1. Embracing History at the Acropolis

Upon arriving in Athens, your first destination must be the legendary Acropolis, the crown jewel of ancient Greek architecture. As you ascend the sacred rock, you’ll encounter the Parthenon, a marvel of classical beauty that has withstood the test of time. Standing on this ancient citadel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the city, a reminder of Athens’ grandeur. While the Acropolis is a popular tourist spot, it’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of this historical marvel.

As you explore the Acropolis further, you’ll encounter other notable structures like the Erechtheion, with its distinctive Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Each monument bears a unique tale from antiquity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Greece.

2. Roaming Through the Ancient Agora

Step back in time as you stroll through the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens’ political and social life. Here, you can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, a Doric marvel that dates back to 449 BC. The Agora offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks, and you’ll find yourself enchanted by the tales of philosophers and politicians who once walked these same paths.

As you meander through the Agora, keep an eye out for the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed building that now houses the Agora Museum. The museum’s exhibits provide context to the historical significance of the Agora and its role in ancient Athenian life.

3. Exploring the National Archaeological Museum

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum is a must. Housing an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and pottery, this museum provides an immersive experience of the past. You’ll discover an incredible array of treasures, including the iconic Mask of Agamemnon and the breathtaking Antikythera Mechanism.

Allow yourself ample time to explore the museum’s galleries, as each artifact unveils a unique narrative. From intricately sculpted statues of ancient deities to delicate pottery depicting scenes of daily life, the museum is a treasure trove of Greek history and artistry.

4. Getting Lost in Plaka’s Charm

Amidst the city’s ancient allure, Plaka offers a charming contrast with its narrow cobbled streets and neoclassical houses. This picturesque neighborhood is a hub of vibrant cafes, traditional tavernas, and boutique shops. Here, you can indulge in authentic Greek delicacies while immersing yourself in the locals’ warm hospitality.

As you stroll through Plaka, you’ll come across charming artisanal shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs, providing an excellent opportunity to take a piece of Athens’ charm back home with you. Be sure to taste traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava at the local tavernas, where the flavors are as rich as the history surrounding you.

5. Admiring the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

A short walk from Plaka, Syntagma Square is home to the Hellenic Parliament, where the famous Evzones guard performs an impressive ceremonial changing of the guard. Clad in traditional Greek costumes, the Evzones’ synchronized movements are a sight to behold, embodying the nation’s reverence for its history and traditions.

The changing of the guard takes place every hour, but the grandest ceremony occurs on Sundays at 11 AM. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and witness this captivating display of precision and discipline.

6. Exploring the Panathenaic Stadium

Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. This marvel is not only the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 but also a reconstruction of an ancient Greek stadium used for the Panathenaic Games.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of the stadium, you’ll feel a sense of reverence for the athletes who competed here centuries ago. Capture the moment with a photograph at the marble podium and take in the immensity of this historical landmark that played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games.

7. Soaking in Sunsets at Cape Sounion

Venturing a short distance from Athens, Cape Sounion is an excellent escape to witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon majestically graces the landscape, adding an ethereal touch to the setting sun.

Arrive at Cape Sounion in the late afternoon to explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon before finding a comfortable spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The changing colors of the sky and the mesmerizing view of the sea create an ambiance that words can hardly describe, making this an unforgettable experience.

Bonus Tip: Free Walking Tours

While exploring Athens independently is rewarding, consider joining a free walking tour to enhance your experience further. These tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, provide fascinating insights into the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.

Wander through quaint alleyways, learn intriguing anecdotes about ancient legends, and discover local spots that might be overlooked otherwise. Free walking tours usually last a few hours, making them an ideal way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout while gaining valuable insights from enthusiastic guides.

Not only do these tours offer a budget-friendly option, but they also present an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared exploration. Keep an eye out for these tours near popular tourist areas, and get ready to unlock the secrets of Athens through the eyes of passionate locals.

Although SANDEMANs NEW Europe doesn’t yet operate in Athens, you can book your Free Walking Tours with any of the following providers. Simply remember to book directly with Tour Operators as much as you can.

athens-free-tour.com

athensfreewalkingtour.com 

newathensfreetour.com 

The post Exploring the Ancient Capital: A First-Time Traveler’s Guide to Athens first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

All of that excitement is currently in a strange limbo-land with the Covid-19 pandemic. Maybe you are still planning trips but worry about when you’ll really be able to get there and enjoy the sights, sounds and buzz. We have those strong feelings as well and that urge to travel as soon as it’s deemed safe to do so.

