Picturesque mountains. A lake glistening in the sun. Deserts stretching into the distance. This is Armenia, a wonderful country. It has now become one of the best West Asian countries for tourists and I definitely recommend you to visit it with your family.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get from Russia to Armenia is by plane. There are flights from Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Sochi, Mineralnye Vody and other cities. The flight will take about 4 hours (from Moscow) and if you get tickets in advance they will cost up to 8.000 rubles per person one way. I bought tickets 2 months before the trip from Mineralnye Vody to Yerevan, and they cost me 4.435 rubles.

You can also go by bus, but it can take almost 2 days and you will have to pay at least 6.000 rubles, so think carefully before buying the tickets. I advise you to spare your money, time and nerves.

If you are a big fan of driving, you can go to Yerevan by car. But in this case plan a long vacation, because you will be crossing Abkhazia and Georgia, which also deserve a lot of attention. The long journey will be brightened up by the mesmerizing natural beauty flashing outside the window. So if you plan to visit three countries in one trip, go by car.

Where to stay?

The tourism industry is developing every year. There are plenty of lovely hotels and apartments to stay in, available at any price. The last time I was there I stayed at a hotel for 3.000 per night, and it was perfectly located. If you come to see the country and want to spend your time in an active way, I advise you to stay near the Republic Square. Sightseeing buses run from here, and all the major sights of Yerevan are within walking distance.
But if you are a couch potato and you want to rest, just sunbathe every day and swim in the pool, there are lots of new hotels with a beautiful mountain view half an hour from the center. I paid to swim in the swimming pool and see the view, without overnight stay, in one of them, and I had a lovely time.

Sights to see and how to get to them

Do you want to see Ararat at arm's length? Go to Khor Virap. The only lake in the whole country? To Sevan. A pagan temple in a cave? To Geghard. Want to feel the charm of the ancient era? Go to Garni! These are the local beauties of Armenia. You can probably get there by car or by taxi, but I highly recommend you to take tour buses. Why? Because the tour guides are those who were born in Armenia and have been living there all their lives. Who can introduce you to Armenian traditions and culture better than them? These tours include 10-15 people, take the whole day and cost from 2.000 per person. You travel to the main places of Armenia, explore the most beautiful hidden places and immerse yourself in the world of South Asia.

Emotions from what you see overpower the fatigue after an active day, but don’t forget to take at least a one-day break before your next trip. Tourist buses and the contacts can be found on the Republic Square or on the Internet.

Places to eat and have a rest

In Yerevan, there are also many restaurants with tasty local food. Do not forget to visit Yerevan Taverna, where you can find all the national meals and listen to Armenian music. There is also a national restaurant called Sherep, but the prices are higher there, because this place is more elite. However, if you do not like experimenting with food that is new to you, there is also a large number of excellent restaurants and cafes with Russian, Ukranian, Italian, Japanese and other food.

Some tips

1. You can go to Yerevan with a Internal Russian passport if you go by plane. This is very convenient, because for example, Armenia and Azerbaijan are in conflict. Therefore, if you do not have an Armenian stamp in your passport, you will travel to Azerbaijan without any problems. So use Internal Russian passports, but not International ones.
2. The best time of the year to go to Armenia is spring. Everything blooms, and the weather is wonderful.
3. It is more profitable to exchange money in the city, the exchange rate at the airport is higher.
4. You can use Russian “МИР” cards to pay in Armenia.
5. Every Thursday there is a fountain show at the Republic Square.
6. A huge number of souvenir shops can be found at the Vernissage market in
7. Yerevan.

You will definitely like Armenia and remember the flavor of this country forever. The view of Ararat will take you away and will not let you go for a long time. The beauty of Armenia captivated my heart, and I still never cease to admire it. I want to come back here again and again.

The United Arab Emirates is the former desert with yellow flow, camels and bedouins that became one of the most attractive places in our world. There are a lot of beautiful skyscrapers, fashionable amusements, expensive cars and handsome arabs.

If you come to the capital of the UAE -  Abu Dhabi - and don’t know what is better to visit, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be one of the best places for everyone.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is a multicultural symbol of the United Arab Emirates. It was opened in 2017 and it consists of 23 regular expositions, where visitors can enjoy 600 exhibits from all over the world. The icing on the cake is that the Louvre is located on the water.


Eighty percent of the Louvre exhibition is located on  water (The Persian Gulf) and only twenty percent on the ground. The construction of the Louvre was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. This person projected a Louvre’s dome. The weight of the dome is 7500 tons and it is heavier than the Eiffel Tower, and 180 meters in width. Jean Nouvel admired the eastern landscape. “Light rain with sunshine makes an incredible effect. The dome of the Louvre should be as an umbrella and connected with sky through metaphysic relationship’’, - said Nouvel. All these aspects make the Arab Louvre a symbol of unprecedented partnership between the UAE and France. It is the largest French project abroad.

Interestingly, the Emirates museum will carry the name ‘’Louvre’’ only until 2047. Until then, the Arabian sheikhs should be paying France 525 000 000 euros.

However, the collection of the museum involves not only French works of art, but also some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern masterpieces.

It has regular exhibitions with 700 masterpieces that are dedicated to Ancient Greece (old potiche, sculptures of Olimpian Gods and athletes), Ancient Rome (sculptures and household items), Ancient Egypt (sarcophagus and golden masks), Ancient China (statues of soldiers, national clothes), the cultural of other ancient East that includes metallic statues, coins, books and different styles of classic and modern art.

