Four Underrated Cities To Visit In Spring 2024

Sep 15, 2023

Last Updated on: Jan 6, 2024

Travel Guides

When you think of the ideal spring destination, what springs to mind?

For most, it’s rolling tree-lined vistas exploding with cherry blossoms; temperate weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold; a lively atmosphere, reinvigorated after a long winter; moments of serenity before the onslaught of summer tourists, etc.

It can be challenging to find all of those platonic ideals in one place, especially if you stick to the beaten path. However, if you wander away from the major tourist cities (your Parises, Tokyos, and New York, e.g.), you can find compelling cities that come to life in spring. As a bonus, these underrated cities are often less expensive than their famous counterparts–and cheaper in the shoulder season of spring.

ČeskýKrumlov, Czechia

ČeskýKrumlov, Czechia

Prague is beautiful, no doubt. Unfortunately, it’s the first and last place tourists often visit in Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic). If you’re willing to take a two-hour train from Prague (roughly $20), you can land yourself in ČeskýKrumlov, a UNESCO-recognized Gothic city in the heart of South Bohemia.

This is literally where the term Bohemian originated. The city brims with artistic energy, pristinely aged architecture, as well as nightlife. And in spring, the trees along the Vltava River bloomin magnificent abundance. Plus, if you’re a beer connoisseur, you’ll find some of the oldest European breweries at your doorstep.

Vancouver, Canada

Seattle and Portland dominate the narrative around the Pacific Northwest. But if you cross the 49th parallel into Canada, you’ll find arguably the crowning jewel of the PNW: Vancouver.

Vancouver is a city of extremes. On the one end, it’s a cosmopolitan metro on the move, complete with bumping bars, swanky restaurants, and posh shopping districts. On the other end, Vancouver is humbled by its natural surroundings – cornered by a long Pacific coastline and towering snow-capped mountains. Outdoor activities are plentiful in Vancouver; the city features an embarrassment of day hikes, suspension bridges, beaches, as well as ski trips.

Vancouver’s spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, so just be sure to pack travel clothes from Unbound Merino, which are versatile enough to withstand hot, cold, dry, and rainy weather.

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa is everything you love about Tokyo or Kyoto, scaled down to a streamlined 400,000-person package. It has the spring rows of cherry blossoms. It boasts old Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. There are world-class dining experiences as well as futuristic amenities.

Best of all, Kanazawa is home to perfectly preserved Edo-era districts. It makes you feel like you boarded a time machine to get there. It’s no wonder Culture Trip named it one of the most underrated cities in Japan.

Phoenix, USA

Phoenix is underrated any time of year. The city’s desert aesthetic, top-notch Southwest food and packed calendar of events and festivals make it a true standout among American cities.

But perhaps the perfect time to visit is spring. Phoenix’s spring temperature is still manageable – not the sweltering highs it experiences in August. Prices are reasonable across the accommodation landscape. And best of all, Arizona is host to MLB’s spring training – which means cheap baseball tickets.

This spring, don’t listen to the hype. Check out these four underrated spring cities for a refreshing dose of blossoms, great food, nightlife, as well as activities.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Unmissable Urban Delights: Things To Do In Glasgow

