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Guest Author Laura Newcomer

Travel Tips & Resources

Packing for Cold and Windy Destinations

Stuffing a suitcase with cold-weather essentials can be challenging. Smart packing choices can prepare you for that cold,…

by Guest Author Laura Newcomer October 14, 2021

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Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

Miami was to be a quick two-day stop before boardi

Miami was to be a quick two-day stop before boarding a Hurtigruten Expedition ship to Central America. To say it felt odd to be flying toward Florida the day before a massive hurricane was scheduled to arrive is an understatement. Thank goodness I always prepare for the "what ifs" and booked us to fly in two days early. We arrived just ahead of the storm and hunkered down in the hotel for the first 30 hours. Miami was on the outer bands of Ian with minimal impact. While we were safe, our hearts broke for those in the eye of the hurricane just 130 miles away.

Though our time in Miami was primarily spent in a hotel, we got lucky and the weather was gorgeous on the day we were boarding our ship. The night before the cruise included a one-night stay in the fantastic Art Deco Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach. That was a great prelude to a fascinating two-hour tour of Miami Beaches' historic Art Deco district on the way to the ship.

Starting on Collin's Ave in South Beach (known as SoBe) is Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District. This district boasts over 800 art deco–style buildings in less than one square mile. It is home to the world's largest concentration of art deco buildings.
Miami Beaches’ wealth of art deco is primarily attributed to automobile magnate Carl Fisher. In 1910, Fisher traveled to the rat- and mosquito-infested marsh that was Biscayne Bay on vacation. Where others just saw swamp, Fisher saw a future getaway and investment opportunity. But it had to be unique, so he chose an Art Deco theme. The two most famous Art Deco buildings in the US at the time were the Empire State And Chrysler Buildings in NYC.
It was a resounding success, but its appeal faded after its heydays in the 30s. Luckily Miami's art deco buildings underwent a massive revival during the late '70s when the Miami Design Preservation League was created. This sparked renewed interest and appreciation in Miami's architectural heritage.
Now, these Art Deco buildings draw worldwide visitors. Miami Beach, is well known as a party and beach city but look beyond that, and you will discover its architectural wonder as well.
#miamibeach #miamiartdeco #artdeco

Visually spectacular, the Cliffs of Moher sit betw

Visually spectacular, the Cliffs of Moher sit between the striking landscape of the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on the west side of Ireland. It is a sight that will boggle the mind. The moment you first take in the setting, you will understand why it draws one million visitors a year. Ireland is a bucket list destination, and you have not done the Emerald Isle justice until you have spent time at the magical Cliffs Of Moher on the rugged Clare County coast.
Learn how to make the most of your visit to the Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Copy the link below or find the link in our bio to check out our blog post.
https://www.wandererscompass.com/destinations/cliffs-of-moher-irelands-best-natural-attraction/
#ireland #cliffsofmoher #travelphotography #wildatlanticway #cliffsofmoherireland #doolinireland #doolinferry #clare #incredible_europe #travelgram #exploretheworld #condenasttraveler #nategeotraveler #traveltheworld ##traveling #earthoutdoors #travelblogger