Visitors can enjoy works of Turkish, Italian and French masters. In addition, every season the Louvre occupies works from partner museums. The French Louvre lends 100 artifacts every year. Some of the most geniuses’ names which are presented in the museum are Van Gogh (“Self-portrait”),Paul Gauguin (“Wrestling Breton boys”), Pablo Picasso (“Portrait of the lady”), Leonardo da Vinci ( “San Giovanni Battista”), Edouard Manet (“Gypsy”) and etc.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi's unique exhibition design explores the connections between civilizations and cultures that might at first seem to be far apart in time and geography. Visitors are guided through a chronological and theme-based display traversing different periods and civilizations.

The Louvre is the place for the soul. It is an area for people with similar interests. The Louvre is like a Greek “agora” where you want to stay, dream and talk about beauty.
The crucial idea which arises from the philosophy is that the Louvre in Abu Dhabi is not just a simple museum — it is a city-like museum. The 55 buildings under the gigantic roof were built as real traditional Arab houses.

There are 12 galleries on the territory of Louvre.

• The First Villages
• The First Great Powers
• Civilizations and Empires
• Universal Religions
• Asian Trade Roads
• From the Mediterranean to Atlantic
• The World in Perspective
• The Magnificent of the Court
• A New Art of Living
• A Modern World
• Challenging Modernity
• A Global Stage

Nevertheless, before the main ones there are two introductory parts — The Great Vestibule and Cosmography.

The Arab Louvre also has a kid museum. It presents masterpieces of children who want to be great painters.

2024 has become a sensation for everyone, but mostly for women. “Cartier, Islamic inspiration and Modern Design”. The ‘’Cartier’’ exhibition takes place from November 2023 until March 2024. “Cartier, Islamic inspiration and Modern Design” presents 400 works including jewelry and precious objects, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, textiles and photographs; the exhibition showcases the influences of the Islamic arts on Cartier's designs, from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. All exhibits were taken from the private library of Louis Cartier, the grandson of Cartier founder — Louis-Francois Cartier. Louis Cartier made the first steps in studying the Islamic influence including Persian and Indian arts on European fashion.


“The impact impressionist and geometric artworks had on the Cartier aesthetic, examining how Islamic art’s influence was translated into intricate and vibrant jewelry design in a delicious feast of color and craftsmanship. Exceptional pieces on display here include jewel-studded vanity cases from the 1920s, architectural necklaces studded with rainbows of precious stones and remarkable clocks in rock crystal.’’ — said Cheif - curator Evelyne Possémé.

The Louvre is open for tourists six days a week. Monday is a day off. Ticket price depends on the age. Adults can buy the tickets for 9 dollars. Also, visitors can buy an excursion with the guide, but instead QR-codes with audio-guides under each exhibit.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must when visiting the Emirates. Make sure you visit it during your stay!

Dirt on the roads, wooden buildings, but beautiful sunsets and faces untouched by the hustle and bustle. This is probably how the inhabitants of megacities imagine small towns, reminiscent of old villages from fairy tales. And, undoubtedly, there is some truth in these ideas. But you can look at the Russian countryside from a different perspective…

It is in small old towns that the cultural identity of our large country is mostly preserved. It is in small settlements that one can see the deep current of national spiritual life. It is such towns that are least susceptible to changes in mentality. And it is there, unfortunately, that the average traveler, blinded by the glitter of big cities, rarely looks in.

Let's find the islands of spiritual treasures located in the heart of the Russian hinterlands.

Cherdyn

Cherdyn, the historical capital of Great Perm, is one of the smallest and oldest towns in the Urals. It is located 290 kilometers from modern Perm. When you come to Cherdyn, you are sure to be surprised by the pristine historical landscapes. In this town, as nowhere else in the Urals, a lot of relics and historical monuments have been preserved.

The cultural and historical center of Cherdyn is the Regional museum of A.S. Pushkin. Founded in 1899 in honor of the great Russian poet and writer, this museum presents various expositions and collections. Unique manuscripts and printed books of the 16th-18th centuries, wooden sculptures of ancient pagan gods and metalworks will immerse travelers in Russian history.

Cherdyn and its surroundings are ready to show their sacred riches. By the way, along with Christian monuments, you can also see places of pagan worship here. Do not miss the opportunity to admire the Poludovy Stone, located on the high bank of the Kolva River. On the hill there is a huge boulder on which the imprint of a giant's huge footprint has been depicted. According to local legend, the giant footprint was left by the mighty bogatyr Polud. So if you want to see "the lore of plain-folk ancestry" welcome to Cherdyn!

Interesting fact: Cherdyn, like Moscow and Rome, is located on seven hills: Vyatsky, Troitsky, Voskresensky, Bogoyavlensky, Monastirsky, Posadsky and Starokladbishchensky.

Yelets

Yelets is a year older than Moscow, dating back to 1146. This town, located in the Lipetsk region, conveys the spirit of old Rus'. It is not for nothing that one of the main monuments of Yelets is the Museum of Merchants and Estates of Yelets, located in a sumptuous mansion of the 19th century.

Here you will see what was the merchant's life and leisure in the late 18th – early 20th centuries. A collection of hunting trophies, an excellent home library, a dining room with a traditional samovar make up the rich heritage of the native Russian life. So, here you can plunge into the atmosphere of merchant life and feel like Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk district, the main character of the eponymous novella by Nikolai Leskov!

Yelets is considered to be the city of 33 temples. The fact is that before the Great October Revolution there were 33 churches, and from every point of the city you could see a dome. But due to historical circumstances, only 13 churches have survived to this day.

The Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, unfortunately, has not been restored. Its magic can be felt by recalling an interesting myth. According to one  legend, in 1395, after ravaging many cities, including Yelets, Tamerlane left the Russian borders, having seen the face of the Virgin Mary in a dream. It is a magical coincidence that on that day the Vladimir Icon was moved to Moscow after the procession...

Did you know that Ivan Bunin spent his early years in Yelets? If you want to discover the flavor of this late 19th century city, read his autobiographical novel "The Life of Arsenyev"!

Arzamas
Arzamas, located in the Nizhny Novgorod region, is famous for its literary creepy history. In fact, the writer Leo Tolstoy went to the Penza region to buy a new estate, and stopped for the night in Arzamas. Waking up from the fright at night, he felt the fear of death and imminent end, realizing that all the fuss of life is meaningless. He wrote a letter to his wife about the nightmare. After that, Tolstoy refused to buy the estate... His terrifying epiphany is called "the Arzamas horror".

The architectural constructions of the city, on the contrary, have a peaceful and picturesque appearance. Blue, yellow, turquoise houses, similar to glazed gingerbread, soothe the soul. Here, you can feel provincial melancholy and longing for the bygone era of the past centuries. However, few tourists stay in this city, which is a transit city between Smolensk and Moscow. Arzamas deserves a close look at its natural and architectural beauties.

Arzamas has developed thanks to its national unity. The Voskresensky Cathedral, which is the main large-scale religious building, was built solely on donations from the citizens of Arzamas. It was also the Arzamas people who saved this temple in difficult years. So, if you want to feel the spirit of the power of folk history, visit this shrine of the city.

The heritage of Arzamas is also its secular buildings.

Gostiny Dvor Street is a former shopping arcade, where the stores of Arzamas merchants used to be located. After passing through this passage, you can enjoy the view of ancient buildings of different shapes, feel the lyrical regret of ancient architecture...

In addition to the stone buildings in Arzamas, you can admire the preserved wooden houses. Their atmosphere is reminiscent of remote villages, as well as the noble spirit of the writers’ houses in Peredelkino, a country village where prominent Soviet writers lived.

The cultural history of Arzamas is connected with the name of Maxim Gorky, who spoke of it as a glorious and quiet place with picturesque landscapes and stunning 36 churches.

The rich Russian soul, how to solve its mystery? Is it necessary to visit Russian megacities that attract most tourists? Maybe. But the depth lies in the unpopular, the national Russian soul lies in the hinterlands.

Nestled along the coast of the Barents Sea in the far reaches of the Russian Arctic lies the remote and rugged village of Teriberka. This small fishing community is a place like no other, where time seems to stand still and the beauty of nature is truly awe-inspiring.

Teriberka is a place of contrasts - where the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean meet the rocky cliffs of the coastline, and where the stark beauty of the tundra is juxtaposed with the colorful homes of the villagers. It is a place of harsh winters and long, sunlit summers, where the northern lights dance in the sky and the midnight sun never sets.

If you are a traveler seeking to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then Teriberka is a destination that should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

One of the main reasons to visit this village is its unparalleled natural beauty. Situated along the rugged coastline of the Barents Sea, Teriberka is surrounded by stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. From towering cliffs and pristine beaches to rolling tundra and crystal-clear waters, the sheer diversity of the natural scenery in Teriberka is a sight to behold. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or simply someone seeking peace and tranquility, the beauty of Teriberka will captivate your senses and leave you breathless.

Another compelling reason to visit Teriberka is its unique cultural heritage. The village is home to a close-knit community of resilient and hardy individuals who have lived off the land and sea for generations. Their way of life is deeply rooted in tradition and is a reflection of their deep connection to the natural world around them. By visiting Teriberka, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich cultural tapestry, learning about the customs, rituals, and way of life of the villagers. For example, the cult of fish. Special rituals of gratitude for good luck in fishing are often organized. By the way, guests are often treated to fresh fish prepared according to special recipes from local cuisine. Residents of Teriberka often celebrate various holidays and events right at the sea, organizing festive fishing trips. Even weddings in Teriberka are held right on the seashore to attract good luck and blessings from the sea forces.

For those interested in adventure and exploration, Teriberka offers a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking along the rugged coastline to fishing in the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the thrill of the great outdoors in Teriberka. The village is also a great base from which to explore the surrounding wilderness, with opportunities to see the majestic marine life that inhabits the waters of the Barents Sea.Special attention should be paid to whales. Here they are one of the main attractions. In these places you can see large flocks of whales that come to feed and rest in the coastal waters of the Barents Sea. Teriberka even offers organized boat tours to see whales in their natural habitat. By the way, in addition to whales, in these places you can also see seals, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.

Let's not forget about the unique culinary experiences that await you in Teriberka. As a fishing village, the local cuisine in Teriberka is centered around fresh seafood, caught daily by the villagers themselves. From succulent Arctic char and cod to plump shrimp and crab, the seafood in Teriberka is a true gastronomic delight.

How to get to Teriberka? Imagine, we flew to Murmansk, the closest airport to Teriberka. What to do next?

• Car: you can get to Teriberka along the Murmansk Highway. The road passes through picturesque places and provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of northern nature.

• Bus: There are regular buses from Murmansk to Teriberka. This option is suitable for those who prefer to travel by public transport.

• Bicycle (in summer): for cycling lovers and environmental activists, there is an opportunity to get to Teriberka by bicycle, enjoying the beautiful views of northern nature.