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

Scotland's second city, long eclipsed by sophisticated, tourist-heavy Edinburgh, has been quietly demonstrating that it's anything but second best. Glasgow has won many accolades for its culture. From the street art-filled east end to Rennie Mackintosh's architectural achievements (except for the tragically destroyed School of Art). Are you eager to visit the hippest city in Scotland? Everything you need to know is right here. Here are the mandatory things to do in Glasgow. Things To Do In Glasgow Glasgow in Gaelic stands for “dear green place.” And to no surprise, Glasgow is as green as it gets. It houses more than 90 parks and gardens that are woven through the city’s landscape. The Glasgow Botanical Garden is home to the largest plant collection in the UK. Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow. Don’t miss out on your next trip. George Square George Square awaits everyone landing at Queen Street Station. It aids in the orientation of newcomers in the city center and is a constant site of protest and joy. George III is absent from the square. Enraged cotton and tobacco lords had monuments of him pulled down one after another. It happened ever since he lost their lands in the American War of Independence. Instead, the adjacent area known as Merchant City is booming these days, offering a ton of Glasgow activities. It also has a vibrant nightlife and boutique shopping. From that point on, Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle streets come together to form the Style Mile, a retail district. West End The city's famed West End houses opulent parks, incredibly elaborate Glasgow University buildings, and the ever-popular Kelvingrove Museum. It has everything from Salvador Dali's artwork to Glasgow's master architect and polymath Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The artwork feels like it belongs in a different universe. River Clyde It is difficult to visit Glasgow without spending some time on the banks of the River Clyde. It is where the superb Riverside Museum and the restored Tall Ship Glenlee are located. The SSE Hydro is close, but you can check out King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or the storied Barrowlands Ballroom. It is where Oasis first appeared. Art Museums The legacy of Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow's poster child, is deeply ingrained in the city. You might spend an entire vacation simply strolling down a path of his creations. Many additional Mackintosh artifacts can still be seen. However, the beloved Glasgow School of Art is now recuperating from a series of devastating fires. Visit the House for an Art Lover, have tea at Mackintosh at the Willow, or go to The Lighthouse. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre honors the life and career of the architect. Don't miss the opportunity to see the expansive city views from the observatory of the Water Tower from The Lighthouse. When the tower was first constructed, it had a functional dovecot. The carrier pigeons were employed to bring the Glasgow Herald journalists the afternoon sports scores. If you can escape Mackintosh's hold, there are still a lot of other cultural boxes to check. Behind an outstanding neo-classical façade, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) houses works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney. Of particular note is the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the entrance, posing with an orange traffic cone happily placed on his head. Explore the east end's mural trail for a gritty perspective on art, where enormous pieces of art loom around corners and look down from office buildings. Bars And Restaurants The Merchant City offers a variety of cuisines. Highlights include the amazing, enduring Café Gandolfi fish bar, Obsession of India, and the insanely popular Paesano Pizza. The bars are extremely busy, even though they are a little forgettable. Head to the freshly reopened Babbity Bowster for a more sedate pint. In the West End, things are, maybe unsurprisingly, considerably more upscale. A longtime favorite in the area near Glasgow University is Stravaigin. Glasgow's 17-year drought for a Michelin star was just ended when Cail Bruich was included in the 2021 guide. It is located nearby on Great Western Road. Ashton Lane, a short stroll south, offers a night out unto itself with its jam-packed bar and restaurant scene. The cobblestone includes the always-popular Ubiquitous Chip. Are you thinking of going south of Clyde? Admirers of Malaysian cuisine are gushing about Julie's Kopitiam. In the much-maligned Govanhill neighborhood, Nanika is a fantastic tiny Asian fusion restaurant. Over a hundred different rums are available at the nearby Rum Shack, but if you'd rather keep things classy, stop by the Gnom café, which is next to Queen's Park. The Necropolis The Necropolis, an exquisitely decaying cemetery with a spectacular location, is located in Glasgow's east as well. Paths wind among a variety of tall-spired mausoleums and weathered burial stones stacked up on a hill behind the historic cathedral in the heart of the city. When you reach the top of the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views over the city. Food & Cuisine Glasgow is a city that truly knows how to feed you; forget stories of deep-fried Mar Bars coupled with Irn Bru, and discover one of Scotland's most lively culinary scenes instead. Glasgow has an abundance of excellent places to stay, a thriving entertainment scene, and everything you could possibly need for a weekend getaway. Good cuisine, in fact, is a source of pride for the city's residents and a constant topic of conversation. Ask a Glaswegian where to eat, and you'll never receive a straight answer. But one thing you'll hear a lot is that the city's culinary center is located in Finnieston. The neighborhood that’s been named the hippest place to live in the UK. Of all the options, Crabshakk is unquestionably a must-see. This wonderful restaurant specializes in delicious Scottish seafood offering a rotating menu of specials and some amazing house specialties. The sizzling pan of scallops with caramelized anchovy sauce is a must-try. In addition to supporting Scottish food, The West End's enduringly well-liked Ubiquitous Chip has been setting the standard. It has been offering upscale, contemporary Scottish cuisine since 1971. One of Glasgow's most exciting culinary endeavors, Dockyard Social, is located in Finnieston as well. It is a street food market housed in a large industrial warehouse with three inspiring goals. It aims to highlight the best of the city's culinary scene, assist start-up food businesses, and support the neighborhood. This provides the most impoverished residents with professional culinary training. There are still foods to try throughout the entire city if you venture outside of Finnieston. A'Challtainn is located east of BAaD (Barras Art and Design), a hip urban area in the Barras Market. With a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from Scotland, this stunning restaurant has already won a few accolades in its brief existence. It won Best Rookie to the Glasgow culinary scene. While you're in the center, make sure to check out Paesano for their exceptional pizzas. They are masterfully charred in wood-fired ovens built in Naples using only the finest Italian ingredients. Wrapping Up Glasgow is home to the third-oldest underground train system in the world. The majority of the city's attractions, however, are easily accessible on foot. One single loop that revolves around the inner or outer line makes it impossible to misunderstand. When Celtic and Rangers, the city's Old Firm rivals, play, it's advisable to stay away from Celtic Park. 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Top Planning Tips For Your Next Trip Abroad