Port wine (also known as Vinho do Porto or Port) i

Port wine (also known as Vinho do Porto or Port) is a Portuguese fortified wine produced in the stunning Douro Valley of northern Portugal. Port wine is typically a sweet, rich, red wine, that is higher in alcohol content than unfortified wines. It is often served with dessert, although it also comes in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties. The fortification spirit used is sometimes referred to as brandy, but it bears little resemblance to commercial brandies. The wine received its name, “Port,” in the latter half of the 17th century from the seaport city of Porto at the mouth of the Douro River.
The valley of the Douro River in northern Portugal is a microclimate optimal for cultivating olives, almonds, and especially grapes, necessary for making Port wine. The conditions where the grapes are grown are harsh, and the terrain makes for difficult labor in the scorching heat. Grapes grown for Port are generally characterized by their small, dense fruit, which produces concentrated and long-lasting flavors, suitable for long aging. Under the European Union Protected Designation of Origin guidelines, only wine from Portugal can be labeled “Port.”
After our visit to the Duoro Valley, we became even more intrigued about Port. How can you not when after so many tastings and winery visits where you only gain an even greater appreciation of what it takes to make an exceptional Port. As a result, we wrote a blog post on this delicious nectar. Explore with us Ports history, the grapes, harvesting, production, and varieties of Port. There are also several cocktail recipes and guidance on how to best experience Port. Paste the link below into your favorite search engine or find the link in our bio.
https://www.wandererscompass.com/libations-of-the-world/port-libations-of-the-world/
#portwine #portugal #dourovalley #portcocktails #porto #incredible_europe
#condenastraveler #ricksteves #europestyle_ #travelgram #travelblogging #wanderlust #bestofeurope #maps_of_europe #travel_ig #travelphotograhy #portwinelover #winetasting #wineinstagram #port #lovedouro #tawnyport

Missing Budapest. This is Mathias Church, which wa

Missing Budapest. This is Mathias Church, which was next door to our hotel. A lovely view to end each day in this magnificent city! #budapest #hungary #travelphotography #travelblog #incredible_europe #churchesofeurope #castledistrictbudapest

Prague was a bit of a surprise and, at first, took

Prague was a bit of a surprise and, at first, took some getting used to. Our last stop on the trip definitely showed us we chose the proper order. Where Budapest and Vienna were much more tame and calm, Prague was edgy and chaotic. This city has young people in large groups drinking and partying in the streets on any night of the week. Where you find cannabis stores on what seems like every block, and you smell it often as you stroll this gorgeous city. It is louder, busier, and a more messy city than our previous stops. At first, it can be off-putting, but allow it to grow on you because Prague is something special, and if you open your heart, it will take hold.

Prague is a political, cultural, and economic hub of Central Europe, and you can become very aware of that when visiting. The city has risen from its past and is stepping into the light and finding its strength and confidence in a way they have not in six centuries. They are very much part of this new European dynamic.

The city of Prague is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We have to agree most heartedly. It is a very walkable city with an impressive public transportation system. Prague is home to many well-known cultural attractions such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Astronomical Clock, Petrin Hill, Strahov library, Vyšehrad, as well as endless stunning churches, many top-notch museums, and much more. The Czech Republic is one of the world's beer capitals, with more beer consumed per capita than any other country. Since 1992, the historical center of Prague has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As we wandered the city, we felt safe at all times of the day or night. There is a pulse, an energy that is unmistakable and unique to Prague. We found the locals engaging, welcoming, and friendly. It was the perfect end to our trip, and this marvelous city should be on everyone's to-do list.

#prague #czechrepublic #travelphotography #nategeotraveler #travelblogger #incredible_europe

Did you know that the largest Castle in the world

Did you know that the largest Castle in the world is in Prague? According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle, which was built in the 9th century, is the largest ancient Castle in the world. The Castle attracts over 1.8 million visitors annually.

Prague held a prominent place during the years of the Habsburg monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Castle was a seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czechoslovakia. It is still the official offices of the Czech Republic.
The Castle sits prominently on the hill above the city. The steep walk-up is an experience in itself. No worries, you will find many cute cafes and bars to whet your whistle after your climb up. There is public transportation for those not wishing to do all those steps.
There is a ceremonial Changing of the Guard, including full fanfare with a band and a flag ceremony that happens daily at noon in the first courtyard of the Castle. The grounds, with their lovely gardens, are free to visit after passing through security, but for entry into the sites, you will need to buy a ticket. Highlights of our visit were St Vitus Cathedral, the panorama from the great South Tower, St Georges Basilica, and Golden Lane, which we found particularly interesting. Since the area is so vast, a tour is worthwhile to learn more about the history of what you are visiting.
The castle district in its own right is magnificent. The aristocrats at the time built many Palaces around the Castle, each trying to one-up the other. Several are available to visit, such as the Cernin and Lobkowicz Palaces. We found the Loreta Monastery and Strahov Library incredibly fantastic. Allow yourself a whole day to see Prague Castle and its environs; then end your visit with a leisurely stroll down to Lesser town, where you can enjoy a delicious traditional Czech meal with a cold brew.
#prague #praguecastle #czechrepublic #travelphotography #nategeotraveler #incredible_europe #travelblogger #europestyle_

