We will also escape Stockholm city, this year we will take a roadtrip up to Hälsingland around 250 km from our dear capital city of Sweden. For once the weather forecasts look very promising too. Usually at Midsummer Eve it’s unsteady weather, both sun & rain, making it difficult to sit outdoors eating in peace without getting wet…

If you are in Stockholm and not invited to a Swedish Midsummer Festive event by Swedish friends, it’s still possible to celebrate it either in different parks like Vasaparken and Tantolunden in the city or outside the city by going out in the Stockholm archipelago. You will find Midsummer celebrations in Fjäderholmarna at 1pm, Vaxholm at 2pm, Sandhamn at 3pm and Grinda at 2pm.

Another late option is to go to Skansen.se, the outdoor museum where a lot of traditional celebrations is held. Take the short ferry trip from Slussen to Djurgården. A safe choice, since there will be the traditional midsummer pole and dancing around it as always. Only the dancing could be a tourist attraction in itself, since we look rather silly during some of the dances…

There are some restaurants open too accoarding to the tourist office:

- Oaxen Krog & Slip, Beckholmsv.26
- Sturehof, Stureplan 2
- Villa Godthem, Rosendalsv.9
- Wärdshuset Ulla Winbladh, Rosendalsv.8
- Berns, Berzelii park
- Hermans Vegetariska restaurang, Fjällgatan 23B
- Fåfängan, Klockstapelsbacken 3

Happy Midsummer folks, please sing a snaps song (traditional Swedish singing to go with the alcohol) extra loud – for us!

©Lifecruiser Love Swedish Midsummer

Earlier posts about Swedish Midsummer:

Happy Midsummer 2012
Typical Swedish: Midsummer Strawberries
Swedish Midsummer 2011
Midsummer night light sight
Swedish Midsummer festivities Bromma Church Stockholm
Happy Midsummer Stockholm
Our Midsummer celebration trip 13 facts list
Thursday Thirteen Midsummer
Midsummer flower power love
 

Foreign Transaction Fees

The small print is where they get you. You’re likely already familiar with the Interbank Exchange Rate. If not, allow me to break it down for you. The Interbank Exchange Rate is the exact reason you want to use a credit card while traveling internationally. It garners you a better rate for things like hotels and dining. It’s a much better exchange rate than if you were exchanging cash.

So, what’s the problem? Well, this is where the small print comes in. The card may be garnering you a better exchange rate, but it may also be charging a foreign transaction fee – something many people don’t realize they’re being charged. According to financial expert, David Seaman, this fee is typically 3% – 4% of what you’ve spent. This may not seem like a lot, but according to Seaman, “if you spend $200 or $300 in a weekend, that added fee begins to pile up rapidly.”

The Right Card Makes All the Difference

So, how can international travelers protect themselves? It’s essential to have peace of mind while traveling abroad, but if you’re constantly worried about hidden fees, it’s nearly impossible. The secret is traveling with the right credit card, one that’s designed for international travel and one that doesn’t have any hidden fees.

So, how can one locate the perfect card for the trip? Theta Tau, a co-ed engineering fraternity and a philanthropic sponsor of NerdWallet, offers a solution to this problem. Users can visit the site and use the comprehensive tool to search a database of quality credit cards.

Nerdwallet’s tool will only populate the cards you want: cards based on rewards, with cash back options, best interest rates, and so much more. That way, you only get credit cards that are relevant to your situation. You can read through a card’s information, deciding if it’s the right card for foreign travel or not. Look for cards that are specifically designed for travel and it’s likely you’ll be treated to the best rates.

Travel Perks

So, you’ve found some cards that don’t feature those annoying foreign transaction fees. Now, it’s time to narrow down your selection to the absolute right card. This all depends on your preferences. For instance, if you love to dine out on vacation, you’ll want a card that rewards you for eating out. If you prefer cash back bonuses, go with the card with the highest cash back percentage.

Other options include:

• Bonus airline miles
• Sign-up bonuses
• Low APR or no annual fees
• Affinity programs (typically used for business travel)
• Store-specific cash back cards

Preparing Your Card for Travel

When you’ve finally narrowed down your selection, applied, and been approved for a credit card, you’ll want to contact your credit card company and prepare the card for travel. Let your credit card company know where you’ll be traveling and using the card. This will ensure they don’t freeze the card due to fraud suspicion.

