tips – Culturista Life

5 Things To Know For Every Trip

10 Apr 20193 Apr 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged bicycle, currency, tipsLeave a comment

You have decided on your next destination and booked everything. Now you are ready to go. Actually, not yet. You need to take care of a few things before you travel. There are some tips that you need to know beforehand and be fully prepared for your trip.

1. Learn a few local words

Words like entschuldigung (sorry in German), euxaristo (thank you in Greek), Buon Giorno (goodmorning in Italian), or hola (hi in Spanish) will always be most appreciated by the locals. Especially in some German cities in Bavaria, you will not find many people who speak English, so it’s good to know a few basics. If learning foreign words is not your thing, do not fear. Most people know English and even if they don´t, you will still manage to communicate somehow.

2. Currency

Always check the currency before you visit a new country. Find out if you will benefit from exchanging money in your country or in the one you visit. Also, check with your banks (if you have many), to see in which one a transaction like that will be better for you. Remember that currency rates change quite often, so be sure to get the best deal.

No matter what you decide, DO NOT exchange money from the airport of the country you visit. It is always a rip-off and you will lose way too much money for nothing. That happens, because exchange rates in airports are much higher so they can take advantage of someone needing money in order to leave the airport and use transportation.

3. Walk or bike to explore

The best thing you can do is stay close to the city centre of the city you visit. That will minimise your transportation costs and in the process, you will get to see some amazing places, you definitely wouldn’t if you used the metro.

Renting a bike is another popular and great option, which is most than recommended for particular cities, such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These cities use bicycles on a daily basis, way more than they use cars and it is a lovely and relaxing way to explore a city.

4. Order local specialities

When visiting a restaurant, try the local food. First, you will try the culture’s food and second you will pay way less money. Besides, if you visit a new country and you keep on only eating from well known fast food chains or you always order chicken, then you miss the point of experiencing in whole a city’s identity.

Fully exploring a city in a new country, includes visiting museums, sights, parks, admiring the architecture, embracing the nightlife and of course tasting all the goodies and things you cannot find back home.

5. Leave the tourist zone

Of course, at first, you will visit all the known sights, because what is the point of travelling if you don´t do that. But when you are done, try to get away from the tourist zone, especially when is time for your lunch or drinks. Going in less touristy areas, it will be less crowded, less expensive and with beautiful cultural sights and buildings as well.

15 Flight Booking Tips you should always use

7 Mar 20195 Mar 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged booking, flight, tipsLeave a comment

When travelling to a new destination, you feel relaxed and have the time of your life. But before doing that, you have to deal with a necessary evil; finding the best prices for your accommodation and flights.

If you are not happy with the prices you see, you may spend endless hours finding a solution around it. To save you some time and anxiety, we have gathered the best booking tips so that you always find cheap tickets if you are flexible and know some tips for better offers.

1. Incognito mode

First things first. Always use incognito mode. When not in incognito mode, your browser keeps all your previous searches and preferences. When you keep searching for a specific destination, the prices seem to be increasing. That is the website or airline’s way to scare you into booking right now.

2. Check Everywhere

Let’s say you find a good deal in Skyscanner.com for your flight to Milan with Easyjet. Just to make sure, check the same ticket through the official page of Easyjet. Most of the times, you will get the same price, but sometimes you might find a cheaper one.

3. Flexibility in Dates

It would be great if you could be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. Then you can play with the dates and find the cheapest tickets. However, we understand flexibility is not an option most of the time. In that case, search for tickets before applying for your days off from work.

4. Flexibility in Destinations

This option is great for those who simply want to travel somewhere, without having a specific destination. All you have to do is go on websites, like Ryanair (Plan – Fare Finder). Just type where you are flying from and your budget. You will get all the possible destinations with dates and prices from cheapest to most expensive. Other great websites for that purpose are Skyscanner, Kiwi and Kayak.

5. Last-minute deals

Nope. Do not wait for them. They are not really last-minute. They just want you to think they are. If you know your dates and destination, then book your flight as soon as possible. Usually, last-minute deals are very cheap because they offer flights during an off-season that not many people will visit.

6. Check other currencies or countries

Websites that operate in many countries, will also have different currencies. If you have the time go through as many as possible. It may be more beneficial to book in another currency or through another country. For example, when I wanted to travel to London, I paid through the Greek version of the airtickets website, rather than the German one for a difference of 10 euros.

