Travel Planner – abcTRAVEL.GUIDE
The abcTravel.guide website offers multiple tools to plan your travel trips, from hotel searches and flight ticket bookings, to car rentals and cruises. Check our tools to search and compare prices in one place:
Hotels
1+ Million hotels & apartments
35,000+ cities & villages
Flight Tickets
800+ airlines & low-cost carriers
7000+ airports served
Car Rentals
30+ global car rental companies
150+ countries covered
Cruises
15+ cruise lines
cruises all over the world
Travel Tips & Special Offers
Explore some of the best tips from around the world
City Guides
15th July 2023Getting to know Liverpool
What you can do for free in Liverpool
Explore the Liverpool waterfront (Albert Docks and Pier Head)
There is a lot to see when you go exploring the Liverpool waterfront: the complex of dock buildings and warehouses is called The Royal Albert Dock. Process to the Pier Head and you’ll find sculptures, beautiful buildings with fascinating architecture, the Museum of Liverpool, the Royal Liver Building and more.
Wonder around Sefton Park
Sefton Park is spread across 235 acres and it has plenty of things to check out – if you plan on visiting you can reserve a whole day for exploration here. There are playgrounds, the Palm House, cafes, caves and waterfalls, statues, monuments, the Bandstand and generally a lot of greenery and beautiful nature.
Stroll along the beaches
Go for a walk on Crosby Beach or Formby Beach to enjoy a relaxing evening (or any other time of the day you wish). If you find your way to Crosby beach, you’ll be able to admire the “Another Place” modern sculptures by Antony Gormley. 100 cast iron figures face towards the sea and create this fascinating scenery for visitors.
Top spots to visit
Beatles-related sites
Since Liverpool is very famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, it would be a shame to skip visiting all the various Beatles-related sites. The list of potential spots to add to your itinerary includes the Penny Lane, the Strawberry Fields, The Beatles Story in Albert Dock, the rebuilt Cavern Club, the Beatles statues on Pier Head, the Beatles Shop and the homes of members of the band. You can even find tours focusing on these spots, but you can go on your own for free if you know what you want to see and make a plan yourself.
Museums and galleries
Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum – these are only a few of the spots that can be a great addition to your Liverpool visit. Depending on your interests and what types of arts and artists you’re most interested in, make your choice and enjoy!
St. George’s Hall
St. George’s Hall is a Neoclassical building containing concert halls and law courts. The place can be visited and it is definitely an impressive spot – both the interior and the exterior have plenty of things to see, from the sculpted friezes on the facades to the beautiful stained glass windows, the bronze doors and beautiful floors inside.
Hidden spots to visit
Formby Pinewoods
Liverpool is a place where bluebell flowers take over the ground in many spots in the springtime. One such spot is the Formby Pinewoods – if you’re a nature lover, you should love it here. These woods are also home to many red squirrels and it is a great spot to admire the wildlife and nature (make sure you respect the animals and remember that you’re entering their home and should not disturb them).
Williamson Tunnels
A series of subterranean excavations can be found in the Edge Hill area in Liverpool – these tunnels span over quite a large area and they are not your typical tourist attraction, although quite fascinating. If you’re into the more obscure spots and enjoy a dose of creepiness from time to time, these tunnels should be up your alley.
Sefton Shipwrecks
You can see quite a few shipwrecks along the Merseyside coastline and the Sefton ones are part of the list. Keep in mind that tides, water and sand movement sometimes cover and uncover certain wrecks and you might not reach the spot you’ve planned to at the right time – make sure you check online to see how things present themselves lately.
Restaurants
The diversity when it comes to food and cuisines is great in Liverpool – you can find anything from American, Indian, Asian, European cuisines to all sorts of bars and cafes with good sweet and savory foods. Go for a fine dining experience at The Art School, Mamasan Liverpool, Puffin’ Rooms, Röski or check out the cheaper options at Blackdoor Bar & Bistro, Cowshed, Noso, The Edge at Joey Orr’s and Lucy in the Sky. Choose according to proximity to your accommodation or the spots you’re visiting and make sure you check out some online reviews before.
