European Cities: Tips To Ensure You See The Best Of The Best

One of the best things about Europe is the fantastic cities that are situated on the continent. In fact, travelers visit from far and wide to see everything the cities has to offer. After all, they have a wealth of culture and sights which leave people amazed. However, when making a trip to one of the cities, it’s so important to ensure you see everything it has to offer. After all, you don’t want to come home feeling disappointed that you never got to see a specific landmark. Therefore, here are some tips you need when visiting a European city so that you see the best of the best during your trip.





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Get a guide book

It’s always a good idea to get a guide book whenever you are going to a new destination. For one thing, these books normally include a handy map which will come in useful when trying to hunt down the attractions. Also, the guidebook will give in detail about the particular landmarks and attractions you need to see. In fact, they might mention ones which you have never heard of before. And this will stop you missing out on something which is top class during your trip. You can pick up guidebooks in your local store or online. Just make sure that whichever one you get, it’s not too outdated. After all, you don’t want to make your way to an attraction which doesn’t exist anymore! And make sure you don’t go for a book which is too large. Otherwise, it will weigh you down when you are trying to walk around the city!

Read travelers blogs

You should also get advice from a traveler who has been to the city before. After all, they are going to have some tips and advice about what they experienced. And what they wished they had done differently. You could firstly ask a friend if they have been to the city before. And if you don’t know anyone who has been to the city, you should consider looking online at travelers blogs. They will have some great advice about going to certain cities and what you should do while you are there. For example, you can check out our previous blogs for tips on going to cities like Monaco. And then you will be clued up to have a great trip.

Go on an escorted tour

You might feel a bit blind if you are going to a new city. After all, a lot of the large cities like Rome and Paris can feel like a minefield. And it’s easy to end up not getting to see the best the city has to offer. But if you do need some help, you might want to consider going on an escorted tour. With these tours, they will ensure you see all the major landmarks and attractions. And they can give you a taste of the lifestyle and traditions too while you are there. You will also be around other travelers, and you are bound to meet new friends. And companies like Travelsphere will even organise your flights and hotels, so you don’t have anything to sort!






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Befriend a local

Sometimes the best tips about a city can come from a local themselves. After all, they have a wealth of knowledge to ensure you get to see everything the city has to offer. And as well as guiding you to the best attractions, they can tell you about some places to avoid too. After all, you don’t want to end up in danger. Therefore, you should befriend a local to get wised up about a location. You can find people in the local area who are willing to give you tips and advice if you look online before you go. Or head to local restaurants and bars in your resort for friendly staff who will help you to have a great trip!

Book tours online before you go

If you decide to go ahead and plan your trips once you arrive in the city, you might miss out on good attractions and landmarks. After all, you might not know about everything that is available in the city. Therefore, before you go, you should plan out your trip in detail. You can even book tours online which will include particular attractions. That way, you know you will definitely not miss out on anything during your trip. Also, you should consider looking some form of citypass for your destination. A lot of the cities do these, and it will mean you can go to all the major attractions!



And remember to sort your transport before you go. It might be worth getting a ticket to a hop on, hop off bus or boat to ensure you get around the city easily.





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The Beautiful Canals in Amsterdam

I am in love with Amsterdam! I used to say that about Paris but when I saw the beauty of Amsterdam last year, I have been in awe.

I have always dreamt of visiting The Netherlands even when I was a young kid. I think I was only 5 years old when I made my bucket list of places to visit. Of course, that piece of paper where all this "wanderlust" nature started has been long gone, in my heart and soul, I know what they are.

Visiting Amsterdam last year for my birthday was something I have only dreamt about. So, you can imagine my amazement when I actually saw the canals in the beautiful city of Amsterdam in person. My friend and I were both awe-struck, to say the least. All we could utter was, "so pretty!" And yes they are!

Do you know why The Netherlands has plenty of canals? The country is below sea level. They need a robust irrigation system to divert the water out of the country through the canals to prevent flooding. The canals have been around since 17th century.  In Amsterdam, the canals reaches more than a hundred kilometres when combined and they are now used as ways to travel.

