7 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe When Traveling to ETIAS Countries

New Year’s Eve celebrations are on a whole other level when you head to Europe. With people crowding the streets to take part in the community’s NYE traditions, it’s hard not to want to immerse yourself in their festivities.  

Take the chance to spend the end of 2019 this year in a whole new way. Here are 7 of the best places to spend the New Year in ETIAS countries with celebrations like no other.

 

 

7 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe

 

Whether you want to stay up past midnight having some New year fun or want to spend the New Year’s with family, these destinations surely have what you’re looking for.

1. Madeira, Portugal

Watch one of the most spectacular fireworks shows on the isolated island of Madeira. The amazing 10-minute pyrotechnical show shoots from the sea, so you can enjoy the show in a boat or witness it from the bay of Funchal or the hills around it.  

2. Madrid, Spain

Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a giant and lively event with people flocking to Puerta del Sol to watch the countdown, the biggest broadcast event of Spain. The real fun starts after midnight when the pubs open up to locals and tourists looking for some fun.

Try this out: Take part in the fun Spanish NYE tradition to put on lucky red underwear, grab a bottle of cava, and eat 12 grapes of luck that you have to finish at midnight and finish before the bell stops ringing. 

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland can be pretty cold this time of year, which explains why there are the traditional bonfires around the city on New Year’s Eve. These bonfires aren’t your typical campfires. They’re gigantic and there are 10 of them you can check out around the city! 

Try this out: Watch the enamoring fireworks show from Hallgrímskirkja church, which not only provides a good view but is also relatively close to a lot of bars for a post-new-year celebration.

4. Vienna, Austria

Vienna celebrates the new year in one of the most classy and elegant ways, hosting extravagant gala dinners and grand balls on NYE. But if you’re looking for a less formal (and free) event, the streets are filled with live music of different genres for you to enjoy.  

5. Dresden, Germany

If you’re planning a fun family New Year’s Eve, then skip Berlin and head on over to Dresden, Germany, where there’s live music in the streets to dance to, warm mugs of glühwein for the adults to enjoy, and piping hot sausages served in Theaterplatz Square. 

Try this out: If you’re traveling with young children, go to the square early to watch the kiddie fireworks display, which they’d surely enjoy.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This destination is less crowded at this time of year compared to the famous NYE cities in Europe. Still, the streets are filled with music from Croatian musicians and a taste of great food and wine.

Try this out: Oysters and sparkling wine are on the menu for a Croatian New Year’s celebration, so save some room for this before midnight comes.  

7. Tornio, Finland and Haparanda, Sweden

Experience New Year’s twice in a row by counting down the first NYE in Tornio then crossing the Torne River Railway Bridge to Haparanda to do it all over again! These two countries have slightly different time zones, which makes for a double midnight celebration.

 

What to Expect in a European New Year’s 

 

Different places in Europe have so much to offer. Here is a glimpse of what you could experience this NYE celebration.

Amazing Fireworks Displays

The pyrotechnics in Europe are absolutely insane, filling the night skies with bright colors and impressive forms and movements. When it comes to fireworks, these European countries never fail to put on a really good show.  

Heartfelt Entertainment

The communities in most European countries love to come together with singing and dancing parading in public spaces. You would see the passion that people have for the performing arts just by heading out on the streets. 

Mouth Watering Food

The best European eats come out at New Year’s Eve, which you wouldn’t want to miss out on even if you’d skip the alcohol. But for the love of NYE, try not to miss out on European’s finest alcoholic drinks.

Fun and Inviting Locals

People know how to throw an awesome NYE party in these European countries. There’s never a dull moment here when the clock strikes midnight, so don’t miss out on the celebrations.

Traveling to any European country this year will be something worth your time, no matter where you choose to celebrate it. Just make sure to start off the year right by welcoming it with the right people and the right mindset to prepare yourself for the next decade ahead.

 

ALSO READ: What do I need to Do to Travel to Europe with my Pet?

 

This new year brings things closer to 2021, the year when the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS will come into effect for non-Schengen visa-exempt countries such as the US. Etiasvisaschengen.com is an independent platform that keeps you updated with the latest information and updates on this visa waiver. We also provide visa assistance on the current travel system to Schengen countries. Contact us now and let us help you get your trip to Europe ready.

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The ETIAS Guide: What You Need to Know About Traveling to the UK After Brexit

Brexit has been quite a heavy subject in British politics, maybe even to the point of interest to other countries as well. With Britain leaving the European Union, a lot of people wonder if it would affect travel to the UK post-Brexit. If that’s an area of concern right now, you would be glad to know that there may be not much that will be different as of now.

This, of course, all depends on the reason for your travel to Britain. Some things have changed in the new system and others have and will probably remain the same. Here is a quick guide on Brexit and what it means for your UK travel plans.

 

A Guide through Traveling to the UK After Brexit

 

Brief Brexit Background 

If you aren’t really sure how Brexit could complicate some travel plans to the UK, then you have to know just the basics of what it is. 

Brexit comes from the two terms “Britain” and “Exit,” which technically explains it all. The back story is that Britain was part of the European Union, or EU, for the longest time until they made the close split decision vote to leave with a 52 percent majority vote. Brexit was originally scheduled to happen last March 29, 2019, but was extended with a new deadline of January 31, 2020. 

Leaving the EU could spell out a lot of changes for UK citizens. It ultimately affects their trading system, which means they will no longer be tariff-free when dealing with EU members. This increases the price of commodities such as food, of which one-third of the supply of the country is imported from EU countries. It could also affect their currency negatively, though much of this is still not certain or can only be proven when the time comes.