So what can you do in the meantime to help satisfy those urges? Well luckily all around the world wonderful sights are being showcased in digital form. Below we’ve listed a few of our current favorites plus our new ‘tour guide in your living room’! – so relax and enjoy these from the comfort of your sofa!

Step out onto the roof of the Grand Palais in Paris

The Google Arts & Culture project includes more than 2,000 (!) leading museums from around the world. You can explore Art Movements, collections, artists and much more. But one of the things we really love is their ‘View From The Top’ – panoramas from the roofs of iconic buildings. Stand atop of the Grand Palais in Paris, Qutub Minar in Delhi and many more.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Also on Google Arts & Culture, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle amongst the other stunning historical sites around the world. Have a digital wander on Castle Rock and when things get back to normality, come and join our walking tours to the stunning site.

Spot the elusive Northern Lights

This 24-hour live webcam in Manitoba, Canada is a great spot for spotting the incredible natural wonder of the Northern Lights. The website also includes a highlights reel and viewers can post screenshots of their findings too. This shot below was from the 2nd of April 2020. Be warned this webcam can become quite addictive!

Another great live webcam is of Trevi Fountain in Rome – probably the most famous fountain in the world. This Roman landmark is usually surrounded by tourists taking snaps of the Baroque masterpiece depicting Neptune atop a chariot pulled by sea horses.

Take the train from Bergen to Oslo

This 7-hour train ride through Norway is ideal for those who need to escape their self-isolation. It’s simply a railway journey with a camera fixed on the front of the train. At around the 2 hours 3 minutes mark the train exits a tunnel into a snowy dreamland and also the stop at Finse at around 2 hours 28 minutes is equally as spectacular.

Have a quick bike ride in Bora Bora

This three-minute bike ride at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort and posted by Lonely Planet is the most relaxing thing you’ll watch today. It doesn’t sound like much, but for a brief moment, you will escape that sofa and find yourself in beautiful French Polynesia.

A tour guide in your living room

Our guide partners may not be able to lead their famous FREE Tours just now, but you can still support their work with tips-based donations, just as you would in real life. Guides across the SANDEMANs network have been preparing short videos for you about topics related to their cities. As you would with the FREE Tour, if you like what they have to say, feel free to leave them a donation of your choosing!

Those are just some of our favorite digital escapes at the moment. Enjoy them from the comfort of your home, stay safe and we’ll see you soon.

The post Travel The World from The Comfort of Your Sofa first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

What if this is all a figment of your imagination? What if you’re missing out on all of this. Say, because you have a cold?

Don’t let this be you. If you’re seeing one of Europe’s enchanting cities (or New York!) on a walking tour with us this Winter, you need to take a look at these top tips!

1. Pick your destination (or pick your tour)

If you (a) haven’t locked in a destination, (b) have an unshakeable aversion to the cold, do bear in mind that some of our destinations remain pleasantly mild throughout winter! Tel Aviv wins the prize for warmest winter destination with highs of 20°C expected on Christmas Day! And Jerusalem, Seville and Barcelona are also expected to maintain double digit highs throughout the season!

If you’re committed to a Free Tour in a cooler destination then you’ll definitely need the next few tips. But do bear in mind that plenty of our select tours in our chilliest cities visit some very warm and cosy indoor venues – how does an award-winning beer or soul-warming food tour sound?

2. Wrap up

Did you know that 8 of the 20 destinations in our network average freezing temperatures (0°C/32°F) or below during the winter months? Well, now you do. So you’ll want to dress for the occasion, since even a warm welcome from us can’t make some of our cities less frosty! Courtesy of yours truly, here’s a quick checklist for what to pack – you have finite space in that suitcase, after all:

• Light, windproof jacket/down jacket – if you can beat the wind, you can take a lot of the sting out of the cold, whilst still leaving space for souvenirs in your bag!
• Mittens – they may look silly, but you’ll be the one laughing when your hands feel like you’re sat by a warming fireplace. Alternatively…
• Touchscreen gloves – we visit some pretty insta-worthy locales, so if you want to get a cool few likes, don’t let frozen fingers stop you from using your phone on the go!
• Wooly hat – pair a wooly hat with a white pom-pom on top with mittens, and you have the foundations of the ultimate winter-chic getup. Your ears will thank you, too.
• Winter boots – not snow boots or hiking boots, but thick, soft shoes that go above the ankle to keep the feet nice and dry. Warmth first, fashion second, folks. Frozen toes are never ‘in’.