BY  Barsha Nov 2, 2023

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What Are The Different Types Of Cruises (And How To Choose The Right One For You)?

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 4, 2023

Cruise ships are one of the best ways you can experience the world, but with so many different types of cruises available it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. In this guide you’ll find out about the many different types of cruises available, and how you can decide which one you should go for. Details About Different Types Of Cruises 1. Ocean Cruises One of the most popular types of cruise in the world, ocean cruises typically take place on a massive cruise liner and carry thousands of passengers. These big cruise liners tend to take the form of hotels, featuring many rooms, restaurants and activities like shopping, galas and entertainment. Many cruise liners offer children’s programmes, along with pools and water parks, making ocean cruises a great option for families. They tend to be more crowded, so if you’re looking for a more solitary experience then better options may be available. However, many cruise liners offer cheaper deals at different times of year. Take P&O Cruises for example –if you’re willing to shop around, you can get the best P&O cruises at a substantial discount, making ocean cruises one of the more affordable types of cruises. 2. River Cruises River cruises typically involve much smaller ships and fewer passengers than ocean cruises. While they may not feature entertainment for the whole family, river cruises can provide a more relaxing experience, making it ideal for couples, smaller groups or lone travellers. While ocean liners provide a host of on-board amenities, river cruises tend to be less all-inclusive, with the destinations the bigger attraction than the boat itself. Read Also: Best Places For River Rafting In India 3. Luxury Cruises Luxury cruises are naturally more expensive than ocean or river cruises, but the service provided will almost certainly be significantly better. Luxury cruises often involve smaller vessels and offer a range of high-quality (albeit costly) extras. These can include better dining and facilities, flexible itineraries and more exotic locations. If you’ve got the budget for it, luxury cruises can definitely be a memorable experience. 4. Adventure Cruises Adventure cruises are a great option for those who are more interested in the locations than the cruise experience. These cruises typically use smaller ships that are easily able to travel to more remote destinations. Often, these cruises will travel to various unique and hard-to-reach destinations such as Antarctica, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands. Adventure cruises tend to be more educational – instead of galas or shows, you can expect lectures from experts in wildlife or history. They may not be appealing for everyone, but adventure cruises are great for those looking to learn more about the world. Which Cruise Is Right For Me? Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll likely find a type of cruise that’s perfect for you. If you’re holidaying with your family, then an ocean liner is almost certainly the best option – these all-inclusive liners feature an abundance of fun activities for all ages and can often be cheaper than other cruises. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, river cruises or adventure cruises can be a hugely enjoyable experience. Finally, for those looking for something extra, a VIP luxury cruise can give you the very best experience, although they are naturally more expensive. Read Also: What You Need To Know Before Going On A Trip To Las Vegas Does New Jersey Have Good Nightlife? Let’s Find Out! 8 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas You Must Try