 

The Good, the Neutral, and the Unknown: Post-Brexit Effects for Travelers

 

The Good

As of this writing, Brexit claims that it won’t affect travel to the UK as far as vacations are concerned. US citizens can still enter Britain for the holiday seasons and the application process remains the same. If you are a US passport holder, you won’t need a visa for any purpose that you’re there unless you plan to work or study there for the long term. If you’re coming in from the US but aren’t a US passport holder, then you would need a visa. Tourist visas are still granted upon entry and are valid for a six-month stay. 

Pet travels will also still be allowed when you board a plane to the UK. As long as the necessary requirements are filled, then your animal friend would be allowed entry.

The Neutral

As for your travel budget is concerned, the conversion from dollars to pounds is said not to change drastically. You may get just a little bit more squeezed from your dollars compared to 2016, but don’t expect it to bump up your travel budget. 

The Unknown

There are still a couple of things that people are uncertain about in regards to Brexit moving forward. It is not certain what steps EU citizens have to take to visit the UK. 

In fact, little is know if the EU citizens who have settled in Britain have to go back to their countries or if their jobs secure them a place in the UK. This was one of the concerns of many opposing the leave. 

 

ETIAS “Vis-a-Visa” Brexit 

 

Brexit has relatively no direct effect on the implementation of ETIAS. The United Kingdom has never been part of the Schengen agreement, which means it wouldn’t need this requirement.

US citizens who want to both visit the UK and Schengen area have to go through different processes for entry in these places. So if you were planning for a cross-country trip around Europe that had both Schengen areas and the UK in your itinerary in 2021, you’d have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online to go to ETIAS countries. 

If you are part of the countries that require UK visas, note that this visa won’t be the same as a Schengen visa.   

Other reasons for travel such as for work and for study longterm do require visas. For these special cases, you may contact the employer/school or embassy to know how it works. It is still not certain if Brexit will directly affect employment or study grants.  

Brexit will take a toll on a lot of different aspects in the UK’s system of government, though there’s no real telltale sign of how it will turn out for travelers. At most, there is some speculation that flights may jack up in price. Of course, things can always change after its implementation, which is set to happen very soon.

ALSO READ: Dual Citizenship

Planning a European vacation by the year 2021? As said earlier, the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS will come into effect by this time. But until then, entry to Schengen countries for US passport holders remain visa-free. But for non-US passport holders, Schengen visas are still required to go on these trips. 

Etiasvisachengen.com is a visa assistance service that can take care of your travel documents to Europe for you so you can go on your trip hassle-free. And when the implementation of ETIAS comes, part of the company’s service is to assist US nationals in the process as well. Contact us to get started.

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How ETIAS Visa Waivers Make Traveling to Europe Easier for Americans

The European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS may sound like it’s going to be an extra step that requires a lot of work. Well, it really isn’t at all. In fact, the process of acquiring this authorization form won’t take more than a few minutes and some extra bucks. But because of the lack of emphasis on this information, many U.S. Citizens have confused it with a new form of visa they have to apply for from 2021 onwards. 

A survey shows that almost half of Americans think it is a visa. Close to a quarter percent of the participants don’t know what it is at all. Get the facts straight by checking out this quick overview of how ETIAS will work for U.S. citizens.

 

How the ETIAS VISA Waivers Work for U.S. Passport Holders

 

First of All, It’s Not a Visa 

ETIAS is a visa waiver, which is completely different from a visa to Europe. It is similar to America’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA for short, which is a waiver other visa-exempt countries have to apply to enter the U.S. 

Young American citizens under the age of 18 and senior citizens over the age of 70 would still have to apply for an ETIAS, though they would be exempted from paying the fee. The ETIAS is valid for 3 years until renewal.

 

Application is Done Online 

It won’t take a lot of work to apply for the ETIAS. In fact, all of it is done online. The application process is straightforward and easy to understand for even the least online savvy person out there. You can also ask for assistance with the application process.  

The application will only ask for some personal information such as your name, health background, travel background, security background, and other standard requirements in order to clear you for entry to Europe. Around 95 percent of applicants can expect automatic approval soon after application.

 

Why ETIAS Makes Travel Simpler 

ETIAS was signed as a solution to strengthen European border security by screening visa-exempt travelers. And in this time of age, security is what countries and travelers alike need the most. 

What you’re basically applying and paying for is the peace of mind when you’re traveling to Schengen countries. With a simple process like this, it can reassure you that when you get on that plane to Europe, everyone there was screened and are by no means a threat to your trip. It also makes security checks much faster, more accurate, and better for both the country you’re visiting and the people with you traveling there. 

ETIAS may be an extra step that you have to take, but with a process so simple it’s almost unjustifiable to complain. It should be respected that these ETIAS countries are kicking their security up a notch for the safety of their people and their tourists alike. So don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Europe on or after 2021. Europe couldn’t possibly be less of a beautiful destination for travel by then.  

ALSO READ: EU Schengen-Complete Information and New Policy Updates

While 2021 will take some time to come along, there is still more about the ETIAS visa waiver that you can learn about and how it works. Etiasvisaschengen.com is a platform that can update you with the news about ETIAS and even help you out with the process by the time it comes. But as of now, this company can help you with the current travel system to Europe by professionally completing all the required documents and passing them on for you with no hassle. Contact us now to get started.