3. Drink up

Let’s not beat around the (holly) bush. You didn’t just book your trip to see the sights. You came to try the grub! Whether it’s a gingery German lebkuchen, a hearty Spanish buñuelo, there’s nothing quite so festive as trying a wintery treat from the market. But if priority number 1 is to warm up, you’ll need to be tactical about what you choose, too. So here’s our top 3 picks:

• Glühwein (Germany)/Glögg (Copenhagen)/Mulled Wine: spiced, hot wine that warms from the inside. Plus, you can usually stumble upon a Christmas market just by following its divine aroma.
• Chocolat Chaud (Paris)/Chocolate con churros (Spain): this isn’t your everyday hot chocolate: this is a luscious, impossibly viscous delight. Submerge a churro into your mug, and consume all together for a meal that might just send you to sleep.
• Warm Eggnog (New York): A thoroughly American drink, it’s hit and miss for its (can you guess?) egg base, but with a dash of spiced brandy, it’s an essential stateside Christmas treat… well, try it, at least.

4. Bring a good camera

If you’re all wrapped up and fed, then you can turn your focus from the chilly air to spicing up your Instagram account with some amazing festive shots! Regent Street in London hosts the city’s most stunning display of Christmas lights, whilst Lisbon will have new opportunities for unexpectedly seasonal shots at its new ‘Mundo do Natal’ winter wonderland! If you’re willing to venture out of the city, a shot of Salzburg or Neuschwanstein castle in the snow will be a valuable like-gathering commodity. But remember that there’s a time and a place for photos – so when you come across a sight to behold, let your eyes do the recording before whipping out the camera!

(Oh, and by the way, if you want to tag us @sandemansneweurope or #sandemanstours, we’d love to feature your best shots on our account!)

5. Don’t get frozen out on New Year’s eve

If you just so happen to be in one of our favourite cities for New Year’s Eve and looking for an activity that’ll warm you from head to toe, then we’d love to invite you along to one of our New Year’s Eve Parties & Pub Crawls! We’re visiting some of the best bars and clubs in 12 cities across our network, and with special drinks deals, free drinks and so much more on offer, you’ll be dancing into the new year with party-happy people from all over the world (we’ll leave how you choose to get warm up to you). Plus, with VIP entry and queue jump to these amazing venues, there’s no chance of collecting frost in a miserable queue!

We wish you a wonderfully warm Winter!

The post 5 Thermal Tips for Walking in a Winter Wonderland first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. London

There’s nowhere quite so bright and colorful as London at Christmas time: crowds from all over flock to the capital to see the lights being turned on and the decorations unveiled: the most popular of these ‘switch-on’ events is in Oxford Street, but you won’t want to miss the ones in Carnaby Street, Regent Street or Covent Garden, either! Speaking of Covent Garden, the decorations in this iconic square draw huge numbers, with this year’s special festive theme being ‘Meet me under the mistletoe’. The Christmas market here is also buzzing, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a typically British yuletide treat: a mince pie with a warm glass of mulled wine. Once you’ve had a taste of what Christmas in the UK has to offer, why not explore the rest of London on one of the tours we promote – conveniently enough, they set off right here in Covent Garden!

Not far away from here is the unmissable Winter Wonderland. Located in the capital’s beautiful Hyde Park, this massive Christmas market has something for everyone, with tonnes of rides, attractions, and even an ice-skating rink! If you’re more traditionally-inclined, you’ll want to make your way to Trafalgar Square to enjoy the free Christmas carol performances that take place throughout December in front of the square’s massive tree (4pm till 8pm on weekdays, and 2pm till 6pm on weekends).

2. Munich

Christmas in Bavaria’s capital really is something else. Marienplatz is the beating heart of all the festive fun in Munich, with the Christkindlmarkt – the largest and most historic of the city’s markets – taking place here. Not only will you come across delightful craft stands to purchase handmade goods, but you’ll also be overwhelmed by a variety of delicious Christmas treats (don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find traditional Bavarian sausage as well). Don’t pass up the chance to try warm Glühwein (red is traditional, but white is very good too). And if wine isn’t your thing, you’re more than welcome to join us on our beer-tasting tour (that one runs all year round, and there aren’t many better places than Munich for a pint!).