7. Midweek Searches

The slowest days for booking flights are between Tuesday and Thursday. People usually decide on a trip during the weekend and that is when they look for tickets when the prices are the highest. Airlines have sales or various offers, during these 3 slow booking days. So, take advantage of them. Be careful: Prices are lowest for all flights if you BOOK them during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But the cheapest days to travel are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

8. Always Book Return

It is not a secret that booking a go-and-return flight, will save you a lot of money. And I mean a lot.

9. Book a package

Sites like Expedia, offer great deals on travel packages. You book your hotel and flight for 1 or 2/3 of the price you would pay if you booked them separately. For my summer holidays, I made the mistake to book everything separately. As a result, I paid 400 euros more.

10. One at a time

When booking for more than 1 person it is best to look for tickets one at a time. There might be a sale or offer and 1 seat available. So, one person might book the ticket for 50 euros and the next ones for 70 euros.

11. Off-Season

Try to fly off-season for each destination. You will find the cheapest tickets and enjoy the country more since there will not be as many tourists. For example, Greece is best to visit from May-September. Try to visit in April or October. The weather will still be nice and you will get the best out of your trip.

12. First and Last Flight

Almost always, especially when you have to do with low-budget airlines, the first and the last flights of the day are by far the cheapest.

13. Six Weeks Ahead

The ideal period to book your flight is six weeks before. 1,5 month prior to your trip is the perfect combination for finding cheap flights and arranging your dates and destinations if it is not set.

14. Holidays

Do not be afraid to travel on the dates of the actual holidays. For example, If you travel on the 25th or 31st of December, you will most definitely find the most affordable tickets. You may be a bit late for the family gathering, but compared to the days prior or after these days, you will pay close to nothing.

15. Social Media

Most travelling sites along with airlines will post to their social media accounts offers and sales that last for a few hours or are available for the first few customers. So, follow them, turn on the notifications and choose to be alerted by email, because you do not want to miss these deals.

10 Affordable European Destinations

25 Feb 201925 Feb 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged affordable, cheap, destinations, europe, tipsLeave a comment

Travelling is vital for our inner peace and relaxation. Lately, people have been travelling more, while trying to find affordable but still great locations.

Europe relatively has affordable locations, except a few (London, Paris, Copenhagen etc). Below you can find the cheapest European destinations that are more likely to stay affordable most days of the year.

1. Budapest

This beautiful European city is a must. Even 3 days are enough to explore the whole city and enjoy yourself. On average you can spend 20 euros per day, without being really frugal. Everything is extremely affordable, including transportation and food.

As for the museums and thermal baths, you might spend a bit more, depending on what you want. The museums are not something special, but you have to visit at least one thermal bath & spa when visiting.

2. Riga

Latvia´s capital is best to visit during spring and summer. 2 days are enough for your visit, with average daily cost 15-19 euros. Most restaurants are on the cheap side, while museums are either free or around 1-3 euros.

3. Warsaw

Also one of the cheapest countries in Europe. The city is ideal for visiting for a couple of days. Poland, in general, is great for shopping and trying polish dishes. The prices are very low, making it perfect for a quick and cheap get-away.

4. Prague

Prague is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. The reason why? It is a gorgeous city that you can explore within a day or two and extremely cheap. Most sightseeing, if not all, are within walking distance, so it is a great way to cut on your travel costs and skip the transportation tickets.

On average 20 euros per day are enough, considering that in a day, you will have lunch and dinner, coffee and snacks. Of course, visiting any museums or buying souvenirs, is extra.

5. Berlin

Berlin is best to visit for 3-4 days and you must calculate in your budget approximately 30 euros per day. Berlin is a city with great architecture, incredible nightlife and endless food options. Beer and sausages are very cheap and something you have to try when in Germany.

6. Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is ideal to visit during the summer months, so you can also go to the beach, relax and have a great time. Of course, during these months the prices might be higher. Nonetheless, 30-40 euros daily is what you should expect to spend.

7. Madrid

Staying in Madrid for 3-4 days, you can combine famous sights with local favourites. The capital of Spain is a true gem that you must visit for sure. The breathtaking architecture and the delicious food, along with the extremely easy and affordable transportation, make it a perfect destination. On average, be prepared to spend 30 euros per day on average.

8. Rome

Rome is ideal to visit all year long. No matter when you decide to do so, be prepared for a lot of tourists anywhere you go. 3 days is perfect for Rome with a budget of 35 euros per day and per person.

9. Vienna

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe since it combines perfectly great architecture with high living standards. It is perfect to visit for 3-4 days with a daily budget of approximately 30 euros. What makes the city a great travel choice is the fact that most museums are for free.

