History – Mark's Travel Journal

Why You Should Pick Bologna for Your Next Trip

When it comes to planning a trip, picking the right location is vital. Your trip can quickly go downhill if you don’t do research beforehand. However, one location has mesmerized people from around the globe for years, and it’s always a great place to visit. And that is Italy. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who regrated visiting this wonderful country. But Italy is a big country that would take a long time to explore. So, we narrowed down our choice to one specific place, Bologna. When people visit Italy, they mainly focus on Rome and Florence and ignore so many other incredible parts of the country, which is a big shame. So we decided to share with you some good reasons to pick Bologna for your next trip.

A plate of pasta Bolognese — If you pick Bologna for your next trip, you will get to enjoy one of the best cuisines in the world

The food scene

When we talk about the best cuisines in the world, Italy is always on top of the list. And if you asked Italians what the area of Italy that is the center of the food scene is, they would all say the same. It is Bologna. Bologna is famous for its meat, cheese, soups, pastries, gelato, and pasta. And if you haven’t already guessed by its name, Bologna is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bolognese sauce. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna area, famous for producing balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. So it is no wonder Bologna is so widely renowned in the world of food. Some of the dishes everyone who visits Bologna should try are:

Parmigiano Reggiano
Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese
Lasagne Verde al Forno

And the best part is that it is all very affordable. There are high-end restaurants that are more expensive, and then there are those affordable ones that also serve incredibly delicious food.

Places like Fontana di Trevi are always annoyingly crowded, but that’s not the case in Bologna

There will be fewer crowds

As we said previously, when people visit Italy, they mostly visit Rome, Florence, or Venice. And these cities are usually filled with tourists. I m sure you have at least once seen a picture of the crowds at Fontana di Trevi. And Rome is so famous that it is crowded almost all the time. Big crowds like that can take the joy out of a trip and leave you frustrated. Well, you won’t have to worry about that in Bologna. It is not as famous as Rome or Venice, so you can peacefully walk around the city and enjoy the experience. You won’t have to run to get tickets to museums or make restaurant reservations, so some other tourists don’t take it before you. Also, the locals will be a bit more friendly and welcoming than in Rome, for example, because tourists are not crowding their city and making their traffic more difficult.

It’s cheaper than other European cities

Budget plays a significant role when planning a trip. You must carefully research how expensive a city is before you travel there; otherwise, you can end up in an awkward situation. Thankfully Bologna is a very affordable city compared to others in Europe like Paris, Madrid, or even Rome. Food is affordable, and so is housing. It’s also a very walkable city so you won’t need much money for transport. This makes Bologna a perfect destination for a longer trip. An average-income person can afford to stay here for a couple of weeks without it obliterating their budget. And because it is so cheap, you will have enough money to finance renting storage while traveling to keep your valuables safe. Don’t underestimate the importance of budgeting when planning a trip like this.

Pick Bologna for your next trip and explore its many museums

When you visit Bologna, you won’t only get to eat amazing world-class food but also have a great learning experience in Bologna’s many museums. It’s not a big city, but it has rich history and culture that is celebrated in these museums. Let’s start with Museo Della Storia di Bologna (Museum of the history of Bologna). This museum tells the story of Bologna that spans many years to the Etruscan era. In this museum, you will learn how Bologna changed and flourished over the years. And it will be easy as the exhibits in the museum are set up in chronological order. There will be classical museum exhibits and also some fun interactive ones. You will have a very helpful guide as well. Then there is Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna ( The National Art Gallery of Bologna), where passionate art lovers can see paintings from the 13th to 18th century period by famous artists.

It’s a beautiful place

Even if there wasn’t an incredible food scene and museums filled with amazing works of art, there would still be one reason good enough to visit Bologna. And that is the fact that it is an incredibly beautiful place. There is an interesting mix of rolling hills and beautiful gardens with impressive architectural sights that make Bologna a must-see destination. You can visit the Park of Villa Ghigi or Giardini Margherita, the largest city park in Bologna. On the other hand, you can see Teatro Anatomico, Fontano del Nettuno, and Basilica di San Petronio. This mix of nature and architecture gives Bologna a special kind of charm that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Woman with a suitcase — Pick Bologna for your next trip and have the time of your life

In conclusion

These are just some of the reasons you should pick Bologna for your next trip. But there is so much more. Bologna is a good destination for a fun family holiday, a celebratory weekend with friends, a solo trip, or a romantic getaway for couples. You will enjoy amazing food, nature, culture, art, and impressive architecture. And the great thing is it will all be affordable. As you can see, there is something for everyone in Bologna, and you won’t regret visiting it. Now, all that is left to do is book those plane tickets and get ready for an Italian adventure!!

