Ruxandra Ioana Marinescu of Brussels BELGIUM

24. Featured Traveller 

Ruxandra Ioana Marinescu

Student : Fashion Blogger : Traveller 

(Brussels, BELGIUM)

                               

“Whatever happens, remember that you're on vacation”

We are now going around the world through the travellers that we feature. This time we have Ruxandra who lives in Brussels to study and make waves with her passion in fashion. She is originally from Romania and has travelled to different countries like Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Cyprus, France, Holland and Egypt. When asked about her future travel plans, she said her next trip will be to the USA, Thailand, Dominican Republic and Portugal. And take note, USA is her favourite destination!

Ruxandra believes that budgeting while on a trip is very vital. "I can't really manage to cut cost while on a trip. I tend to spend more on shopping for clothes so I must know some numbers before I go on a journey", she says. Good deals and beautiful photos on the web motivates her to go on a trip. Cheaper tour packages to beautiful destinations fascinate her. She thinks that it is a good opportunity to see as many places while she can.

Ruxandra has so much to share about her journey. She wants to advice other travellers on the do's and don'ts while travelling. Something that her fellow solo traveller has to be aware and follow to have a safe and memorable experience.  If you want to read more about Ruxandra, please continue reading her story.

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From Brussels with Love

To describe Brussels, I can only think of one suitable word - variety. Brussels is very different. There are places that I feel I am in another country. In an hour I am in the Chinese quarter near Saint Catherine church and to the African hood near Porte de Namur in the next. There are Italians, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian and many other nationalities living in this heart of Europe. It's multicultural!

Flag of Belgium

I have been living here for more than three years now and still try to learn more about this city.  Inspite of the rainy weather, I must say that Brussels has its own unique beauty and is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe's must-see destinations.

There are not too many places to see in the city but I can tell you that the Grand Place, the Atomium, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Parc Royal and Triumphal Arc in Cinquantenaire Park are places you don't want to miss. Brussels is not tidy enough these days, not like when I first dream of coming here to study.  

To me, there are other cities in Belgium more appealing, with great landscape while on a nice road trip. Antwerp is one of my favourites and on top of my list. A place full of history and ultimate shopping experience (at least, to me).  And the list continues...

• Dinant, a magnificent city near the border with France
• Namur, municipality in Wallonia where you can visit the Citadelle. Come visit at night to admire its gorgeous landscape
• Brugge, the place the local people call "Little Venice" because this is a city with many canals where you can have a boat ride to chill on a summer afternoon
• Ostend, port and city in the Flemish province of West Flanders
• Knokke, a very clean city where a wonderful resort in the North Sea is located.

It is not easy to put stories of all places I have visited in few sentences but one thing sure is that I treasure all my experiences. Though I have bad ones in some of my travels, I still think it is a good lesson to be more careful on my next. With this, I can say that travelling is a learning experience. It really is!

My recent trip outside Romania and Belgium was in a tiny island in the Mediterranean. A good deal in Cyprus that costs me around 300 Euro for airline ticket and 5-Night hotel came at the right time.

I was in Romania with my family for my annual vacation and before I knew it, I was already leaving Bucarest for Larnaca. It was a little over two hours travel time between city airports. While landing at the Larnaca Airport, I saw the desert-like view to my right and the gorgeous sea on the window on my left.  The sea was like waving at me and I started imagining the nice beaches in this tiny island.  It was my first trip to Cyprus that made it more exciting. I took a bus from the airport to the centre of Larnaca to find my hotel. It was easy and convenient.  Local people were very friendly.  

Turkish occupies northern Cyprus and the southern part by the local Cypriots. They are lovely people who speaks good English being a former British colony.  The history is interesting but I will leave it as a mystery for those who want to visit this spot of Greek history and beautiful landscape all in one.

It was a delightful stay in Cyprus. I stood in a nice and spacious hotel in Larnaca, with full equipped kitchen, big bedroom, a living room, great terrace and my favourite - a big bathtub.  It was a convenient place to enjoy life.

I continue my journey to the max and visit great places in Cyprus - cities like Ayia Napa with its beautiful crystal clear water and the sand that looks like taken from an hourglass. The beaches here are breathtaking and my favourite is the Nissi Beach. I tour the city of Limassol and Capo el Greco where the beautiful blue lagoon is so admirable.  

Cyprus is a small island so you can go around easily using the bus which is very accessible and cheap. Taxis are affordable as well. Drive a car if you really want to see the details of your adventure. Gasoline costs as low as 1 Euro per litre. I strongly advice you to take day-long cruises, fishing and swimming at your own phase. Admire the wonderful landscape at the Camel Park, a 15-minute drive from the city of Larnaca.

With all the experiences I have had, there are do's and don'ts that will help my fellow solo travellers. You have to be aware of this wherever in the world you are travelling.

• The Do's ~ Always have fun. Remember you are on vacation, so stay positive.
• The Don'ts ~ The succeeding tips are just some of the important information that will help whether you are travelling alone or not. 
• Be very careful of your luggages. If you are on a long trip, purchase travel insurance
• Keep your money, tickets and other valuables in a secure place. Put your money on a waist belt, if at all possible
• Stay away from strangers and suspicious people especially if you are a solo traveller

I am sharing some of the photos I have taken both in Belgium and Cyprus. Enjoy!

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From the desk of: 

Freddie Miranda

A blogger and a Canada-based freelance writer. He shares the value of his travel experiences and discoveries with his friends and fellow travellers. Share your passion, join and visit him. Send a message @ fromatravellersdesk(at)gmail(dot)com.

Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers?  Then, I'd love to hear from you! 
Please email me at fromatravellersdesk@gmail.com

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Watch for these blogs! 
They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from.  I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite.  I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.