Travel Guide Project by ELMS

Travel Guide

For Students

Personal trips of two students looking to travel the world and see new cultures.

Adventuring in Poland

Featuring two of the most popular yet worth seeing cities, Warszawa and Krakow.

Travelling through Beligum

Visiting Belgian culture from Leuven all the way to Blankenberge.

Exploring Croatia

Seeing the coastline of Croatia, specifically in Zadar.

Bucketlist Trips

Descriptions of dream destinations that are soon to be fulfilled

Meet the Authors

Get to know the two authors fascinated by traveling along with their interests.

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Adventuring In Poland

Acountry located in the heart of Europe that is enriched with history, culture and nature is Poland It’s border lies with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia

The country has many different landscapes including Baltic Sea coastline, Masurian Lake District, the Central Europe Plain and the mountain ranges of Carpathia and Sudeten The longest river Vistula, runs through the country from the south and the way up north Poland’s climate is a mix of warm and cold weather The winters have the possibility of being extremely cold, with a ton of snow and rain However, the summer is mostly warm ranging around 25-30 degrees Celsius. Poland’s rich culture shows through the winners of Noble prizes, Wisława Szymborska, Czesław Miłosz, and Olga Tokarczuk. Music wise, Chopin one of the most famous musicians in Poland. Many students especially

in music school’s around Poland, play and remember his music pieces The country also has vibrant folk music tradition Speaking of traditions, Easter and Christmas holidays are celebrated uniquely Both holidays are up to 2-3 days long with custom foods For Easter, most popular dishes are Zurek (soup), Mazurek (cake), variations of egg dishes and salads. On the other hand, for Christmas, beetroot soup is very common, along with white fish and eggrolls. Besides holidays, polish food is definitely worth trying. In many cities, such as Warsaw and Krakow, there are so-called “milk bars” with cheap homemade polish dishes. A must try are the famous varieties of pierogis and zapiekanki.

Poland’s population is around 38 million people with a majority of Poles and minority of Germans, Ukrainians and Belarussians. Polish is the official language of the country but English is widely used as well. The church plays a significant role in Polish culture and society.

The Beauty of Krakow

A city perfect for students, full of culture, delicious food and many historical sites.

A city in Europe that is breathtaking and on a student budget is the old town of Krakow located in Lesser Poland. The city has the biggest market square in Europe, which was inspired by German architecture. The rich history of this city, attracts around 10-11 million tourists from over the world, filling the streets each year. Wawel and Market Square are the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow, however, it doesn’t just end there. For nature lovers, Krakow’s famous botanical garden located at Jagiellonian University and Zoology Garden are two places definitely worth a visit Additionally, Zakrzowek is a great choice being only 25-30 minutes from the city center

It is known as the “Polish Maldives”, with a lake on one side and multiple pools on the other sides.

Krakow is known for a lot of things, however something unique in this city is found. On the very top of the church called Kosciol Mariacki, each hour a man plays the trumpet. The reason is connected with Krakow’s history. In the 13 century, Tatars invaded Poland and the trumpet player started sounding his instrument. This lead to him being killed by an arrow. To remember this tragedy the trumpet call always ends abruptly So the next time you find yourself walking around Krakow and hearing the trumpet call, remember it’s history

The famous symbol of Krakow is “Smok Wawelski”

Connected with the legend, people believed and still believe that its bones are scattered around the Wawel Castle.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Warszawa: Poland’s Chicago

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is known as the city of contrasts, for its vibrant nightlife and modern dynamism.

Warszawa became the capital of Poland in 1596. It was moved from Krakow by king Zygmunt III Waza. This decision marked and changed the political and cultural aspects of Poland.

Sadly, during World War II, Warszawa went through an uprising leading to serve damages of the city However, the city was rebuilt, not in the same way but similarly Today it is known as the place of modernization mixed with its Old Town Some places worth visiting are the Old Town, Royal Castle, Łazienki Park, Wilanów Palace and Palace of Culture and Science Not only are these place fully of history but with the inclusion of enjoying Poland’s nature

A building that you must visit that is located in the center of Warsaw is the Palace of culture and Science. The Palace of Culture and Science, which was finished in 1955 and represents socialist realism in architecture, was given to Poland as a gift by the Soviet Union. Lev Rudnev, a Soviet architect, created it, and it continues to represent Warsaw's post-war past.