A view of the flower market in Amstel

This is near the Amsterdam Central Station

One of the beautiful canals in Amsterdam

This is near Hotel The Bird where we stayed in Amstel. 

St. Stephen Basilica in Budapest

Hungary is home to Szent István-bazilika or in English, St. Stephen's Basilica. It is a famous landmark in the inner city of Budapest, in District V (Belváros-Lipótváros).

I have been blessed to have set my foot inside this famous, and beautiful Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest. I must say, beautiful is even an understatement. It's just very breath-taking, from the outside to the interior of the basilica. Everything is beautiful.

The basilica is named in honour of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary.  It has a neo-classical architectural design with 2 bell towers and a grand dome, following a Greek-cross style layout plan. Most of the stone carvings are intricate and edges of the church's dome and inner ceilings have gold foil. It is truly a magnificent architecture for many people to behold.

In the left side of the main altar, houses the relic of St. Stephen's right hand. It said to be miraculous so many church visitors and tourists take their time to visit the smaller altar and view the relic.

I went there to see it for myself but cannot come any closer for the relic's security and protection. It was housed inside an elaborate glass and metal container and you have to drop some Euro to activate the lights on for few minutes to have a better view of the right hand.

Getting inside the basilica is free. You can go up to the dome's observatory to get a better view of Budapest but with a minimal fee. My friend and I didn't go up since it was already noon and too hot and humid.

Aside from having an observatory, it also houses a big and smaller pipe organs. St. Stephen's Basilica also functions as a concert house for musical events as it take active participation in the promotion of music in the country. 

It is truly a remarkable experience to step inside the magnificent St. Stephen Basilica in Budapest. I only see it in travel magazines and travel sites. The feeling is ethereal especially when you realise that you're actually ticking another item off your bucket list.

So, if you are planning a trip in Budapest, include St. Stephen's Basilica in your itinerary or in your must-see places. I am very glad that the apartment I booked in was just 5 minutes walk from St. Stephen's Basilica. And waking up in the morning on the sight of the grandiose beauty of St. Stephen Basilica from our room is something I can only dream of. And it has happened...

Experience The Blooming Amsterdam In A Limited Budget

People with a love for traveling keep seeking opportunities to travel in different places. When the spring is around, and you are low on your budget; the best place to go for is Amsterdam. There are plenty of reasons why to go to Amsterdam specifically in spring.

One of the main reasons is to see the Amsterdam city blooming with beautiful tulips. The tulips look very captivating, and you cannot miss this beauty and the charm they provide to the city. The tulips are the sign of emerging of spring, typically in the month of March.

Where Should You Go?

The place not to be missed, when you are visiting Amsterdam in the springs is Keukenhof Gardens.

Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof or ‘kitchen garden’ is known as the Garden of Europe. It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. The park has more than 800 varieties of tulips, with more than 7 million bulbs in bloom in the spring.

The entry charge in this garden is €16 per adult. This is very reasonable as you can happily spend the whole day in the garden with your loved ones. The park is usually opened from 24 March to 16 May, from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

Various Activities To Do

Boat trips: Experiencing the exquisite beauty of the Keukenhof Gardens can be peacefully done by Boat rides. You can relax and enjoy the quiet of the garden while witnessing the blooming bulbs of tulips. The boat trip lasts for 45 minutes and costs €8 per adult, which is quite cheap.

Cycling: Bicycle is the best way to explore the area yourself. You can fall in love with the garden while riding the cycle. You may make a choice of the distance as per your preference, which can be from 5 km to 35 km.

Guided tours: If you want to know more about the type of flowers and learn all about the garden, guided tour is a must for you. And guess what? It is completely free of charge.

Restaurants: The garden is full of pavilions, stalls, and eateries to fill your stomach without losing much money. You can go for Juliana Pavilion, Beatrix Pavilion, Poffertjes house, Wilhelmina Pavilion, etc. to taste the yummy bites.

Accommodation: You can always find cheap apartments to rent in Amsterdam. Also, there are hotels nearby the park like Vakantiepark Koningshof, Rijnsburg, Camping De Zuidduinen, Katwijk Aan Zee, etc. to reside with your family.

