Top Ten Winter Destination In INDIA

Winters are usually the time to snuggle up with a good book in front of a fireplace, enjoying a hot cup of tea in bed every morning, lazy afternoons and more. Winters are also the time of festivities and a feel good spirit. They also make for a good time to go on a vacation with your family, or even all by yourself. In fact, any season is a good season to go on a holiday.

India is blessed with different climatic conditions in winter season in different parts of the country. Unlike most of the Western world, where cities are covered under a blanket of snow in winters, there is quite a bit to choose from when it comes to winter holiday destinations in India.
Here is a list of top 10 winter holiday destinations in India that you could get started with:

1. Rajasthan

One of the best times to visit the royal state of Rajasthan is during the winter months. Like most parts of North India, Rajasthan too experiences cold climatic conditions during the winter months, which are pleasant by western world standards.

There is something magical about visiting the different forts and palaces of Rajasthan, coupled with traditional folk dances and the famed Rajasthan hospitality. Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are must visit cities in Rajasthan during the winter months. A part of Thar Desert, these cities offer a magical experience.

2. Kerala

Some people just don’t like the idea of snuggling up in a warm blanket all day long. For people who would rather escape the chilling temperatures of winters, Kerala is ideal for winter holiday destinations in India.

[Kerala the rustic and inviting land is idle destination for honeymoon in India]

This gorgeous Indian state experienced moderate climate throughout the year. And it has loads to offer to tourists throughout the year. During a Kerala trip, you can choose to relax on tranquil beaches, stay in a treehouse in Kerala, take a backwater tour and do so much more.

3. Auli

If you are looking for a skiing holiday, one of the best destinations to be in during winter months is Auli. A part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, this valley is home to some gorgeous skiing slopes. In fact, in a short period of time, it has fast caught up to the popularity of Manali and Shimla as skiing destinations in India.

4. Shimla

There is nothing like spending a romantic vacation with your special someone in the midst of snow. Shimla is a quintessential winter holiday destination in India. The colonial character, snow covered peaks and good accessibility makes it one of the hottest destinations for honeymooners in the winter season. However, you could enjoy a vacation in Shimla in winter months even if you are alone and looking for some adventure. Shimla is considered one of the best destinations for a skiing holiday in India.

5. Goa

Image Source: Vaibhav San

Looking to bring in the festivals this year with a lot more joi de vive? If yes, Goa can be your ultimate winter holiday destination. The place comes alive during the winter months with all night parties and some seriously crazy crowd. The atmosphere is electric especially during the time of New Year and Christmas. Just be aware of overpriced hotels and restaurants during that time of the year. Better yet, make your bookings well in advance, for the place is jam packed during the winter months.

Image Source:  Molesworth II

6. Andaman

Image Source: Binu K S

In complete contrast to the electric atmosphere of Goa is the tranquil ambience of Andaman. If you would rather spend your time some place secluded and some place relatively warm, consider having a vacation in Andaman. The winter months are one of the best times to enjoy the exotic marine life of Andaman Islands. And while on an Andaman trip, do not forget to try snorkeling with an elephant in Havelock Island.

7. Lakshadweep

Similar to Andaman are the Lakshadweep Islands, a group of 39 small islands. You can expect quintessential island temperature, which is moderate for most part of the year. There are secluded beaches to enjoy and gorgeous marine life to explore. If you would rather while away your time under the sun during winters, you should seriously consider Lakshadweep as your winter holiday destination in India.

8. Delhi

Image Source: Arian Zwegers

Much has been said about Delhi’s winters. Despite the chaos of the capital city, despite all the mayhem, the city takes on a magical air during the winter months. There are mist covered mornings, festivals to enjoy during winters and so much more. And do not forget to sample Delhi’s famous street food during the winter months. It tastes that extra bit delicious when there is chill in the air.

Image Source: Arian Zwegers

9. Nainital

Image Source: Sanjoy Ghosh

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas is the gorgeous little hill station of Nainital. It is located at an altitude of little more than 2,000 meters, which means it enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, if you are looking for a quintessential winter holiday amidst snow capped peaks, winter season is the best time to visit Nainital.

