SPLIT, CROATIA

SUN IS SHINING AND SO ARE YOU!

     

     I  went to Croatia in July this year for a week. The town of Split is situated on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, and being the largest city in the area it is very popular among tourists.

     If you're the kind of person that likes to lay on the beach for hours, do not go to Split, as the beaches are rocky and it is highly uncomfortable to lay on them. I found it very difficult to relax, definitely not going to a rocky beach again!

     The water wasn't warm either, which I found really surprising, but that might be because I spent most time at a small bay, where the beach wasn't crowded. So if you do want the water to be warm, follow the crowd! Also, There are rocks in the sea as well, so either wear appropriate shoes (you can buy them on the way to the beach for around 50 kuna) or be very careful not to cut your foot.

     The town center of Split is small but charming, with many restaurants and souvenir shops overlooking the gorgeous sea. 

     Be sure to find a sightseeing point right in the middle of the old town, where you can enjoy a breath-taking view on Split.

     Don't be shocked with the prices when you see a drink costs 50 kuna, as this is equivalent to around £5. So do visit the local restaurants, especially in the evening, as you will also be able to enjoy some entertainment shows that are frequently put on.

     A good spot for a night out is a bar on the corner, opposite the entrance to the high street, where quality music is played up until around 4am. More towards a beach there is another club with two rooms playing different genres of music, which is open until 6am!

     I would strongly advise you to visit the Krka Waterfalls. You can purchase an excursion in any of the travel agencies around town, but do make sure you do a little research as the prices vary a lot, and at the end of the day you want to get the best deal. The waterfalls are inside a National Park, which you can also explore. Don't forget to take your swimming costume as you will be able to swim in the waterfalls. The price of most excursions don't include an entry ticket to the National Park, but if you're a student, there is a 10% discount with your student card.

     If you're planning to visit Split in July, check out the dates of the Ultra Music Festival, as it usually happens during that time. It is one of the biggest festivals in Europe, gathering the fans of Electro, House and Trance music from all around the world! The festival lasts 3 days and it is such a great, unforgettable experience!

     Word of advice, do plan your trip ahead, especially if you will be going on holiday during the festival period, as it is hard to find accommodation because most places are booked, and trust me you do not want to be living on the other side of town, and walk about 50 minutes to get to the beach ;)

     Overall, Split is a really nice destination to visit. It kind of reminded me of Poland a lot from the architecture. I personally wouldn't return but I know a lot of people who fell in love with this city!

SIDE, TURKEY

TONIGHT FEELS LIKE THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE!

     I went to Side in August 2012 for my last holiday with parents. I had a really good and relaxing two weeks, this is a perfect family holiday destination.

     The temperatures were high, so if you don't like excess heat, do not go to Turkey in the summer months, especially if you're planning on going on excursions, as the further you are from the sea, the more difficult it is to deal with the weather.

     The water in the sea was fabulous, very warm, could have easily spent all days swimming in it. At the same time, it was very salty, which is a good treatment if you suffer from rheumatism.

     I stayed in Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Hotel & SPA, a 5* accommodation I recommend to anyone. It is a large hotel with an immediate access to the sea and multiple swimming pools, everyone is able to find their perfect place to spend the lazy sunny days.

     Furthermore, Crystal Sunrise offers its guests a large main restaurant, which serves a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are different themed dinners everyday, so you can try the cuisines of the world. 

     There are also three a la carte restaurants, which you can book once within your stay free of charge. 

     The hotel offers an all inclusive board basis only, therefore you can drink an unlimited amount of drinks, the alcoholic ones too. The bar tenders working in a many bars on site will serve you some delicious cocktails and mixers made from local brands.

     Don't forget to visit the beautiful Old Town of Side, where you will be able to find charming souvenir shops, as well as boutiques selling leather jackets and bags. For the history fans, there are ruins of the old Colosseum and a library where Julius Caesar used to go on dates with Cleopatra.

  

     Overall I had an amazing time in Turkey and am definitely wanting to visit this country again in future.

AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS

IT MIGHT SEEM CRAZY WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SAY...     

     Ayia Napa is a typical party resort for young adults located at the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus. If you're a parent or just looking for a relaxing holiday in Cyprus I would not recommend Ayia Napa. Instead choose a more family-friendly resort, for example Protaras. I went to Napa in June 2014 with my two best friends, and to be quite honest with you I was disappointed, this town is definitely not as good as some people portray it to be. I would strongly advise to visit Ayia Napa in June, as the holiday prices are much cheaper, and the outcome is adequate to the cost.

     The temperature in June was pleasant, not too hot but not cold at all. The sea water was clean and warm, perfect for long swimming sessions. I literally would stay in the sea forever if I could, so if you're a bit of a sea lover like me, Napa is a place for you. The Sun in Napa is weird, instead of getting a tan, you're most likely to burn yourself at first, so be equipped in the sun creams before heading off for your holiday.