Events to visit in the spring: There are many events taking place in Amsterdam in the season of spring. In this garden, you can enjoy food and flower festival, which is in the month of April. You can visit Keukenhof Flower market and flower parade here.

Shanty Choirs Festival is a party even to enjoy. Romance at Keukenhof is the classical musical event, which is carried out among the tulips. Family weekend is especially for families and children.

Conclusion

So, make sure you visit Keukenhof Gardens in the season of spring to experience the blooming tulips with reasonable price. You can create a lot of memories with your loved ones here.

Next Stop, Budapest!

Yes! My friend and I got our visas few days ago. It was rather fast, around 5 days tops only. This is the first time my friend is travelling with me and her first to to travel in Europe. So she's excited.  I am too. Why, this is my first time to visit Central Europe and Hungary at that!

We both applied for a multiple entry visa but has been granted only single entry with a very short duration. I am too embarrassed to state the duration here. This is the very first time I have been granted a single entry ever since my family and I have been travelling to Europe. I am not sure what was the basis of their decision but who cares. We have our visas so the trip is on!

We are on a tight budget for this trip because I am in the process of applying for another visa for my husband and myself. I will tell you more about it next time when we also get that visa (wink!). For now, my budget is all allocated to travelling as much as I can because I want to enjoy it while I can and able.

I booked for an apartment for my friend and I and it is way cheaper than staying in a hotel. I got the good deal from Booking.com.  I also got a nice rate for return airport transfers with an add-on of Hop-on and Hop-off tour.

The apartment I booked is within walking distance to St. Stephen's Basilica and other notable landmarks in the area. So, as soon as we settle ourselves in the apartment, we'll head out the door and explore.

I am also excited with the souvenirs! I love collecting knicks and knacks from my travels abroad. I can't wait to get my hands on the fridge magnets, snow globes, and shot glasses.

We are leaving for Budapest this September and will be back shortly. It's just a short vacation during the Eid Holidays. It is a vacation that I have been dreaming about since I was little, to visit Budapest someday, and that someday is on Sept. 10, 2016.

Budapest, here we come!

The Travel Bug Is Biting

People close to me know that I am a traveler and I love it! I enjoy going out of town even for just a day. I love seeing new places and it is my way of de-stressing. It's a semblance of normality for me when I go somewhere and just soak in the beauty of a new place I haven't seen yet.

Just last Monday, my colleague and I applied for a Schengen Visa. It is her first time and it's my 5th time. I love visiting Europe because I love their culture, the beautiful architecture and old cobblestone streets. I just love the old feel of Europe. It's something I always miss each time I fly back to Dubai from Europe. I just look forward to the next one.

I am not divulging the whereabouts of my next European sojourn. Let's just say, it's a very beautiful place and somewhat farther from the other European countries I have been to in the past. We will be visiting this place for just 4 days and 3 nights. We both can't afford a longer vacation at this time since I am spending Christmas back home.

I am excited! I wish to get approved for multiple entry as I plan to visit the Christmas Market before flying to Manila for the Christmas holidays.

Why Budapest Should Be In Your Next European Destination List

Europe is a great destination to visit especially for people who loves culture, rich in history and very admirable art. Aside from art, it is also full of scenic places which are perfect for great photo op for tourists like us.

Going to Europe has given a misconception to new travellers. They think Europe is expensive but honestly, some parts of Europe are really expensive while there are other countries that you can visit in a budget and one of that is Hungary.

Hungary is a country located in Central Europe and is bordered by several countries like Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Serbia. It also a part of the Schengen states so if you are planning to visit any Schengen states and have been issued a multiple entry, or you do not even need a visa in most European countries, then you may want to consider Budapest as your next destination.

Their Affordable accommodations

Point in case, I checked 3 nights stay in a very decent but low star hotel accommodation in Rome near the Termini and compared the same rate of the 3 nights' stay in one of the Accor properties in Budapest, near a metro station and within walking distance to most places of interest. Both properties are in city centre, near a train station and in walking distance to major touristic spots but the hotel in Budapest is still cheaper considering it is a 3-star property and the one in Rome wasn't.