10. Porto

For a strong European temperament, head towards Porto. The city wins people over in an instant, with most travellers preferring it instead of Lisbon. Porto has everything to offer. Great food and wine, amazing architecture, great nightlife and beautiful beaches. Of course, it is best to visit during spring, summer and fall. 4 days would be ideal for a budget of 31 euros per day.

10 Things to do in Budapest for FREE

13 Feb 201913 Feb 2019Posted in BudapestTagged attractions, Budapest, free, tipsLeave a comment

The main reason most people visit Budapest is its thermal baths. Ηowever, when you take a break from them, you can´t but explore the rest of the city. Budapest is rich in insane views since it has a lot of high points. It is very easy to explore and enjoy the city without spending a dime.

1. Gellert Hill View

On your way to Citadella, stop at Gellert Hill for the most picturesque view in all of Budapest. Take a moment and embrace the view. This monument will be specifically appreciated by photography lovers.

2. Margaret Island

A great place to unwind and become one with nature. The perfect time to visit would be during spring, fall or summer when the weather is very good and you can fully enjoy the park.

Inside you can find the Music Fountain, canteens, cafes, bike renters, the city´s zoo, a Japanese and Rose garden and many more sights.

3. Cross the Bridges

There are 4 gorgeous and big bridges in the centre of the city that unite Buda with Pest. Going towards all the famous sightseeing, you will see all of them and cross them on foot or public transportation. The chain bridge must be walked through during the day and at night.

4. Free Walking Tour

Who doesn´t love a free tour in a beautiful city? Someone that knows the ropes and history and will be able to give you more insight on the history and sights of Budapest.

There are two tours daily, at 10.30 and 14.30. You do not need to make a booking, but you need to be on time. Private tours are also available, but for a charge. Visit the official free walking tour website for all tour options and choose the one that best fits you.

5. Museum Lovers

Budapest has numerous interesting museums that are mostly come with a fee. However, during Hungarian national holidays (March 15; August 20; October 23) some of the city´s top museums open their doors for free.

So you might want to consider planning a trip during these dates if you want to take advantage of free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

6. Budapest by Evening

Budapest is beautiful at all times of the day. But when the evening comes and the sun is about to set, it is truly an amazing time. The view is breathtaking and you get that cosy feeling of warmth.

There are so many people walking along the Danube with the sunset. Everything looks far prettier and it comes to be one of the best moments of being in Budapest.

7. Parliament Scenery

When was the last time you saw a sight, museum, monument, city that left you in owe. The Hungarian Parliament has that effect on people.

When you visit it in the morning, you can see all the beauty from both its sides and admire the detail in this gorgeous architectural building.

However, at night it can leave you speechless. By many, it is considered to be one of the most stunning things to see in Europe.

8. Explore Kosponti Vasarcsarnok (central market)

A market which the locals appreciate and visit daily. You can find anything from souvenirs to fresh produce.

As you enter, you will find all the local kiosks, where most Budapest citizens buy their vegetables, fruits and other products every day. However, on the second floor, you will find it filled with tourists, since it is the floor with all the souvenirs.

9. Fisherman´s Bastion

One of the top attractions in Budapest. You can access from Buda Castle, feet, or by bus. Its unique fortification and lookout towers, provide a stunning view of the city.

A truly unique and gorgeous sight. The architecture is so different from everything else you see in Budapest with hundreds of tourists visiting on a daily basis.

We suggest you visit both in the morning and at night, when the view of the Parliament across is breathtaking.

10. Palace of Arts

St. Stephen´s Day, is a national Hungarian holiday that occurs on the 20th of August of each year. This long anticipating festival takes place in Mupa, the city’s biggest concert hall. During the day, you will see jazz concerts and many other performances that end with a firework show.

10 things to do in Berlin on a rainy day

25 Jan 201925 Jan 2019Posted in BerlinTagged Berlin, rainyday, tips, whattodoLeave a comment

Berlin usually ‘blesses’ us with nonstop rainy days, keeping us all inside the house with nothing to do. Especially people with children of all ages have a hard time to entertain their demanding kids, that create chaos and go insane being ‘locked’ in a house with no options of having fun.

However, you can always find alternatives in Berlin for any kind of weather. The indoor options are quite a few and not at all disappointing.

1. Visit the Museums

Luckily, Berlin has more than 50 museums and most of them are worth visiting. Some of the ones I recommend are the National History Museum, Pergamon, Topography of Terrors, National Gallery, Museum of film and television and the German History Museum. The choices are plenty, depending on what it is you are looking for.

