Xceltrip

There are so many delicious dishes that are a must-try when visiting Costa Rica. Traditional Costa Rican food is definitely a blend of comfort food and grandma’s home cooking with a flavor-bursting Latin flare. In Costa Rica, family-owned and operated small restaurants are called sodas. Sodas, which there are a countless number of throughout the country, is where you are likely to find some of the best varieties of traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Gallo pinto You cannot come to Costa Rica without having gallo pinto at least once; though it is highly unlikely that you will be able to resist eating it more. Gallo pinto is traditionally served with breakfast, but can also be served later in the day. Gallo pinto is a slowly blended and married together dish of rice, beans, onions, red peppers, and cilantro. Gallo pinto served with eggs, fried cheese, sweet plantains, and homemade corn tortillas is a breakfast plate you must indulge in. Chifrijo Chifrijo...

Costa Rica is a wonderland of natural attractions, with volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and unique wildlife. This is a country that appeals as much to birdwatchers and luxury focused travellers as it does to surfers and backpackers. The busy city of San Jose is home to the country’s best museums and lovely squares, but the real treasures lie beyond the capital, in the forests and small coastal villages. Endless stretches of beach line the Pacific Coast, with small towns that cater to surfers and sun seekers. Inland, the forest-covered mountains offer their own adventures, from volcanoes and waterfalls to ziplining and extraordinary wildlife viewing. Costa Rica also has shoreline on the Caribbean. While this is a lesser visited area of the country, it offers something a little different in terms of culture and attractions, and is known in particular as a breeding ground for green sea turtles. Arenal Volcano The Arenal Volcano National Park is found in the rugged...

When you think of the best wineries in the world, you probably think of a winery in France, stretching across rolling hills. Maybe a Spanish-style ranch, surrounded by vineyards in California’s Napa Valley. Or perhaps Marlborough Sound in New Zealand, home to some of the best wine from a cool climate. Whatever your idea, a good winery often comes with a beautiful landscape, so the best wineries in the world aren’t that far from some of the world’s most beautiful places. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, France Named for the large gem-like stones growing in the winery’s 18th estate, this prestigious French winery is located 25 miles north-west of Bordeaux in the heart of the Haut Médoc region and has been long renowned for its location and grand estate as for its wines. A comparatively small winery, Ducru Beaucaillou was established in the early 18th century and is considered one of the finest vineyards in Bordeaux, and a classic example of French winemaking at its best. While...

Take a step back, look at how much you’ve accomplished and realize that your workload is never going to end. There is never going to be a time in your life when you can actually be “done” with your work or responsibilities. So take a breather. There are some concerts happening around the world by various artists that you just cannot afford to miss. Be it Metallica or K-Pop, concerts give you an adrenaline rush but leave you feeling nostalgic. They also etch vivid experiences into your memory. Have a look at the events happening around the world this year. Go. You’ll have a good time. Also, bring some of your friends and family along — it’s not like they’re almost “done” with work. Artist — Metallica Source: Youtube Metallica are an American heavy metal band from LA, California featuring James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo. They are performing an event in Porto Alegre on the 21st April, 2020 at the Arena do Grêmio with a capacity of 60,...

Colombian food is meaty, flavorsome and filling. Wash it down with a sip of the strong alcoholic spirit aguardiente and crank up the salsa. Here’s our guide to some comida Colombiana (Colombian food) you must try. Empanadas The perfect snack to eat on the move, empanadas are much like an English pasty or Jamaican patty. The stuffed pastries can be filled with whatever you like, but popular fillings include meat, chicken or cheese. Empanadas are eaten all over Latin America, but the distinctive aspect about Colombian empanadas is that they’re almost always deep-fried. Almuerzo corriente Colombians know how to do lunch. Almuerzo corriente is a kind of power lunch. With a soup to start followed by a big main, invariably consisting of rice, meat or fish, some kind of lentil and a little salad on the side, the Colombian version of this midday meal is an absolute must-try. Fritanga Fritanga is a wonderful mix of fried offal. While it doesn’t so...

From navigating the crowds to being monkey-savvy, there are a few tricks to getting the best out of a trip to Bali. We’ve rounded up 6 tips for a perfect vacation at the Island of the Gods. Respect religious customs Religion rules the roost in Bali. Don’t get your knickers in a knot when a street is blocked off for a ceremony or your driver pulls over mid-trip to make a blessing — this is all part of the magic of the island. Plan accordingly if your travel dates fall on Nyepi when everything in Bali (even the airport) shuts down for the day, and always dress modestly (covering the shoulders and knees) and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and holy sites. Don’t fret about ‘Bali belly’ Strict dietary habits are no longer required to prevent spending your Bali break within two steps of a toilet. Once upon a time, salads, cut fruit, ice cubes and most meats were on the danger list, but hygiene standards have improved markedly across the island, an...

Cast all of your outdated ideas aside, like drug wars and gangsters, and you’ll find that Colombia is a nation brimming with confidence and rushing headfirst into a more peaceful and prosperous future. In this land of contrasts, you’ll encounter snow-capped Andean peaks, tropical Amazonian jungles, turquoise Caribbean coasts, and two sun-kissed deserts. You’ll also find a host of spectacular attractions at the places in between, from the bustling cities of Cartagena and Medellin to the quiet colonial villages of Salento and Mompox. Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality will undoubtedly find you coming back for more. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top cities to plan your spring getaway to Colombia. SALENTO Source:  https://destinationlesstravel.com/ Salento is a charming little town located in the heart of Eje Cafetero (also called the Coffee Triangle), a region in the Andes Mountains famous for producing excellent coffee. Wide...

Every year is different when it comes to the sakura (cherry trees). As springtime begins, the country waits patiently for the first flushes of pink. Usually, the blooms burst into colour between March and early April. But, if you can’t make peak bloom, don’t fret. An alternative is February, when the equally beautiful but lesser-known plum blossoms are on show. Keep an eye on this handy sakura forecast to track when 2020 blooming is expected to start. This year will see cherry blossom season arriving earlier than usual in Tokyo. This is all down to the weather: a combination of high temperatures in autumn and winter, as well as warm and sunny weather in spring. Full blossom is now expected on March 27, according to a forecast by Japan Meteorological. Corp. Tokyo — March 19 Kochi — March 19 Nagoya — March 22 Hiroshima — March 22 Kyoto — March 23 Osaka — March 25 Kagoshima — March 25 Sendai — March 25 You’ll find sakura hotspots in over 1,000 locations across the c...