Travel

Top 7 Things to Do in Finland

Published

4 years ago

June 24, 2019

Writer

So, you’re longing for coming to Finland for your vacation; however, not certain where to begin arranging. Try not to stress, we’re here to help!

To start with, you have to choose if you are going to come here during summer or winter – or someplace in the middle. Regardless of whether you come in the winter or summer has a significant effect. The two primary seasons are perfect inverses: one is portrayed by obscurity, the other of outrageous light.

Finland is a fantasy get-away destination for open-air devotees, history buffs, craftsmanship, and design sweethearts and foodies. The capital city Helsinki gives an extraordinary prologue to the nation and has a wide assortment of activities and attractions to keep even the fussiest guest involved.

To support you, we made a rundown of the best 7 things to do in Finland.

1. Rest in a Glass Igloo

Finland is a place where there are unmistakable differences. In the late spring months, the sun does not set at all in the northernmost pieces of the nation – consequently Finland’s epithet “The Land of the Midnight Sun.”

In the winter, the inverse occurs: the sun vanishes for quite a long time. The splendid snow, the moon, and the stars, and, if you are fortunate, the Northern Lights, make otherworldly environment.

Maybe the ideal approach to encounter these two outrageous seasons is to rest in a glass igloo or bungalow, encompassed essentially.

2. Head to a Lighthouse Island

Finland’s coast has the biggest archipelago on the planet. What’s more, when there are islands, there are lighthouses.

Bengtskär on the west coast is superb sight. It is the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic nations. It is arranged on a delightful island that is available from the start of June to finish of August.

For Helsinki daytrippers, Söderskär lighthouse is an unquestionable requirement see. The adventure takes a little more than an hour, and the visit itself is for two hours.

3. Walk Around an Old Wooden Town

In the times past the majority of Finland’s homes were built of wood. Why over 70% of our territory is secured by woodland – that is more than some other nation in Europe.

Today, it is as yet conceivable to see those wooden houses that go back hundreds, even three hundred years. Such Helsinki regions as Käpylä and Vallila are great spots to begin. Old Porvoo, an hour’s drive from the capital, is another simple stop.

Delightful wooden towns can be additionally found in Rauma in the West and Loviisa in the South.

4. Visit a UNESCO Site

Finland holds seven Unesco World Heritage locales of which six are social, and one is mainstream. Maybe the most notable is the post-island Suomenlinna in Helsinki.

Suomenlinna was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991 as an extraordinary landmark of military engineering. Containing seven islands, Suomenlinna is brimming with old strongholds and cells. Besides, it is additionally a possessed area of the city of Helsinki and a much-cherished escape for some Helsinkians.

5. Climb in Oneof Finland’s 40 National Parks

There are 40 national stops in Finland. They are spread around the nation’s archipelago, lakes, woods, and fells. In the winter, one can attempt snowshoeing or skiing and in the late spring, climbing.

Finland’s “Everyman’s rights” imply that you can wander pretty much anyplace in the parks as long as you regard to nature and clean after yourself.

6. Ride a Reindeer or a Sleigh of Huskies

What better approach to encounter the white, cold wild than to be wrapped firmly under a reindeer stow away in a sled pulled by a pack of huskies or Santa’s main method of transport – Rudolph the Reindeer?

Lapland’s tremendous falls and ensured snow make it the best spot to experience sledding. You can have a go at riding with a pack of huskies from 15 minutes to journeys that keep going for quite a long time.

7. Grab Berries and Mushrooms

To genuinely encounter the Finnish method for living and the closeness to nature that the Finns have, one ought to go berry or mushroom grabbing in the timberland.

Bilberries, cloudberries, and lingonberries are not called “superfood” for reasons unknown. They are extraordinarily scrumptious and pressed with large amounts of nutrients and flavonoids, in the wake of aging under the white summer evenings.

In the Helsinki locale, the best spot to go berry and mushroom picking is in Nuuksio national park. Nuuksio is not exactly an hour’s transport venture away.

Finland is ready for your encounter!

Events

Time to Take a Trip on Amtrak From NYC To Washington DC For $20

Published

1 week ago

March 20, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The amazing cherry blossom trees in Washington DC are open, around April 4 and last as late as April 18. Now there is a really inexpensive way to see this remarkable site. New low fares now available on select Amtrak trains departing from 7pm – 5am traveling between New York City, DC and stops in between. Night Owl fares offer the same great coach service you expect on Amtrak, but at a new low price. Book today and save!

What to Expect Onboard

Large comfortable leather seats, with plenty of space and legroom to stretch out, or curl up.
No Middle Seats – ever.
Free WiFi and power outlets at your seat.
Bring up to four bags free – yes, two personal items and two bags – for free.
Easy downtown-to downtown service.
Arrive at station minutes, not hours, before departure for quick and easy boarding.
Looking to rest along the way? Grab a seat in the quiet car.