Alternatively, if you’re looking to escape the cold, hop on the ChristkindlTram – a quirky Christmas-themed tram which whisks you to the gorgeous old town in just 45 merry minutes. And as if that isn’t enough, once you hop off you’ll be greeted by the festive sounds of carolling, and the irresistible aromas of gingerbread, cinnamon and Glühwein. The tram leaves every day from 3pm till 7.30pm from Sendlinger Tor. If you have a few more days to spend, don’t miss the opportunity to take the train across the Austrian border to Salzburg: a city that really knows how to serve up festive cheer!

3. Paris

Paris is enchanting all year round, but there’s something extra special about a Parisian Christmas! There’s no experience quite like wandering through the capital at this time of year, and the City of Lights shines even brighter thanks to a seemingly endless network of neon lights and festive decorations hanging high above the city’s streets and adorning its beloved landmarks. It’s perfect, then, that SANDEMANs-promoted tours of Paris wind their way through these streets 365 days a year! Not to be missed is the City of Lights Tour: this evening excursion is perfect for enjoying the Christmas lights in their fullest colour.

Of course, there are ice rinks and Christmas markets aplenty – the most famous of these being at the Champs Élysées and Trocadero. But did you know that many of the city’s iconic shops and department stores, such as Galleries Lafayette, deck their halls and adorn their window displays with incredible decorations, too? You’ll have to have a look in! Outside, children and adults alike will love the traditional carousels dotted around the capital. These happen to be very photogenic, though we can’t deny that if you’re looking to keep the kids entertained – and if your budget allows it –  the festive parades at Disneyland Paris can’t be beaten. Lastly, make sure to make a stop at Notre Dame, which shows off an incredible nativity scene, as well as boasting some of the most beautiful illuminations the city has to offer.

4. Copenhagen

Though it may be one of our colder destinations, the welcome in Copenhagen is very warm this time of year. The city which gave us Hans Christian Andersen takes on an appropriately fairytale atmosphere, looking as pretty as a scene on a Christmas card. The markets at Nyhavn, Nytorv (the most central) and, of course, Christiania are unmissable, and you’ll want to leave the resolutions for the new year when trying some of the local festive delicacies. Aebleskiver (light jam-filled pancake balls), gingerbread, cinnamon rolls, donuts, peppernuts… all of which pair delightfully with a glass of glögg – Denmark’s take on warm mulled wine. Though if you want something a bit more substantial, we highly recommend you try our Copenhagen Food Tour!

Another real treat is a visit to the Tivoli Gardens – though usually closed in the wintertime, this theme park opens up around Christmastime for all to enjoy. With its gorgeous illuminations, charming wooden houses and snow-dusted trees, this is a wonderful way to experience Christmas as the Scandinavians do (and of course, Santa Claus and his reindeer will be there to spread the Christmas cheer!) If you’re also lucky enough to be around on December 13th, you won’t want to miss the amazing Saint Lucia’s day festival, where (from one of the city’s many piers) you can watch a fleet of kayaks bedecked in colorful christmas lights float the canals. You can even join some of the more vocal ones, who sing carols at Nyhavn, Christianshavn and Højbro Plads.

5. Lisbon

This might come as a surprise, but one of this year’s best Christmas destinations is a bit further south than you might expect! This year, Lisbon will transform itself like never before, playing host to the largest Christmas theme park in Europe! Capital do Natal will open its doors on the promenade at Algés from November 29th until January 12th, and will whisk visitors to a Lapland-like winter wonderland (without having to venture as far as Finland). Capital do Natal will boast 70,000m2 playground of Christmas markets, rides, leisure spaces, ice rinks, and even an ice sculpture exhibit… decorated in its entirety with lights and adornments galore (yes, that includes real snow and ice!).

But don’t think that there’s nothing festive to be found outside of these four walls: the Portuguese don’t joke around when it comes to Christmas! The whole city turns on its lights, and you’ll find that the streets are awash with festive figures and motifs. The traditional centrepiece of all of this is the massive Christmas tree at Praça do Comércio (which has, in the past, enjoyed the title of Europe’s largest Christmas tree). Whilst you’re there, you’ll also want to take advantage of its proximity to one of Lisbon’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Alfama, by joining our Alfama Tour. Don’t pass up a chance to visit the markets at Plaza do Rossio (a.k.a Plaza Don Pedro V) and at Parque Eduardo VII, where you’ll fall for the festive aroma of roasted chestnuts, and where you can snap up some local delicacies/last-minute gifts at a number of gorgeous craft stalls. The more adventurous among us might find the most breathtaking ice skating experience ever at Terreiro do Paço, on a rink overlooking the vast Atlantic ocean.