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Everything you need to know about Oporto, the Portuguese city of wine

Oporto is a Portuguese city that started out as nothing more than a small settlement on the shores of the River Duoro. Due to its geographical position, during the period when the Romans governed the city, it was a strategic point of the trade route between Braga and Lisbon. The city’s original name was Portus Cale and this is where the country got its name.

Oporto is marked by an exciting history and traditions dating back to when the city was founded, around the 1^st century B.C. Since so many people are interested in experiencing the charms of this magnificent place, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

If you would like to go on holiday to Oporto, this article will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful city.

Portugal’s second capital:

Oporto is considered to be Portugal’s second capital city and, it is also the second biggest in terms of the number of inhabitants and size, after Lisbon, with which it has always competed for economic power.

Since it is the main commercial centre in this region of the country, Oporto is known as the Capital of the North. It is also a highly industrialised area, and the headquarters of many of Portugal’s most important business groups are located there.

The main offices of the main Portuguese newspaper groups are also located in Oporto, including the largest national daily, Jornal de Notícias.

The Portuguese city of wine:

The history of wine in Portugal goes back centuries. It is said that the Romans, who ruled the country for 500 years, grew vines and produced wine on the banks of the River Duoro, where the city of Oporto is now located.

The area’s wine gained its international reputation during the commercial boom between England and Portugal, in the second half of the 15^th century.

Port wine is classified as one of Europe’s classic wines, offering a great variety of production styles. One of the most distinctive national wines, ¨Vintage Port¨, is always placed among the best wines in the world.

This wine is normally served with cheese after meals, as a digestive, although it can also be served as an aperitif.

The city of bridges:

As I have already mentioned, Oporto is a fascinating city, steeped in history and tradition, although the signs of modernisation are also evident.

Oporto has been christened as the “ City of Bridges”, making it a truly attractive place for visitors wishing to visit to observe the various architectonic styles reflected in their designs.

One worth highlighting is the Don Luis I Bridge, considered to be one the city’s most emblematic sites. Built in 1886, this project was the work of one of Gustave Eiffel’s disciples. It is one of the bridges found along the River Duoro and connects Oporto with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.

The old quarter:

The city’s old quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This part of Oporto is home to its most emblematic buildings and is the perfect place to get close to the region’s history.

During your visit to the old quarter, you can see the Palacio de la Bolsa, an important national monument built in the 19^th century that is distinctive due to its exquisite, neoclassical-style architecture.

You can also visit Oporto Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest buildings, or the Clérigos Tower, declared a National Monument in 1910.

Other buildings of great heritage value in the old quarter include the Episcopal Palace and the Town Hall.

Traditional dishes:

It goes without saying that such a special place also has a centuries-old culinary culture. The gastronomy of Oporto is also unique in comparison to other cities.

One of the most popular traditional dishes is ¨ Tripas à Moda do Porto¨. This dish consists of tripe and meat fat accompanied by bread or white beans.

Another typical recipe of this region is ¨Bacalhau à Gomes de Sᨠand, although this dish originates in Oporto, it is a popular dish throughout the country. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is made with cod, potatoes, eggs, olives, onion and olive oil.

As you can see, all these reasons make Oporto an exciting city to visit, meeting all the requirements to put it at the top of your list of future trips.

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5 must-see places in San Sebastián, Spain

The city of San Sebastián in Spain is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. This city seduces visitors with the beauty of its surroundings, highlighted by beautiful coastal landscapes and various cultural attractions that are of great interest to visitors.

Although San Sebastián is known for both its tourist industry and its commercial activities, it is also recognised as the venue of many important cultural events that attract attention in both Spain and abroad. For example, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, the San Sebastián Jazz Festival, the Music Fortnight and the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.

If you would like to visit this charming city, please keep reading and I will tell you about five places you can’t miss while in San Sebastián.

La Concha Beach:

San Sebastián is located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and this privileged position means that the city’s landscape is embellished with coastal formations.

La Concha Beach is one of Spain’s most famous urban beaches and gets its name from its shell-shape. It is 1,350 metres long and 40 metres wide.

The beach’s distinguishing features include the quality of its fine sand and its shallow waters, making it perfect for the whole family, both adults and children.

Moreover, since La Concha is such a popular beach, a number of services are available to help you enjoy a perfect day with every comfort within your reach. The beach is easily accessible from the centre of the city and its services include showers and changing rooms. You also have the possibility to rent parasols and sun loungers.

As a result of its incomparable beauty, La Concha was chosen as one of Spain’s 12 treasures.

San Telmo Museum:

The San Telmo Museum is situated in Plaza de Zuloaga. It was founded in the year 1902, making it the oldest museum in the Basque Country Autonomous Community. Since it opened, this museum has been dedicated to the development of Basque society and, over the years, people from all over the world have visited it.

The museum’s galleries offer exhibitions representing the culture of the Basque people and is home to an interesting collection that includes ethnological elements, photographs, archaeological pieces and works of art.

If you are visiting the Basque Country, you must go to the San Telmo Museum, because it is the best way to learn about the history and tradition of its people.

Monte Urgull:

Monte Urgull is one of San Sebastián’s main tourist attractions and is located between the city’s old town and the urban area.

On top of Monte Urgull summit, you will see the famous fortress of Castillo de la Mota. Built in the 12^th century, Castillo de la Mota still maintains the fortifications that served to defend the city in the past. Today, the fortress offers visitors an exhibition displaying a wide range of original works, prints and photographs reflecting local history.

If you would like to visit, you can do so by foot, as part of one of the many excursions that are organised on Monte Urgull and you will have the privilege of observing the best views of the city.

