POZNAN, POLAND

     I went to Poznan for a day back in 2011 to visit my cousin who was studying at the University of Poznan. It is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland.

     It is most known for the renaissance building standing at Poznan's Old Market Square, formerly acting as city hall. The bugle call of Poznan is played daily from the City Hall tower. Furthermore, the main attraction of the city are the goats. Everyday at noon, the goat figures slide out from the middle tower of the City Hall and butt their horns for a minute, you cannot miss the show if you're visiting Poznan!

     Find Malta in Poznan! No, not the hot Italian island, but a popular recreation area in Poznan, with a lake, biking and roller-skating area, and even skiing area. If you're a shopaholic, right next to this amazing area full of attractions there is a huge Malta Gallery with numerous big brands, a cinema and a gym. There is another shopping centre call the Old Brewery, which has a very interesting architecture.

     If you're an animal lover, take a trip to the local zoo to see beautiful tigers, elephants and other animals. Overall Poznan is a nice city with an awesome architecture, and I would love to visit it again and explore more parts of it.

 

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!

SWIERADÓW-ZDRÓJ, POLAND

I WANNA RUNAWAY!

     I went to Swieradów-Zdrój in June this year for a weekend away with my family. It is a popular town for tourist with health issues in south-western Poland right next to the boarder with Czech Republic.

     

     It is situated it the Jizera Mountains, which are part of the Sudetes range, so this place is perfect for climbing lowers. For those who don't particularly like the long walks up the hill but like to admire some beautiful views, don't worry, it has a ropeway!

     The town centre is really small and charming with many souvenir shops and restaurants, a perfect place to go to in the afternoon.

     Look out for a water fountain with four frogs. If you touch a specific from whilst the water is running, you will be blessed with either money, love, happiness or health!

         The town is full of  natural medical resources which enable the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, hence why it attracts tourists and patients since the seventeenth century. So if you are looking for a relaxing holiday with a chance to improve your health, Swieradów-Zdrój is a place for you.

LEGNICA, POLAND

NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

     Legnica is a town I was born in and lived for the first ten years of my life, hence why I have a massive sentimentality towards it. It lays upon river Kaczawa in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in southwestern Poland.

     Town Centre is constantly changing, giving Legnica a modern vibe about it. The are three huge shopping centres, where you will be able to find absolutely everything you need, from shops, cafes and restaurants to cinema, children's play area and a hotel.

     There are many monuments around town. The "Herring Houses" are one. These are colourful buildings in the middle of town centre, where fishes used to be sold in the old days.

     House "Under the Quail Basket" is another monument based next to the theatre, that is famous for it's original shape and texture.

     Poland is a very catholic country, and so there are many churches around Legnica, including the cathedral in town centre.

     The monarchy that used to occupy the town left an amazing castle behind. Part of it is now used as a secondary school, however you can purchase a tour around the castle in a group of no less than three Monday to Friday between 10am-4pm.

     If you're looking for a place to eat I recommend the Don Giovani restaurant in the middle of town centre. It offers delicious food and desserts. It has an outside sitting area, a perfect place to chill on a sunny afternoon.

     When deciding where to go before hitting a night club I would advise you to try the "Sky Light- beach on a roof" bar situated on the roof of the Gwarna mall. You can enjoy beer or cocktails whilst sitting on sand surrounded by a beautiful view on Legnica. However, be prepared that the cocktails at a bar are a bit more expensive than in other places.

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 :)