So, skip the hassles of airports and driving. There is no reason to catch a red eye when you can be a Night Owl.

*Please note Moynihan Train Hall is closed from 1am to 5am daily. Please plan to depart from or arrive at Penn Station during the hours of 1am – 5am.

Sample One-Way Coach Fares To/From:

New York – Washington: $20
New York – Baltimore/BWI: $15
Washington – Newark/Newark Liberty: $15
New York – Philadelphia: $10
New York – Wilmington: $10
Philadelphia – Washington: $10
Washington – Wilmington $10
Philadelphia – Baltimore/BWI: $5
New York – Newark/Newark Liberty: $5
Washington – Baltimore/BWI: $5

Travel

Exploring the Differences Between Cyprus and Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Programs

Published

1 week ago

March 19, 2023

Writer

Citizenship in developed countries is an advantage that promotes business. Therefore, it is unsurprising that wealthy business people want to find a way to obtain new benefits. Special programs allow solving this question. The applicant has the right to apply for citizenship and includes close relatives in the application.

The contribution of Immigrant Invest agency expert Svetlana Gorchakova to the choice of the offer will help evaluate the profits, compare costs, and apply for the program. In addition, professional tips will help speed up the decision-making process, set priorities and choose the best option for you and your family.

The offers on the market are diverse. It’s a tough choice for business owners. However, the appeal of the options captivates. Choosing between Cyprus residency by investment and citizenship in Malta is difficult. Learn the opinions of experts who help select the program to assess the received benefits.

Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program

The program appeared not so long ago, but the government has already received the first results. Those wishing to obtain residency invest in the country, and the country uses the capital to improve living conditions. This way, the desire to invest brings benefits both to the state and to permanent residents. The features of the Cyprus golden visa keep up the high interest in the offer.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements for wealthy investors are pretty simple. In addition to the availability of funds to meet the primary condition, it is necessary to pay attention to other compliance indicators. For example, business people can get the official status if they:

are of legal age and can make decisions;
speak Turkish or Greek;
have no previous convictions and are ready to confirm that there are no open cases.

Application and selection can be done not only independently. The help of an accredited expert simplifies the process. The absence of a mandatory residency requirement also deserves attention.

Investment Options

Participants in the program must provide capital, which is used for the development of the country. Applicants can choose from several options, and the final cost of participation includes payment of additional fees. To obtain Cyprus residence by investment, it is necessary to:

make a financial contribution of 2 million euros or more to any existing business;
purchase real estate of 2 million euros and more, with the possibility of sale after three

It is also worth keeping in mind that the presence of real estate will allow you to extend the validity of the passport. The applicant’s name must be registered for the purchase of property worth 500 thousand euros or more. The sale of this property is not possible.

Benefits of Cyprus Citizenship

The business approach to evaluate the offer to obtain citizenship will allow us to highlight several privileges. Firstly, it is the new taxation system. Secondly, there is no need to plan business trips for a long time: many countries open their borders to holders of Cypriot passports. And the third is that you can return the investment in the short term. Return takes no more than three years. The presence of other benefits also deserves attention.

Malta Citizenship by Investment Program

Malta Gold Visa is an excellent investment for your future. The program allows you to obtain a second citizenship and develop your business without borders. Opportunity to travel, a good taxation system, and high living standards are available to all participants who have chosen the Malta CBI program.

Eligibility Criteria

Obtaining a passport to Malta causes specific difficulties. It is because the investor who has lived in the country for more than 12 months can apply for participation in the program. Despite the program’s name, foreigners must undergo a naturalization process.

The applicant must be of legal age and have enough financial resources to purchase a property. The exception to this is dependents who are included in the application. Having valid insurance is mandatory for all individuals who wish to apply for citizenship.

Investment Options

Investors who have chosen one of the proposed options can apply for an official document:

purchase of real estate (from 350 thousand euros);
conclusion of a lease agreement for 5 years (from 16 thousand euros per month);
purchase of government bonds (from 150 thousand euros).

In addition, it is necessary to make a financial contribution to the state fund. The amount is 650,000 euros. This requirement is relevant for all, regardless of the chosen option program.

Benefits of Malta Citizenship

One of the main advantages of a Malta citizenship program is the fast payback. Real estate cannot be rented out, so do not count on passive income. However, the price of the property is steadily increasing because:

no new buildings are being erected;
the market does not change;
there is a stable demand.

If the choice favors government bonds, their value is also increasing. According to preliminary estimates, the resale will bring up to 7% profit after the mandatory term of possession. It is also worth remembering the possibility of free travel to the European Union, Britain, and Australia.