Just like most hill stations in India, there is romanticism in the air in the winter months here, and the streets are fairly less crowded, which adds to the experience.

Image Source: rajkumar1220

10. Corbett National Park

Located in Nainital district is Jim Corbett National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves of India. Anytime is a good time to visit the national park, which boasts of sizeable population of tigers and several other wild animals. However, winter time is particularly special. Foggy mornings, a slight nip in the air, and a greater probability of spotting wild animals make the experience a whole lot better.

Best 5 Summer Vacations

Going back to our elementary school days, it is the season that has always been directly associated with freedom and vacation. Of course, the ideal trip depends on the type of traveler and the type of experience that you are seeking. Here, we've compiled a list of some of the best summer vacations out there, with a little something for everyone.

1.NICE







jewel of the French Riviera, Nice beckons beachgoers to stretch out on its shores. But there's more to it than a pebbly waterfront, pastel-colored buildings and palm trees waving in the breeze. Baroque churches surprise you in the maze of the Old Town's twisted streets; modern sculptures dominate the gardens as you stroll in the Place Masséna; ancient Roman Ruins provide the backdrop the summer jazz concerts in Cimiez; and the candy-colored onion-shaped domes of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral tower over you as you pass Avenue Nicholas-II. But Nice's cultural charms are often interwoven (and sometimes overshadowed) by its reputation for over-the-top partying. Be sure to leave a little energy for the Euro-chic and vibrant nightlife along the Riviera.

Nice Culture & Customs

It is polite to greet everyone you encounter with a friendly good day (bonjour) upon arrival, and a goodbye (au revoir) when leaving. If you're greeting an acquaintance, do shake hands upon arrival. It's also common amongst friends to double-kiss, faire un bisous, when saying hello and goodbye. Aside from bisous, the French do not interact physically in the same way Americans do. When directly addressing someone you do not know well, do so formally by referring to them as Monsieur or Madame until told otherwise.
If you're dining out in Nice, you should note the French eat with both hands on the table and always with utensils. The only time you should use your hands is when you are eating bread (which is often used to push food onto your fork). Never bite directly from a whole piece of bread; instead rip off bite-sized pieces. You should also use your bread to wipe your plate clean.
Tip is generally included in the bill, but it is customary to round the total up or add an extra five percent for extraordinary service. Ten percent is acceptable for maid service at a hotel, as well as for taxi drivers. The official currency in France is the euro, but most restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards, too

2.MYCONOS



The cube-shaped buildings and whitewashed exterior facades of Mykonos scream Mediterranean.  Winding roads twist through the main city of Chora, past expensive storefronts and beautiful churches that give the island a grounded sense of Greek tradition. But Mykonos is far from conservative, as it's known for its rowdy beach parties and crazy nightlife. In the "Ibiza of Greece," you're never far from a party at any point in the day.

3.MAUI
 
 

Maui is an attraction-filled destination that seems like a compilation of Hawaii's best qualities. Surfing beaches? Check. Volcanoes? Several. Family-friendly? Definitely. Posh resorts? Absolutely. The legions of vacationers that come back home teary-eyed and hypnotized can't be wrong -- this is where you learn Hawaii is more than a series of islands, it's also a spiritual experience. Step off the plane, take one whiff of the plumeria blooms and you'll be hooked

4.SAN FRANCISCO

 

A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and picturesque views, hill-sloped and breezy San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine, and a zeal for adventure. Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, cool and compact San Francisco combines the big-city buzz exuded by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-town charm.

5.PARIS

 

The city of lights, the city of love, a city of fashion—Paris draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambience. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neo-classic-design architecture, further enhanced by charming trees and glowing streetlamps.

Top Ten Value Destination In 2013

Best value destinations

Savour every centimetre of that shoestring with these budget-friendly boltholes, perfect for an economic downturn-busting break.

