Blog Archives

GPSMyCity: The Lemon Tree Article Apps Now Available + FREE Giveaway Articles

5/29/2017

Lose Yourself without Getting Lost

Have you ever read a travel article so informative that you wish you could bring it with you? Great news – now you can – even off-line.

What is a GPS-guided travel article?

Long gone are the days of printing off travel tips and Mapquest directions. Ditch the extra clutter and save a tree with a GPSMyCity travel app.

The GPS-guided travel article app is a new concept, and an innovative way to explore a city by some of the top travel bloggers in the world. The travel article app is simple. Travelers download a travel article that has GPS coordinates embedded and a map of the route the author describes in his or her article.

No memorizing. No paperwork. No printout maps. No Internet. All you need is your phone.

The best part about upgrading to the app is that it works offline. This app is perfect for places like Europe where every country requires it’s own SIM cards to access 3G/4G Internet. This will save you time, money and a headache trying to find an electronics store.

Why use travel articles as an app?

It’s like having a personal tour guide, for a fraction of the price.

Using travel articles offers tips and suggestions that many tourism offices won’t tell you. So if you want to visit the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa is your dream, an author (okay, me) may recommend making this painting your first destination upon entering the museum. That way the built-up excitement is still there compared to hours of roaming the museum when you become tired, exhausted and your back aches. You’ll get countless tips and recommendations from people who travel just like you.

GPSMyCitywww.gpsmycity.com currently has thousands of articles from over 600 cities worldwide. The options are nearly limitless so you can find everything from a self-guided walking tour to travel articles. Once you download the article, the app will show your current location and the distance to each site listed in the article.

And just to reiterate, once you download the app, you do not need the Internet to read your upgraded articles.

From Monday May 29, 2017 - June 4 2017 you can upgrade to the following Lemon Tree giveaway travel articles for free!

10 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Hannover, Germany
7 Mouth-Watering Plant-Based Restaurants in Barcelona

Click the article titles to access the free upgrade. If you don’t already have the GPSMyCity app downloaded, please download it first and then click on the article titles above. The articles will then be downloaded by default. After the app launches, click "upgrade" and the article will be upgraded free of charge.

You can access upgraded travel articles for off-line GPS use by browsing each city on the GPSMyCity app. Check out the recent Lemon Tree travel articles released GPSMyCity.com:

15 Most-Vibrant Beach Clubs in Den Haag, Netherlands
10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany
8 Favorite Places for Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Madrid

0 Comments

10 Seattle Parks You Must Visit Today (especially for Photography)

5/19/2017

3 Comments

Seattle maybe growing in population, but that doesn’t mean it’s parks and green spaces are any less beautiful. In fact, these places keep locals sane as the tech industry continues to pack people into the city like a sardine can.

The one benefit of the west coast is that there is space between your neighbors and there is room to breathe. Seattle has no shortage of urban parks, so if you want to find where the locals go and the most photogenic parks in the Emerald City, travel to one of these 10 urban parks.

Kerry Park & West Highland Drive – Queen Anne
This iconic park is one of the most visited parks in the city. And once you see the view you’ll understand why. Catch a glimpse of the entire city, and if you’re lucky, Mount Rainier in the backdrop. West Highland Drive is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. The several-million dollar homes inspire the American Dream, only to realize that this craving is not achievable for peasants and the middle-class alike. Walk the entire West Highland Drive toward Marshall Park to overlook the Cascades, another a sunset hotspot.

Seattle Center – Lower Queen Anne
Seattle Center is a cross between a public park, activity center and arts community. Events are held on the grounds here year-round, of which some are open to the public or paid events like the Tattoo or beer-tasting festival. When it’s dry, street artists and musicians flock to this park sharing their gifts to the locals and tourists alike. It’s also home to the Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Art Museum, Monorail, Key Arena, Ballet Center and more.