There are plenty of types of accommodations to choose from like apartments for families or group of travellers, a hotel, hostel or B&Bs.  And you can also book yourself to one of the many luxurious properties in the heart of Budapest and yet, the price you will pay will still be very good compared to other European countries.

Their Thermal Baths

Hungary can be very cold during winter time but their thermal bath is frequented regardless of season. Budapest is teeming with baths, including medicinal baths. The Hungarian city has plenty of natural springs and and wells that has plenty of beneficial minerals which they use for the medicinal and thermal baths. There are plenty of resorts and spa-type accommodations where you can relax and enjoy yearlong.

You may want to check out the Gellért, Széchenyi and Lukács Baths in Budapest when you visit the beautiful city.

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Their Affordable currency

Even if Hungary is part of Europe and a member Schengen state, it still uses its own currency - the Hungarian Forint. Forint is not a strong currency compared to the Euro. Although Euro is widely accepted, the Forint is still the currency used in Hungary.

Their Places of Interest are within reach

Budapest is a small city and most attractions can be reached on foot if you're up to it. You'll be surprised to know that there will be tourists attractions in both Buda and the Pest side. So no matter where you want to go for your accommodation, there will still be enough places to go around.

Their Night Life

Budapest is not only arts, history and culture. It is also a good place for night life. Parties abound in Budapest and you can be sure to enjoy the pub and bars around the city for a sample of their beers and night life.

Their Castle and Fortress

Photo credit: travelico.com

Budapest is like a romantic town plucked from the pages of a fairy tale book because of its splendid architecture including a castle and fortress in the heart of the city. The Buda Castle, Citadel in Gellert Hill and the Fishermen's Bastion are some of the iconic structures to visit while in Budapest. You will be in awe with their beauty and structural formation's mixture of bastions, turrets and imposing walls.

Their Caves

Yes, Budapest has intricate caves under its beautiful city. You can visit the following if you feel like walking inside one of the caves in the city, make sure you bring warm clothing and wear your hiking boots.

These are the 3 caves in Budapest: Pál-völgyi Cave, Szemlő-hegyi Cave, and the Castle Cave in Buda Castle.

Photo credit: taken from yahoo.com/credit to the owner

Their Local Food

Budapest is teeming with restaurants and food outlets. You can find areas in Budapest that are specialising in cafe and restaurant business. Sample their staples and enjoy the local cuisine.


Why Budapest? I say, why not?

Read This Before Visitng Paris!

Paris is one of the most romantic and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Now that’s really saying something! When you visit this amazing metropolis, you see immediately why so many people make it a stop on round-the-world trips. Although beautiful, Paris is also pretty fast-paced and frantic. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then here are some tips to help you avoid sticking out too much!

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The first tip I can offer is to learn at least a few French phrases. In France, like a lot of continental Europe, English is widely taught and spoken. You’ll usually be able to find someone who speaks decent English, but they may not always be that friendly! Although a lot of Parisians do speak English, many of them are very proud of their language and culture. If you approach them and begin speaking in English, they won’t appreciate how presumptuous you’re being. No one’s expecting you to be fluent, but learning a few common words and phrases will be highly appreciated. I’ll start you off with one you’ll be using a lot: “parlez-vous un petit peu d’anglais?”.

You should be on the lookout for pickpockets in Paris, particularly when you’re passing through metro stations. This is a big risk in any European city, especially if you’re a tourist. The worst spots for it are on the metro, on lines that go past many popular attractions. French pickpockets know a tourist a mile off, and will see you as an easy target. Luckily, there are some easy ways around this. The easiest precaution to take is simply making your valuables harder to reach. Put them in smaller pockets deep in your bag, rather than carrying them on your person. Stay vigilant about common tactics as well. Many pickpockets wait for that crushing swarm of people getting on or off a train to dip their hands into people’s bags and pockets. You can find a more complete guide on the French US Embassy website.

(Wikimedia)

Finally, be sure to get a lot of navigation materials if you’re planning to get around yourself. Most tourists in Paris, and a lot of the locals to be honest, rely entirely on public transport. This is mainly due to how hard it is to get around in a car! Paris is a truly ancient settlement, and many of the roads were built for horses and coaches. This of course leads to a lot of traffic jams. There are odd-angled boulevards and avenues wherever you go, and finding somewhere to park can be an absolute nightmare. This has given rise to a lot of services such as Paris France Parking. This allows travellers and day-trippers to reserve spaces on certain roads. In general, my advice about driving in Paris is not to! If you are though, make sure to research rush hours, routes to attractions, and parking.