Old Town Square is a historic square in the Old To

Old Town Square is a historic square in the Old Town quarter of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. Our hotel was located in Wenceslas Square, but we found ourselves several times a day in Old Town Square. It is the heart of this UNESCO Heritage Site. Dating back to the 10th century, the square is where many important historical events have occurred.

Though the square is a bustle of activity with lots to see, the main draw here is the Prague Orloj, better known as the medieval Astronomical Clock mounted on the Old Town Hall. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. It is a spectacular site. We took a tour of Old Town Hall, which offered panoramic views of the Old Town. Though we were in the square a dozen times, we were never there on the hour to see the 12 Apostles make an appearance. But we did get to see them close up when visiting Old Town City Hall.

The square features buildings of various architectural styles, including the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its characteristic towers 240 feet high, as well as the Rococo Kinsky Palace. The Baroque St. Nicholas Church is also located in the square.
The monument of Jan Hus, in the center of the square, holds great significance to the Czech people. He was a Czech Theologian and Philosopher who became a Church reformer and the inspiration of Hussitism, a key predecessor to Protestantism, and a significant figure in the Bohemian Reformation. He preached against the Catholic Church, which resulted in his execution on July 6, 1415. This monument pays tribute to his principled defiance and bravery in speaking the truth.
No matter how often we went to Old Town Square, we couldn’t help taking a bunch more pictures, as the lighting and skies were different each time. Staying in the historical Old Town was an ideal location and a great way to start and end every day in Prague.
#prague #oldtownsquareprague #czechrepublic #travelphotography #nategeophotography #incredible_europe

The baroque library of the Premonstratensian monas

The baroque library of the Premonstratensian monastery in Prague at Strahov is one of the most valuable and best-preserved historical libraries in the world. The Strahov library collection contains around 200,000 books, old prints, first copies, and manuscripts. It is located close to Prague Castle. The library has two main halls, approximately 30 by 90 feet, with a passage corridor connecting the two main halls.

As a norm, you can only peek through each hall's entry but can't go into the halls themselves. It is said they found that fluctuations in humidity caused by visitors were endangering the frescoes. Much of what you see here is original because the library and its contents have been protected well. But it turns out there is a way to visit inside these impressive halls with a private tour. They give up to 3 a day, and what an exceptional experience! We stayed for a full hour; the cost was 60 euros a person, including a license to take photos. Ivana gave us a personal tour.

The Theological Hall is the oldest part of the library, established in the 1670s. You will find here mainly theological writings as well as various translations and publications of the Bible. The room was built during the early Baroque period, and the ceiling is covered in stunning frescoes by Siard Nosecký. There is a fascinating collection of earth and astronomical globes centuries old, one of North America, depicting California as a separate island off the mainland.

The Philosophical Hall is the largest room of the monastery library. It takes up two building floors and takes your breath away as you enter. It was built in the High Baroque period, in the 1780s. The books are floor to ceiling. We admired the gorgeous books, lovely woodwork, richly decorated furniture, and ceiling frescoes depicting humanity's spiritual evolution.

You will find medical, juridical, or alchemistic books in the passage corridor between the main halls.

We could go on and on about all we learned and saw during our visit. The pictures do not do it justice. If you are interested in a private tour, you can reach them by email at: erika@strahovskyklaster.cz

#strahovlibrary #prague #czechrepublic🇨🇿

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