Maria Berry, Author at Travel the Local Way

About Maria Berry

Posts by Maria Berry:

Places to Visit in Montana: Our Top Ten

Montana is known for a lot of reasons but tourism makes most of its income per year. In fact, the state welcomes as many as 10 million people per year thanks to the Glacier National Park, the Missouri River, and Flathead Lake. Beyond these three, however, it is home to other attractions. Here are the greatest places to visit in Montana:

1. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Note that this State Park is best accessed with the help of a tour guide so plan accordingly! It’s home to one of the largest Northwest limestone caverns that are professionally lit for your viewing advantage. There’s also a self-guided nature trail which you’ll be able to enjoy if you’re visiting from October to April. The park covers roughly 3,000 acres of land area with an elevation of up to 5,600 feet.

2. Whitefish

Whitefish is often tagged as the city that houses the Glacier National Park. However, if you’re only coming here for the park, then you’re missing out on many other spots. There’s Whitefish Lake where even the locals go fishing. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is also an excellent place to ski or maybe just head to the local golf courses.

3. Missoula

Missoula is the second biggest city in Montana and this is where you can find the great University of Montana. The place is popular for several attractions like the Roxy Theater, the Missoula Art Museum, and the Caras Park Carousel. The Clark Fork River also runs through this place so people who want to go rafting will enjoy their visit.

4. Great Falls

Right in the middle of Montana is Great Falls. Most people pass by this area on their way to diving excursions. Also known as the Electric City, the place is packed with awesome hiking trails that are perfect for outdoor lovers. Note that close to the area are the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park and the Giant Springs State Park, both of which are fairly popular with tourists. The city itself is also worth exploring so be sure to check local hotspots.

5. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The Bighorn Canyon has always been compared to Grand Canyon although not quite as impressive. Still, it is one of the places to visit in Montana. The 70 miles of canyon walls make this place stand out, especially since some of the walls soar to around 1,000 feet in height. The canyon makes for an excellent site for various activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. The natural landscape makes for a striking testament to more than 10,000 years of human evolution. Whether you want to do something exciting or just chill beside Bighorn Lake, everything here makes for a memorable visit.

6. Top Places to Visit in Montana: Chinese Wall

The Chinese Wall is named such because it is comparable to the Great Wall of China. This wall can be found in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area measuring over 1000 feet in height. This limestone barrier is an artificial structure and can be accessed via the Benchmark Trailhead. Note though that getting here requires experience as a hiker since the trail can be difficult for beginners. The trail measures 40 miles and will have several designated camping sites throughout the walk. It’s strongly suggested that you get a guide to help you get past the more difficult parts of the trail.

7. Makoshika State Park

This park deserves a spot in our list of places to visit in Montana. It’s composed of two parts; the first one is called the Upper Section and it takes you across the Artist’s Vista Campground where the Makoshika Amphitheatre is located. The Lower Section is designed for hiking where you can check out the plants and wildlife of the area. There’s even a campground in the section along with picnic areas if you want to rest and relax after the hike. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love how the park is home to various dinosaur fossils which you can spot, even without the help of a guide.

8. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

If you love animals, then this centre is worth a visit. It’s home to grizzly bears and wolves that are unable to make it out in the wild. A non-profit, the centre also studies these animals to find a way to benefit the species out in the wild. Open the whole year round, the place is also home to other wildlife like snakes, river otters, frogs, and native fishes. For those visiting Montana as a family, drop by this place for the kids’ enjoyment.

9. Museum of the Rockies

If the outdoors is a little too much, there’s always the safe and environment-controlled Museum of the Rockies. Marvel at complete dinosaur bone exhibits, a planetarium, and even the Mesozoic Media Center. All visitors get a map of the place so getting around shouldn’t be a problem, especially with such a large area!

10. Glacier National Park

Of course, let’s not forget Glacier National Park which is practically synonymous with Montana. The park is packed with wildlife, amazing waters, and some of the most amazing landscapes you’ll ever see. Hikers typically gravitate to the Highline Trail which is challenging but memorable thanks to the sharp incline. Lake McDonald is considered to be an untouched wonder spanning ten miles worth of space. Those who just want to lazily enjoy the park can set up at the several picnic areas and maybe spend a few hours taking photos.

