Author: Emma Smith

How to get the most out of your trip to Reykjavik

Posted on by Emma Smith

 

Reykjavik is a city bursting with culture, stunning natural vistas and friendly locals. One of the more unusual city break locations, Reykjavik has a relaxed ambiance and offers plenty to see and do for visitors, from museums and galleries to great nightlife, tours exploring the volcanic landscape or marine life, and the opportunity to see the elusive Northern Lights.

Wondering how best to use your time while you’re there? Check out our tips for fun and memorable activities to inspire you.

Step back in time in the Árbær open air museum

 Museums are a classic holiday activity, and with good reason – what better way to learn about the culture and history of your destination? But this one is a little different. A lively museum with over 20 historic buildings that were moved to create a town square by the Árbær farm, you’ll be immersed in the Icelandic way of life from years gone by.

Surrounded by architecture from the 19th and 20th century, it shows visitors how rural Reykjavik evolved into a city and is a fantastic activity for those who enjoy learning about times gone by.

Enjoy stunning views from the Kópavogskirkja Church

 The Hallgrímskirkja church may be one of the better-known buildings in the city, but if you want just as spectacular of a view without the crowds, head to the Kópavogskirkja Church. This example of modern architecture is surrounded by exceptional scenery and makes for some incredible photo opportunities. The hill the church stands on, Borgarholt, also has its own myth associated with it – according to folklore, it’s home to one of the biggest elf colonies in Iceland.

Catch a musical performance

 Harpa is a dazzling example of Reykjavik’s modern architecture, sitting on the water at the Old Harbour. It’s a conference centre and concert hall and is an attraction in itself that was inspired by the famous basalt rocks of the area.

But it also plays host to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Iceland Opera, so there’s always a packed calendar of events to get tickets for, including operatic performances, choirs and theatre shows. In particular, the popular Sónar Reykjavík music festival takes place here.

Take part in an Icelandic cooking class

 Iceland offers its visitors the chance to experience an alternative dining experience, with plenty of local specialities to enjoy. While you might not be partial to one of its most famous culinary delights – Hákarl, otherwise known as fermented shark – there are some tastier meals to enjoy.

At Salt Eldhus, you can take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare these local dishes yourself, while also finding out more about the food traditions and culture of Iceland. From Icelandic rye break to Atlantic wolffish and local beer, it’s a fun way to deepen your knowledge of this area’s culinary favourites.

Make the Blue Lagoon the final activity in your itinerary

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, and no visit to Reykjavik would be complete without stopping by this wondrous location. With an on-site spa, in-water bars and restaurants, there’s plenty to do here in addition to simply lounging in the heated waters.

But the Blue Lagoon is actually situated in Grindavík, in south-west Iceland. So, to make the journey more convenient, book your visit in advance of your flight out so you can combine it with your airport transfer. There are dedicated bus services which will take you to the Blue Lagoon so you can enjoy several hours in the pool, then pick you up and take you to the airport. Alternatively, do the reverse – book your ticket for after you land and get dropped off on the way into Reykjavik for a great start to your trip.

Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture

Reykjavik is a bustling city that offers the perfect balance of urban and rural, along with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. As a city break location, it’s ideal because it offers so much variety, whether you’re a fan of cultural attractions, nature, dining or nightlife.

At Penguin Car Hire, we offer car rental services around Iceland so you can find the location that’s most convenient to you. Search for your perfect car today or get in touch with us for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

The best places to experience Norway’s Midnight Sun

Posted on by Emma Smith

You have probably heard Norway referred to as ‘the land of the midnight sun’ due to periods of the year when the sun never sets. But what causes this fascinating phenomenon and where can you experience it for yourself?

 What is the Midnight Sun?

The midnight sun is just as it sounds; instead of going down as usual, the sun remains in the sky. It occurs in places south of the Antarctic Circle and north of the Arctic Circle – including Northern Norway where it can be seen from late April until August. The reason why it occurs is complex but there’s a good explanation here.

Is the night exactly like the daytime?