Alki Beach – West Seattle
Alki is the Huntington Beach of Pacific Northwest. The sand is warm and the Sound is freezing, so don’t expect to swim, but sunbathe, bike or play your day away. During the summer, watch a semi pro volleyball tournament, but if that's not your thing, barbecue at one of the fire pits, rent a four-person bicycle or chillax with food truck popsicle in hand. I recommend taking the water taxi from downtown across the Sound to West Seattle. From here walk the near three-mile shoreline or taking the shuttle to Alki Beach. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the city.

Green Lake – Green Lake Neighborhood
Green Lake is a place where you’ll find every type of person under the sun. Sporty individuals run the perimeter and play basketball where other shirtless hippies (and even clowns) skateboard around the lake with their beatports or walk on bungee cords attached to two trees. This is a park where locals flock to during the warmer months, and while here, rent a kayak, paddleboard or a push-pedal boat for two. Locals swim here in the summer, but swimmers beware, getting the itch is not uncommon.

Olympic Sculpture Park & Elliot Bay Trail – Waterfront
When in Seattle, travelers must visit the waterfront trails. The Olympic sculpture park overlooks the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains. The sculpture park has free events during the summer, including yoga on Saturday mornings. Walk the Elliot Bay Trail toward the rose garden (use the pedestrian path and not the bike path). Keep your eyes peeled on the sky for bald eagles.

South Lake Union - SLU
This is one of my favorite places to swim in the summer. The beach is rocky, but worth a visit as its the most accessible beach near downtown. Start your journey near MOHAI and the Museum for Wooden Boats. Venture on the trails along the lake, watching seaplanes, yachts and old wooden boats journey around the lake.

Gas Works Park - Fremont
This gas factory turned into an urban park is another local hotspot. It’s a popular place for wedding photography, and the view of South Lake Union and the city ignites the “Sleepless in Seattle” vibe. If you know where to look (with binoculars), catch a glimpse of the actual houseboat used in the movie. It’s a great place to picnic, minus the goose droppings, so bring a blanket that you don’t really care about. Run, or walk, up the hill to discover a birds eye of the surrounding area.

Discovery Park – Magnolia
There’s a reason why Discovery Park holds this name. There is something for everyone to discover. Explore history, beaches, forest trails, plains, bluffs, lighthouses and local wildlife, making this one of the most diverse parks in the city. Fort Lawton originally occupied the Magnolia Bluff in the 1800’s and later transformed into Discovery Park in the 1970’s.

Pretty in pink □ #colorful #earth #beautiful #beauty #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #pnw #park #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #mindfulness #mindfulliving #mindbodysoul #flower #flowers #flowergram #flowerstagram #travel #traveling #travelgram #inspiration #naturelover #nature #namaste #healthcoach

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 9, 2017 at 7:57pm PDT

Volunteer Park – Capitol Hill
Located on 15th Avenue East, Volunteer Park is one of Seattle’s most beloved public spaces. This historic European-influenced park is a popular place that attracts the local hipsters. The city bought the land in 1876 and by 1901 the reservoir was built to hold water piped from the Cedar River. Here, you’ll find plenty of flowers blooming around the park, but the Conservatory, a Victorian-glass greenhouse, hosts a variety of art, educational and musical events. Entry fee required. On a clear day, the park features small views of the Olympics. The Asian Art Museum is also located at Volunteer Park.

& I hope u have a good weekend! ☀️ #art #artwork #artists #publicart #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #pnw #park #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #tree #naturelover #nature #creativeart #mindfulness #flower #flowers #flowergram #flowerstagram #travel #traveling #travelgram #travelblog #travelstagram #travelblogger

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 19, 2017 at 10:05am PDT

Washington Park Arboretum – U District
This 230-acre hidden gem sits on the shores of Lake Washington, jointly managed by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle. This is a must-visit during fall foliage and is a place to enjoy a leisurely walk or jog on the Arboretum Loop Trail. The park features a gift shop and a 3.5-acre Japanese Garden.

What's your favorite park in the city?

Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 10 Seattle Parks You Must Visit Today!

