We spent just over 3 weeks in Bulgaria, visiting Plovdiv, Bansko and Sofia. It’s not a long time to try and get to know a country, but no matter how hard you try it’s difficult not to form some opinions. Here we share some of our first impressions about Bulgaria based on our experiences.

Bulgarian Destination Experiences

I’m always surprised at how different people’s views can be about the same travel destination.  I guess this is what makes life interesting, we’re all so very different.

My own criteria for assessing whether I like a place, or not, is based on my experience and interactions with local people, how long I have to get to know somewhere, what my limited budget will allow me to experience and what attractions the destination has on offer that appeal to me.

To be fair, although I was in Bulgaria nearly a month most of this time was spent in a ski resort with other international visitors so it is quite difficult for me to confidently express my opinions about Bulgaria as a travel destination. However, I thought it would be nice to share a few observations.

Bulgaria didn’t produce any strong reactions either way for us.  The people were lovely, friendly and polite.  I had a good, relatively inexpensive time and saw one of the most beautiful buildings in my life the Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia.  There is something intriguing about this destination, and I don’t know what it is yet.

Bulgarian’s are a Nation of Smokers – Hurrah

Since arriving in Bulgaria I’ve been surprised at how popular the pastime of smoking is here. Since July 2012 you haven’t been legally able to smoke inside bars and restaurants. As the legislation is relatively new, there are still a few places ignoring the law, or coming up with ingenious ways to accommodate their smoking clientele.

At times, I’ve looked around the streets of Bulgaria and it has appeared like everybody has a fag in their mouth, a scene you’d struggle to find in most European cities. I’ve been on local buses here several times where different bus drivers have been smoking, nobody seems to be particularly shocked or to care.  I’ve seen mothers driving cars packed with children with windows closed creating an environment fit for firefighters to test their breathing apparatus.

Despite the cold temperatures here this March, you’ll still see people grabbing a pavement seat so they can satisfy their nicotine cravings.  As life-long, excuse the irony, heavy smokers ourselves, you think we’d be glad to be in a nation where smoking is enjoyed by so many people.  Well you’d be wrong, as we’re trying (again) to stop this bad habit.

On arriving in Bulgaria, we purchased some e-cigarettes, and an assortment of flavoured refills, at about half the price you can get on-line back in the UK.  We’re not stopping completely yet, but drastically reducing the amount we smoke per day as we venture back into Europe, mainly due to the cost as this could easily add an extra $30 a day to our budget depending on which country we’re in.  We’ve found the e-cigarettes to be a satisfying alternative to an actual cigarette, although we’ve not ventured as far as not smoking cigarettes at all.  Watch this space!

Where to find a toilet in Bulgaria?

If you have a weak bladder, or like to hang around public conveniences, you may struggle in Bulgaria.  Free and clean toilets are available in shopping malls, and big restaurants.  However, there doesn’t seem to be a problem entering a restaurant or bar and just asking to use their toilet, even if you’re not a customer.  Many small cafes and bars don’t have toilets.  Keep a few Bulgarian leva handy if you’re at a coach or railway station as when you do come across public conveniences there is usually a small charge.

Billboard Advertising in Bulgaria

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many scantily clad women advertising products. This portrayal of women, reminds me of growing up in the UK in the 1970s when women used to adorn beer cans and appear topless in newspapers.  They’re not just selling underwear or swimming costumes, but the products can be absolutely anything.  I don’t really see the connection between a woman bulging out of a swimming costume caressing rubber, this was an advertisement for car tyres.  Although it is -8C in the evening and maybe this is how everybody dresses here in the summer.

A Great Bulgarian  Tradition  “Martenitsas”

When we arrived in Bulgaria at the very end of February, we saw lots of street stalls and small markets selling red and white bracelets, dolls and brooches made of wool.  We just thought that people here really liked there handicrafts and there was an oversupply of red and white wool. We quickly learned this was to celebrate a unique tradition to Bulgaria known as the Martenitsas.

The annual event is celebrated on the 1^st March when Bulgarians greet each other by exchanging these gifts (which cost as little as 50 stotinki) to wish them health and happiness.  Bulgarian’s tend to wear them on their wrists, some have many displaying their popularity, others wear them like brooches on their coat.  Traditionally they are worn until the first stork is seen and then buried under a stone or tied around a fruit tree.

Casinos in Bulgaria

If you like to gamble then this probably isn’t a country to visit. Unless you’re extremely lucky or a very successful gambler (I don’t know of any) you’ll go home very poor.  You’ll definitely notice is the large number of casinos both big and small that are located all over Bulgarian cities.  If on the other hand you want a few hours of fun having a little bit of a flutter then you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Bulgarian Prostitutes, Sex Shops, Lady Dancing Bars

Prostitution is not illegal in Bulgaria, and we did see quite a few prostitutes around every place we visited in Bulgaria.  Economically speaking Bulgaria is one of the poorest cities in Europe, and whilst some freely chose to work the oldest profession in world, some women are doubtlessly being exploited, though pimping is thankfully illegal.

You’ll also spot quite a few sex shops and plenty of ‘lady’ bars with exotic dancers , even in the ski resorts.  Having said all this, we weren’t directly approached by any prostitutes, except for a bit of eye contact here and there, which is quite unusual for two foreign male tourists of a certain age in any of the big cities we’ve visited on our around the world trip.