Stunning Locations in Argentina to Visit During Winter

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Argentina is one of South America’s most beautiful places you can visit. And it’s easy to see why: the country has a lot of stunning nature and warm weather year-round. The warmth also makes it one of the best locations to visit during winter, as the weather is pleasant regardless. In fact, most of the country experiences mild winters. This fact is what makes a lot of people believe that visiting Argentina in winter is perfect. However, the main question is still: where exactly should you go for the best experience in Argentina? We hope to help you answer this question with a list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter.

Puerto Madryn

Have you ever wanted to see a whale in person? Well, starting the list of stunning locations in Argentina is Puerto Madryn, the perfect place to do just that. Puerto Madryn is a beautiful coastal town near Peninsula Valdes, famous for being one of the world’s largest whale breeding bays. And the whale’s mating period happens to be during winter. Of course, the town has much to offer visitors besides watching the whales. The beaches around Puerto Madryn are a unique experience as well. So, if you feel like whale-watching and enjoying the atmosphere of a beautiful coastal town, consider giving Puerto Madryn a visit. However, if you haven’t been traveling in a while, keep in mind that the pandemic has affected travel permanently. As such, prepare for your trip correctly and well ahead of time to be as safe as possible.

Whale breaching the water surface. — Seeing whales in Puerto Madryn is common during winter.

Iguazu Falls

Next up on the list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter is a spot best to see during the cold season. That is because the area around the Iguazu Falls, one of Argentina’s most beautiful sights, tends to get extreme during other seasons. The humidity combined with Argentina’s usual warmth can suffocate, but the temperature here remains pleasant during winter.

As such, during winter, you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the Iguazu Falls without any drawbacks. In reality, many tourists stay in Argentina after they experience the Falls for themselves. If you find yourself enamored by Argentina’s beauty, remember to plan your move thoroughly and rely on a helpful crew, especially if you’re moving here from the US. Remember, reliable movers, are essential for international moves.

Buenos Aires

We can’t list places to visit in Argentina without mentioning Buenos Aires. This massive city is full of history and beautiful, traditional architecture. Even outside of winter, visitors can find enough to do in the city to fill up a few trips with exciting experiences. During winter, however, the city offers special seasonal foods and drinks.

Additionally, like the Iguazu Falls, summer can get quite overbearing in Buenos Aires. As such, winter can make Buenos Aires a much more enjoyable experience for visitors who want to explore at their own pace. And if you’re going to experience Buenos Aires for yourself, home swaps have become increasingly popular. Although it’s still not very common, it offers a unique overall experience that will let you enjoy the city thoroughly if you can manage it.

People walking in a crowded street. — Buenos Aires is one of the stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter.

Perito Moreno Glacier

If you want to experience the wonders of winter, you need to plan a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This glacier is found within the Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia and is considered one of Argentina’s most beautiful winter sights. That can easily be seen in the fact that this spot is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

The snow-covered ice and the chilly winter air make for a delightful experience. And, to top it off, the entire glacier is highly picturesque, and finding a beautiful view to snap a photo of is extremely easy. However, preparing yourself properly before visiting a glacier would be best. Do some research beforehand, as the best travelers do, and ensure it’s something you enjoy. After all, visiting the glacier can be a trek.

Mendoza

If you’re a fan of touring wineries, then the quaint town of Mendoza is the perfect spot for you. The town of Mendoza, by itself, isn’t very big; but it has a lot of high-quality wineries you can visit.

Additionally, the chilly winter air makes for a gratifying experience when going on a wine-tasting tour. Mendoza is in the Cuyo region of Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range. As such, besides the wine-tasting tours, the city is known as a hotspot for skiing if you enjoy going on skiing trips. Of course, if you don’t want something so exciting, there are plenty of beautiful views of the mountains from Mendoza itself. And there are also hiking trails if you enjoy going on hiking trips. But, especially during winter, remember to carefully prepare for hiking trips into the Andes.

Vineyard at sunset — Tasting wines in Mendoza’s picturesque vineyards is a truly unique experience.

Stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter – closing thoughts

Overall, Argentina is one of the world’s best places to visit during winter. Since the country is naturally warm, winter is the perfect time to visit since temperatures tend to be perfect for traveling. That, combined with Argentina’s natural beauty, makes a winter trip to the country a unique experience. Overall, if you are planning a trip this winter, you’re going to have a hard time finding a better country to visit. And, to make it even better, Argentina has plenty to offer for every type of traveler, as the tourist attractions in the country are very varied. We hope this list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter helps you plan your trip, and we wish you a good day.

