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Review of The Busabout Sail Turkey Tour & Travel Adventure

A comprehensive Busabout Sail Turkey review of the 8 day Busabout Sail Turkey cruise along the stunning Mediterranean coastline.

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Busabout Sail Turkey

Are there any better ways to explore the Turkish coastline in the Mediterranean Sea than living on board a traditional Turkish Gulet for an 8 Day Sail Turkey cruise? We didn’t think so when we first booked our trip, and hopefully, our Busabout Sail Turkey review will help you choose your next adventure.

Busabout Sail Turkey Review

Swimming off our Busabout Sail Turkey Gulet

Busabout Sail Turkey Review

Before we booked, we did hold a few reservations. We had heard stories from friends about how Sail Croatia, which we were tossing up whether to do or not, can be an actual booze cruise. While we love having a few cold ones like the next Kiwi, we were not that keen on blowing all our money on booze. Plus, we didn’t want to spend our days hungover, not being able to enjoy some travel adventures.

So when we booked, we expected that this would be pretty similar. Especially considering we had just been to ANZAC Day in Gallipoli and knew there would be lots of Kiwis and Aussies heading to the Turkish coast to lap up some sunshine.

Busabout Sail Turkey Pre-departure

This is the first year that Busabout has run the Sail Turkey adventure, and so at the moment, it is cheap.

We were on the first trip of the season as well, so £299 per person is excellent value, considering that you get seven nights of accommodation and all of your meals included.

Booking through Busabout proved to be easy, and they were terrific to deal with. We especially like that you can go on the Busabout website and see who else is on your trip through their MyTrip tab. It allows you to send messages to other travelers to arrange things like airport transfers or meet-ups before your trip if you want.

They also have options through their partner, V-Go, in Turkey. However, we stayed elsewhere in Fethiye, which was cheaper. It seemed like most people stayed there before their trip, although we met a bunch of travelers before we went to our accommodation.

The trip is from Saturday afternoon to the following Saturday morning. With the last night parked at Fethiye harbor’s docks, you only have six nights along the Turkish coastline.

Busabout Sail Turkey

Our awesome crew! Busabout Sail Turkey Review

The Busabout Sail Turkey Trip

We met up with everyone at 4 pm at the Busabout headquarters in Fethiye, and they split our group of 35 into two groups. Each Turkish Gulet, a traditional two-masted wooden sailing vessel, has three crew and sleeps 18 guests onboard. As a couple, we were lucky to have our double bed in a room, while some rooms had to share with three people on bunk beds.

Busabout Sail Turkey Review

Paddling in the gorgeous Turkish Water

Every room comes with an ensuite. Just be careful that you don’t flush your toilet paper down the loo because, like on land in Turkey, the system cannot handle it. You have to place everything in the waste bin next to the toilet.

The rooms are tiny, but who wants to spend time in their rooms when you are on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea?

We expected to park up next to the other boat and tie up together every night. This didn’t happen, though, and instead, we would park about 100m apart. I guess for safety reasons, but it would have been nice to mingle with the other boat properly now and then.

However, it was probably for the best because we were on a quieter boat. Sure we enjoyed a few beers every night and had a couple of bigger party nights, but we didn’t go overboard (excuse the pun). In comparison, the other boat drank up a storm. There were a couple of dudes crushing beer cans at the breakfast table!

The mornings would usually begin slowly, with the Captain getting an early start driving us to another bay along the Turkish coastline. As we would all slowly emerge onto the deck into the bright sunlight, we would be dropping anchor somewhere new for our breakfast. Usually, around 8.30 am.

We would lounge around on the decks playing backgammon or cards for a couple of hours. Or relax with a good book in hand. Once it got too hot for us to lie out in the sun, we would dive off the boat and cool off in the pristine turquoise waters.

Simena Village, Busabout Sail Turkey Review

Busabout Sail Turkey Review – Simena Village

The afternoons would be spent visiting one of the small villages dotted along the coast or again go exploring the shoreline from the Water. Evenings would again bring us all together over a few beers. We couldn’t get any more relaxed if we tried!

Busabout Sail Turkey Review

Relaxing on board with snacks, beer, and backgammon

The Food onboard

Simple but delicious is the only way to describe the Food on the boat. We were just stoked it was traditional, primarily Turkish Food. For example, the breakfast would be cheeses, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggs, bread, honey, and jam. Not to mention the tea and coffee on demand.

Lunches and dinners were relatively similar and would usually be rice and pasta with tasty roast vegetables or stews. We stuffed roasted capsicums and couscous! My mouth is watering, just reliving the meals. We were also lucky to have fresh fish for a fantastic couple of nights.