If you’re planning on backpacking your way through a few countries, let your credit card company know which countries the card will be used in. This is going to ensure your vacation is all fun and no fuss over fees.

Extra caution: If you are traveling solo, make sure you have an extra backup card in case of a damaged card or if it does not work for any other reason. We have experienced it several times, certain card not working in certain places while working excellent in others.

Lifecruiser Love Trip Preparations
 

Here are some useful tips towards enjoying yourself and leaving all your worries where they belong, on the street curb:

Exercise and Stay Fit When You’re Away

Since you are on vacation (whether or not you actually leave home) it is pretty easy to forget about working out and keeping a fit body, but this is the time when you need it most! Try to exercise every other day, no long hours in the gym are needed either. Just get a cardio workout outside while enjoying the weather or, better, find a local trail or hike! Jog or speed walk around your hotel property, in the hotel gym or even more enjoyable: at a gorgeous beach!

Of course, you aren’t looking forward to exercising on your vacation so much as you are looking forward to eating. If you’re in a new city or country, by all means–sample the local fare in abundance. But try to keep it on the health side. Yes, you are going to eat out and yes you are probably going to give into temptation, but make healthy food choices for your body and wallet’s benefit.

You are wise if you look up different restaurants and their menu’s before leaving home, to make sure you minimize the risk of being tempted to eat unhealthy food. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a good restaurant abroad while out sightseeing, at least if you are like us; we tend to walk on the wrong streets all the time…

Healthier foods are anything on the menu that have been roasted or steamed. Or even try a diet that is not only healthy but disease combative.

Save While on Vacation

Vacation means your own personal time to get away from the worries and stress of modern life, but it does not mean you must spend your life savings in order to achieve a memorable vacation experience. Use your investigative skills to find deals from travel companies on certain essentials like rental cars, discounted hotels or even stay at the more budget-friendly hostels.

Register with airlines and travel companies. Check online for airline deals that are partnered with travel companies and submit your email to mailing lists so that you will stay up to date with their coupons and monthly offers.

Packing light will help save on costs. Most airlines tend to charge for every bag that you check and those fees can add up quickly. Check the airlines baggage policy before booking your flight and make sure that you are considering these fees when you are buying your ticket and more importantly, packing your bags. For many airlines you can carry-on two bags, keep that in mind when packing as well.

See What the Others are Saying

Things may not always be as they appear. Before you plan to do anything, do your research. Most vacationers already know where they are about to go, so after your trip is booked get to know the stories of others who have been to your destination. Check out Yelp and other review sites, even social bookmarking sites like Reddit. Users of these sites often drop hints on the best places to eat, or the best events they attended while on vacation. Benefit from the experiences of others.

Secure Your Home Life so You can Enjoy the Time Away

Don’t allow your worries at home to affect your beautiful get-away, so secure your home life to better enjoy your vacation. Call your friends, family, and neighbors just to let them know you will be out of town, give them the date and the time you will be departing and when you will be returning. By doing this they know it may be tough to contact you during your time away.

Don’t worry about your home either, as long as you have a good security system to keep your house under watch. If your home isn’t protected, take a look at www.securitychoice.com for security options that match your price point and neighborhood.

Capture Memories with Great Vacation Photos

Bring a digital camera along and go trigger happy. Take all the pictures you would like, from the clear beaches to the city skyline, anything that will capture not only the trip’s memories, but the feel of the experience.

Be sure to take a look at 10 Steps towards taking better Travel Photographs. You probably want to show your friends or family back home so bring your camera out and literally snap until the battery dies.

Ideally, it’s best to construct a life for yourself that you don’t need to escape from. But the reality is, people need vacations in order to unwind and explore new experiences and places. Maximize your time away from home.

Lifecruiser Love Vacation Tips

Other Vacation Tips posts at Lifecruiser:

All inclusive holidays ways pays
Travel and Credit Card Use
Why getting organised for your holiday will save you money
8 Essentials for Any Trip Through Europe
How to get cheap holiday deals
Top 5 Travel Tips When Visiting Foreign Countries
Where to find late holiday deals
38 Accessible travel links for disabled travelers
 

As tourists and locals alike visit Sagat-approved restaurants and popular fish and farmer market hot spots, foodies everywhere are shifting their interests out of mainstream eateries and transitioning into more unknown, non-popularized dives that know how to pack the flavor into every morsel they concoct.

