New Zealand’s natural beauty is undeniable. Its “pretty as a picture” reputation has been made famous by big blockbuster hits such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong, luring adventure tourists to its shores like Frodo to the ring.  Therefore, most people don’t think to visit New Zealand for its bright lights and big cities. What a shame since Wellington, New Zealand’s capitol, is an eclectic mix of sophistication and rock and roll, sure to satisfy any city girls needs.

Compared to other funky towns such as San Francisco and Melbourne, this ultra hip city is packed with op-shops (vintage clothing stores), cafes and lively pubs. Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2011 has even named Wellington “The Coolest Little Capitol in the World”. There’s something for everyone in Wellywood, the cities new nickname referring to its movie biz boom thanks to Wellingtonian Director Sir Peter Jackson. The only question is: What type of traveler are you?

The Cultural Sponge

The Cambridge Hotel is well suited for those wanting to stay down the street from Wellington’s cultural attractions. This affordable and newly restored heritage building is a great place to rest your head after a long day of sightseeing. First stop: Te Papa, the countries premier museum. Te Papa is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous Polynesian culture, wildlife and unique geology. Checking out the giant squid and earthquake simulator is a must. If you have access to a car, drive to Miramar and visit the World War II gun emplacements nuzzled into the green hills that surround the city and its coast. Be prepared to be taken aback by brilliant views of the area – make sure to remember your camera. Hungry? Grab a mince and cheese pie at a Courtney Place bakery then catch an NZ flick at the historical Embassy Theater where you can order a delicious glass of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc at their café… bring it into the theater! Finally, make your way back to the Cambridge Hotel and sip on a Tui, one of the countries native brews, and watch a rugby game at its downstairs pub.

The Rock and Roll Traveler

Head back in time to Cuba Street where everyone looks like an extra from Almost Famous, wearing bright lipstick and vintage frocks. Grab a flat white coffee at a café and watch the passerby’s. It’s the perfect place to browse used bookstores, designer op-shops, art galleries and eccentric boutiques. College students sit across from eateries and play hits on their guitars from old rock legends. Grab lunch at Fidel’s Café, themed, you guessed it, everything Cuba! Check out the Under the Radar website for gig listings at hole in the wall clubs like San Francisco Bath House and Mighty Mighty. El Horno, meaning ‘the furnace’, is a lively hole in the wall that serves jugs of sangria and plays classic rock and roll jams till six in the morning. Where to stay the night? If you’re a true rock and roller you have no time for sleep!

The Laid Back Traveler   

On a beautiful day Wellington sparkles and everyone comes out of the woodwork to enjoy time in the sun. If it’s the summer season, take advantage of the weather and enjoy all that the waterfront has to offer. Wellingtons Underground Market is open on Saturdays and perfect for browsing jewelry, designer fashion, local food stands, gifts and crafts. Stroll to one of the cities waterfront eateries such as Fox Glove or Dockside for some yummy seafood and nibbles. Head to Oriental Bay and catch some rays on the beach. Although, beware; because of Wellington’s unique position on the Cook Straight, it’s known to be one of the windiest cities. Its reputation holds true leaving its female residence no choice but to sport leggings and tights under billowing dresses and skirts, not only because it’s fashionable, because it’s sensible – pack with this in mind! Grab some grub in the evening and enjoy the chill atmosphere at Beach Babylon, located across from Oriental Bay. If the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra is in town be sure to hit up one of their shows and enjoy an evening of comedic uke covers. After a long day of sun, surf and ukulele tunes head back to the Base Backpackers, conveniently located near the waterfront, to catch some Zzzs.

Wellington is the perfect pit stop between the North and South Island. Too many travelers pass through Wellington without exploring the city properly. Take a break from bungee jumping and river rafting and enjoy one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

Lauren Koste traded in her three-piece suit for hiking boots to live and work abroad in New Zealand for a few months. A few months turned into over a year and now she’s extending her travels with her Kiwi boyfriend to Australia to plan the trip of a lifetime: spending a year travelling from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Chiang Mai Thailand is quickly becoming the scene for Americans, Canadians, Australians, Kiwis and more, who are looking for a unique, international city with affordable lodging, cultural experience and business opportunities.

The largest city in Northern Thailand and the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai, or “New City,” is a modern city at a village price.  The Old City of Chiang Mai is enclosed by an ancient large wall and moat that once were used to protect the town from the Burmese  This area of Chiang Mai has become quite popular with the backpacking crowd which are able to get decent, inexpensive short and long term apartments.

