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Cefalù: Perfect Day Trip from Palermo, Sicily

Cefalù: Perfect Day Trip from Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, Sicily makes for a great weekend trip, and there are also great spots around the city that you can easily fit into your trip (like Cefalù) especially if you make your visit a long weekend.

I’m so glad that my friend Isabel and I planned for an extra day, which let us enjoy one of my favorite formats for 3-day weekend trips – a city day on each end with the middle day to spend outdoors or doing something active.

Visiting Cefalù involved an active morning followed by a relaxing afternoon swimming and lounging on the beach – and we were still able to be back to Palermo easily in time for dinner. And the hiking, the beach, and the sights in town and in the hills above Cefalù were all quite memorable.

Here’s what we loved doing on this day trip from Palermo:

Things to Do

Around Town

Cefalù Cathedral

Cathedral Cefalu Sicily Italy20150621_131342

The building itself is distinctive, and it looks like a cross between a fortress and a church, with some very unusual architecture. Once you go inside, the interior is like a traditional church, with some beautiful artwork.

A visit doesn’t take long, so it’s worth stopping in even if you only have a few minutes.

Beach

Reward after our hike - beach time!
Reward after our hike – beach time!

After hiking up and down a mountain on a hot day, there’s nothing I like to do more than head to the beach and take a dip.

Cefalù’s beach is easily accessible from the center, and not far from where the hike lets you off in town. And since Sicily is further south than other parts of Italy, it was pleasant swimming weather and a refreshing water temperature already in mid-late June when I visited.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! There is a fair bit of beachfront, so walk a bit if needed to find a good spot. There are also many areas with lounge chairs that you can rent, so find one with spots available.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’re lucky like we were, people will be walking up and down the beach offering massages at discount prices. Especially if you’ve been hiking, it’s a great way to relax tired muscles.

Shopping

Cefalù is enough of a tourist destination in summer that there are many shops lining its medieval cobblestone streets.

All sorts of Sicilian specialties are available, from the traditional blue and yellow tiles to culinary specialties like pistachio pesto and local wine. It’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs.

Off the Beaten Path

Hike to La Rocca & Temple of Diana

La Rocca Hike Cefalu Sicily Italy 20150621_121855La Rocca Hike Cefalu Sicily Italy 20150621_122634

Besides the beach, this hike above town was the main reason we visited. It is steep enough to have beautiful views at the top, but overall it was not too strenuous, taking around a half hour to reach the top.

Once you ascend, there are spread out ruins and sweeping views of the coast to appreciate as you linger as long as you like.

La Rocca Hike Cefalu Sicily Italy 20150621_115010

Where to Eat – Best Bites

Non Solo Pane

Arrancino Non Solo Pane Cefalu Sicily Italy20150621_130641

This is a great spot to pick up bites to go before (or after) your hike, as it has a lot of portable food and is located near the bottom of the stairs that take you to and from the first section of hiking.

I grabbed some of Sicily’s most portable food – arrancini – stuffed rice balls with different fillings, which are then coated in bread crumbs and fried. There is a reason this dish is a local one!

Ristorante Helios

Pastries Dolci Ristorante Helios Cefalu Sicily Italy20150622_082459

There are savory food options as well, but I can only vouch for the pastries, which were a delicious snack. And let’s be real, the rest was breakfast the next morning.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Get at least one item with pistachios, which are grown locally in Sicily. You can taste the freshness and flavor of the nut so well.

Obviously with the morning hike and food on-the-go I didn’t end up having any sit-down meals, but there are quite a lot of highly-rated restaurants around town, especially for seafood.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’re looking for an Italian seal of approval, I find Google reviews to be more accurate for places in Italy since locals are more likely to review a restaurant there than on one of the other review websites.

(More) Practical Tips for Visiting

Come by train

Trains run very frequently from Palermo and along the coast in between, and it only takes a little less than an hour to arrive. Unless you’re already renting a car for a road trip around Sicily, the train is the most convenient way to get to Cefalù, and the ride from Palermo is quite scenic.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Check the schedule ahead of time for your return trip to Palermo, so you have a sense of what your options are.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! It’s not unusual for trains to run late in Italy, so leave a bit of extra time if there’s a specific time you need to be back in Palermo.

Avoid August (if you can)

August is peak travel time across Europe, and you’ll have a far more crowded experience if you visit then.