Tips: Dressing for Montana Weather

How you dress up when seeing the top places to visit in Montana depends entirely on the season you’re visiting the State. The months of July to September are usually the summer months. So if you’re visiting at this time, it’s best to bring light materials that can be layered. This way, you can add or remove clothing depending on the comfort level of the area.

Winter in Montana runs from October to April when the State gets inches of snow. Make sure to pack enough clothes for the cold weather. Layering is still an effective technique for this time but use thicker materials for added warmth. Regardless of the month of your visit, always make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes as Montana tours include lots of walking!

Maria Berry Holidays, Tourism

Enjoy England’s Ecotourism Spots

People are becoming more environmentally-conscious these days, although they still desire to see more of the world. One of the ways to marry these two is to opt for eco-friendly holidays. The fact is, you don’t need to fly halfway across the world (which also increases your carbon footprint) to have a great vacation. There are also beautiful, natural destinations in Great Britain that will impress you.

The fact is, there are many hidden treasures in this country you have not yet heard of. The diversity of sights will mean you do not need to step on a different continent or country. Opting for an eco-tourism destination will also allow you to enjoy all that Mother Nature can give.

What Makes Up An Eco-Tourism Destination?

You will be surprised to find out that there are tons of eco-tourism destinations in Great Britain, with Brighton taking the top spot. Wales and Scotland are also great choices. England has a list of national parks that are protected and maintained and they are there for people to appreciate nature and history of the country.

Other factors that make a destination eco-friendly include the percentage of green spaces (when it comes to cities), rates of cycling or accessibility by public transport. People also want to visit places that have sustainability practices like recycling and vegan dining options. Even the number of Farmer’s markets is a good thing because it supports local farmers and produce (which has a lower carbon footprint).

England’s Eco-Tourism Spots

There are a number of eco-tourism destinations you should check out, and these are just some of them.

The Eden Project in Cornwall
The Peak District in Derbyshire, specifically the national park and upland area
The New Forest in Hampshire, which is a national park and rural forest
The Lake District in Cumbria, both a national park and a mountainous region that includes the biggest lake in England, Windermere
The Broads in Norfolk, which also has a national park and lowland area
Dartmoor and Exmoor in Devon and Somerset, with national parks and upland parts
The Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon, designated as a World Heritage Site
The National Forest in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Leicestershire
The Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire and Cumbria, an upland area and national park
The South Downs in East Sussex and Hampshire, with a national park comprising of sea cliffs and chalk uplands

This list does not include all of the districts that have actual places designated as areas of natural beauty or national parks. Nor does it include the 12 national trails, miles and miles of protected coastline that includes most of Cornwall. There are also destinations that are not in the countryside, offering the cities some green spaces.

An eco-friendly vacation is not just about hiking and camping out. There are many ways to enjoy nature and travel in a sustainable way, which these eco-tourism spots offer their visitors. These destinations represent the future of tourism, where people can take their much-needed breaks without increasing their carbon footprint. As many cities and counties develop similar spots, a holiday is no longer a reason to feel guilty but rather a way to explore the world in an earth-friendly way.

Maria Berry Travel Food, global food, street food

Best Places in the World for Street Food

Michelin stars are often the indicator on whether a place serves the best food. However, it should be remembered that the best food venues are those most tried and eaten by the locals and tourists, such as those served in the streets.

Food stalls by the streets are probably the ones which can best introduce you to the local cuisine of a certain place. It is an essential travel experience. Aside from experiencing what it is like to eat along the roads, you will also be given the chance to eat delicacies not usually served in fine dining restaurants. Below is a list of the top 5 places in the world that offer the best of the best street food. Along with the location are the famous dishes in their area served of course in the streets.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Meals in Brazil are undeniably expensive but travelers need not worry about this when they visit the country. There are a lot of food stalls on the streets which can come to the rescue of visitors. Rio de Janeiro’s thoroughfares are the home of much well-known street food. But it is mostly popular for its tapioca crepes, pão de queijo cheese balls, acai smoothies, fried savory pastries and kebabs. These foods along with other dishes featuring seafood are often located on the waterfront as the city is literally surrounded by the sea.