Not quite. The further away one is from the Arctic the weaker the strength of the midnight sun. In Norway the light is dappled around the midnight mark and it looks more like early evening than night. After this point the sun starts to get brighter again as it rises.

Where are the best places to experience it?

 Svalbard

In Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, there is no sunset from around April 19 to August 23. If you are keen to experience 24-hour daylight, this is the place to go.

Tromso

 Locals embrace the long ‘white nights’ in this lively university city. Dance the hours away at the Bukta music festival or sign up to run the Midnight Sun Marathon.

Sommaroy

Prepare to lose all sense of time if you visit this island in western Tromso. In 2019 the 300 inhabitants announced their intention to become a ‘time-free’ zone during the 70 days of midnight sun the island experiences each year. “If we want to cut the grass at midnight we will. If we want to take a swim at 4am we will,” they state in their campaign video.

Cape Nordkinn

 Experienced hikers will be rewarded with one of the best views in the country on trails from Mehammn or Sandfjordvannene out to the Cape. The Cape is the northmost point on the European mainland and offers the sight of the midnight sun poised just above the horizon.

 What can you do when the sun never sets?

Imagine any activity you would usually do in the day and then plan to do it at 2am. Hang out on the white sand beaches around Tromso and take a dip at midnight. Join a guided glacier hike or kayak fjord tour in Svalbard. Go for a bike ride or throw yourself into some 24-hour partying at one of the country’s many midnight sun festivals.

Whatever you do, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime. Don’t let transport slow you down – book your rental car today.

Where to escape (most) other humans in Canada.

Posted on by Emma Smith

If you’re looking for real peace and quiet, there’s no better place to find it than in Canada. This vast country – the second largest in the world – spans nearly 10m sqkm, including a proportion of the Arctic. As a result, it’s the perfect location for those who want to get away from it all. Whether you need some serious R&R or you just want to ensure your boss can’t possibly text you, here are our top three secluded destinations.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.

This tranquil island off the north coast of Newfoundland’s mainland is a haven of clapboard houses, cliff-top footpaths and dense forest. There are fewer than 12 restaurants and bars there – although you’ll find some of the freshest, locally-sourced seafood and produce in this small collection – and only a handful of guesthouses. Bird and whale watching are popular activities for visitors to the island, while there’s plenty of opportunity for kayaking, fishing or daydreaming besides. Access to Fogo is only by ferry, departing from the town of Farewell, approximately a 90-minute drive from Gander or just under four hours from St John‘s.

Tahsis, British Colombia.

With only 300 permanent residents, this bijou coastal village on the west coast of Vancouver Island is one of the most remote places in Canada. Once home to a thriving forestry industry, today it has reinvented itself as an outdoor recreation destination. Take your pick from hiking, caving, diving and other water sports or find out more about the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation tribes who have lived in the traditional territory of Nootka Sound for more than 4,000 years.

Vancouver Island can be reached by ferry from Seattle and Vancouver  among other locations. Once on the island, Tahsis is around a four-hour drive.

Ivvavik National Park, Yukon Territory.

How remote is this national park on the extreme northwestern corner of Yukon? Well, it reportedly received no visitors at all for the duration of 2020. Not entirely surprising; aside from the obvious limitations of a global pandemic, the island is only accessible by charter plane. This means anyone who does visit is on their own until the plane arrives to collect them. But it’s worth the effort. Boasting more than 10,000 sqkm of unspoilt wilderness, the park borders the Arctic Ocean, Vutnut National park and Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Reserve and is home to grizzly bears, polar bears, wolves and muskox.

Escape faster by booking your Canada rental car in advance for the best prices.

 

 

 

The British sights you won’t want to miss.

Posted on by Emma Smith

From cream teas to mystic stone circles, check out our pick of essential experiences when visiting the UK.

Eat a cream tea.

You’ve watched the aristocracy sit down to one in Downton Abbey, read about them in PG Wodehouse novels and now you really want to try an English cream tea for yourself. Well, you’re in luck. The country is packed with teashops, hotels and cafes that serve this calorific combination of scones (rich baked pastries), thick clotted cream and jam, alongside a pot of fresh tea. Cream teas are most associated with the southwest of England – and especially Devon and Cornwall – but they are also part of afternoon tea, or high tea. Some of the most famous can be found at long-established London institutions including Claridge’s, Fortnum & Masons, The Ritz and The Savoy.