Getting There: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has .domestic and regional international flights. Thai Airways, Air Asia and Bangkok Airways are just a few of the airlines that fly into Chiang Mai.

It’s also possible to take the bus on a twisty ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Buses leave frequently throughout the day in Bangkok from the Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). The ride to Chiang Mai takes almost 9 hours. Consider taking an evening bus so you can sleep on the way there and arrive in the morning and explore the city. If you get motion sickness, this might not be a great choice for you.

It’s also possible to take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.  Leaving from Hualamphong Train Station,  you can choose a train leaving during the day or consider taking a sleeper.  Once you arrive to Chiang Mai either by bus, train or plane, you’ll be met by tuk-tuks and songthaews to take you to your final destination within the city.

Seat61 offers comprehensive information on getting to Chiang Mai and around Thailand.

Where to Stay: The options are quite varied on where you can stay while in Chiang Mai.  Guesthouses are quite popular with the long term stay backpackers. The most popular ones are either within the Old City or right outside the walls.

Rama Guesthouse is highly recommended for clean, cheap and cool! Best of all? Wifi is free! Rates start at 300 baht.

Diva Guesthouse is also nearby and another good option. Colorful and chic, they even have on site massage rooms and staff with a 1 hour massage a steal at 160 baht.

For a little more luxury,  try the 5 star RatiLanna Resort. Located on the river, this gorgeous hotel offers gigantic kind sized beds, babbling waterfalls in the bathroom and a comforting decor. While there, the Prime Minister was also visiting the city and stayed at the Ratilanna which caused quite a commotion. The delicious breakfast buffet was Western and Asian inspired.

What to Do:

The night bazaar in Chiang Mai is a dizzying experience filled with bright colors, crowds of people, exotic foods and overwhelming sounds of the vendors vying to sell their wares.  You can find scarves, t-shirts, artwork and so much more in the bazaar.  Bargaining is possible, but don’t believe that all the items available are unique to that vendor. You may find the same thing down the way or in Bangkok. Some is original, some factory made.

You’ll of course notice the heave influence of Buddhism in everyday life of the Thais. There are a multitude of Buddhist temples in and around Chiang Mai. One of the most revered and popular temples is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which is situated Northwest of Chiang Mai on a hilltop with a magnificent view overlooking the city.  This temple is dated from 1383 and today is quite impressive with it’s golden shrines.  For visitors, it’s quite easy to access the temple located about 15 km outside of the city. Once you arrive it’s possible to take the stairs or a cable car (enclosed with no view) to the temple.

Loi Kratong/Yi Peng happens the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in a traditional Thai lunar calendar or in the Western calendar it is usually November. “Loi” means ‘to float,’ while “kratong” refers to the lotus shaped receptacle which floats on the water. While it can be made of anything, the kratong originally consisted of banana leaves and contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. Thousands gather on the waterways in Chiang Mai as well as around Thailand and light their candles, make a wish and set their kratongs free. At the same time, people release beautiful paper lanterns to the sky (yes, just like in Tangled!) as part of the Yi Peng festival.

You can’t go to Thailand without getting a massage or two or three. Let’s Relax is quite a popular choice and highly recommended. For a truly out of this world luxurious massage try the 2 hour classic Thai massage at the Rarinjinda Spa.

Elephant Camps are a controversial topic but are a significant part of Thai history.  Outside of Chiang Mai there are dozens of camps. I visited the Maetang Elephant Camp where I did participate in riding an elephant.  I loved having the opportunity to visit the camp and experience for myself what it was like. There were a few parts of the camp that I did not feel comfortable with. Like  viewing the parading of the elephants by the mahouts in an arena in front of a crowd of tourists in bleachers. I also thought that it was cool that the elephants could paint on an easel, but know that training them to do so has come under scrutiny by animal rights activists as a form of torture. I felt truly blessed to be so close to the elephants.  If you do decide to go to an elephant camp, do your research on how the animals are treated and decide for yourself what you will tolerate.

Where to Eat: Food in Thailand is incredible and you’ll be hard pressed to not find a decent place to eat.  If you’re not into eating at a food stall (cause sometimes it’s nice to have a good sit down meal), Whole Earth Restaurant has traditional Thai, Indian and vegetarian options and a perfect place for lunch. The menu is quite extensive. Make sure you don’t miss the mango and sticky rice!