With 3 ways of traveling around the country, by tram, bus and metro, all parts of the city are easily accessible to tourists. As a plus, high-speed trains run through with many connections to the other major cities of Poland. It is a welldeveloped railway system beneficial for visitors.

Some of the most popular cultural festivals and music events happen in Warszawa such as the Film Festival, Chopin Competition and Autumn Festival For people that enjoy major artists like Taylor Swift or Nicki Minaj, commonly perform here

The main symbol of Warszawa is the famous “Syrenka Warszawska”. The legend dates back to medieval times, where a mermaid named Sawa swam from the Balitic Sea and decided to rest on Warszawa’s riverbank. Being so mesmerized by the views of the area, she decided to stay. Local fishermen attempted to catch her. However, being moved by her voice and beauty they let her protect the city instead. The symbol is a sign of never-ending protection, power and courage.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

An excellent place for tourists to visit is the Lazienki park.A wide range of neatly created gardens can be found in the park, such as calm Chinese gardens, romantic English landscapes, and formal French-style gardens

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

B E L G I U M T R A V E L L I N G

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Belgium is a Northwestern country in Europe. It is a kingdom that at the moment, being ruled by King Filip. The next in line to the throne is Princess Elizabeth.

Mostly known for its beer, chocolate, waffles and fries. No other country has as many castles per square mile as Belgium. The country that has gone without a government for the longest is Belgium, specifically 249 days in 2011.

Fun

Facts About Belgium

The country has the first railroad in Europe Additionally, both the Smurfs and Tintin were introduced by Belgian Artists

The European Commission, the European Parliament, and NATO headquarters are all located in Belgium The EU capital is frequently referred to as Brussels.

Belgium is divided into 3 parts: the Flemish where Dutch is spoken, Walloons using the French language and the German part, speaking German.

Brussels

When travelling to Belgium you can not miss the capital city Brussels. Brussels is a bilingual city where people speak both Dutch and French. Of course, the English language is widely used.

One of the most popular sites in Brussels is ‘Manneke Pis’. This a statue of a little boy peeing A less known statue is ‘Jnneke Pis’ the female version of ‘Manneke Pis’ Additionally, a huge tourist attraction is the Royal Palace

A tradition has been set since 1965 to open the Brussels Palace to the public every summer after the National Holiday of 21 July until September. More so, Brussels is the capital of comics. The city boasts a rich history of comic book art, being the birthplace of famous comic characters.

CHOCOLATE CAPITAL

The population of Brussels is really international. It’s one of the most international cities in the world. 27% of the people are foreigners. 62% of its residents are foreign born

There are two types of waffles in Belgium One of them is named after Brussels The Brussels Waffle is bigger and crunchier than the Liege Waffle Differently, the Liege Waffle is softer with an addition of sugar inside.

-It’s the King’s administrative residence and main workplace-

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Bruges

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a notable religious site in Bruges. This basilica, located in Burg Square, is famous for housing a revered relic a vial said to contain a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ. The relic is paraded through the streets during the annual Procession of the Holy Blood.

The iconic Belfry of Bruges, towering over the market square, offers panoramic views for those who conquer its 366 steps

Bruges' network of canals, which gave the city its nickname, are perfect for leisurely boat tours that provide a unique perspective of the city's beauty. These canals wind through the city, under quaint stone bridges, and past charming houses with step-gabled roofs. One of the most fun and unusual attractions in Bruges is the Frietmuseum, the world's first museum dedicated entirely to the history of fries

Why is Bruges called the dead city?

Bruges is a city that effortlessly transports visitors back in time with its impeccably preserved medieval architecture and enchanting canals

The symbolist novelist George Rodenbach made the city into a character in his novel Bruges-la-Morte, meaning "Bruges-the-dead"

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Photography credits: Karolina Bernaerts

Ghent

Ghen is known for its large public squares and marketplaces It’s the second largest city in the Flanders

Ghent has several festivals throughout the year, including the Gentse Feesten, a popular music and theater festival held in July.