Bonus City: New York

Yes, we know our geography, but New York, New York is one of our favorite SANDEMANs cities, and it would feel wrong to leave them out of a post about Christmas! Plus, with the incredible Strasbourg-Alsace Christmas Market right next to our FREE Tour meeting point, you’ll feel like you’re in Europe anyway! With everything from the tartes flambées to the charming wooden huts themselves being imported from France, there’s nothing inauthentic about this Noël experience!

But for those looking for the New York Christmas experience as seen on the big screen, the giant Norway Spruce at the Rockefeller Center – featured in Home Alone 2 and Elf – should be your first port of call. You’ll want to arrive early for the magical illumination ceremony on December 4th at 8pm! If you have the budget for it, you can even skate on the iconic ice rink here – though for a more economical option, you might want to head to Central Park. Boasting incredibly Instagrammable nature scenes, the city’s largest green (or snow-white!) space also offers traditional puppet shows at Swedish Cottage marionette theater, ice-skating at Wollman Rink, and you can even join the locals in sledding down Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill!

A trip to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without some retail therapy either, and the spirit is set by some of the amazing displays within New York’s famous department stores (look out for Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s and others!). But if you’re travelling with little ones, you’ll no doubt want to take a trip to FAO Schwarz, which is as nostalgic a Christmas experience as you could imagine – right down to the giant teddy bears and nutcracker dolls… even the biggest grinch will get into the Christmas spirit here!

Texto original de Violeta Martínez. Traducción de Sam Blurton.

The post Christmas in Europe: Our Top 5 Festive Destinations first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

So if you love the city you are visiting as much as we do, here are a few tips on how to travel well and even do some good on your holiday.

1. Reduce your personal waste

This is the first step we can all take to be better travellers. Pack your own reusable water bottle (if you are tight on luggage space look for silicone bottles that roll up) and bring a reusable shopping bag to put your shopping in. A few other easy tips are to visit fresh markets that don’t use so much packaging and dine at places known for using local produce.

2. Use public transport

As the largest walking tour company in the world, we are big advocates of seeing a city by foot. However, whenever stops on our route are a bit too far to walk to we will use the public transport services. Most cities have excellent public transport systems to get you around the city and even an app that will help plan the best route for your journey. Reduce individual car use and experience a city like a local! If you are planning to visit any of our 20-city network, why not put on some comfortable shoes and enjoy a FREE Tour with us?

3. Look up recycling methods in the city you are visiting

Each city will have their own way of sorting and disposing of waste. Either do a quick search online to figure out how to recycle plastics and paper or simply ask a local – this could be your hostel or hotel reception team, the host of your apartment or even a guide that works with SANDEMANs! If you struggle to find a proper recycling bin then consider taking it home with you and recycle it properly there.

4. Sign up for a local community event

A great way to really experience a city is to volunteer and get involved with local projects. Most events will allow you to meet locals and also understand the challenges they face. Back in 2016, we ran our very first litter picking event in Edinburgh to give back to the community. We saw 40 participants – both local and visitors alike – come out and collect rubbish for an hour along the Royal Mile. Since then we have done similar events in Dublin, Berlin and Paris, as well as a clean up cruise in Amsterdam with our local partners Starboard Boats.

If you are interested in seeing what community events are happening in our cities check out our website here.

5. Grab an empty bin bag and get social

If you can’t make an organised event then grab a rubbish bag and make a difference on your own! All you have to do it pick up litter you see around it and properly dispose of it. Check out the hashtag #trashtag on Instagram for the viral movement that is calling for people to do their part – even if it is just one bag. A great account we love to follow is also the Adventure Bag Crew.

The post Giving Back While You Travel first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

There are also about two million things to love about working in travel, and if you’re looking for your next adventure and considering a career in the industry, we thought we would help inspire you by putting together some of our top reasons to jump in and do it. Enjoy!

1. Work in different locations

SANDEMANs operates in 20 different cities across Europe, the US and Israel. Our global network, like a lot of hostels, hotels and other tour companies, gives our staff and the guides we work with the opportunity to move to different cities easily.

2. Save on your travel costs

Working in travel means that you will almost always know somebody in the city you are going to visit. SANDEMANs staff can go on over 100 tours with a friend for free, and get discounts on many attractions we partner with. This isn’t something only we do – our friends at St. Christopher’s Inns offer their staff a bed at any of their hostels for half price, and give discounts at the bar for friends and family!