San Sebastián Aquarium:

The Aquarium in San Sebastián was founded in 1928 and was officially inaugurated as the Palacio del Mar Aquarium, making it the oldest building of this type in Spain. Located on San Sebastián’s dock, it is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with 300,000 visitors every year.

Nowadays, the Aquarium is distinguished by its strong ecological focus, offering various workshops and activities related to the conservation and protection of the sea.

It is home to over 200 species of marine animals, including a wide variety of tropical fish. One of its main attractions is the 360 degree tunnel that offers the opportunity to experience these fantastic animals up close.

The Old Town:

I can’t finish this article without encouraging you to visit San Sebatián Old Town. This is the most charming part of the city, where you can easily experience the most typical traditions of its people.

The Old Town is situated at the foot of Monte Urgull and if you go for a walk around its streets, you will see emblematic attractions like the Plaza de la Constitución, San Vicente Church and the Basilica of Santa María.

As you wander around you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants where you can try out the local flavours in delicious traditional dishes.

As you can see, San Sebastián is a charming city that offers excellent options for planning an unforgettable trip.

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Why you should visit Sicily

This beautiful Italian region has become one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. One of the main reasons for Sicily’s popularity are its breathtaking natural landscapes with paradisiac beaches and protected areas where you can enjoy nature to the full. Sicily also has cities that have borne witness to our evolution and have given us precious treasures in the form of its monuments.

This article will give you more than enough reasons to plan your next holidays in this marvellous destination.

Discover the city of Palermo:

Travelling through the streets of Palermo, it is almost impossible not to feel a part of its exciting history. This city, which was founded in the 8^th century B.C., still bears many marks of the civilisations that lived there since its beginnings.

Palermo was named the capital of Sicily and is also one of its most populated cities. Although, over the years, Palermo has seen both moments of true splendour and others of decadence, it is a great tourist attraction for those who enjoy travelling to the past, discovering ancient cities.

Palermo’s history goes back so far that it is easy to appreciate various artistic influences in its heritage buildings, as well as features that are characteristic of different cultures.

In this case, I recommend a visit to the most emblematic monuments:

• San Giovanni degli Eremiti:

This is one of the first Western churches reflecting Arab and Byzantine influences. Its most distinctive feature is its red domes, inherited from the Arab culture, reflecting the Muslim presence on the island. Another distinctive feature of this building is its Gothic-style bell tower.

• The Norman Palace:

Although, due to the passage of time, this palace has been rebuilt and modified reflecting the tendencies of each period and owner, its architecture still maintains elements dating back to its construction in the 12^th century.

• Palermo Cathedral:

This is another of Palermo’s monuments that can’t be missed if you want to experience the city’s history. This church is a sign of the wealth in Palermo’s times of splendour. The cathedral’s two chapels, the Sacrament Chapel and the Chapel of Santa Rosalia, are adorned by true treasures.

The most beautiful beaches:

Sicily is also the home of many impressive beaches, worthy of admiration the world around. Although they are not the Mediterranean’s most popular beaches, they have nothing to envy of the most well-known beaches.

There is great variety among these beaches, from those offering all the normal services to those that are almost virgin, where visitors can be in total contact with nature, far from civilisation.

Some of the most popular include Mondello Beach, Calamosche Beach and the beaches of Taormina, in particular Isola Bella.

• Mondello Beach:

This marvellous beach is located just 13km from the city of Palermo. Access from the city is not complicated and you can get there by either car or bus.

The short distance separating the beach from Palermo means that it is popular and, for this reason, you can find all the necessary services there, with every comfort within your reach.

Mondello Beach is the perfect example of a Mediterranean beach. Its turquoise waters, fine sand and natural environment, offer scenery of breathtaking beauty.

• Calamosche Beach:

Located within the Vendicari nature reserve, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the region. If you are looking for somewhere secluded and peaceful, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place for you.

Calamosche Beach is surrounded by rocky formations that shelter it from currents, resulting in normally calm waters. Moreover, this beach is popular among those who enjoy diving or snorkelling because of the varied sea life that can be found there.

This beach can be reached by walking along a path from the carpark to the sandy area. Although the path is about 1 kilometre long, it is worth the effort when you are rewarded with such an enchanting place at the end of your walk.

• Beaches of Taormina:

In Taormina, you will find paradisiac beaches where you can enjoy the sea’s charms to the full.

Due to Taormina’s location, upon a high mountain, its beaches offer an unparalleled beauty, making them unique.

One of the most well-known beaches in the region is the Isola Bella. This beach is almost virgin and is characterised by its almost wild environment and the beautiful turquoise colours of the sea. In addition, one of its most distinctive aspects is the islet located in its waters, which attract a great deal of attention among visitors.

Visit the Egadi Islands:

A visit to the Egadi Islands is a must if you travel to Sicily, since they are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

The Egadi Islands are an archipelago made up of the Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo Islands and are located very close to the city of Trapani. You can get to any of the islands by taking a ferry from the Port of Trapani or reserving a trip with one of the agencies in the city.

These marvellous islands also offer magnificent beaches where you can enjoy yourself relaxing on the shore or diving in their waters.

Moreover, a visit to the historic centre of Favignana is also very interesting. Favignana is very picturesque and offers various tourist attractions such as museums, churches and palaces that are highly regarded heritage sites. I also recommend that you try the local specialities in the island’s restaurants and bars.

Visit the Valley of the Temples:

Another important tourist attraction in Sicily is the Valley of the Temples. The Valley of the Temples is a group of Greek temples that date back to 580 A.C. and are considered the oldest and best conserved outside Greece.