We didn’t see the seedy side of Bulgaria, as it wasn’t something we were interested in finding, but you do get the feeling in places that it is just around the corner.  While no doubt Bulgaria has its problems with drugs and gangs, as do most places, we felt extremely safe and wouldn’t hesitate recommending our own families visit here with their children.

Gay Bulgaria

There are a few gay bars and discos in Sofia, but we didn’t get the opportunity to visit. Which is a shame really as it would have been nice to chat with some Bulgarian’s about LGBT life in the city. Homosexuality is legal in Bulgaria, but they have yet to progress towards recognising same sex partnerships.

Friendly and Helpful Bulgarian’s

The Bulgarian’s are very friendly and helpful.  What’s was great for our own selfish point of view is that many speak excellent English, so we had no problems communicating.

Bulgarian Taxis Fares are a Nightmare

We found Bulgarian taxi drivers to be the usual outrageous cheats. Having used taxis all over the world, we know all the scams and know all the questions to ask before getting into a cab.  Here it doesn’t seem to matter, the meters seem to have a mind of their own, especially the ones near bus stations.  We didn’t have a pleasant experience in any Bulgarian taxi, except for ones booked by restaurants or hotels when they get you a good price, best avoided if you can.

Public Art

There are plenty of churches and old eastern bloc architecture to keep you entertained by far the greatest pleasure we got was form some of the street art.  If you appreciate graffiti then you’ll enjoy looking at the work and expressions daubed on the many buildings and structures around Bulgaria. This form of self-expression is everywhere, and not confined to bus shelters, the walls of disused buildings, canal paths and skate parks.

So Bulgaria surprised in a good way and while we are not yet completely in love with the place we did discuss returning in warmer times to see what it looks like in the summer.

The post Arriving in Bulgaria: First Impressions appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

We went on this trip as part of an organised tour and while it may have been an additional bucket list tick to have driven it, I at least got to watch the scenery along the rugged coast rather than the tarmac of the windy road.

The highlight of this trip are the twelve apostles a group of limestone rocks jutting out from the sea that have been bashed and battered by the waves for over 20 million years. The artistic waves have formed these monoliths into intricate natural sculptures that attract thousands of visitors each year.

There have never been 12 apostles here but the nine apostles just didn’t have the same ring to it so the rather disingenuous name was created.   There are now only eight of the structures still standing after one collapsed in 2005.

The trip down the road offers other highlights through such as koala spotting, wild parrots and some fantastic beaches and lookout points.  This day out from Melbourne was probably one of the highlights of our whole trip in Australia and if you are visiting Melbourne you should make sure this is part of your itinerary, especially if you are as lucky as we were with the weather, managing to do this trip when the photographic gods had kindly arranged the perfect balance clouds and sunlight .

You can read more about our Australian adventure here

This is flashpackatforty’s  photographic flashback series.  We choose some of our favourite images from previous destinations. Travelling long term means you have so many experiences each day in the new places you visit, this series will give us the chance to look back and remind ourselves of some of our previous trips.

The post Photo Flashback – Great Ocean Road appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

Travel Blog Details

http://acoupletravelers.com/

It’s a travel blog that chronicles our two year journey around Asia and Europe.

Twitter Name

@acoupletraveler

Current Location

Luang Prabang, Laos – next month we’ll be heading to Cambodia

Birthplace

Dave – Ashland, Massachusetts;
Vicky – Moscow, Russia

Profession

Currently unemployed, in the past Dave worked as a business analyst and Vicky was an accountant

Least favourite travel destination

China, It was a very difficult nut to crack, mostly on account of the language barrier. Also, we found the people a bit crude and many of the cities just seemed like pollution centers

The Interview

How easy is it to be a couple, travel, and write a successful blog all at the same time?

I’d say moderately difficult. Doing two would be fine, it’s the third thing that often wears at us. I’m glad you noted being a couple too, because that does take work and sometimes we might spend a little too much time on the computer when we should be enjoying each other’s company, kind of like now while I’m doing this interview lol!

Each day brings new challenges and one thing “suffers” because, unfortunately, they don’t all align 100% of the time. It’s a constant balance and I don’t know if there is a proper technique, except to make sure not one thing suffers too much.

Do you get much chance to indulge yourself, any guilty pleasures on your budget trips?

We tend to splurge on little things like ice cream and fruit smoothies. I’ll have multiple a day. We also like having a nice, private room to come back to with AC and wifi.

What is your worst travel experience?

One of the recent worsts was getting separated from our trekking group in Burma. We were trekking from Kalaw to Inle and at one point split off while we headed to the bathroom. All of the sudden we were alone and no one was in sight. This persisted for a good 40 minutes. I was really sure we were lost and would not see our group again and that we’d have to find our own transportation the rest of the way. Finally, after 45 minutes or so, our guide came whizzing by on a motorbike she had borrowed. It was a great feeling of relief.

Why do you publish your blogging income on the site, many shy away from this?

Back when we started blogging more consistently in May 2012 we wanted to publish our traffic and social media statistics. We thought this would be a good way to keep track of our progress as well as a potential resource for other bloggers who were also just starting out. Frankly, we couldn’t find much of it on the web and most of the people who have large traffic don’t even remember where they got it from, so that wasn’t very helpful. At the time we weren’t earning any money but were committed to publishing it when/if it came. Lately we’ve been earning a more substantial income but that’s no reason to stop publishing it and be secretive – so we keep doing it.

Do you think either of you would be travellers if you hadn’t met each other?

