Tag Archives: hotels

Paris Van Java or Bandung, Indonesia

Known as “Paris Van Java,” Bandung, Indonesia has been termed “Paris of Java” by its Dutch colonizers. Today, Bandung still retains its European vibe. While it is likely that Bandung may resemble a Parisian city of the 19th century more than a modern Paris of today, given this Javanese city’s relaxed more rustic vibes. Here are a few reasons Bandung is the Paris of Java.

Paris Von Java
Shopping
Bandung is one of the top locations in Southeast Asia to buy designer clothes, so in this way it resembles Paris. But where you would expect to pay top dollar (euro) for designer duds in Paris, luckily Bandung is different in this way. Paris Van Java is home to a mass of outlet stores which sell legitimate top brands(most of the time) at discount rates. It is possible to get a complete wardrobe of high quality clothes for a fraction of the price you would pay for the same items back home. So just like Paris of France, Paris Van Java  is a perfect place to shop til’ you drop.

Hotels
Bandung has hotels that counter those of Paris. Ranging from high-end classical, to budget hostels, to funky artsy themed hotels, there is something for every palette.  Many of these places can be booked booked via sites such as Traveloka.com including the luxurious Grand Royal Panghegar, famous for its world class charm.  Bandung is also home truly unique lodgings, including waterside wood huts with glamorous interiors, rustic mountainside cabins complete with lawn gnomes, a waterpark hotel that is perfect for the kids, and a romantic castle true to Paris‘ 19th century gothic style.

Paris Von Java
Cafes and Restaurants
If Paris is known for one thing more than any other it is its cafe culture. In terms of unique cafe experiences Bandung rivals its European counterpart.  Bandung has cafes to suit any taste, ranging from simple steet-side coffee shops perfect for a quick cup; to elegant places great for dinner or lunch. The Javanese and international food in Bandung is some of the best in Indonesia. Paris Van Java is also home to some magnificent themed cafe, including garden themed and several retro themed cafes as well. Badung also has several art galleries doubling as cafes, could it get any more Paris than that?

So if you are looking to rekindle your romance why not give Java’s city of a love a try instead of the French version. Not only will have the opportunity to experience a gorgeous country filled with natural wonders beyond compare, you will also get many of the charms you would get in Paris itself, often at a fraction of the price. So sipping coffee while taking a break from designer shopping can be equally rewarding in Java as it is France. It is with good reason the Dutch dubbed Bandung, Paris Van Java.

30 May 2016

How we travel differently: Daytona Beach for dogs

In the past, if you had a dog and you loved to travel, you faced two agonizing choices: Drop Fido at a kennel or leave him in an empty house with daily visits from a pet sitter. Now, however, more hotels and businesses recognize that for many, a dog is a cherished family member and travel companion. Daytona Beach, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, is ahead of the curve. There are pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches, and parks. If you’re headed for Daytona with your canine in tow, here are some tips to make it a blast.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Daytona Beach, some charge exorbitant pet fees or impose strict size limitations. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach allows pets of all size and lets them stay for free. The tile floors are easy to sweep up after a day at the beach and the kitchenette makes it easy to keep food dishes clean and water bowls filled. If you love the homey feel of a B&B, the Coquina Inn has a liberal pet policy and even includes a “bed and biscuit” welcome basket for your dog.

Where to Play

Read below to learn more about Daytona Beach for dogs

Image by Amy Fox via Trover.com

Daytona Beach has some of the best dog parks in the south — there’s even a dog beach! The Lighthouse Point Park and Ponce Inlet Dog Beach is just a few minutes south of Daytona Beach and gives you and your dog plenty of space to enjoy the sun and sand. The Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park is a four-acre dog park with plenty of benches, watering stations, and separate small and large dog areas. The Manatee Island Park also has a separate dog park so you and Fido can enjoy an afternoon of manatee watching.

Where to Eat

One of the advantages of vacationing in a pet-friendly city is having lunch with your dog. At the Blue Grotto, you can even go dancing. This beachfront bistro offers a full menu of lunch and dinner delicacies, cozy waterfront gliders for admiring the view, and a huge dog-friendly deck. Cool off with a cup of frozen yogurt at Rhokkoh’s, a pet haven on historic Beach Street. There’s plenty of water bowls outside, free treats inside, and magazines for dog lovers scattered about. Heli-Hogs is a fun barbecue joint with dog-friendly seating and smells that will have your dog drooling. They also offer helicopter rides.

Where to Get Help

If you’re in town for a wedding or a business event and need a hand with your dog, Rover.com can hook you up with a dog walker, pet sitter, or even an overnight stay. If your dog sprains an ankle swimming in the surf, there’s a Banfield Pet Hospital right near the beach. Go Vet Go is a mobile vet service that will come right to your door in a pinch.

Why not plan a Daytona Beach vacation with Fido this year? You and your dog will have a ball.

20 May 2015