We reached Teriberka! Where to stay for the night?

• Hotels and guest houses: there are several of them in Teriberka. The hotels offer cozy rooms, amenities and on-site dining.

• Hostels: a budget accommodation option where you can rent a bed in a shared room for a small fee.

• Renting a house: a great option if you want to live in nature. Teriberka often has short-term housing rental options.

Don't forget to book your accommodation in Teriberka in advance, especially in the summer season when the tourist flow is high.

Sounds like a time to pack your bags, embark on a journey to the Russian Arctic, and discover the magic of Teriberka for yourself.

I am even a little envious of those who are going to come to Barcelona for the first time. After all, you will remember the feeling of walking through its streets for the first time, exploring every corner and enjoying the warmth for the rest of your life! Barcelona is a wonderful city, where a huge number of both natural and cultural attractions are collected. To explore this city and visit at least some of them – you will need a few weeks, but you need to start somewhere. Therefore, I have prepared a selection of “What do you need to do in Barcelona?”, so that people can start planning their trip right now and not miss out on the most interesting things.

1. Take a walk on the Rambla

Barcelona is beautiful at any time of the year, so you can enjoy walking along the main street of the city – Rambla all year round and around the clock. It is always noisy, fun and atmospheric. Shops with Souvenirs and flowers, cafes and restaurants with a huge selection of tapas and paella. There are smells of delicious food, the shouts of waiters inviting you to visit their restaurant, an endless string of tree crowns stretching into the distance, laughter and happy faces of those who came to fall in love with the beautiful Barcelona. And despite the fact that everything is overpriced here, there are some thieves and it’s always crowded – you will love walking along the Rambla: early in the morning to see the city wake up and stop by the Boqueria market (Mercat de la Boqueria), and in the evening to join the fun crowd and go to local places.

2.  View Gaudi's creations

The houses, parks and temples of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudi are already a self-sufficient reason to visit the city. His works are no longer just buildings. It is the very center of Barcelona. You will want to come to the Sagrada Familia on every trip here to observe the changes in construction. Sagrada cannot be described in words, there are no emotions to pick up. Do not be afraid of the long queue and the price of entrance tickets. This is a must-see and that’s final. Only when you get inside and are stunned by the beauty – only then will you understand why everyone always advises you to go here, and why Gaudi is legendary. Do not forget about other creations, they certainly also deserve your attention: Casa Batlló, Park Guell, Casa Milà, the Guell Palace in Barcelona (Palau Güell) and others.

3.  Get lost in the Gothic quarter

The heart of Barcelona is its oldest quarter. You can walk along its narrow, dark streets forever. Even if you are not here for the first time – you can easily get lost, then suddenly go where you need, then get lost again and go to another square that you have never seen, although it will seem to you that you have passed here a hundred times. Churches, monuments, shops, squares, courtyards, sculptures, graffiti – all this is hidden in the alleys of the Gothic quarter. And this is where the real Barcelona begins. Despite the untidiness and questionable population of the quarter, especially at night, you always feel safe here, and all because you have already fallen in love with Barcelona. And you are happy in any corner of it.

4.   Go shopping

Barcelona is one of the best places to shop. There are plenty of various shopping centers here, but the La Roca Village outlet stands out among them. It is notable for its size – more than a hundred boutiques "under one roof", products of the world's most famous brands.

The sale does not end here all year round, and discounts can reach up to 70%. The outlet is located 38 km North of Barcelona and offers bus tours.

5. Try the local food

Catalan cuisine is diverse and delicious. You don't have to spend a lot of time searching for national dishes – they are offered in almost every restaurant. You will find tapas and tortilla, paella (be sure to try "Arroz negro" — paella with cuttlefish ink!) and churros, Turon and Crema Catalana! You will only have to choose and find your favorite places, where you will return more than once. Look for places far away from Hiking trails, where prices are cheaper and food quality is better. Don't forget about seafood! Here you will find them in abundance, and most importantly – straight from the sea. I advise you to visit the chain of establishments "La Paradeta", where you can choose from the counter what seafood (some are still moving!) you want to taste and how to cook it. The prices are affordable, the cuisine is beyond praise!

6. Visit the port

After all, it was here that Christopher Columbus, as soon as he discovered America, landed to make a report to the Royal family. The port is one of the most magical places in Barcelona, imbued with a very special atmosphere. By the way, not so far from the port there is the statue of Columbus, which you can climb and look at the whole city.

7.  Visit The Tibidabo Hill

The best place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of Barcelona from a height is Tibidabo hill, however, you will be interested in more than that. Here you can have a great time walking along the wooded slopes, visit the CosmoCaixa Museum of natural Sciences, or find a way out of the Laberint d'horta landscape maze. And of course, do not forget the main pearl of the hill — the temple of the sacred Heart, crowning its top.

8.  Go to a football game

Even if you are not a football fan, it is worth seeing a match of FC Barcelona. Just imagine that you are on the top tier of the Camp Nou stadium, which holds almost 100,000 spectators and is the largest stadium in Europe in terms of capacity, with thousands of fans roaring when Leo Messi drives another goal into the opponent's goal! Just the memory gives you goosebumps. In addition, the cost of tickets is quite affordable – for 20-25 € you can snatch a ticket to the match. And if there are no matches during your stay, make sure to take a tour of the stadium, which includes not only visits to the Museum, but also a passage to the field, where you can walk through the commentators 'booths, the bench, and even the players' locker rooms.

