Tips when visiting Malta

After having our trip away, I thought it might be useful to put a tips page together in case any readers are going to Malta sometime soon.

TRAVEL KETTLE

Maybe not so important to you, but was to me, I really struggled with not having as many brews as I usually do.

BUS TRAVEL

Grab yourself a weekly bus ticket, €12 (around £12) at time of writing and jump on and off that bus to visit as many places as you can.  You can even download the time-tables to your smart phone by visiting.....
Be strong when it comes to getting on the bus, as Brits we often stand back in amazement/annoyance as others push their way on board, but you will only find yourself having to wait for the next bus if you do that.

MAP
Sounds obvious, but those little maps on the back of the bus timetables are fabulous for popping in your pocket.  Take some time and circle where you want to visit, then carry it with you.

GOOD SHOES / BOOTS

If you like exploring rather than sitting on a sun bed then I would recommend a good pair of shoes or walking boots. The pavements are a little uneven away from the promenades. Also watch out for dog poop, there's a lot of it about in the back streets.

BRITISH TOUTS

Yeah, British, we got caught by a few of them. Because they are fellow Brits they get you into conversation then ask if you'd do them a favour by going to have a look around a hotel, they'll get paid so you'll be doing them a favour (they say), and you can have a bottle of wine/massage/harbour tour/gold Maltese necklace.... The gifts get bigger the more you decline. We didn't go as we didn't want to spend two hours looking round a hotel we had no interest in, but it is a hard sell.

TRY THINGS
Have a look and see what the native dish is and give it a go, the Pea Cakes from the Patizzerias are divine.

4 BAR EXTENSION CABLE
This is a genius idea from Hubster, he always takes a 4 bar extension cable (or two) in his case.  It means we can charge all our gadgets and batteries in the one go.  Some hotels have those cards that turn the electric off when you leave, so if you are out and about all day sharing a plug socket when you get back is a bit awkward.  Don't forget the adaptor for that particular country though  :)

LUNCH TIMES
Remember, the Maltese have their main meal at lunchtime, and they don't hurry about it either. It is worth booking if you need to go somewhere specific or you may find yourself settling for second, third or forth best!

MEMORY CARDS AND SPARE BATTERIES
For your camera, loads to photograph here  :)

CHECK RUNNING TIMES
If you have to travel a little way to somewhere it is worth checking that whatever is it is open/running.