Luxury Bohemian And The Urban Traveler

Luxury Bohemian...

Luxury: the state of great comfort of extravagant living.

Bohemian: In a separate meaning derived from the French word referring to "gypsies," or Romani people, "Bohemian" may also denote "a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts." (see Bohemianism).^[1]

*Wiki Here*

That is what is going on in the world now and it is spreading like wildfire. 

Now take that concept and apply it to the hospitality industry.  This is what you get...

 Your own terrace with a hot tub for $100/night in one of the most popular destinations in the world.

#Bunk Hostel - Istanbul, Turkey

All around the world there are thousands of budget friendly accommodations that are not just for backpackers but families too.  There are so many different styles of accommodations out there now people do not have to be confined to hotels that all look the same and offer the same extras. 

Hostels are trendy, affordable, social, artsy and comfortable. 

 And I will say that I definitely have a champagne taste on a beer budget but I never feel like I have missed out on what I want when traveling.

Why?

Because I know that my needs can be met if I just "look outside the box." 

Check these out and let me know if you still have the same opinion on hostels after reading this post.

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#Bunk - Istandbul 

The Cafe at the Beyoglu location

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Plus Hostel - Berlin

Deluxe doubles for $60/night

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Jumbo Stay - Sweden 

$130/night

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Hotel Huettenpalast - Berlin

All this for $80/night

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New York Loft Hostel - New York

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Downtown Beds - New Mexico

Doubles $49/night

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Generator Hostel and Hotel - Barcelona

Singles/Doubles $100/night

Europe in the Fall

5 European cities to visit this fall

Amsterdam

I do much of my traveling in the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and high prices.  I enjoy the cooler temperatures when I am meandering through new places, learning my surroundings, dining at outdoor cafes, people watching and taking photos.  There are many perks to traveling in the spring, fall and winter - not only do you reap the benefits of cheaper rates and less crowds but also there are a ton of special/traditional events, festive decorations and you can witnessing the change of seasons. 

If you could go to 5 European cities this fall where would they be?  

Mine are:

Amsterdam

Rome

Lisbon

Istanbul

Rhodes

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Why?

Amsterdam: Visiting in October is prime because September the rates are still high and tourist still linger and in November the weather gets nasty with wind gusts up to 50 mph. 

 But October is quite nice offering mild weather and the fall colors are an attraction in themselves.  

Also, cultural season starts in September so you will arrive to a wide variety of theater, music, opera, dance productions and more to entertain yourself inside.   You always can wander the canal lined streets and sit under the beautiful changing trees or outdoor cafe (weather permitting).  

And, if you can imagine what celebrating Halloween would be like that is reason in itself to go.  The locals each year throw an unforgettable costume party and the theme this year is the "underworld"....this party is not to be taken lightly, the costumes will be movie set quality so come prepared!

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Rome: There is something magical about the city of seven hills, my last visit I fell in love and have dreamt of the city ever since.  I am not sure if the magical feeling comes from the city's roots or the lingering ghosts of the Colosseum.  But one thing is for sure, when you sit at a trattoria in the city center you will feel that extra something in the air that makes you feel alive.  

When you visit Italy in the fall you arrive in time for olive harvest and vino novello (young wine).  The temperatures have dropped,  the crowds are gone and the fall gourmet of chestnuts, fresh pressed oils and porcini mushrooms will decorate your plate at local restaurants.  Also, on a nippy day when visiting Rome you can head over to the hot springs outside of the city then head back refreshed for an immaculate dinner with wine to pair.  
So when I get to visit Rome again in the fall, I will soothe my soul in the hot springs, wander the streets and stop to partake in fall goodies such as wine and chestnuts at local trattorias.  

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Lisbon: All I have to say is color.  That is why I want to visit this Portuguese city along with the warm and friendly people who call here home.  I am obsessed with the colorful tiles that adorn the buildings, street cars, homes and businesses.  My dream home would come straight out of Lisbon!

Lisbon practically shuts down in August and do not want to visit in the summer so fall it is.

Colors and design stimulate me in a way that nothing else does. It gets my juices flowing and makes me want to be great at everything, they make me want to create and explore - they inspire me.  This city would be absolutely perfect for me to live in.  The beaches are only 20 minutes away from the city center and rumor has it that the locals here are some of the kindest people in the world.  

What else could you want?