Paris (France)

Paris is popular for being the home of fashion and fine dining. What many people often miss about it, however, is the wide range of street food it has been offering tourists and the locals. The most dominant street food here is, of course, the Parisian crêperie mostly partnered with Nutella. These are simple thinned pancakes served with a filling of the consumer’s choice. It may be filled fruit jams, ice cream, or plain chocolate. Other than the crepe, Paris also has its pastries to brag about. Food trucks are also becoming a thing in this city serving other food like American burgers and various sandwiches.

Tokyo (Japan)

Aside from the famous vending machines, Tokyo is now known for its extensive outdoor eating amenities particularly in the streets. The most common food served here include Okonomiyaki pancakes and bento boxes. Tokyo streets offer anything through vending machines but the best food is served in the Tsukiji market. It is also known as the seafood haven. There you can buy and eat sashimi samples. Not to mention the delicious raw oysters and the yummy, massive nigiri rolls.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong does not only have Disneyland to be proud about. It is also home to the best snake soup and egg tarts. The streets in Hong Kong serve a wide variety of dishes from favorites from the West to the classic Cantonese delicacies. The most visited places here for street food are the Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon City and the Ladies Market on Tung Choi Street.

Ottawa (Canada)

When talking about Canada and food, people always think of Vancouver and Toronto. But what they fail to notice is the rise of Ottawa in the food scene. There are more than 40 food trucks in the area which offer plenty of different food whether locally produced or derivatives from other places. The most popular ones serve the classic churros, frozen yogurt, sausages, hotdogs and much more.

While there is nothing wrong in going after popular fine dining restaurants, it also would not hurt to try out something new. Street foods, which are often disregarded, can sometimes give you a better food experience.

Maria Berry Travel holiday scams, security

How to Avoid Being Scammed While Booking Your Holiday Cottage

There is nothing more horrifying than being scammed during your holiday. Most of the time, you would save so much money and vacation days for those precious few days of relaxing by the beach. Unfortunately, many people who are simply trying to save money on their trip end up being victimized. In some cases, those who are booking cottages end up paying exorbitant hidden or additional fees or worse, having paid for a property that does not even exist.

The key is being smart and knowing these important steps when booking your cottage.

1 Use Your Instinct

The easiest way to spot any kind of scam is to follow what your gut tells you. If all other cottages are within a price range and something comes up that seems to be an incredibly good offer, then it is time to think twice. If it seems too good to be true, it is. Do your research, ask for pictures of the cottage, read reviews (to be sure that the place exists), and never ever send any money (like through Western Union). In some cases, the prices are so low because the cottage is in some remote or even shady part of the city or town, so researching the property is very important in weeding out the tourist traps.

2 Book through Reputable Rental Sites

You get a certain amount of safety and legitimacy by booking through a third-party, though it is not always foolproof. There are rental sites that allow cottage owners to advertise their property and let interested customers coordinate with them directly. This is different from having an agent do all the work for the owner. The difference is that with the first option, there is no more middleman, which can lower the cost. In the second option, there are instances where booking fees have to be paid, and they might raise your final expenses significantly.

3 Call the Owner

In most sites, you can find the contact details of the owner before you have to pay. It is a good idea to simply call them and ask for more information on the booking. For example, ask what is included in the price and if there are any additional charges. In some cases, a cleaning fee might be added, or there is a deposit necessary. Ask about the bed linen and towels, just to be sure you will not be sleeping without any sheets. Clarify if there is free parking available, as well as find out what facilities the cottage has or are available in the area. Be polite, and if they are rude or not helpful, you can also decide to go to another cottage.

4 Choose a Safe Method of Payment

Most owners will require a 25% non-refundable deposit once you book, and you would have to pay off the balance at least 4 weeks before the booking. Because the cost of these bookings can be higher compared to hotel rooms, it is important to be safe with your money.

