Having such a change to your lifestyle certainly allowed you to see where your self-identity lay – to see what was important. While people contracted the virus and died in their thousands, and others furloughed or got laid off and joined the ranks of the millions unemployed, I, a travel blogger, waited for word on when we could travel again.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m grateful that I have my job, if a little jealous of furloughed people publishing accounts of all the skills and projects they were undertaking. I’m also incredibly grateful to have my health, and doing my bit to make sure I’m not an inadvertent vector of transmission (mask? no problem! social distancing? I’m your man).

The tatters of the plans for travel in 2020 look at me accusationally. Will we just slide them all to 2021, or will a year make a difference to the things we want to go and see and do? Will we get all the refunds for everything or will certain airlines need the threat of civil proceedings before they release undeserved cash from their grasping little hands?

Pre-Corona I added a widget to the site to show the upcoming locations we’d planned on visiting. Something to allow others to share the anticipation of the trips, but life, it laughs at the planning of mortals, so I’ve removed that widget.

The plans are dead, so here are their eulogies…

The Baltics

In April we were going to head to the Baltics, taking in the current capitals of Finland (Helsinki), Estonia (Tallinn) and Latvia (Riga), plus the old capital of Russia (St Petersburg).

The medieval old towns and diverse backgrounds would have made a fascinating opportunity to contrast the different cities – especially given their connection to the Hanseatic League.

Normandy

Early May was going to be spent visiting the Normandy beaches, away from the bustle accompanying the D-Day celebrations in June, and accompanied by a trip to the abbey at Mont Saint Michel.

Cornwall

In late May we were to walk the Cornish coast from St Ives to Penzance. Just a snippet of the walk described in The Salt Path _{(not an affiliate link)}, it would have taken a little over a week of between 5 and 10 mile daily hikes.

Staying in AirBnBs, and featuring Lands End, the Wizard of Oz performed in the open air Minack Theatre and ending with a trip to St Michael’s Mount, it was going to require a level of fitness we were well on the way to achieving before the ‘Rona.

Český Krumlov

In June we were going to go to the Five Petalled Rose Celebrations in Český Krumlov. This sleepy bohemian Czech Republic town comes alive as everyone wears period costumes and celebrates their history with a weekend of medieval feasting and fireworks.

The heat of June was going to be alleviated by a leisurely river rafting experience. This is getting taken an hour upriver of town and placed in an inner tube with a box of beer and letting the current take you home as inebriation intensifies.

Manchester & Liverpool

In July we were going to go for a quick trip to Manchester and Liverpool to take in the homes of the Industrial Revolution and the Beatles respectively. Oh and attend a Crowded House concert, as you do!

Africa

In August and September we were planning to go on our first African safari to see the wildlife in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, ending up at Victoria Falls.

Trying to pack in the Dali-esque Namib Dessert, the Diamond coast, as well as the National Parks and Game Reserves was going to be a challenge, but the prospect of seeing lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and other wildlife would have made for a once in a lifetime experience. And at those prices they would be once in a lifetime!

New Zealand

And then we would have been heading home to New Zealand for Christmas. We’re still hopeful for that to come off, but nothing is guaranteed. We are, after all, living in unprecedented times.

The post Unprecedented: 2020 Travel Plans Dashed! appeared first on etrip.tips.

I went to Prague in the summer of 2015, as part of a European backpacking trip with one other friend of mine.  I spent a collective of 5 days and 4 nights there, sleeping in a cosy two bedroom Airbnb.  It was just a couple steps away from the nearest subway stop and a 15-minute walk to Prague Castle. This Airbnb, owned by a guy named Tatsushi, also included breakfast every morning.  Although it was the same meal every day, it saved us lots of time and money in the morning.

Since our backpacking trip spanned the length of a month, we were very budget conscious.  Although there were usually fees for entrances to cathedrals, there were always ways around this.  Most of the attractions we visited were either free or relatively inexpensive, leaving money to spend on food and drink.