9.  Go Bar Hopping

This pastime is my personal favorite. Whether you are looking to try a classic Catalan vermut and listen to jazz or party until the sun comes up with an international crowd, Barcelona has got you covered.

For real revelers looking to party, get to a shot bar. You will find shots, called chupitos, in every color of the rainbow and they are flowing until sunrise. Just remember that Spanish nightlife starts late and ends late so come prepared.

10.  Take a ride on Montjuïc

Montjuïc mountain in Barcelona is simply a concentration of historical and modern attractions. And how wonderful it is to get there – by cable car from the beach of Barceloneta. You will be provided with spectacular views of the city and some of the best photos for the trip! When you get to the top, your task will be to plan your day to try to cover all the places that are waiting for you here: the national Museum of art of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, MNAC), the Spanish village (Poble Espanyol), the Joan miró Foundation (La Fundació Joan Miró en Barcelona), the Montjuic fortress (Castell de Montjuïc), the magic fountain of Montjuic (Fuente mágica de Montjuic), Botanical garden (Jardin Botanico de Barcelona) and other parks, Olympic facilities, telefónica tower and much more.

Imagine an idyllic mountain lake surrounded by towering green hills, the highest of which are covered with a trickling white snow cap, like a vanilla ice-cream on a hot day. As you look down, you see that the lake is surrounded by sharp-roofed traditional houses. People are rowing boats all over the lake dazzling in the sunshine. Behind you a train has just arrived from the nearest big town. People have come to take a stroll around and have an iced coffee on the terrasse of the Grand Hotel. They are laughing and taking photographs as the sun gradually sinks into the mountains.

Have you pictured that? Now open your eyes.

The old town of Zell am See, situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps, dates back to the 8th century AD. Founded by monks, the village gradually grew into a market town and then, finally, into a key settlement in the Pinzgau area, which later became a hotspot for tourists. The name of the town, which literally means “Zell on the lake” in German, is related to the word “Cella”, or monastery cell.
Shall we enter?
On your way you will probably pass many old buildings. White-washed houses with pictures of birds, mountains and people in traditional costumes, a real museum in the open air, will guide you on into town.
But examples of beautiful architecture are by far not the only sites that will catch your eye in Zell am See. First of all, the biggest tourist attraction would probably be the lake. There is a walk all around it, which allows you to both take a promenade in town and, as you leave Zell am See, also experience the nature and take a minute in peace. On sunny summer days the banks of the lake, especially on the side opposite to town, are crowded with tourists and locals, who bathe in the sun and even swim! However, this might not be the best idea. By late morning the recreation areas will be so crowded that you will hardly find a place to relax!

A better way of relaxing at the lake is by hiring a boat. As you approach the lake Zell from the centre and walk along the promenade, you will probably spot a little hut standing almost on the water. Here you can rent a boat for thirty minutes or an hour. You will be able to choose between a rowing boat (not recommended, as they are mostly in bad condition), a paddle boat, which often even has a small waterslide, and, most frequently, a motor boat. Unless you want to burn some calories before your afternoon ice-cream, taking the motor-boat would probably be the best option. Without much effort you will be able to glide around the lake like one of the swans living there.

As you approach the centre of the lake, switch off the motor and feast your eyes on the stunning view of the Alps. If you have walked up some of the mountains, it will be fun to try to spot them! You will be able to truly experience every aspect of Zell am See: the mostly crowded streets of the old town nestling at the feet of Schmittenhöhe, the majestically wild rock mountains that look just like from an old vintage postcard, and, of course the beautiful glimmering lake itself.

If you would like to spend a more active time in Zell am See, shopping will get you going! You will be able to find anything you desire, from bookshops and fashion boutiques to souvenir shops. One place you must not miss, however, is “Charisma” on the main square. This four-storey building will bring souvenir-hunting to a new level. Apart from typical souvenirs, like snow-globes and postcards, the shop offers an enormous choice of handcrafted presents, such as elegant glass candleholders, a variety of pottery designed with typical Alpine ornaments, and even a big selection of Schwarzwald cuckoo-clocks!

Zell am See can be equally enjoyed in both summer and winter. During the Christmas season this town turns into a true winter wonderland with a Christmas market, fairy lights and Christmas decorations. Although the valley has not always been lucky with snow in the past few years, you will always find it if you take the “zellamseeXpress” up to Schmittenhöhe. The journey will altogether take no more than forty minutes, and what a site will meet your eyes! Before you will be a 365 degrees view of snow-white mountains, mountains on end, expanding much further than the valley where Zell am See lies, and you will even spot the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. Whether snow or shine, you will always have the possibility to ski or snowboard. With access to cable-cars, chair lifts and t-bar lifts, you will have the opportunity to explore 138 km of ski piste! All the slopes are in a very good condition, with an impressive number of ski workers and ski teachers. The pistes are checked a few times a day and, if the snow condition is bad, artificial snow will be spread overnight. The rumours are true: nothing is better than taking an early morning ski ride on smooth untouched snow, with the slope almost empty and the mountains around you shining in the sunlight! However, you would have to start off early for that, as by 11 am the piste is very crowded!

Now let’s return to Zell am See. Whether in summer or in winter, with whatever budget, you will definitely find a place to eat and sleep here. One place that you must visit is the magnificent Grand Hotel standing right at Zell lake. This stunning whitewashed hotel built in 1876, with luxurious rooms and a lakeside terrasse surrounded by rose bushes will make you feel like in a Belle Epoque oasis. However, you don’t have to live there to experience the hotel’s magic. Simply stroll into the hotel’s open-air café, take a seat at one of the small white tables and, whilst onlooking the lake and the mountains, sip your coffee or take your time eating an enormous ice-cream!