All our meals were served around the vast dining table at the back of the boat. It was one of our favorite times as we would all come together every few hours, and jokes would fly and shit-talked.

Busabout Sail Turkey Review Food

Busabout Sail Turkey Review – The Food

The Negatives

As we said, this was one of the best trips we have ever done so far on our adventures around the world; however, it wasn’t all smooth sailing:

  • We wish there had been more information about the optional excursions. Nearly every day, we were offered the chance to visit small villages, try adventures like Para-sailing or explore Turkish historical sites. Unfortunately, with the limited English from the crew, we had no idea of the costs of the activities or what was involved.
    Note: At least Busabout has assured us that following our feedback, they have now included more information on each boat about these activities.
  • As before, we wish we had a chance to socialize with the other boat more. Not every night, but a few nights during the trip would have been good.
  • “Sail Turkey” should probably be called “Motor Turkey” as there is not a lot of sailing involved. It didn’t bother us as the crew couldn’t handle it. But it would have been great to do a bit more than the two hours we did.
  • The final negative is that on the second-to-last day, our Captain was fired. We still don’t know why or what happened, but it sucked as we all thought our Captain was excellent. Not Busabouts fault either as it wasn’t their decision but the company they lease the boats from.

Like we said, not too many negatives!

Check out some of our favorite Busabout Sail Turkey photos from our trip here to check out the sights. And if you want to book a Sail Turkey trip or any other Busabout adventures, click our affiliate link below.

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Disclaimer: We were provided with a discount for the Busabout Sail Turkey cruise. However, our thoughts on our adventure travel blog are our own.

Cole is one half of New Zealand's leading adventure travel blogging couple who have been wearing out their jandals around the world since 2009. He loves any adventure activities and anything to do with the water whether it is Surfing, Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling or just lounging nearby on the beach. You can follow Cole on Google+. Or consider following us via RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our Newsletter.

Europe

What is the best casino cashback bonus Ireland has to offer?

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Bonuses are a big feature of online casino play and are something that you don’t get at brick-and-mortar casinos. Online casinos in Ireland offer different types of incentives that can put a little back in a player’s pocket.

One of those is a cashback deal, which is one of the newer types of casino bonuses to hit the scene. Here, we explore just what casino cashback deals are, how they reward players and look at the many shapes and forms they come in.

 

What are casino cashback bonuses?

To clear the air a little bit about the best casino cashback bonuses Ireland, there is more than one type. This variety gives players the opportunity to choose the ideal rewards scenario.

 

Welcome bonus cashback

On landing at any of the leading online casinos in Ireland, such as Slotbox or SpinAway, a welcome bonus offer will greet new players. These are incentives designed to hook people up with a bonus just for walking through the virtual casino doors.

These are usually linked to the initial deposit on the account. A casino will match a certain amount of the value of a deposit by crediting bonus cash – and perhaps some free spins thrown in.

 

Reload cashback

A similar way to get cashback at an online casino is through reload bonuses. These work in the same manner as welcome bonuses, but just under their own steam and are available for existing players. Top up an account and a certain amount, perhaps 50%, will be matched as a bonus.

 

Cashback on losses

Casino cashback is a rewards program that credits a certain amount of lost stake back. How much is paid will depend on the terms of the offer and how much stake has been lost. These commonly operate on a weekly promotional basis.

 

Casino cashback factors to consider

There are different components to cashback offers at online casinos. It will come down to the type of offer, but some common elements to look for are:

Cashback percentage terms

The definition of how much can be credited from a single online casino bonus can differ from site to site. For a cashback on losses deal, it could be a 50% return of lost stake at one casino, and 30% at another. Welcome bonus cashback deals will also be determined by percentage of the initial deposit.

 

Time period

The validity of bonuses at online casinos is a major factor as well. Welcome bonuses generally have to be claimed within a couple of weeks of registering an account. The full completion of wagering requirements will also have a time limit. It boils down to terms not being met and the bonus being voided in a use-it-or-lose-it scenario.

 

Maximum payback

Of vital importance is what the maximum payback may be. The terms of a 50% cashback deal that’s capped at €200 are vastly different to one that credits 100% but is capped at a maximum of €50. It’s all about the individual player, their overall budget and what’s realistic in terms of wagering requirements.

 

Wagering requirements

Wagering requirements are found on most online casino bonuses, particularly welcome offers. These are the terms of how many times a bonus amount has to be matched before it’s released as real cash.