If you’re one of these foodies that are looking for a new dining experience without having to wait hours for a table or make reservations weeks in advance, there may be a few hidden eateries in British Columbia ready for you to explore. Enjoy!

RauDZ Regional Table

Located in Kelowna, B.C, just a few hundred miles northeast of Vancouver, RauDZ Regional Table provides its customers more than just a plate of fresh, organic produce, it offers a fresh, new age dining experience. Popular among locals, RRT provides visitors with both a regional and local menu that’s appealing to all customers; and it’s affordable too! If you happen to be in the area, check out their seasonal menu, you’ll love it!

Ferris Oyster Bar and Grill

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, known for its lush scenery, historical landmarks and its growing gastronomy scene. However, within the bustling city lies a hidden treasure that has been attracting people from all over the surrounding metropolitan areas in recent years.

The Ferris Oyster Bar and Grill is known locally as the go-to-place for refreshing cocktails, filling tapas and Spanish-inspired local seafood menu. With both upstairs and downstairs quarters to accommodate all parties, The Ferris Oyster Bar and Grill gives customers a unique, experience, completely redefining the term “bar and grille”.

Hakkasan

It’s not easy finding a high-end Chinese restaurant, but if you’re ever in Richmond, B.C., just ask locals where you can find a good one, and certainly enough, they’ll all agree on one name: Hakkasan!

Following new cuisine trends of cage free product and organic produce, Hakkasan offers its customers a modern Chinese dining experience with a splash of contemporary cuisine. Dubbed Richmond’s best Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan will no doubt satisfy your craving for high-end dining and traditional Chinese fare.

La Casa Ouzeria

Located a few miles south of Kelowna in the town of Penticton, B.C., is one of the best Greek eateries east of Arrow Lake. La Casa Ouzeria has received critical acclaim from food writers and chefs in Canada, praising its take on traditional Greek cuisine and its use of local organic produce.

Owned and operated by the Portalakis family since 1973, La Casa Ouzeria continues to exude its rustic charm and serve its customers Greco-inspired dishes that keep people coming back for a plate of their famous pastichio.

The Acorn

If you’re looking a combination of simple, contemporary and flavor, The Acorn in Vancouver may be just what you’ve been looking for. Lauded by its appealing and savory vegetarian menu, The Acorn is known for having a warm and approachable atmosphere that has been attracting foodies in the area for years.

The Acorn is also widely regarded for its use of food art, using dishes as landscapes and food as the subject! If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, The Acorn is ripe for the tasting.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a hardcore foodie, why not try a few of these choices? In fact, try something different. Why not visit food trucks, diners, dives or even order online seafood delivery to satisfy your pescetarian appetite! Whether you live in Vancouver, Victoria or a small town in British Columbia, there’s still a wide variety of local and regional eateries that have yet to be discovered.

Lifecruiser Love Food Travel
 

Tuscany Photo by AJanssen, Flickr.com

Tuscany, Italy
The sunflowers seen during July are incomparable to anything I have ever seen. Although the Sunflower is native to the America’s they have become a symbol of summer in Italy. If you associate summer with bright yellow colors you will not be disappointed. Of course there are many other things to see in Tuscany, but today we are talking flowers.

San Diego, California
Spring in San Diego comes with beautiful weather and people to match. One special attraction to this time of year is The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch. With more than 100,000 visitors every spring, this 50 acre rainbow of flowers overlooks the Carlsbad, California coastline. I kid you not; you will be breathless strolling through the array of flowers. The best time for this trip is March-May, as this is when the flowers are at their peak. Pack a picnic, bring a camera and enjoy a beautiful serene day.

Namaqualand Desert Region, South Africa
Africa is filled with beautiful landscapes and an incredible culture to match. Between the months of August and October, desert flowers are at their peak. You can walk among 4,000 different species of flowers and plants, all of which are awe-inspiring. This is ultimately a small portion of what nature has to offer when it comes to South Africa, but it is one that my green thumb was envious of.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
There aren’t many experiences that can compare with a trip to New Zealand. The truth is there is so much beauty everywhere that it is hard to pack your bags to come home. Unlike Africa and San Diego, you will not find a beautiful array of colors. What you will find is a lot of purple against a backdrop of a crystal clear lake and the Alps. The image is remarkable. The colors mix so perfectly so long as you are visiting between November and January.

Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossom trees are in abundance during March and April in Japan. This may be the main draw as there aren’t many places you can experience pink and white displayed in such a beautiful setting. However, with the many other flowers that line the streets of Japan during this time you will find several photo opps.

These are bucket list places for most people. If you are lucky, you may have the opportunity to visit more than one of these places in your lifetime. Sometimes dreaming about it is the closest we can get to reality. Of course, you can always find flower attractions more close to you too.

For those of you who love flowers and look forward to living among them everyday, FloristExpress.com has some seasonal flower arrangements that can make you feel as if you are in any of these countries all year long. If you have the opportunity to visit any of these places, I am sure you will want to be reminded of your travels. Incorporating the colors seen in a beautiful vase can give you the perfect amount of inspiration to keep on trucking until the next vacation.

Lifecruiser Love Flower Trips
 

For couples with an action-packed activity trip in mind for their Dominican Republic holidays in 2013, you’ll find plenty of mangrove forests, rocky riverbeds and diving adventures. A honeymoon here can be anything you want it to be, but here are five of the best things to do.

Get lost in Los Haitises National Park

The Dominican Republic is home to several worthy national parks but the sheer variety of natural bounty makes Los Haitises unmissable. Skim along rivers and pass through dense mangroves spotting subtropical plants and birds like the pelican and Stygian owl. Breathe in scents of mango and coffee bean, before visiting the caves where native Taino drawings line the walls.

Whale-watching at Samana Peninsula

Though Playa Rincon’s palm-fringed shore is reason enough to come here, the main attraction is undoubtedly the humpback whales. The prime season is from January to March (perfect for those of you getting married early next year) and it’s wise to book a tour, as witnessing the incredible mating dance of these mammals is understandably popular.

Tour Santo Domingo

This centuries-old colonial city makes the perfect backdrop to a romantic stroll. A fascinating history surrounds it, brimming with ‘firsts’ – the first cathedral founded in the New World, first university, even the first streets – while a contemporary energy crackles as the sun goes down and the Spanish Square comes alive with the sounds of merengue and good times.

Climb a Damajagua waterfall

The northern coastline of the D.R. boasts not one but twenty-seven waterfalls, along the Rio Damajagua. Couples up for a challenge can try their hand at canyoning, clambering over and skidding down some incredible natural water-slides, but there are also tranquil pools for those who just to want to chill and enjoy the rugged scenery. Day tours are available from nearby Puerto Plata.

Jet off to Saona Island

If it all gets a bit too hectic and you’re just craving some quality time together, there’s hardly a better way to spend it than taking a catamaran out to lonely Saona Island. If you’ve ever dreamt of a desert island, this is the real deal and also promises some of the most colourful snorkelling waters around these parts.

Whether you’ve already booked your honeymoon, or you are looking for inspiring destinations, the Dominican Republic could be an excellent bet. Why not find further inspiration from some of the top wedding blogs?

Lifecruiser Love Honeymoon Trips
 

Typical Middle East itineraries take you all the way from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and often include parts of North Africa as well. Dubai is a popular starting-point, and while the glamorous Emirati city might not be to everyone’s taste, the opportunities for desert safaris and bartering in the old Gold Souk certainly merit a trip on-shore.

Around the Middle Eastern peninsula, Red Sea cruises often flaunt Aqaba in Jordan as the main attraction and rightly so: visitors can disembark here for the magical sandstone city of Petra or snorkel amongst a blaze of colourful corals and tropical fish. Egypt’s ancient sites can be reached via the famous Suez Canal, or some ships stop at Safaga for Luxor, where you can happily tick the Valley of the Kings off your bucket list.

One of the most common African cruise destinations is Cape Town, with its access to animal reserves, glittering coastline and the iconic summit of Table Mountain. Routes from Mediterranean Europe to the tip of South Africa often halt along the West Coast, at places such as Dakar in Senegal. The port’s distinctly French flavour makes this a very fashionable stop.

East coast highlights include the Kenyan port of Mombassa, beyond which the plains of the Maasai Mara offer once-in-a-lifetime excursions to see anything from black rhinos to giraffes. For something really different, find a cruise that heads out to Mauritius; seaside capital Port Louis has its own brand of colonial charm, while providing a gateway to those heavenly island beaches.

