#farawayfiles

[nichetraveldesign]

Freetown Christiania is a commune in Copenhagen made up of about 1,000 residents, covering 19 acres. Christiania is a former military base that was taken over in 1971 by citizens due to a lack of affordable housing in Copenhagen. Community members created a self-governing society where commune members hold themselves responsible for the wellbeing of the entire community. The people in Christiania have developed their own set of rules, independent of the Danish government, which forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests. This is a community dedicated to peace. The community has its own electricity plant, a bath-house, an athletic building, yoga center and theater group. Christiania is also economically self-sustaining and offers numerous cafes, a special cocktail event called Science & Cocktails, multiple music venues and a skate park. Christiania is most famous for its sale of cannabis on Pusher Street, where marijuana is sold openly. The community has hard and fast rule prohibiting the sale of hard drugs however. The community self polices this rule. This is definitely worth a visit if you are in Copenhagen. It is interesting, lively and full of color, literally and figuratively. I hope you add this spot to you travel bucket list. #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitChristiania #nichetravelgram #copenhagen #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofcopenhagen #wheretogonext #visitdenmark #instatravelingram #freetownchristiania #nichetravelincopenhagen #offthebeatenoathcopenhagen #hippiesofinstagram #pusherstreet #communes #christianshavn #squatters #cannabis #greenlightdistrict #cafenemoland #cafeloppen #jazzklubben #byenslys #aliswonderland #skatersofinstagram #science&cocktails (at Christiania, København, Denmark) https://www.instagram.com/p/B67-PnVlI6I/?igshid=1byue9cx309va

[zenbabytravel]

The usual draw for holidays to Israel and Jordan is the plethora of famous landmarks and holy places, but these lands are also fantastic for adventures and as a hedonistic destination. In our 10 days Israel and Jordan we combined the hip beach bars and Bauhaus architecture of Tel Aviv; stopped to take in the tranquility of the largest natural crater of Mitzpe Ramon; and wrapped up Israeli adventures with the gorgeous dolphins of the Reef in Eilat. Israel Jordan border crossing was easy in Eilat – Aqaba; thereafter we spent 3 other days by the Red Sea Jordanian side sailing, snorkelling and chilling; 2 fantastic days in Petra trekking and hiking and then 3 more days indulging into Dead Seas’s salt rich waters.

Red Sea sailing and snorkelling

Petra Monastery backdoor hike

We flew London to Tel Aviv and back from Amman and rented cars both sides-to properly enjoy the roadtrip at our own pace and leisure.

Aperol spritz Dead Sea Marriott

Sunset Mediterranean – Alexander hotel Tel Aviv

Sunset Dead Sea Marriott

Founded in 1909, Tel Aviv is all the things Jerusalem is not. It feels secular and tolerant, is packed with modern architecture – including the highest concentration of Bauhaus-style buildings in the world, is hip and party-loving town. A stroll down Sderot Rothschild is a quick, easy introduction to the city’s café culture, diverse population and eclectic architecture. We’ve been first time 12 years ago with friends; we found it on this occasion even more vibrant, boho and filled with fine dining, playgrounds by the beach and cool terraces.

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Tel Aviv teaser ❤️ #alexanderhoteltelaviv Sunset in the gorgeous city of contrasts 💙 Greek myths, Judaism, first Christian church, mosques, Turkish palaces, Napoleon, the crusaders, Pharaoh and Ramesses, Peter the Great, one of the most famous flea markets #telaviv ❤️ ********************************************* #telavivsunset #telavivwithkids #boutiquehotel #greathospitality #mediterraneanlifestyle #wanderlustkids #parentswhotravel #telavivboutiquehotel #alexanderhotel #Londonkids love #EasterHolidays

A post shared by Zenbabytravel (@zenbabytravel) on Apr 11, 2019 at 7:43pm PDT

We stayed with Alexander hotel – one of Tel Aviv’s coolest and boutique hotel with a gorgeous roof terrace for breakfasts and sunset drinks. They utterly spoilt us in their 2 beds suite – very chic and functional. There’s also a very cool bar downstairs, a spa and a great location – by the beach, a 2 minute walk to Old Tel Aviv port and 10 minutes walk to the Marina. A dedicated article on Tel Aviv and Alexander hotel will be coming shortly.

Tel Aviv Hilton beach bar

Tel Aviv Alexander hotel roofterrace

Tel Aviv seaside

On these holidays to Israel and Jordan we opted for 2 days and nights in Tel Aviv and thereafter rented a car Israeli side for 2 days. Mitzpe Ramon proved a very exciting stopover for our boys and we took our time for them to play with the stones, soak in the dramatic rugged landscapes, indulge into a casual lunch and icecreams.

