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eat-like-a-local-in-venice

Eat Like A Local In Venice: 5 Places Without Tourist Traps

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One of most common things that will happen when you are travelling is that you end up in a ridiculously expensive restaurant after being ushered in by an overly enthusiastic waiter. Experienced travelers will tell you to avoid such tourist traps with menus that are in more than 3 languages and with blatant picture displays. But where do you find best non touristy places to eat like a true Venice local?

While some of the Venetian restaurants might have accumulated a bad reputation for themselves as having exorbitant prices, we want to introduce to you some of the places where locals eat to get a taste of good, authentic local food without burning a hole in your pocket (or falling into a tourist trap!).

1. Trattoria Alla Rampa

Castello, 1135, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy (Via Garibaldi)

Telephone: +39 041 528 5365

Lunch only, closed on Sunday

Located in a working-class neighbourhood, Trattoria Alla Rampa is a popular lunch spot for the residents who live in this neighborhood. Their wallet-friendly “worker’s menu”, which consists of pasta, main course, wine and coffee, is excellent value for €13. And it probably explains why they are always packed with locals for lunch. At 1pm, the menu switches to offering home-styled Venetian dishes. Dishes can include veal scaloppini (similar to a veal cutlet),  risi e bisi (Venetian rice and peas) and squid ink pasta. Pasta costs €10 and main dishes around €14.

2. Venetian fish cooked by a true Venice seaman, Massimo

The reviews on his page to book speak for themselves and you cannot get more local than enjoy a freshly cooked fish in a Venetian’s own home. Venice’s widely popular home-chef and seaman Massimo offers the freshest seafood cuisine and guarantees a taste of the 7 seas with his meal in an ancient home in central Venice. Feel free to check him out here.

3.Osteria Al Portego

Castello San Lio, 6014, 30122 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 522 9038

When you are in venice, you definitely need to try out their cichetti, which are small snacks or side dishes typically served in bacari or also know as cichetti bars in Venice. Osteria Al Portego has a wide selection of cichetti such as fried stuffed zucchini flowers and bread with baccalà (dried salted cod). If you are in for a drink, join them for their happy hour and choose from their large selection of wines.

4. Ristorante Dalla Marisa

Cannaregio, 652, 30171 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 720211

Given its appearance, this restaurant might not attract your attention but it sure did catch the eyes of editors at Jamie Oliver’s travel magazine. This intimate, cozy restaurant does not have an a la carte menu but instead offer dishes that change daily, depending on what ingredients are available. If you are up for good seafood and would happily go where locals would go, then you are at the right place.

5. Osteria da Alberto

osteria-da-alberto

Calle Giacinto Gallina – Cannaregio, 5401, 30121 Venezia, Italy
+39 041 523 8153

Located between Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Osteria da Alberto is a local’s favourite, especially around lunchtime. They serve authentic and classic Venetian cuisines such as risotto and spaghetti with squid ink. Their daily specials menu is ever changing based on the season and what the chef can find in the local seafood market, so you can be sure that everything is fresh. Go in, grab a table and let them surprise you.

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Top Tips for Planning a Vacation on a Tight Budget

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Top Tips for Planning a Vacation on a Tight Budget

There are many factors that will influence the cost of your vacation, such as airfares, accommodation, meals, transport and other miscellaneous expenses. But that does not mean that the budget-conscious cannot travel. In fact, it is possible to travel on a budget as long as you do enough research and know when and where to get the best deals.

Here are some tips for budget-conscious wanderlusters!

1. Plan and book early

The earlier you book, the more options you will have when it comes to flights and accommodation. You also get to take advantage of lower prices and early-bird offers, which means you are less likely to fret over exceeding your budget. Airfares and accommodation costs will only escalate as you book closer towards your planned travel dates so you have every reason to plan and book your vacation early!

2. Travel off-peak

The demand for travel is highest during summer, which translates into higher prices so avoid travelling during the warmer months where possible. The best time to travel is typically between January to April, when demand for travel is lower – airfares and accommodation are not only cheaper, you also have more options to choose from. With fewer tourists around during the off-peak travel season, you are unlikely to be faced with long queues at attractions – less time spent queuing means you will have time for more activities in your travel itinerary! Travelling on a budget is also about making the most of your holiday!

3. Self-catering accommodation

Self-catering accommodation is typically cheaper than a hotel stay and gives you the option of preparing your own meals. Having your own kitchen will not only save you the hassle of looking for eateries to dine at during your travels, but also allow you to save on meals. Dining out can be a costly affair and eateries at touristy spots tend to be overpriced. Ingredients at grocery stores are not only cheaper, but can also last you for a couple of days so you effectively save more by preparing most your meals when you travel.

Check out online platforms such as Airbnb or Holiday Lettings to book your self-catering accommodation!

4. Travel light

Travelling light is not just about reducing the load of your suitcases – it is also about bringing one less bag. Depending on the airline that you take, not bringing a checked-in suitcase means that you pay a lower airfare. Apart from airfare, having just a carry-on bag also gives you greater convenience as you will be able to get around more easily and take public transport – you will spend less on transportation since you do not have to resort to taking a cab. 

5. Discounts and deals

Make use of discounts and deals available in the destination you are in, whether it be dining coupons or group discounts for entry to a particular attraction. If you are planning to visit many different attractions in a city, you may wish to consider getting a travel pass that offers you free entry or discounted ticket prices to various attractions. Such passes may even include free rides on public transport too! 

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an expense that no traveller should cut off. The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard in the event that anything unfortunate happens. With insurance, you can be assured that you will not have to fork out unexpected costs should anything unfortunate happen during your travels. 