Many cruise lines offer multi-destination trips that combine parts of both continents and stretch on for 20 or 30 days. Some companies put together no-fly options direct from Europe, for those who want to take their time and enjoy the journey. Middle East and Africa cruises bring new meaning to the phrase ‘voyage of discovery’, so if one thing’s for sure, they won’t remain undervalued for long.

Lifecruiser Love Cruising
 

Just sitting there, listening to the sea and the seabirds, enjoying the sunshine after a very long winter back at home, could not be anything else than pure rehabilitation for both soul and body…

©Lifecruiser Love Boats
 

5. Trip to the Beach
–You knew this one was coming, but the beaches in Rocky Point are without match. Check out all the amazing beaches throughout the region, while trying out some fun beach activities such as horseback riding, banana rides, boogie boarding, and the tried and true classic, sun bathing under the amazing Rocky Point sun. Trust us; you will enjoy it!

4. Sunset Cruise
–Cruises here are a major tourist attraction and are the best way to relax and unwind from your daily duties. Hang out on the deck while sunbathing, or take some time to play shuffleboard with the other cruise patrons. Whatever you decide to do, even if you decide to do it on a sailboat, cruises in Rocky Point are fun and relaxing. This is definitely a “cannot miss”.

3. Fishing Trips
–The fishing in Puerto Penasco is above and beyond what almost any other coast based city can offer, and is among the main reasons some even decide to come. No matter what your age or skill level, there are tons of opportunities for you to fish to your heart’s content, all while catching some exotic fish. This is definitely a major highlight here in Rocky Point.

2. City Tour
–If you are looking for an awesome way to learn more about the city and discover some other fantastic activities, the City Tour is certainly a great way to do so. Grab your binoculars and your camera, and hit the town with your professional tour guide—it’s fun, educational, and, most importantly, a major part of Rocky Point’s culture.

1. Scuba Diving
–Scuba diving is our number one activity on this list and for good reason too. For years, people have enjoyed seeing the incredible ocean life on organized scuba trips, and it still isn’t any less fun. The majestic view of the thousands of sea creatures which call these waters home is something you will never forget, and is sure to put that extremely tasty cherry on top of your already amazing Rocky Point Vacation.

If you want any more ideas, feel free to contact us at any time on our website www.puerto-penasco.com we will help you plan the vacation of your life! Good luck!

(Guest post)
 

5. Golfing
–With some of the best golf courses around, Park City actually offers golfers of all skill levels a place to ply their craft and unwind from the rigors of everyday life. Without a doubt, if you want to engage in a friendly game of golf in an already beautiful locale, you should definitely try and do so. It is fun, and great for the entire family—provided you all enjoy golf, of course!

4. Restaurants
–Though it may seem strange, Park City offers some of the best restaurants in all of Utah. From delicious family themed diners to decadent gourmet restaurants that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates, you simply won’t have any difficulty finding somewhere delicious to eat. However, we must suggest you try some of the most famous eateries here, such as the Riverhorse on Main and Glitretind Restaurant. Both of these epitomize the ideals of Park City, and will show you what a real meal is like!

3. Hiking and other Summer Attractions
–It is true that Park City is known for its winter activities, but summer is still nothing to sneeze at. With some of the best hiking spots around, and a host of fantastic summer activities—like horseback riding and others—you will find that Park City is much more than just a winter wonderland. It is fun, varied, and beautiful year round as well!

2. SUNDANCE Film Festival
–Once a year, the famous Sundance Film Festival comes to Park City in a flurry of well-known stars, beginning actors, and avant-garde directors to display to the masses the best films it has to offer. And, whether you consider yourself a cine-phile or not, it is still a fantastic occasion that is sure to entertain the entire weekend that it is there. Truly, as an activity that is completely unique to Park City, this one shines as something you simply cannot miss!

1. Skiing and Snow Sports
–Obviously, the biggest reason anyone comes here is because of the impeccable skiing/snow sports locales Park City offers. Voted amongst the best ski destinations in the entire United States, Park City has tons of slopes, ski resorts, and ski lodges that are all geared towards making your experience that much better. You will never have more fun here than you will if you strap some skis to your feet and hit the slopes, we can promise you that!

If you have any more questions, go to the website www.parkcityvacationrentals.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can! Trust us; if anyone can help you plan the perfect Park City Vacation, it is us. We cannot wait to hear from you!

(Guest post)