I had a great visit to Palermo and Cefalù in late June – it was warm enough to swim and shops and restaurants were open, but it wasn’t super busy with tourists yet.

Are there any sights around Cefalù that I missed? What other trips from Palermo or around Sicily would you recommend?

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How to Spend One Day in Cefalu Sicily Italy - Perfect Day Trip from Palermo

Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination

Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination

**While Nicaragua was a lovely destination when I visited in January 2018, it is currently not safe for tourists (as of December 2018). Be sure to do your research and keep safety as your top priority before booking a trip.**

I honestly didn’t know a ton about Nicaragua before my recent 9-day trip besides there being warm weather and beaches, the perfect combination for a winter getaway.

Nicaragua wowed me on so many other levels, though, with lots of outdoor adventures and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

More than other destinations I’ve visited recently (including others in Central America, like Belize), friends and colleagues warned me to “Stay safe!” and “Watch out for Sandinistas!”

Like with much of the travel I’ve done though, the reality on the ground is quite different from those pre-conceived notions. Of course, use common sense like you would even in your home city – don’t wander aimlessly with all your luggage or intoxicated late at night – but beyond that your safety is not something to actively worry about.

As I was told numerous times during my trip, Nicaragua is the safest country in Central America.

Which was great, because it meant that I could relax, let my guard down (mostly), and soak up all of the culture and beautiful natural surroundings.

Here are the highlights of my time in Nicaragua, the top 13 reasons that you should head there next:

#1 | Sunsets

Sunsets Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination 20180115_174421Sunsets Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination 20180119_173752

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Go outside of rainy season (which runs from May until November) and there is no shortage of great places to watch the sun set. You’ll get a show of lovely pink and orange hues every night, with the color changes lasting a half hour or more. It’s great to watch sunset from wherever you are – whether over the water on Nicaragua’s lakes and beaches or atop one of the great viewpoints in the cities.

#2 | Colonial Architecture

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The main cities of Nicaragua were founded by Spanish explorers in the early 1500s, and it shows. Spanish influence is apparent in the red tile roofs, interior courtyards, and covered walkways you’ll see all around. Buildings also have incredible architectural details in the woodwork and designs that have been preserved throughout the centuries. You’ll get an even better sense of it all with the many towers or roofs to climb for sweeping views of surrounding city and almost always, volcanoes in the distance.

#3 | Volcanoes for Days

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Yup, Nicaragua lies right on a fault line between tectonic plates along the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and there are loads of volcanoes to explore and ways to enjoy them. During my visit I hiked Volcán Maderas, peered at the bubbling lava of Volcán Masaya at night, and boarded down Cerro Negro – all standout activities from my time there! There are also plenty of other hiking and camping opportunities at Nicaragua’s volcanoes, including the opportunity to watch sunrise or sunset (or both!) from the slopes of a volcano.

#4 | Natural Springs

Natural Springs Laguna de Apoyo Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination DSC_0139Natural Springs Ojo de Agua Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination DSC_0883

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The water of Nicaragua’s many lakes doesn’t always look inviting, but fortunately there are plenty of natural springs for some pristine swimming. Close to the city of Granada, I spent a leisurely day at the Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake at the site of an extinct volcano where you can swim and relax as waves lap the shores. On the island of Ometepe, there is the Ojo de Agua, a spring that is fed by an underground river from a nearby volcano. Although these are not hot springs, the water is said to possess the same healing properties.

#5 | Bright Colors

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Granada in particular rivals Burano Island in Venice, Italy in terms of the bright and varied colors you’ll see street after street, block after block. It’s something I’ve noticed throughout my Central American travels, but especially in Nicaragua from iconic bright yellow churches to hues of turquoise and magenta on residential homes and local businesses.

#6 | Wildlife

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There are plenty of nature preserves in Nicaragua where you can see large mammals like jaguars and cougars, but you’re also likely to encounter quite a bit of wildlife just walking around. Some of my sightings were on hikes in nature, but my best monkey encounter was along a paved road. In addition to the monkeys, I also spotted many cows and horses and donkeys, bluebirds and parrots, and an armadillo.

