Airport delays are never fun — and that’s just as true for regular people as it is for A-list celebrities like actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.
21.07.2023 - 08:34 / roughguides.com
Travel writer Mary Novakovich is awestruck by the beauty of mountains and rivers on a ten-hour-long stuffy train ride from Montenegro 's capital to Belgrade .
“You’re taking the train to Belgrade? It’s at least 10 hours – if you’re lucky. Why don’t you fly?” The friendly barman in Virpazar in southern Montenegro had a valid question. By air, it was only a hop, skip and a jump from the capital, Podgorica, to its Serbian counterpart. If you were in a hurry, you would probably cough up the minimum €65 fare. But I wasn’t in a rush, nor did I want to miss out on one of Europe’s most beautiful rail journeys. And I couldn’t resist the thought of paying only €10 for the pleasure.
Yes, €10. That works out to one euro per hour. Admittedly, it was a promotional fare, but the usual cost of €21 isn’t too bad either. The problem is that Montenegro Railways don’t make it easy for you if you’re not already in the country. Its glossy website has timetables and fares but no way of booking online. It also shows shiny new trains, not the ancient long-distance one that actually trundles slowly through the mountains and gorges of northern Montenegro and southern Serbia.
Still, as I was already in the country, I was able to get my tickets and reserve my seats a week in advance. My ticket came with a carbon copy – remember those? I’d been given dire warnings about the capricious opening hours – not to mention quality – of the restaurant car, so I brought enough food to sustain us through any of the horrendous delays that regularly afflict this service. The website’s tantalising promise of first-class seats for a nominal extra charge came to nothing when I was told that they’re available only on the overnight service, not the 10am one I was taking.
The Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Belgrade, Serbia © Shutterstock
Podgorica station – a ramshackle, unlovely place that, in spite of its sad appearance, had free Wi-Fi and a drinking fountain – was heaving that morning. We were surrounded by crowds of people who were taking advantage of a four-day public holiday to go home or visit family. I was expecting pandemonium on the train, and I got it. The carriages were the old-fashioned sort, with compartments of six seats and a narrow corridor running alongside. It was already packed with people, and the newcomers (including us) patiently but firmly turfed out those who were in our reserved seats.
Finally we could stretch out and eat our breakfast of burek, a cheese-filled filo pastry pie we’d picked up at a bakery. The train chugged slowly through a stark but compelling mountain range of barren, scrubby peaks reaching 1700m and higher. I could see twisting mountain roads leading to remote villages of ancient stone
Airport delays are never fun — and that’s just as true for regular people as it is for A-list celebrities like actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.
Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.
Top 10 lists are ubiquitous, especially in travel; it seems there’s one for everything. And when it comes to destinations, whether it’s a “most popular” or “up-and-coming” ranking, these lists tend to be a mix of well-known cities and semi-under-the-radar places. Unless you’re a Booking.com user planning 2020 travel, apparently.
Centrally located within walking distance of Nashville’s most famous attractions—like the Grand Ole Opry and Madame Tussauds Nashville—and just a 10-minute shuttle ride from the airport, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center has long been a luxury destination in Music City. But last December, the resort added a whole new reason for families to visit: America’s first upscale indoor-outdoor water park, called SoundWaves, a sprawling four-acre, three-level playground filled with one-of-a-kind water experiences.
With COVID-19 cases surging across the globe, the European Union (EU) has just officially recommended that all member states reinstate travel restrictions for tourists from six countries, including the United States. Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia have also been removed from the E.U.’s safe list.
Halfway through my international journalism program at City, University of London, COVID-19 hit. I was forced to move back in with my parents in rural Wales for three months. I then made the impulsive decision to fly to any airport that would take UK travelers. I found myself on the last flight out to Belgrade, Serbia.
Croatia is an endlessly appealing destination with sun-drenched beaches, picturesque hilltop towns and atmospheric streets.
Jaipur is a great place to visit due to its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich historical background. Jaipur offers something for everyone- from the picturesque Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar to Birla Mandir and Nahargarh Fort, there are plenty of sights to explore. The lively street culture has colors that burst with life and the delicious food that is available from street vendors or restaurants will make sure you have an unforgettable experience. These Jaipur Airbnbs put you close to the action but offer ample privacy, as well.
Dreaming of being on a dreamy European beach—or already on one and wondering if you can do even better? Then look to the Iberian Peninsula. European Best Destinations recently announced its ranking of the top 15 beaches in Europe, as voted on by thousands of travelers from 83 countries. This year’s No. 1 is Torrente de Pareis in Mallorca, Spain. Rounding out the top three are Bordeira Beach in Alzejur, Portugal and Amio Beach in Cantabria, Spain.
When I planned a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, I wanted two things: nature and comfort. In April, when I spent a long weekend in the area, I found both while staying in a luxury tent close to the national park.
Black smoke billows from the front of the bus. With no air-conditioning besides the sympathetic wafting of a folded map from another passenger, I’m five hours into a bus journey from Tirana to Sarandë. Has the engine exploded? I’m not too sure. But judging by the groans of the driver and other passengers, this is far from ideal.
Tired of your local nightclub? Bored of trekking to the same venue every Saturday night? Then try one of these awesome experiences from Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , as witnessed by Rough Guides writers all over the world.