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Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 12:14 am
by Tomous
Curls wrote:I'm currently living in Cyprus for a few months....anyone lived or spent a long time here?

Know any hidden gems? Any particular activities I should do?

I am currently thinking I may learn to dive out here....but there are other choices like Kite Surfing, wind surfing or generic surfing, I have not done a watersport before so if anyone also has reccomendations on if they've done any of these (out in cyprus or not) then do let me know! It's going to get fooking hot so doing something around water as a hobby may be essential.


Learn to dive! It's amazing, and something you can do all over the world.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 12:59 pm
by Rocsteady
Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:43 pm
by Tomous
Rocsteady wrote:Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.



I don't know the coast but Plitvice Lakes is 3-4 hours away from Split and well worth a visit if you have a time-a really beautiful place.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:47 pm
by Rocsteady
Tomous wrote:
Rocsteady wrote:Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.



I don't know the coast but Plitvice Lakes is 3-4 hours away from Split and well worth a visit if you have a time-a really beautiful place.

Perfect thanks, realistically I've got stacks of time and no itinerary so can just plan my trip on suggestions. Looks amazing.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:52 pm
by OnlyShallow
Rocsteady wrote:Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.

I've been to Croatia that past 3 years, Dubrovnik the first time, Rovinj the second time (that was the destination of my transcontinental road trip) and Split and Brač last year. I'm in the early stages of planning this year's road trip to Rovinj.

Dubrovnik is nice but is plagued by cruise liner crinklies and isn't that big. The prices and restaurants tend to reflect this. There are some cool little bars though.

Rovinj has a more Italian feel about it and is still a fishing harbour (sort of). Split has more of a city feel to it, I really liked it.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:53 pm
by OnlyShallow
Tomous wrote:
Rocsteady wrote:Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.



I don't know the coast but Plitvice Lakes is 3-4 hours away from Split and well worth a visit if you have a time-a really beautiful place.

Krka is closer, about 40 mins, although it isn't as large as Plitvice.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:02 pm
by Rocsteady
OnlyShallow wrote:
Rocsteady wrote:Has anyone here been to Croatia before? Got any tips on where to visit?

I should have a few weeks free in May so was planning to jump on a bus and work my way down the croatian coast, haven't got anything set in stone yet though. Working on an extreme budget so the cheaper the better.

I've been to Croatia that past 3 years, Dubrovnik the first time, Rovinj the second time (that was the destination of my transcontinental road trip) and Split and Brač last year. I'm in the early stages of planning this year's road trip to Rovinj.

Dubrovnik is nice but is plagued by cruise liner crinklies and isn't that big. The prices and restaurants tend to reflect this. There are some cool little bars though.

Rovinj has a more Italian feel about it and is still a fishing harbour (sort of). Split has more of a city feel to it, I really liked it.

Nice one, I was thinking of going Zagreb (just for a stop over) - Rovinj - then work my down the whole coast until Dubrovnik before returning to Budapest. Will go on a diversion via either Krka or Plitvice too though, depending on ease of travel and who I meet up with on the way.

Had thought Dubrovnik would be a bit steeper so might just rush through it, see all the Game of Thrones stuff then swing back up the mainland.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:14 pm
by OnlyShallow
One of the best things near Dubrovnik, if you're into a bit of urbex, is Kupari beach. It is a soviet era hotel complex just south of Dubrovnik, on the way to Cavtat. It was shelled to strawberry float during the war and is open to explore, they've just left it as it was. Balconies ripped open by rocket rounds, bullet holes pockmarking the walls. This is all given a rather surreal edge by the lovely curved beach in front of it and the beach bar which does the best fried squid and chips I've ever had.

http://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/lifestyle/feature/item/336-kupari-a-resort-still-in-ruins

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:19 pm
by Poncho
I thought Zagreb was okay, but I did really like Split. It's quite touristy/very busy but absolutely beautiful to look at if you're into that Roman style architecture. I personally wouldn't bother with Hvar which you can take a ferry to just near Split - not much going on and super expensive. If you like watching rich people tending to their expensive boats you might enjoy it.

I'd highly recommend trying to get down to the Plitvice Lakes if you can. If you do, maybe check to see how busy it is around May as I can imagine it being a bit crap if it's super crowded. If it's quiet, then definitely go - it was the highlight of my time in Croatia. Might be a little expensive in regards to finding places to stay nearby if you are on a tight budget.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:34 pm
by Rocsteady
That looks cool OS, will try check it out.

I was planning on skipping straight through Zagreb as I'm really not bothered about it but the trains round here are so dire it takes a good 6 hours to reach it from Budapest so figure it'll be nicer to just chill there for a night and see some of the main sights.

Heard Split's great so definitely going there, might actually be nicer for me if Plitvice is fairly busy when I go since I'm travelling alone so will find it easier to chat to randoms if there's a fair few folk about.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:21 pm
by SandyCoin
Rocsteady wrote:That looks cool OS, will try check it out.