One of Belgium's biggest and oldest universities, Ghent University, is located in the city, adding to its vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

The Werregarenstraat (Grffiti Street), where local and international artists have transformed the walls into a dynamic outdoor gallery, is home to one of Ghent's most active street art scenes For those who enjoy urban art, it's a fantastic location to explore and find original pieces

Ghent transforms into a stunning exhibition of light art installations for the Ghent Light Festival, which takes place every three years

Visitors come from all over the world to see it because of its turn squares, streets, and historic buildings into a mystical wonderland of colors and shapes.

Ghent is a historic city that successfully combines modernity and its rich history. It is home to numerous UNESCO sites and colorful street art.

Ghent is renowned for its charming canals that are dotted with old buildings and bridges. Particularly lovely locations to see medieval guildhalls and take in waterfront views are the Graslei and Korenlei

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Antwerp

The diamond capital of the world, Antwerp, is home to a thriving Diamond District where merchants, cutters, and polishers transact business. The Diamond Museum offers information on the diamond trade, and visitors can peruse fine jewelry stores. With its chic boutiques, high-end retail establishments, and distinctive shops selling cutting-edge apparel and accessories, Antwerp is a shoppers' paradise The main shopping district, The Meir, is lined with both local and international retailers

A visitor should explore the life and works of renowned Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens is made possible in an authentic setting at the museum known as Rubenshuis. Internationally renowned as a center of fashion, Antwerp is credited with producing gifted designers such as Ann. I Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten, one of the Antwerp Six. With cuttingedge trends on display in design

studios, and fashion museums the city boasts a thriving fashion scene. Belgium's vivacious city of Antwerp is well-known for its historic sites, thriving fashion industry, and rich cultural legacy. Viewed as the center of fashion, it fosters creativity with its designers and chic stores. Masterworks by Flemish painters like Peter Paul Rubens, kept in iconic buildings like the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, are part of the city's artistic legacy. Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture can be found in Antwerp, with the magnificent Central Station serving as a focal point. The Diamond District emphasizes how important the diamond trade is to the world Antwerp combines historical grandeur with modern vibrancy, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking art, culture, and cosmopolitan flair It also boasts a diverse culinary scene, lively markets, and picturesque riverfronts.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Photography credits: Karolina Bernaerts

Leuven

Because of its origins, Leuven is known for producing Stella Artois beer In addition to tasting this well-known Belgian beer, visitors can take a tour of the brewery and discover more about its background and methods of brewing

Like Krakow, Leuven is a student city It boasts one of the world's oldest universities, KU Leuven, and a lively student population. The city is filled with vibrant cafes, bookshops, and cultural events that are clearly influenced by the university.

Georges Lemaître developed the Big Bang theory in 1931 at the University of Leuven.

With more than 170 different nationalities represented in its population, Leuven has developed into a thriving global city with a large student population

The city provides various co-creation opportunities and was chosen as the 2020 European Capital of Innovation

Overall, Leuven's unique fusion of academics, history, cultural diversity, and scenic beauty fosters an enthralling environment that begs for investigation and discovery. Whatever your interests history, art, food, or just taking in the atmosphere of the city Leuven provides an unforgettable experience that lingers long after you leave.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

Blankenberge

For guests of all ages, Sea Life Blankenberge offers interactive experiences, educational exhibits, and aquariums filled with a variety of sea creatures

Throughout the year, Blankenberge is home to a number of festivals and cultural events, such as sporting competitions for beach sports, music acts, and fireworks displays. These activities draw tourists from near and far and enhance the lively atmosphere of the town.

A lively stretch of shops, cafes, restaurants, and beachside terraces line the promenade that run parallel to the beach. It's a well-liked location for leisurely rides, strolls, and taking in the sea views. Since the city so small, it is possible to visit in a day. Or even a few hours on your way to Bruges.

Long stretches of fine sand beaches bordering the North Sea are features of Blankenberge The beach, which offers chances for swimming, beach volleyball, sunbathing, and sandcastles

Overall, Blankenberge's combination of beaches, kid-friendly activities, cultural attractions, and historic architecture makes it a well-liked vacation spot for travelers looking for a combination of entertainment, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

The lovely seaside town of Blankenberge has a lot to offer tourists. This quaint Belgian town has plenty to offer everyone, from vibrant beach clubs and sandy beaches to cultural events and mouthwatering seafood. Blankenberge is undoubtedly worth a visit, regardless of your preference for an active vacation or a tranquil retreat.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

E X P L O R I N G C r

Fun

facts: 1/3 of Croatia is covered in forests Cravat, tie, was first worn by Croatian soldiers

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Located in Southeast of Europe along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is recognized for its beautiful coastlines and clear water.