Located on the river a little ways from the night bazaar is The Gallery Restaurant.  With a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the river, this restaurant is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner. Enter through the store and head to the back.  Their Tom Yum soup is deliciously spicey.

Jerri Stephenson is the co-founder of Do It While You’re Young and recently visited Thailand with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. You might also be interested in Beautiful Thailand through Instagram.

When most people hear ‘Amsterdam’ their first thoughts are of windmills, tulips, clogs, and Anne Frank. But this vibrant capital city boasts incredible art & architecture, a population of 1.3 million, impressive markets and parks, and a vibrant nightlife.

Getting there:  Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main airport in the Netherlands. From there you can catch a train, taxi, bus or shuttle to the city center.  If you’re traveling by train you’ll likely arrive at Station which is appropriately located in the city’s center.

Getting around:  Amsterdam is not a motor-friendly city. With its canals, bridges, and one-way streets, Amsterdam belongs to bikers and pedestrians. Cabs and shuttles are a great way to get from the airport to the city center but be aware taxis in Amsterdam are known for being overpriced. Also note that most cab drivers do not speak English so be sure to have the address of your destination written out to show them.

When in Amsterdam do like the Dutch do and rent a bike or ride the tram. Bikes can be rented from train stations or rental companies like Mike’s Bike Tour. Single fare tram tickets can be a bit costly (2 euro for a trip within the city center’s Zone 1) but with a Stippenkaart ticket, the tram is a great way to get around the city. You can purchase a Stippenkaart from most train stations, tourist information stands and supermarkets. The ticket gives you seven Zone 1 trips for 7 euro and some change.

If you’re looking to do some major site-seeing, Mike’s Bike Tours or the hop-on hop-off style Canal Bus boat are great options.

Looking for a less expensive way to see the city? You can conquer most of Amsterdam by foot, but just be aware of where the bike paths are and be sure to stay clear of them, unless you want to take your life in your hands.

Where to stay: The Leidseplein area is the ideal place to stay for young travelers. Its center square is lined with restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs and is within walking distance of most of Amsterdam’s museums and popular attractions.

Where to eat: When in Amsterdam you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Dutch to Asian to American and everything in between.

For traditional Dutch cuisine, head to D’Vijff Vlieghen. It’s a popular spot with great food, just keep in mind that it’s slightly more expensive with the average meal costing around 25 euro.

If you’re looking for a great burger, check out De Burgermeester, known for its gourmet beef, lamb and duck burgers. Try all three by ordering a mini burger platter.

T Blauwe Teehuius is a great place to grab a bite to eat after spending the day in Vondelpark & if Dutch beer is what you’re after, stop by the Cracked Kettle.

What to do: Amsterdam is full of historic locals and great museums. If you’re trying to see it all, consider purchasing a Museumkaart or IAmsterdam card. Both offer discounts on museums and transportation.

Red Light District: The Dutch believe that most things are easier to control if they’re legal and thus Amsterdam has the Red Light District, a centralized location for prostitution within the city. While the area is well maintained it still has its fair share of shady characters and it’s recommend that you’re planning to visit the Red Light District that you travel in a group, and avoid going at night.

Anne Frank House: You can tour the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid out during the German occupation of Holland at this popular museum. Just keep in mind, that the museum is just that – popular! The Anne Frank House opens at 9 am but if you want to beat the crowds, it’s not a bad idea to get there around 8:45.

Coffee Shops: Coffee shops are a popular destination for tourists who are fascinated by the city’s tolerance for soft drugs. There are coffee shops located across the city but some notable ones include Dampkring, which was featured in the movie Ocean’s 12, Abraxas with its three floor bar and the Bulldog. Keep in mind that while you can purchase and smoke weed inside these coffee shops (for now – there’s a proposed law that may change that) it’s illegal to smoke it outdoors, and also illegal to smoke tobacco indoors.

Museums: Amsterdam has an incredible collection of art stored at the Rijksmuseum. The museum has around 5,000 works, including pieces by Rembrant and Vermeer. And not far from the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum which boasts over 200 paintings and 500 drawings from Van Gogh and his contemporaries.

Extras:  Dam Square is located in the historical center of the city and is home to the National Monument, Royal Palace, and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and is just blocks from the Central Station. Vondelpark is a great place to escape the bustling city. This large park within the city has plenty of open space plus restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops throughout the park. Bloemenmarktis the city’s floating flower garden and the only garden of its kind in the world. It’s a great place to wander around and pick up some souvenirs.