In total, there are seven monuments, with the best preserved being the Temple of Concordia. This temple was given its name because an inscription of the word “Concordia” in Latin was found nearby. It is also one of the most accurately built temples and most representative examples of Doric architecture.

It belongs to the archaeological area of Agrigento, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes places in the city where there have been other important discoveries.

As you can see, Sicily offers: the excitement of discovering the legends of our ancestors, the possibility of experiencing first-hand the cultural development of ancient civilisations and the pleasure of being able to enjoy the blessings of nature in an environment of unparalleled beauty.

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Bordeaux: reasons to visit the French wine capital

Bordeaux has become one of the most important cities in France. The city’s winemaking tradition, urban complex and many cultural offerings have made it into one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.

Known as the “Pearl of Aquitaine”, Bordeaux stands out because of its historical centre that is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. So much so, that in 2007, UNESCO declared the port city of Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site.

Visiting this marvellous place is like going on an incredible journey in time, accompanied by its magnificent wines and excellent gastronomy. This article will give you more than one reason to encourage you to plan your next holidays there!

Visit ¨La cité du vin¨:

The history of wine in Bordeaux is as old as the city itself because, since the occupation by the Romans right up until today, Bordeaux has been noteworthy for its vineyards and the excellent quality of its world-renowned wines.

That is why a visit to ¨La cité du vin¨ is one of the most compelling reasons to go to Bordeaux. “La cite du vin” is an impressive building located on the shores of the Garonne River, that was inaugurated in 2016, where you can directly interact with the history and development of viticulture in Bordeaux.

“La cité du vin” has ten floors dedicated to the winemaking tradition. There are permanent and temporary exhibition rooms where you can see the most incredible subjects related to wine. There are completely interactive tours, available in eight languages, that take visitors back to the winemaking culture’s origins and follow its evolution over the years. There are workshops teaching participants how to best appreciate this exquisite drink. Moreover, there is viewpoint from where you can get magnificent panoramic views of the city.

This impressive building is a symbol of the city, not only because it gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of wine and the winemaking process, but also because of its iconic architecture.

Visit the Saint-André Cathedral:

This majestic church dates back to the end of the 11^th century and is one of the city’s main monuments. It stands out as one of the first Gothic buildings in the Aquitaine region and its historic value is so great that in December 1998, UNESCO declared it part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela World Heritage Site in France.

The interior walls of the main room are the only part of the original building that have survived. However, although the Cathedral has undergone changes, it is still possible to see the influence of the Angevin style.

On the outside of the Cathedral, you can see some of its most important architectural features, such as the Royal Portal that is adorned with the magnificent work known as “The Last Judgement”. As visitors wander through the internal halls, they can admire the décor, dominated by the extraordinary stained-glass windows.

When you visit the Cathedral, you will have the chance to see the Pey-Berland Tower, built in the 15^th century. It has a small spire which is surmounted by a statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine.

Enjoy yourself in Place de la Bourse:

When we think of Bordeaux, we always think of its prestigious vineyards and the image of this emblematic square. It was built in honour of King Louis XV of France, as well as to modernise the city.

Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV’s personal architect, this square is surrounded by symmetrically positioned buildings and, due to its majesty, is considered to be one of the most distinctive works of classic 18^th century French architecture.

The square was home to important institutions of the period like the Stock Exchange Palace, that is currently the city’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Customs building that is now the Musée National des Douanes (National Customs Museum).

One of the areas that attracts most attention in the square is “The Water Mirror¨. This is the biggest structure of its type in the world and is very popular in summer, especially among children, who go to cool down running through its water jets.

Try the exquisite cuisine:

As you probably already know, the French are well-known, among other things, for their cooking skills and every region of the country has a long culinary tradition. The case of Bordeaux is no different and some of its traditional dishes are very popular.

One of its most popular dishes is Magret de Canard. This recipe uses lean meat from duck breasts and, although it is not difficult to prepare, in Bordeaux it is prepared differently, with a sauce made of red wine, shallots and spices.

Foie Gras is another speciality of this French region. Prepared with goose or duck liver, this is a classic product of Bordeaux and is normally eaten on special occasions.

Finally, I would also like to recommend one of the region’s typical desserts, canelés. These are small pastries prepared using eggs, sugar, milk, butter and flour and is flavoured with rum and vanilla. They have a delicate flavour and are normally eaten as an accompaniment or at the end of meals.

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What do I need to do to travel to Europe with my pet?

Nowadays it is common to travel with your pet. In airports and public transport hubs it is common to see whole families arriving and leaving for their holidays, or for other reasons, accompanied by their pets, without it causing them any inconvenience.

However, it is important to follow certain regulations that are established to make this process easier and safer for both the pets and their companions. Informing yourself well of the requirements established for the entry of animals into the country you want to visit will ensure that you have an enjoyable trip without any unpleasant surprises. This article will answer everything you need to know about the requirements of travelling to Europe with your pets.

Before you travel:

Of course, before buying a ticket, and even before planning your trip, several procedures need to be completed in your own country.

In order to take your pets to Europe, you need an official document stating the pet’s good health that is recognised by the pertinent authorities in the country that you wish to visit.

One of the most important tests for pets is the rabies antibodies test. This test must be performed at least one month after the pet was vaccinated against rabies and a maximum of three months before your trip.

In this case, you must take into account the age of the animal you want to take, since the rabies vaccination is normally given to pets over 12 weeks old as it has no effect on pups.