Recommended time for visiting
Liverpool is good to visit at almost any point during the year. While the winters and cold and the days are short during this time and most people would not find it pleasant here then, you can always go anywhere from late spring to early autumn. The weather is generally pleasant even in the summer days and early autumn gets a bit chillier but also less crowded, so you might enjoy that plus the lower hotel fares. [...]
Read more...
15th May 2023Getting to know Amsterdam
What you can do for free in Amsterdam
Visit the Rijksmuseum Garden
While the Rijksmuseum itself does require a fee to enter, you can find your way to the gardens without having to pay – it won’t be hard to do so. These gardens surround the museum and they are a great spot to explore, with statues and fragments of old Dutch buildings spread all over for the visitor’s pleasure.
Go for a ferry ride
Yes, you read that right, ferry rides are free in Amsterdam! Given that the city has many canals and crossing various bodies of water is sometimes essential for the inhabitants to reach certain spots within the city, the public transport system here provides many free ferry connections for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds across the river IJ. You can find a list of routes and the points they connect on the GVB website – GVB (Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf) Amsterdam is the municipal public transport operator for the city.
Explore the historic areas
Canal Belt and Chinatown are some of the most fascinating historic area that you can visit in Amsterdam; here you can walk around and admire the beautiful scenery with lovely architecture and if you’re going for the Canal Belt, you can easily reach some of the best attractions in Amsterdam as well, such as the Anne Frank House, the Flower market, museums, Westerkerk and more.
Top spots to visit
The port of Amsterdam
The port of Amsterdam is a landmark of the city and it is the 4th busiest port in Europe by metric tonnes of cargo. The Port of Amsterdam is also the 4rd biggest cruise port in Europe. Overall, this is a fascinating spot to visit and learn more about.
Museums
There’s many museums in Amsterdam and they’re all top spots and well worth a visit – Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank Museum – these are some of the most important ones and they’re worth including in your list of places to see while on your Amsterdam vacation.
Westerkerk (West Church)
Westerkerk is a Reformed church and it is located in central Amsterdam; it was built between 1620 and 1631 in Renaissance style and it is definitely an impressive building. Its tower (Westertoren) is the highest church tower in the city (87 meters).
Hidden spots to visit
Beurspassage
It’s easy to overlook this beautiful, unique passageway, especially being in such a busy location where everyone seems to be in a rush, but make sure you look up if you decide to visit. Find the colored mosaic tiles, stained glass and the mesmerizing chandeliers between the Damrak and Nieuwendijk shopping corridors.
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is the perfect spot to visit if you’re into antique things. This street is lined with antique shops and you’ll see obscure, fascinating collections of all sorts of different things more than anywhere else here.
Amsterdam Begijnhof
Certain communities, especially in the Middle Ages, could benefit from charitable housing, also known as an almshouse. Hofje is the Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it and Amsterdam Begijnhof is one of the oldest hofjes in the city. It now houses two churches and it offers stunning scenery to visitors.
Restaurants
Try out the local Dutch cuisine, as well as other options such as European, Italian and Asian. Find good food at de Silveren Spiegel, Graham’s Kitchen, Senses Restaurant, Utrechtsedwarstafel or maybe at Cuddle, Sir Hummus or Rob Wigboldus Vishandel for a smaller price. Wherever you decide to go, you can always take a look online for reviews before choosin, to verify if the experience has the potential to be the best one.
Recommended time for visiting
If you’re looking to find the most vibrant city and a lot of energy and buzz, April is a great month for visiting Amsterdam; several national holidays take place in April and there is the least amount of rainfall during this time too. If you prefer to avoid crowds, go for late summer like September. Hotel rates tend to lower when there aren’t usually as many visitors. [...]
Read more...
15th February 2023Getting to know Avignon
What you can do for free in Avignon
Breathe in some fresh air in Jardin des Doms
The Doms Garden is located in the heart of the city, atop of the Rocher des Doms, the rocky outcrop overlooking the countryside, the Rhone plains and Mont Ventoux. Climb up the hill and enter the leafy green Doms Garden, where you can find a pond, a café and enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings.