When you pay more than £100 with your credit card, Section 75 protects you in case of a scam. Your credit card should help resolve the issue. If you pay at the site and the site will pay the owner, protection for credit card transactions might be provided, though your credit card might have a chargeback scheme.

If paying by credit card is not possible, do not ever wire money. Instead, deposit the amount into the owner’s account. If the account name and the address are suspicious or are in a different country, then it is very questionable.

Scammers nowadays are very smart and know how to sweet-talk their victims, so make sure that you only part with your hard-earned holiday money on reputable cottage owners by following these simple steps.

Maria Berry Travel beaches, Europe

Take a Trip to the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe

Every now and then, we need to reset our mind and body, to take a long vacation away from our desks and just relax and enjoy time with ourselves. Let’s take a trip and experience the breathtaking beaches in Europe.

Why Europe, you ask? There are certainly a lot of good attractions out there in the world, but none can compare to the majestic and relaxing sceneries that the continent has to offer. What better way to clear your mind but with a wide view the waves rippling across the horizon.

Here is a list of the best beaches that you can find in beautiful Europe:

Portugal

The Algarve has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe. It remains serene and rarely has establishments around and it is almost deserted. Cool spots for you to visit are Praia de Albandeira and Sudoeste Alentejano.

Italy

Gorgeous sea views and beaches can be found in the country of Italy. We strongly suggest going to more than just one place to make the most of your stay here. Places to visit are Amalfi Coast, Cala Goloritze in Sardinia, Cala Tonnarella in Sicily, Trieste and Venice.

Spain

San Sebastian, Formentera and Barcelona are two of the best city beaches in Spain. Here you can enjoy shopping, dining, swimming and partying. If you want to get away from the congested beaches and prefer a place more private and with fewer people, Cala Macarella beach in Menorca is perfect for you. Just a heads-up though – getting there is not easy. You may need to travel far and hike a couple of miles, but all that effort will be totally worth it.

Ireland

Ireland actually has beaches. It is common knowledge that Ireland has cold weather. But if you are looking for a fantastic sea view, Ireland is also home to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway’s Dolphin Beach houses are top tourist spots, too.

France

The Bay of Biscay is known as the Hamptons or White Islands of France. Nice is also perfect during the summer, particularly the Blue Beach and Plage Beau Rivage.

Croatia

The Zlatni Rat in Brac, Split and Dubrovnik are one of the best beaches and sea views in Croatia. They are perfect places for sailing and relaxation. Most of the beaches here are isolated and peaceful.

Turkey

Bodrum and Istanbul are the best places to visit in Turkey. They are clean and probably some of the most peaceful beaches in the Mediterranean.

Greece

The Santorini Caldera has one of the world’s spectacular shorelines. The sunsets are best to view from terraces. It has been described as “majestic” by most. The Navagio beach in Zakynthos, Greece is popular for its limestone cliffs and ancient shipwreck that is buried in its center.

These amazing places in Europe are perfect and you can choose to go to sites that are not as crowded like other destinations out there. Travel and open your mind and soul to the sea.

Maria Berry Canada, Main, Travel ocean, sea views

Best Sea Views in Canada

One of the little known facts about Canada is that it has one of the longest coastlines in the world. With over 260,000 kilometres of coastlines, Canada offers you some of the most exciting sea views and scenic shorelines on the planet. From Prince Edward Island to British Columbia, you can enjoy amazing sea views directly from the beach or from a cottage, a luxurious inn or a rental home nearby. Out of all the great places where you can have splendid sea views, here are the ones you should visit first.

Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island

If you love watching whales, the Chesterman Beach is a great place to see at least four different whale species including: the minke, orca, grey, and humpback whales. Once in a while a massive blue whale may even show up. Apart from whales, you will see a wide expanse of white sand that extends for about 3 kilometres. This is the sandbar that separates the North Beach and South Beach and extends to Frank Island. Chesterman Beach is a great place for surfing in summer and storm-watching during winter. It’s a brief walk from the Chocoloate Tofino store and the popular Tofitian Expresso House. For a vacation stay there are some awesome holiday cottages by the sea. You may even like to book a rental home or enjoy luxurious vacation accommodation at the Chateaux Wickaninnish Inn.

