International Airport.

• Arrival Day and Time

Everyone arrives at different times on Saturday and access to your boat usually isn’t until 6pm, but it’s best to arrive that day by 3pm to take care of check-in, grab a cocktail with your crew, then do your grocery shopping. The first night you will stay in the marina and Sunday morning you set sail.

• Departure Day and Time

You will get back to the marina on Friday afternoon and have to check out and leave the yacht by 9am on Saturday, so don’t book any flights until Saturday afternoon at least.

• Extra Costs

In addition to the cost of the yacht, meals and transportation costs,  you will also have to pay for the fuel and port fees during the week that you sail.

I’ve included the different prices from The Yacht Week website in the list below.

The prices you see below are calculated on a Bavaria 45, which is a yacht with 10 beds. The prices will vary depending on what size of boat you choose.

NAME	PORT	MARINA	BUOY	ANCHOR	TAXI SERVICE
Aegina	none	none	none	none	none
Poros	$20	none	none	none	$5-7/person
Ermioni	$15	none	none	none	none
Porto Heli	none	none	none	none	$7-10/person
Dokos	none	none	none	none	none
Hydra	$10	none	none	none	none

TOTAL PER YACHT

COUNTRY	WATER	FUEL	PORT FEES	TOTAL
Greece	$45-65	$150-250	$55-85	$350-500

And last, but not least, don’t forget to tip your “skip” at the end of your trip. (They’re not just there as eye-candy. That’s just a huge bonus.)

• Grocery Shopping Guide

I’ve consistently found that grocery shopping for a boat of 10 people costs between $1000-$1500 for the entire week. So, assume approximately $120 minimum needs to be pooled from each crew member.

(NOTE: Consider your skipper an extra head to count when doing your food and booze shopping for the boat. A well-fed skipper is a happy skipper.)

I personally sailed from the Lavrio Marina and have to say it’s the best marina of all routes on The Yacht Week to shop from. Both the grocery store and super market are within walking distance of the marina. The super market also carries all kinds of fun stuff like inflatables, party supplies and all the essentials.

• Breakfast. Yogurt and granola with fresh fruit is pretty much my go-to breakfast on sailing trips. But, eggs also keep really well! Buy bagels and the fixings and some fresh bread so you can make egg sandwiches or toast. Don’t forget instant coffee if you are a morning coffee drinker!
• Lunch. In Greece, you can’t go wrong stocking up with supplies to make a giant Greek salad every day for lunch. Buy lots of tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, olives, feta cheese and balsamic & olive oil. It’s easy to prepare a big portion for everyone to share, then each person can make whatever else they feel like: canned tuna, a sandwich, pasta, etc.
• Dinners. You can plan to eat out for most dinners — and Greece you’ll find most meals can be quite cheap (between 5-10 euros)! There will be one night in a natural harbor that you’ll have to prepare dinner on your own boat, so make sure to stock up for at least one dinner onboard.

Note: All boats have stovetops and small refrigerators, and most catamarans have a BBQ on the back, but double check before you head to the store.

• Snacks. Don’t forget to buy lots of snacks! Stick to your senses- something salty, sweet, savory and sour! Lots of chips, some gummy candies, fresh fruit, dry meats & cheeses with crackers, etc. Hard boiling eggs and keeping them in a ziplock in the fridge is also a great idea for a quick protein packed snack.

• Drinks. Buy lots of water. The rule of thumb is 1.5 liters per person per day. Best tip is that everyone brings their own refillable water bottle, then buy water in gallon jugs. As for alcohol- buy twice as much as you think you need! A few bottles of wine for meals, lots of champagne, rosé, beer, hard alcohol (rum is the liquor of choice in the islands) and mixers!

• Condiments. There might be salt and pepper on the boat, but don’t count on it. You’ll need to buy your own spices, sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, etc.
• Supplies. Don’t forget things like paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags and ziplock bags! For grilling, the charcoal bricks make life really easy.

For more information visit the The Yacht Week website!

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Where to Find the Best Food in Sydney

Last Christmas and New Years I spent two weeks visiting friends in Sydney, Australia.