I was planning on skipping straight through Zagreb as I'm really not bothered about it but the trains round here are so dire it takes a good 6 hours to reach it from Budapest so figure it'll be nicer to just chill there for a night and see some of the main sights.

Heard Split's great so definitely going there, might actually be nicer for me if Plitvice is fairly busy when I go since I'm travelling alone so will find it easier to chat to randoms if there's a fair few folk about.


I really liked Split. We went last year for a few days and it was absolutely perfect water. Crystal clear and sparkling. Some great places to eat and very nice cheap Croatian wine. Good for day trips to the islands too. We went to Brac and Hvar. Hvar was very glamorous and a rich persons play ground, but again very nice. Brac has the famous finger beach which was lovely. Split is very quaint with lots of old cobbled streets, and also some great beaches further to the west (kasjuni). We didn't have time to go to the more famous national park, but went to the closer Krna. It was very pretty, but insanely busy and not well planned out. Expensive day out too. I kind of recommend it as paddling around near a waterfall is always fun, but truthfully I wouldn't bother.

Only bad thing was the promenade at Split which has a sulfur egg smell all along it which put us off eating there. Which is a shame as it's very picturesque.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:02 am
by Lotus
I've recently become slightly obsessed with the idea of visiting Japan (along with reading and watching pretty much anything I can find to do with Japanese culture etc - genuinely find it fascinating). Looking at visiting for probably 2 weeks late this year/early next. Just trying to persuade a friend or two to come with me...

For anyone who has been, or is there now, would Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka work over a 2 week period? Or would it be better to focus on just one or two of those? In terms of getting from one to another, train or plane?

I haven't been so hyped about visiting somewhere in...well, ever. I haven't even booked anything yet. :slol:

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 4:31 am
by Tomous
Lotus wrote:I've recently become slightly obsessed with the idea of visiting Japan (along with reading and watching pretty much anything I can find to do with Japanese culture etc - genuinely find it fascinating). Looking at visiting for probably 2 weeks late this year/early next. Just trying to persuade a friend or two to come with me...

For anyone who has been, or is there now, would Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka work over a 2 week period? Or would it be better to focus on just one or two of those? In terms of getting from one to another, train or plane?

I haven't been so hyped about visiting somewhere in...well, ever. I haven't even booked anything yet. :slol:


I'm actually going in 3 weeks and planning something similar for a 2 week stay. Planning to travel by train with the 2 week pass (costs about £300 I think) and this is currently our itinerary:

Tokyo 4 nights (2 full days and 1 day to Nikko)
Fujikawaguchiko 2 nights
Kyoto 3 nights
Mount Koya 1 night
Osaka 1 night
Okayama 1 night
Hiroshima 3 nights (with day trips to Napshima Island, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island)

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 9:42 am
by Rocsteady
SandyCoin wrote:
Rocsteady wrote:That looks cool OS, will try check it out.

I was planning on skipping straight through Zagreb as I'm really not bothered about it but the trains round here are so dire it takes a good 6 hours to reach it from Budapest so figure it'll be nicer to just chill there for a night and see some of the main sights.

Heard Split's great so definitely going there, might actually be nicer for me if Plitvice is fairly busy when I go since I'm travelling alone so will find it easier to chat to randoms if there's a fair few folk about.


I really liked Split. We went last year for a few days and it was absolutely perfect water. Crystal clear and sparkling. Some great places to eat and very nice cheap Croatian wine. Good for day trips to the islands too. We went to Brac and Hvar. Hvar was very glamorous and a rich persons play ground, but again very nice. Brac has the famous finger beach which was lovely. Split is very quaint with lots of old cobbled streets, and also some great beaches further to the west (kasjuni). We didn't have time to go to the more famous national park, but went to the closer Krna. It was very pretty, but insanely busy and not well planned out. Expensive day out too. I kind of recommend it as paddling around near a waterfall is always fun, but truthfully I wouldn't bother.

Only bad thing was the promenade at Split which has a sulfur egg smell all along it which put us off eating there. Which is a shame as it's very picturesque.

Awesome, most of that sounds pretty ideal.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 10:21 am
by BTB
I was in/near Rovinj for a festival, and the town and coast was lovely! Zagreb is tiny, and fairly disappointing in my opinion. You wouldn't need more than two days there max. +1 for the Plitvice lakes though, great day trip.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 11:47 pm
by Lotus
Tomous wrote:
Lotus wrote:I've recently become slightly obsessed with the idea of visiting Japan (along with reading and watching pretty much anything I can find to do with Japanese culture etc - genuinely find it fascinating). Looking at visiting for probably 2 weeks late this year/early next. Just trying to persuade a friend or two to come with me...

For anyone who has been, or is there now, would Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka work over a 2 week period? Or would it be better to focus on just one or two of those? In terms of getting from one to another, train or plane?