     When choosing a hotel, it is best to look for one around the Paradisos Beach. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained. Further to this, it is situated near the harbour, with easy access to the boat party and taverns.

     The Macronissos Beach situated on the other side of Napa is much less enjoyable, as it is dirty. In addition, it is based far away from the town centre and most tourist attractions, therefore if you choose to stay in this region of Ayia Napa, be prepared to spend some additional funds on taxis. On the other hand, it is right next to the famous Water Park.

     Of course, the beach you have to see at least once whilst in Napa is the Nissi Beach. It is simply beautiful. It was worth to travel to Napa purely to see this beach.The visual aspect of this place is admired throughout the world, hence why the beach is always full, so don't be surprised if you won't be able to find a spot for your towel .

     At the Nissi Beach there is a rocky area, an ideal spot to take amazing photos. However, the rocks are very slippy, remember to stay safe at all times.

     Personally I stayed at a 2* property Diomylos Apartments. This hotel is sold by Olympic Holidays solely. It offers self-catering accommodation only, however there is a bar open 24/7. It also has a swimming pool, where you can chill if you're hangover and not in a state to walk over to the beach. The apartment we got given was spacious, double storey, with two balconies. The cleaner was not persistent and did not do her job well. Do not stay in this hotel to avoid disappointment.

     There are many bars and restaurants around which offer free Wi-Fi, so you will be able to keep up to date with your social media. Whilst in Cyprus I would recommend trying some traditional Greek cuisine, it is delicious!

     Nightlife is definitely the most important part of Napa holiday. I would recommend the Castle Club which offers three different rooms with a variety of music, so that there is something for everyone. If you're more of an RnB lower, Black and White club is the place for you. Be sure to get friendly with your reps, who will be able to advise you on special entrance deals.

     I would strongly recommend visiting the Ambassaden Bar. It offers a great range of delightful cocktails, the bar staff is always friendly, and there is a dance floor, where you can dance to chart music. A great place to start your night off.

     Boat party is overpriced and overrated. It costs 50euro and drinks are not included. Further to this, there is a 'police man' on board who is brazenly trying to hook you up with a stranger because he clearly thinks that only hoes come to Napa. To top it all off, there is a striptease show towards the end. It was the most disgusting thing I have experienced. A forty-year-old, unattractive man is literally going all the way. Again, if you're not prepared for this, just make sure you don't find yourself in an inappropriate place at the wrong time. On the bright side, whilst on the boat party, you can enjoy the view of some amazing landscapes, and swim in the ocean.

     An event you cannot miss is the Kandi Beach Party! Every Friday at Macronissos Beach there is a massive gig with all inclusive drinks and music stars. I got lucky to see Skepta and Wiley live. It was awesome! Unlimited drinks may get a little bit out of hand if you don't know your limits, so just make sure you suddenly won't get your consciousness back when the party is over and you're in a hurry to catch the last bus back to the town centre ;)

     There are loads of souvenir shops, try to explore those further from town centre, as they tend to be cheaper. Don't forget to take a photo next to a big 'Ayia Napa' writing before leaving. 

     Overall, Napa is a good holiday destination but I would not be looking to re-visit. The atmosphere is too crazy for me, so if you do not consider yourself a party animal, do not travel to Ayia Napa. You will constantly be approached by people trying to have sex with you or sell you some laughing gas. The nightlife is not as good as people make it out to be. It may be if you're eighteen, on your first vacation without your parents and have not experienced clubbing before. Nissi Beach is definitely something you have to see at least once in your lifetime, it is gorgeous. If you want to go to Napa, find yourself a good deal in June or September and enjoy it as much as you can. I paid £229 for flights and accommodation for two weeks. Everything is expensive down there, so make sure you have sufficient funds to last you over your holiday period. Don't expect too much from it, and you might find that Napa will pleasantly surprise you :)

HURGHADA, EGYPT

RELAX, TAKE IT EASY!     

     I went to Egypt for a family holiday in August 2011. Hurghada is a third largest city in Egypt located on the Red Sea coast. It is a typical family resort, attracting tourists from all over the world.

     The sea is very warm, perfect for long swimming sessions. It is important however that before entering the water you wear a suitable footwear (can be purchased in any of the Egyptian supermarkets) to avoid unnecessary injuries, as the bottom can be rocky.

     Egypt is a perfect place for diving. If you would like to discover a deeper sea life search for professional diving instructors, there are plenty of them throughout the city and are easy to find. Otherwise, you can dive on your own with just a simple mask. You will still be able to enjoy the view of beautiful plants and endless types of fishes.

     If you decide to try diving without an instructor, make sure you do not do it on your own and ensure to stay safe at all times. You also need to be careful as in some places, the sea level drops from shallow to fifty meters down.