Prague should be experienced on foot, but to get to some of the further destinations, the subway system is convenient and inexpensive.  If you planning on staying for a few days, the 3-day pass costs only $16 CAD.  The ticketing system in Prague allows you to buy a short-term ticket or a long-term ticket.  If you are planning on taking a quick trip, the short-term ticket allows you to have unlimited travel for 30 mins.

If you’re planning on transferring more, or travelling for a longer period, you can get the long-term, 90-minute ticket.  Tickets are $1.25 and $1.70 respectively.  Prague relies on an honour system, as you must validate your ticket before entering the train by punching it at a box. There are enforcement officers that will give out fines if they find that you are not paying for your ride.

1 Day in Prague

If you only have one day here, I would recommend going to a lot of the most popular tourist spots, Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and Prague Castle.  Prague Castle, or Pražský hrad, is a lovely castle with one of the most important churches located at the top.  Normally, St. Vitus Cathedral has an admission cost, but if you happen to be there on a Sunday, you can enter the church for free while attending the service.

Astronomical Clock

The astronomical clock can be found in the Old Town Square.  There will be many people who don’t believe this, but the clock has actual magical properties.  The trick is this; you must stare intently at the clock before the chime of every hour.  You, along with a group of other tourists will wait expectantly, with cameras pointed upwards and eyes watching through a lens.  When the clock sings its hourly tune, a procession of Apostles will appear through windowed slots above the clock.

It is here where the greatest trick of all is played because; once the show is over, you will reach down to feel…that your wallet is gone.  Magic.  The astronomical clock is notorious for pickpockets taking advantage of distracted tourists.  That being said, the astronomical clock is still an engineering marvel; just make sure your belongings are secure before you start marvelling.

2 Days in Prague

If you’re here for 2 days, I would suggest going on a walking tour.  The company that we went with was called New Europe Tours and were ‘free.’  This tour will only ask for a tip at the end of the experience, and you can determine the price by the quality of the experience you had.   I would recommend between starting from $10-20 a person.  These tours offer a historical look at the city, as well as little known tips about the city.   There’s no booking needed, just arrive at the Old Town Square at the designated times on their website, and look for the red umbrella.  It’s a great chance to meet new people and learn about the city.  After the tour, you can return to the places that you’ve enjoyed the most and spend the rest of the day there.  There are also additional paid tours with this company that you can go to if you enjoy this free one.

3 Days in Prague

If you’re here for 3 days, hiking up the Petřín will offer a beautiful view of the city, especially if you pay to go up the lookout tower.   If you don’t plan to walk up the Petřín, you can take the funicular railway, which has stations at the bottom, middle and top of the hill.  Also, be sure to experience the city in the evening as well.  When the lights are all on, it’s a sight to see.  Prague also has many festivals in the summer.  Sometimes there are concerts and shows right on the Vltava River, which is by the Charles Bridge, where they set up floating stages and perform.

View from Petřín

Prague Food

In term of food, there are two things you must try that are Prague staples.  Firstly, there are Czech dumplings, or houskový knedlík.   These dumplings aren’t what you would imagine; they are more like pieces of bread, but are served with gravy or goulash.  It’s an inexpensive dish, in the 10s-20s, but unique to the Czech Republic and delicious.  The other thing to try would be roasted pork knuckle.  It is a huge chunk of meat and fat roasted and served on a rotating stick.  One pork knuckle can feed 3-4 people.  The restaurant we went to, to try these things was called Kulaťák.  The other thing Prague is known for is its beer, cheaper than water.  Beer in a restaurant can cost $1.75 to $2.

When you go to Prague, you should make a list of the things you want to see, but remember to be flexible with your schedule.  There are many things to experience just by walking down the streets of Prague.  As long as you have two legs, the city has much to show you.

The post Top Things to Do in Prague appeared first on etrip.tips.

