Anthony, Author at The Travel Mentor

5 must see free sights in Prague, Czech Republic

April 8, 2024June 14, 2015

The rooftops of Prague with the Prague Castle in the background

Prague is one of the great cities of Europe and the world. Its rich history dates back over 1,000 years, shaped by empires, wars, and political movements. Since the fall of the communist regime after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, people from all around the world have begun rediscovering Eastern Europe and Prague. If you will be visiting Prague, here are five free sights you must visit. Old Town Square For those who visit Prague, the highlight of the city …

How to get from Downtown Vancouver to Lynn Canyon Park

July 22, 2023June 9, 2015

Lynn Canyon Park suspension bridge just north of downtown Vancouver

Lynn Canyon Park, popular for its suspension bridge, is located minutes north of downtown Vancouver. Here’s how you can get here by public transportation. The journey begins at Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. If you are staying in the Vancouver area, you can hop on any of the three SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, Canada) to reach Waterfront Station. Vancouver DayPass Before I get into details about how to get to Lynn Canyon Park, I will recommend why you should purchase …

French food at Mon Ami Gabi on the Las Vegas Strip

April 17, 2024June 4, 2015

The Petite Salad Maison with a side of lemon-dijon vinaigreette

In Las Vegas? Are you craving casual but delicious French food with a cool patio? Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is the place to go. I would have never visited Mon Ami Gabi had it not been for my friend, who raved about the place for its food and relaxed environment. He told me that Mon Ami Gabi was different and not like the other pretentious and overpriced restaurants on the Las Vegas …

18 things I learned on my first trip to Costa Rica

January 15, 2023May 30, 2015

Arenal volcano on a sunny day, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica. After years of wanting to travel to this beautiful country, I finally made it. Before my trip, I read many online articles, reviews, tips, and complaints from past travelers to Costa Rica. From tipping, to car rentals, to driving, I read it all. Some good and some bad. I wasn’t sure exactly what to believe. Now that I have experienced a trip for myself, here are some things you should know if you plan to visit Cosa Rica. …

Ocean views at Cafe Agua Azul in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

April 17, 2024May 25, 2015

Tuna tostadas piled high with ahi tuna, avocado, and cream sauce

After hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park, I visited Cafe Agua Azul for drinks and food without knowing much about the place. From the road, the building looked like it hung off a cliff with just air, jungle, and ocean below. After I parked out front, I walked up the stairs into a beautiful open-air dining room. I was right. The views were amazing. This is why I decided to stop here, and I’m glad I did. If you ever …

Sights you should not miss at night in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward

January 23, 2024May 20, 2015

When you dream of Tokyo and Japan, you dream of Shinjuku and its neon lights, department stores, bars, love hotels, shrines, and futuristic skyscrapers. During the day, Shinjuku is a great place to visit for its Shinto shrines, endless shopping, and art galleries. As the sun goes down, Shinjuku comes alive. The neon lights, the crowds, and the energy make Shinjuku one of the most fascinating and bustling places in Tokyo. It’s everything you think Tokyo should be. A quick …

10 things I learned on my first trip to Istanbul

January 23, 2024May 15, 2015

Hagaia Sophia, one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul has always been on my list of destinations to visit. Everything from the people, to the sights, to the food just seemed so interesting and mesmerizing to me. In February, 2015, I finally made my first trip to Turkey. I was a little bit nervous, a little bit excited, but most of all was not exactly sure what to expect. Here are a few things I learned from my first trip to Istanbul, Turkey. Visiting a mosque was a …

9 things I learned on my first trip to Seoul, South Korea

July 2, 2023May 10, 2015

Seoul is an amazing city of contrasts. Old Buddhists temples and 500 year old palaces next to modern skyscrapers and mega malls. Here are a few things I learned on my first trip to Seoul. 1 – There is more to Korean food than just BBQ When I first visited Seoul, I had this idea that Koreans mostly ate BBQ and that there would be a BBQ restaurant on every corner. While there were tons of tasty BBQ restaurants in …

Historic core of Istanbul walking tour inspired by Rick Steves

March 30, 2024May 5, 2015

Sultanahmet, the center of old town Istanbul

If you only have a few days in Istanbul, or even one, and wondering what to do, then the historic core walk is your best bet. Sultanahmet, the center of old Istanbul, is home to many of Istanbul’s must see sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome. The walk begins at the park between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia not far from the Sultanahmet tram stop. You are now standing in the heart of …

Twisted Fork: Scallops and shredded duck confit in Vancouver

April 21, 2024April 30, 2015

It was my first day in Vancouver. After a long day of traveling, I was hungry and willing to eat anything within walking distance. Near my hotel on Vancouver’s Granville Street, I discovered Twisted Fork, a French-inspired bistro offering dishes with a Canadian twist. Twisted Fork is a no-fuss, non-pretentious bistro that prides itself on making everything in-house from scratch. They use seasonal ingredients, which results in fresh, high-quality dishes. I knew little about Twisted Fork except for a few …