Beth is a recent Butler University grad and travel writer. During her undergrad she had the opportunity to travel around Europe to many cities including Amsterdam.

The hidden gem of the African continent – Namibia is a vast open space full of beautiful landscapes, exotic animals, and rare run in’s with tourists. Once a German colony then later ruled by South Africa, Namibia recently obtained independence in 1990. While Windhoek Namibia may not be the large metropolitan city commonly found in other country capitals, it still boasts the lights and buzz of urban life, and serves as a lively travel hub to the many nearby sights.

How to get there:

By plane:

Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is the country’s primary international airport, but there are few direct connections from Europe, the USA, or Australia.  The biggest airline is Air Berlin with 80% of the airport destinations. Other airlines operating in this airport are South African Airways and British Airways. From Europe, best direct connections are with Air Namibia or Lufthansa from Frankfurt or Munich.

The airport hosts many flights to and from neighboring countries. You will most likely catch connecting flights in the South African cities of Cape Town or Johannesburg before continuing the journey towards Windhoek.

The airport is approximately 40km east of Windhoek’s city center and serves as the first point of entry into the country. Taxis and kombis are available for travel to and fro.

By bus:

The most convenient international bus service in Namibia is Intercape, which runs a bus service to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa and Livingstone (Victoria Falls) in Zambia. It is advised to book a few days in advance to secure a seat.

By car:

Namibia’s well paved and organized road system makes entering by vehicle, such as a rented car, quite easily. It is cheaper to rent a car in South Africa than in Namibia, but often must be organized through a travel company.

Typically, a combination of hitchhiking and kombis can get you from just about anywhere in southern Africa to Windhoek.

Where to stay:

Windhoek offers accommodation for all types of visitors. For budget travelers and students, I recommend the Cardboard Box. It has a great location, serves good food, and has an outdoor bar, a swimming pool, and some of the nicest employees around. For the mid-range traveler, I suggest the Okavango Guesthouse. And for those who want to splurge, you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer hotel than the Kalahari Sands. This luxury hotel and casino has a roof top swimming pool and is located in the heart of downtown Windhoek.

Klein Windhoek, a neighborhood of the city, offers good quality hotels for travelers in the historically-Afrikaaner (German-descendent) part of the city. If you wish to engage with a wider variety of Namibian people, I would recommend not staying near here.

How to get around:

As Windhoek is a charmingly small city, walking will largely suffice as a means of transport. However, many taxis and kombis are available for hire. In Namibia, it is not uncommon for a taxi driver to pick up multiple people in the same taxi, heading to different destinations.

To travel around the country, Windhoek does have a train station that operates the TransNamib trains to many domestic destinations such as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park. There is also a luxury tourist train operator called The Desert Express. However, I recommend hiring a private kombi. It will be cheaper and more dependable.

Where to eat:

As Namibia is a former colony of Germany, beer plays a huge role in it’s dining options, with most locals and tourists alike sipping on locally brewed Windhoek Lager (but I also HIGHLY recommend Savannah Dry, a dry cider. Can easily toss back a few of these!). If you are interested in trying wild game meat, such as zebra, oryx, ostrich, or crocodile, Joe’s Beer House is a recommended stop. This outdoor watering hole is set in huts and decorated with Jager bottles, and serves up a good steak.

For a romantic night out, The Wine Bar, is a perfect setting. Located on a hill overlooking the city, its views of the sunset and the night lights are mesmerizing, especially after a glass of wine straight from South Africa’s west coast.

Nando’s is a Portuguese chain that is well received in Windhoek. You can also find a KFC.

For bites at a local market, head to the single quarters in Katatura. Famous for “kapana,” barbecued meat, roasted on traditional braaivleis. Be sure to try Namibian jerky, “biltong,” while you’re at it!

If you are interested in cooking for yourself, the Wernhill Center in downtown Windhoek has a large shopping center known as the Pick’n Pay. I recommend trying Simba chips and Ceres fruit juice.

What to do:

Music: The locals love to dance! Head to Funky Lab or El Cubano to try to keep up with the Namibians, with beats echoing house and reggae tunes. Dylan’s is a great bar with karaoke on Thursday nights, and check in regularly with the venue, “The Warehouse,” which hosts local musical and artistic talent.