Hopewell Rocks

Hopewell Rocks provides dramatic scenery of rocks and shorebirds. Located in Rocks Provincial Park in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswich, these ancient rock formations have the highest sea tides on earth. This shoreline attains a tide of up to 14 metres in height. You can see the rocks created by the tide of the Bay of Fundy. They provide a place for kayakers to meander and enjoy their sport. But towards the end of July, you can see over a million shorebirds at Hopewell Rocks. These birds undertake a migration of about 4,000 kilometres south and stop here at the end of summer.

Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo, Newfoundland

If you love nature and you are looking for a beachfront that will provide stunning views of water, rock, vegetation and wildlife, you should visit the Sandbanks Provincial Park. This place is serene and beautiful. It’s a bird watcher’s heaven, with thousands of plovers and sandpipers available to see. You can also catch a glimpse of the sprawling Annieopsquotch Mountains. One of the unique features of this beach is the amazing flow of salt water and fresh water. When the tide is high, salt water flows to the Grepesy Brook en route to the Heron Pond. But at low tide, you can see fresh water flowing down the same brook into the ocean.

Long Beach Tofino, British Columbia

Here is another place where you can enjoy eye-popping scenic sea views. Whale watching and storm-watching are among the major attractions at this beachfront. Every year, thousands of grey whales migrate to this coast in spring and summer. In fact, you can participate in whale-watching tours from Ucluelet and Tofino. However, since this area is a temperate rainforest, blessed with plenty of rain, the best time to visit is between July and September. Long Beach is actually the lengthiest sandy beach in the Vancouver Island with over 16 kilometres of sand within the stunning environment of the Pacific Rim Park. When you come to this beach, you can also indulge yourself a bit at the elegant Wickaninnish Inn.

Mortinique Beach, East Petpeswick, Nova Scotia

Mortinique is a very beautiful beach with rather loud waves and a really gorgeous expanse of sandy shorelines that are great for surfing, beachcombing and swimming. You have about five kilometres of beach for playing, picnics and barbecue. In addition, this particular beach is home for varied species of birds, including the piping plover which enjoys special protection in this area. As you enjoy the scenic view of the sea, you may also be greeted by a friendly seal that may show up occasionally on the shoreline. Also, if you love diving, you will enjoy this beach because the temperature of the water usually rises to as much as 18 degrees Celsius.

Singing Sands Beach, Prince Edward Island

Singing Sands Beach is a distinct part of over 800 kilometres of beaches available on Prince Edward Island. This amazing beach, located about 93 km east of Charlottetown, makes a unique squealing sound when you walk on it or when the wind blows. Although scientists and tourism officials are still searching for the main cause of this strange sound, it is a great place to visit. As you enjoy the swishing sound made by the finely textured quartz beach sand, you will also enjoy the warm water which can attain a temperature of up to 21 degrees Celsius. This beach is part of the Basin Head Provincial Park and is currently available for day-use during summer.

Go Explore… Discover Your Own Canadian Beauty Spots

Those are some of the beaches that offer you the best sea views in Canada. The best time to visit this beaches is usually between July and September. You will enjoy the warmth of the sea and the view of the high tide at its peak. These beaches also offer great opportunities for exciting family games, surfing, swimming and other water sports.

Maria Berry Travel art, artists, cottages

How Renting a Beachside Hotel Inspires Artists

In the movies, it is common to see the artist living on the side of the ocean, trying to use it as inspiration for their works. While it might seem stereotypical, there are actually great reasons why they love staying being close to nature.

Advantages of Renting a Seaside Cottage

First of all, the beautiful surroundings inspire them to create their own masterpiece. They can immortalize these idyllic spots by putting them on the canvas, as had some famous artists have done so in the past.