In some sense I think we would, though it would probably be different. I don’t know if independently we would both plan to travel for two years at the time we chose. We certainly are not huge fans of travelling solo, though for a few months I think we’d be fine and even enjoy it – just not for an extended period of time. Still, we both mutually agreed that this was something we wanted to do and in that sense I think we both would have been drawn to it one way or another.

Do you have any specific requirements when choosing accommodation, what has been your best bargain room?

We’ve certainly done our fair share of homestays and sleeping on the floor when couchsurfing, but if it’s not unreasonable we really prefer a private double with AC and bathroom. We like having a nice place to come home to after a long day exploring the streets. We could definitely be more budget but don’t feel the need to. Our best bargain room was probably in Hanoi at the Star Grand Hotel, which to us was like a 5 star hotel for only $23 a night. It had a large round bed, TV, wifi, AC, breakfast, LAN computer, you name it!

Please share with us one highlight from your most recent trip?

Bicycling around Bagan was really magical. I have to say, on this trip we’ve seen our fair share of temples, but Bagan takes it too a new level. They’re all very unique and there’s so many in such a short radius. It’s a must see.

Tell us one destination, anywhere in the world, you are itching to visit?

While Egypt is not on our travel itinerary this time around, it’s definitely a top 5. There’s just so much history, we have to see it.

Any plans for this year?

Big plans! We’re finishing up our Asia tour (part 1) and heading over to Europe in May where we’ll spend the summer. Then back to Asia for some serious trekking in Nepal in the fall. Upwards and onwards!

The post My Travel CV – A Couple Travelers appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

We had rested our aching skiing limbs for a few days in Bansko before we headed north to Bulgaria’s capital to see what we could find out about Sofia in two days.   We were looking forward to a bit more city exploring after Istanbul and Plovdiv had provided us with some real architectural and historical treats.

There are no shortage of hostels in Sofia, but we like our privacy so opted for a small sized room from the easyjet group.  The easyhotel cost just 19 euro per night for the room (with an additional reasonable charge for wifi).  It is in a good location minutes from tram stops and the metro station at K. Velichkov.  The dorm bed in an 8 room hostel would have cost us 8 euros each, so there was no contest really.  You can find cheap hotel deals in Sofia here.

The hotel room was very small and by the time we had put our backpacks on the ground all floorspace disappeared, larger rooms are available for a slightly higher price.  The capsule bathroom was similarly bijou, but perfectly adequate.

Getting Around Sofia

Sofia’s transport system is comprehensive if a little difficult to understand.  All the signage and maps also have English destination names but we did find it a little difficult to work out which direction we wanted to go on the metro a few times.  The signage is not that intuitive, or maybe we were being stupid.  You can’t really moan though as a single journey anywhere on the system costs just 1 Leva and we found getting about in the city for a day cost us no more than a couple of dollars each.   Most of the time you will be walking between the main sights in central Sofia and you don’t need the transport system.

The trams and trolley buses are fun to ride on too and clank their way around the areas the metro does not cover.   Some of the tourist maps have the tram and trolley bus lines and numbers marked on to make navigation easier.  Make sure you pick up one of these when you arrive.

The Sights

We started our sightseeing at the Sofia University main building. Opened in the late 19^th Century, funded by the prominent financier Evlogy Georgiev and his brother Hristo, the impressive building sits on the corner of the square in Sofia and was eventually completed in 1934.

We had hoped to pop into the Tourist information office which is located in the metro exit at the University, but it was closed.  It appears in the winter at least tourist information is a weekday only activity.

From here it is a short walk to the Soviet Army memorial which stands in the centre of a small park with a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding snow capped mountains.  Weaving your way back up to the university you can stop for a beer or a coffee at one of the cafes that edge the park ready for the church visiting extravaganza that will follow.

Just north of the university are some impressive religious buildings grouped around Alexander Nevski square and the Bulgarian Parliament building.  If museums and art galleries are on your list the National Library and Art Gallery flank the main university building.

There is a small nut and seed stall just on the edge of this park, if you are a little peckish stop and sample some of what she has to offer they are really tasty and you will find nuts covered in all sorts of flavourings.

The most impressive of the churches in size, scale and ornate interior is the Alexander Nevski cathedral. Its gold domes will entice you towards it and the spectacle just gets better as you home in on the architectural detail .  As you get closer you start to marvel at  its mosaic gems and gold leaf icons before finally entering the church proper.  From inside you get a whole new perspective of internal  domes and wall paintings, you can stand and watch the faithful light a candle for their loved ones and, as yet, unanswered prayers.

There are two smaller gems surrounding this main tourist magnet in the form of the Russian Church and the Sveta Sofia (or St Sofia) which is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, they are tiny by comparison but each have a different style to the Nevski. The Russian Church in particular is unique with its five onion shaped domes built in 1912 named after St Nikolai the miracle maker. Inside you will see people leaving wishes written on slips of paper.

From here we wandered towards Bulgaria’s version of Whitehall to the collection of government buildings clustered around the Largo area where some impressive buildings house government ministries and departments.   Here you will also find the Archaeological museum (which is a relic itself having been here since 1899) and across the way through an arch the St George Rotunda.  This church dates back to the fourth century and is Sofia’s oldest preserved building.

A quick detour east and you will find yourself in front of the Ivan Vazov National theatre with its impressive six columned forty metre high facade which was built in 1907.  The fountain out front was sadly empty when we were there, but in the summer will no doubt offer an additional treat for tourists.