3 Comments

9 Shockingly Beautiful Urban Viewpoints in Seattle

5/14/2017

3 Comments

Seattle, a city of hills, has no shortage of vantage points. This concrete jungle contains a mix of popular urban and green spaces for one to catch a bird’s eye view of the forever-changing city. Thanks to Amazon, our skyline is beginning to look like Vancouver. Regardless of your thoughts, there are still plenty of beautiful viewpoints to marvel at the urban landscape. Here are my favorite viewpoints in Seattle.

Space Needle Observation Deck
Most travelers visit the Space Needle. This steel, alien-spaceship-shaped needle is one of the most beloved landmarks in Seattle. And the views atop are one of the best in town. The observation deck features a panoramic view of the city. Make reservations to dine at the Space Needle’s restaurant. Here, you’ll wine and dine while the restaurant rotates, offering visitors the panoramic view right from the comfort of their dining table.

Smith Tower Observation Deck
Smith Tower is Seattle’s iconic, and most historic, observatory. Visiting Smith Tower is hit or miss amidst tourists. People either know about the observation deck or have never heard of the building. Pre-book a ticket to visit the 360-degree view observation deck and indulge in a bit of prohibition at the legendary observation bar. This is one of the most historic buildings in Seattle and is more affordable than the Space Needle.

Kerry Park
This iconic park is one of the most visited parks in the city. And once you see the view you’ll understand why. Catch a glimpse of the entire city, and if you’re lucky, Mount Rainier in the backdrop. West Highland Drive is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. The several-million dollar homes inspire the American Dream, only to realize that this craving is not achievable for peasants and the middle-class alike.

Lakeview Boulevard East Bridge above I5
This bridge features stunning views of Lake Union, Queen Anne, the space needle and the north end of the city. It’s a perfect spot for photographers to capture long-shutter speed images of the horrific I-5 traffic.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/400187116859137754/

wikimedia

Volunteer Park Water Tower
This popular Capitol Hill Park is another Seattle favorite. Livened by events and hipsters with purple hair, it’s a great place to people watch. Climb the tower to catch a bird’s eye view of the city and the sound, of course that is only when it’s a clear day.

Gas Works Park
This gas factory turned into an urban park is another local hotspot. It’s a popular place for wedding photographers, and the view of South Lake Union and the city ignites the “Sleepless in Seattle” vibe. If you know where to look (with binoculars), catch a glimpse of the actual houseboat used in the movie.

pinterest.com

Seacrest Park
Seacrest Park, located in West Seattle, overlooks a waterfront view of the city and the sound. Located on Harbor Avenue, access this park easily from downtown Seattle using the water taxi. Aquatic junkies kayak and scuba dive from these shorelines.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park
Located above Alki beach, this park overlooks the Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains, downtown Seattle, Queen Anne and Magnolia. Equipped with plenty of benches and green space, it’s the perfect park to sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset.

My Rooftop
I may be biased, but I believe our rooftop has one of the most beautiful views of the city. In fact, it's better than Kerry Park because there are no trees obstructing the view. On a clear day, we can see the Snoqualmie mountains behind Queen Anne hill, the city, the sound, Mt Rainier, West Seattle and the Cascade mountains. It's the best seat in the house for a sunset.

Our rooftop - the best view in the #city □ #cityscape #travel #traveling #travelgram #travelstagram #travelblogger #travelphotography #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #architecture #myfab5 #pnw #pacificnorthwest #pacnw #urban #urbanlandscape #lemontree #seattlepulse

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 14, 2017 at 6:51pm PDT

What's your favorite view point in the city? Let us know and we can add it to the list.

Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 9 Shockingly Beautiful Viewpoints in Seattle.

Let's Connect!

3 Comments

9 Historical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto, Portugal

5/10/2017

3 Comments

If walls could speak, they would guide you to Porto. Porto is a city live with conversation and friendly faces living a simple life. Known as the birthplace of Porto wine, besides hitting the bottle, there is much history to seek and explore throughout the city. In fact, it's one of the most preserved cities in Europe, semi-untouched by mass tourism. If searching for something deeper during your travels, check out these nine historic spots in Porto. The sites and sounds, specifically to vino pouring into a glass, ignite a cultural experience that'll make you scream, "Oporto" and the desire to never return home.