Mitzpe Ramon Israel – perfect stopover Israel road trip

Israel is a gem great to drive in, cross the country in few hours and so diverse – on our way we encountered the greens of Tel Aviv hoods, surreal rugged mountains and craters and ended up in Eilat for the night.

Eilat dolphin reef – welcome

Eilat dolphin reef – back after 12 years

A quick dip in the pools for the kids and we headed to Dolphin Reef – the super playful dolphins of Eilat greeted us a soon as we entered. 12 years ago we dove with them, on this occasion our boys were too young to snorkel or dive with. The excitement of the month were the purple jellyfish – huge, harmless and fun to play with. And yes, we also witnessed again a couple of dolphins jumping outside the reef but we know they will be back shortly!

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The super playful gorgeous dolphins of Eilat greeted us as soon as we entered 🐬💙🐬12 years ago we dove with them, our boys are too young on this occasion to snorkel, dive or swim with, so will have to come back! #eilatdolphinreef is one of those magical places that stayed in our hearts over the years and glad to see it's as gorgeous as we remembered. On this occasion the excitement of the day are the purple and pink jellyfish – huge, harmless and great to play with 😂 and yes a couple of dolphins jumped outside the reef, but we know they will be back shortly 😉 Link in the bio, no #3 🐬💙🐬 ***************************************** #dolphinreefeilat #magicIsrael #snorkelwithdolphins #kidslovedolphins #divewithdolphins #kidslovetoswim #swimwithdolphins🐬 #eilatwithkids #israelwithkids #magicdolphins #happychildhood #snappyhappybritmums #culturedkids #MondayEscapes #farawayfiles #countrykidsfun Thank you so much for the #invite 🐬💙🐬

A post shared by Zenbabytravel (@zenbabytravel) on Apr 15, 2019 at 1:08am PDT

We continued our Red Sea adventures on the Jordanian side – the brand new Hyatt Regency Ayla is a great base for pampering and chilling. We sailed, we snorkelled, we jet skied, we sunbathed, relaxed and treated ourselves with some yum breakfasts and fine dining. The Executive Club is a fabulous option and we found ourselves most evenings sipping bubbles and local wines, snacking, reading their book collection and enjoying the sunsets. The Cascade is another fine option and their live jazz and happy hours made the perfect wrap up of the days and seeing the sun going down.

Read Sea Jordan sailing

Read Sea Jordan sailing Ayla marina

The kids loved Hyatt Regency’s kidsclub and graceful personal and were difficult to be extracted even to enjoy the fun designery pools. Which left the parents to relax and enjoy themselves – this is the perfect base for Red Sea diving or parasailing.

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Ode to the blue 💙 where state of art meets amazing hospitality, practicality, fantastic design and family friendly: Hyatt Regency Aqaba in Ayla marina. #designhotels #culturedkids #aqabajordan #farawayfiles #boutiquehotel #aqabahotel #hyattregencyaqaba #aylaaqaba #jordanwithkids #playandstay #wanderlustkids #kensingtonmums #countrykidsfun #Londonkids

A post shared by Zenbabytravel (@zenbabytravel) on Apr 16, 2019 at 10:39pm PDT

Recharged and rested, we left ready for some serious trekking and hiking at Petra. We started in the afternoon on the first day – took our 2 days Petra passes, admired Petra museum about to be open and opted for the main trail – enjoying the reddish tall and narrow canyons and the Treasury by sunset; the Royal tombs and the Sikh – with most of the crowds gone whilst the moon came out.

Petra canyons at sunset

Petra canyons at sunset

We spent the night at a peaceful retreat away from the crowd at the remote Little Petra – Bubble Luxury Hotel – the ultimate glamping where the sunsets are magical and one can watch the stars at night from the comfort of their own bed.

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The place to stay in Petra: the magic bubbles @petrabubbleluxotel perfectly integrated in the magic setting just above #LittlePetra #bubbleluxotel #littlepetra #littleexplorers #littleluxuries #kidsandbubbles #kidswelltravelled #uniquestays #uniquehotelsintheworld #thefunwaytotravel #countrykidsfun #CulturedKids #lpkids #bbctravels

A post shared by Zenbabytravel (@zenbabytravel) on Apr 19, 2019 at 2:20am PDT

The next day we took the road less travelled to the Monastery – not for the faint hearted as the last part is unmarked and quite steep. It proved stunning and exhausting for the little feet but all worth it in the end, away from the all the tourists, mule handlers and souvenir stall sellers. We started from little Petra, drive off-road with one of the locals, ascent of a couple of mountains and some steep descents, breathtaking landscapes enjoyed in peace. And just as we doubted our choice, we spotted the majestic Al Deir – the Monastery. The backdoor to Petra is to be uploaded soon on Youtube. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rose City of Petra was first settled around the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans and was rediscovered in 1812 – truly a lifetime experience. We got back to our car mostly on the main trail – more tombs, temples, an impressive amphitheatre and a Roman colonnaded street.