We detoured through the shopping areas in the old town before making our way back up to the Largo area and having a look at the ruins of the tiny Sveta Petka Samardzhilska church that now forms part of the metro pedestrian underground walkway by Serdika station.  From here you can also see the Banya Bashi mosque and old public baths opposite which are currently in the process of restoration.

Our final visit was to the Halite, the former food market which has been here since 1909.  The market now sells a variety of speciality food produce and the top floors house cafes and bars.  If you exit the market through the year entrance you will also happen across the Sofia Synagogue which is a replica of the Sephardic synagogue in Vienna.

On our second day we explored a little more around the Yuzhen Park visiting the National Palace of Culture and the Earth and Man and the Contemporary Art Museums.  The park in front of the Palace of Culture is a good spot for a bit of people watching especially on a Sunday (the day we were there) as the dog walkers, roller bladders, skateboarders and loving couples come out to play and wander around wrapped up against the chilling wind.  Later spending the day walking around the local markets checking out the art and bric a brac for sale, whilst sampling local beers and street food.

Final thoughts on Sofia

Sofia has been a really interesting destination and you can easily visit here on a tight budget, dorm rooms on offer from 6- 8 euros an evening, street food in the form of Bulgarian pastries, pizzas, hot dogs and kebabs are available everywhere from a euro or two a pop.  Beer and drinks are cheap and the place will only start getting expensive if you venture into one of the many up market restaurants or bars.   If you stick to the street side cafes and restaurants you will still only pay around 2.50  - 3.00 Lev (1.70 euros) for a seat with a nice view of what’s going on around you and a 500ml beer in your hand.   Not bad when you have all these amazing buildings, architecture and history to look at when you are refreshed.

We would definitely like to visit Sofia again in warmer weather (we were here at the start of spring in 2013) as we imagine the parks and streets come to life even more in the warmer summer months.  Its a great value city break and Sofia is very easy and quick to get around, even with only 48 hours, with lots to see and do.

The post Sofia Two Days City Break appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

We set off by bus from Plovdiv after a very pleasant two days sightseeing amongst the Roman ruins and the very friendly locals.  Getting to Bansko from Plovdiv is easy, the buses at this time of year leave three times a day for the two and a half hour journey into the mountains of Pirin National Park, the fare will set you back just 12 leva.

The Journey into Pirin National Park

The scenery on the journey was much more picturesque than our initial arrival in Bulgaria from Turkey. The coach regularly overtook the men driving their horses and carts as you pass streams with icy water trickling down from the mountain tops above. The horse traps clopped along the road were piled high, mostly with firewood to burn in the local houses to keep away the bitter winter chill.  The bright winter sun was glistening through spaces in the tree canopy, but it did little to warm the air. Rocks and boulders littered the side of the road after falling onto the highway and being moved aside; along with the piled snow, now black from the exhaust fumes of the winter ski traffic.

The first glimpses of snow are sporadic and coincide with your ears popping during the steep ascent an hour or so into the journey. Twisting and turning along the very windy road you feel the icy chill against the bus window as the temperature starts to drop and the snow replaces grass for ground cover.

Skiing Expectations and the Reality

One of the things on my bucket list for quite some time had been a skiing trip.  I had heard many family and friends wax lyrical about the fun they had, the exhilaration and how they couldn’t wait for the snow to return next year for them to slip into their boots and let gravity and their skiing skills take them downhill at speed.

I will admit that I was very giddy before getting there and wanted so much to like it.  After trying my hardest for a few days though I had to admit defeat and accept that I was not really going to get this skiing lark.

We had five days of lessons and managed to grasp the basics, but I just didn’t really feel that confident on two slivers of wood and plastic.  I certainly didn’t get confident enough to try any of the main slopes and runs with anything more than a slight incline.  My stopping skills  were about as efficient as a car whose brake system had failed and my turns as graceful as an articulated lorry on a skating rink.

In the end my ageing muscles and bones made the final decision and after a few more days of slowly edging my way across, rather than down, any of the slopes I decided to give it up as a bad job and concentrate on the après ski activities instead.

It’s a real shame as I so much wanted to like it, while I will never say never again, I cannot see myself rushing to the slopes next season.   Do I regret it though?  No, it’s one more thing I have tried that I have been wanting to do for years, I now know what all the fuss is about.  Although I didn’t really get it, I can see the allure of the sport if you do get the hang of it and haven’t got the balance and coordination of a vertiginous buffalo on skiis which is what I seem to have.  However, we did have great fun learning, the resort was great and we met some fab people.

If you are thinking of trying skiing for the first time, here is how we tried to do it on a budget with our Bansko Skiing prices for 2013. Lets hope you have more luck than we did.

Bansko Skiing Prices: The Kit

We arrived in Istanbul and went sale shopping in Istanbul to buy the bare necessities. We shopped in Decathlon and Interport hunting through the sale racks and offer rails.

• Waterproof  Coat – $50
• Ski Pants  – $45
• Thermal leggings and top $20
• Hat $5
• Ski Goggles – $45
• Ski Gloves and liners $15
• Ski boot socks 2 pairs $5

Bansko Skiing Prices: The Lessons

We ended up having five days of lessons (two hours each morning) and spent the afternoon trying to perfect the new skills we had learned that morning.  We went with Ski Mania and the groups were not that big, the instructor we had the first day wasn’t that great, but from there we got a new guy who was patient and really good encouraging us in our fruitless endeavours.

For a package of five two hour lessons the cost was 170 Lev each ($110 US  - $22 per lesson).  You can negotiate and find cheaper shops in larger groups, but we really wanted a very small group and paid a premium for this.