As an example, a €10 bonus at x35 wagering requirements would need €350 staked in real cash before the bonus is released. Sometimes, the wagering requirements specify that both the deposit amount and bonus amounts must meet wagering requirements.

Types of rewards

The most common form of credit to an account through a casino bonus is in the form of bonus cash, but it’s not the only form:

 

Bonus cash

Bonus cash, tokens or whatever it is, is not real cash. Players normally hold a bonus balance and a real cash balance. Bonus cash may be restricted to certain games and can’t be cashed out, nor can any winnings from it, until wagering requirements have been fulfilled.

 

Cash

At online casinos, cash is cash. If there is money cleared in an account, then it holds its true value. That cash balance can be played or withdrawn.

 

Free spins

Another type of credit that can be received at online casinos is free spins. Sometimes these are packaged as extra incentives with bonus cash or are standalone feature rewards. These also won’t escape the grasp of wagering requirements, but usually only on the winnings and at a much lower turnover than bonus cash.

A small selection of the best cashback bonuses

 

Slotbox

Slotbox has a cashback bonus through its welcome offer for newly registered customers in Ireland. With wagering requirements on the lower end of the scale, it is a good one to check out. Slotbox has a tremendous range of games from leading providers, with 24/7 support and VIP rewards.

 

SpinAway Casino

There are more than 1,000 slots to explore at SpinAway Casino. There’s a wide variety, plus a big range of live casino features as well as Irish Lottery and bingo. An available cashback welcome bonus includes some free spins.

LuckyDays Casino

Crypto-friendly site LuckyDays also gets in on the cashback offer, where a bonus can be claimed across each of the initial three deposits on an account. The first of those is a 100% matched bonus. Further reload bonuses and a loyalty program add more.

 

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Paris on a Budget: Best Cheap Eats in Paris

While Paris used to be regarded as an expensive city, you can now enjoy Paris on a Budget. Use our guide to find the Best Cheap Eats in Paris.

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paris woman smiling eating the french pastry macar 2021 08 28 23 14 41 utc 2

Although Paris has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities globally, the rumors are now unfounded. In 2012, Paris dropped ten places in the Mercer cost of living survey. And with the Euro looking weak, now is probably a good time to find cheap flights and discover the city of love on a budget.

Eating in Paris can catch a lot of tourists out. Avoid the expensive restaurants serving fancy dishes like salmon wellington and snooty maître d’s on the Champs Elysees and follow our guide for the best cheap eats in Paris.  Spend less on food and possibly splurge on friendly hotels in Paris instead!

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Girl eating croissant in Paris

Best Cheap Eats in Paris

Best Cheap eats in Paris, Eiffel Tower at Night, Paris

Head to the Marais

Famous for its selection of ethnic eateries, the trendy Marais area of Paris is perfect for picking up a quick snack.

Check out L’As du Falafel, where you can grab a flatbread bursting with golden fried balls of falafel, smothered in hummus and accompanied with red cabbage. For €4 to take away, you can’t argue with that. Simply head to Chez Hanna down the street for equally tasty food at similarly low prices if it’s too busy.

Best eats in Paris, The Louvre, Paris

Enjoy an Oriental baguette.

Vietnamese food is popular in France, and nowhere can you see the fusion of two cultures more clearly than at Saigon Sandwich in the Belleville district of Paris.  Their specialty, banh mi, is light and crusty French baguette filled with flavors of South East Asia.

There are only a few options (poulet, boeuf, Maison, and unique), but for €3 ago, you could happily sample them all.

Find French food on the cheap.

Believe it or not, there are some restaurants specializing in French cuisine that won’t see you stumbling into your overdraft. Les Temps des Cerises is one of them.

Described by Yelp as a “Dive Bar,” nothing could be further from the truth.  Run by a cooperative, it attracts a distinctly bohemian crowd. The menu is small, but the food is prepared from ingredients that sing with freshness and high quality.

View from the top of Arc de Triomphe

Eat like a local celebrity …

Rumour has it that Pierre Herme, one of Paris’s most celebrated pastry chefs, visits the Belleville restaurant Le Baratin. The prices are surprisingly low for the delicious Argentinian fare.

Time Out Magazine recommends the tuna carpaccio with cherries or the spicy basque lamb. Pop in at lunchtime for the prixe fix menu. At €18 for three courses it’s hard to complain.

… or eat like a local office worker

Bistro Victoires is a favorite amongst Paris’s locals. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, and the wine list leaves a lot to be desired, but when you sit down to enjoy some of the best steak frites in Paris, all else will be forgiven.