     When going to Egypt, I would only recommend the all inclusive basis. Both food and drinking water is different to the European standards. It is very easy to get food poisoning if you decide to eat out in inappropriate places, where as at hotels the food is prepared under strict procedures, minimising the risk.

     I stayed at Jaz Aquamarine Resort, a 5 star hotel I would strongly recommend. It is situated right next to the beach and supplies multiple swimming pools, which prevents them from getting overcrowded. There is also an aqua-park designed for children and adults. In addition it has a couple of restaurants, including an a la carte restaurant included in the price of accommodation. Furthermore, the hotel has an entertainment team which provides regular daytime and evening entertainment, including water games, animation shows and discotheque nights.

     When staying at luxury hotels, you will be surprised how inventive the cleaners are with the towels. Below is just one of many examples I was able to find.

     Outside the hotel, you will be able to find many shops within a ten minute walking distance. I wouldn't advice going to Hurghada during the summer holiday months if you're not a fan of extreme heat. August was boiling! The high temperature does not affect you as much when you stay within the hotel area because of a nice cool breeze coming over from the sea. However, as soon as you decide to leave the hotel premises and go for a walk, you will regret your decision instantly.

     The sun goes down quite early in Egypt. By around 6pm it is pitch dark, which is very unusual. It makes you feel as if it is much later, which personally I didn't enjoy, as one of the reasons I love summer is the long days and late sunsets.

     If you ever feel bored of the sweet relaxation and want to try something different, you can purchase a camel ride on the beach. It costs €10 and the photos with this photogenic animal are included in price.

     Generally I really enjoyed Hurghada and was disappointed that I only went for a week. Although Egypt is a relatively expensive destination from the UK, I would definitely visit this place again but this time I would go in September, when the temperatures are still high, but you can't feel the heat as much. I believe this would allow me to go on excursions and explore the region further.

JASTARNIA, POLAND

OH, OH, SOMETIMES I GET A GOOD FEELING!

     I have travelled to Jastarnia for my first ever ladettes vacation in July 2012. It is a small seaside town (although the size suggests it should have been announced a village) on the Hel Peninsula. It is a popular holiday destination that mainly attracts families. Previous tourists like to come back to Jastarnia, they feel sentimental towards this town.

     If you are a young adult, do not rush to the beach, as all the families take all the good spots in the morning. The beach is full and there are plenty of kids running around, shouting. Trust me, it is not an ideal place for a hangover cure. It is better to arrive in the early afternoon, when all the families leave for lunch. You will be able to find the perfect spot, where you can lay for hours, tanning and listening to the sea breeze.

     Jastarnia lays upon the Baltic Sea. This sea is not the cleanest, however it is safe to swim. Nevertheless, the Baltic Sea is very cold, even in the summer months, so prepare yourself for a thermal shock each time you enter the water. The waves are usually present, so if you like them, this is the place for you.

     Jastarnia is one of the few towns in Poland that has an access to both, the Baltic Sea and the Gdansk Bay. So if you get bored of the waves, you can walk to the other side of town to enjoy a more still waters. 

     If you're a person that likes to stay active on holiday, there is plenty of water sports you will be able to choose from. There are instructors available if you're a beginner and want to learn something new.

     The town is fortunate enough to have a fantastic pier overlooking the Gdansk Bay. I can honestly say that the best highlights of my holiday happened on that pier, moments I will never forget. 

     I would strongly recommend evening walks on the pier. The sunsets you will be able to enjoy are a breathtaking view. Once you see that beautiful scenery, you will be coming back every evening for more.

     Food is very cheap. You can eat a meal for as little as 10 zloty, which is roughly £2. I recommend trying pancakes served in one of the restaurants situated towards the end of the town. They are big, and fill you up really quickly ( I was never able to finish mine), and of course they are extremely delicious! You will be able to choose between a great deal of ingredients, everyone will find a taste for themselves for as little as 20 zloty.  

     When visiting a polish seaside, you absolutely must eat a fresh fish at least once. These are fished in the morning and delivered to your plate by lunch. Such fish is a little piece of heaven you won't find elsewhere in the world. This taste is unique.

     There are many events organised by the council during the summer. I was fortunate enough to see the dancers from a TV show 'So you think you can dance', and get a photo with them. 

     There isn't much happening in terms of night-life. There is only one club, where all the people go. It is open until 4am everyday, so if you want a place to dance the night away, look for 'Summer Club'. Instead of going to bed straight after the party ends, I suggest you go to the beach and watch the sunrise at least once, again it is an amazing scenery.

     If you're not looking for a wild vacation, but a peaceful and cheap holiday, Jastarnia is a destination for you. You can book fairly cheap flights from London Luton to Gdansk with Wizzair. I have met some awesome people in Jastarnia, which I still keep in contact with. I made some great memories that will stay with me forever and spent two perfect weeks with my best friends. I wouldn't choose a different destination for my first holiday without parents.