You should also remember that to visit countries like Norway, Finland, Malta, Ireland and the United Kingdom with your pet, it is compulsory to deworm it against Echinococcus within 1 to 5 days before travel.

Another requirement that you must take into account is that your pet must be identified with a microchip that fulfils the regulations of the country you are visiting. Your vet will be able to explain to you the requirements of the country in question.

It is best to start these procedures well in advance since, in the majority of cases, it can take some time to have everything done before your trip.

During your trip:

When your pet is ready for travel, you need to look into the flight requirements.

To make this process easier for you, below is a general outline of some of the things you need to take into account when travelling.

The first thing you need to do is to choose an airline that accepts pets. Not all airlines have a policy regarding pets, so you need to make sure that the one you choose is not too restrictive in this matter. An easy way to find out is to visit the company’s website or to call their customer service line and ask for the information.

When booking your flight, it is also important to bear in mind that many companies only allow two pets per flight.

In most cases, pet owners must pay extra for their companion, regardless of whether they travel in an area reserved for animals in the hold or in the cabin. The cost depends on their weight. For example, the majority of airlines that allow animals on board have a standard weight limit of between 8 and 10 kilogrammes, including both the animal and its carrier. The carrier must comply with specific measurements if your pet will be flying in the cabin with you. If your pet weighs more than the specified weight, it will spend the flight in an area of the hold specially allocated for this purpose. Since the airline will also have regulations regarding the size of the carrier going in the hold, it is important to read them carefully.

If it is stressful for a person to travel by plane, for pets it can be a traumatic experience and, for this reason, it is advisable to prepare them in advance so that the day can be as normal as possible. Those used to travelling with their pets try to get them used to being in different places by taking them on trips before the flight.

Another recommendation is to take them for a walk before the flight to release energy. Don’t feed them in the two hours previous to the flight, to avoid accidents during the flight and, most importantly, do not give your dog sedatives since they will not be in an adequate condition to pass through the security controls and this might complicate your journey.

Finally, I would like to recommend that you always travel with a lead or harness that your dog is used to and that you always have it to hand because there are many European cities that do not allow animals to walk without a lead, with the exception of in specific areas.

You should also make an effort to familiarise yourself with the local regulations in the country you are visiting, since they may differ from your country of residence.

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How to get a student visa for France

Studying in France is a wonderful experience for anyone, since it is a country with internationally renowned educational centres that have excellent academic track records.

However, for a foreigner, the process to be able to study in France is extensive and requires a lot of organisation. As well as being accepted by a centre, each future student must also request a visa suitable for the type of course they will be studying.

European Union citizens do not need a visa to travel and stay in France. They only need an up-to-date passport or some type of ID. If they are staying for more than three months, they must go to the town hall and request residence.

Those students who are not citizens of the European Union will need a visa to enter France, although certain nations are exempt from requesting a visa if their stay is less than ninety days. To find out whether or not you live in one of these countries, you should ask in the French Consulate where you need to go to sort out your paperwork.

If your case is none of the above, this article will tell you the steps to follow to make this process as easy as possible.

When you have been accepted by the centre where you wish to study, you need to start the process to request and obtain your visa. Bear in mind that you will only obtain a student visa if:

• You are accepted in an exchange programme or a dual-degree programme.

• You have been accepted on a French course with a duration of between three months and a year.

• You have been approved to study higher education through a platform other than “Études en France”.

In order to obtain a student visa, you need to present various documents with your visa application

• Your passport should be valid for at least the duration of your stay in the country.

• A document that proves that you have been accepted in a study programme accredited by a French institute.

• Proof that you have funds to support you during your stay, such as a bank statement, a guarantor’s letter or a financial support document.

• You must have proof of medical insurance to cover your stay.

• You must also prove that you have somewhere to stay on arrival. This can be done by means of a document issued by the owner of your accommodation in France or a certificate stating that you will live in students’ halls of residence.

• You need to show that you have knowledge of the French language if you are going to the country to study French.

• A return ticket to your country or a letter declaring your intention to return.

Depending on the course you are going to study, you can choose one of the following types of visa:

• For courses with a duration of less than three months, you will be granted a short-stay visa or a Uniform Schengen Visa. This visa is issued by countries belonging to the Schengen space for transit purposes or for a stay in one of the Schengen countries. This visa has a duration of 90 days within any 180-day period. When this type of visa is granted, it states which countries can be entered and is valid for multiple entries.

• If your course requires you to stay in France between three and six months, you will need a long-stay visa that does not require any further formalities when you arrive in France.

• If your studies are going to exceed six months, you will be given a long-stay visa, equivalent to a residence permit, which will be subject to further formalities on your arrival in France. In this case, all the formalities must be undertaken within two months of your arrival in France, in the prefecture of the town you are staying in during your time in France.

You need to be aware that all of these procedures have a cost and you will not be refunded this money, even if your visa is refused.

If you have already made up your mind and have been accepted by a study centre, I recommend that before starting the visa procedures, you do some research and make sure that you are clear on the whole process. You should also take into account that these procedures often take some time, so make sure that you leave enough time.

It is essential that you perform the whole process in a calm and organised manner. Take care with every detail so that you get the result you want and don’t have any unpleasant surprises. Although the process can be very tedious, like most of this type of procedure, the result is worth all the effort.

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6 typical Portuguese dishes

Portugal is a country full of traditions that surprise many people when they get to know them first-hand. It has a history of conquests and colonisations that, over the years, has resulted in a rich culture with intonations of the heritage gained from all the people that have lived together in the country.

An important part of Portugal’s culture is its gastronomy. Portugal’s cuisine is like an explosion of flavours where the sea is always at the forefront, although meat and desserts also play an important part.