Portion sizes are enormous, and the waiters often remind patrons that if they order a starter, they won’t be able to tackle the main course. Despite being a famous location steps away from the Palais Royal, it still manages to be a hidden gem.

Champs-Elysees Sunset

What are your tips for finding the best cheap eats in Paris?

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Europe

Travel Tip: Train to Pisa from Florence

Whether you spend a half-day or full day in Pisa, we recommend that you Train to Pisa from Florence. It’s the fastest and cheapest way to get there.

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train to pisa

Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see the beautiful countryside of Italy. The train from Florence to Pisa takes about an hour, and the journey is stunning. The route takes you past vineyards and medieval villages, through tunnels and over bridges, with breathtaking views of the Tuscan hillsides. You can even see the Leaning Tower of Pisa as the train approaches the station.

Woman traveling by train looking out of window

Upon arrival in Pisa, you can explore the historic center and visit the famous cathedral, before enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the River Arno. With its stunning scenery and convenient location, a train trip from Florence to Pisa is a great way to spend a day in Italy.

Leaning tower of Pisa, HDR, Italy

How to get to Pisa from Florence

You have a couple of different options for your own half-day trip to Pisa from Florence depending on how you like to travel. But if you are like us and enjoy travelling around Italy by public transport, then you will definitely want to train to Pisa from Florence.

Train to Pisa from Florence

Florence and Pisa are less than 100 km apart and the easiest way is to train to Pisa from Florence. The entire trip one-way takes approximately an hour depending on your route with no transfers.

Trains leave from Florence S.M.Novella for Pisa Centrale a few times every hour. The closest train station to the leaning tower of Pisa is Pisa San Rossore, but it’s not worth the extra time or transfer required. Pisa itself is small and it takes less than 30 minutes to walk to the leaning tower from Pisa Centrale.

Plus you get to explore more of the city such as the River Arno lined with beautiful stately homes.

Pisa River, train from pisa to florence

If you want to book online then a one-way ticket by train to Pisa from Florence will cost from €7.80 (US$10.40) in 2nd class. It is important to make sure that when you are searching online via the Italian train booking site, Trenitalia, you search for “Firenze” rather than Florence.

The train schedules are very easy to understand so we recommend booking your ticket from the self-service machines on the train platform. The return journey is just as easy in reverse. Just watch that you don’t miss the last train around 10pm most days and carry cash with you for the ticket.

Finally, validate your ticket before boarding the train. We forgot a couple of times but used the typical “I’m a stupid tourist” line to get out of any fines.

Bus to Pisa from Florence

Another option is to catch the bus to Pisa from Florence.

There are two main bus companies, Terravision and Autostradale, run regular buses to and from Pisa Airport and Florence Airport into the Florence city centre, they don’t actually go into Pisa itself. The train to Pisa from Florence is so reliable, fast, and cheap, that you may not want to consider this option.

However, there are some advantages to taking the bus. You will see a lot more scenery from the window of the bus, and it’s definitely cheaper; sometimes you can find fares as low as 4 Euros, especially on Fridays.

Travel Guide to visiting Pisa from Florence

Driving to Pisa from Florence

If you have hired a car or scooter in Tuscany then you might look at driving to Pisa from Florence. However, even though the distance is less than 100km, the trip will still take approximately 1 hour.

Aside from the fact that the train to Pisa from Florence typically takes less time than driving, you also have to avoid the crazy Italian drivers. Not to mention trying to find a carpark in two of the most popular cities in Italy. Impossible.

Travel to Pisa from Florence by train, Leaning tower of Pisa HDR

Guided Tour to Pisa from Florence

If you have been enjoying the sunset in Florence and all the city has to offer then you might want to take in a guided tour to Pisa from Florence. Not only do you get a great guide to learn all about the history of the area, you also don’t have to worry about getting to Pisa from Florence.

You might want to check out this guided tour around Pisa or get a little bit more adventurous and try out a segway tour in Pisa. Perfect for the family and it will keep the kids entertained between stops.

If you have a whole day, and haven’t managed to fit in a hike around Cinque Terre, then we recommend looking into the Pisa and Cinque Terre day tour. Lasting roughly 12 hours, you will travel from Florence to Cinque Terre, with a 2 hour stop in Pisa to see all the main sights.

We also reckon guides help you get the best photos, as they have seen all the poses.

Adela funny jumping Pisa

Tell us below if you have taken any funny photos in Pisa!

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Meet Cole and Adela

Cole and AdelaWe have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...

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