Author: omegatravel

Hand-picked European locations to visit with your significant other.

By Thomas Panos

While planning a romantic vacation with your partner, you must complete your due diligence to find the perfect spots to visit. Europe is scattered with various cities that emanate romance from their historic highlights. 

Luckily for you, we curated a master list of our favourite cities in Europe that serve as the metropolitan hearts for romance in the area. Regardless of your ideal vacation image, whether it be relaxed beach days or touring scenic sites, Europe is capable of it all.

Prague
An attractive destination 365 days a year, Prague is home to gothic streets with never-ending beauty and romantic allure. Soak up the vistas from the top of the Prague Castle and experience a lovely dinner at various summertime terraces found throughout the streets

Vienna
Create the perfect night out for you and your loved one with a night at the opera escorted via horse-drawn carriage. 

Santorini
Surrounded by the dazzling iconic white and blue architecture, Santorini is the perfect place for a romantic beach getaway.

Dubrovnik
Hidden from many tourist centers, Dubrovnik is a gorgeous location encapsulated with romance. The lovely Croatian paradise features incredible landscapes, sunsets, and globally revered seafood.

Verona
It cannot get quite more romantic than traveling to the setting of the most popular romance in history: Romeo and Juliet. Love is in the air and flows through the historic streets and squares of Verona. 

Amalfi Coast
Home to one of the world’s most picturesque beach locations with its rolling hills of colourful architecture, it is the perfect location for a couples walk on the beach. Spend time boating on the crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunch at one of many restaurants overlooking the bay.

Paris
Meander through the intricate and unique streets of one of Europe’s most historic cities. From the delicious pastries to the iconic sites, Paris has love hidden in every corner and represents its title as “the city of love” well.

Venice
One of Italy’s historic treasures, Venice has endless opportunities for romance. Float through the city’s canals on a private gondola for the perfect romantic evening.

Amsterdam
Find the perfect tour of the city for two on a cycle tour alongside the beautiful canals. Take in the cultural scene by visiting various museums including Van Gogh’s Museum.

By Thomas Panos

Here at Omega Travel we get an endless stream of comments from grateful clients thanking us for creating unforgettable memories. But our travel expertise goes further than hand-crafted itineraries. Way further. How to pack for travel being an always-relevant example. So, here are the Omega team’s top 10 “rules” to help make your travel organized, practical, and less burdensome:

1. Start with a packing list
Stop putting it off. Start your packing process days, maybe even weeks ahead of your departure date. (Remember last time when you suddenly remembered what you had forgotten? Disappointing, right?)  A packing list guarantees you will have everything you wanted to bring on vacation. Always.

2. Roll it to bring it.
Maybe mama would disapprove, but then, she never traveled with today’s smaller bags, did she? Tightly rolled clothes take up way less space than folded ones. Plus, they’re less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

3. Check your airline’s baggage-fee policy
You make the mortal assumption that you know your airline’s baggage policies at your own financial peril. Get smart on the nuanced differences between domestic, international and U.S. carrier policies. It could save you a bundle.

4. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to YOU, too
Large bottles of water, shampoo, contact lens solution and other items are going to get confiscated 100% guaranteed, no exceptions. To see what falls under permissible and non-permissible – because it can sometimes be confusing – check here
Be sensible and save yourself money and time – get familiar with the agency’s rules:
3: 3.4 oz (100 mL) bottle or less for all liquids, gels, and aerosols; placed in a
1: 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all small bottles; and
1: 1 bag per passenger placed in a screening bin.

5. Think carefully about your carry-on ‘personal item’
Nearly all airlines allow travelers one carry-on bag – and one personal item onboard. Like a backpack, computer bag, purse, etc. Think carefully about what this should be, because not only can you create more room to pack additional items into your personal item, you’ll also have arm’s length access to what you will need while on board.

6. Why pay when you can wash your clothes
Hotel and cruise ship laundry services are notorious rip-offs. And often it’s a hassle to hunt down neighbourhood laundries. And even then, a certain degree of trust needs to be factored in. So if you’re intending to wash and wear a handful of garments (which can also help avoid overpacking), you can fall back on the tried and trusted hand wash in sinks and hang to dry. To make sure this goes smoothly pack in your own sink-stopper, a portable laundry line and suction cups – and of course a travel-size laundry detergent pack.

7. Aha! I can wear these to the gym AND for out and about…
When packing think about what clothing items may be able to have a dual purpose. If it’s two-in-one, it’s one less thing to pack. There are lots of interesting (and clever) ways to make duplicate use of clothes – and other items. (See here).

8. One word: Layer
Wear layers AND pack in layers. When packing, layer for warm and cold, because you never know. This way you’ll be comfortable no matter the climate.  Then, try to pack in neat layers for easy screening. The TSA’s guideline: “Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.) so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what’s inside. The faster the TSA agent can screen your contents the faster you’ll get through the security line.”

9. Keep valuable items with you at all times!
NEVER check luggage that contains valuable and essential belongings. It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway): your passport, other proof of identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, expensive electronics – and sentimental cannot-be-replaced valuables, should always make it onto the plane with you. Or picture this scenario: your bag doesn’t make it onto the destination airport baggage carousel…oops! There goes the Rolex.

10. Packing aids – your best travel friend
Don’t hesitate to achieve your packing goals – use aids designed specifically to compress your travel wardrobe without compromising the neatness and appearance of your clothes on the other side. These incredible space saving ideas, like travel sacs and cubes, take space-saving efficiency to a new height.