Puerto Rico Beaches on the South Shore

Markus — 12/5/2009

Besides the beautiful and bustling north shore, Puerto Rico shows a very different face on its quiet south side. The climate here is usually much drier than in the north, and there is less touristic development, which makes the south a nice spot to escape and relax, and see a different side of Puerto Rico. There is plenty of small boutique hotels, eco-resorts and lodges that are nestled into the beautiful natural surroundings.

Puerto Rico Beaches on the North Shore

Markus — 12/4/2009

The caribbean island of Puerto Rico is a natural paradise, and of course, as you would expect from a tropical island, offers some of the worlds finest beaches. Most of them are within an hour driving distance from the capital, San Juan. I have visited all of them - and in this blog article I put up some pictures and directions for the north shore between Arecibo and Fajardo.

Starting in the very east - in Fajardo - the very highlight is to go on a day tour to the small companion island

Porto Elounda Hotel, Crete

Markus — 11/26/2009

One of the most beautiful spots in Greece is undoubtedly Elounda Bay on the eastern side of the island Crete. Here, below the hills, are some of the finest beaches of the country and a selection of world-class hotel resorts. Two of the most stunning hotels are Porto Elounda and Peninsula, which I have visited recently.

Porto Elounda is a 5-star hotel, and the adjacent Peninsula Luxury Resort is one of the most expensive places to stay within Greece. And the place is just stunning. Imagin

Cacique Rum, Venezuelas Best-kept Secret

Markus — 11/16/2009

Cacique is the name of Venezuelas finest rum, available in Europe only via specialized resellers except in Spain, where every larger supermarket carries the brand.

As for now I have decided for myself that Cacique is the single best rum brand in the world. Its smoothness together with the distinctive flavor, never intrusive, makes all Cacique varieties a perfect buy.

Cacique comes in four basic varieties:

Cacique Ron A�ejo
This classic light-brown rum is made

Sylt island in the North Sea

Markus — 10/28/2009

I have always dreamt about going somewhere north on my next trip. Though I am normally a traveller more inclined to the southern, warm places of this planet, the northern, rough climate always had some kind of fascination to me. So I was delighted to have an opportunity to visit an island in the North Sea, on the northernmost tip of Germany, called Sylt.

Its northern tip already on the latitude of Denmark, this is one of the rare places with an end-of-the-world feeling for me. It i

USS Intrepid Air and Space Museum

Markus — 10/27/2009

What does a typical New York visitor do on a short trip to the Big Apple? Go visit the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and Central Park? What about something completely different, such as visiting a real-life aircraft carrier from Cold War!

The USS Intrepid has been taken out of service in 1982 and now serves as an Air and Space Museum right in the middle of New York City's Upper West Side on the Hudson River. The carrier was part of the US Pacific Fleet in the Pacific War and was

Amazon Kindle: A solution for travellers

Markus — 10/13/2009

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced in October 2009 that the Amazon Kindle e-book reader will finally be released in an international version on a global scale.

For about $260 customers can download books for a very competitive price wherever on the globe they are. Books are usually about 50 percent off shelf price, and the fee for a down

Nightlife in New York's Greenwich Village

Markus — 10/6/2009

On my last stay in New York City, we went out with a bunch of friends in the chic Greenwich Village area. Its a district with many old, low-rise buildings that have been renovated and form a very well-groomed neighbourhood, one of the most expensive ones in Manhattan, as I was told.

We started the evening in a rooftop lounge at the Gansevoort Hotel, having a couple of beers and enjoying the stunning view over the Westside Park and Hudson river.

Refunds for Non-Refundable Tickets

Markus — 9/3/2009

As ticket prices get cheaper every day, we can see positions like taxes and fees going up constantly. Almost every airline makes revenues in fees, fuel surcharge, booking fees etc.

Very few people know that - at least in Europe - these items are refundable, even if the ticket is not refundable. Which means that, if you buy a cheap ticket with $10 flight price and $50 in fees & taxes, the $50 should be returned to you by the airline if not used.

The nice thing is that you can requ

Buri Rasa Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

Markus — 8/10/2009

On my this years stay in Koh Samui I decided to opt for a small, cosy boutique hotel in the middle of bustling Chaweng Beach. I wanted to be in the middle of all the action, but at the same time have a chance to relax, unwind and some quiet time.

I found a small place called Buri Rasa Hotel, which had a good rate at Latestays.com as well (about $90 per night). On top of that they threw in two free massage treatments in the hotel's spa. That was a good deal!

Arriving at the hote

Koh Samui Airport, Thailand

Markus — 8/10/2009

One of the most remarkable airports in this world is located on Ko Samui island in Thailand. This tropical paradise is well-connected to Bangkok and other Thai and international destinations via a quite extensive flight network. While it has been growing at double-digit rates each year during the last years, Samui Airport has maintained its charm as a gateway to one of southeast Asia's tropical gems.

Visitors are picked up from their plane by one of the mini trains usually found insi

Diving in Croatia

Markus — 5/27/2009

Croatia is a very popular diving destination for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries. A traditional holiday destination for many decades, diving has always been one of the main attractions for summer guests. The coasts are clear and rich in marine life, and there is a good infrastructure.

