Croatia is one of the fastest-growing holiday destinations among international travellers. Here are a few examples of what all the fuss is about and why you should probably visit the country as soon as you get a chance:

It’s hot – all year round

As one of the sunnier parts of Europe, you will get an average of 12 hours of sun per day and warm temperatures throughout the year.

Visit GOT’s King’s Landing

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will be able to visit some of the television series’ main locations, including King’s Landing and the Red Keep’s gardens.  We recommend a guided tour with insights not only into the GOT production but also the areas rich history. You can pre-book a tour through Viator – a Trip Advisor Company here

Magnificent Roman amphitheatre

The city of Pula contains a first-century Roman amphitheatre which is one of the best-preserved in the world. If you time your visit right, you can go to the annual film festival which hosts screenings inside.

Spectacular beaches

Croatia is well-known for its beautiful pebbled beaches with crystal clear waters. Although some are more popular and may get crowded, you can easily find a few hidden beaches to relax away from the crowds.

A hike up a mountain is right by the beach

At 1762m high, Sveti Jure is Croatia’s second-highest mountain peak. Lying only a few miles from the beaches, you can follow the trails bursting with wildflowers and butterflies to the top and then follow with a swim in the ocean when you get back down.

A dedicated coffee culture

The capital city, Zagreb, is filled with cafes. The locals take their coffee drinking very seriously so, if you love coffee, this is the place to be.

An interesting take on relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships features seemingly insignificant objects which are accompanied by text which explains their relevance in failed relationships. Although not your usual museum to visit, it has proven to be quite popular and you might find it quite interesting. 

The island with white stone

The island of Brac is well-known for the magnificent white stone which has been used to build palaces and even the White House in Washington DC. The island also has a number of abandoned villages which you can explore.

Summer music festivals

There are some great music festivals during the summer. If you are looking for some of the bigger ones, try going to Love International Festival, Fresh Island or Dimensions Festival.

Dubrovnik, the bucket list city

As one of the world’s bucket list cities, Dubrovnik is a city that you need to add to your list too. You can walk the walls of the city before they close, dine at amazing restaurants or visit an old bar that overlooks the ocean.

Snorkel a WWII shipwreck

There is a German ship from the Second World War which you can go and explore in Zavratnica Bay. It’s certainly an interesting way to look at a historical ship. 

Dinosaurs loved it here

When dinosaurs were around, the Istria peninsula was filled with them. You can see the footprints in the Brijuni National Park or just go to the dinosaur-themed rides at Dinopark Funtana.

So, whether you are looking for a beach holiday in the sun, want to visit your favourite TV show’s iconic cities, or you want to experience something similar to Jurassic Park, Croatia has it all and more. If you want that extra bit of warmth and entertainment, head over during the summer and you will have a blast.

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Source Article & Images: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/articles/croatia-best-things-to-see-and-do/

Although it may be easy getting around some foreign countries where English is understood to some degree, there are many countries where English is scarce and getting around isn’t quite as easy. Below are a few tips to help you get around those not-so-English countries.

Learn 10 basic words

You may find it surprising just how much can be accomplished from knowing a few simple words. Words such as “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Thank you”, and “Where is…?” can show locals you have made an effort, resulting in beneficial responses.

Smile

Yes, it’s that simple. In almost any country smiling goes a long way. (Just be sure to know which countries are not accustomed to smiling at strangers).

Speak with hand gestures

Hand gestures often help get the message through to others. If you feel you have offended someone, the Namaste gesture is usually seen as a sign of peace and respectfulness.

Carry a notepad and pen

Drawing pictures is another way to communicate with someone. You can draw what you want, and they can respond in the same way.

Use a translator app

There are many apps that allow you to translate text and even speech. The Google Translate App is one of them.

Plan your trip from the airport to your hotel

Getting off the plane is when you are the most tired and disoriented. Airports usually have English signage which can assist you with getting to the right places. You should also consider having a car from your hotel meet you at the airport.

Get directions from the right people

On the street, the most likely to speak English would be a young, professionally dressed person. You could also walk into a hotel or store and ask an employee there.

Carry your hotel business card in the local language

By carrying this with you, you can always show someone where you want to go and they can assist you.

Carry a map in the local language

These maps are usually handed out at hotels. Ask the concierge to circle your destinations to make it easier to communicate when asking people for directions.

