Indulge in the Adventure of Hiking Austria’s Eagle’s Way
In 1829, the famous German poet, Goethe, discovered a place of serene tranquility in Tirol, Austria. With the magnificent backdrop of the Nordkette mountain overlooking Innsbruck, Goethe wrote, “Here, finally, I have found a place of quiet – a place of peace I had only dreamed of.” Even after nearly 200 years, Tirol still remains a renowned destination for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Tirol’s Eagle’s Way, also known as Adlerweg in German, stretches over 256 miles from Kitzbühel in the east to St Anton in the west. The route is divided into 24 stages, with nine additional stages between the Venediger mountains and Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak, in East Tirol. The first three sections from St Johann to Kufstein offer breathtaking sights such as the Schleier waterfall, the sparkling Hintersteiner lake, and the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains. For a longer adventure, start in Innsbruck and hike west to St Anton, exploring high, wild trails leading to the Eppzirler Scharte and providing scenic views of Germany’s highest point, the Zugspitze, and Valluga, which oversees Arlberg.
The huts along the Eagle’s Way are of excellent quality, featuring wide sloped roofs, wooden beams, and picturesque terraces. Don’t forget to savor the delicious Austrian cuisine, especially the Käsespätzle – Austria’s heavenly version of mac and cheese, topped with crispy onions. The huts offer beds at an affordable rate of €15-35 per night, with discounted prices for members of the Austrian Alpine Club. It is essential to book in advance due to the highly organized nature of hiking in Austria.
Embark on an Adventure as a Bear Ambassador in the Central Apennines
In the heart of Italy, just 90 minutes from Rome, lies the Central Apennines, a region teeming with marsican brown bears and wolves. Rewilding Europe, an environmental charity, is working to create wildlife corridors between two national parks – Abruzzo, Molise and Lazio, Majella – and the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. Their goal is to expand the range and population of bears and other wildlife within the parks while bringing new economic opportunities to local communities.
Rewilding Europe offers a volunteer program from February 1st to December 15th, allowing biodiversity enthusiasts to become “bear ambassadors.” Participants stay in one of three scenic communes – Ortona dei Marsi, Gioia dei Marsi, or Pettorano sul Gizio – surrounded by lush greenery and historic architecture. Volunteers live in guesthouses for a monthly fee of €300 and work with the local team to set up camera traps, track local wildlife, and collaborate with communities on coexistence actions, such as building electric fences and pruning fruit trees. The region is not only home to bears and wolves but also offers sightings of golden eagles, griffon vultures, and various other wildlife. The stunning landscape includes glistening rivers, caves, canyons, and open hillsides populated by Apennine chamois, red deer, and wild boars, creating a world-class wildlife watching experience. In your downtime, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine and savor the finest Italian wines.
Embark on an Epic Journey from London to Istanbul by Train
Few train journeys are as legendary as the Orient Express, which has been carrying passengers from Paris to Istanbul since 1883. With its opulent wood paneling and lavish furnishings, the Orient Express has always epitomized luxury travel. To experience this iconic route at a more affordable price, there is a fantastic alternative that still offers the same breathtaking journey.
Start your adventure by taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. From there, catch the Nightjet sleeper train to Munich and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, whether it’s exploring the beer halls or strolling through the Englischer Garten. Next, board another Nightjet train to Budapest, where you can relax in the thermal baths and immerse yourself in the unique ruin bar culture found in dilapidated buildings. Continue your journey on the EuroNight Ister to Bucharest and then hop on the Bosphorus Express for a 19-hour train ride from the Romanian capital to Istanbul, arriving at the iconic Golden Horn. This alternative route allows you to experience all the major cities along the way at a fraction of the cost of the Orient Express, without compromising on comfort or luxury.
Indulge in the Surf, Sun, and Sand of Tangier, Morocco
Tangier, located in north-western Morocco, is a city that has constantly evolved to accommodate changing times. Throughout its history, Tangier has been a Phoenician trading port, a Roman settlement, an international zone, a major transportation hub, and a bohemian colony. Just a short ferry ride from Tarifa in Spain, known as the “door to Africa,” Tangier has been a melting pot for soldiers, spies, diplomats, artists, and writers.
Authors such as Paul Bowles and the American beat writers Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs found inspiration in Tangier. With its chaotic medina, ancient buildings, and European outlook, Tangier offers a unique blend of Moroccan and European culture. Spend your days sipping mint tea in cafes like Cafe Baba and Cafe Tingis, where you can soak up the atmosphere and admire the beautiful grand Cinéma Rif. At night, explore the low-key, vibrant nightlife scene, which includes unique bars like Number One. For stunning sunsets, head to Cape Spartel overlooking the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Don’t forget to enjoy Tangier’s sandy beaches, with Achakar being the most popular. If you’re a surfer, the nearby towns of Taghazout and Tamraght offer excellent waves. Tangier provides a range of affordable accommodation options, such as the colorful guesthouse Dar Sultan or the small hotel La Maison de Tanger, allowing you to experience the city without breaking the bank.
Discover the Hidden Gem of El Palmar, Spain
Surfers are always on the lookout for the next big destination that offers ideal waves, sunny weather, and unspoiled beaches. The latest hidden gem is El Palmar on Spain’s Costa de la Luz. Although initially appearing as nothing more than a dusty road and a few low-rise buildings, El Palmar has rightfully earned the title of Andalucía’s surf capital.
El Palmar boasts a wide beach spanning nearly five miles, providing ideal waves for beginners and a variety of surf camps to choose from. After a day of surfing, indulge in pre- and post-surf snacks at A-Frame Oasis or enjoy a Spanish dinner at La Torre. The nights in El Palmar are low-key but lively, with beach bars like Chiringuito Gran Baba attracting a young and attractive crowd dancing to the beat of Khruangbin.
In El Palmar, having a car is essential as public transportation is limited. Drivers can explore hidden gems like Bolonia and Playa de Faro, as well as the windsurfing hotspot of Tarifa. Stay at the lovely Kampaoh campsite, offering fully equipped bell and triangular tents for a comfortable and affordable experience. For a unique getaway, El Palmar offers the perfect blend of surf, sun, and sand without the crowds found in more popular destinations.
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