Shop: Windhoek has a variety of shopping centers to entertain travelers. While Wernhill Center has many chain clothing shops, you can find more traditional handicrafts at the Namibia Craft Center. Penduka, a local initiative supporting women’s employment, also has a variety of interesting souvenirs and hand-made gifts.

Sight see:

Christuskirche is an old Lutheran church that sits in the middle of a big traffic circle where Robert Mugabe Avenue and Fidel Castro Street meet.

Parliament of Namibia Formerly the legislative assembly during the apartheid days, this is now the home of the National Assembly.

Zoo Park Located in the center of town, this lovely little park offers a nice reprieve from city life. Goes best with ice cream.

Heroe´s Acre – about 5 km south of Windhoek on the road to Rehoboth, you will find this memorial that was created to recognize the extraordinary efforts made to achieve Namibia’s independence, freedom, and democracy.

Be sure to ask around about any upcoming farmers markets, directions to the Blue Olive restaurant (an organic foods eatery), or information about anticipated brewery tours.

Travel around the country:

Soussevli – Where can you find the world’s largest dunes? In the Namib desert, of course! Admire the red sands of southern Namibia and tackle dune 45 – not for the faint of heart! Sossusvlei is a nearby park with a dried up lake.

Etosha National Park – Namibia’s infamous game park is home to a Africa’s “Big 5″ – the black rhino, the lion, the elephant, the zebra, and the giraffe. Try to spot them all. You can drive through the park in a rented vehicle or hire a safari crew to take you. Recommended during dry season (despite the lack of green, lush vegetation, the animals are easier to find!)

Swakopmund – This seaside port town is the culmination of Namibia’s past colonization by the Germans. With streets and shops that could be found in Germany itself, opportunities to kayak the Atlantic Ocean in the company of sea lions, climb more tall dunes, Swakopmund and nearby Walvis Bay are not to be missed.

Skeleton Coast – Accessible only through a tour company, this barren coast line gained the nickname “Skeleton Coast” because of the number of ships that wrecked in its dangerous nearby waters. Often visited by flight, this is a unique corner of the world that many travelers can claim to have seen.

Language tips:

English, as the country’s official language, is widely spoken around the country. Many Namibians also speak Afrikaans, which is similar to dutch. The black Africans speak a wide variety of tribal related languages, with Damara-Nama and Otci Verambo being the most prevolant. These local languages do include clicks and are fun to practice, so if you get a chance to learn a few words from a friend, do it!

General Advice and Safety:

- Banks in Namibia will convert Namibian Dollars for South African Rand and vice versa without charge or paperwork.

- Prices in shops are fixed, but prices in open markets or from street vendors are open to barter.

- The northern part of Namibia is a malaria-risk zone, so it is advised to organize the appropriate medications prior to leaving and while traveling.

- While I felt safe enough to run by myself around the city, its always best to have someone know your whereabouts at all times. Pickpocketing is a problem in the city, especially near ATM’s.

Born in the year of the Rabbit, Megan’s  first expedition to China ended in failure when she tried to dig there from Indiana at the age of eight. Now living in Beijing, she is a content editor for Go! Overseas and enjoys writing about study abroad, especially in China.

Any Pirates of the Caribbean fans out there?  Imagine you could recreate the romance, adventure, energy, and pure fun of the movie on your next vacation… you can do just that if you head to the city of Cartagena, settled on the northern coast of Colombia.  This city is filled with real pirate stories and enough rum to keep the adventure going until late into the night.

Getting There: Flying into Cartagena is relatively easy with daily flights arriving from Bogota and from the US.  Flights to Cartagena can be found for incredibly cheap is you keep your eyes open.  Check out the budget Spirit Airlines for affordable weekend getaway prices.

Once you arrive, the easiest option for getting to El Centro is to take a taxi which can be found right outside the terminal.  Prices are affordable for the 10-15 minute ride into the center with the maximum charge being around $10 dollars.  No taxis in the city use meters so be sure you negotiate the price before departing.

If you will be arriving to Cartagena by bus, you will be left at the city bus terminal which is up to an hour from the center in bad traffic.  Taking a local bus into the center will cost you less than a dollar.

Getting Around: Cartagena is a large city but most of the city’s population is actually spread out in the barrios.  The historic city itself and the adjacent peninsula area are where the majority of sites and hotels are located.  To get around the historic center, you can usually just walk.  A taxi to Bocagrande, the new modern side of town, will only cost you 5-7,000 pesos or you can catch a bus outside of the old city wall for 1,700 pesos.