Muralhas Fernandinas Castle Wall
Castles play a vital role in Portuguese history. Take a stroll alongside the castle walls that surround the city. Muralhas Fernandinas translates to, "castle walls from D. Fernando,” a 14th Century King. The castle was destroyed in the 18th and 19th Century and all that remains are these walls.

Historical Trams of Porto
If walking isn't an option, explore Porto by tram. I prefer walking. It's the best way to see Porto. But, I suggest taking the trolly to Porto's seaside community known as "Foz do Douro." Constructed in 1895, the vintage trams have been restored, and the squeaks and squawks are loud but worth the experience and the 2.50 euros ticket.

Pergola de Foz
If Porto isn't laid back enough, wait until you explore the relaxing vibes of Foz do Duoro. The tram terminates next to the seaside and from here, walk a few kilometers toward Pergola, past murky waters crashing on top of shoreline boulders. Inspired by Nice's Promenade de Anglais, the mayor's wife was so enchanted by Nice's walkway that she motivated the contraction in the 1930's. Known as the "Praia dos Ingleses," symbolizes the close relationship Portugal has with the British.

Are you looking for more things to do while in Porto? Check out The Crazy Tourist's 25 Best Things to Do in Porto (Portugal)

Lello's Bookshop
This is one of Porto's oldest bookstores and described as the "third best bookstore in the world." The artistic design is steeped with history, seeming as if this shop is something that comes straight out of a fairy tale. Constructed in 1895, under the name Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron, later turned to Lello after Jose Lello purchased the store. Some 120,000 books patiently wait for buyers and a coffee shop is on the second floor. Get there early, the lines are long! Inside photography is not allowed.

The Carmo Church
The Carmo and Carmelitas are two churches separated by one of the world's most narrow houses, a place to separate the nuns and the monks. The classical facade looks traditional, but what makes this church unique is the blue and white Portuguese tile on the Carmo side of the building. Constructed in the 18th Century with baroque architecture, the church was used as barracks during the French invasion between 1808-1814.

Jóia da Coroa
Originally the Goldsmith Alliance building, this cafe and jewelry shop is a blast from the past. Beautiful, elegant and lovely, enjoy an array of homemade pastries and handcrafted teas while dining in luxury. Founded in 1909, this building is one of Porto's artistic and historic landmarks situated on one of the oldest streets in the city, Rua de Flores. In fact, the street dates back several centuries as King Manuel ordered the opening of this street to connect S. Domingos Square to the convent of Santo Elói in 1518.

São Bento Railway Station
This monumental train station is a must-see even if you don't plan to use the station. The first train arrived in 1896, but officially inaugurated in 1916. On the walls are "azulejos," or Portuguese tiles, depicting various scenes from the country's history. Since 1916, around 20,000 tiles lay on the walls thanks to the artistic creation of Jorge Colaço.

Majestic Cafe
Once a dining spot to elites in the 1920's, is now serves every body amidst it's luxurious walls. It's no wonder why poets, writers, artists and thinkers congregated to Majestic, the interior is as inspiring as a Hemingway novel. The backyard terrace is the perfect place for a glass of port wine, a shot of espresso r possibly a glass of absinthe. The menu is a mix of Americanized, Italian, Portuguese food. Besides the atmosphere, I don't think the cuisine is that authentic (like everywhere else that becomes a tourist trap).

http://www.cafemajestic.com/en/Majestic-Cafe/Photos-Videos/Photos.aspx

Sao Francisco Church
From the exterior, what looks like an ordinary church is home to something extraordinary once you walk inside the 13th Century church. Construction began in 1244, and throughout the years of reconstruction architects integrated Gothic and Baroque designs. Covered in gold, this maybe one of the most precious churches in all of Europe. The museum housed in the catacombs features ancient remains of past monasteries.