Bansko Skiing Prices: Equipment Hire

The equipment costs for five days was 80 Lev ($50 US) each for skis, boots and sticks, you get a discount on hire equipment if you also have lessons with them.  Being a complete novice I cannot vouch for the quality of the equipment, but I am certain I can’t blame this for my lack of progress or confidence on the slopes.

Bansko Skiing Prices: Ski Lift Pass

We bought a six day pass costing 334 Lev ($220 US $36 per day) which gives you some discount against buying the pass every single day, but if you get an injury or the weather turns and you have your pre paid pass there are no discounts or refunds.  Note the weather turned significantly about 8 days into our trip and even if we had taken to skiing I don’t think we would have ventured out in the pouring rain and low clouds that descended.

Bansko Skiing Prices: Ski Chalets and Apartments

Accommodation in Bansko is not something you will have a problem with, the resort is growing rapidly and there are hundreds of apartments and hotel rooms to choose from (by the looks of the empty buildings when we were there there may be too many!).  We went on the two main holiday apartment rental sites and emailed a few of the owners direct who had availability. Most came back with an offer of $225 for a week.  One however was prepared to negotiate so we managed to snag a studio apartment with a small kitchenette, TV and free wifi and all bills for a week in Cedar Lodge 3/4.  It was a great location just two minutes walk to the ski shops and  lift.  The management and staff were very helpful with some great local advice and tips.  It was coming to the end of the season when we were there (early March) so you may struggle to get this price earlier in the year.

Total Costs For one person to Ski for Seven days in Bansko

• Ski Gear $190 – available soon on ebay!!
• Ski Hire, Lift Pass and lessons $60 + $216 + $110= $386
• Accommodation $112.50

Total Cost $688 or 450 GBP   or $498 (330 GBP) if you exclude our Ski gear costs.

Bansko the Resort

Bansko resort is easy to get to from either Plovdiv or Sofia – we did both routes by bus and it cost us no more that 14 Lev for each of these journeys and takes around two and a half hours.  If you want more luxury there are plenty of private car or minibus that will do the same journey for higher costs.

The resort is full of snack bars, theme pubs and traditional restaurants and clubs.  We tried one theme pub and the food was awful and preferred the more traditional Mehana’s, they were just more friendly and the Bulgarian traditional food was great.  You can eat and drink pretty cheaply here, but we found prices at least a third and sometimes more than double what we paid in places in Sofia or Plovdiv.  However, for a ski resort the prices are very cheap.

If you get bored of skiing there is a ten pin bowling alley and an ice rink or two to entertain you or take a wander through the streets and squares of the old town.  Spas and hot springs abound in the area if you need to bathe, soak and massage those tired muscles.

I would say skiing in Bulgaria is a really great value option if you are a beginner or intermediate skier, or have a large family.  The costs are far lower than anywhere in Western Europe that we researched before deciding to go skiing in Bansko.  Sadly we wont be returning, but if you want a budget skiing location you can’t beat Bansko.

The post Bansko Ski Resort Prices appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

It is imperative for one to know all the nitty-gritty of car hire when abroad in order to avoid getting in trouble with the law or being exploited.

Contract

There are certain instances when people travel to countries whose first language is not English. In such a case, you will find car hire contracts that are written in languages other than English. It is reckless to just accept a contract that you do not understand. You should work with companies who have translated their contract to English or simply use a company whose sole language is English. This is prudent since in the long run, in case of a dispute, it is easier to refer to an understandable contract as opposed to a contract in a language you don’t understand.

Insurance cover and the concept of the ‘excess’

Depending on the country you are in, there is a set legal minimum limit on the insurance cover. Normally, people are held responsible for damages over this limit. There is always the issue of the ‘excess insurance’. This is an insurance policy that protects a car hire customer from the excess costs that he or she would pay in the event that the car is stolen or is damaged. This policy shields you from paying the excess amount needed when a claim is made from your own pocket. Unfortunately, several companies have huge excess amounts. In such a scenario, it is wise to have the super collision waiver included in the price of the car hire so as to reduce the costs.

Necessary documentation

It is mandatory for every driver to have a driving license. This means that the first basic item to have is proper documentation to show that you are a licensed driver, before hiring a car. In some cases you may need to obtain an international driving licence before you set off from your home country. You should also know the driving laws of the country in which you are going to drive. For example, in some countries, the minimum age limit for foreign drivers is higher than the legal limit for local drivers. Check this out before you leave.

Dealings with only reputable companies

The last thing you would want is being defrauded the moment you set foot into a foreign country. Fraudsters are in every industry and people ought to make sure that they deal with only honest companies. The best way to judge credibility is by reading on line reviews or relying on word of mouth from close friends and family who have used the company’s services before. These are the same people who will best advise on the do’s and dont’s with the car hire company as well as driving abroad.

The post Car Hire Tips When Abroad appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

Plovdiv claims to be Bulgaria’s second city with modern shops and a booming cafe society at its centre.  However, the main reason for visiting Plovdiv is its historical past whose legacy remains today in the form of ancient Roman ruins and many well preserved buildings.

Some say Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, we can’t substantiate that claim, but it certainly merits further exploration by any visitor to Bulgaria.  Here we share some of the sights of this charming and easily accessible city, for those wishing to witness the Europe of a bygone era and still enjoy the luxuries afforded by a modern day European city.