2. Day Spas to Relax

Berlin has many day spas, some of them being in the best hotels of the city and you can usually visit without a reservation (unless you are a big group). All of them have indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, and massage services for an extra charge, but most of them have a no-phone policy. The most famous and convenient to visit is Liquidrom, located in Kreuzberg. The spa is known for its indoor pool with warm salt water, as well as soothing light and sound effects.

3. Cozy Coffee Moments

One thing Berlin does not lack of are the coffee houses, some of them being quite unique. Monkey bar which is a must to visit when in Berlin, has an insane view of the Zoo and the Kurfürstendamm area. Another great coffee shop is Shakespeare and Sons in Warschauerstr, where you can enjoy your coffee with some great bagels while reading books from their private little library.

4. Cinema Moments

A safe and nice choice is to go see the movie you have been waiting for. Do not mind the rain. Grab your popcorn and coca cola and enjoy a great movie, while remaining dry.

5. Shopping Time

Going shopping on a rainy day does not have to be a pain in the ass. Prefer the malls on a rainy day, such as Alexa, Mall of Berlin, KaDeWe and my personal favorite: 3 malls in a row in Walther-Schreiber Platz. Plus it is the second and only location of a Primark store. Most of the malls in Berlin has small playground areas next to the cafeterias for your little ones.

6. Tropical Islands

Need we say more? Yes, we do. People are coming from all over Europe to visit Tropical Islands, Europe’s biggest tropical holiday world. Open all year long and 24/7 and accommodation options, makes it a true gem for someone that wants to relax and have fun during a rainy day; whether is summer or winter.

When it comes to an overnight stay, you can choose to stay in rooms, lodges or tents and as for food and drinks, they have many restaurants with a variety of cuisines and of course bars and lounges.

If spending the night is not your thing, simply go and enjoy the spa treatments and enjoy the attractions (rainforest, miniature golf, tropical village, etc.) and water worlds.

7. Street Food Thursday

If it pouring rain and it happens to be Thursday, then you know what to do. Street Food Thursday is an exciting food event in an old market hall in Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. You can find British delicacies, dumplings, tapioca, pastel de nata, Tacos, delicious burgers, Ceviche, American Barbeque, donats, noodles, currywurst and an insane selection of cheeses.

Image may contain: one or more people and crowd — by Street Food Thursday

8. Escape Rooms

A great way to spend your rainy days and have fun. Around Berlin, you will find a lot of escape rooms with interesting mysteries for you to solve or creepy scenarios to escape from. If you want to be fake-attacked by maniacs or kidnapped, or even be Sherlock Holmes for an hour, this is the type of entertainment for you.

9. Go Jumping or Bowling

Trampolines and bowling!!! Yayyy!! Who doesn’t love them? One of the best options for a rainy day. There are many bowling allies around Berlin to keep you entertained. As for the trampolines, visit Sprung Raum. If trampoline is not for you, you can choose parkour, basketball, dodgeball, and others.

10. Kart Racing

Your teenagers will love it and so will you. Take your friends and visit Berlin’s largest indoor race track of 752m. On their website, you will find all the information on prices, packages, the routes, and the karts.

Low Price & High Quality – Where to eat in Budapest

23 Jan 201911 Mar 2019Posted in BudapestTagged Budapest, food, tipsLeave a comment

If you are looking for a classy, expensive and elegant restaurant to try, you are in the wrong place. The choices in Budapest are endless, with restaurants and cuisines from all over the world and for all budgets.

What you will find here are the best places in Budapest for lunch and dinner based on low price and good quality at the same time.

1. Lucky 7 Burgers & More

The BEST burger you will have. It is flavorful and light. The burgers are made with high-quality beef and their homemade buns and ranch sauce are to die for.

Location: Piarista utca 1., Budapest 1052, Hungary

Price: € (approximately 10 euros per menu, including burger, side & drink)

What to try: Duck burger, Ceasar salad, Ranch sauce

2. Istanbul Kebab & Grill – Török Etterem

A delicious Turkish restaurant, which also has delicious homemade foods. Very fast service and tasty food.

Location: Akacfa utca 5, Budapest 1072, Hungary

Price: € (2.30€ or 700 HUF for Gyros pita)

What to try: Gyros pita, Baklava

3. Vapiano

A pretty usual food place for Europeans. BUT, for some reason, this branch of Vapiano is not only fast but delicious. Everything is cooked much faster and for some reason, they taste even better.