Istanbul: I am dying to go to the Grand Bazaar!  Again, my senses would be overloaded with all the beautiful color and my favorite style in the world is bohemian so needless to say I would go bat sh*t crazy in the bazaar.  

I would probably go in November to try and get as far away from tourist season as possible. Why?  Because the merchants are going to be hungrier for patrons at the bazar and so more willing to slash prices.  Also, there will be no lines to get into the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia.  Maybe even get an upgrade at the hotel for free :) 

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Rhodes: Visiting in October is ideal because the temperatures are still in the 70's and the water temperature is still inviting.  Also, discounted rates everywhere since the tourist season is over.  I have been here once via a cruise through the Greek Isles and every time I see a photo of the island some of my most fondest memories of life come rushing back.  Rhodes is fantastic anytime of year but who doesn't like to get discounts?

I swam out to this with my girlfriend but chickened out and jumped off the second tier instead!

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United Military Travel 

Even Parisians love Lyon

Lyon, France

When you think of France, what comes to mind?  

For me just one thing does and that is Paris.

But why? 

Why does Paris get all the attention?  

The quaint city of Lyon, located in the Rhone-Alps region, is a gem and many folks (even Parisians) have said they prefer it over Paris.

 Lyon offers welcoming pastel colored buildings, quirky locally owned stores, culture, exquisite restaurants, gorgeous cathedrals and museums. 

 

It is France's third largest city but puts off a vibe of a small town.  And no matter where you are you will always have a cool Meditteranean breeze off the two rivers that converge there, the Saone and Rhone.  Plus, it is only a two hour train ride away from the City of Light so it makes for a perfect day trip, weekend get away or pit stop on your way south.

Also, it has earned the reputation as France's culinary capital because of the 2,000 restaurants that will blow your mind!  Bon vivants worldwide travel to eat at Lyon's legendary bouchons,  which is a special kind of home-style restaurant that serves you generous portions of Lyonnais cuisine and is centered around meat.  When at a bouchon you can expect to see every imaginable (and some unimaginable) part of a pig, cow, chicken or duck transformed into a delicious salad, sausage, or roast.

While you are visiting sign up for a cooking class so when you return home you can wow your friends and family with your new found French cooking skills!

Plum Lyon Teaching Kitchen

According to International Living Magazine the top 3 home-style Lyonnais bouchons are:

Abel

It is known as the oldest and most authentic bouchon in Lyon.  Their cozy wooden panel interior and old fashioned exterior lets you know before hand how wonderful the meal is going to be. To match their traditional exterior their menu has kept tradition also, it has not changed in 25 years.  You can expect classic dishes such as quennelles de brochet (pike dumplings), ris de veux aux morilles (sweetbread with morels), langue de boeuf piquante (spicy beef tounge), and chocolate mousse.  Also, bear in mind the portions are large so come hungry or split a dish.

Au Petit Bouchon "Chez Georges"

Here you will be eating family style (elbow to elbow that is) with your fellow patron at large wooden tables.  The owners are well known for consistently creating perfect home-style Lyonnais dishes that brings back locals and visits over and over again.  I bet their prices keep the patrons happy, a three course meal starts at $25 - you cannot beat that!

Notre Maison

If you are in a rush to eat do not bother here, you will waste their time.  Before you even step into the door you will read a sign that says, "People who are in a rush are not welcome in this establishment.  Thank you."  The point of dining with them is to relax, savor the food and enjoy yourself.  Notre Maison translated means "Our House" and it is said to be the real thing.  It is nestled in a pretty cobbled street in Vieux Lyon and offers a cozy but bustling interior exuding positive vibes and great food.  People recommend the sabodet (sausage cooked in red wine for hours and served with lentils).

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After your cooking class use your Lyon City Card to see the city!

This card is for purchase and it allows you discounted access to:

 *over 21 museums

*river tours 

*unlimited access to the metro, trams, buses and funicular

*advice from Lyon City Card employees on "unusual" tours only locals would know

*unlimited puppet shows during the day

 *discounts at departments stores 

When compared to Paris, Lyon is considerably more affordable to visit and to live.  While I would not miss a visit to Paris when in France the majority of my time would probably be here.  

Spending my days in the Place Bellecour, a vast public square the size of a small city block that hosts multiple festivals and exhibits throughout the year, people watching, drinking wine and enjoying a gastronomical meal.

  

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Contact United Military Travel today to enjoy a classic Lyonnaise meal tomorrow!!!

866-582-9579