Bathe like a Roman.

Step back in time a few millennia when you visit the city of Bath, Somerset, famous for its public baths built by the Romans in the middle of the 1st century AD to harness the area’s natural hot springs and mineral-rich water. The original baths have been redeveloped over the centuries and the site now comprises four sites, including the Roman Temple, the Sacred Spring and a museum where you can see relics from the baths. While swimming in the pillar-bordered Great Bath (pictured above) is not allowed, a few steps away you’ll find the modern Bath Thermae Spa, with three floors of pools including one on the rooftop, where you can experience those famous hot mineral waters for yourself.

Tour Oxford’s world-renowned colleges.

From the 17th century Gothic dining hall that inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films to the landmark Magdalen Tower, Oxford University is a must-see on any trip to the UK. Fortunately, you don’t need a cap and gown to enjoy its famous quadrangles and gardens. Many of its 45 colleges – which are spread across the city centre – are open to the public. Magdalen is widely considered to be the prettiest; Christ Church is the largest and one of the most famous while University College claims to be the oldest.

Visit mythical Stonehenge.

This mysterious circle of prehistoric rocks on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, is one of England’s most famous sights. Built over a period between 4500 BC and 1500 BC, the stones – some of which weigh up to 25 tonnes – are thought to have been erected with sledges, rollers, pivots and pulleys and some to have been moved from 140 miles away in Wales. Yet no one knows why the ring was constructed and the attraction is shrouded in legend and folklore involving wizards, healing powers and astronomy. The June Summer Solstice sees thousands of people from all over the world gather at the site to watch the sun rise above the stones. Entry on this special day is free but be prepared to arrive early to ensure the best viewing spot.

Have a drink at England’s oldest pub.

There are more than 40,000 pubs in England – so there’s no excuse for not visiting one. From traditional country taverns to city boozers, there’s a pub to suit every taste. Order a pint of beer, a cider or a gin and tonic if you want to blend in with the locals – and add a packet of ready salted crisps to the order for added authenticity. Pubs have been a mainstay of British life for centuries, with some dating back centuries. Among the oldest pubs in the UK is Nottingham’s Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which claims to have been established in 1189; The Royal Standard of England in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, which is listed in the Domesday Book, and Hertfordshire’s Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, believed to have been founded sometime in the 8th century.

See more of the UK’s sights with a rental car. Booking in advance guarantees the cheapest deals.

 

What NOT to do in Portugal.

Posted on by Emma Smith

Portugal is a friendly, welcoming country but it’s still possible to make a faux-pas – or gafe, as they say in Portuguese. Here’s what not to do when visiting.

Speak Spanish.

Obvious? Maybe. But the fact that the two countries share a border means some visitors do get it wrong. Less than 10 per cent of Portuguese people speak Spanish however, meaning the majority won’t have a clue what you are saying. Plus there’s a complicated history between the two countries so you could also cause offence.

Point.

Unless you’re buying something in a shop (and you haven’t mastered that Portuguese) pointing is considered rude. So when you first spot one of Lisbon’s famous streetcars, see Porto’s 249ft-high Torres dos Clerigos – even if you see a dog riding a skateboard – stick to expressing your surprise through words.

Forget your manners.

You’ll often see Portuguese people greeting each other with a kiss on each cheek, shaking hands or wishing each other a ‘bom dia’ (good day). Follow suit if you want to fit in. Shake hands when introduced to someone new and always preface any questions or requests with a ‘bom dia’ or ‘boa noite’ (good evening).

 Rush around.

Why would you? It’s hot, you’re on holiday – so make like the locals and take life a little more slowly. Mealtimes are especially important in Portugal and at lunchtime (from around 1pm up to 3pm) you’ll see everyone from taxi drivers to office workers taking a table at their nearest restaurant for a leisurely, hour-long meal.

