Now, lets talk about INCREDIBLE restaurants.  In my book, an amazing trip consists of great food and an awesome environment (people, location, ambiance, etc).  Let me reiterate: great food + awesome environment = amazing trip.  If you feel the same way I do, then the Colombian restaurant for you is Andres Carne de Res.

With only two locations in the entire country (one in Bogota and one in Chia), ACR has won the hearts and appetites of millions of locals and tourists over the years.  Nicknamed by some as the Basilica of Beef, ACR offers a dining experience unlike any other.  It has been described best as, “one part traditional Colombian fare, 3 parts art gallery, and a pinch of nightclub all finished with a garnish of theatrical whimsy. The decor alone is worth the trip.”  The walls, beams, bathrooms, chairs, and lamps of this open-air barn have been decorated from top to bottom with everything from brightly painted bottle caps to mannequin limbs (yes, kind of weird…but awesome decoration!).  It is most definitely a sight to see!

Their menu includes traditional plates such as Sancocho (homemade stew with yucca), Ajiaco con Pollo, Arepa con Huevo, Lomo de Cerdo, and much more.  However, the food alone isn’t what makes ACR what it is today.  Amidst the comfort of the  hanging art and the eccentric decor, you’ll find that in the evenings ACR becomes one of the most popular “nightclubs” in town.  Salsa, merengue, and vallenato are played from dusk until dawn.

Whether you go just for the food or to spend a fun evening with your friends/family, your experience at ACR is sure to be a memorable one.

Here are a few tips on how to make your international vacation safe and stress-free:

1. Never wear anything that projects affluence. Consider leaving jewelry,watches, nice luggage and other expensive items at home.

2. Be aware when exiting trains, buses, escalators or walking through highly trafficked areas. This is the time when most pick-pocketers strike.

3. Never travel alone at night. Avoid small alleys, short-cuts and poorly lit areas.

4. Even when you are lost, walk like you know where you are going. Try to study maps and travel guides before you leave your hotel room to avoid clear identification as a tourist. Always walk with a purpose.

5. Utilize the hotel safe. Do not bring or show large amounts of cash in public for your daily travels.

6. Pack an extra photocopy of your passport for your trip.

7. Invest in a money-pouch to wear around your waist or  neck to store your cash, credit cards and passport.

8. Try to choose hotels with double-locked doors. A door stop can add extra protection for your closed door.

9. If traveling with small children, give them a contact card in case they are separated from the group. Include your hotel information, contact information and an extra emergency contact at home.

Tips for Taxi Travel:

• Avoid unmarked taxis.

• When traveling alone in a taxi, sit directly behind the  driver. You will have a good view of the driver in the rear-view mirror but he can’t see you.

• Always pay before leaving the taxi car to ensure you receive the correct amount of change before the driver pulls away.

Don’t make careless safety mistakes and let your trip turn sour. Traveling should be an enjoyable experience!

The bottom line to safe travels: Be aware of your surroundings.

]]> http://www.localtraveltip.com/internation-travel-safety-tips/feed/ 1 http://www.localtraveltip.com/taking-a-vacation-during-the-recession-location-5/ http://www.localtraveltip.com/taking-a-vacation-during-the-recession-location-5/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:40:34 +0000 Travel Troll http://www.localtraveltip.com/?p=513 The fifth great place to travel during the recession is South Korea, who have had a 30% drop in value of their currency. Economic difficulties are a common place occurrence. They do not let financial difficulties get in the way of providing a fantastic vacation location.

Known as the Land of Morning Calm, Korea is a land of unique culture and colorful tradition. The area around Seoul features mountains, the Korean specialty of spicy food and tours of gorgeous royal palaces.

The most popular mountain for a beautiful hike is Bugaksan. There are many trails that thread their way through a lush green forest and 15th century gates. At the top, Bugaksan provides a fantastic view of the city and surrounding area.

One of the most famous royal palaces is known as Gyeongbok Palace and is decorated with intricate red and green designs. This palace was built in the late 1300s and has faced a lot of destruction and construction. This is a great location to learn about the Korean culture and traditions.

Then visit a beautiful village made of traditional wood homes called hanok. This village is very decorative and features dark tiled roofing. The village hosts a variety of peaceful cafes, gardens, and art.

Great Britain holds a lot of world history.  Be sure to tour Buckingham Palace, see the Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben, and ride in the traditional double-decker bus. Stop at Marleybone park for a stroll through the elegant landscaping and Victorian type town houses and gazeboes. The pond adds a special touch to the surrounding scenery and is a perfect place for a picnic.

Of course, make sure you take a ride on the grand London Eye. The London Eye is a gigantic Ferris wheel that allows you to see much of the city. Each capsule holds 25 people and offers a unique perspective of the city. At night enjoy hours of talented acting in the Royal Court Theatre where every playwright dreams of presenting their work. 

 The Australian outback has attracted the curious and adventurous for many years. Now it is your turn to experience the exotic wildlife and fantastic landscape views. It is also a great place to learn about Australia’s aboriginal cultures. This lush history connects us with our past and we can see how much out own cultures have evolved and where we have remained basically the same.

 There are many ways to reach your destination in nature on Australia. Choose to drive, fly, go by boat or train, ride a horse, or even walk. The level of an adventure on Australia varies depending on what you want to experience and what you are looking for.

 The coast of Australia also attracts many people for surfing and photography. Barely off of the Australian coast at Queensland there are over 74 gorgeous white beached islands surrounded by the brilliant blue water. Australia offers the unknown, the tropical, and a fantastic vacation to anyone who travels there.