Hopefully, these three tips will do something about the big “tourist” label hanging over your head! Visiting Paris can feel a little daunting. However, a little preparation really goes a long way!

Best Time to Travel to Europe

Places in Europe will not all have the same weather forecast as the ones in the other continents. The Northern Europe's spring season may be a bit wet and cooler than the spring in Italy or Spain. And there is less rain in England, Scotland and Ireland this season as compared to the other European countries.

Summer will be a lot hot and humid to some parts like in Italy and Spain. However, summer in Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark may be a lot cooler than the ones in Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain. So, avoid going there on summer if you can since most travelers coming from all parts of the globe and even the Europeans take their summer vacation and flock to the seaside areas in Europe. This can drive up the accommodation and transportation rates high.

Schedule your travels to Europe on spring where it is not yet that crowded and the weather is still manageable. I have traveled during the autumn season as well (late August - mid October) in Europe and the weather was a bit cold already, dipping to a low of 5-10 degrees Celcius at night. But noon time temperature was acceptable. The accommodations are cheaper because of lesser occupancy rate and the tourist spots are not that crowded. 

Places of Interest in Marienplatz in Munich

Munich is a lovely place to visit. There are plenty of interesting places to see and you can all do that using the Hop-On and Hop-Off bus plying the routes famous for tourist attractions.

Marienplatz is the town centre in Munich. We booked our Hop-On and Hop-Off bus tour from the Travel information centre in the plaza. And riding the Hop-on, Hop-off bus was a great way to see most of the sights without having to worry on finding our way around town and using the public transportation.

Munich has plenty of points of interests which were covered in our Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour. I am very glad we booked it because I don't know if we'd have enough time to cover much if we had decided to take the public transportation. There are plenty of eateries, food stalls and souvenir shops.

Marienplatz is an old town square in Munich, Germany.  Marienplatz stands for Our Lady's Square or St. Mary's Square in the town square which is a main square since 1158 in the city centre of Munich.

Attractions to find in Marienplatz:

Teddy Bear / Toy Museum

This is one of the places that we wished we visited earlier. It was closed already when we tried to visit. We were just few minutes late when the museum closed. Anyway, the Teddy Bear Museum houses plenty of collection of toys from some prominent countries. You can find more information about this place here:

http://www.ivansteiger.com/en/toy-museum/munich

The Rathaus

The New Town hall is a very famous gothic-inspired building in the northern part of Marienplatz. The Rathaus is the seat of the mayor’s office, the city council, and the headquarters of the city administration in Munich.

Glockenspiel

The Glockenspiel in the tower balcony of the Neues Rathaus is also world famous and worth seeing. Since 1908, figurines representing stories from Munich’s history twirl on two levels daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. (the 5:00 p.m. show is omitted from November through February). In addition to the well-known coopers dancers, the Münchner Kindl (symbol of the city’s coat of arms), and the angel of peace also make an appearance in the almost 12-minute-long spectacle. (Source: http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/new-town-hall-neues-rathaus.html)

Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt)

Munich is home to many Christmas market stalls during the holiday season. Marienplatz is one of the famous Christmas Markets in the world.

(Photo credit: timesofmalta.com)

Mariensäule (Marian Column) in the square

The Marian column was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. Atop the column is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon as the Queen of Heaven.

Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain)

One of the famous meeting points in Marienplatz. It is found in the eastern side of the town square near the Rathaus.

Travelling to Greece? Tips to Help You Have a Great Time

Visiting Greece is bound to be a great experience for you. You’ll meet lots of different people, explore a varied landscape, and eat some yummy food. However, it’s a good idea to do lots of research and learn as much as you can before you set off. These tips can start you off and help you to have a great time:

Rent a Car to Get Around

Getting around Greece can be done a number of ways. You could rent a car from a car hire company. Just beware that their driving style will likely be very different to your own driving style. Alternatively, why not rent a moped? It’s ridiculously cheap and can be a lot of fun to do. If that’s not your thing, maybe consider getting the train. Just make sure you keep yourself safe.