Wear High Heels.

It’s not that they don’t look good – they do – but trust us, you’ll regret choosing fashion over practicality when you’re cautiously picking your way down yet another cobbled Portuguese street. Known in Portugal as calcada, these traditional pavements are usually associated with capital Lisbon, but you’ll also find them in Porto, Albufeira, Funchal and other cities.

Do you know what else you shouldn’t do in Portugal? Forget about hiring a car until the last minute. We scan all available prices to find you the best deal on your Portugal car rental.

Italy after dark; the best night-time tours.

Posted on by Emma Smith

The selfies might have to wait but if you want to escape the heat and crowds, save your Italian sightseeing until night-time.  Like their Mediterranean cousins, Italians eat and socialise late and many of the country’s renowned monuments and attractions – from the catacombs to the Vatican – remain open well into the evening. It’s a great way of getting a different perspective on well-trodden destinations.

 Here’s what to see when darkness falls…

  • The Vatican & Sistine Chapel, Rome.

As if Michelangelo’s world-famous Sistine Chapel fresco weren’t incredible enough, try seeing it as the sun sets. These tours usually include the Vatican Museum, where you can see several Renaissance masterpieces, as well as the sumptuous St Peter’s Basilica – Italy’s largest church. Some tours also offer a dinner overlooking the monuments too – spectacular.

  • Gondola ride, Venice.

When the crowds of tourists have gone home, Venice’s streets belong to city locals once again. Discover a more intimate side to the city of bridges as you glide along quiet canals in a traditional gondola. The best time to go is the so-called ‘blue hour’ just after sunset when it’s dark enough to be atmospheric yet not too dim to see properly.

Wind your way along the banks of the River Arno, explore medieval alleyways and circle around celebrated churches on an e-bike tour of this romantic Tuscan city. In contrast to the frenetic pace of the city in daytime, an after-dark bike tour offers a calmer view of its famous sights and historic streets. The electric bike makes hills a breeze while the promise of gelato to finish is enough to hold anyone’s interest.

 Watch night fall over this northern Italian city from the roof of its spectacular Gothic cathedral. A symbol of the city, the Duomo took nearly six centuries to complete and is Italy’s largest cathedral. Save your feet by taking the lift up the steepest part of the building before climbing the last 50 steps to its highest terrace. From the top you’ll be able to watch lights coming on in the city and on a clear evening you might even catch a glimpse of the Italian Alps.

  • Catacombs, Rome.

Are you brave enough to descend beneath Rome’s streets to tour its network of burial sites and crypts at night? Spooky enough in daylight, the catacombs take on an especially eerie atmosphere after dark when a guides lead visitors through rooms containing thousands of skeletons and tombs lit only by torchlight. See the remains of monks buried in the Capuchin crypt or the Santa Costanza Mausoleum, burial ground of Emperor Constantine’s daughter.

Whether you book at night or in the daytime, get your Italy rental car sorted in advance to get the best deals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain’s weirdest festivals – and where to find them.

Posted on by Emma Smith

From human-tower contests to talcum powder fights, Spain is renowned for its many unusual festivals. No matter which part of the country you’re visiting, or what time of year, you’re almost guaranteed to find something weird going on. But can you tell the real events apart from our fictional ones? Take this fun quiz to find out (answers at the bottom).

TRUE OR FALSE?

1.Every February on Palma, in the Canary Islands, a giant, papier mache sardine is buried as part of Los Indianos, a festival held to celebrate the locals who emigrated to Cuba in the 19th century and returned to the island rich. The sardine’s funeral is announced in notices placed around the town and a funeral procession is led down to the seafront on the last day of the carnival when, after much melodramatic ‘mourning’ from onlookers, the fishy effigy is blown up in a shower of fireworks.

2. Babies under one year old are in high demand in the village of Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, where an annual ‘baby-jumping’ festival has been held every June since ancient times. The tots are laid on a mattress in the street while men dressed in red and yellow devil costumes known as Colacho take turns to leap over them in a ritual supposed to chase away any bad spirits. The babies are then sprinkled with rose petals before being whisked away by their parents.