I am extremely lucky that I have a large group of very close friends that live there, so not only did I experience life like a local in Bondi Beach for the duration of my stay, but I also got some major insight into life as a true Aussie- going out the way they do, spending my days the way they do, and of course, eating the way they do.

The below is representative of an array of different ways of eating out in Sydney, though it is admittedly a bit heavy on the tried and true – and now pretty famous, #avocadotoast – Australian breakfast.  

Here’s where to find the best food in Sydney!

The Apollo

The Apollo blew me away. I loved the feel of it-  nautical, spacious and crisp looking. Dozens of seating options around the large bar. Killer food, highlight being the honey drenched pot of bubbling saganaki cheese, covered with rosemary and oregano.

Unforgettable.  

10 William Street

10 William Street had only recently opened when I was in Sydney and I stopped by en route to the airport for one last meal.  My friend and I ordered half a dozen small plates, all varied and beautiful presented.  10WS is essentially a wine bar with a side of some really great food; always a good combination to be had.

Bondi Hardware

During my two weeks staying in Bondi Beach, I think I ate here 3x. It wasn’t because this was the best food I had ever experienced, but more so because the lunch menu was in fact super solid, the atmosphere calm and easy, and the space open-aired.

They offer an authentically Australian avocado smash option, lots of egg variations, French toast, a salad and sandwich or two, and a very healthy but interesting spin on yogurt and granola. I hear the dinner is great, too.

Good spot for the start of a fun girls night out.

Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel

Packed with hoards of beautiful and tan Australians, The Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is definitely a destination. Located right on the water, it’s absolutely breathtaking and is an incredible way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Mr Wong

Tucked within an alleyway off the busy Central Business District, Mr Wong is a highly impressive Cantonese restaurant offering everything from black truffle mushroom dumplings and crispy fried Balmain Bugs (surprisingly amazing) to the more traditional steamed fish and stir fried pork or chicken options.

The food here, and the experience, was exceptional.

A Tavola

Now boasting two locations- one in Darlinghurst one in Bondi- this self-described authentic Italian restaurant is a solid spot for a more upscale but not crazy stuffy meal.

On our order list were delicious grilled carrots over ricotta, pumpkin stuffed ravioli, and black linguine.

Porch and Parlour

Right on the edge of the end of the beach in North Bondi, Porch and Parlour is an awesome spot to grab a healthy bite- think egg and quinoa bowls, or acai- en route to a day out in the sun.

Like all other Aussie brunch haunts, there’s usually a wait, but if you can snag a seat I’d say to do so.

Lox Stock & Barrel

Great name, very good food, pretty good scene. Lox is a buzzing and very busy deli/café on Curlewis Street in Bondi, with brunch lines out the door on weekends.

There is definitely a reason for that- the food is uber Aussie-style and super tasty, but the chaos of it is slightly deterring. Worth it though in my opinion if you’re up for the challenge.

Don’t miss the avo-offering, smashed hard with feta, lemon, mint and tomatoes.

Shuk

Shuk is great. It’s on a corner also located in North Bondi, with tables spilling out all over the sidewalk for diners to sit and chat, and obviously, to eat some Israeli food.

Their shakshuka is delightful, and they also offer a couple variations on the popular sourdough bread with eggs compilation, among other things. If you’re short on time but still need some delicious coffee and a stuffed pastry or two, Shuk is a great go-to for that, too.

Monopole

Monopole in Potts Point was one of those “what’s hot now” sort of spots when I was visiting Sydney. It’s a longish seasonal small plates kind of menu, with dishes like oysters, pork shoulder, seared kingfish, and a ceviche of scallops.

A cheeseboard is always on offer too, which is generous with the portions and packs on breads, fruits and honey alongside the brie and gruyere.

The Boathouse

The Boathouse is about a 45 minute drive from Bondi in the upscale Sydney suburb of Palm Beach.

The line to order your food (there is no waiter service) is literally out the door and an hour long, but eating here is a lovely experience and a great excuse to see something outside of the city.

After dining you can also easily go digest and chill out on the gorgeous cliffside beaches down the road.

Read more of Kate’s foodie adventures around the world!

 

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The Beginner’s Guide to The Running of the Bulls

The Running of the Bulls, or Encierro, takes place on the morning of the second day of the San Fermín festival. After a long and eventful first day commencing the festival, including the opening ceremonies, the Running of the Bulls comes in a flash.