Admire the Walls of Avignon
“Les Remparts d’Avignon” are a series of walls surrounding the city center of Avignon, that were built as a defense measure in the 14th century. The walls took nearly 20 years to be completely built and they stretch for 4,3 km, currently featuring 15 vehicular entrances and 11 pedestrian entrances.
Stroll along Rue de la Republique
Rue de la Republique is the main street of the Avignon old town, and it is a very lively place, filled with shops, cafés and restaurants, and it is also a great connection between some of the beautiful tourist spots in the city. Keep it free and stick to window shopping, admiring the architecture and the vibrant movement around you, or get your wallet out and grab a coffee, some baked goods and a few souvenirs if you feel like it.
Top spots to visit
Palais des Papes
As we’ve already mentioned, the Palais des Papes is the main landmark of Avignon. Admire the gothic architecture and the grandeur of the palace and step inside to view the studium (private study) of Clément VI, the Great Tinel (formerly used as a reception room), the chapels and the art exhibitions.
Pont d’Avignon
Also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, this was a medieval bridge across the Rhône river. It was built between 1177 and 1185, and it faced many challenges throughout the years. It was once destroyed during a crusade, then rebuilt with 22 arches but, unfortunately, the Rhône flooded regularly and the arches were collapsing because of it, and it was finally abandoned, as continuous restoration and maintenance was too expensive. Only 4 of the arches at the Avignon end of the bridge survive to this day, and the spot is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ile De La Barthelasse
Barthelasse Island is located between Avignon and Villeneuve les Avignon, and it can be reached on foot by crossing the Édouard Daladier bridge, or by boat shuttle. Both alternatives take about 10 minutes to reach the island. The ferry might not be available in late winter and on days with high winds. Once you’re on the island, you can walk around and relax, go for a bike ride or even a jog, or simply enjoy the views and the peacefulness.
Hidden spots to visit
Cloître des Carmes
Many convents were built in Avignon when the city became the residence of the Catholic Popes, and the Carmelite church was one of them. Out of all the convents built around the time, this is the largest that survived, and it still has an intact cloister. This enclosed garden and its walkways are a wonderful spot for tourists looking to visit something less popular, but with great historical significance.
Musée Louis Vouland
While the more popular Musée des Beaux-Arts is definitely worth a visit, some of the other, lesser known options are also interesting enough to be added to your Avignon itinerary. The Louis Vouland Museum is just one example; the permanent collections here feature Decorative Art dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon
Visiting this spot would take you away from the main Avignon tourist spots for a day, but it is a wonderful location to explore, especially if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, since Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon does not get as many visitors as the popular landmarks. Enjoy the views of Avignon and the surrounding countryside, check out the Fort Saint André fortification, the church and everything else that draws your attention.
Restaurants
Try out the local French cuisine, as well as other options such as European, Italian and Mediterranean; enjoy good food at Restaurant La Cour d’Honneur, La Cuisine du Dimanche, Le Bercail, Fou de Fafa, Arlequin, L’Essentiel. Look online for reviews before choosing where to eat, to make sure your experience will be the best it can.
Recommended time for visiting
Avignon experiences a Mediterranean climate, and while the summers tend to get pretty hot, it is not as unpleasant as other places as humidity tends to be low. Summer is, therefore, the best time to explore the city, while the Autumn season is not recommended. The period between October and November is the wettest and strolling around the city might prove to be a little challenging and uncomfortable. [...]
Read more...
Travel Tips
24th January 2024The magic of film often lies in its power to transport us to imaginary worlds and spectacular places. But what happens when we want to step into the reality of these story places? In this article we invite you to discover some of the most famous filming locations around the world & plan your next trip enjoy their unparalleled beauty live.
1. New Zealand – “The Lord of the Rings”
New Zealand was the home of “The Lord of the Rings”, the epic trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. Its dramatic landscapes were used to create Middle-earth, including Mount Doom, Hobbiton and more. If you are a fan of these movies, you can take a special New Zealand tour to visit these amazing places.
2. Iceland – “Game of Thrones”
The series “Game of Thrones” has turned many places in Iceland into the settings of the Seven Kingdoms. From Thingvellir National Park to Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes played an important role in creating the series’ dark and mysterious atmosphere. You can explore these places and you will feel like you are in Westeros.