 

Rio, Brazil

If you’ve an unfulfilled plan to visit Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and iconic landmarks then this may be the year to do it. After 2013 the big events come thick and fast – the football World Cup in 2014 (also taking place in cities around Brazil), then the Olympic Games in 2016. One thing’s for sure: big-name events bring fresh development, a boost to infrastructure and, in many cases, higher prices for visitors. Come now to see a city in the process of gearing up to welcome the world, but before the costs of doing so rise. Indeed, if you visit during June you can be among the first to check out the recently upgraded Estádio do Maracanã, the world-famous venue that is slated to host not only the World Cup Final in 2014 but also the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics.

Gothenburg, Sweden

There’s good value in Sweden if you know where to look. That said, if you don’t, even popping out for a pizza and beer can make for a pricey night by the standards of your home town. Unless, that is, you’re from Norway. Either way, the savvy traveller makes tracks for Gothenburg. Away from the glitzy main drag Kungsportsavenyn (referred to as Avenyn by everyone) are characterful neighbourhoods (hello, Haga and, a little outside town, Kvarnbyn), cheap eats and some great attractions, including edgy art space Röda Sten and picnic-friendly city views in Keillers Park. If that wasn’t enough, ferries trundling round the beautiful, car-free southern archipelago are a tram ride from the city centre. In short, this is as much Scandinavia as you can get for your money.

Namibia

Namibia beckons those in search of a good deal. While neighbouring Botswana courts the big-budget traveller, the desert state to the west welcomes all, and offers a spectacular set of attractions to boot. True, you need your own wheels or must join a tour to see some of the wonders on offer like Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast, but Namibia’s big-ticket draws remain affordable for budget and midrange visitors via locally arranged tours or self-drive car hire. Towns and cities, many offering keenly priced hostels and campsites, are linked by inexpensive buses and minivans. Some of the most fun things you can do here – sandboarding around Swakopmund and hiking Fish River Canyon, for instance – are also some of the best-value outdoor pursuits in Southern Africa.

 

Cambodia

While perhaps not the whoops-of-delight-inducing bargain it was a decade ago, Cambodia is still a great deal. This means that despite the boom in the number of midrange hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in particular, a huge amount of budget accommodation remains at much lower prices. The imaginative visitor to the country exploring less-well-visited parts will find it easy to afford that extra Angkor beer or three. A budget of US$15 is tight but achievable, provided you forgo a room with air-con and don’t dwell for too long in the headline destinations.

Bolivia

South America’s best-value option continues to delight travellers. With public transport as cheap as anywhere on the continent, filling street food (another empanada? Don’t mind if I do!), and good-for-the-money excursions, this country is more than a bridge between the east and west coasts, it is an essential journey in itself. True, things are a little more expensive in La Paz and must-visit Uyuni, but away from here set-menu meals will rarely tip over US$5, budget rooms are not much more than double that and, should those chilly Altiplano nights require a higher standard of accommodation, you may find that you still leave for a pricier neighbour with a smile on your face.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Travel writers speak with one voice when asked to nominate their fave US cheapie: Portland, OR. Cheap food! Free things to do! Forty breweries (and counting) with pints of perfectly crafted beer often costing US$4! Yes, budget-conscious but still fashionably minded travellers may have reached the promised land in Portland, Oregon. The city has been thrust into the limelight by the Portlandia TV series, but was hardly unknown before, offering as it does a progressive take on urban life in a part of the Pacific Northwest that’s best appreciated slowly.

Spain

Spain has been getting much friendlier for budget travellers in the past few years, as currency fluctuations and falling costs for many items have combined to make what was once Europe’s best bet for a cheap break a contender once again for many international travellers. Presumably if you’re reading this you’re not really the fly-and-flop type, but the wonders of Spain’s cities, wilder north coast and fabulous national parks are more affordable now than for the past few years. Anywhere in Spain, to make your money go as far as possible live without a pool, go easy on the wine and extra courses when eating out and visit outside peak season, when price hikes remain a fact of life.

Slovenia

It’s tempting to leave this as one sentence: Slovenia is as picture-perfect as Switzerland or other Alpine areas to the north, but much smaller and easier on the wallet. Yes, there’s devil in the detail – the adoption of the Euro and popularity of Ljubljana, Bled and coastal areas in summer can push prices up – but that’s hardly the point. Small distances keep travel costs down, and buses radiating out of Ljubljana are plentiful and inexpensive. Private rooms offer affordable accommodation and anyone arriving from Austria or Italy will notice the difference in hotel prices at all budgets. If you’re keen on trekking, skiing, rafting or simply taking in the scenery of one of Europe’s most attractive countries then Slovenia will not disappoint.