Getting Around Plovdiv

Plovdiv does not strike you as being a major city, more of a busy town, but even then it’s fairly easy to take a few steps away from the maddening crowds.   Plovdiv offers much to a visitor interested in exploring the architecture and museums of Europe’s past.  It’s quick and easy to walk along the historic ghettos of the city and forget that you’re in the modern day world, apart from the occasional passing car, sign or souvenir shop.

The commercial centre provides the same offerings as other cities across Europe in the form of restaurant/bar, pavement cafes and shopping experiences, where prices remain well below that of many of its European cousins.

The city has three bus stations that take passengers to Sofia, Bulgarian ski resorts or Black Sea beach destinations. The airport is also served by low cost flights from London and Frankfurt. The city is also on Bulgaria’s motorway network, so it’s really not difficult to get to Plovdiv whatever your chosen transport.  When you arrive it’s very easy to get around, if you’re relatively mobile you won’t even need to use public transport as most of the architectural gems are within easy walking distance.

Things to See and Do in Plovdiv: Museums, More Museums and a Few Art Galleries

Plovdiv is rich in museums and galleries, from small independent enterprises to municipally supported organisations.  If you love museums and art galleries you won’t be disappointed, although don’t expect exhibits that you may see at world renowned institutions, things are on a small scale here but no less interesting or worthy for a curious historian or art freak.

Just be aware that many old houses have opened up their doors to visitors, some for free or a small charge, most offer a different perspective and insight into the past, just be a bit selective if you’re pushed for time with so many to chose from.  With such a choice on offer I’m not going to list all the different options as it is purely down to personal taste and time, you’ll fail to stumble across these treasures walking around the old winding cobbled streets.

Plovdiv’s Historical Landmarks – What to See?

Start your tour at the wonderfully helpful Tourist information centre (where you can also use the free wifi) at Central Square from here you can get the town map and plot a route to take in the key sights in the old town, meandering down the Alexandar I Street and then make a swift right turn into Saborna.   All old town street names are in Bulgarian and English so your really have no excuse for getting lost.

• The Ancient Stadium is mostly buried under the shops of the pedestrianised Alexandar main street but at the end there is a section underneath that is restored and open to the visitor.
• The Dzhumaya Mosque overlooks the stadium and is a pretty impressive building and minaret
• You can now make your way to the Ancient Roman Theatre, there is small entrance fee here, but on the day we visited there was no one around to take any money so we wandered around for free.
• From here you just make your way back to Saborna Street and watch out for the tourist site signs which will lead you to the Yellow School House, St. Marina, St. Bugoridista and St Nedelya  orthodox churches which their domed roofs and ornate icon strewn interiors.  If you have enough of the churches pop into one of around ten small museums and open traditional houses who will tell you their tale of Plovdiv through the centuries.
• If you are not tired out you can go for a hike up to the Soviet Army Memorial  – this sits on top of the Hill of Liberators with a winding gently inclined path up the hillside.

After all this effort you should treat yourself to a bit of people watching from one of the street cafes that line the pedestrianised street leading back to the Central Square.   You can have a beer, wine or coffee to wash down your mid afternoon snack.

Plovdiv Offers a Relaxed yet Stimulating Travel Experience

Plovdiv is a city that is trying to not rest alone on its impressive historical artefacts, it’s clearly working hard to appeal to those with a more contemporary outlook.  While we wouldn’t recommend making a special trip to Plovdiv as a one destination stop, it is well worth adding to a tour of Bulgaria travel itinerary.   The city must be commended in hosting a number of cultural events throughout the year and the work it is doing in communicating its tourism offer to visitors.

Bulgaria is one of the poorest nations in Europe, economically speaking, so this commitment to culture must be congratulated in these dark days of cost cutting.  So check out one of the local tourism offices and see what’s happening when you arrive, in July the amphitheatre is usually open for cultural performances.  The city is also home to an excellent music and performing arts school so the Bulgarian busking is of a very high standard and promotes a fairly creative atmosphere amongst city dwellers.  We wish Plovdiv well in its efforts to become the ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2019.

Plovdiv has a tourism office at the airport and in the city with free maps and advice available and a team of really helpful staff to help you find your way around this little gem of a city.

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We had made it  to Kyoto just as the cherry blossoms were reaching their peak; after our whirlwind tour of the Kyoto Temples we happened upon a park where cherry blossom festivities were being prepared for later that evening, this left us just enough time to find some Geisha in the ‘flower town’ of Gion. 

On the Lookout for Geisha Kyoto

If you think of Japan,  one of the iconic images that springs to mind is that of the white powdered faces and shimada hairstyles of traditional Geisha, all wrapped up in vibrant coloured silks and bows. We had read that Kyoto offered one of the best opportunities to see them, so we decided to hang out in the Gion area to see if we could spot some of these elusive beauties. We had spotted some of the women wandering between the tea houses in the hanamachi (flower towns) and managed to snap some ‘one the move’ shots.  Turning a corner we noticed a line of executive taxis lined outside the theatre and decided to lay in wait to see if we would be rewarded with further sightings.  After hanging around for ten minutes thinking it wasn’t going to happen, Geisha started to appear with their minders attached like velcro to their sides.  The companions quickly bundled them into the waiting taxis before they sped off to their next engagement, thankfully a mini traffic jam ensued and I was able to snap the beauty of the women seated patiently in the back fo the cab.