Ask the hotel concierge for names and addresses

Doing this will allow you to show the addresses and names to people who will understand how to get there.

Record your route

This is particularly useful when you can’t read street signs. Taking a photo every now and then will help you identify where you are and where you have been when trying to find your way around the same area or back to your hotel.

Find people who want to practice their English

If you want to find someone who will want to speak to you in English, university campuses or bookshops are a great start.

Source Article: https://www.tripadvisor.com/blog/12-tips-for-traveling-in-countries-where-you-dont-speak-the-language/ 

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Cape Town is well-known for its diverse set of cultures which inhabit the city. Along with these cultures and the city’s general accepting nature for variety, there comes an array of different local cuisines which you need to try when visiting.

Source: 48hours

The “Great” Gatsby

We begin with the Gatsby, as it is one of the most famous things to get when in Cape Town. Originating from Athlone on the Cape Flats, the submarine-styled sandwich was invented by shop owner Rashaad Pandy who wanted to serve up a quick and easy meal for his hired workers. Today, the foot long sandwich can now be found all over the city. The Gatsby is usually filled with meat, fries (or chips as it is known by the locals), eggs, salads and a variety of sauces, but there are vegetarian options such as the one offered by Lekker Vegan. These magnificent sandwiches are quite large and can be quite difficult to finish, which is why you should probably share it with one or more people. Remember that no more than four people can share one Gatsby in terms on the Gatsby eating rules, so get a few friends to go with you when you get one and enjoy the traditional Cape flavours. 

   Source: EatOut

Fish and Chips

Being right on the sea, Cape Town has many restaurants that offer some of the freshest fish you will ever eat in your life. There are extravagant restaurants which you can visit to experience this, but to get that really iconic experience you can visit Kalky’s in Kalk Bay or Snoekies in Hout Bay. These two fish shops are extremely affordable and the time it takes for your order to be completed and delivered to your table is certainly impressive. This may be because they deep-fry the fish but hey, no one’s complaining when it tastes so good.

Source: AfkTravel

Bunny Chow

Okay, first thing’s first; as mis-leading as the name can be, this cuisine has nothing to do with rabbits, so don’t let the name mislead you. This dish is most popular for being first created in Durban, but can be found all over South Africa and in Cape Town. It is traditionally made by cutting a loaf of bread in half, hollowing out the inside and filling it with curry. You may find that this is also difficult to eat alone but there are options to have a smaller portion such as a quarter-loaf. Just try it out first and then maybe you can get a bigger portion as a take-away.

Source: BayleysCatering

Bobotie

As unusual as its ingredients may sound, bobotie is extremely delicious. It is essentially minced beef with a mixture of milk and egg on top. People often include raisins or other dried fruit into the dish to create a sweet and sour flavour. Yes, it’s almost that simple. The great thing about this dish is that you could make it at home quite easily, but it’s probably best to try it the way South Africans do it first.

Source: SpringsAdvertiser

Koeksisters

Wait, we can’t just give you meal options; what about desserts right? Koeksisters are possibly one of the most South African desserts out there. These sweet little treats originated from the Afrikaner culture and are made by frying braided dough and soaking it in syrup or honey. They are extremely sweet, so if you have a sweet tooth, you will definitely enjoy this. If you don’t, you may only be able to finish half of one.

Cape Town’s diversity is truly something to be excited about. When you visit this beautiful city, don’t just observe the variety of the culture, get involved, try some of the food and come away with an experience that you may even be able to share with your family back in your home country.

Sources

https://theculturetrip.com/africa/south-africa/articles/dishes-you-have-to-eat-when-in-cape-town/ 

https://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/blog/40-foods-to-eat-in-cape-town-recommended-by-locals/ 

https://www.capetownmagazine.com/indigenous-food 

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

July is a truly special month in South Africa. Brands and people of various backgrounds make an extra effort to do good for the country and others in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life. The month is a reminder and a call to action for people to make a positive impact on the world. Below are a few things you could do in the month of July (and any other month) to promote positive change and celebrate Mandela’s life.  