 

Nepal

With visitor numbers steadily rising, Nepal remains a tremendous option for budget travellers. After all, the number of countries where you can live on the price of a Starbucks latte or two are diminishing rapidly. Sure, to do that you’ll need to stay in budget accommodation somewhere other than Kathmandu and resolutely stick to simple local food, but many consider this a price worth paying for paying a low price. Though costs rise once you enter national parks, if you’re up for trekking on your own and staying in teahouses, Nepal is not only the best-value spot for Himalayan hiking, it must be a contender for offering the most astonishing rewards for the least upfront investment of anywhere in the world. In fact, this remains true even if you factor in a porter and guide and opt for an organised trek.

Georgia

Georgia is, like its Caucasian neighbours, little known to most travellers. Those who do go come back raving about a beautiful, friendly country that offers excellent, inexpensive (though potentially waist-expanding) cuisine, typified by the near-universal khachapuri (cheese pie). In recent years the country has been speeding up its tourism development, resulting in a growing number of good-value hostels and homestays, which are great ways to meet locals as well as keep costs down. Look out for August if you’re hitting Batumi or elsewhere on the Black Sea coast, but otherwise anytime is a good time to visit this up-and-coming destination where even a bus, train or marshrustka minibus ride will give jaw-dropping views worth far more than the meagre fare you’re likely to be charged.

Top Travel Destination In 2013

1. Sri Lanka

Cut-price paradise back on the map
Best for: Culture, off the beaten track, value for money

Battered tragically by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and wracked by civil war from 1983 to 2009, many areas of the country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. Now the bitter conflict is over, investment is fuelling the tourism industry, and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable, and with low-cost flights from the convenient travel hub of Bangkok, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet’s best-value destinations.

2. Montenegro

Emerging superstar with wild beauty
Best for: Activities, adventure, off the beaten track

Nature has been prolific and creative in Montenegro, producing such iconic draws as the bewitching Bay of Kotor and the buzzy beaches along its Riviera. But be sure to pack a pair of hiking boots along with your swimsuit, for Montenegro’s beauty is no less intense in the wild and rugged interior. A new – and steadily growing – network of hiking and biking trails and improved infrastructure is making this glorious quilt of nature ever more accessible, while creating new employment for locals.

3. South Korea

Geared up for the Great Outdoors
Best for: Activities, events, off the beaten track

Without fanfare, South Korea has quietly developed into an outdoor recreation destination with untapped potential in golfing, hiking and fishing. Though not quite undiscovered, few people outside the country know about it. That anonymity will likely fade away in 2013 as it bursts onto the world stage hosting a series of major sporting events.

4. Ecuador

Reborn railways open up rainforest
Best for: Food, off the beaten track, activities

Ecuador's railway network is scheduled to radically revamp in 2013 with new lines linking increasingly cosmopolitan Quito and the coastal port of Guayaquil. Tracks will also connect Ecuador’s famed 5900m-high volcano Cotopaxi and the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), claiming the steepest (and most hair-raising) stretch of railway in the western world. Developers believe the gamble will pay off and pull in unprecedented tourist numbers.

5. Slovakia

Makeover for cultured corner of Europe
Best for: Culture, adventure, off the beaten track

Two decades on from the Velvet Revolution, Slovakia has galvanised to form one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, joined the EU and ranks right up there in Google searches for bargain ski packages and stag weekends. Now the tourism industry is keen to distance the nation from being all cheap pistes and piss-ups. The image overhaul has been overdue but it’s here, and in time for the inevitable party in 2013.

6. Solomon Islands

South Pacific as it used to be
Best for: Adventure, off the beaten track, activities

Forget what travelling the Pacific used to be like – around the Solomon Islands it’s still that way. Forget mass-market or luxury retreats; think engaging eco-resorts, village homestays and some of the best scuba diving anywhere. In the past limited flights, difficult internal transport, a lack of infrastructure, a civil war and some particularly exotic strains of malaria all put travellers off. Today travel is much easier, the civil strife is off the radar and lately even the mosquitoes aren’t so threatening.

7. Iceland

Strange land inspires devotion
Best for: Activities, off the beaten track, value for money

Ask any tourist during your trip to Iceland and you’ll quickly see that everyone develops an unconditional love for the little island nation, whether it’s for the mind-bending scenery, the platefuls of delicious lamb and fish dishes, or the sincere local hospitality. The currency crash – which effectively devalued the króna by 75% – also helped make a trip much more favourable to the wallet. As the global economy starts to heal, prices are climbing once more. The spoils of Iceland are no longer a secret, but they’re still yours for the taking – and in 2013 you’ll still be well ahead of the curve.

8. Turkey

Step off the beaten path
Best for: Off the beaten path, culture, food

New low-cost airlines are opening up the southeast of Turkey, and excellent bus services make getting around easy. Explore the historic old towns of Mardin and Midyat, feast on fantastic food in Gaziantep and see the recently uncovered ruins of Göbekli Tepe near Sanliurfa. Experience the Turkish section of the recently inaugurated Abraham’s Path walking trail, where accommodation is in simple Kurdish homestays, a long way from the tourist buzz of the coast or Istanbul’s Old Town.

9. Dominican Republic

The Caribbean's 'Next Big Thing'
Best for: Activities, value for money, events

In the first quarter of 2012 the Dominican Republic saw an 8.4% increase in tourism. With more airlines offering stops to the country’s eight international airports, as well as cruise ships adding the DR as a major port of call, more people are escaping to the land of sun, sand, and surf comparable to anywhere else in the Caribbean.

10. Madagascar

Noah's Ark rides out the storm
 
Best for: Activities, adventure, off the beaten track

After years of political instability and uncertainty, which has hampered tourism development, Madagascar might finally be the verge of recovery. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2013, which could herald a move towards greater democracy (although they have been repeatedly postponed). For visitors, the time to go is now, before the country reappears in travel agents’ windows. Be prepared to be overwhelmed: in both fauna and landscapes, the world’s fourth-biggest island is otherworldly. To those seeking a place out of the ordinary, Madagascar cannot fail to delight.

Best Places To Go This Christmas

    New York City

       
New York City makes it onto every best destinations list here on USA Travel, but it is especially gorgeous at Christmastime, making it a favorite destination for many holiday travelers.
In addition to having superb shopping - it's a great place to find unique gifts as well as find everything on your own wish list - New York City also boasts many holiday traditions. There is the giant tree at Rockefeller Center, the lighting of which is celebrated with a special ceremony and musical performances, and the holiday-themed windows at New York's famed department stores. Another attractions that brings scores of tourists to New York City during the holidays is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Broadway-style show put on by the famous, high-kicking Rockettes at the even more famous Radio City Music Hall.
Here is just a sampling of the many amazing activities and events going on during Christmas in New York City. If you can swing it, a trip to New York City at Christmas is well worth it at least once in your lifetime.

 Chicago

              
                        The Windy City certainly has the brisk weather conditions to deliver a White Christmas, or at least a very, very cold one. But tourists go to Chicago for Christmas for its big city activities, like viewing the millions of lights on the Magnificent Mile and enjoying Chicago's German heritage at the popular Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas market filled with holiday crafts, traditional wooden toys, and German food and drink. Like New York City, Chicago also has a giant Christmas tree, which is set up in Daley Plaza and inaugurated each year with much fanfare.

 Colorado

                             
 A ski holiday at Christmastime makes sense for a lot of travelers, as snowy slopes and cozy chalets evoke the sights of the holidays. One of the most popular places to go for skiing in the United States is Colorado, which is home to the chic resort towns of Aspen and Vail, among other skiing centers. Santa trackers will also know that Colorado is home to NORAD, the governmental agency that tracks Santa's gift giving course on Christmas Eve.