Which program to choose?

The desire to get a Malta passport by investment is comparable to participation in the Cyprus program. However, regardless of the option chosen, wealthy foreigners benefit from real estate purchases, enjoy the same privileges, and have a high standard of living.

The decision must be justified, so it is worth evaluating all sides of using the offer. It is enough to clarify the characteristics, which include:

the total cost of participation, including the addition of family members and additional expenses;
the benefits offered after receiving second citizenship;
opportunities for business development in the tourism industry.

Many people think that Malta citizenship by investment is a better investment. However, the real estate market is not updated for many years. Therefore, buying property becomes a complicated procedure because you have to spend a lot of time looking for options. In addition, you need to live in the country as a residency for a year, and this condition can stop you from participating.

Food and Drink

5 Best Cafes in Gungahlin

Published

3 weeks ago

March 4, 2023

Writer

Gungahlin is home to some of the finest local cuisine in Canberra. The Gungahlin region boasts a wide variety of cafes, each with a unique menu and ambience.

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a full-blown feast, Gungahlin has it all. You’ll find everything from traditional Italian eateries to chic modern restaurants.

Let’s explore the top 5 cafes that light up Gungahlin’s culinary scene as we look at what makes each cafe special.

Le Bon Melange
Location: On the corner of Bruning Street and Gungahlin Place, Canberra 2912 Australia

Le Bon Melange is a one-of-a-kind café located in the heart of Gungahlin. Since its opening, this charming French bistro has become a go-to spot for visitors and locals seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

The café’s menu features classic French dishes and modern twists on traditional recipes. For starters, you can try their famous Le Boudin Noir Tartine – black pudding served with grilled ciabatta bread and topped with crème fraîche.

Other mouth-watering favourites include Duck Confit, Croque Monsieur, Escargot Provençale and Lobster Thermidor – all cooked to perfection by the experienced chefs at Le Bon Melange!

Le Bon Melange also boasts an extensive drinks menu with specialty cocktails. You’ll find classic martinis and creative concoctions such as their signature ‘French 75’ – gin mixed with champagne & lemon juice.

This Café
Location: 4-6 Hibberson Street, Canberra 2912 Australia

Suppose you’re looking for a unique dining experience. In that case, this café also offers private dining at the ‘Chef’s Table’ – a special restaurant area where guests can enjoy an intimate dinner prepared by the chefs.

Enjoy dishes with fresh ingredients as you indulge in deep conversations in the candlelight and cosy space.

Atlas Coffee
Location: 33 Hibberson St Shop 49 The Marketplace, Canberra 2912 Australia

Atlas Coffee is a cozy café in the heart of Gungahlin. It offers an extensive array of breakfast and lunch options in a relaxed and inviting environment.

The menu features classic favourites like an all-day brunch platter with eggs, avocado, bacon and tomato on sourdough toast and more creative dishes such as their Sweet Potato Fritters served with labneh dip and chilli jam.

Atlas Coffee also has other unique offerings. For instance, they host ‘Brew School’ every Saturday, where you can learn how to brew craft beers while enjoying complimentary samples. Plus, on Sundays, they have special yoga classes in their outdoor courtyard area – so you can get your caffeine fix while basking in the morning sun.

Sunday in Canberra

Location: 54 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin ACT 2912

On Sundays, Canberra has vibrant activities and is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely brunch or lunch. One of the city’s most popular eateries is Sunday in Canberra in Gungahlin.

This cosy café tucked at the northern side of the bus interchange on 54 Ernest Cavanagh St

offers delicious dishes and the comfort food you crave, crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll love the stylish yet comfortable interior, complimented by exceptional service. What better way is there to rewind as you gear up for a new week?

The Creamery & Co.
Location: H34/33 Hibberson St Marketplace Gungahlin, Canberra 2912 Australia

The Creamery & Co. is a charming café in the heart of Gungahlin. Their menu features classic favourites such as Eggs Benedict served with crispy bacon and homemade hollandaise sauce and the famous Slow Cooked Lamb Pie – slow cooked for 12 hours until it’s tender and mouthwateringly succulent.

One highlight on the menu is the Chicken Schnitzel Burger, loaded with crunchy slaw and creamy mayo. They also have vegan options, including Vegan Nachos smothered in guacamole, salsa and jalapenos, plus hearty burgers dripping with flavour, such as the Beyond Meat Burger.

Gungahlin boasts some of the best cafes in Canberra, offering various delicious dishes and unique experiences. From classic favourites at The Creamery & Co. to creative cocktails at Le Bon Melange – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out these top 5 cafes today the next time you are in Gungahlin.