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Aeroflot: Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

Aeroflot: Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

Nalchik is the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic in the North Caucasus, Russia. It is renowned for its mineral springs and healthy mountain air. Along with spa resorts, Nalchik offers great opportunities for rafting, rock climbing, snowboarding and paragliding.

With its elegant arches and huge gilded domes, St. Mary Magdalene’s Orthodox Church is an epitome of Byzantine architectural traditions. St. Mary Magdalene was a patron saint of Kabardian Princess Maria Temryukovna who was wedded to Ivan the Terrible. Locals honour the princess as their patron. Her 15-metre-tall statue dominates the monument Forever With Russia. The pedestal’s bas-relief tells the history of the nation.

Atazhukinsky Garden connects the spa hub and the historical core. Don’t be misled by the word ‘Garden’, though. In all but the name, it is a forest area occupying 250 hectares.

Enjoy its beautiful lakes, romantic gazebos and quiet alleys with a wide range of plants, from Japanese quince to ancient oaks to the Gingko tree. Here you can visit the amusement park and Nalchik Zoo. Green Theatre is the only open-air theatre in the North Caucasus. It can simultaneously seat 2,500 visitors.

Europcar: Best Weekend Getaway in Belgium

Europcar: Best Weekend Getaway in Belgium

If you’re a bit clueless when it comes to what to see and do in this small yet fascinating European country, here’s a few of our top picks for a memorable long weekend in Belgium:

If you’re in need of some pampering, make your way to Spa

Guess what? Spa is the original spa town! Clue’s in the name, right? So, where to make the most of your time and get the authentic experience? The Thermes de Spa is the place to go. You’ll find 800 square metres of complete serenity, including hot springs and saunas as well as tranquil treatment rooms where you can indulge in a massage or facial.

Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts

Belgium’s capital has enough things to see and do to keep you entertained for days, but if you’re short on time just make sure you check out the Grand Place (the city’s major square), the elegant Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts and the hip independent shops and cafés in Marolles.

If you can’t resist a gorgeous beach, check out Ostend

Belgium may not be the first place that pops into your head for a beach getaway – but did you know it’s actually home to one of the top 50 beaches in Europe? Located on Belgium’s North Sea coast, the resort city of Ostend is blessed with a huge sandy beach and various amazing attractions along its shores.

If the mountains are calling you, strap on some skis in the Ardennes

Fancy hitting the slopes? It’s the mountainous Ardennes region on the German and Luxembourg borders for you then. It’s home to a handful of brilliant ski resorts, making it a wonderful option for a wintery long weekend in Belgium! Val de Wanne and Le Monty are popular picks for a snowy getaway, with the former being home to one of the longest ski slopes in Europe.

Explore Belgium by car and book your rental car with us at Europcar.

McArthurGlen: SHOPPING TIPS

McArthurGlen: SHOPPING TIPS

Almost everyone love shopping – who doesn’t? Here we would like to share some shopping tips to save us from a headache before and after shopping!

  1. Shop with a list and set a budget – we do a list when we do groceries shopping right? Do a list when you shop for other stuff as well (such as clothes, shoes and bags). This will help you avoid overspending on unnecessary things and help you budget what you can buy.
  2. Don’t shop when you are tired, hungry, lonely or bored – this will exhaust you and make you overspend! You should shop when you are happy.
  3. Set a timeframe – don’t wander aimlessly. Know which brands are you going to and chop chop, shop for what you have put on your list! Your shopping satisfaction will be maximized without regrets later on.
  4. Shop at a designer outlet – this saves you up to hundreds or even thousands of bucks! Authentic luxury, premium and high street brands in designer outlets like McArthurGlen Designer Outlets in Europe offer 30-70% savings all year-round. Hence with your budget you did, you can add more to your list of items to haul!

Be a smart shopper – check out brands you love on mcarthurglen.com, do a list of items you want, save up and once we can travel to Europe, be sure to set your foot at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets.

Register your interest to join McArthurGlen Virtual Roadshow to know more about the latest brand and centre updates.

Shopping vouchers to be won. Click here: www.mgvirtual.pacificworld.travel

Have You Heard That Philippines’ Caticlan Are The Best Islands In The World?

Have You Heard That Philippines’ Caticlan Are The Best Islands In The World?

Consistently named one of the best islands in the world, Boracay is back in full swing after a six-month closure in 2018. With stricter environmental guidelines now in place – including a no smoking, drinking or eating policy along the beach – there’s no better time to enjoy the island’s wondrous natural attractions. The 4km stretch of White Beach may be Boracay’s most iconic spot, but there are 13 other beaches in the area that you can explore.

Things To See & Do

Ride a local paraw sailboat
There’s no better way to enjoy Boracay’s sunset than on a local paraw (sailboat). These can be rented to explore other parts of the island, and most people book late afternoon cruises just to be closer to the sunset. Paraws can hold up to eight passengers, so this is a great activity to enjoy with family and friends. Book a paraw boat at the Station 1 and 3 activities reception booths, and be sure to show up at the pickup points at least 15 minutes before sailing.

Ride a local paraw sailboat
There’s no better way to enjoy Boracay’s sunset than on a local paraw (sailboat). These can be rented to explore other parts of the island, and most people book late afternoon cruises just to be closer to the sunset. Paraws can hold up to eight passengers, so this is a great activity to enjoy with family and friends. Book a paraw boat at the Station 1 and 3 activities reception booths, and be sure to show up at the pickup points at least 15 minutes before sailing.

Where To Dine & Drink

Epic Boracay
Although Boracay’s party image has had a makeunder, a little of its former spirit lives on at Epic Boracay. This White Beach establishment reopens on December 8 as a restaurant by day, helmed by culinary director Mikko Reyes, and club by night, led by the party people behind Manila’s Embassy, Republicq and The Palace Pool Club.

Dos Mestizos
This Boracay mainstay took root more than a decade ago. The once-humble Spanish eatery has since become one of the island’s top restaurants and now includes a bodega and bar. Dos Mestizos reopens with a brand new menu that includes pulpo al ajillo (octopus sautéed with garlic) and bacalao al pil-pil (cod in pil-pil sauce).

Aeroflot – Do you know that Yakutsk is the world’s coldest city?

Aeroflot – Do you know that Yakutsk is the world’s coldest city?

Why do tourists come to visit the capital of the Sakha Republic? To find themselves in the land of permafrost and admire the aurora borealis on the bank of the wide Lena River! To taste the fresh-frozen fish, feel the sting of frost biting the cheeks, get acquainted with way of Yakut life, and be astounded with the purity of diamonds. Whatever your reason is for coming to Yakutsk, you will always keep the warmest memories about this northern point of Russia. Unforgettable nature and many places  yet to be explored  await you.

The difference between summer and winter temperatures in Yakutsk reaches 70 degrees. A winter with 35°C below zero is a common occurrence. On the bright side, December evenings are great for observing the polar lights. This dazzling natural phenomenon, whereby the sky glows purple and green, is seen here more often than in other regions.

The best description of the Yakutsk weather is given by the local fishermen: fish freshly caught in the Lena River completely freeze within 1-2 minutes! The stroganina is almost ready, just needs to be sliced. The city restaurants offer authentic Yakut cuisine. It features stroganina made not only out of chir and nelma (white fish), but also out of meat. The local delicacies include haan (blood beef or horse sausage), salamat (heavy cream with meat) and kerchekh (whipped cream with fen berry and other northern berries).