#7 | Street Art

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Street Art Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination DSC_0206Street Art Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination DSC_0219

Nicaraguans have a pretty dramatic history, and this is reflected in the wide variety of scenes you’ll see depicted in various murals, mostly in the cities. There was a mix of narrative scenes and political statements, all in bright colors to catch your eye walking around. For me, it was a great way to understand a bit more about the Nicaraguan people and mindset.

#8 | People

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Nicaraguans are so nice and helpful to tourists, even if you don’t speak any Spanish. I had wonderful encounters with locals myself and also heard many stories from fellow travelers like one who ran out of gas on a motorcycle in a rural area and managed with hand gestures to get directions to the local spot to buy emergency fuel by the liter. Especially as a solo traveler, I appreciated the warm welcome I received everywhere I visited.

#9 | Delicious Food & Drink

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Food in Nicaragua consists of some Latin American staples like rice and beans and plantains, mixed in with some specialties specific to Nicaragua. Cuajada is a locally-made cheese you’ll find as part of most typical breakfasts, either served fresh or pan-fried like you would do with Greek haloumi cheese. Quesillos are probably the most common street food, and is like a vertical version of a Salvadorean pupusa with a thicker cheese and liquidy crema along with pickled onions inside a tortilla. And if you can find it, there is a special flavor to the pelibuey type of goat that thrives in hot climates. All this can be washed down from the ubiquitous batidos (fruit shakes) or an ice-cold Toña or Victoria, the local beer options.

#10 | It’s Cheap!

Many people commented to me that Nicaragua is like what Costa Rica was ten years ago, and I can’t disagree. It’s just starting to see an uptick in tourism, which will likely lead to higher prices down the road, but for now Nicaragua is eminently affordable. Staying at a top-tier hotel was around US $100 per night, while I stayed in comfortable accommodations with hot showers and a pool for a mere $30/night in the cities. And food is quite inexpensive, with most meals costing between $1 and $3 at local comedores, and not much more than $10-15 at upscale spots.

#11 | Coffee

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There is a rich flavor to Nicaraguan coffee, grown in local volcanic soil. You’ll find good coffee everywhere, including espresso and espresso-based drinks like the Spanish cortado or cortadito, with just a touch of warm milk. Several coffee plantations are open to visitors, including tours of the property and demonstrations of the coffee-making process. Even if you’re not a coffee lover like I am, it’s a wonderful window into local production, with more land area in Nicaragua devoted to growing coffee than any other crop.

#12 | Beautiful Beaches

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With long stretches of both Caribbean and Pacific coastline, there is a beach for everyone in Nicaragua. From surfing meccas to protected enclaves to plenty of islands, isletas, and cayes, you can find the right size wave to match your picture of paradise. And even on some of the more popular beaches, you don’t have to stroll far to have a stretch of sand all to yourself. And if you’d like luxury – even for a night or two – there are plenty of luxury resorts out there.

#13 | Adventure Around Every Corner

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Nicaragua is probably best known on the adventure front for its world-class surfing along the Pacific coast, with Las Salinas making it on the National Geographic list of the World’s 20 Best Surf Towns. The adventures don’t stop there. From horseback riding to canyoning adventures that several fellow travelers raved about.

Have you ever been to Nicaragua? What else is on your list of top reasons to go? Anything else you’d want to know before visiting? Share away in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination

Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

It’s a new year with endless travel possibilities. So which travel destinations should you seek out?

Don’t get overwhelmed with the unlimited options, instead think about your travel goals for the year or even just what type of place you’d like to get to. And then pick one place for your first trip.

Maybe you want a warm beach escape during winter? Or a place that is very different culturally from where you live? Or somewhere off-the-beaten-path that won’t be overrun with tourists? Or finally make it to the top item on your Bucket List?

     READ MORE: Practical Guide to Achieve Your Travel Goals this Year

Regardless of your desires, this list has a little bit of something for everyone, with destinations all over the world. It’s a mix of places I’ve been and loved and spots with timely reasons to go in 2018, in alphabetical order.

Read on, get inspired, and then book that trip!

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Belize

Within my first day in Belize back in May, I knew it would be my new 2017 destination that I’d be screaming from the rooftops about. Not only is a beautiful country with a wide range of adventures, historical ruins, and opportunities to relax, it is just so easy to travel there.

