All posts filed under: Travel

Best neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile

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  Chile’s long, skinny profile – with an extensive coastline and an interior hugged by the Andes – is home to just over 18 million people with over 6.5 million residing in the greater Santiago area. The capital is divided into 32 different districts, each consisting of different barrios, or neighborhoods, each with their own character and story. A few local favorites include some of the more popular areas such as Bellavista, Bellas Artes, and some new up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Barrios Brasil y Yungai. Bellavista  How to arrive – Metros: Lines 1 and 5: Baquedano What to do – A neighborhood that’s full of history, charm, and vibrant colors is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around looking at the beautiful street art, taking in the sabores (flavors) of international cuisine, and strolling through galleries, theaters, and shops. Known since the 1970’s as the capitals bohemian barrio -it’s no surprise that famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda made this neighborhood his home. You can visit La Chascona – a museum dedicated to Neruda’s life and work from Tuesday to Sundays. Looking …

Paris Snapshots

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I’ve now been to Paris twice. My first experience wasn’t my favorite – the city of lights didn’t win me over, it didn’t impress me with its history nor its beautiful architecture. It was just another capital city filled with tourist traps and hidden gems if you looked hard enough. Just like every other city. And while the first time was nice with the people I was with, when I left, I didn’t feel like I’d ever go back. Until we made plans for July. With my two best friends living in Brussels and a small French town in the middle of nowhere, and me in Madrid, Paris was a comfortable place for us all to meet for a cheeky five day reunion. We made the plans, rented our Airbnb, and all arrived on July 1st. And while the city itself still hasn’t captured my heart, this second experience with these two had definitely left me with more fond memories to carry with me for my lifetime. We mostly stayed in our apartment, sipping on …

5 Day Trips from San Francisco

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While we love San Francisco and all its quirky neighborhoods and people, what we love more at Native of the North are those day trip adventures that take you into nature. The city itself isn’t very large, yet with the constant flow of tourism and a bustling city center, sometimes it feels a little congested. When it comes down to it, sometimes it’s just better to grab your friends, pack the car, and take to the road! We share our favorite five day trips from San Francisco. Pacifica Just two miles south of San Francisco, Pacifica is mostly known by beginner surfers and those looking for some fun, laid back waves. Mori Point boasts views of the vast Pacific Ocean along with the seemingly never-ending rolling, green hills and well-groomed paths hugging the coast. It’s best to pack a picnic and choose a spot with a view high above the town. But if you’re looking for a bite to eat, head towards the Pier in Sharp Park along Palmetto Avenue for your choice of French to …

Best Natural Parks close to Marbella, Spain

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A holiday isn’t always sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace or soaking up the sun on white sandy beaches. For some, it’s seeking out adventure, it’s cycling through the most beautiful landscapes, or it’s working on an olive farm while experiencing the culture. For me, it’s being in nature hiking through the most beautiful natural parks the world over, which is why I sought out the best hiking near Marbella. Parque Natural Los Alcornocales Stretching 170,000 hectares and into 17 Andalusian municipalities, Los Alcornocales is known for its history, caves, and cork oak trees. Travelers can take part in eco-tours to learn about the harvesting and processing of cork, or simply delve into the natural surroundings. Explore caves, disconnect while wandering through the heavily wooded trails, relax next to babbling brooks, and, if you’re lucky, observe the wildlife that call the park home. Torcal de Antequera One of the most impressive Karst landscapes in all of Europe, the rock formations at Torcal de Antequera are not to miss if you’re in Andalusia. The Jurassic-age limestone …

Hipmunk City Love: The Hottest Boutique Hotels in Vancouver

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A city where the mountains act as a backdrop and the ocean kisses the downtown shore line, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a dream city come to life. The West Coast capital is full of trendy places to stay, tasty restaurants home to world-class chefs, music venues galore, and nature escapes just outside the city limits. So whether it’s a Canucks hockey game or simply a love for traveling that brings you to the city, you can find the perfect boutique hotel in Vancouver. L’Hermitage Hotel If you’re looking for a place to stay with a feeling of home, look no further than the L’Hermitage Hotel. Located on the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors of a residential building in the heart of Vancouver, guests will experience all the perks of home while visiting the beautiful West Coast city. L’Hermitage Hotel has free bicycles for exploring the bike-friendly downtown area, as well as a private rooftop heated saltwater lap pool and Jacuzzi. All the rooms – from the “Petite” Boutique Room to the Two-Bedroom Signature Suite, guests can …