Another advantage of drawing inspiration from the sea is the peace and solitude common to these places. When it comes to work, many prefer to do so in a quiet area so they do not experience a lot of people bothering them or staying out of the way.

A third reason is the affordability of many of these sleepy seaside towns. While they might still find beach properties that are a bit pricier than small town ones, in general, artists who may not have a lot of budget can still find a beachfront cottage.

The last reason that drives the artists to these towns is the fact that there are many galleries can be found, so they can easily display their work (especially if they are painters). More popular artists might even attract visitors coming from further away from the town, helping the other artists gain exposure.

Best Artistic Vacation Locations in the USA

In the United States, many artists have moved into or rented cottages that boast of coastal views, choosing one of the following top artist-friendly cities:

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Rockport, Texas
Wynwood Arts District, Miami, Florida
Monhegan Island, Maine
Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada
Towles Court, Sarasota, Florida
Laguna Beach, California
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Top Seaside Destinations for Artists in the UK

In the United Kingdom, there are hundreds of inspirational locations around the coast including hotspots such as Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire, where artists and writers take a break to get the creative juices flowing, such as these:

St Ives, Cornwall
Brighton, Brighton & Hove
Dartmouth, Devon
Whitby, Yorkshire
Lyme Regis, Dorset

Disadvantages of Renting Beach Property

On the other side of the coin, staying in a beachside cottage is not as easy as staying in a hotel, where they deliver room service and take care of organizing. In fact, many artists are not big fans of cooking and staying in their own serviced cottage during winter is how they prefer to spend the time. This allows you still dedicate your time to your work without having to stop and cook.

A second disadvantage is the possible isolation. Whenever a snowstorm or strong winds come, then these people are stuck indoors and possibly far away from each other. This is very bad for their health and mental well-being, which is why sharing a rental cottage is also a great idea for artists to avoid being alone.

The third disadvantage is the risk of extreme weather. Being by the ocean means strong winds depending on the forecasts and seasons of the island. However, this extreme weather does not usually come so often that it is not impossible to sit on the beach or enjoy some drier, warmer days.

Inspiration and Motivation

Inspiration and motivation are very important for artists to come up with beautiful masterpieces to strike the audience. Artists, both new and advanced, are lucky that they have the option to rent a beachside cottage to do their work. In the end, they can enjoy the beauty of nature and focus on their work at the same time.

Maria Berry Travel bizarre, off-the-beaten-track, weird

Really Weird Travel Destinations That Have to be Seen to be Believed

Everyone knows the world can be a crazy place that’s made even weirder by the actions of some people. But did you know there are actually natural wonders that are even weirder and that they are the work of Mother Nature herself? Hang on to your seats as we take you to some of the really weird places in the world that will make you shake your head in disbelief.

Thor’s Well in the US

Don’t expect to see Thor coming out from the Spouting Horn or Heimdall opening the Bifrost every time a massive stream of water is projected skywards from this sink hole. Thor’s Well is nothing more than a sinkhole located in the rocky surfaces washed by the turbulent waters of the Pacific within Oregon’s Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. It may not actually be weird, but the way water is shot straight up with such tremendous force is something that will leave you in incredulity. Even Old Faithful in the Yellowstone would pale in comparison to Thor’s awesome force. Just mind your distance, though, as you don’t want to be swallowed into its depths.

Lake Hillier in Australia

You may already know the Red Sea, but we’ll bet you haven’t heard of the Pink Lake just yet. Located in one of the islands of the Recherche Archipelago in Western Australia, Lake Hillier comes with a mind-boggling deep pink color. Unlike other bodies of water that have very unusual coloring, but only on certain times of the year, this pink body of water retains its rosy appearance all year round. This is due to the presence of a special type of pink bacteria called halobacteria. The lake also contains Dunaliella salina, a type of algae that has remarkable affinity for saltwater.