3. Pay it forward and give back

We may have a lot of fun working in travel, but we also love the opportunity to give back to cities we live in and visit. SANDEMANs organizes events like collecting litter for an hour, giving all the participants a free ticket to one of our tours, and often a free beer at the end courtesy of our pals at Belushi’s bars. There are a lot of travel companies doing really cool things to be good corporate citizens, and it feels awesome to be a part of that.

4. All skills are transferable…

If you’re moving to a new city, finding a job can be tough. Fortunately, many employers in the travel industry value experience over academic qualifications. As the industry employs about one in 10 people worldwide, there is such a wide variety of jobs available that require different talents (some of which you cannot learn in any school), it’s easy to find something that suits your skill set!

5. …and it’s a great way to develop some new ones

The fast pace of the industry also means it’s a great way to pick up some new skills. A lot of it you will learn on the job, but many companies have pretty great training programmes too. At SANDEMANs, we often send staff to different cities to train. At Beds and Bars (who manage St. Christopher’s Inns and Belushi’s bars), they have an annual sailing trip where staff from around the UK and Europe are nominated to spend a week on a boat learning how to sail, and the importance of teamwork. For those who don’t make it on the sailing trip, there’s the option to choose from a bespoke e-learning training programme, recognized throughout Europe to pick up new skills!

6. Meet people from all over the world

One of the things we love the most about the travel industry is getting to meet so many people from different backgrounds and countries who are travelers themselves. SANDEMANs has staff from 40 different countries, and with every new hire we have another city to add to our ever growing list of places to visit.

7. Meet locals

Contrary to popular belief, not all hostel receptionists and tour guides are travelers who have fallen in love with a city. Many locals work in tourism within their hometowns, and they almost always know the best places and things to do; the team of guides we work with in Dublin is almost 100% born-and-bred there, and listening to the history of the city being recounted in an Irish accent really brings their folklore to life!

Working side-by-side with a local gives you first-hand insights into the city and will also help you assimilate better into your new home. We speak from experience when we say that this connection is crucial, especially when many of us have moved away from our families and comfort zones.

8. Be the master of your own time

A lot of the travel industry involves shift work. This can involve working on holidays and weekends sometimes, but it also means that you have more control over your schedule. This is why so many parents also work in the industry – it’s great for working around their children’s schedules.

If you are lucky enough to manage your work schedule well, you could also spend the winter far away, relaxing on a beach of your choosing!

9. Be inspired by talented people

Since so many of us are travelers at heart and have seen and learnt so much from the world, the industry is filled with some of the most talented, inspiring and creative people. We can assure you that you will meet incredibly interesting and life-experienced people, and that you’ll learn a lot from working with them.

The post 9 Reasons to Love Working in Travel first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Amsterdam – Hannie Schaft

Also known as “the girl with the red hair”, Hannie Schaft is well-known in the Netherlands but perhaps not so well-known in other countries. She was strongly opposed to the occupying Nazi’s anti-Jewish actions, and worked to sabotage and even assassinate strategic Nazi targets. After being arrested delivering communist newspapers, she was imprisoned, interrogated, and tragically, executed by the Nazis just three weeks before the end of the war. Apart from being a brave and impactful resistance fighter, her final words showed just how tough she was – when one of the Nazi soldiers sent to execute her merely wounded her, she apparently said “I shoot better than you do”, before she was finally killed by his colleague.

2. Copenhagen – Lili Elbe

One of the world’s first recipients of gender reassignment surgery, Lili Elbe was born Elnar Magnus Andreas Wegener in 1882. Gender reassignment surgery was still highly experimental in 1930, when she underwent the first of four surgeries, and in 1931, her body rejected a transplanted uterus and she died from infection. As her surgeries took place in Germany, many of the medical records relating to her story were burnt during the Nazi book burnings, however the best-selling book (and now film) The Danish Girl offers a fictionalized account of her life.

3. Dublin – Constance Markievicz

Constance Markievicz was born into a wealthy family in London, but bravely took part in the 1916 Easter Rising on the side of the Irish republicans. While many of the male republicans she fought alongside were sentenced to death, she was given a lesser sentence for being a female, and eventually went on to become the first woman elected to the UK House of Commons (although she didn’t take her seat), and later, the first woman in the world to hold a cabinet position. When she died aged 59 from appendicitis, she had given away the last of her wealth, and was in a public hospital ward among the poor, where she wanted to be.