     READ MORE: Fun Facts – Things to Know About Belize Before You Visit

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As a former British colony and still part of the Commonwealth, English is widely spoken. For those traveling from America, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and interchangeable with the local Belizean dollar at a simple 1:2 exchange rate. And everyone is so friendly and helpful anytime you need to get somewhere. Which leaves you free to focus on enjoying all of the amazing things Belize has to offer!

     READ MORE: 9 Reasons Belize Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
     READ MORE: Exploring Belize’s ATM Cave, a Mayan Archaeological Wonder
     READ MORE: Foodie Bucket List – How to Eat Like a Local in Belize

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Caribbean Islands

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Yes, 2017 was a rough year for some parts of the Caribbean that were devastated by hurricanes. Which makes 2018 a great year to support islands undergoing hurricane recovery as well as checking out some other islands that escaped hurricane season mostly unscathed (over 70% of them!). There is a Caribbean Travel Update website that has the latest information, island by island. Check it out HERE.

     READ MORE: How to Spend One Day in Nassau, Bahamas

And even on some of the islands most affected by last season’s hurricanes, cruise ports were some of the first parts to re-open for tourism. A Caribbean cruise will let you island hop and ships have already adjusted their itineraries to ensure that you are getting the best vacation experience in the region.

     READ MORE: Top 7 Excuses for Not Going on a Cruise – And Why Cruise Anyway!
     READ MORE: Top Tips for Taking a Cruise

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Israel

A destination where I’ve lived, but have also been again several times recently, continues to astound me with how much it changes and evolves with each visit. As a clueless 18-year old, while I traveled nearly every weekend, most of my meals on the road were with friends and family, or from the bakery section of a supermarket. On my last few trips I’ve savored one of the best (and most memorable) tasting menus of my life, inhaled the latest trendy street food, & sipped cocktails at a speakeasy. Not to mention some pretty fabulous wine tastings.

Israeli beer Machane Yehudah Market Top 8 Travel Destinations of 201820151204_144729

     READ MORE: Best Places to Eat & Drink in Israel
     READ MORE: Foodie Bucket List – The 16 Best Local Foods and Drinks in Israel

     READ MORE: 8 Best Wineries to Visit in Israel

There are so many sites with religious and historical significance in Israel that . . . I can’t even come up with a good way to end this sentence to do the country justice, history is simply everywhere – retracing Jesus’s footsteps on the Via Dolorosa of Jerusalem’s Old City and hiking through coastal Roman ruins, palpably feeling the millenia of history that have touched this land. You’ll just have to come explore yourself!

     READ MORE: Insider Bucket List – Top 20 Experiences to Seek Out in Israel
     READ MORE: Why Visit Israel During Chanukah

     READ MORE: Top Insider Picks – What to Do in Jerusalem

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(Small Town) Italy

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I’m not the first person to wax philosophical about all the reasons to visit small town Italy, but after 3 years of living in Milan, I can attest to how worthwhile a visit can be. While the big cities in Italy are draws for a reason, there is endless charm and authentic interaction with locals that you’ll only get when visiting one of Italy’s smaller towns.

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A day trip from a major city will give you a taste of small town living, but for the real fairy tale life in the Italian countryside or seaside, carve out at least a night or two of your vacation – you won’t regret it!

Taking a holiday to Rome? Take the time for a day in Orvieto.
Heading to Milan? Make a day trip to Bergamo or Cremona.
Vacationing in Tuscany? You’ll love exploring small town gems all over nearby Le Marche.
Wandering the canals of Venice? It’s an easy train ride to romantic Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet.
On an escape in Sicily? Spend a day in the coastal gem of Cefalù.


 

Malta

Image: Courtesy of Pixabay
Image: Courtesy of Pixabay

Malta has been on my bucket list for a while, and with its capital Valletta being named a European Capital of Culture for 2018 and hosting a range of festivals and events, there is no better time to plan a visit. An archipelago south of Sicily toward the northern African coast, it also boasts mild weather in winter and a hot but not scorching summer.

READ MORE: Top 12 Reasons to Go To Malta & Malta Travel Tips

Whether you’re interested in historical sites, beautiful beaches, or adventure – or all three like me! – there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. Plus, almost everyone speaks English, so you’ll have an easy time during your stay.

Explore more of what Malta has to offer!