Here’s my beginner’s guide to The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain!

The San Fermín Festival

The San Fermín Festival takes place in Pamplona, Spain every year. You may have never heard of the actual festival but it’s internationally recognized for the famous ‘Running of the Bulls’. It attracts millions of visitors for nine days of festivities and is crowned as Spain’s largest festival!

The opening ceremony, or “Chupinazo,” of the festival takes place in Plaza Consistorial outside of City Hall on the first day. Thousands of people pack themselves into every crevice of the Spanish city to celebrate the commencement of the festival.

The festival officially begins on the first day at noon, it will commence with a firecracker, and everyone absolutely loses it and goes bananas in celebration!

Each night at 11 p.m. during the San Fermín festival, there are firework displays that shame any show I have ever seen. The entire sky is lit up (for almost 30 minutes) with colorful sparks of fire above the ancient Citadel of Pamplona.

The party continues on through the night with high anticipation for the Running of the Bulls the next morning.

The Running of the Bulls

The Running of the Bulls takes place on the second day of the festival, and many people party through the previous night and come for the run still stained in sangria. The streets are cleaned as best as possible while thousands of people begin to fill the streets and balconies along the route of the run.

You will want to get to the main street where the running takes place early, about 7 a.m. to be safe. You’ll have to enter through the gateway at the Town Hall before 7:30 a.m. as the running begins at 8 a.m. promptly.  Once the run gets closer to beginning, the police will start separating the crowd and clearing the route.

It’ll get cozy, but there will be lots of cheering and songs to pass the time!

About 15 minutes before the start, the police will start to let the runners take their places and at 8:00 a.m. you’ll hear a loud shotgun! That signifies that the gates holding the bulls has been opened, and a couple minutes later you’ll hear the second shotgun, which means that all the bulls are on the streets and running.

The whole Running with the Bulls event only lasts about four to five minutes, but believe me, the adrenaline will last for hours!

 

What to Expect

• Accommodation: The prices for everything in town during this week, especially the room rates, are massively inflated and every place is booked.

• Weather: Pamplona in July is sunny and warm! Expect temperatures in the low 80° F (26° C).

• Traditions: Traditionally, women do not run the race. If you’re concerned for your safety, a bird’s eye view is more than satisfactory for a first experience!

• Partying: Get ready for nonstop partying from (even before) the opening ceremonies for the following nine days. Sangria galore!

 

The Rules

Believe it or not, there are actual rules for participating in the Running of the Bulls, and for great reason. The rules are published by the City of Pamplona and are strongly enforced each morning along the bull run route.

If you are found violating these rules, you can be ejected from the bull run, detained, or arrested, depending on the severity of your infraction.  The purpose of these rules is to protect yourselves and others from increased risk of injury in an already dangerous situation!

Here are a few key rules:

• The presence on the route of minors under the age of 18, who are absolutely excluded from the right to run or take part.
• Before the bulls are released, waiting in corners, blind spots, doorways or premises located along the route.
• Keeping doors of shops or doorways of houses along the route open, with the owners or tenants of the premises concerned being responsible for ensuring this.
• Remaining on the route in a state of drunkeness, under the effect of drugs or engaging in any other improper behaviour.
• Carrying objects deemed unsuitable for the smooth running of the encierro (including any type of camera or video camera).
• Running towards the bulls or running behind them.

Be sure to read all of the rules before attending to keep yourself and others safe!

How to Dress for Running of the Bulls

Traditionally, you should expect to dress in all white and bring a red handkerchief, or “Pañuelo,” to tie around your neck at the sound of a firecracker at noon.

You can find the all-white outfits around town and it will cost you about $20 to buy the whole thing, so that is probably the best option, especially if you’re trying to travel light!

You can go out first thing in the morning (or continue on from last night’s party) dressed from head to toe in white and fit in perfectly.

A note to the wise,  expect to end up covered in water, sangria, mustard, soda, eggs… you name it!

My Experience

The whole event seems surreal in hindsight but I’m so glad I went. I got the opportunity to be a part of a cultural experience that has been passed on for hundreds of years.