A very atmospheric place to stay in winter is the Salzburgerhof. It looks just like an ordinary big Austrian house on the outside, but inside it turns into an authentic mansion with hints of both “old money” and Alpine design - and with an exquisite cuisine. However, again, you don’t have to stay there to experience its Christmas atmosphere. After a long walk or ski in the snow, go to the hotel’s indoor café. Have a hot chocolate and some homemade cake in the little wooden room with embroidered sofas, colourful pillows and heavy curtains. Watch the hotel guests hide presents under the Christmas tree for their children. Christmas mood is guaranteed!

Zell am See is about everything. It’s about nature, it’s about sport, it’s about relaxing. Everyone will find something in this jewel hidden in the heart of the Alps. And if you are only planning to travel there for the first time- well, I’d say I’m jealous of you.

A gentle breeze, cold sand under your feet, capturing sound of waves and twinkling lights along the coasts. Here lovers can enjoy the sunset, lose track of time and wake up only before dawn. Best friends can take a trip on a tight budget and come here to spray each other with warm sea water in a fit of fun or climb the highest mountain. A family of 10 people can have a rest here without worrying about children care, enjoying the warm rays of the sun and a ton of amenities (including 3-time meals, of course). All in all, everyone can come here. And everyone gets to know the Crimea in their own way.

Just to confirm my expert status: I’ve been to the Crimea 5 times already. And you know what? The time spent there strengthened my desire to keep coming back. I noticed one interesting detail: this place exists in several time layers. Hotels, water parks, most of the entertainments in the city centers – all of these aredefinitely the 21st century. But local residents have become stuck in 2000 with its three-storey houses in awful condition standing next to the luxurious hotels. Finally, the third time line – it’s the Middle Ages because of all the medieval castles and ruins that every tourist can visit. It’s easy to get lost among the huge amount of Crimea’s palaces, mountains and entertainments, especially if you’re there for the first time. So, you need to know which places really deserve your attention.

5 places in Crimea that must be visited

1. Let’s start with the most gorgeous Crimea’s Palaces.

Vorontsov Palace in Yalta (my favorite one) was built for count Vorontsov (obviously!). It is a luxurious castle in the English style. Of course, firstly you’ll see the inner beauty of the Palace, but remember that the true natural beauty is waiting for you outside. The fascinating south terrace is decorated with fountains and vases, and the ladder to the Black Sea is defended by marble sculptures of lions. That’s quite a fairy tale!

Massandra Palace is also located in Yalta and attracts with its elegance and warm homely atmosphere, cozy halls and one of the oldest parks in our country full of exotic plants. The Palace is breathtaking at any time of the year, so you can visit it both in the peak and off-peak season: the snow looks epic on the old-fashioned roofs. And — for history lovers — it will be incredibly interesting to admire the exhibits from the time of the Romanov family.

Livadia Palace is the former southern residence of three Russian emperors not far from (again!) Yalta. The snow-white building was made in the Italian style and nowadays looks graceful and majestic. You may think that the doors will open and beautiful ladies in floor-length dresses with gentlemen in tail coats will come out of the Palace. And it can really happen there! The charity balls, various government and international events are often taking place in Livadia Palace.

2. Ai-Petri mountain

It is one of the most visited places in Yalta. Some tourists linger here to watch the sunset from the thousands of feet high mountain (in fact, 1234 meters). Just imagine: you are at the top of Ai-Petri and the entire southern coast of Crimea is under your feet. Isn’t it beautiful?

It is very easy to climb the mountain using the cableway. A small trip up to Ai-Petri won’t take more than 15 minutes but will give you a bunch of emotions and photos. On the other hand, daredevils can try to climb the Ai-Petrion their own. By the way, on the plateau there are cozy cafes with local cuisine and teeny-tiny colorful markets with sweets, tea and souvenirs.

3. Medieval Genoa fortress in Sudak

I spent a few hours inside the medieval walls, totally caught up in the atmosphere of underground museums and knighthood. Finally, this fortress stole my heart. I wanted to stay there, find a knight in shining armour and become a beautiful lady from the legendary Genoa fortress.

Sorry, back to reality. The fortress covers the area of 30 hectares in Sudak on Genevez-Kaya mountain. You must get to the observation deck and enjoy the unforgettable view of Sudak, its mountains and the Black Sea glimmering under the sun rays. The amazing panorama will live in your memory for the rest of your life, I swear.

4. Sevastopol

In my opinion, it’s the most wonderful city in Crimea. Once the guide told me that there are only three beautiful cities on Earth: St. Petersburg, Rome and, of course, Sevastopol. And I trust him. Sevastopol is located on a steep hill between the bays of the calm Black Sea. By the way, the main attraction of the city is 37 picturesque bays. A smooth voyage through all the bays will take about 1.5 hours, but it’s worth it, believe me. Sevastopol’s atmosphere is really similar to Saint Petersburg, but I won’t compare these cities. It’s better to get there by yourself and fall in love with Sevastopol’s staircases to the sea, long promenade filled with private yachts and pretty restaurants, incredible architecture and historical boulevards.