The country of Croatia features over 1000 islands, islets and reefs. It’s capital is Zagreb located in the Northwest part of the country. Some recommended tourist attractions are Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik, Krka National Park, Diocletian's Palace and Zadar. Croatian cuisine is very diverse combined with Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan flavors. The official language is Croatian however English is commonly spoken, leading to an easy flow of communication.

Zadar is one of Croatia’s oldest cites. The history dates back to ancient times founded by Liburnians The city was under Roman rule as an important urban center Zadar has a lot of unique architecture from different time periods including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque During World War II, Zadar suffered damage therefore leading to many ruins.

The city’s international airport connects to major European cities allowing traveling to another destination to flow smoothly. The city is well connected with taxis, buses and ferries taking tourists to the center

Some fascinating attractions include the Sea Organ, Sun Salutation, Ancient City Walls and various museums. The Sea Organs are certainly unique experiment of installed underwater tubes producing harmonies as waves push air through them. Furthermore, the city is full of green forests perfect for a relaxing walk.

The lifestyle consists of a relaxed and positive atmosphere. Villagers are relaxed and enjoy there life influencing the tourists as they come to visit With the happy mindset along come many cultural events festivals Specifically, the Zadar Outdoor Festival and the Zadar Street Festival These festivals show cast street performers and artists

without a problem. Zadar offers a range of accommodations from budget friendly Airbnb’s to luxurious hotels. Traveling to Zadar is a worthwhile experience and inexpensive compared to other warm tropical destinations.

Photography credits: Natalia Stanecki

This picture shows the Church of St. Donatus is a church, in Zadar, Croatia. The church summarizes centuries of history with a lot of ruins left behind.

to visit best NewPlaces

Bucketlist trips

A dream is something that is meant to be fulfilled. Here are some trips we plan to visit in the future learning about various cultural aspects, trying new food and being amazed by views.

Mykonos,Greece

Mykonosisoneofthemostfamous Greekislandslocatedinthe Aegean sea Itisknownforitsspectacular nightlife, stunningbeaches, gorgeous architecturewithanadditionofhistory. Theislandischaracterizedbyitsrocky terrain,whitebuildingsandclearblue water. Duringthesummerthe temperaturerangesaround25-30 degreesCelsius.

Tirana,Albania

TiranaisthecapitalcityofAlbania. Thiscityhasa developingpublic transportationmakingtravellingeasier fortourists.Itisaplacefullof contrasts, modernityanddiverse culture.Knownasthecountrywiththe clearestwaters,itisagreatdesination tospendbythebeachorrelaxinginthe sun.

London,UK

Londonisafashioncapital,hometo famousshoppingdistrictssuchas OxfordStreet,RegentStreetand Coven Garden. Oneofthecitiesmainfashion events ishosted,called London’s fashionweek. Whetherexploring iconiclandmarks,historicalsitesorjust simplytakingpictures,Londonisa greatcity,captivatinglotsoftourists.

Madrid,Spain

MadridisthecapitalcityofSpain knownforitsdiverselifestyleand uniqueblendoftraditions Somekey attractionsareTheRoyalPlace,Plaza Mayor,GranVia, AlmudenaCatheral andTempleof Debod Asthelargest cityinSpain,ithasthepopulationof over3millionpeople.Madrid’srich cultureissomethingthatcan’tbe missedwhiletravelingtheworld.

Agadir,Morroco

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Agadirisrecognizedbyit’slongsandy beachesthatstrechupto10kilometers alongthecoastline.Thecountrykeeps iswarmclimateyear-roundtherefore itsagreatvacationdestinationfor peoplewhoprefersummer. The languagesusedinthecountryare Arabic,BerberandFrench. Thecity’s cuisineisfulloffreshseafoodcaught fromitsnearbycoast.Adagirstands outasawelcomingcityinMorroco.