Hipmunk City Love: The Parisian Dream, Hotels Close to the Eiffel Tower

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The city of lights, romance, and beautifully dressed Parisians – and French bread, and French cheeses, well, you get the point. While Paris, France, is much more than the stereotypes we’ve fallen in love with from the films (or personal experiences) we love to revel in them all. From boutique shopping on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the chic Marais neighborhood to the hidden, lesser known museums such as the Musée Marmottan and the Musée Rodin, experience the real Paris that tourists don’t often see. However, staying at a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower (some even having views) is must when visiting the city of fashion. Radisson Blu Le Dokhan’s Hotel, Paris Trocadéro Located in a beautiful, Parisian style building, the Radisson Blu Le Dokhan’s Hotel is a charmingly elegant hotel with perfectly decorated rooms. The hotel houses a Champagne bar featuring over 70 variations of the sophisticated drink. There are views of the Eiffel Tower from the hotel’s most sought after suite. Hotel Maison FL Paris Across the way from the Eiffel Tower, the Hotel Maison FL …

Hipmunk City Love: Favorite Day Trips from Boston

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The best thing about visiting Boston — besides the amazing food and charming cobblestone streets — are all the day trips you can take to other New England states in just about an hour or more. Whether you’re keen to explore the historic and haunting past of Salem, Massachusetts, or to visit the beautiful beaches of the Kennebunks, there are so many small towns waiting to be explored. Just jump in a car, buckle up, and hit the open highway north on I-95, away from the beautiful Boston skyline. Salem, MA Tiptoe through history as you wander around Salem, visiting the graves of those burned as witches, the tombstone of a Mayflower passenger, and the burial site of famous New England architect Samuel McIntire. Visit the Corwin House, the only remaining house tied to the witch trials in the city. But Salem is much more than the famous witch hunts — don’t miss the beaches in Salem Willows Park, or pop by for their summer music series! Portsmouth, NH From Prescott Park to the Strawbery Banke Museum, …

A Guide to A+ Dining in Tokyo

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Each plate has a unique story, a presentation, and a goal. The head chef wishes all guests to leave feeling like they’ve been individually catered to and taken care of; this is a Michelin Star restaurant. While dining at a Michelin Star establishment may not be in everybody’s budget, it does lead to a once in a lifetime experience for those who dip into their wallet for the special occasion. And the city with the most options to choose from? Tokyo. For eight years running, Tokyo has claimed the title of the city with the most Michelin Star restaurants – with 267 earning stars from one to three. And to make it easier to explore what Tokyo has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of the places that received three starts in 2015, by style of food served. Image by Andy Yee via Trover.com Japanese Azabu Yukimura — With reservation and address in hand, you’ll need to search for this unmarked restaurant to experience Jun Yukimura’s Kyoto-style cuisine. The owner and operator used to be …

Cities Less Traveled | Marbella’s Best Day Trips

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While you can mingle with the glamorous nightlife of Marbella or relax and stroll through the quaint and picturesque side of the town, don’t forget about the surrounding areas. One of the best parts of this beach destination is the geographical location fit for some amazing day trips. Stay nearby in one of the Marbella hotels and soak it all in. Malaga Malaga is not only a bustling hub on the Costa del Sol with downtown beaches, but one of the oldest cities in the world. You can spend your day wandering the Alcazaba, the Moorish fort that once protected Malaga from thieves, or visit the oldest remains in the city: the Quecha Theater, which dates back to the first century BC. The Gibralfaro Castle boasts can’t-miss views of the city, and the Picasso Museum, filled with drawings, sketches, and paintings by the great artist, is a must visit for art lovers. Malaga is a one hour drive by car. Gibraltar You’ll need your passport for this one! To visit this British territory on the southern …

Cities Less Traveled: Boston’s Allston-Brighton ‘hood

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This week we’ll be exploring Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood. Further up the Charles River, Allston-Brighton is located right down the street from Fenway and Boston University while housing Harvard Business School in its city blocks. It’s a natural move for the college kids of Boston with cheaper housing, walking distance to some universities, and the overwhelming number of coffee shops for studying — which is just what we want to talk about. Coffee shops are not just for buying a quick cappuccino or loose leaf tea and taking off but also for making yourself comfortable for hours — whether you’re a studious college student, a freelancer choosing a new office for the day, or on a relaxing vacation getaway. The coffee shop culture has become a part of our everyday lives, whether we take part or simply watch others click away on their laptops. So today, we’re going to explore this world and list our favorite coffee shops in Allston-Brighton for those looking for a new joint in which to grab a “Cup-o-Joe” tomorrow. Our top three favorite …