While the chaos of the small streets filled with thousands of (mostly drunk) people can be overwhelming, I only stayed for the first two days. I got a taste for the San Fermín Festival and was able to leave without feeling like it was too much of a good thing.

READ NEXT: The Best Time to Go to Spain

 

Read More

Top Destinations in Spain For Female Travelers

Where to Find the Best Food in Madrid

The Ultimate Madrid Travel Guide

San Fermín Festival: Opening Ceremony

San Fermín Festival: The Running of the Bulls

VIDEO: The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona 

The Beginner’s Guide to The Running of the Bulls is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Hanging Out Of A Helicopter Over Manhattan

Scenic Helicopter Flights in New York

New York, New York

One of the best ways to see New York City is by air, and this scenic helicopter tour company lets you dangle your feet over famous Manhattan landmarks for amazing photos!

I’m a complete helicopter fanatic. Sometimes I think if I hadn’t become a travel blogger, I’d have become a professional helicopter pilot by now.

Soaring free above the clouds, hovering only hundreds of feet over mountains or buildings, able to take off and land almost anywhere.

Helicopters are incredible machines. While expensive, I try to hitch a ride in one whenever I can for a truly unique photography perspective.

Plus helicopters are just so damn fun!

Scenic Helicopter Flights in New York

Manhattan Skyline

Scenic NYC Helicopter Tours

After all the times I’ve visited New York City over the years, I’ve never taken a scenic helicopter flight over Manhattan. It was Instagram that finally convinced me to take the plunge and splurge on a helicopter tour.

I started seeing these crazy “shoe selfies” showing up in my feed on popular accounts. Photographers were taking photos of their shoes floating over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.

A company called FlyNYON are the ones who make these epic Instagram shots possible with their crazy open-door scenic helicopter flights over some of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks.

What a Crazy Ride!

New York City Shoe Selfie

Open-Door Photography Flight

Here’s the thing about aerial photography. For the best possible shots, you don’t want a window in front of your lens. So flying in a helicopter without doors is the perfect way to capture incredibly clear, crisp images from the air.

Anna and I began our adventure from Blade Lounge Heliport in midtown Manhattan, where the FlyNYON team briefed us on safety and asked where we wanted to go.

There were 4 of us going up, and we discussed what landmarks we should visit during the 15 minute flight. They also fitted us with full-body harnesses.

Flying a helicopter over New York without doors on means you need to be strapped into a harness for safety. Your camera gear is also attached.

You literally have your feet outside the door on the skids!

Christi Rocking the Controls

FlyNYON Helicopter Experience

Our badass pilot Christi brought us out to her sleek black Eurocopter TwinStar AS355 “Angry Bird” to be strapped in. Engines were powered up and off we flew into the sky!

We then soared past some of New York’s most iconic landmarks like Governor’s Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.

Earlier, Christi was yanking on my photography gear, making sure nothing would come apart once we were flying. I thought she’d been a bit rough…

Until I actually felt the force of those blades whipping around directly over my head 1000 feet in the air. It was like a mini-tornado!

Empire State Building from the Sky

Incredible Aerial Adventure

At first it’s a bit unnerving to be sitting on the edge of a chopper thousands of feet in the air. But you slowly get more comfortable as the flight goes on.

Eventually I trusted the harness enough to lean out and feel the power of the wind as adrenaline coursed through my veins, shooting photos of the helicopter’s tail rotter.

When the helicopter banks sideways in a turn, you’re looking straight down at the tops of New York City’s massive skyscrapers, the only thing keeping you from plummeting to your death is those straps!

If you find yourself in New York, and want to have the experience of a lifetime, make sure to book an epic open-door ariel photography helicopter flight with FlyNYON. You won’t regret it. ★

Watch Video: Helicopter Over New York City

(Click to watch Helicopter Over New York City on YouTube)

More Information

Location: New York, New York [Map]
Company: FlyNYON Helicopter Tours
Total Cost: $200 – $400 USD
Useful Notes: They offer a few different packages, from 12 – 30 minute flights or you can organize a custom experience. Flights leave from either midtown Manhattan or New Jersey.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet New York City
Suggested Reading: True Tales From the Life of a NYC Cop

READ NEXT: How To Visit Cuba For Americans

Would you fly in a helicopter without doors like this?

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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