Where to Stay: Nearly all travelers will stay in either the historic center or Bocagrande.  Budget travelers will have the best luck in the Getsemaní area of the center, while travelers able to splurge can opt for boutique hotels closer to the middle of the old city.  Local Colombians visiting the city are often more likely to stay in Bocagrande where the high end resorts and hotels feature high rise buildings and beach front property.

What to Do and See:

Walk the City Wall — Cartagena is one of the best preserved colonial cities in the New World.  That is thanks in large part to the city’s well fortified wall which surrounds the old city.  Start walking an hour or so before sunset on the east side of the city, near the India Catalina monument.  If you time things right, you should be at Cafe del Mar (a bar located right on the top of the wall) just in time to see the sunset over the ocean.

Fort — As a major port in the new world for the Spanish empire, Cartagena suffered many pirate attacks.  After a disastrous conquest by the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, the Spanish government invested significant money into fortifying the city.  In addition to the famous wall, the Castillo de San Felipe was build just outside the old city center.  The mammoth structure is easy to spot and is well worth checking out.  Opt for a tour if you can and learn all about the history of the city.

Museums — Walking around the historic center is like visiting a museum itself but if you are looking for a bit more culture, pop into any of the many museums spread around El Centro.  The Palace of the Inquisition is the most highly recommended museum.  Across the plaza from the Palace is the Gold Museum which is free and air conditioned which can be a great relief on a hot Caribbean day.

Mud Volcano — If you will be visiting the city for more than a few days, consider a day trip out to the mud volcano.  This natural phenomenon has created a mud filled mountain where you can splash around in the skin benefiting mud with about a dozen other strangers.  It is quite a unique experience and a highlight for many visitors.

Dance Salsa — The parties in Cartagena are all about salsa and locals are always happy to teach you a few steps.  For an authentic and local experience, check out Cafe Havana in Getsemaní any weekend night.  This small salsa bar has live music and a great original feel.  The younger crowd often heads over to Mister Babilla where the music is a mix of salsa, hip hop, and reggaeton.

Check out the Beach — The city of Cartagena isn’t known for its beaches… if you were hoping for white Caribbean sand, you will be disappointed.  An alternative is to take a boat out to the Rosario Islands (an hour by boat) which do fit the picture of Caribbean paradise.  Boats and tours can be booked from the port in the center.

Other Tips:

• Avoid coming to the city during rainy season (approx. August to late October).  Low sea level, a strong tide, and an extra rainy day can leave the city completely flooded.
• Do visit during the yearly November festival that celebrates the city’s founding with a Carnival and Miss Colombia pageant.  January through April is also a great time to visit and catch one of the many festivals held in the city.

Written by DIWYY guest writer, Chelsea Rae Schmidt, who spend 8 months living in Cartagena, Colombia before moving this past June to Buenos Aires.  Chelsea considers herself a professional nomad and permanent expat.  You can follow her on Twitter @ChelseaRaePS or check out her website.

Getting there: If you are traveling from anywhere in the Midwest you may want to consider driving or taking a bus. Megabus has tickets for as low as $10 and the Greyhound stops right at Central Station in downtown. Amtrak is another great option, as is a good old fashion road trip with your friends – Indianapolis is considered the Crossroads of America after all!

If you’re traveling by air, you’ll fly into the Indianapolis International Airport. The airport opened its new terminal in 2008 and is conveniently located off of I-70 for easy access to the city.

Getting around: Indianapolis does have public transportation, although if you go this route you may find yourself spending a large portion of your trip waiting on buses. Your best bet is to rent a car or make friends with one of Indy’s many cab drivers.

Whether you’re spending the day downtown or wandering the streets of Broad Ripple, one of the great things about Indy is that once you reach your destination you can get most places by foot. The Cultural Trail is a series of bike and pedestrian trails that connect all of the downtown districts and the Monon Trail is great for getting around Broad Ripple Village or getting in a little exercise.

If you do drive and you’re planning on spending the day downtown, the Circle Center Mall parking garages are your best bet. Located in the middle of downtown, parking is only $1.50 for the first three hours. Not to mention, the mall garages are connected to the Skywalk, which is a great way to get around downtown without braving the elements or traffic!

Where to stay: You can find great deals all over Indianapolis so before you book a hotel, consider where you’ll be spending most of your time. While you can get around the city pretty quickly, there’s no point in staying at a hotel on 86^th Street when your reason for visiting Indy is to explore downtown.