A Brief History of Geisha

The Geisha emerged in Japanese society in the 18th century and contrary to some popular myths the Geisha sold musical and conversational entertainment to the wealthy classes, not sexual services (the word Geisha is literally translated at Artist).  They were well  educated and were schooled in performing arts and literature during years of apprenticeships in the okiya, traditional geisha houses.  Numbers of Geisha in Japan have dropped dramatically since the end of WW1 when there were an estimated 80,000 to the current estimate of between 1 and 2,000.

Hanami a Party for Everyone

Visiting Japan in Spring is one of the best times to get some experience of the culture and traditions of one of the oldest civilisations on the planet.  During this time the whole country wants to celebrate the onset of the sakura (cherry blossoms)  and as you wander around parks and the countryside it is not uncommon to see a huddle of Japanese posing for photographs by the blossoms on their own, in pairs, with whole families or simply taking close up macro shots of the latest bloom to open.

This time is also a wonderful excuse for a party and wherever there are a concentration of cherry trees in a park or public space you will see groundsheets stretched out below them.  As the sun goes down crowds of families, student groups and business teams will gather round, open their boxes of food and drink, wrap up warm against the cold spring evening chill and party on till all the food,  drink and bonhomie has been expended.  I love this image as it reminds me of the laughter and togetherness that these wonderful parties engender.

Don’t be surprised if you are watching this and you get given, food, a drink or get asked to join any of the groups celebrating.  This is a social affair and the Japanese being the hospitable types that they are will often share their party food, drink and celebrations with any passing spectator.  This happened to us in a park in Kyoto and moved us both to tears.

You find out more about our trip around Japan here

This is flashpackatforty’s  photographic flashback series.  We choose some of our favourite images from previous destinations. Travelling long term means you have so many experiences each day in the new places you visit, this series will give us the chance to look back and remind ourselves of some of our previous trips.

The post Photo Flashback – Kyoto: Geisha and Hanami appeared first on Flashpacking Travel Blog.

We didn’t really want to leave Turkey, but plan to return once we’ve caught the backend of the ski season in one of Bulgaria’s top ski resorts, after a final stopover in Sofia. We decided to take the bus from Turkey into Bulgaria as this was the cheapest option. We will be spending a couple of weeks at the Bansko Ski Resort where we plan to learn ski for the first time, but also doing some sightseeing around some of Bulgaria’s cities. 

Before travelling there we decided to break up the journey with a couple of nights visiting the historic city of Plovdiv.  We had tried to book the bus tickets on-line, in Istanbul, for the bus to Plovdiv. Alas, the booking system didn’t work so we decided to risk it and just turn up at the bus station.

Getting to Istanbul International Coach Station (Otogar)

We took a taxi from our Istanbul hotel that was located in the Sultanhamet area of Istanbul, to the metro station at Aksaray which connects to Otogar (the main international coach terminal).  There was a tram station much closer to our hotel where we could have jumped on a tram but we knew they were going to be busy and not backpack friendly. The bags are just too large and heavy to climb up the steep and cobbled streets of Istanbul and squeeze amongst the commuting Turks during rush hour.

The taxi was a 10 minute ride from our hotel to Aksaray Station and cost 11 Turkish lira.  Here we would be able to get on a train, that started from this location, and was going away from central Istanbul so we’d easily be able to get ourselves comfortably seated for the journey to Otogar.

Taking the Bus from Istanbul to Plodiv or Sofia

The bus we wanted to catch was the 9:00am with MetroTurizm coach company.  There are about 5 or 6 different buses operating on variations of this route on the internet, but information is pretty patchy. We arrived at about 8:15 and purchased our bus tickets, from the first Metro office we came to (there are many at Otogar). The transaction was smooth and courteous, and it was a short walk from where our bus would depart at gate 121, so we enjoyed the last Turkish breakfast we’d have for a while. We were getting off at Plodiv, to break the journey up, but this bus continues on to Sofia which takes about another 2 hours if you are in the mood for a long haul ride.

Taking the Bus from Turkey to Bulgaria with Metro

Our coach tickets tickets to Plovdiv cost 50 Turkish lira each and the journey takes around seven hours.  The bus was luxurious with spacious comfortable seats. Handwipes, water and tea/coffee were available (for free) and we were also given a banana muffin by the on-board stewardess.  A big bonus was the bus had free wi-fi, which worked perfectly in Turkey (but not at all once we crossed the border into Bulgaria), for quickly checking emails and twitter.   The bus even had seatback television sets, but as you might expect no English speaking channels, and my own attempts to upload some films from my own USB stick failed.

Immigration and Customs Travelling By Coach from Turkey to Bulgaria

Getting through customs at the border took well over an hour in total and it was freezing with a cold icy winds blowing.  You spend quite a bit of time queuing outside. Only one person processes the passport checks for coaches at each side of the border and any cars that turn up take priority.  One thing that I did find unbelievable is that not one sniffer dog was to be seen checking the cars and coaches laden with booty crossing the borders, a quick cursory glance from the customs officials seemed all that was necessary.

This is the exact conversation I had at Turkish passport control, I was very cold and maybe my brain wasn’t functioning as it should.

Turkish Customs Official: Where have you been?

Me: Turkey

Turkish Customs Official: Where are you going?

Me: Bulgaria

Turkish Customs Official: Thank you.

Having finally completed the Turkish passport inspection checks, and the searching, probing interview questions, it was time for a bit of duty free shopping before we had to go through the same passport process on the Bulgarian side.