5. Inkerman plant of premium vintage wines

We’re just getting to the most interesting part, right? Crimea is famous for its wines, so, to come there and never visit a professional tasting is tantamount to a violent crime against humanity. Inkerman plant of vintage winesis located close to Sevastopol. It’s a huge underground wine storage with barrels and a constant flavour of premium beverage. It’s interesting that the winery members themselves work there as guides, which means you’ll learn all the subtleties of making wine. In addition, if you are driving or for some reason cannot taste the wine (I feel so sorry for you, honestly), you still can be invited to the tasting room, where you can sit, be jealous of others and listen to the sommelier (and the smell of wine).

3 Best Life Hacks to Help You Prevent Mistakes

I think you don’t want to ruin your vacation because of some stupid mistakes. It’s always better to know all the pitfalls and be prepared for anything. So, the life hacks for freshmen in Crimea.

• Take cash with you. Always!
In Crimea there are huge problems with automated teller machines and currency exchange due to the sanctions that were imposed right after its annexation to Russia. Don’t take risks, forget about cards for payment and stock up on cash.

• Rent a car. Immediately!
You can order a car right to the airport and do not spend a ton of money on the expensive transfer to the hotel. In addition, a rental car is much cheaper than all tour buses. You can go anywhere, anytime and you’ll pay only for gas. It’s the perfect choice!

• Forget about good Internet connection. Unfortunately!
Bad Internet connection is still one of the unresolved problems in Crimea. There are several solutions for tourists: to buy a local SIM card, choose a good tariff provided by your mobile operator, or forget about the Internet, social networks and have a rest from the flow of information. But it’s not that bad: every hotel has Wi-Fi connection, so you won’t stay without the Internet forever.

As you know now, Crimea (despite some little disadvantages) will be a great place for a trip with your family or friends. It is your choice whether to sunbathe at the golden beaches of Russia, climb a high mountain or imagine yourself as a lady with a knight in your own medieval castle. But I hope you’ve already added Crimea to your bucket list destinations.

Today beach holidays are mainstream. Seems like everyone aspires to a five-star hotel just to prove their ‘status’ by posting as many ‘summer photos’ as possible on Instagram. It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? This article is literally a cry of my soul, thoughts I’ve always had in my head, but which I’ve never shared… Let’s clarify why five-star resorts are extremely overrated.

1. Schedule of the day
You’ve finally lived up to your vacation and want to take a break from a busy schedule, do what you want, and enjoy yourself… but who said that a five-star beach resort will allow you such pleasure? You haven’t arrived yet, but they already know when you will wake up, have breakfast, lie on the beach, sleep, etc. They also know on which day you will party and on which day you will listen to the hackneyed jokes of a stand-up comedian.

They say in this case you don’t have to waste time planning your vacation, but, in my opinion, it’s better to spend a couple of hours deciding how you will have fun on your holidays, than spend the whole vacation in boredom, cringing from everything.

You can say: ‘OK if I don’t like the entertainment then I’ll find something else.’ Well, fair enough,  you’re able to do so, but you should keep in mind that the program offered by the hotel is automatically paid for when you buy a package tour, regardless of whether you enjoy it or not… so, we turn to the second reason why five-star resorts are not so good.

2. Overpaying
What if you dislike entertaining programs? What if you’re on diet and won’t eat as much food as most vacationers? What if you don’t need your room cleaned daily? What if you never take a dip in the pool during your vacation? and so on, and so on… Well, honestly, no one cares! You pay for everything you will possibly use, so if you won't, you overpay. It is much more reasonable to consciously spend money on what you really would like - then you’ll experience more joy for the same amount of money.

3. Food
As I have already mentioned, a five-star resort makes all decisions without your participation. As far as the restaurant menu is concerned, it’s true that you can choose from several options, but your choice is limited to the list of dishes they decided to cook today. Personally, I faced the problem of the lack of vegan food on the menu, so I ate the same things all the time I was at the resort. Every morning I had an apple and a piece of bread for breakfast because in the morning there were almost no options without animal products. If you’re vegan, or allergic, or very picky in terms of food, it’s a real problem to eat fully at the resorts of this type.

4. Excursions
Usually, travel agencies conclude contracts with resorts, so that vacationers have a small selection of sightseeing tours. Sometimes these tours are more expensive than usually, so agencies take advantage of the fact that tourists have no choice. The programs are dull and trite.

Also, there are some indirect reasons why vacationers refuse excursions. Firstly, they’ll ‘lose’ a day at the resort they’ve paid for. Secondly, we chose hot days for beach holidays, and the scorching sun doesn’t create ideal conditions for the tour.

That’s why I recommend going on vacation in comfortable weather, both for visiting beaches and for tours, because if you spend every day on the coast in a row, you will bring home very few impressions and it will seem that the rest was not enough and the time flew by too quickly.

5. Culture and people
Haven’t you been sorry to return home from a country where you only explored the area of your resorts during your entire stay? Well, maybe you went on an excursion, maybe even a few! But this is not comparable with the experience of communicating with locals, studying their culture face to face, living in the realities of the country, and not in a closed terrarium with its separate ecology, called a resort.

All resorts are the same, but the culture of each country is unique, even each city has its special atmosphere, which you can feel only by walking through its streets, using its transport, talking to residents, learning to say "hello" and "thank you" in their language, trying local fast food, enjoying landscapes away from the noisy resort beaches.

Life is too short to lie on the beach from morning to night when you have some free time and a whole world to explore! It’s OK to enjoy the sand, the sea, and the sun if you want to, but don’t forget it’s not the only way to rest. Psychologists say that active recreation is much more effective. So take the initiative and create your perfect vacation! I believe that you’ll find time for sunbathing if you need it but diversify your vacation (and your life in general) with vivid impressions, I promise you won’t regret it!