4. Edinburgh – The Edinburgh Seven

We’ll give you more bang for your buck on this one, with not just one but seven kick-ass women. The Edinburgh Seven were the first group of females to be enrolled in a British university in 1869, and although they studied medicine, they were prevented from graduating and qualifying as doctors. While their campaign to be allowed to graduate attracted a large number of supporters (including Charles Darwin), they never did gain permission, with the argument given that they shouldn’t have been admitted in the first place (despite the fact that they all passed the entrance exams; four even passed with honors). These women weren’t quitters though, and eventually, five of the seven gained their MDs abroad.

5. Hamburg – Domenica Niehoff

Domenica Niehoff had a rough start in life – her mother fled her husband with young Domenica in arm before getting arrested for petty crimes, which meant Domenica was sent to an orphanage. When she was 17, she met her husband (a brothel owner), but she was widowed at age 27 when her husband committed suicide. She became a prostitute herself, eventually known as “the Queen of the Reeperbahn”, but rather than hide in the shadows, she campaigned for the legalization of prostitution, and founded a project to support young prostitutes and drug addicts. When she died in 2009, she was given a place in Hamburgs Garden of Women, the first prostitute to be buried in an area that has been reserved for distinguished women.

6. Lisbon – Carolina Beatriz Ângelo

Not only did Carolina Beatriz Ângelo defy the odds by becoming a doctor at the turn of the 20th Century, but she really cemented her place on our kick-ass women list by finding a loophole in the law that allowed her to become the first woman to vote in Portugal in 1911. As well as being a leader in feminist and suffragette circles, she noticed that the law around elections was ambiguously written, not specifically saying men had the right to vote, but rather, heads-of-households over the age of 21 did, and as she was a widow, she was the head of her household. While she did manage to get her vote in in 1911, sadly after she exploited that loophole, the Portuguese law was changed to specify that voters must be male – a ruling not overturned until 1976. Find out more about Carolina Beatriz Ângelo on the Lisbon International Women’s Day Tour.

7. Madrid – Clara Campoamor

Clara Campoamor was born in Madrid into a working class family, and started out as a seamstress at age 13, before earning a number of government jobs, and eventually getting into law school. As if that wasn’t impressive enough in the early 1900s, in 1931 she was elected into a government position, at a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote. She worked to make changes to the constitution, which included fighting against discrimination based on gender, the right to divorce, and for children born within and outside the marriage to have equal rights. When the Spanish Civil War broke out she was forced to flee the country, and was barred from returning under Franco, and she died in exile, in Switzerland, in 1972. Find out more about Clara Campoamor on the Madrid International Women’s Day Tour.

The post 7 Kick-Ass Women to Know About This International Women’s Day first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Bag of jelly beans

Everyone loves some candy on Halloween! This costume takes up almost no space; all you need is a large transparent bin bag, a packet of balloons and a good set of lungs (depending on how many jelly beans you want of course). Extra finishing touches can include a printed logo or nutritional information on the back.

2. Pop art characters

This one requires a far bit of makeup skills and patience to cover your face in the iconic pop art dots, but once you are done everyone will want to take a selfie with you. Stuff an eyeliner, red lipstick (you too boys!) and some face paint into your wash bag and you ready to transform into a piece of art.

3. The Joker and Harley Quinn

Or if your makeup skills aren’t quite up to par, why not go as the hottest villain couple right now – the Joker and Harley Quinn. Hair chalk, old clothes you can ditch after the night, eyeliner and one lipstick between the couple is all puddin’ needs. Smudge as much as you like, just keep smiling all night!

4. Cereal Killer

This is for the punny ones. If you plan this well enough you won’t even have to bring any additional material. Ask your friendly hostel receptionist if you could swing by after one breakfast to take some empty cereal boxes and plastic knives. You can then either stitch, glue or even safety pin the boxes to your top. Squirt some red ink or lipstick for added gore and put your Lucky Charms to the test!

5. M&M Squad

And last but not least, the colourful pack of M&Ms for you and your squad. You can print a bunch of T-shirts before hand or bring a coloured top and white marker, this is the most simple-fuss free costume you and your friends can rock up in.

If you still find yourself needing a costume, pick-up one of our Halloween flyers in the city you are in and you will find a recommended party shop for all your get-up needs.

Have a hauntingly good Halloween!

For more information on the Halloween Pub Crawls please click here.

The post Travel-Friendly Halloween Costumes first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Nowadays, people can find love anywhere; online, at a party, in a bar, on a plane, train, bus… on a SANDEMANs Walking Tour… With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve decided to get romantic and share a story that shows how cupid can draw back his bow on our tours.