I haven't been so hyped about visiting somewhere in...well, ever. I haven't even booked anything yet. :slol:


I'm actually going in 3 weeks and planning something similar for a 2 week stay. Planning to travel by train with the 2 week pass (costs about £300 I think) and this is currently our itinerary:

Tokyo 4 nights (2 full days and 1 day to Nikko)
Fujikawaguchiko 2 nights
Kyoto 3 nights
Mount Koya 1 night
Osaka 1 night
Okayama 1 night
Hiroshima 3 nights (with day trips to Napshima Island, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island)

Nice -packing plenty in. Would like to see all of those - Mount Koya looks particularly great - but I haven't heard of Okayama. What's there? And have you been to Japan before? Post pics pls. :toot:

For a first trip I'd like to focus on the 'big ticket items', so to speak, but in terms of other things for potential later trips, Hiroshima, Mt Koya, Mt Fuji (hopefully climbing it), Okinawa and exploring Tohoku are on the list. :datass:

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 1:55 am
by Tomous
Lotus wrote:
Tomous wrote:
Lotus wrote:I've recently become slightly obsessed with the idea of visiting Japan (along with reading and watching pretty much anything I can find to do with Japanese culture etc - genuinely find it fascinating). Looking at visiting for probably 2 weeks late this year/early next. Just trying to persuade a friend or two to come with me...

For anyone who has been, or is there now, would Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka work over a 2 week period? Or would it be better to focus on just one or two of those? In terms of getting from one to another, train or plane?

I haven't been so hyped about visiting somewhere in...well, ever. I haven't even booked anything yet. :slol:


I'm actually going in 3 weeks and planning something similar for a 2 week stay. Planning to travel by train with the 2 week pass (costs about £300 I think) and this is currently our itinerary:

Tokyo 4 nights (2 full days and 1 day to Nikko)
Fujikawaguchiko 2 nights
Kyoto 3 nights
Mount Koya 1 night
Osaka 1 night
Okayama 1 night
Hiroshima 3 nights (with day trips to Napshima Island, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island)

Nice -packing plenty in. Would like to see all of those - Mount Koya looks particularly great - but I haven't heard of Okayama. What's there? And have you been to Japan before? Post pics pls. :toot:

For a first trip I'd like to focus on the 'big ticket items', so to speak, but in terms of other things for potential later trips, Hiroshima, Mt Koya, Mt Fuji (hopefully climbing it), Okinawa and exploring Tohoku are on the list. :datass:


No haven't been before, so trying to fit in the main things too.

Staying in Okayama to go to Naoshima Island, which is an island full of modern art installations and architecture. Meant to be quite different.

Would love to climb Fuji too but it's notnopen for climbing when we're there.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 7:59 am
by Corazon de Leon
Guys, unless I hugely missed something Hiroshima is a day trip's worth of city - it's nice and you'll be surprised at how well it runs given that, you know, it got blown up by a nuclear bomb, but the only things worth seeing are the Seagate, castle and museum, all of which you can do in a day on the train and back from Kyoto or Osaka.

On the subject of the bomb museum - it's incredible, everyone should see it, and I will never go there again.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:06 am
by Tomous
Corazon de Leon wrote:Guys, unless I hugely missed something Hiroshima is a day trip's worth of city - it's nice and you'll be surprised at how well it runs given that, you know, it got blown up by a nuclear bomb, but the only things worth seeing are the Seagate, castle and museum, all of which you can do in a day on the train and back from Kyoto or Osaka.

On the subject of the bomb museum - it's incredible, everyone should see it, and I will never go there again.


We were going to use it as a hub to do Naoshima and Miyajima Islands, so we're only planning to do one day actually going round Hiroshima.

On another note, accommodation in Japan is absolutely eye watering. It's impossible to find cheap options it seems. I had an idea it would be like that but even the basic options are ridiculously expensive.

Re: GRcade Travel Topic

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:56 am
by BTB
Tomous wrote:
Corazon de Leon wrote:Guys, unless I hugely missed something Hiroshima is a day trip's worth of city - it's nice and you'll be surprised at how well it runs given that, you know, it got blown up by a nuclear bomb, but the only things worth seeing are the Seagate, castle and museum, all of which you can do in a day on the train and back from Kyoto or Osaka.

On the subject of the bomb museum - it's incredible, everyone should see it, and I will never go there again.


We were going to use it as a hub to do Naoshima and Miyajima Islands, so we're only planning to do one day actually going round Hiroshima.

On another note, accommodation in Japan is absolutely eye watering. It's impossible to find cheap options it seems. I had an idea it would be like that but even the basic options are ridiculously expensive.

A mate of mine went and said that they used airbnb and asked people the day before if they would accept less. Obviously a bit of a risk but I guess they will mss out on money if they say no and they said that generally people seemed too polite to say no :lol: