5 Top Christmas Travel Destinations

It’s the holiday season when many people start to prepare to host family and friends. If you’re like me, however, I am preparing to get as far away as possible from my family and friends this holiday season.

With these five destinations, there will be plenty of opportunities to get away from the drudgery of hosting and spending time with family while experiencing how other parts of the world celebrate Christmas.

1. Fiji

Fiji is considered a romantic getaway so it’s a great Christmas destination for couples and young families – especially at Christmas. The Fijians party hard at this time of year, with a mixture of celebrations throughout the entire two-week period building up to New Year’s Eve. Communities come together to sing, dance and feast on “lovo” – a variety of dishes that are slow-cooked in banana leaves.

2. New York

First-timers to New York feel as though they are in a film – so you can already imagine that Christmas is a magical time to visit the city that never sleeps. And whilst you’re there, why not take a movie tour and visit the sets of iconic Christmas films including Scrooge, Elf, Home Alone 2 and Miracle on 34th Street. As you would expect from the Americans, New York has the most elaborate decorations, the most lights and the biggest displays including the Lincoln Centre lights, the Rockefeller Tree lights and Bryant Park winter village.

3. Reykjavic Iceland 

Iceland does Christmas like nowhere else; they have 26 days of Christmas, 13 Santas and an irrepressible group of Yule Lads. On top of that, the Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks on frozen ponds and the delicious offerings of Christmas buffets provide a uniquely different Christmas. And with tours to witness the white, pink, green and purple streaks in the night sky provided by the Aurora Borealis, there are no other Christmas lights in the world that compares with this natural light display.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

With its awe-inspiring network of canals, Amsterdam is one of the most attractive cities in the world any time of year. At Christmas, the “big village” takes on a truly magical quality that has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime – mainly due to the incredible Light Festival. In addition, you will find an endless chorus of carols, live music shows, sumptuous food, Christmas markets and romantic quality of lights shimmering on the surface of the water. If you want to experience something different this Christmas, Amsterdam is very different!

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s medieval downtown looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The cobbled streets and gothic architecture around Old Town Square bring the romanticism of Christmas to the surface. Christmas in Prague has a special vibe and is a must for the street food alone – delicious servings of Czech delicacies including deep-fried carp, the mouthwatering winter food, halušky and the sumptuous trdelník, a sweet pastry topped with cream and dressings. Prague is one of the most photogenic cities in the world – at Christmas, it’s even better.

Wherever you decide to go this Christmas and New Year, make sure you have a truly magical experience and hire a local tour guide. The locals know where to go and where to avoid – and with the bustling Christmas crowds, local knowledge is a gift.

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Why Bucharest Should Be Your Next City Break

 

Bucharest is Romania’s capital and is the largest city. Bucharest is the most important industrial and economic center of the country. Also, it is one of Europe’s most authentic capitals.

Bucharest is, undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience for those who choose to visit it, whether they are city residents or tourists.

Why visit

For most people, Bucharest is still ignored as a travel destination, but believe us that it is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe where you can enjoy, among others, interesting cuisine and intense nightlife. Even though Romania is part of the European Union since 2007, the country is yet to adopt Euro, a fact that keeps it a cheap destination for traveling.

The hand of the communist era is still evident in the city since the architecture of many buildings in the center was influenced by that period. On the other hand, you can feel an urban and contemporary lifestyle arising in the city.  Bucharest is a heaven for foodies because the local culinary scene combines international trends with traditional ones which are inspired by both Eastern and Western culture.  The Bucharest nightlife is well distinguished for being spicy and wild. The city really offers great night clubs and bars playing good music and hosting beautiful people partying until dawn.

 

What to see

The heart of Bucharest is now a combined charming area with cobblestone streets, popular restaurants and bars, cafes, shops, and restored buildings of great architectural and cultural importance. The old city is the reference point for fun – it is energetic, lively, and always crowded with locals and tourists.

The Palace of the Parliament is the most emblematic buildings in Bucharest – it is a must-visit place if you want to understand the history of Romania and its past. The Palace of the Parliament is one of the heaviest buildings and the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon in the USA.

Calea Victoriei is a historic avenue and one of the most prestigious landmarks in the center. If you want to feel the vibes, to visit museums, shop luxury brands, enjoy the buildings you can walk down the avenue.

Bucharest center has also plenty of green sanctuaries, that are waiting for you to explore. Locals enjoy gathering at the parks to socialize, play, and relax. You can definitely spend a relaxing afternoon at Cișmigiu Gardens – an English-style garden.

 

How to move around

The best way to reach the city is by using Uber. Even though Bucharest has a metro and other conventional way of public transportation, we believe that the most convenient one for a tourist to move around the city is by using Uber. They are reliable, transparent, and cheap, with friendly drivers… oh, and the most amazing fact is that you know the cost of the ride before you even book it! On the other hand, be aware that there are non-legitimate taxis in the city that may try to rip you off especially when you don’t speak the language.

 

Where to stay

In Bucharest, you have a lot of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to local apartments. Any of these options are cheaper compared to similar services in other European capitals. Also, you can choose to stay in an Airbnb flat.

 

Where to eat

Caru’ cu Bere restaurant is the symbol of Bucharest with 130 years of history.  They serve real traditional Romanian food in the most amazing possible way. Once you step in you will see that the building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic style, classified as a Historical and Architectural Monument. You can try a roasted pork knuckle with braised sour cabbage, polenta, horseradish, and chili pepper, and surely you will be very satisfied.  Reservation is a must since the restaurant is very popular.

 

 

Bucharest nightlife is not-to-be-missed. In fact, it is cheaper compared to other European party destinations. Most of the nightlife happens in the old town where many bars and pubs are full of locals and tourists. However, the clubbing scene in the city is insane offering chic, luxurious, and high-class options at a fair cost. Romanian people love to go out for dancing and drinking, therefore don’t be surprised to realize how sociable the locals are, especially in the clubs.

The beer prices are very cheap and they surely can make you consider leaving any city for good. Even in touristy spots, two pints will cost you less than a fiver. You have to make sure to try ‘out tuică’ – a traditional spirit made from plums.

 

About The Author

Andy Braddell is a UK citizen with tremendous experience in traveling. He wants to encourage people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into their lifestyle than they already have. He wants others to look at him and say ‘Because of you I didn’t give up’

8 Best Places To Go in 2020 – Top Trendy Travel Destination

Where To Travel in 2020

Looking for places to go in 2020? Here are the 8 best travel destinations. Look, 2020 is already here. And it is always a rousing feeling when a new year slides into the calendars. But the best part is planning vacations and holidays and sorting the new year destination to visit.

Fun fact, almost every third person on earth likes to travel and explore the world. 36% of travellers said that travel is an essential part of their life, and it is a significant spending priority.

Romantic Destinations

The main thing that we girls love is escaping to romantic destinations with our better half. So, get cozy with your beloved on your sofa, grab your coffee and look into the list of the eight best places to go that you must visit this year.

If you are fond of travelling and exploring, you will love to put these spots on the list of your travel wishes. Without any further ado, let’s get started.

1. The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are the hottest spot for all the people who like to travel. The environment gives a very romantic vibe. You’ll blend into the beautiful hues of blue and magical white Oiaarchitect. The place is filled with amazing views. You can have a vast range of hotels to stay as long as you want. Panoptic Escape is the perfect hotel. It is a brand-new location introduced by Myconian Collection Resort. This location gives you a whole new vibe to absorb in and stay happy.

2. Swiss Alps

Swiss Alps, of course! It is one of the most romantic places that you can think of. It is a magical wonderland in the colder months of the year. The beautiful landscapes will leave you astonished, as if you have stepped into some fantasy, fairytale. IF you are adding this in your list, don’t forget to take a ride on the red Glacier Express. It is one of the biggest highlights of winters. The oomph-oozing views will fill your heart as you’ll sit hand in hand with your partner and enjoy a good conversation.

3. California’s Central Coast

Now, let’s take our pick to the slaying of the boozy retreat. Once, this was just a boring stretch. Now, as the years passed, people have turned this into a destination in the right way. We are talking about the famous Central Coast of California. It offers beguiling view with a smooth long drive. You will get to witness some fantastic agricultural bounty. The place is known to serve the best wine from around the state. You’ll get amazing hotels to stay in. So, with the wine and healthy food, fantastic hikes, surf and sand, and most importantly the historic architecture is the best way to spend your time.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Up next, we have a cultural creed of the big city but the vibe of small-town, Asheville, North Carolina. It is a home for musicians, painters, artists, and people who like food. This was just a mountain town that is becoming more travel-friendly with time. It showcases a very sophisticated side of Appalachia. You can visit the Asheville Art Museum that just reopened. Enjoy the different kinds of food in the food festivals that they arrange. Also, don’t miss the live music events and cocktail bars to get the best beer ever. These are places to go and catch the happy-go-lucky vibe with your soul mate.

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