Source: FeedSA

Donate to charity

Starting with one of the most obvious and easiest ways to help people out during Mandela month is donating to charity. This is something which allows people who don’t always have a lot of time in their day (or are abroad) to take part in time-consuming activities to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others. If you are a very busy person but still want to inspire positive change, you could donate clothes, books or food to the less-fortunate and make their lives a little better. Below are a few examples of charities you can donate to: 

•     http://www.greatergoodsa.co.za
•     https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/play-your-part
•     http://www.feedsa.co.za
•     http://www.ithembalethu.org.za/?page_id=24
•     http://ubuntuhouse.co.za

Source: Adam Smith

Tutor children in a subject you know about

You don’t have to donate physical objects to make a difference. Knowledge is power and giving children the ability to learn something is a great way to uplift communities and help eradicate poverty. Reach out to schools or assist those who are unable to hire a tutor for their child. Although more time-consuming, doing this is arguably one of the most beneficial things you can do for society. Nelson Mandela was especially focussed on children’s rights as well as the right to education, so this would be close to home in terms of continuing Mandela’s legacy.

Source: Unsplash

Donate your old computer and books to a school

On the subject of education, you can also donate any old books and even your old computer to a school. Maybe you have an old computer that has been sitting in your cupboard for a year because you felt it wasn’t running fast enough or maybe you have a few textbooks from school or university which could be excellent educational material to donate. Books are always a reliable source for education and there are many schools which will be able to use the computer as well. A computer can assist with the learning process by getting children more excited to learn.

Source: Unsplash

Give a little love to those who are ill

A lot of terminally ill people or those in old age homes have no one who can visit them. Even just someone to talk to can brighten up their day. Contact a hospital or hospice and see if there is anyone who would love to have someone to talk to. You could also find out if there is something specific which they might need or would like assistance with and try to help them with that.

 Although some of these experiences may be sad, even the simplest positivity in someone’s life can create a snowball effect to improve the world around us. Don’t let Nelson Mandela month go by without having made even the simplest of positive actions. 

Sources: 

https://www.gov.za/NelsonMandelaMonth2019 

https://www.collectionmcgrath.com/2018/07/13/on-the-path-of-nelson-mandela-in-cape-town/

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/nelson-mandela-month-2019-what-you-need-to-know/ 

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Every year, beer makers and drinkers from around the world get together to participate in one of the greatest beer festivals that Germany has to offer – the International Berlin Beer Festival. 2019 will be the festival’s 23rd year running and will take place from the 2nd to the 4th of August. The festival is considered to be the world’s longest in terms of size, as it stretches over a distance of 2.2 kilometres along Karl-Marx-Allee. Apart from the physical length, the festival brings in a large number of tourists. It is expected to see more than 800 000 people this year and will host 350 breweries from around 90 countries, giving them the ability to display and sell more than 2400 uniquely represented beers.

A Beer For Everyone

If it is not only German beer that you are looking for, don’t worry. The International Berlin Beer Festival hosts beer-makers from different parts of the world. You could find beer made anywhere from New Zealand to Vietnam. The festival even sometimes takes on a theme of one of the locations. For example, Vietnam was the theme in 2011 and Poland in 2013.

 Source: Tgvn.vn

Dress up

The vibrant energy of the festival is one which you really want to become a part of and dressing up is one of the most enjoyable ways to do this. A lot of people dress up in traditional Bavarian attire, but this is not the only thing you can wear. People also opt to wear silly clothing to accommodate the “fun” atmosphere of the entire festival. Just remember that the International Berlin Beer Festival tries to be slightly more refined than Oktoberfest, so you won’t see outfits there that are quite as “taboo” as at Oktoberfest.

Source: Odd Berlin

Other activities

Germany has an excellent public transport system, so you shouldn’t need to be the designated driver. However, if you do somehow find yourself in that unfortunate position or even if you just want to do something else other than drink beer at the festival, there are a few other activities to choose from. If you are feeling hungry, there will be many interesting culinary demonstrations, so you can find exactly the type of meal you are looking for. If you are feeling a little bit musical, there will be a total of 19 stages featuring national and international artists for you to listen to. And, if you still aren’t interested in doing any of those things and would rather do something that you can actually take part in, there will be an ample amount of fun games and competitions to keep you entertained.

Source: Odd Berlin

As you can see, there are a lot of activities to take part in, a lot of food to eat, and of course, a lot of beer to drink at the International Berlin Beer Festival. You’ll be able to get caught up in the vibrant atmosphere and get the chance to taste excellent beer from all around the world while wearing your antique dirndl or lederhosen. 