If you’re looking for a cheaper and unique option, Indianapolis does have a hostel. Located near Broad Ripple it’s perfect if you’re visiting Indy to enjoy Broad Ripple’s night life. They even offer a Big Fun Beer Run package.

Where to eat: If you’re looking for something familiar, head on up to 86^th Street between the Castleton & Keystone Malls for every chain restaurant you’ve ever heard of. The hard part will be choosing where to go!

For a more uniquely Indy dining experience visit one of Indy’s NUMBER cultural districts and you’re sure to find something that appeals to your taste buds. Mass Ave and Broad Ripple are both home to two of Indy’s most popular dining establishments: Yats and Bazbeauxs. Yats features Cajon Creole cuisine with a menu that changes daily (although all dishes are always $5.50!) and Bazbeaux has, hands-down, the best pizza in Indiana. If you’re looking for a great burger or garlic fries that will change your life, try Boogie Burger in Broad Ripple.

What to do:

Districts – Broad Ripple is home to unique shops, great pubs and restaurants, and the Indianapolis hipster population during the day and by night is home to Indy’s nightlife scene for college students and young professionals. Mass Ave, located downtown is considered the art and theater district of Indy. Lined with galleries and theaters, the district also has a great shops and restaurants, including the Rathskeller, a Bavarian beer hall and beer garden located in the heart of the city.

Museums & More – White River State Park is Indy’s unofficial museum central. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum (complete with IMAX theater), and Indianapolis Zoo are all located on the parks grounds. Even if you’re not in the museum-mood the park is still something worth checking out. There are gondola rides (ala Venice) and paddle boats for rent on the canal as well as great paths for running and enjoying a beautiful Indianapolis afternoon. In the summer there are festivals and concerts nearly every weekend, so check out their website before your trip to see what they have planned during your stay.

If you head north of downtown you’ll find the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. It’s the world’s largest children’s museum and definitely worth checking out, regardless of your age. And a little further past the Children’s Museum is the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). General admission to the museum and the IMA’s surrounding gardens is free, year-round!

Sports – Indianapolis is perhaps most well known as the site of the Indianapolis 500 but when it comes to sports, Indy has something for everyone.

Lucas Oil Stadium, built in 2008 is home to the Indianapolis Colts and in its brief history has held a number of concerts as well as the 2010 NCAA National Championship and is the location for the upcoming Superbowl XLVI.

College students can take advantage of the Indiana Pacer’s College Night where a ticket & t-shirt are only $10 with college ID. And speaking of college and basketball, a sports fan’s trip to Indy isn’t complete without a visit to the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Built in 1928, Hinkle is home to the Butler Bulldogs who made back-to-back runs to the NCAA National Championship in 2010 and 2011.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Triple-A affiliate, the Indians play at Victory Field downtown. With post-game fireworks following most weekend games, great concessions deals during the week, and outfield lawn seating, Victory Field is a great place to spend a summer day.

Beth is a Chicagoland-native turned Hoosier and a writer for TravelProducts.com. When she’s not busy writing about travel accessories, you can find her enjoying a day of shopping in Broad Ripple or at Hinkle Fieldhouse cheering on her Butler Bulldogs.

Photo credit – http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4197904549_17ba6c1f2e.jpg

Each fall, the city of Munich Germany attracts thousands of visitors for the Oktoberfest. However, the Bavarian capital is well worth visiting at any time of year. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Getting There: Munich Airport (MUC) receives direct flights from most major cities. The German airline Lufthansa flies daily to European capitals (London, Madrid, Paris, etc.), as well as to American cities, including New York and Boston. Moreover, Lufthansa is part of the Star Alliance, and with partners such as United and U.S. Airlines, it is easy to find a connecting flight to destinations that are not covered directly by the German airline. To find great offers on flights to Munich, look beyond the official operators and well-known websites such as Expedia. LetsFlyCheaper.com, for example, has had some affordable deals not only for economy flights, but also for business class tickets.

Once you have arrived in your respective terminal, there are several options for getting to the city centre:

• By Taxi. This is the most expensive option. The Munich airport is located outside the city center, so a taxi to the downtown area can add up to over 50 Euros. Follow the signs that say “Taxis.”
• By Subway. The subway and fast train system in Munich is called U-Bahn and S-Bahn, respectively. The airport is serviced by the S1 and S8, both of which connect to the downtown area and the central train station, the Hauptbahnhof. Check out the site of the MVV-München for details on tickets and pricing.