CITY TIP- Purchase the 72-hour transport card for €11. It covers everything from trams, buses, subway lines and cable cars.

Day 1

To get your most out of the trip, I recommend sectioning off the city into certain areas depending on the day. A perfect introduction to Prague would be by visiting the old town and bathe in its historic roots.

Old Town

The first feature of the old town that you should check out is the Astronomical Clock. Tourists stand for half an hour sometimes, waiting to see the medieval artefacts’ mechanical performance that has been occurring for over 600 years. After watching the medieval show, head over to the Church of Our Lady before Tyn to see a stunning church that is packed full of tourists throughout the day. Make sure to set aside time to gawk at the stunning gothic architecture that is prominent in this area.

Jewish Quarter

The only way to access the synagogues and cemeteries is to pay for entrance into the museum, which costs CZK 300. If you’re on a budget, you can still walk around the old quarter to get a feel for the historic region. It’s free and Saturdays are the best day to visit as the crowds are smaller.

Lennon Wall

At the peak of tourist season, this attraction can be awfully busy but it is clearly worth it. The colourful wall radiates positive energy that stays with you for the duration of the trip. The wall has an interesting story: During the communist era of 1980, citizens let out their frustrations by placing peaceful lines inspired by The Beatles on this wall. The portraits of John Lennon are now buried under layers of new paint, but the memory of the walls’ inspiration still lives on.

Charles Bridge

Walk across the infamous bridge and listen to the street performers and artists that flood the walk-way, especially once the sun dips below the horizon. The bridge contains 30 statues that are all stunning, along with a perfect panoramic view of all the gothic churches, as well as Prague Castle.

Day 2

CITY TIP- If you’re in town on a Saturday, stroll through the Naplavka Farmers Market which is open from 8am-2pm on Saturdays only.

Petrin Hill

To reach the fantastic views available at the giant hill, hop in the cable cars provided or get a workout in by walking up the steep trails. Once on top of Petrin, make sure to wander the trails to see monasteries, cafes, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. You can spend hours up their relaxing in the grass and enjoying a nice cup of ice cream in the warm summer heat.

Prague Castle

To access the Castle, one must walk up some pretty steep roads that will get your heart rate up. To get your mind off the fact that you’re gasping for air, admire the beautiful European architecture that is prominent in this area.

Right by the Castle is a Starbucks location that offers an alluring look-out point that is free and perfect for pictures. Make sure you’re in front of the castle at the top of the hour, so you don’t miss the two guards changing. It’s no Buckingham Palace, but it’s still an interesting event to observe.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Lying directly behind the castle, this cathedral has jaw-dropping stain-glass windows and a square that awards you with impeccable views of the mosaic exterior. To access this, walk past the gate that the guards change in front of, and you won’t miss the gigantic structure. Make sure to wait in the line to see the interior, as the line moves quickly.

Sunset/Nightlife

Finish the night off by watching the sunset over the river from Charles Bridge. Don’t forget this town is known for its night-life, so head out once night falls if clubbing interests you.

Day 3

Vyšehrad

This old fort is hidden behind trees up on the hill. To reach this area, you must climb up a fair bit of stairs. Once you reach the old fort, you’ll find a park full of hidden treasures, cemeteries, and the Church of St Peter and of St Paul. In one of the cemeteries, you will find the tomb of famous composer Dvorak.

Try a Trdelnik

This old bohemian specialty dessert is a beautiful blend of sugar and walnuts sprinkled on grilled dough. They can be found all over the streets and are popular as an easy pastry to grab on the go. You can’t visit Prague and not indulge in this yummy treat. Venture off the beaten path with your dessert to find new stunning walkways at every turn. 

Prague is a city with tons of culture and many hole-in-the-wall places that take many visits to find. Three days is the perfect amount of time to dip your toe into the ambience of the city, but you’ll find yourself itching to return to the gothic town in search of more beautiful places that it has to offer.

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