Petra backdoor to Al Deir

Petra at sunset

Dead legs and full of dust and broken back from carrying the toddler, we wrapped up our itinerary of 10 days Israel and Jordan with Dead Sea Marriott – the rejuvenating properties of the Dead Sea’s salt-rich waters are well known and the Marriott caters gracefully for families with their 6 pools, array of restaurants, spa and kidsclub.

Dead Sea Marriott view from the executive floor

Dead Sea Marriott sunset

My kids proved mostly too posh for the therapeutical mud but the adults embraced the wraps fully, including the glorious spa. Floating in the Dead Sea proved challenging for little scars or mosquito bites but once we were in, great fun.

Lowest point on Earth – Dead Sea Jordan

Dead Sea Marriott spa

We kept our rental car from Aqaba back to Amman airport and initially planned to see the Holy site of baptism or the natural reserve nearby. However the great hospitality, wines, massages and wraps proved too much of a deterrent to further Jordan adventure holidays – so we just soaked in the gorgeous shades of blue, chilled and spent some more quality time with the cheeky monkeys.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Jordanian Chardonnay

12 years ago we embarked on a 10 days Israel road trip for Easter and loved it; similarly now, we found Easter UK school holidays very busy but great for the weather. On our 10 days Israel and Jordan we encountered  24 degrees in Tel Aviv, up to 30 degrees in Eilat and Aqaba, a breezy pleasant hike temperature of 18 degrees in Petra and 25 degrees by the Dead Sea.

Red Sea sailing

Mitzpe Ramon crater & stones

More dedicated articles on our holidays to Israel and Jordan coming shortly. For further Middle East road trips inspiration, check our stunning Oman itinerary: Arabian Sea, Wahiba sands and gorgeous wadis, Al Hajar mountains, Ras Al Jinz turtles retreat.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Alexander hotel Tel Aviv and Marriott Dead Sea Jordan for the warm hospitality and media discounts. As usual, impressions and overexcited kids entirely ours.

10 days Israel and Jordan adventure holidays The usual draw for holidays to Israel and Jordan is the plethora of famous landmarks and holy places, but these lands are also fantastic for adventures and as a hedonistic destination.

[cheese-traveller]

Tweeted

Nature, community and charm just outside New York City | Westchester Snapshots: Life in Larchmont NY via @fifiandhop https://t.co/kEY46jiDMr #FarawayFiles pic.twitter.com/oIrx68Sppq

— Erin Gustafson (@oregongirlworld) January 23, 2018

[minitravellers]

5 Reasons to Visit Domaine Des Ormes with Kids

5 Reasons to Visit Domaine Des Ormes with Kids

I’ve been tasked with trying to decide which Al Fresco Holidays site we would visit this year as a family if we got the chance.  With over 71 to choose from across Europe it actually isn’t a very easy decision at all.

However at end of the summer last year I was watching a fellow bloggers Instagram feed with interest.

More Finistere beach shots. Today I’ve joined in with the #FarawayFiles…

[nichetraveldesign]

The nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood stories. Feed him nuts and he will crack open a tale. #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #mysig #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #julstjärnor #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #christmasmagic #julmysig #thenutcrackerballet #Tchaikovsky #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Det Kongelige Teater) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ag2hmFVQ_/?igshid=1c2q91gxxxjnt

[nichetraveldesign]

“Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Norman Vincent Peale #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #mysig #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #julstjärnor #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #christmasmagic #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Kronborg Castle, Home of Hamlet, Denmark) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6IKBI7l2Zw/?igshid=tw3me5nfnpl0

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas magic is silent. You feel it. You know FB it. You believe it. #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #mysig #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #julstjärnor #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #christmasmagic #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Malmö, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DY-t_FFYT/?igshid=12n846ox7ymf4