3. Morocco – “Gladiator” and “Star Wars”
Morocco has served as the backdrop for many famous productions, including “Gladiator” & “Star Wars”. The cities of Marrakech and Ouarzazate were used to create the stunning settings of the Middle East and the exotic planets of “Star Wars” – if you visit Morocco, don’t forget to explore these fascinating places.
4. Ireland – “Harry Potter”
Ireland provided charming landscapes for the filming of the “Harry Potter” series; the most iconic filming location is the Cathedral of St. Patrick’s in Dublin, which was used to film the scene in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. Ireland is full of glamor and mystery, making it a perfect destination for fans of these films.
5. Hawaii – “Jurassic Park”
The Hawaiian Islands were used for the filming of the movie “Jurassic Park”. Their tropical landscapes and spectacular beaches brought the world of dinosaurs to life. Visit the islands and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time!
6. Australia – “Mad Max: Fury Road”
The Australian desert was used as a backdrop for the filming of “Mad Max: Fury Road”. The arid and spectacular landscapes gave the film a unique and unsettling atmosphere – if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, explore these remote areas of Australia.
7. Scotland – “James Bond” and “Harry Potter”
Scotland was a popular destination for the “James Bond” films, but also for those from the “Harry Potter” series. Eilean Donan Castle appeared in “James Bond: The World Is Not Enough” and Glenfinnan Viaduct is famous for the Hogwarts train scene in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. Scotland offers picturesque landscapes and historical places that are sure to impress you.
So, whether you’re an avid cinephile or just want to venture somewhere special, these famous filming destinations await you with open arms. You can travel to the world of cinema and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere that were part of your favorite movies. It’s a great way to combine your passion for film with exploring the real world. [...]
Read more...
9th September 2021Skip the lines to multiple world attractions by booking your tickets online. With access to museums, shows, amusement parks and other top attractions from around the world, booking your tickets online has become a standard in convenience by skipping the lines, having a clear path to entering the event (no more risks of not finding tickets) and latest, by getting your ticket directly on your mobile phone without the need to print anything. In many cases, visitors can book online at different attractions same day of visit, even on location of while standing in-line.
Check the available tickets for online reservations to various points of interest around the world in 3 easy steps:
Get you travel details (clear travel dates, days you will be in the city you are visiting)
Visit the online ticket aggregator website
Check the attractions available in the respective city/location on your travel dates and get your tickets online
Just to name a few of the attractions available for booking tickets online are Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Empire State Building in New York, Park Guel in Barcelona, Eiffel Tower or Disneyland Park in Paris, but the list is not limited to these.
Skip the Lines
Most museums, shows, attractions and some of the top attractions such as Six Flags, London Eye, Legoland, SeaWorld, Madame Tussauds are open from the morning until the late afternoon (not counting ticket booths, security and food stands), giving the visitor ample amount of time to take care of their tickets. With many of the tickets and entry-related hassles out of the way, you can let the magic begin. You’ll be surprised by how many tickets and visit you can squeeze in on one day. Once you’ve received the notification that your tickets are ready for pick up, you can either go to the pick up location yourself or arrange it via the website itself. If you have reservations, get them from the location near your intended location.
Get Your Tickets On Your Phone
From museums, concerts, restaurants to shows and other attractions, the best part is there is no need to hunt for tickets for other events that are sold out. With access to museums, shows, amusement parks and other top attractions from around the world, booking your tickets online has become a standard in convenience by skipping the lines, having a clear path to entering the event (no more risks of not finding tickets) and latest, by getting your ticket directly on your mobile phone without the need to print anything. In many cases, visitors can book online at different attractions same day of visit, even on location of while standing in-line. You can also check ticket availability online.
Save Time and Money
Great museums, theaters, shows, amusement parks, and shows of all kinds don’t offer last-minute sale tickets, unless you pay an advance fee. Most visitors prefer to book their tickets in advance, including popular attractions like F1 races, Disney resorts and tickets for the presidential inauguration. Use the above search box for tickets to avoid the potential headache. Plan your visit beforehand, look at the offers available and even choose from new deals and promotions posted on ticket vendor websites. On-the-go visitors can use the net to search for the best deal at their destinations.