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Tips for preventing theft while travelling

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Tips for preventing theft while travelling

Travellers are unfortunately easy targets for pickpockets, particularly in touristy areas. The loss of valuables is distressing and can ruin what would otherwise be an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. But we can prevent ourselves from falling victim to thieves as long as we stay alert and do not let our guard down. 

Here are some tips to guard yourself against thefts!

1. Valuables – only the essentials

Items that are extremely precious to you, whether it is expensive pieces of jewellery or an heirloom, should be left at home. You will not want to catch the attention of thieves with your sparkling and pricey jewellery. Bring only the essential items, namely your passport, money, camera, mobile phone and the credit and debit cards you intend to use. 

2. Cash – separate them

Rather than placing all the cash that you have on hand in your wallet, place only a sufficient amount in your wallet for the day and keep the rest in a separate pouch or store them in different compartments of your wallet. You can also choose to split your cash with your travel companion or place them in hidden pockets in your clothing. That way, you are less likely to draw unnecessary attention when making purchases. 

3. Valuables that you will not use – store them

Do make use of the security safe if it is provided at your lodging. Use it to store valuable items that you are unlikely to use on the go, such as your laptops, tablets, camera lens, spare cash as well as your passport. Bring along a combination lock in the event that a security safe is not provided in your lodging and store your valuables in your suitcase and remember to lock it before you set off! For extra security, you may consider burying your valuables with dirty clothing in your suitcase before you lock it.

4. Day bags – go for zipper closures

Your day bag for travelling should be large enough to store items that you will need on the go and have enough inner compartments for you to organise your belongings. But it should also be sufficiently small and discreet such that it does not attract unnecessary attention. Whether you prefer a cross-body bag or backpack, the day bag you pick should have a zip closure so that your valuables are not left exposed.

Avoid bags with drawstring or flap closures as they give pickpockets easy access to belongings in your bag. Those who want to carry backpacks should also consider locking their bags for added security. 

5. Dressing and mannerisms – not like a tourist!

Appear like a tourist – let your camera hang around your shoulder, look lost, open your maps in the middle of the street and speak loudly – and you will catch the attention of pickpockets. Blend in with the local community and you are less likely to be a target of thieves. Dress appropriately and be mindful of local customs in the destination you are visiting so that you do not end up standing out. Keep your camera away if you are not using it and avoid opening maps in the middle of the street – head to a corner if you need to look up directions or approach a local!

Appear calm and confident when on the go, even if you are lost. You may want to plan your itinerary in advance and seek advice on directions from locals you meet, be it the receptionist at your accommodation or service staff at stores. You are less likely to be identified as a tourist when you appear to know your way around.

6. Be alert

Stay vigilant, be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you wherever you go. Take extra care when you are in crowded and touristy places as pickpockets are likely to be lurking around and waiting for unsuspecting tourists to prey on. Avoid areas that are dark, secluded and poorly lit as they are perfect conditions for skillful thieves to work in. 

Do not leave valuables exposed and be wary of strangers who approach you. Pickpockets may not necessarily appear like pickpockets and they can work in teams to distract preys in an attempt to run off with their valuables. 

When dining out or taking public transport, do not place your bags on the floor or leave them unattended. Your bags may be taken away when you are not paying attention to them. Either carry your bag or place it on your lap and keep an eye on it – do not give pickpockets a chance to take your valuables away!

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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

Whether we are young or old, age is no barrier to travelling as long as we are fit and healthy. But when planning a holiday with seniors, be mindful that they have different needs and are unlikely to have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Nevertheless, a holiday with your senior family members can be a memorable one as long as preparations are done well. 

Here are some tips for an enjoyable and fuss-free vacation with seniors! 

1. Destination

Pick a destination that is senior-friendly, bearing in mind the interests of seniors as well as the fact that they may have existing medical conditions. For seniors who are history buffs, a destination with plenty of historical and cultural sights will surely delight them! Nature-loving seniors will enjoy destinations with plenty of green spaces. Besides looking up the attractions available, do take note of the medical facilities available so that in the event of an emergency, you know that where to seek help. 

Other factors to consider include the climate of the place, disability access and ease of transport. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, choose a destination that can sufficiently accommodate their needs.

2. Daily itinerary

Take it slow and easy when travelling with seniors. Avoid packing too many activities into the travel itinerary as seniors do not have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Be flexible, allow for breaks throughout the day and ensure they get sufficient rest. Depending on your destination and the needs of the seniors you travel with, about two to three activities in a day would suffice. 

3. Packing essentials

Essentials such as prescribed medication, first aid kit, water bottle, light snacks as well as important documents should be packed inside a carry-on bag. If your senior travel companions have existing medication conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, ensure that you also pack a blood pressure monitor and blood glucose meter. Ensure that seniors have easy access to this bag of essentials.

Do bring a prescription letter from the doctor in the event that you need to get medication on the go – it will be better to bring your senior loved ones to the doctor and seek advice on how much medication to bring as you may not always be able to find them at a pharmacy abroad.  

4. Travel light

The suitcase that your senior travel companions carry should be fitted with wheels and sufficiently light so that it is easier to transport around. Apart from the essentials, bring just enough clothing and toiletries to last seniors for the entire trip. Heavy suitcases will only be a strain on the joints and back of seniors. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or joint problems, consider sharing a suitcases with your senior travel companions so that there will be less baggage to handle. 

5. Choose non-stop flights where possible

Flying non-stop may mean higher air fares but it also means shorter journey times, not to mention that they are hassle-free. Connections do not only prolong journey times, but can also taxing for seniors, particularly those with mobility issues. Running from one gate to another to catch a connecting flight is probably the last thing you and your senior travel companion would like to. If flight connections are inevitable, pick one with a minimum layover of 2 hours so that seniors will have enough time to get around. 

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