Below I will tell you about 6 typical dishes that you will end up wanting to try.

• Bacalhau à Brás:

One of the main ingredients in Portuguese cooking is fish, especially cod. Portuguese recipe books include endless ways of cooking this delicious food and one of the most popular throughout the country is ¨bacalhau à brás¨.

This dish is quite simple to prepare and can also be found under the names bacalhau dourado or bacalhau à Braz (with a z), depending on the region of Portugal where you are.

It consists of salted cod (desalinated one day before the dish is prepared), scrambled eggs and chips. On serving, it can be accompanied with other ingredients like black olives and parsley.

• Caldo Verde:

Another popular traditional dish in Portugal is Caldo Verde. Many consider this to be Portugal’s national dish, even above cod. One reason for this is that it is its close relationship with the country’s religious traditions. For example, all Portuguese families prepare this dish on Saints’ Days.

Se hace a base de una sopa que contiene como ingrediente principal puré de papas. También se le agrega aceite de oliva, cebolla, ajo, pimienta, col verde rizada y chorizo ahumado. Todos los ingredientes se van incorporando poco a poco luego de una elaboración previa hasta conformar el caldo. Otra costumbre vinculada a esta receta y que resulta de gran curiosidad para muchos, es que en las celebraciones de fin de año en casi todas las casas se consume después de la media noche.

• Francesinhas:

Sin duda alguna este plato característico de la cocina portuguesa también se encuentra entre los más deliciosos. Es una receta bastante moderna creada por un chef portugués que vivió muchos años en Francia e hizo una versión lusa del plato Croque Monsieur.

Se trata de un sándwich contundente preparado a base de dos tipos de salchicha portuguesa, jamón y bistecs de carne. Todo esto aderezado con queso derretido y una salsa picante donde los ingredientes principales son el tomate y la cerveza. Suele servirse acompañado de papas fritas que podrás untar con la salsa y explotar al máximo su inigualable sabor.

Aunque la región donde más se consume es Oporto, podrás encontrarlo fácilmente en muchos centros gastronómicos del país.

• Feijoada:

La Feijoada es otra de las recetas tradicionales en la cocina de los portugueses e incluso en países que fueron colonia de Portugal como Brasil y Angola.

Se prepara a base de frijoles, pueden ser blancos, negros o rojos en dependencia de la región donde sea servida. Al plato se le agrega carne de cerdo o de res y también dependiendo de la zona donde se consuma, se le agrega al guiso tomate, zanahoria y col.

En muchas ocasiones viene acompañado de arroz y naranja, y si te resulta una combinación un poco extraña debes saber que esta le aporta al plato un sabor exquisito e inigualable.

• Caldeirada de peixe:

Es un cocido que hacían frecuentemente los pescadores con los peces que se rompían en las redes o que no tenían el tamaño adecuado para una venta óptima en el mercado. Con el paso del tiempo esta receta fue perfeccionándose hasta convertirse en una de las preferidas de los portugueses.

Actualmente se prepara con rodaballo, congrio, merluza y raya, aunque puede usarse todo tipo de pescado. Además se le agrega papa, cebolla, laurel, pimienta negra y vinagre. Al servirse es muy común que se ponga también a la mesa rodajas de pan y se acompañe con vino verde.

• Pasteles de Belém:

Por supuesto que esta lista de platos típicos de la gastronomía portuguesa no estaría completa si no se incluyen los postres. Son muchos los que identifican la tradición culinaria de Portugal y en especial los pasteles de Belém.

Similares a los pasteles de nata, estas son pequeñas tortas con masa de hojaldre rellenos de crema. Al servirlos usualmente se le agrega por encima azúcar y canela en polvo y se pueden degustar tanto fríos como calientes. Son vendidos en la mayoría de las pastelerías de la ciudad, sin embargo según el testimonio de muchas personas las mejores son las que se comercializan en su lugar de origen.

Aunque la receta original de estos dulces tan gustados en el mundo entero aún es un misterio que mantienen en secreto desde el siglo XVIII, existen muchas personas que a través de sus conocimientos culinarios y los sabores apreciados a partir de los pasteles han logrado reproducirla.

Si vas de visita a Portugal te recomiendo que no pierdas la oportunidad de probar cada uno de los platos mencionados anteriormente. Te garantizo que tu experiencia no estará completa si no haces una parada a degustar su maravillosa gastronomía.

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Places to visit in Paris and the Eiffel Tower isn’t one of them!

Every year, millions of people visit Paris, also known as the City of Light or the City of Love, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world.

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of the French capital is the Eiffel Tower. However, Paris has many other places to visit that are just as representative of France as this impressive building.

Without further ado, I invite you to read this article and discover the other magnificent places you can visit during your next trip to France.

The Latin Quarter:

This emblematic district dates back to the Middle Ages and is located around the Sorbonne University. An interesting fact is that its name came about because, in that period, its streets were full of students and professors talking to each other in Latin.

Nowadays, its streets are normally overflowing with university students, since there are various higher education centres and “grandes écoles” in the area.

I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourself if you decide to visit, since there are many tourist attractions in the area. For example, the Luxembourg Gardens are an excellent option since, apart from being one of the city’s most beautiful parks, there are activities for visitors of all ages. Other places worth a visit when you are in the Latin Quarter include the National Museum of the Middle Ages, the Odéon Theatre and the Panthéon.

Walking through the streets you will find many bars and restaurants where you can try the exquisite French cuisine at excellent prices.