Mexico City, Mexico

Outside the Anthropology Museum. I like how they used the white stone to form the middle section of the Mexico flag.
Outside the Anthropology Museum

Another 2018 accolade is in store for Mexico City, which has been named the World Design Capital of 2018, the first city in the Americas with this designation. I last visited the sprawling metropolis known locally as D.F. (Distrito Federal, or “federal district”) nearly a decade ago and even then it stood out for the culture, art, design, and of course, the foodie culture that has since exploded all over the city.

Mexico City Frida Kahlo Museum Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018 CIMG2368

With over 20 million people, there is no shortage of bustling areas to explore. There are tons of reasons for a visit in 2018, just remember with the high elevation, always wear sunscreen 😉

Seychelles

Image: Courtesy of Pixabay
Image: Courtesy of Pixabay

Most people think of the Seychelles as a luxury beach destination like the Maldives, which it is, but this African nation of islands also has a variety of AirBNB properties available at a much more reasonable cost for those looking for a value escape.

It’s a large enough destination that there are a variety of activities from visiting a nature preserve to water sports to a tea plantation. And it’s unknown enough that the beaches don’t tend to get crowded and you can have a whole stretch of pristine white sand all to yourself.

Singapore

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For many, Singapore is a spot to stop briefly for a layover or a day or two en route to another Asian destination. I came for a full week, and never ran out of things to do and eat. English is spoken all over Singapore, which makes it an easy place for foreigners to get around, whether you’re shopping in Chinatown or strolling through Little India. Certainly, if you get a chance, pop in and explore!

Singapore is known for its food culture, recently taking over the title of cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world from Hong Kong and featuring street food in informal hawker stalls located just about everywhere. Plus, it has one of my favorite breakfasts ever, you’ll get addicted, too!

     READ MORE: Singapore Foodie Bucket List – 8 Foods You Must Try

     READ MORE: How to Order and Eat a Typical Singaporean Breakfast

     READ MORE: 11 Ways Singapore is Like Hong Kong – And Why You Should Visit Both!

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Click here to explore what to do and where to stay in Singapore!

Not everywhere I visited and loved in 2017 made my list of top spots, but there are plenty of other posts up on the blog as well from my past year of travel, including some off-the-beaten-path US destinations like Detroit, Michigan and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Looking for even more travel inspiration? Also check out my Top Travel Destinations of 2017!


What destinations are inspiring you for 2018 travel? Anywhere I missed with something timely happening this year? What’s the biggest trip you’re planning for 2018? Let me know more in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

9 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka: A Destination With It All

9 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka: A Destination With It All

Every time I recommend Sri Lanka as a travel destination to someone, the first thing that comes to mind is the great variety of activities you can do on this single island. Anywhere else, you’d have to go to at least half a dozen different destinations to get comparable offerings. In Sri, Lanka, it feels like you can do it all:

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Explore Ancient Temples

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on December 31st, because not only is that an auspicious day to go, but I also ended up standing two feet from the Sri Lankan President who also visited that day! I was close enough to get a great selfie with him, but it seemed rude to turn my back on him while I was so close, so I settled for a few excited pictures. And the exhilaration of the travel magic when you happen to land in the right place at the right time for an experience that no amount of planning would have created. There are of course ancient temples all across the island, worth exploring if you happen to be nearby or even planning your itinerary around.

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Relax on the Beach

Sri Lanka is an island, so there is plenty of coastline to choose from. Along the western coast south of Colombo and continuing along the southern side of the island are a wide variety of hotels and resorts, including several all-inclusive and luxury options. The beaches on the eastern coast are more isolated, and possibly even more visually stunning. I stayed in a resort on the coast south of Colombo for a few nights, doing not much and decompressing before the more active itinerary for the 1.5 weeks after. Beaches are also accessible from many of the proper towns along the coast that have famous beaches nearby that you can check out with an inexpensive tuk-tuk ride during your stay.

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Go Whale (and Dolphin) Watching

This is one of many items on this list that I consider a “bucket list” item, and it’s so incredible to me that this is one of several once-in-a-lifetime options you have to see wildlife while in Sri Lanka. However, this is one of those activities that require advance planning and due diligence to have a good experience – you’re not likely to accidentally have a great boat trip. I visited in December, when it is peak season for whale watching off Mirissa in the south, and saw many dolphins and several whales the morning I went.