Chocolate Hills in the Philippines

Bohol island in the Philippines is not only known as the home of one of the world’s smallest primates, the Philippine tarsier, but it is also home to 1,700 perfectly shaped domed hills that take on a very peculiar chocolate brown color in the dry season. Many think that the Chocolate Hills are manmade, but UNESCO says the geologic features are the result of a combination of coral deposit uplift and rainwater erosion. It’s a surreal sight as if you’re looking at the goose bumps of a giant.

Red Beach in China

Occurring only in autumn, the tidal wetlands near Panjin in China can literally turn to crimson red, thanks to the presence of Sueda, a type of seaweed that has a characteristic red color. The beaches serve as important stopover points for migrating birds, providing a rich bounty of seaweed rich in protein that avian species can use for their continued flight. It’s an eerie spectacle especially if you’re more accustomed to a beach that is either sandy white or pebble gray. Indeed it resembles a massive carpet that blankets the shores of Panjin.

Every continent has its own set of really weird geographical features. While they may raise eyebrows, they also make perfect getaways for a memorable holiday.

Maria Berry Travel sunsets

The Most Spectacular Sunsets in the World

Traveling to different places is such a relaxing, peaceful and exhilarating experience, especially if you are a sunset lover. One of the best things about watching sunsets is that you can be in an island and witness how nature puts a nightly display or be in desert and see the rocks turn to red because of the sunset’s illumination.

There is really something special about it that is life changing. Definitely, you must visit these different places to see the dazzling display of such a rare beauty. Here is the list of the most spectacular sunsets in the world to inspire you for a vacation.

Mindil Beach in Australia

Ever been to Australia? Then don’t miss the chance to visit Mindil Beach. If you are a sunset lover and a foodie like most of the travelers, then you will enjoy this place in Darwin, Australia. Local vendors normally come out by the afternoon as the sunset approaches. Apart from that, sky watchers can also appreciate the smell of barbeque from the nearby stalls. There are also craft stalls with goodies to sell. Aside from that, they have live music and beach lights. What a way to combine all these things setting the mood to make Mindil Beach as one of the well known sunset destinations.

Cairo Sunset in Egypt

Inside the large, old city of Cairo is a spot solely for watching the sun set over this bustling city in Egypt. The view makes you realize as if you traveled back in time to witness a glorious site. Each night, vendors and wait staff set the tables and chairs for the locals and foreigners to enjoy the view. Cairo has wonderful things to offer aside from the spectacular sunset. You can also enjoy a sip of their sweet juices and create a memory as you listen to some Arabic music. One of the amazing things being in the place is that it is as if the people really wait for the sunset and there is this vibrant feel in everyone.

Maldives Sunset

Who wouldn’t want to visit and soak in the transparent waters in Maldives? It is such a dream destination for many people because of its exquisite beauty – white sand, coral reefs, foods, etc. Almost everything is a dream in Maldives especially the sunset. The place is quiet and you even see the whales cruising along the waters, making everything such a heavenly moment. The whole setting of Maldives is really for the golden sunset. It is such an elegant site that will change the way you see the world forever.

Missoula Sunset in Montana

This is one of the finest cities to live in America. It is a diverse city and also popularly known as the big sky country because of the amazing sunset you see in this place. Almost anywhere you look and in any direction, the sunset seems to be in three dimensions, painting the sky with colorful hues. It can inspire your soul as you also breathe the mountain air.

So go ahead and realize that there is really something to look forward to in life with the artistic glory of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

Maria Berry Food & Drink Restaurants, Seaside

Exploring the Best Seaside Restaurants in the UK

Going on a gastronomic adventure in the best restaurants of UK is like going on a historical journey as each region has its own unique culinary heritage to share. Though vastly different in cooking philosophy, one thing is common among UK’s best seaside restaurants – they only use the freshest catch and the freshly-picked farm produce of the day to give you and other diners only the best in dining experience. Expect good food and awesome sea views on the UK coast.

With a coastline that stretches up to almost 18,000 kilometers, the waters surrounding the United Kingdom is teeming with marine and aquatic life that supplies some of the world’s best seaside restaurants with stunning sea views in stunning vacation spots where only the freshest catch carefully transformed into a sumptuous dish using only locally grown farm produce.