Get Exclusive Deals
Many attractions from around the world offer exclusive offers for mobile phone users to book tickets. For example, you can get exclusive offers on paying with an American Express card or visa card, or booking tickets at the VIP Valet.
Get Discounts
No matter how long you have waited to book your tickets, there are times you still don’t get any offers. However, if you look carefully, you can get those. Some offer you discount if you book your tickets on mobile phones, while others give you discount when you buy tickets during events or sale. [...]
Read more...
5th November 2023For travelers seeking thrills and novel experiences, exploring underground landscapes offers fascinating opportunities to discover Earth’s hidden wonders. From impressive caves to abandoned mines and mysterious tunnels, these underground destinations are unconventional attractions that test adventurers’ courage and curiosity. In this article, we take a look at some fascinating underground destinations that are worth exploring.
Waitomo, New Zealand – Illuminated by Millions of Fireflies
Waitomo Cave in New Zealand is famous for a natural light show. The cave-dwelling fireflies create a real glowing universe, turning the dark ceiling into a fascinating galaxy of bright dots. Tourists can explore this natural wonder during guided boat tours, having the opportunity to enjoy a true underground paradise.
Cappadocia, Turkey – The Underground City of History
Cappadocia in Turkey is not only popular for its hot air balloon rides, but it is also famous for its caves and underground cities carved out of rock, which served as a refuge during periods of conflict. Travelers can explore these underground structures, which include houses, churches and even cellars. Cappadocia offers a unique experience that connects adventure with history in a unique way. Some accommodations here also take advantage of these caves – there are cave hotels and suites that tourists can book here for a special experience.
Wieliczka, Poland – Salt Mine and Artistic Masterpieces
Poland’s Wieliczka Salt Mine is an impressive underground labyrinth of halls and tunnels carved out of salt. Over the centuries, the mine has been a place of work for miners, but also a source of inspiration for artists. Visitors can admire artistic masterpieces carved in salt, including underground chapels. It is a destination that combines adventure with art appreciation.
Carlsbad Caverns, USA – Gigantic Caves and Glowing Stalactites
Carlsbad Caverns in the USA are caves of gigantic proportions, with huge halls and fascinating natural formations. Tourists can explore these caves & admire the stalactites and stalagmites that create an unreal underground landscape. Visitors can choose to take self-guided trails, but joining guided tours is best to better understand the history and formations of the caves.
Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam – The Silent Web of War
Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels are a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels that served as a base for Vietnamese fighters during the Vietnam War – this place offers a unique insight into how people can survive and fight in extreme conditions. Visitors can explore part of these tunnels, gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s tumultuous history.
Exploring the world’s underground landscapes is an adventure for those looking for unusual and memorable experiences. Underground destinations show us that both human and nature ingenuity have no limits, no matter how deep we venture. From natural wonders to man-made creations, these places remind us that there is always more to discover, even beneath the surface of the Earth. [...]
Read more...
Search Hotels & Flight Tickets, Car Rentals & Cruises
abcTravel.guide is a website set as a one stop destination for finding travel guides and tips, travel deals and cheap travel options by using the tools we have in place for searching and finding great offers for hotel reservations, flight ticket bookings, car rentals and cruises.
Experience Travel in New Dimensions
We are a community of travelers writing for travelers. Our aim is to improve your travel experiences with tips on what to do in various destinations, with cheaper deals through comparison for the exact same itinerary. Traveling is supposed to be fun, taking you out of the daily routine and improving your state of mind and physical well-being. Traveling should improve your understanding of other cultures, making you more tolerant and more aware of the big world around you. Traveling may improve your social life as an overall, from meeting new interesting people along the way, to creating lifetime stories that you can share with your friends and more. And not last, traveling makes you smarter, from better understanding people around you, learning new ways of doing things, discovering new cuisines, and why not, learning new words in other languages. As you can see, there are a lot of benefits and advantages of traveling, with many more to be discovered by you and hopefully getting to share them with us.
Join abcTravel.guide by registering for our newsletter or joining our Where Your Travel Adventure Begins Facebook page for updates on new guides, tips and travel deals.