Eat on the Cheap

Eating isn’t all that expensive in Greece, but it can quickly use up a lot of your budget if you’re going to nice restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try the street food, like gyros. They will hardly touch your budget and you’ll eat whole meals. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, try using authentic Greek ingredients to cook for yourself.

Explore Different Beaches

There are a number of different beaches in Greece that are perfect for different types of people. Whether you’re a couple, a solo traveller or a family, you can find a beach for you. There are many great beaches for solo travellers to try where they can meet new people!

Don’t Plan Too Much

Although there’s a lot to do in Greece, like visiting Olympia and the Acropolis, you don’t want to plan too much. Trying to pack your trip too full with activities can lead to stress and not enjoying things like you should. Make sure you really take time to enjoy the things you’re doing.

Learn Some Helpful Phrases

Learning a few phrases will not only make your trip more enjoyable, you’ll be able to impress the Greeks too. They’ll appreciate that you’ve taken some time to learn phrases and will be far more likely to help you if you need it.

Try the Local Drink

If you want to drink on your travels, try drinking locally made stuff. Even the monks in the towns drink it, and many say that it won’t give you a hangover the next day! Imported stuff will cost you a fortune, so it’s always better to try local.

Stay Hydrated

Greece is an extremely hot country, so make sure you stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of water with you daily and remember to drink from it. The last thing you want is heat stroke ruining your trip.

While you’re in Greece, remember to live in the moment and have as much fun as you can. Really savour it and enjoy it. Many people waste trips worrying about forgetting something or panicking that something will go wrong. Don’t worry about a thing and have a great time!

Amazing Adventure Breaks in Europe

When you think of adventure holidays, a lot of people believe that they are for kids or families. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Sure these types of holidays can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, but you don't have to take kids with you! In fact, sometimes holidays are a lot more fun without them! Shh, just don’t tell anyone we said that. Whether you have kids or not, a break is always welcomed. Who doesn’t like going on holiday?

pic via Flickr

So if you fancy something a bit more active than lying on the beach sipping cocktails (although that does sound good) what are your options? There’s plenty of time to sit around, and if you’re looking for adventure, then you’ve come to the right place. Doing something different is a great way to revive your lust for life. When you’re doing physical activities, the adrenaline can give you a real boost. You’ll be energized and refreshed and ready for anything. Who knows, you might even find you have hidden talents!

Hit the Slopes!

Skiing has a rep of being only for the wealthy, but it can be surprisingly affordable. You can get some great deals on short breaks. If you’ve ever fancied visiting the Alps, then you could be hitting the slopes very soon if you decide to get your ski’s on. From the novice to the expert, there are courses to suit everyone and tuition is available. To save more money, make sure lift passes and hire charges are included in the price of your holiday - you don’t want to get stung by hidden charges! There are some great packages available at momentumski.com

Fly through the Sky!

The longest zip wire in Europe is situated in Wales. Set in the Snowdonia National Park the line is not for the faint-hearted. You can zoom along at speeds of up to 90mph on what is reckoned to be the greatest zip wire experience in the entire Northern hemisphere. Snowdonia is also known as an area of outstanding natural beauty. You’ll also find a very warm welcome if you visit Wales; it’s one of the friendliest places you could ever hope to go. They certainly like to have a drink and a good time. Find out more at visitwales.com

A Swimmingly Good Adventure

If you are a water baby at heart, then why not visit Siam Park in Tenerife. The popular Spanish resort is reckoned to be one of the best water parks on the continent. With a multitude of white-knuckle water rides, you’ll love the thrill a minute atmosphere. IT certainly has unique surroundings. The park is Thai themed and rich in culture and eastern promise. One of the main attractions of the park is the infamous “Tower of Power.” This petrifying ride features an 80foot drop that passes right through a tank that is full of sharks. Definitely not one for you if the film Jaws gave you nightmares! Don’t panic, they can’t get you, but it’s certainly one for the hardcore amongst you! To make a splash, swom over to tenerifewaterpark.com