European Capitals You Must Visit at Least Once

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There is a reason why most people place European capitals on their wish lists! Each and every capital city in Europe presents an intriguing combination of rich history, mesmerizing architecture, friendly people, tasty food, incredible nightlife, exquisite artwork, and many more. No matter which city you decide to visit, be sure that you will fall in love as soon as you arrive. You will fall in love not with another person but with small pathways, quirky stores, flowery balconies, and roads leading to the beach. Or, who knows – maybe you do fall in love with a local too! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag, buy that ticket and start exploring! But, if you don’t know where to go first, we got you! We prepared a list of European capitals you must visit at least once! Thus, keep on reading.

London, England

Without a doubt, one of the European capitals you must visit at least once is London – the capital of England! This capital is host to several million tourists every year. Some tourists see the fantastic London architecture, some learn about the United Kingdom’s rich history, and some just want to have fun in a city full of posh shops and restaurants.

The best way to experience all of the things mentioned above is to hop on a New Routemaster – a double-decker bus that will take you to all of London’s hotspots and allow you to take some Insta-worthy photos. For instance, it will take you to the Tower of London, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and many more.

Moreover, when it comes to London, we have to give you some essential tips for essential travel – get yourself an umbrella as soon as you arrive. Rain is a common sight here, so if you don’t want to be disturbed by it, have a small umbrella by your side at all times.

A picture of Big Ben and London Bridge. — London will forever be one of the European capitals you must visit at least once.

Paris, France

Welcome to the City of Light. Or, let us say, welcome to the City of Love and one of the best European destinations for singles! Just like London, Paris is also one of the European Capitals you must visit at least once in your life! Or, if you are really lucky, visit it a couple of times as one trip is not enough to see everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Some of the sights you simply can’t miss out on while in Paris are Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triumph, Place de la Concorde, etc. But, don’t just look at these sights – learn about them! Find a tour guide who will explain these sights’ role in history. Moreover, while here, don’t forget to sit in one of those famous Parisian cafes and order an espresso and a chocolate croissant. And, check out the street vendors and buy a beret too!

Also, don’t hesitate to visit Paris in winter! The city lights will leave you breathless! And, when you get tired of all the walking and exploring the city, why not go to some of the famous ski resorts in and around Paris, such as Montmartre or Les Trois Vallées. Trust us, there are many reasons for a ski trip to Europe, that is, to Paris and France, but we will leave it up to you to find out.

A view of Eiffel Tower in Paris. — Going to Paris must be on your bucket list!

Rome, Italy

Ahh, Italy! There is not a person in this world who wouldn’t like to visit this sunny county where everything smells like pasta and wine and where everybody wants to be your friend. But, to understand the true spirit of Italy, one must go to its capital – Rome. Rome is, above all, a city telling Roman Empire’s history. You can see that when through the Roman Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, etc. And you can see that when just walking through the streets of Rome.

We assure you – once you start exploring the city, you will get an instant wish to move here. And why wouldn’t you? Just hire movers and let them relocate you. If you want to avoid stress when packing, the key is starting early. But, we wouldn’t worry about stress here – Rome is just naturally peaceful.

Moreover, movers are not the only ones who can help you relocate – Trevi Fountain also can. Namely, it is believed that if you toss one coin into this fountain, you are destined to return to the Eternal City (Rome). And, if you want to return and also find the love of your life here, you must toss two coins. So, be careful what you wish for!

Trevi Fountain in Rome. — One thing is for sure – you will want to come back to Rome!

Athens, Greece

We simply cannot talk about the European capitals you must visit at least once without mentioning Athens – the capital of Greece. Athens is, without any doubt, the oldest capital of the world. Historical landmarks stretched throughout the city for as long as the eye can see. Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, Herod Atticus Odeon, Panathenaic Stadium, Agora, etc., are just some of the must-see places in Athens.

Moreover, while here, don’t forget to go to one of the many museums and galleries. This is where you will be able to learn the most about Greek history and culture. And, when you get tired of all the sightseeing (which will doubt will happen), sit in some local greek restaurant and try some authentic food and drinks. The Greeks will welcome you with amazing hospitality and, if you are lucky enough, they may play some music or let you break some plates to celebrate your trip.

There are many European capitals you must visit at least once. We mentioned just four of them, but you already know that there are many more with visiting. So, do your own research. Maybe you will find a capital that suits your preferences more. But don’t hesitate to visit the ones we mentioned either – they are on top of all traveler’s lists for a reason.