Porto itself is historic. It's hard to see everything in one trip as the entire city is steeped with history.

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 9 Hisotrical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto, Portugal.

Are you looking for more things to do while in Porto? Check out The Crazy Tourist's 25 Best Things to Do in Porto (Portugal)

3 Comments

How to Spend a Multi Day Layover in Iceland

5/2/2017

3 Comments

Iceland is a country of natural wonders. From the majestic waterfalls to nearly-erupting volcanoes, Iceland is an awe-inspiring geographic wonder. Some visit Iceland for an entire vacation, where others stop over for several days, with Iceland Air, before heading to Europe's main land.

I flew Iceland Air from Seattle, which I recommend for several reasons. First, the flight is direct and takes approximately seven hours in the air. The shorter flight time is a bonus on top of the smooth transition into the European time zone. The most difficult aspect is that the flights land around 630am, which everything is closed at this hour except for the partygoers munching on some hot dogs at the local mini mart.

Whether you have 24, 48 or 72 hours, here is what I recommend on how to spend your layover in Iceland.

Day One
Spend your day with rest and relaxation as a priority. If you get into the city before 8:00am, don't be surprised if the only life you see are drunken Icelandic vikings raiding the streets and the hot dog cart at the local mini mart.

Downtown Reykjavik is an eclectic mix of old and new architecture. It features the same boring globalized stores like Timberland with local cafes and eateries mixed in between. Start your day at one of the many local cafes in pursuit to soak up the local culture.

In 2013, the BBC stated that, "one in 10 Icelanders will publish a book."If I had to guess, the dark and gloomy climate inspires the soul to gravitate toward creative pursuits to stay alive during the winter months. Iceland is a literary country and there is no shortage of creativity here. I recommend the city's oldest cafe, and elderly-hotspot, Mokka Kaffi.

After a nice latte and waffle breakfast, head to the blue lagoon where you can soak earth's powerful geothermal bath. Sit, swim, soak or slap a volcanic face mask and enjoy the warm and sulfur-smelling water. Bring your favorite shampoo as your hair will stink and feel weird. Pre-booking your time slot is now a requirement.

End your day with a beer from one of the local pubs in downtown. Which bar should I choose? Let your spirit guide you as there are too many interesting places to experience.

If you have any gas left in the tank, book a Northern Lights trip. The trip departs Reykjavik if there is a good forecast during the peak season.

Day Two
If you have one full day in Iceland, escape the city to Iceland's most prized natural gem, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Most people spend their extra time at the Golden Circle, but if you have three days go to the triangle on day three.

Day trips from Reykjavik to the glacier is about 15 hours. The tour leaves early and arrives late, but is well worth the trip. On this southern coast tour, experience the vast wilderness and some of the most prominent sites such as Skogafoss falls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Vik Town. Even the rest towns are beautiful situated near volcanic and glacial landscapes. If you are searching for God, you'll become a believer on this trip. It is beyond mind-blowing at how amazing the landscape and natural colors radiate underneath the sun.

The trip is worth the time and the expense.

Day Three
I recommend two options. If you want a leisurely day, book the free Reykjavik walking tour and explore Icelandic history at The National Museum of Iceland.

If you must see more nature, book the half day or whole day Golden Circle tour. Discover prominent sites such as Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. I recommend booking a tour that stops where the Icelandic horses roam. Alternatively, book a horseback riding Golden Circle tour. Not a tour person? No problem. Rent a car and see the Golden Circle in about three hours. This offers freedom and flexibility to those who do not like traveling with others.

Where is your favorite place to visit in Iceland? Let us know!

Let's Connect!

3 Comments

a feel good travel blog

GPSMyCity: The Lemon Tree Article Apps Now Available + FREE Giveaway Articles

10 Seattle Parks You Must Visit Today (especially for Photography)

9 Shockingly Beautiful Urban Viewpoints in Seattle

9 Historical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto, Portugal

How to Spend a Multi Day Layover in Iceland

Author

Archives

Categories