 Florida

         

 Florida is an obvious choice for the holidays. Most of the state enjoys mild temperatures, even in December, making it ideal for those who want their white Christmases to be made of sand and not snow. In addition to beach destinations, Christmas travelers to Florida also like to visit Disney World, which is decked out in true, over-the-top Disney style, or Miami, where the holidays have a more Latin flavor. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you can find boat parades and festive light displays in many cities throughout the state. Another great reason to visit Florida at Christmas is to visit Christmas, a little town near Orlando that has become a favorite place to get one's holiday mail postmarked.

 Puerto Rico

     















Why go to Puerto Rico at Christmastime? Besides the fact that you'll enjoy a break from the cold weather up north, Puerto Rico is a very special place to spend the holidays. As is typical of islands, Puerto Rico has its own set of Christmas traditions, ranging from decorations and storytelling to wonderful, wonderful food. While the Christmas season in Puerto Rico can begin as early as November, Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, is Puerto Rico's most anticipated holiday event.

 Alaska

        

You have to be really committed to the idea of a cold, white Christmas to want to head to Alaska for the holidays. But for some people, Alaska is the North Pole. In fact, since 1952, thousands of children who have written to Santa with their Christmas wishes have sent their letters to the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska (near Fairbanks). The Santa Claus House also writes letters back to kids, indeed a very exciting prospect for a child still moved by stories of Saint Nick. Wintertime is also prime time for catching the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, in Alaska. Indeed, if you can handle the chill and snow, Alaska provides a picture-perfect place for spending Christmas.

Where to Shop on Christmas;10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe have been running since the Middle Ages, and today they can draw upwards of two million visitors during December.
Their appeal is simple: stress-free shopping in a traditional, festive environment (expect carol singers, not taped Bing Crosby), with a few mugs of mulled wine to help you along your way. Having said that, don’t expect to get much other than stocking-fillers – the markets tend to focus on local arts and crafts and hand-made Christmas decorations.

1. Cologne Christmas Markets

Cologne has a total of four Christmas markets around the city, attracting upwards of two million visitors every December. The most spectacular and popular of these is the market ‘Am Dom’, set on the square in front of the towering twin spires of the cathedral, the most visited monument in Germany.
The backdrop is certainly impressive, and the 160 or so stalls that pack beneath the lofty Gothic structure make the most of their tourist-friendly position. Positioned around a vast Christmas tree, the stalls offer the usual range of Yuletide wares, including Christmas tree decorations, arts and crafts, hand-made candles and ceramics. Sweet stalls jostle for space with Glühwein traders, and street musicians and professional bands entertain the hordes.
A little to the south, on the cobbled square of the Alter Markt in the heart of the old town, is the city’s most enjoyable market, with an old fashioned, child-friendly appeal. There is a traditional merry-go-round, a puppet theatre, a Santa’s Grotto and lots of stalls stocking hand-made wooden toys, gingerbread, boiled sweets and cotton candy. Here the stands are half-timbered, giving the whole market a time-warped feel.

2. Vienna Christmas Market

The ‘Christkindlmarkt’ on the square in front of the magnificent Town Hall is Vienna's classic Christmas market. It is one of the best-known and most visited in Europe, attracting millions of visitors to its rows of wooden huts leading up to the Hall. It is certainly one of the oldest, dating back over seven hundred years, and starts early – from mid-November – which is handy for those wanting to avoid the pre-Christmas crowds.
The park surrounding the market is one of the highlights, its trees decorated with themed lights, shaped like hearts or gingerbread men. The market itself has a central row of stalls selling hand-crafted decorations and arty bits and pieces, as well as deliciously scented natural beeswax candles.
The Vokshalle, within the Town Hall, is home to a daily workshop for kids in Viennawhere parents can drop them off to make presents and bake Christmas cookies. An added attraction is that throughout December choirs from around the world perform in the Festival Hall at weekends.