Location: Vaci ut 1-3 | West End Center, Budapest, Hungary

Price: € (20€ or 6200 HUF for 2 pasta, 1 salad & 1 pizza)

What to try: One of everything (one pasta, one pizza, one salad)

4. Meatology Budapest

Welcome to our exception. If you want gourmet dishes at a very low price, this is where you go. 2 brothers with many years of experience as chefs, team up in the heart of Budapest to create tastes that will explode in your mouth.

Location: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 15/B, Budapest 1065, Hungary

Price: € (12€ or 3600 HUF for 1 burger & 1 salad)

What to try: Ceasar salad, Sticky pork belly sandwich, Meatology burger

5. Local Korner

Pizza lovers, time to design your own pizza. Exactly the way you want it with any topping you desire.

Location: Szondi utca 19/A, Budapest 1067, Hungary

Price: € (8€ or 2590 HUF for a 42cm pizza with cheese & 5 toppings)

What to try: Honestly, anything you want. Time to experiment

6. Hummusbar

Who doesn’t love a great hummus place, especially when it is ideal for vegetarians? With more than 14 restaurants all around Budapest, Hummusbar is here to travel you with its exquisite flavors. What makes it even greater, is that also has a delivery service for those lazy days.

Location: Oktober 6 St. 19, Budapest 1051, Hungary

Price: € (7€ or 2000 HUF for a falafel & hummus plate)

What to try: Falafel, Hummus Tahini, laffa wrap

7. Soul Food

Jambalaya and Gumbo. What more do you want? Soul food that fills your soul with happiness.

Location: Kazinczy utca 32., Budapest 1075, Hungary

Price: € (12€ or 4000 HUF for Jambalaya & a burger)

What to try: Kreol burger, Jambalaya, Sweet potato bawl Aioli

8. Panineria

Any kind of sandwich you choose, will for sure be fresh and delicious.

Location: Oktogon 4, Budapest 1067, Hungary

Price: € (12€ or 4000 HUF for 2 sandwiches)

What to try: Philly Cheese Steak, Caprese, Paprica Chichen

9. Gyros Kerkyra Elterbar

A taste of Greece, right here in Budapest. The food is simply delicious and fairly cheap.

Location: Eotvos Utca | 5, Budapest 1067, Hungary

Price: € (3€ or 923 HUF for 1 gyro with pita)

What to try: Gyros pita, souvlaki, tzatziki

10. Pizzica

Whether you want a good and whole pizza or just a slice, make sure to stop by Pizzica.

Location: Nagymezo utca 21, Budapest 1065, Hungary

Price: € (1.60€ or 490 HUF for 1 pizza premium)

What to try: Proscuitto and potato in your pizzas

All pictures were taken from the restaurants´official site & social media

5 essential things you will need for your trip to London

21 Jan 201921 Jan 2019Posted in LondonTagged London, tipsLeave a comment

Going to London is always exciting and you know you are about to have a great time. However, when you arrive you may come across some unpleasant and unplanned surprises.

1. Currency

The United Kingdom has its own currency (GBP), which means you have to exchange money before or while your trip. What you can do is research the various rates in your country and in London and figure out which is the best country to make your exchange.

Just remember that upon arriving, you will need a few cash for your transportation. Exchanging money at the airport is a big NO NO, as you will be easily charged with way more. A great option is to pay for your personal credit card since the costs are minimal compared to what you would lose in an exchange.

2. Power

Imagine arriving in London and finally going to your hotel. All you want is to charge your phone and go explore London while taking amazing pictures. To your disappointment, you realize that the electrical plugs are different.

They use a three pin plug that is different from what is used in Europe. You can either purchase an adaptor before your trip or in the worst case scenario every mini market has one, but you will pay a little more for it.

3. Water

Tap water is safe to drink in the UK and Ireland. In fact, it is not only safe but one of the cleanest in the world. However, some people may not find the taste so pleasing in some cases. The water from your hotel may have a different taste from the water in a restaurant.

One tip of advice is to always have a water bottle with you and fill it up in your hotel, as bottled water can be expensive.

4. Internet Access

Finding internet is not that difficult in London. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes have WiFi. Now, with roaming, if you travel to the UK from another European country, you can use your personal Internet data without extra charges.

It is extremely important to know that while in the Underground (Metro), having a signal is impossible. So be prepared and figure out how to go to your destination beforehand.

5. Safety

Generally, London is a safe city. But when you are in such a big city a lot of unfortunate incidents can be expected. Just always keep your belongings close to you and preferably zip all your bags.

You should be aware of your whereabouts at all times and never forget that cars drive on the left so when always check the street before crossing.