3. In Santa Marta de Ribarteme, Galicia, anyone who has had a brush with death in the past year is invited to give thanks for escaping the Grim Reaper…by getting into a coffin and being carried to church by friends and family. The coffins are carried in a route around the village before arriving at the church, where participants feast on grilled octopus, drink wine and give thanks for their lives.

4. March sees Valencia set ablaze as the spectacular Las Fallas festival fills the streets with burning effigies – known as ninots -, firecrackers and marching bands. Originally held to commemorate Saint Joseph, the event has evolved into one of the country’s most famous attractions with an entire fortnight dedicated to parades and pyrotechnics. The ninots, meanwhile, are an artform all of their own. The staggering giant models are constructed afresh each year by locals and often include satirical interpretations of politicians, pop stars and cartoon characters.

5. In addition to paella and sangria, it turns out the Spanish are also masters at making human towers – or ‘castells’, as they are known. In fact, it’s a favourite activity across the region of Catalonia where, in cities including Barcelona and Tarragona, people just love piling up on top of each other every year. The longest-running of these events can be seen in Tarragona’s old bullring where the main ‘castalleres’, or castle-making, clubs meet in October to form towers between six and ten tiers high. In Barcelona, you’ll find human towers at the Festival of La Sagrada Familia every April. These towers are such an important part of Catalonian culture they have even been awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation.

(Which are true and which false? Incredibly, they are all true. These are all real Spanish festivals).

Want to get a piece of the paella? Book your hire car in Spain now to get your adventure underway.

 

Going underground in Budapest.

Posted on by Emma Smith

While there’s plenty to see on street level in Hungary’s capital city, some of its most fascinating sights are to be found underground. Beneath the pavements there exists a network of more than 200 thermal caves that supply the thermal springs of its world famous spas. No wonder then that the city is a mecca for cavers looking to explore one of the world’s most fascinating subterranean landscapes. There are plenty of guided tours that will take you deep into the earth if that’s what you want to do but don’t be put off if you don’t fancy the full hard-hat-and-head-torch experience. There are plenty of other ways to experience caves besides. 

The Hospital in The Rock.

Located in caverns below the magnificent Buda Castle, which looks over the city from Varhegy Hill, is this hospital-turned-Soviet nuclear bunker-turned tourist attraction. A hospital was first established in the caves  during WWII and was repurposed as a nuclear bunker in the late 1950s in response to the Cold War. Classified until 2002 it opened to the public in 2008 and has been one of the city’s most fascinating visitor attractions ever since. 

Gellert Hill Cave.

The hermit that once inhabited this cave within Gellert Hill is long gone but the church that was later created is open to the public – and it’s well worth a visit. Inspired by the Maria cave in Lourdes, France, the Gellert Hill Cave Church was established by Pauline monks but was closed by the Communist regime before reopening in 1989. Its treasures include a Black Madonna, held to be miraculous and a popular feature in Pauline churches.

Szemlo-hegvi Cave.

Can flowers grow underground? Kind of. Known as Budapest’s Underground Flower Garden due to the fantastical colour and shape of the rock formations here, this cave under Pusztaszeri Street is one of the most accessible in the city. Join a guided 40-minute walking tour to learn more and make sure you take deep breaths while you’re in there – the aspetic air, which remains at 15 degrees at all times, has led to the cave being used regularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions.

Before you can go underground, you’ll need to travel overground. Pick up a hire car when you land at Budapest Airport for the easiest access to everything the city has to offer. 

 

How to drink coffee like a Croatian.

Posted on by Emma Smith

Coffee; it’s just a drink, right? Think again. In Croatia, nothing of any importance happens without coffee. From budding romances to business deals, it all begins over a cup of the dark stuff. But that doesn’t mean it’s as simple as ordering your kava and sitting back to wait for it to arrive. The country’s long-established café culture comes with its own rules and customs. Here’s how to blend in with the locals…

  1. Keep it simple.

You might enjoy a pumpkin spiced latte. You might be partial to a dash of caramel syrup in your cappuccino. You should not ask for either of those things in Croatia. Coffee occupies a sacred place in the hearts of Croatians and they do not condone anything that muddies the water. Milk and sugar are okay but that’s it. Impress your waiter by asking for a kava s mlijekom (coffee with milk) or kava sa slagom (coffee with whipped cream).

