If you haven’t heard about the launch of Tripbase’s new Travel eBooks you must hop over and check them out. There are currently seven eBooks (!) on topics ranging from the best beaches to great foodie destinations. And they’re all FREE.
Better yet, for each person that downloads one of these bad-boys Tripbase will make a $1 donation to charity: water, a nonprofit that brings clean water solutions to developing nations. Talk about a win-win!
I’ve decided to get involved by sharing my 3 Best Kept Travel Secrets (and downloading all of the eBooks of course!).
In no particular order they are:
1. Rooftop Library Lookout – Warsaw, Poland
A hidden oasis, the Rooftop Gardens of the University of Warsaw Library provide an escape from the hustle of the city.Covering almost 2.5 acres, the gardens offer stunning 360-degree views of Warsaw (the Palace of Culture and Science can be seen prominently to the west).
The botanical diversity of the gardens is impressive on its own, but throw into that, cascading water features, sculptures, and ivy covered bridges and pergolas and you’ll forget that you’re in the 9th largest city in the EU.Pack a picnic lunch and stake out a bench for a relaxing afternoon in Poland’s own inner city Eden.
2. Göteborgs Choklad and Karmellfabrik – Göteborg, Sweden
If you’ve ever heard the term foodgasm and are perplexed by its meaning, take trip to Choklad and Karmellfabrik. Located midway between Gustav Adolfs Torg Square and the Göteborg Opera house, this confectioners shop is tucked away in the same courtyard that houses Kronhuset, the oldest commercial building in Göteborg.
While the establishment is small, it’s hands down my favorite chocolate and candy shop. Anywhere. Ever. The staff is beyond friendly and will let you taste test any and everything you want. Don’t leave without grabbing a few Bimbo-Blondies (they are the definition of foodgasm). Also not be missed are the lollipops designed to be dipped in beer. Skål!
3. Hostel Resbalosa – Cusco, Peru
Two blocks up the hill from the Plaza de Armas, Hostel Resbalosa is a low-key alternative to the typical backpacker party hostels that litter Cusco (beds run $7-$30 depending on the room set-up).
However, it’s a cozy spot with a fantastic rooftop terrace that overlooks the whole city. Whether enjoying breakfast over the sunrise or gawking at the city lights a night, you cannot beat the view! Add to that a frisky feline named Muchin roaming the halls and you have the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking around the Andes.
And a bonus:
* Motorbike to the Big Buddha – Phuket, Thailand
During a trip to the island of Phuket you MUST rent a motorbike for a day to explore the island. And not to be missed is a ride up the Nakkerd Hills through the jungle to the hilltop Big Buddha. After walking through a serene Buddhist shrine you ascend a staircase to the base of the statue.
The Big Buddha rises nearly 150 feet, is encased in Burmese marble and can be seen from most parts of the island. In person, up close, you come to appreciate this feat of engineering (the marble casing was hoisted by hand on wooden and rope scaffolding). Spectacular. Oh, yeah and the panoramic views of Phuket, the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea don’t suck either.