Sources:

https://radseason.com/event/berlin-beer-festival-berlin-germany/ 

http://allexciting.com/berlin-beer-festival/ 

https://10times.com/international-berlin-beer-festival

https://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/23rd-international-berlin-beer-festival-2019

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

Although it may be easy getting around in countries where English is understood to some degree, there are many countries where English is scarce and getting around isn’t quite as easy as it may seem. Here are some tips that might help:

1. Learn 10 basic words

You may find it surprising just how much can be accomplished from knowing a few simple words. Words such as “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Thank you”, and “Where is” “How much…?” can show locals you have made an effort, resulting in beneficial responses.

2. Smile

Yes, it’s that simple. In almost any country smiling goes a long way. (Just be sure to know which countries are not accustomed to smiling at strangers).

3. Speak with hand gestures

Hand gestures often help get the message through to others. If you feel you have offended someone, the Namaste gesture is usually seen as a sign of peace and respectfulness in most countries.

4. Carry a notepad and pen

Drawing pictures is another way to communicate with someone. You can draw what you want, and they can respond in the same way.

5. Use a translator app

There are many apps that allow you to translate text and even speech. The Google Translate App is one of them.

6. Plan your trip from the airport to your hotel

Getting off the plane is when you are the most tired and disoriented. Airports usually have English signage which can assist you with getting to the right places. You should also consider arranging a shuttle or hotel transfer service to meet you at the airport.

7. Get directions from the right people

On the street, the most likely to speak English would be a young, professionally dressed person. You could also walk into a hotel or store and ask an employee there.

8. Carry your hotel business card in the local language

By carrying this with you, you can always show someone where you want to go and they can assist you.

9. Carry a map in the local language

These maps are usually handed out at hotels. Ask the concierge to circle your destinations to make it easier to communicate when asking people for directions.

10. Ask the hotel concierge for names and addresses

Doing this will allow you to show the addresses and names to people who will understand how to get there.

11. Record your route

This is particularly useful when you can’t read street signs. Taking a photo every now and then will help you identify where you are and where you have been when trying to find your way around the same area or back to your hotel.

12. Find people who want to practice their English

If you want to find someone who will want to speak to you in English, university campuses or bookshops are a great start.

Source Article: https://www.tripadvisor.com/blog/12-tips-for-traveling-in-countries-where-you-dont-speak-the-language/ 

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

The patriotism in America is truly something unique. When you visit the massive continent, try to time it for the summer time, around the 4th of July. Depending on the area you are visiting, you will get an array of different opportunities to take part in events or simply watch the glory of the day’s celebrations taking place. But which area should you go to when visiting at this time of the year?

Source: FrameImage

Beach Bum

If you have a particular love for the beach and want to make sure you are situated near the sound of crashing waves, there are many spots that you can visit to be in your perfect 4th of July setting. Virginia Beach is possibly one of the most patriotic spots to be during this time; taking a walk along the promenade will give you excellent views of the fireworks display as well as many live performances. You could also visit Huntington Beach in California. As one of America’s most famous beaches, with its magnificent pier, it would certainly be a treat to see how the city transforms on the spectacular day.

Source: Pbs.org

Historical setting

If you enjoy more of a historical setting, you can visit the National Mall and, more specifically, the US Capitol Building. This is where the annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert will take place. The event is free, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make sure you watch the parade, which travels along Constitution Avenue, before you go to the concert to truly experience patriotism at its finest.

Source: Love.Saschareinking

The Big Apple

Of course, we can’t leave out the Big Apple. Visiting New York during the 4th of July, you are able to start your celebrations off by watching the annual “Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest” and finish with the famous “Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display”. You can choose to watch the display from a rooftop bar, a park, or from the side of the East River, either way you will enjoy every second.

Source: NashvilleNeighbourhoods

Musical nut

Music always seems to set the tone of events, so why not visit an area that offers some of the best musical experiences on the 4th of July? With “Music City” as its nickname, you know Nashville will be setting up some incredible musical experiences and, with multiple genres and artists, visiting Downtown Nashville is something you need to do if you are looking to dance and sing along to astonishing 4th of July live performances.

 As you can see, there are many different experiences to be had on the 4thof July, in America. Don’t miss out on what could be the best patriotic experience of your life; make sure you visit America during this time of the year so you can say that you were a part of it.

Sources:

https://www.application-esta.co.uk/visiting-usa-during-july-fourth

https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/4th-of-july/americas-best-beaches-for-4th-of-july?slide=573491#573491

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/top-things-to-do-in-dc-on-fourth-of-july/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.