The passport officials we’re very interested in John’s passport, due to the amount of passport stamps and visas it contains. The duty officer pointed out the large number of stamps John has and said “I see you’re a traveller” to which John replied, “I’m going skiing in Bansko” at which point he let him pass without any further questions.  We didn’t realise at the time, but John was flagged as a ‘traveller’ on the computer system. The word traveller in Bulgaria seems to have many meanings, not all of them complimentary.  On our return journey and exit from Bulgaria back to Turkey, John was separated from the coach party and was taken off to a an office for some real questioning, so always play nice with the immigration officials.

Duty Free Shopping at the Turkey Bulgaria Border

We stopped off at Duty Free, and with everybody else on the coach, we stocked up on cigarettes. What we didn’t know at the time is Bulgaria seems to be a nation of smokers. Cigarettes are cheaper at duty free than you can get in the shops in either Turkey or Bulgaria so make for a good buy.  With regards to alcohol, unless you want a particular brand name, we found the booze duty free prices the same or more expensive than in wine shops in Bulgaria, but much cheaper than you will pay in Turkey.

A Very Bleak Introduction to Bulgaria

I remember as a teenager, the word grey being often used in the West to describe communist states back in the day.  It wasn’t a color I would have associated with modern day Bulgaria who now has a seat at the European Union table.  However, this is the word that sprung into my mind as we entered Bulgaria.

The weather did not help in offering much in the way of sights or light.   Neither did the large number of crumbling abandoned buildings and factories along the roadside, or the repeated architecture of municipally designed dwellings for mass occupation.   Remaining residents of these blocks have made their own modifications over the years, changing things like windows and doors, creating a rather chaotic and unappealing appearance.

It was a very grey day, the trees were bare of leaves, the vines had yet to produce grapes and there were no signs of life as the sun was hidden and the rain poured down. However, the weather had been similar on leaving Turkey, but the contrasts couldn’t have been starker. The feeling of economic prosperity from the newly built businesses and houses witnessed from the bus window in Turkey up to the border with Bulgaria, just disappeared after crossing.  They were replaced with decay and litter strewn across the fields and roadsides, we were beginning to wonder what we had let ourselves in for.

I wanted to buy a few tins of paint and inject a bit of colour into the scenery.  The only real colour came in the form of rust from the large amount of abandoned, salvage and scrap car places dotted along the roads with petrol stations that had long since closed down.

Always the optimist I was excited to see the many working horse and carts as they dashed down the roads as we passed through villages.  In our next post, we’ll be sharing our first impressions of Bulgaria, lets hope they get a bit more upbeat and colourful.  As we proved though, getting there is easy and comfortable using Turkey luxury buses, there really is no need to fly.

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Hawaii Island, U.S

The Hawaii Island or the big island as it’s called is huge, and it has something that differentiates it from many other beaches in the world: it’s covered by “green” sand and that’s a geographical natural phenomena you can’t fail to be impressed at seeing.  This beach destination is reputed to offer visitors a ‘paradise on earth’ with its warm lapping waters taking a paddle can transport you to another place, as the sound of the gently flapping palms makes you forget any problems you might have. Beaches such as Kua Bay, Hapuna, and Kaunaoa are places that must be on your “places-to-visit-before-you-die” list.

U.S Virgin Islands

These Caribbean islands are more difficult to reach but it is definitely worth making the little bit of extra effort. When you finally take you first steps on the beaches found here, you are blessed with some of the most wondrous strips of sand, bright blue crystal clear waters, and everything a person on holiday could ask for.  This area includes some of the most sumptuous fish and seafood delicacies, and is great for shopping; you can visit the famous shopping area on St. Thomas Street for the latest bargains.   Even the most difficult to visit, more remotely located beaches such as St. Johns, make for an exotic place to enjoy the islands charms. Of course, when you get there, it’s hard to ignore the various water sport options such as water jets, jet-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling.

Miami Beach

This world famous beach is a regular haunt of the rich and well traveled.  Do you want to join them and share what the rich do? You just might be able to when you get to Miami’s famous beaches where you’ll see lots of commercial activities focused on what visitors want.  The main area around the strip of beach is busy so it’s not for those wanting a quiet time. It’s commercial with a difference: it caters to the glamorous, the rich, but is something that holidaymakers should experience. Depending on what your interests are, you can choose to visit the Ocean Drive’s illustrious night spots or visit the Lummus Park to do nothing but lounge about and relax.  If you need to, you can even visit Haulover which is a “clothing-optional” beach.  So what are you waiting for?

Honolulu, Oahu

While it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii, this is for a very good reason and should not be missed.  It’s famous; it rewards you; and it’s picture-perfect. This destination is known for a reason: its beaches, the famous state parks, and tons of dining options along with a trendy night-life that attracts many crowds of ‘beautiful’ people. Visit the Kaliua State park, the Waikiki Beach, and absorb everything Honolulu has to offer. Did we mention that Honolulu also has some of the most friendly waters and creamy sands?

Fort Lauderdale

Not everyone is made for Miami Beach. For those who don’t like the commercial front of the Miami Beach and apparent tourist magnet that it is, Fort Lauderdale is a great option especially for those with a family. It has everything Miami has minus the hectic chaos, and madness that can be associated with Miami. While Fort Lauderdale does have the South Beach to cater to party-hungry crowd, it’s a lot quieter with 23 miles of sand-topped beaches. It promises peace and ease of access.

This article was written for Flash Pack at Forty by Andrew Schmid.  Andrew is the technology director of Premier Parking USA, the leader in discount Premier Parking USA

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