On my dive trip in May 2009, I went to Kostrena, a small town near Rijeka. At first glance it seems not very attractive, as it is situated between the shipyards of Rijeka on the one side, and the

Airline Ticket Name Changes

Markus — 5/14/2009

As I was recently booking some flights for me and my friends, I was confronted with the situation that some guy who wasn't able to make it for the journey wanted to hand over his ticket to a companion. But that wasn't that easy a job with the airline. Most airlines restrict or penalize the changing of a name on the ticket, or allow these changes only for high fees. Many times the passenger has no understanding for this measure and asks himself, how much can changing a name on a piece of

Lyon Culinary Capital

Markus — 5/14/2009

Spring time - travel time! I think this is probably the best time of the year to go to one of the most beautiful European countries - to France! I got one of the cheap tickets from Lufthansa and decided for Lyon, where a friend lives that I wanted to visit.

Even though Lyon is the second-largest city in France, it doesn't give that impression when you get there. The airport is small and cosy, and on the bus to downtown you get the feel of going into a typical mid-size town with all i

Vieques - Off The Shore of Puerto Rico

Markus — 5/2/2009

Vieques is a not-so-tiny island off the coast of Puerto Rico on the east side. It is well connected to the main island via ferries and even a small airport that offers several daily flights to San Juan and Fajardo.

The island is home to many retired Americans who built their home there, as well as tourists staying in one of the very nice resorts on the island. If you are lucky to be here outside the rainy season, you will be able to see some of the most splendid beaches in the Caribbean.

In The Mountains of Puerto Rico

Markus — 5/2/2009

Puerto Rico has a unique landscape with about 7 different climatic zones. Several of these are represented in the mountain area, which goes from arid forest to rainforest (bosque pluvial). All of them are near together and are fascinating natural biosystems to visit!

Let's begin in the El Yunque area, which is the island's highest mountain and is surrounded by a natural rainforest. Because of the high altitude of the top, clouds are forming constantly by the rising air and there

Prague in Springtime

Markus — 4/29/2009

A nice weekend in Prague in the Czech Republic with a boat trip on the scenic river Vltava (Moldau).

See Album here: www.puertoricanrum.com/prague

Where's the nicest Hotel in Bangkok?

Markus — 4/15/2009

This is without any doubt a difficult question and an interesting one at the same time. Choosing a hotel to stay in Bangkok to me is among the most exciting holiday planning tasks to do. In no other city in the world there is such a wide choice of exciting high quality hotels than in this bustling city. It is so easy to find a nice place even for the small budget, if you know the right places to go and use the internet to find a good deal. I will show you the best web sites (and some SECRET tips

Three Nights In Bangkok

Markus — 3/29/2009

During this stay in Thailand, I happened to stay some nights in Bangkok for business purposes. I always enjoy being in this city for a few nights before exploring the 'real' Thailand. Many Thai people tell you that if you really want to know Thailand you have to move outside of Bangkok. But this bustling city that never sleeps is always worth a visit and has its magic charm nobody is really able to uncover completely.

One thing I always do is taking the Chao Phraya River Cruise

Koh Tao Diving, Thailand

Markus — 3/19/2009

I just arrived a few days before to the beautiful islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. My primary objective here is diving, and the expectations are high since my last trip to Curacao / Netherland Antilles.

My first two dives on Koh Tao could not have been better. With two guys from Planet Scuba Dive Center - Jeff and Steve - in Samui we made our way with the Seatran Link Express Ferry to Koh Tao. The trip takes about two hours and it was a perfect opportunity to review some

Koh Samui by Motorbike

Markus — 3/14/2009

One of the nice things you can do on Koh Samui Island is going around by motorbike or rental car, as the island is big enough to show you a different face every time. The south and southwest offers marvelous sandy beaches with no one there but coconut tree and perhaps a small food stall selling curries and Pad Thai noodles.

In the center of the island you'll find a jungle full of waterfalls and elephant trails, as well as some Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) camps and academies.

This tim

Koh Samui, Thailand's Island Paradise

Markus — 3/8/2009

If there is one place in Thailand I would recommend everybody to go, except of course Bangkok, this would be the island Koh Samui. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand, it boasts with warm, clear, blue-turquoise waters, some of the finest sand beaches in the world, wonderful natural environment and a lot of life, fun and action.

The beaches of Samui are clearly the number one attraction of the island. Something for everybody, most especially young people stay in the bustling Cha

Diving in Curacao

Markus — 2/26/2009

The beautiful Caribbean Island of Curacao is probably one of the world's greatest places to go diving. World-class dive resorts offer all kinds of service to even the most demanding guest, a beautiful reef that goes around the island stuffed with colorful fish and century-old coral formations invites to be explored from one of the over 80 divespots to offer a new diving experience every day. The waters are warm and clear, and the white sand on the island's many beaches complete the pictu

Culebra: The Perfect Beach In Puerto Rico

Markus — 2/24/2009

Puerto Rico is well-known for its sandy beaches, lush jungles and rich cultural environment. It is one of America's premier holiday destinations offering great hotel resorts and ideal connection flights to many cities within the U.S. But probably the most exciting site on Puerto Rican territory is not on the main island itself, but located on a small, cosy island approximately one hour offshore. It is called Culebra, which in Spanish means "Snake", and is home to one of the most beau

Puerto Rico Rum Paradise

Markus — 2/3/2009

So lets finally get down to what this blog is all about...or at least what the cover suggests! Puerto Rican Rum! It is by far the finest rum on earth for me, so let me show you around and give you some directions on the island so you can try some fine drinks!

There are basically two big rum manufacturers on Puerto Rico. One is the world-renown Bacard� which was originally founded in Cuba but then moved when Castro took over. The other one is Serrall�s with its famous brand DonQ rum. Th

San Juan, Puerto Rico Salsa Capital

Markus — 2/2/2009

The lovely old part of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, is a must-see and one of the number one tourist spots on this caribbean island. Those who have been there know why. There's a special spirit in this town, and to feel it it's best to spend a whole day strolling around! Follow me!

Probably the first thing you notice when arriving at El Viejo San Juan - the spanish name for old San Juan - are the cruise ships that are almost always present. San Juan is the starting point fo

Playa Grandi - All West Apartments House Reef

Markus — 1/31/2009

The apartment resort All West Aparments + Diving in Curacao is a nice place to hang out. We have been there during our January 2009 dive vacation and it was superb. What is also superb is the divespot directly in front of All West - so to say their house reef. It is called Playa Grandi and is also accessible for external people, just go around the corner - or if you come from Westpunt, it's just 200 ft after passing Jaanchie's Restaurant to the right, clearly depicted by a sign!

Superior Producer Shipwreck Divesite, Curacao

Markus — 1/30/2009

The Superior Producer is a 240-foot freight vessel that sank in 1978 just after leaving the port of Willemstad, Curacao because of shifting load balance. After the news has been spread over the island, literally hundreds of divers - experienced and non-experienced - grabbed a tank and went down to the ship to get their share of jeans and t-shirts. The ship is located at 100 feet of depth, so it is quite dangerous for an unexperienced diver to go down there.

Nowadays, it is THE perfect wr

Exploring Curacao National Parks

Markus — 1/21/2009

Curacao is well known for many things: A world-class scuba diving destination, pristine beaches and clear waters full of marine life. But there's a lot more to see on this caribbean island! Curacao offers a couple of interesting National Parks that are worth visiting. Whatever you're up to - a photo trip by car or in search of a hiking trail - you will find it. We have visited two of the most interesting places for you: National Parks Shete Boka and the Christoffel Park, home to the Chri

How To Get A Good Airplane Seat!

Markus — 12/23/2008

Last month I was travelling to Los Angeles from Europe and I really asked myself, why should I force myself twelve hours into a small uncomfortable seat in between of two snoring, ugly-smelling fat guys, not being able to stand up, and then pay $1,200 for the airfare? I am travelling a lot in my life so I made up my mind how to make the travel experience just a little bit more comfortable in your life.

1) Be A Seat Guru
The cheapest and most intelligent way to get a good seat is t

Sardinia in Four Hours

Markus — 12/10/2008

What would you do if you were to make a stopover on the mediterranean beautiful island Sardinia (Italy) and you have only four hours? Well, of course you do what everybody does. Go to the beach, check out all the beautiful ladies in the sun and enjoy the sea, and eat a crunchy piece of italian Pizza!

After spending a night in Dubrovnik

Flying Over The Mediterranean Sea To Dubrovnik

Markus — 12/6/2008

Last weekend was really crazy. Imagine you're in Budapest, Hungary, for a business conference and after all the sightseeing and joining a private VIP party at a hotel, your friend calls you in the morning and says he'd pick you up at Budapest airport in 2 hours and takes you for a ride over the Mediterranean sea with a small airplane? Sounds crazy? Well, that's exactly what happened to me.

So I picked up a taxi at seven in the morning (after about 2 hours of sleep) and go to the

Temple Adventure in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Markus — 12/4/2008

Siem Reap is undoubtedly one of the more remote spots in Asia. When the airplane lands at the small jungle airport at night, visitors have no idea that they are approaching one of the #1 cultural heritage sites in the world.

As we pass immigration, the friendly Khmer people welcome us with a smile. There is something special in the warm, fully aromatic jungle air.

Later, at the hotel's bar, we get introduced to the country's spicy kitchen. It tastes

The Ancient Ruins of Machu Picchu

Markus — 12/4/2008

I never thought getting to the ancient Machu Picchu heritage site deep inside the Andean Mountains is that easy. Early in the morning, a huge tourist crowd meets at Cusco's train station to board one of the tourist trains for a ride along the Urubamba Valley, passing a breathtaking landscape and finally finding its way through canyons and waterfalls to a small town called Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes has the charm of a mining town, with a train line going through the main market

Travel tips, recommendations for travellers | Puertoricanrum.com

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Venezia Lido Airport - Venice by air

Koh Phangan Dive Sites

Recipe: Italian Pasta With Truffles

How To Make a Perfect Pizza at Home

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Luxembourg, the little European Capital

Whale Sharks in the Gulf of Thailand

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