“We’ve decided to get romantic and share a story that shows how cupid can draw back his bow on our tours.”

The thrill of visiting a new city and discovering its unique beauty and charm is, in itself, a romantic concept, but this romance is only enhanced if you can share that experience with a special person. Whilst many lucky people may have already found that person to travel with, others travel alone or with friends, choosing (and/or hoping) to make some new acquaintances along the way.

This was the case in 2012, when Billy Fisher, a guide working with us at the time, was leading tours in the City of Love (or Paris, as it’s known to the un-romantics among us). Back then, our Paris Free Tour would end outside a now-defunct restaurant called ‘La Duquesne’, which Billy would often recommend to groups if they wanted to relax at the end of the tour. It was here that he left one particular group to hang out, converse, and forge new friendships.

2 years on, Billy had shaved his beard and cut his long hair and was, by his own admission, unrecognisable. However, he’d made another major change, and was now guiding tours with us in Edinburgh (or ‘Auld Reekie’, as it’s known… for less romantic reasons). During a tour in Spring 2014, a guest in his group recognised a distinctive tattoo on his arm and remembered him from the tour she took 2 years earlier in Paris. Being an experienced guide, Billy had led many groups in the past and, to his embarrassment, did not recognise this particular guest. Of course, his memory may have been thrown off by the fact that she had a small baby strapped to her chest…

“During a tour in Spring 2014, a guest in his group recognised a distinctive tattoo on his arm and remembered him from the tour she took 2 years earlier in Paris.”

It was then that she informed Billy that she had met her future husband on his tour in Paris, and that the recent birth of their child had motivated them to travel as a family. Surprised and moved by this coincidence, Billy proceeded to spend the rest of the day with the family, showing that love and friendliness are common themes on a SANDEMANs tour.

So, when you’re exploring a new city with SANDEMANs, don’t hesitate to get to know your fellow travellers, as you could make a new best friend, or even meet the love of your life!

The post This is the Sweetest Story You Will Read Today first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Although the whole world knows her as the Statue of Liberty, her original name is ‘Liberty Enlightening the World‘.

2. One of her many nicknames, the Green Goddess, only became fitting around 20 years after she was first constructed. She consists of over 300 sheets of copper, and in her younger years she was a copper coloured. She only faded to the green tone we know and love today after a couple of decades of oxidisation.

3. Like thousands of other New Yorkers, she is an immigrant. The brainchild of three Frenchmen, she was presented to New York as a present from France in 1886.

4. Her designer, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, may well have modelled her on his own mother, Charlotte.

5. When she was unveiled in 1886, she inspired New York’s first ever ticker-tape parade in the nearby financial district.

6. A less supportive welcome was offered to her by suffragettes, who rented a boat to protest alongside the statue at so few women being present at her unveiling, and to demand the vote for women.

7. True to her original name, she was so tall she was originally used as a lighthouse.

8. The seven spikes on her crown are actually part of a halo, and are meant to represent the seven seas.

9. The poem most connected to Lady Liberty, ‘The New Colossus‘, was originally written by Emma Lazarus as part of a fund-raising drive to raise money for the pedestal upon which Liberty currently stands. It was forgotten for many years until Lazarus’ death a year after the statue was unveiled, following which a friend of hers pushed to have the sonnet immortalised in a plaque, which contains the famous lines:

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”

10. Liberty Island, where the statue lives, has long been the scene of a tug-of-war between New York and the far closer neighbouring state of New Jersey. The island is currently controlled by New York, but falls under New Jersey’s control and tax administration.

11. BONUS FACT: Most people fail to notice what lies at the statue’s feet: broken chains, a symbol of the freedom she was built to represent.

To get to Liberty Island you can buy tickets to Statue Cruises, which will take you to both the statue and neighbouring Ellis Island, either at nearby Castle Clinton or, to beat the lines, online.

Our top money-saving tip is to hop on the Staten Island Ferry just a short walk to the east of Castle Clinton, which will take you alongside the statue and is completely free. Stand on the right-hand side on the way out for the best views!

If you want to learn more about the Statue, along with the early history of New York from the days when it was New Amsterdam, our guides will be waiting for you 7 days a week, 365 days a year, on the steps of the National Museum of the American Indian at 11am to give you a free guided tour of downtown Manhattan. Come and join us!

The post 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Lady Liberty first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.