• By Bus. Lufthansa operates an official airport bus. The great thing is that you don’t need to be on a Lufthansa flight to purchase tickets for the bus. See the website for details on departure times and costs.

If you are arriving by train, most likely you will be arriving at Hauptbahnhof. This central station is serviced with connections to many other German and European cities. Check out the Deutsche Bahn website for details.

Where to Stay: Munich offers accommodation for every type of traveler. For students and those on a budget, there are numerous hostels in the centre, especially around the Hauptbahnhof area. A simple Google search for “hostel Munich” will do the trick, but there are also sites that list several hostels all at once, such as Booking.com, Hostelbookers, or Hostel World. Both hostels and affordable hotels can also be found on cheaphotels.org. Especially during Oktoberfest, when accommodation prices can triple, camping becomes popular. The camping site in Thalkirchen is a popular option.

Those who want to splurge will also find countless upscale options in Munich. Check out the Bayerischer Hof, the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Four Seasons), Mandarin Oriental or the Hotel Königshof. The first also has a great restaurant called Trader Vic’s, where you can dine even if you are not a guest. Just make sure to make a reservation.

How to Get Around: Getting around Munich is easy. In fact, the city was recently named the “capital of biking.” There are numerous trails in and around the centre. Touristic tours, too, can be done on bike. Check out Mike’s Bike Tours for details. If you want to drink and bike, there are Beer Bike Tours to take you around, too. Those who wish to spare their muscles (or stomachs) can opt for a conventional bus tour instead.

In the city centre, you will have to get off your bike and off the bus. The area around Marienplatz, where the town hall is located, is a pedestrian zone. If the weather is nice, you can stroll around the shops and the Viktualienmarkt, a market where fresh local and international specialties alike are sold. In the winter, bundle up and have some Glühwein (hot wine) here at one of the Christmas markets.

In terms of getting around other parts of the cities, the U-Bahn (underground trains) and S-Bahn (fast trains) come in handy. If you’re looking to take a trip to the nearby mountains (in the summer, I recommend a trip to the Blomberg), renting a car will probably be the best option.

Where to Eat: Germany is known for its beer. From Weissbier to Pils, to Starkbier to Helles and Dunkles, Germany certainly offers a rich variety to choose from. And while some may consider a beer filling in itself, the country does offer some very delicious foods, too. Check out my article on the Top 10 German Foods for some inspiration.

Some traditional German restaurants in Munich include:

• Augustiner Bräu. Neuhauser Straße 27, 80331 Munich. Tel. +49 89/23183 ext. 257
• Franziskaner. Residenzstr. 9, 80333 Munich. Tel. +49 89/231812 ext. 0

What to See:

• The Historic Centre: If you don’t stop by Marienplatz at 11 a.m., 12 noon or 5 p.m., you haven’t done the most touristic thing in Munich. These are the times that the little figures play at the town hall building, the Rathaus. Recently, they have been renovated and are shining brightly.
• The Museums: The Pinakothek der Moderne, the Neue Pinakothek and the Alte Pinakothek trace the most modern artists all the way back to the most classic creations. The newest addition to the complex is the Museum Brandhorst, which shows contemporary art.
• Englischer Garten: Bigger than Central Park in New York, the Englischer Garten is a must-do. Sports lovers in particular will find delight here. From jogging to biking to yoga to tennis (courts are located at the Hirschau), you can practice just about any sport here. Those who enjoy being spectators should check out the surfers at the Prinzregentenstr. entrance. They surf day and night, in hot and freezing weather. Check out the resulting documentary film “Keep Surfing” so you know what to expect.

Language Tips: German is not an easy language to learn, and the Germans know it. As an international tourist destination, Munich is welcoming to those who only speak English. If you do want to learn some basics, check out my recent article “10 German Words and Phrases to Learn for Oktoberfest.”

General Advice and Safety: Munich is the safest city in Germany. However, as you should in any city, keep your belongings in sight. Especially crowded areas near Marienplatz, Stachus and Hauptbahnhof can be popular hangouts for pickpockets.

Written by DIWYY guest writer, Isabel Eva Bohrer, who is currently livin’ la vida local in Madrid. In homage to the Spanish capital, she publishes MADbudget: The Ultimate Guide to Madrid. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com

Photos: JoeDuck at Flickr Creative Commons