Montmartre:

This historic site is one of Paris’ most iconic and is a compulsory stop for anyone visiting the French capital.

Montmartre is also known as the Artists’ Quarter since it was the home of renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso.

Nowadays, Montmartre is a bohemian district, where every step reveals another story reflecting the uniqueness of the area.

If you do pay a visit, you should go to see places such as the Espace Dalí Museum, dedicated to exhibiting works of the Spanish artist or the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, which has presented countless shows, attracting hundreds of tourists every night. If you would like to get a great view of the city’s landscape, you should go to the crest of the hill where you will find the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

While walking in the area, you will come across captivating terraces where you can have an aperitif, while admiring the work of the street artists working nearby.

Sainte-Chapelle:

Sainte-Chapelle or the Holy Chapel, is one of France’s best kept treasures. It is located on the Île de la Cité and was built to house King Louis of France’s collection of Passion relics.

It is said that the architect was Pierre de Montreuil and that the construction of the Chapel took six years (1242-1248). Sainte-Chapelle has huge stained-glass windows with delicate colours that allow the natural light to fill its great rooms that are decorated with images representing the life and Passion of Jesus Christ. Its majestic architecture was intended to be like a huge shrine due to the purpose for which it was built.

Over the years, the Chapel has been threatened by fires and wars in the area where it is located. However, nowadays, thanks to the laborious restoration work, we can enjoy it as a beautiful masterpiece of gothic architecture. 

Place des Vosges:

If you want to relax, far from the mobs of tourists that are so characteristic in Paris, I recommend a visit to the Place des Vosges. Considered to be the oldest in the French capital, this square was inaugurated in 1612, to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII and Ana of Habsburg.

This square is located in the Marais neighbourhood, not far from Bastille and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, surrounded by perfectly symmetrical buildings housing bars, restaurants, shops and even art galleries. As you wander around the area, you can visit the former home of the famous author, Victor Hugo, which has been converted into a museum for those who would like to learn more about his life.

Known as Place Royale until 1800, Place des Vosges is an oasis of magnificent gardens adorned with beautiful fountains and ancient trees offering visitors tranquillity within this great metropolitan area.

As you can see, there are fascinating places to visit in every corner of Paris. It is a city that has many stories to tell and that is overflowing with so much culture it is not surprising so many people from all around the world want to visit.

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How to study university courses in Spain

For many people, the idea of going to university is something they think about during all of their secondary education.

Ever herd of ETIAS – the new European tourist visa? Here is all you need to know.

Graduating can become a truly exhausting endurance test when you don’t make the right choice or when you receive no encouragement during the process. For this reason, many people investigate the possibility of studying their degree in universities not located in their native country that, not only have excellent reputations, but also offer foreign students the opportunity to live many interesting experiences.

If this is your case, I invite you to read this article to learn all about what you need to do to study in a Spanish university.

First, you need to know that in Spain, there are both public and private universities.

The public universities are financed by the government and the tuition fees are lower than that those of a private university. These fees vary depending on the degree you choose and the city where the university is located. In some cases, in order to be accepted, you need to reach the university’s minimum grade.

In contrast to the public universities, the private universities have much higher tuition fees, although they are not as difficult to get into since, in many cases, entrance only depends on the payment of the tuition fees.

• University admission in Spain:

First you need to decide which Spanish university you would like to attend, because each study centre has its own admissions system.

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Once you are clear on this, the first thing an international student must do is obtain accreditation to request a place on a degree course. This is just a digital document that can be directly accessed by the universities using the UNEDasiss web platform.

• Visa:

If you are going to travel in order to study in Spain, another basic step is to obtain a visa including your initial authorisation to stay in the country. However, people born in certain countries will not require this visa, as long as their stay does not exceed three months.

If your studies in Spain last for more than three months, you will need to go either to the Foreign Nationals Office or to the corresponding police station to get your foreign student card, within one month of arriving in the country. This gives you the right to obtain a resident’s permit for the duration of your studies and also allows you to work part-time in companies which have agreements with the universities.

• Budget:

When planning your budget for going to university in Spain, you should take several points into account:

• If you choose a private university, remember that the cost of a degree is much higher than in a public university and can reach up to 15,000 euros a year.
• Every year the government regulates the price of official qualifications, so you need to stay informed of all the updates.
• In general, humanities degrees are not as expensive as science degrees.
• The cost of the professional training of a student varies depending on the university, the autonomous community and the course that you choose.
• If you fail an exam and need to reregister for a subject, you must pay the charges set by the university.
• New students also need to take into account other factors, as well as the admission fee, such as, for example, the opening of their new file in the university.

See also: Education in Europe

A popular way of getting an approximate idea of the admission cost is to multiply the total credits in which you want to enrol by the amount of each credit.

• Grants:

The Spanish government is responsible for subsidising grants through official organisations in order to encourage cultural exchanges in the country.

One of the best options to obtain this type of help for your studies are the grants offered by the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) (Spanish Agency for International Cooperation). They are granted annually and are normally given for postgraduate studies.

Other programmes offering grants for foreign students include:

• Grants from Fundación Carolina.
• Santander grants.
• Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana (AUIP) postgraduate grants.
• Erasmus +.

You need to start the process to obtain one of these grants at least a year in advance, have very good grades, not have grants or student loans from other institutions and be able to show evidence of your financial situation.

Moreover, many universities have their own grants systems and it is a good idea to investigate which option is best for you.

I hope that the information above has been helped you make a final decision or, at least, to evaluate the possibility of studying in this marvellous country.

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