Take a gastronomic adventure as you start your palatable journey from the langoustine-rich waters of Scotland down to Norfolk’s well-known sea bass and mackerel-rich coast and heading east to sample Kent’s tangy but sweet oysters. Moving down south will lead you to the crab-fertile waters of Dorset to Cornwall’s world-famous Cornish pasty and Stargazy pie. Rounding your epicurean journey will be to sample Welsh mussels, scallops, and clams. With so many first class restaurants, cafes and diners, the British seaside offers a slice of heaven for food lovers.

The Cornish Connection

Dine at the renowned Fifteen Cornwall of celebrity chef Jaime Oliver. It is a must-dine seafood restaurant whenever you are in the Watergate Bay area of Cornwall. This award-winning restaurant not only features superb international cuisine, mostly Italian, fused with rich Cornish tradition; it is also dedicated to the development of raw talents in the culinary industry through a unique training program for developing the much-needed competencies of future master chefs.

Also in the Cornwell region is 2 Michelin Stars Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, deemed to be the fastest-growing restaurant in the UK. They have two restaurants in Cornwall: one in Port Isaac and another one at Rock. In both restaurants, diners are treated to a seasonal menu that reflects the establishment’s penchant for using only the freshest ingredients that are available on a daily basis.

Just a short hop across the Camel Estuary is Padstow, with perhaps the highest concentration of quality dining establishments on the UK coast. The restaurants in padstow are many and varied, ranging from seafood restaurants, pizzerias, deli cafes, pasty shops, fish & chip take-aways and gourmet burger joints. You could visit Padstow for a month and dine at a different restaurant every day, and never be disappointed. This town really is centre of the Cornwall food revolution.

The Welsh Shells

Check out the only Welsh restaurant ever to be given the prestigious Michelin Star, the Plas Bodegroes Restaurant in the Llyn Peninsula. Plas Bodegroes is also Wales’ only five star-rated restaurant with a hotel facility, making it a must for Wales visitors. This Restaurant-of-the-Year awardee by UK’s Good Food Guide boasts of traditional Welsh cuisine, with the cheese as its main ingredient, and made more superb by the use of local ingredients.

Dine at the Coast Saundersfoot just off Saundersfoot Bay and you will see just why they call this the perfect seaside restaurant. With unmatched views of the sparkling blue waters of Saundersfoot Bay, you can have unrivaled seaside dining experience this side of the UK. By utilizing a local network of farmers, fishermen, and kitchen gardeners, the chefs of Coast are ever ready to afford you with only the best local ingredients that Welsh cuisine is known for.

The Scottish Highlander by the Sea

Sample The Boathouse Gigha’s signature sautéed king prawns, langoustine, Boathouse potted shrimp, Gigha halibut and mackerel, and the traditional fish and chips and you will see why a lot of folks are flocking to this very unassuming place this side of Scotland. You can also take on the delectable dishes at The Westward Restaurant in Argyll and The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by in Duvegan, Isle of Skye.

The Coast of Dorset

Moving to Dorset will bring you to the seafood paradise Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant and Bistro off the coast of Studland Bay and overlooking the stunning island of Brownsea and the fertile waters of Sandbanks and Poole Harbour. You need to sample Shell Bay’s Poole rock oysters, Portland crabs, mackerel fillets, lobsters, seabass, and skates, among others. You can also try the different varieties of oysters at the Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis as well as other seafood delicacies.

The Kent and Norfolk Region

To round up your gastronomic adventure of UK’s best seaside restaurants, you need to visit Morston Hall in Norfolk, Age & Sons in Ramsgate, and Wheelers Oyster Bar in Whitstable. Morston is one of Norfolk’s critically-acclaimed restaurants that boast of a daily changing set menu to ensure only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used in all of their dishes. Age & Sons is a family-run Victorian-inspired restaurant that specializes in classical British cuisine. Wheelers Oyster Bar is a small yet very popular restaurant overlooking Whitstable Bay. A must-try for Wheelers diners is their spicy crusted squid and soft shell crab tempura.

< 1 2 3 4 5 >»