The down side? Due to the size of the boat (too big with too many passengers) as well as the poor organization and communication from the crew, I spent the most visually spectacular moments of the trip doubled over seasick, and barely got any pictures of the morning at all. Be sure if you go to: take a pill to combat seasickness (even if you don’t normally have trouble) and ensure that you will share the boat with as few others as possible. And if they put you on a boat bigger than what was guaranteed during your booking, demand something smaller as promised.

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Discover the Capital City of Colombo

Colombo is a bustling capital city, with a lot of different cultures and traditions represented, and not unlike other capital cities I’ve visited across Asia. It is a former colonial outpost, reflecting the Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences over the years. Colombo also boasts modern skyscrapers and an abundance of fancy rooftop bars with a cosmopolitan atmosphere for watching the sun set. And there are a ton of places where you feel the presence of locals, with street food stands and markets. Although I am not always a huge fan of organized tours or guides, it is worth taking in a few hours of knowledge from a local and getting a verbal history of the many nuances of Colombo that are not immediately visible.

Surf

Surfing is hugely popular on the beaches of Sri Lanka, and many visitors come just for that. You’ll see a mix of backpackers staying put for a while to do some surfing every day for weeks, tourists trying the sport for the first time, and locals taking advantage of the proximity of the waves. While unfortunately I did not get the chance to do any surfing in Sri Lanka myself, I saw plenty of beaches with surfers, with some catering nearly exclusively to the surfing community. Whatever your level of expertise – or even if you’re a complete beginner – there will definitely be an option close to you with the right difficulty of waves.

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Explore Colonial Forts

The coastline of Sri Lanka is dotted with forts that in most cases passed through the control of the three colonial powers: the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. I visited the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southwest that is probably the most popular Sri Lankan fort to visit. It’s actually more like a mini city, with all of the specialized buildings needed to be a self-sufficient community. As most of the fortifications are along the coast, they are also great spots for scenic views of the ocean.

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Visit Tea Plantations (& Do Tea Tastings)

I’m a bit of an accidental tea lover, after getting into tea tastings after moving to Milan, and realizing how similar they were to the wine tastings I already appreciated. By the time I visited Sri Lanka in late 2015, tasting tea was an activity I was actively incorporating into my itinerary, and that was one of the many reasons I was excited for the trip. The good news about tea and Sri Lanka is that there are many spots across the country where you can do tea tastings and buy local tea and – especially in the central ‘Hill Country’ – lots of large tea plantations to tour and hike. Even if tea is not your thing, you’ll definitely be served plenty during your visit, so why not embrace it? You’ll learn a bit about tea, and get a better understanding of which types you most enjoy.

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Go on Safari

When I think of going on safari, I envision Africa, so I was quite surprised in my trip research that this is a popular activity in Sri Lanka as well due to the incredible wild animal populations. There are national parks all over the island where you can experience safari, with your choice depending on the time of year of your visit and which animals you’d like to see most. I did a safari in Yala National Park on the southern coast, and saw many impressive creatures, including many of the large game animals: elephants and leopards. There are plenty of options and countless tour providers, or you can plan for accommodations nearby and arrange a day (or several) of safari through your hotel.

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Eat Incredibly Well

From bowl-shaped crepes called hoppers for breakfast to “rice and curry” that comes with half a dozen side dishes, Sri Lankan cuisine was a delightful surprise. Due to its proximity to southern India, Sri Lanka has a lot of Indian influence on its food, both in the predominance of curries and also the roti bread that comes in many forms. You can have it served in what I consider a more Indian style with the roti stuffed like a burrito, or the more street food style kottu roti with the bread chopped up and stir fried on a griddle with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of meat. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, eat with your hands like the locals – they think that the metal of silverware alters the taste of the food, and you get the best taste by not using any.

 

While I’ve never been to India, I came back from my Sri Lanka trip calling it “India light” because it featured incredible cuisine quite similar to Indian food, but the overall day-to-day tourist experience was quite pleasant – and lacking the harassment or negotiation needed in other parts of Asia, India or otherwise. People tended to quote reasonable prices the first time you asked. And if you were not interested and said so, they left you alone.

I had such a great time visiting Sri Lanka, and feel like there were plenty of areas I didn’t get a chance to explore over my visit, so I’d go back in a heartbeat. Plus, anywhere the food is that good is always top on my list for a return trip.

What about Sri Lanka appeals most to you? What cities or activities would you like more details about on the blog?

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