 2. Even if you don’t drink coffee, you do here.

If a Croatian asks you to join them for coffee, you should always accept. It’s an invitation to socialise more than anything else. It’s not mandatory to actually drink coffee…although don’t be surprised if they judge you, just a bit, for ordering a soft drink instead. 

3. Clear some time in your diary.

Italians might throw back their espressos while standing at the counter but this is not the Croatian way. Instead you can expect a ‘quick’ coffee to take several hours and any attempt to hurry things along will not be greeted favourably. So give up on sneaking glances at your watch and take the time to sit back and enjoy the company and surroundings.

4. Brace yourself for a serious caffeine hit.

A weak coffee is a bad coffee in Croatia so get used to drinking the strong stuff. If you’re familiar with the powerful bitter taste of Turkish coffee you won’t be shocked by the brew served in Croatian homes. These days, Italian coffee is just as popular in cafes as homegrown brands such as Franck and there’s even a burgeoning speciality coffee culture in cities such as Zagreb and Split. 

5. Don’t expect to pay much.

Coffee isn’t seen so much as a privilege as a right in Croatia and a café that charges over the odds for it is unlikely to get much repeat business. You should be able to get a more than decent cup for around 11 Croatian kuna (£1.30 / $1.60 / 1.55 Euro). Tipping is appreciated but not expected; leave around 3-5 per cent of the bill. 

Ready to experience Croatian café culture for yourself? Make your trip even tastier by bagging a bargain on your car hire at Zagreb and Split airport.

 

Where to get back to basics in the UAE’s glitziest city.

Posted on by Emma Smith

It’s a city known for excess, home to the world’s tallest building (the 2,722ft Burj Khalifa), biggest mall (the 12m sqft Dubai Mall) and deepest swimming pool (the 60m Deep Dive Dubai). But away from the hotels decked out in gold leaf and the cocktails priced at 2,400AED (£525 / $654 / 622 Euro), Dubai also boasts some equally jaw-dropping natural riches. Jump in your hire car (we’d recommend an SUV) and head out of town to be wowed all over again.

  • Swap your room key for some tent pegs at a desert campsite.

You’ll have to forgo your complementary buffet breakfast but if you want to wake up to sunrise over sand dunes and fall sleep to the sound of…absolutely nothing at all, a desert camping trip is a must. Liwa, in the vast expanse of Dubai’s Empty Quarter is the ultimate place to get off-grid, with nothing but miles of sand wherever you look. If that’s a little too remote for you, head to tranquil Al Dhafra Beach, where you can enjoy close-up views of turtles and other marine life as well as getting stuck into some of the best kayaking and snorkelling around.

  • Channel your inner Bear Grylls on a mountain survival workshop

Would you know what to do if you became stranded in a harsh outdoor environment? Could you make a fire? How about navigating a way out? In complete contrast to the ritzy hotels and bars of central Dubai, a number of hands-on day courses take participants out into the wilderness to learn everything from survival psychology to what to pack in an emergency kit. You’ll learn how to make a shelter, send emergency signalling and find a source of water. OK, you’ll probably never need any of it but think how impressed your friends will be next time you go camping.

  • Get up close and personal with flamingos at a tranquil nature reserve.

It’s hard to believe the Ras Al Khor wetlands are just a few metres from the buzz of downtown Dubai. Step into this extensive reserve and you’ll find a peaceful oasis where flamingos, grey herons, great egrets, cormorants, sandpipers and many more birds flutter and strut. The wetland spans 6.2sqm and includes mangroves, mudflats and saltflats where the birds make their habitats. Hole up in one of three bird hides and spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature before heading back to the manmade splendour of the city.

Raring to go? You’ll be on the road in no time when you book your UAE rental car in advance for collection at Dubai airport.