There exists an established tradition to go skiing or snowboarding when you are in the mountains. But sometimes the weather is not good at all: there can be a heavy snowfall, because of which cable cars are always closed. When the snowfall stops, authorities “shoot down” avalanches with a special cannon. The nearest roads are closed for tourists, because of the danger of avalanching.

I know this because I went through it last winter. It was my first time when I saw the Caucasus Mountains, but out of one week being there, we skied for only two days. But believe me, for a beginner it is more than enough.

So what did we do there for another five days? You will never guess, how many sights and entertainments are located there. In my article, I will share some pieces of advice on how you can spend your free time in the mountains.

First of all, you must try local food. We lived a 15-minute walk away from Elbrus and there were a lot of high-quality restaurants in the vicinity. It is a must to try Khychin( a pie with different fillings: it can be filled with greens and cheese or potato and cheese). Lagman is the soup that is cooked in the Elbrus region, it differs very much from the Moscow adaptation. Local cuisine is full of delicious dishes: chakhokhbili, chashushuli, chudu, hinkal, and so on. I recommend you order meat served with the unusual sauce -tuzluk. You should also try local drinks like ayran and tan.

But, of course, you won’t only eat in your spare time. So you should visit fairs where you can buy spices, local sweets, magnets, handmade clothes, and anything else you could possibly imagine. Let me warn you that credit cards are not accepted there, only cash.

Not far from Elbrus Mountain there is a restaurant where you can go fishing for free. There are fishing rods and buckets outside. The only thing you should buy is a lure, but this is not obligatory. Then you can release the fish back into the pond or bring it to the chef. It is an expensive pleasure, but the process is worth it. Cooked fish is incredibly mild, tender, and delicious. As for me, I had never eaten the tastier fish.

If you have already tasted all the dishes and can’t even look at food, go to the thermal springs. The best ones are located 2 hours away. We visited “Geduko”, where you can order a separate house with your own personal springs. In the middle of the territory, there are two reservoirs: the first one with absolutely cold water, and the second one -with hot water that is about 40 degrees. The aim of the procedure is to switch between them periodically. It helps not to freeze up and to temper. The fumes you’re inhaling have a beneficial effect on the body.

The other way to cure yourself is to drink water from the springs that are located on the “Glade of Narzani”. There are five natural springs with different concentration of Ferrum. Don’t forget to take empty bottles to fill them with “curative” water. But take into account that you should drink it in one day, because iron breaks down quickly.

If you are mostly a beholder of nature, go to “Blue Lake” or the waterfall “Girl’s braids”. I promise that the landscapes will mesmerize and bewitch you. And you can also take a lot of photos there.

If you are an active tourist, you could go horse-riding. Of course, you should arrange the time in advance. The walk takes place in the forest and lasts for one hour. The views and the atmosphere are inexpressible. But I should give you one little piece of advice- dress warmly. One hour without moving and you are frozen to the bone.

I hope I have convinced you that mountains are not only about skiing. There are a lot of activities left that I haven’t mentioned, because of the great variety. Be ready for such a “passive”, but emotional and educational recreation, because the weather is unpredictable.

The pioneer camp called “Skazka” (Fairy tale) is located in the Dmitrovsky district of the Moscow region. The illegal owner has set an entrance fee of 300 rubles, and lets those who want to enter the territory.

The Moscow region is full of mysteries. Pioneer camps were a big part of the Soviet people’s lives. To ensure that the Soviet child was not left to himself during the school holidays and had an opportunity to spend his leisure time in a well-organized environment with an educational, health-improving and patriotic bias, an extensive network of such schools was formed throughout the country. Most of the camps, as a rule, belonged to some enterprises and organizations, whose financial success determined the lifestyle of the pioneers. The premises could be very different: there were tent cities located in some picturesque places; modest wooden houses with sanitary facilities on the street; and solid brick buildings with balconies located in a beautiful pine forest. But when the USSR collapsed, many of these beautiful places began to wither due to lack of funding or simply because of the political crisis. To this day, they stand in the depths of the forests, useless and forgotten.

One of these Soviet-era ghosts stands out for its horrifying architecture: the pioneer camp called “Skazka” (Fairy tale).

Two legends roam. The first one is about a place of rest for hearing impaired and mentally challenged children-they say that this sur-decor was chosen for their development. The other one is that the camp is only a disguise for a bomb shelter. It really exists there, but whether it was worth it to bother so much with the decoration of the buildings is also a big question.

As a real stalker, I have long wanted to visit this place! And finally, my dream came true!

But not the way I wanted. The entrance fee is 300 rubles. Why is that? But we did not argue, just paid the fee and went for a walk. The picture is surreal! Huge crowds of people, some even with children, explore the abandoned buildings.

The camp itself is fabulous! Incredibly beautiful sculptures adorn the interiors and facades of the buildings. An unknown architect demonstrated a vivid imagination, and created truly unique objects. The layout of the buildings and their location are quite standard for a pioneer camp, but the architect decided not to stop there and decorate the boring concrete buildings. So many different sculptures appeared, both on the inside and outside of the buildings. There is a huge octopus embracing the whole facade with its tentacles, a jellyfish in the stairwell, a flounder on the wall, many plant bas-reliefs, as well as fairy-tale characters, birds, fish, lions, etc. There are also whole compositions, for example, a naked child in the centre of huge waves, with his hands raised to the sky. What the author meant by this is a big secret to everybody, but for some reason the associations are not the happiest. All the sculptures are made of concrete and then painted.

Great scenery for a thriller or even a horror movie…