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas Mysig | A Feeling of Coziness ˈmyːˌsɪɡ Adjective mysig 1. cosy (affording comfort and warmth) 2. pleasant, comfortable, agreeable 3. descriptive of smiling from contentedness or comfort. quotations  #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #mysig #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #julstjärnor #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Gustav Adolfs Torg, Malmö) https://www.instagram.com/p/B55QPV-FauA/?igshid=49cg642dflib

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas Stars | Julstjärnor Looking for ways to light up the dark both inside and outside these dark winter days? How about hanging some Julstjärnor in your windows? The star has been used in Sweden since at least 1894 and represents the Star of Bethlehem. These Christmas advent stars are made of paper or metal and are hung in the windows of many shops, offices and homes throughout Sweden in December. Julstjärnor are lit up on the first Sunday of Advent. Most Swedes don't turn them off until January.  #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #julstjärnor #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Malmö, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/B52ck6BlCmr/?igshid=cqq4sxaxkdk2

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas Makes Me Happy #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #gamlastanmalmö #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Malmö, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/B50RhzuFdv_/?igshid=11hjh807pqoce

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas Ornaments Make Me Happy #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #bestofmalmö #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #malmösaluhall #godjul #christmasinsweden #julisverige #jultid #christmasornaments #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Malmö Saluhall) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5yH3AVFAT5/?igshid=11s9ifjgbjo71

[nichetraveldesign]

Christmas Windows Make Me Happy #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitMalmö #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #travel_captures #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #postcardsfromtheroad #godjul #christmasinsweden🇸🇪 #hotelduxianamalmö #jultid #christmaswindows #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #julisverige🇸🇪 #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Hotel Duxiana Malmö) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5x_LYQFSYt/?igshid=14cue9qskchfl

[nichetraveldesign]

CHRISTMAS SEASON SUNRISE #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #sunrisephotography #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #travel_captures #wheretogonext #visitmalmo #instatravelingram #postcardsfromtheroad #godjul #christmasinsweden🇸🇪 #julpynt #jultid #sunriseoftheday #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #malmotown #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Limhamn, Skåne Län, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5me5ZxlZwz/?igshid=1jga4zcu5sadz

[nichetraveldesign]

CHRISTMAS IN MALMÖ #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitmalmö #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #travel_captures #wheretogonext #visitsweden #instatravelingram #postcardsfromtheroad #godjul #christmasinsweden🇸🇪 #julpynt #jultid #malmotown #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #hamletscastle #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Malmö, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lAOGMFirg/?igshid=1pg77wwguzwdm

[nichetraveldesign]

CHRISTMAS IN DENMARK Christmas in Denmark means visiting the UNESCO heritage site of William Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet, Kronborg Castle. This gorgeous setting is the backdrop for a lovely Danish Christmas market filled to brim with handcrafted goods, food, spirits and live Christmas music. #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #instanichetravel #visitHelsingør #nichetravelgram #travellog #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #travel_captures #wheretogonext #visitdenmark #instatravelingram #postcardsfromtheroad #godjul #christmasindenmark #julpynt #jultid #kronborgcastle #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #julmysig #christmasdecor #hamletscastle #christmasspirit #christmascountdown #christmastime #christmas2019 #christmasiscoming #christmasmarket #tistheseason (at Kronborg Castle, Home of Hamlet, Denmark) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ftMQGlOiR/?igshid=1htnr2mvz9spj

[nichetraveldesign]

Hubertusjagt 2019. I have been wanting to go to this faux hunt for a few years now. I finally made it this year. On the first Sunday of November every year, approximately 100 riders participate in the traditional Hubertus hunt in Dyrehaven. The Hubertus hunt is a symbolic continuation of the old parforce fox hunts for which Dyrehaven was originally built for the Danish royal family. Today, there are no hunting dogs, and the fox has been replaced by two "lost" foxes in the form of two experienced riders who ride in the front with fox tails on their shoulders. It was all very regal. I even saw some of the royal family. It is also breathtaking, beautiful and exciting. If you ever find yourself in the Copenhagen area the first week of November I recommend this fun filled event. #nichetraveldesign #findyournicheintheworld #curatedtraveltofeedthesoul #Hubertusjagt #Dyrehaven #copenhagen #instanichetravel #nichetravelgram #autumnindenmark #danishdreams #instagramover50 #farawayfiles #travel_captures #wheretogonext #instatravelingram #vacationdreams #autumntravel #fallcolors #discoverdenmark #unesco #visitscandinavia #vacationgoals #travellingscandinavia #vacationcopenhagen #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #travelstories #roamtheplanet #exploretocreate #royalhunt (at Dyrehavene) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Z3lcBF1Kk/?igshid=1ghbuw40zjf49