3. Nuremberg Christmas Market

One of the best-known Christmas markets in Europe is the one held at Nuremberg, although it is neither the largest nor oldest. Nevertheless, the setting is beautiful, with almost two hundred stalls crammed into the cobbled square on the slope beneath the Frauenkirche.
The market dates back to 1628, and is known as a regional centre for trading handmade wood figurines. It has a rather odd tradition: every two years a new ‘Christ child’ is appointed, a young man or woman who opens the market and rushes around town spreading Christmas cheer, dressed in elaborate gold and white and sporting a large golden crown.
Eccentric traditions aside, the market is best known for its food, which includes several stalls selling steaming Glühwein and grilled Nürnberger Bratwurst, delicious thin and spicy sausages.
Another favourite is the local Lebkuchen, or gingerbread, sticky and sweet with honey. In the evening, the market is softly lit with hundreds of tiny lights, and bands arrive to entertain the punters – you’ll hear anything from brass bands to live jazz.

4. Dresden Christmas Market

The first mention of Dresden’s Christmas market was in 1434, making this the oldest in Germany. It is steeped in tradition and locals are understandably fond of their Striezelmarkt, named after the local ‘Striezel’ or Stollen, a sweet fruitcake baked in the shape of a loaf and dusted with icing sugar.
The highlight of the annual market is the Stollen Festival, held on the second Sunday in December. In the 16th century, the local Stollen bakers would present cakes to the local prince, carrying them ceremoniously through the town to the castle, where the prince would cut them with a five-foot knife and hand out pieces to the poor. Today, one giant 3,000 kg Stollen is paraded around Dresden as part of the festival, presided over by a glamorous ‘Stollenmädchen’ – a ‘Miss Cake’, if you like.
The market is pretty and old fashioned, with around 250 stalls selling strictly traditional wares. It has better shopping than elsewhere though, with regional craftsmen flocking to the area to peddle their wares. Some good buys include delicate, hand-blown glass baubles from the town of Lauscha; hand-thrown and -fired ceramics from Saxony painted in bright blue and white; and local ‘Blaudruck’ – white-and-blue printed cloth.

5. Brussels Christmas Market

In a city famous for its cuisine, it’s good to find that its Christmas market is a good choice for foodies. Here, the market takes over the Grand-Place, Brussels’ commercial hub, famous for the lavishly carved facades of its guildhouses. Strings of lights cascade down from the centre, over the little chalet-style wooden huts which cluster around the square, each representing a different European country (although most of what’s on offer is the usual array of Christmas decorations and arts and crafts).
There are some good food stalls, though – alongside mulled wine are stands dishing out plump French olives, mountains of Belgian chocolates, steaming plates of moules or steamed snails, jars of preserved fruits and ‘speculoos’, hard gingerbread shaped like Father Christmas.
The Fish Market is transformed into a temporary ice rink in December, making it a big attraction for locals. Carols are filtered through loudspeakers, and jugglers, street musicians and painters brave the cold to entertain the crowds. From December 23rd, many of the stalls switch hands, and the market becomes more of a gastronomic affair.

6. Munich Christmas Market

The focal point of Munich in December is famous Marienplatz, the heart of the old centre, flanked by the grand neo-gothic town hall and filled with hundreds of stalls in the run-up to Christmas. There are a number of smaller markets dotted around the city, but this is the largest and dates back to the 17th century.
The market is inaugurated on the Friday before the first Advent, when thousands gather in the square to watch the thirty metre-high Christmas tree light up for the first time. Over 140 stalls are set up in the square, selling hand-carved wooden Christmas decorations, glass baubles, jewellery, arts and crafts.
Behind the main market is the Crib Market, where traditional nativity figures from Bavaria and Austria are for sale. It couldn't be more different than the Oktoberfest if it tried. Every evening at 5.30pm, Alpine choirs and brass bands perform from the Town Hall balcony, while locals stream to the food stalls for an after-work plate of hot potato cakes and a mug of Glühwein. There is a child crèche in the town hall, and the ‘Heavenly Workshop’ is a free area for children to paint, make Christmas cookies and dress up as angels.

7. Prague Christmas Markets

The Czechs take Christmas seriously, and the capital hosts a number of cultural events, folk displays, concerts and theatre in December. It’s unpronounceable Vanocni trh (or Christmas markets) are fairly low-key and family friendly – there are several dotted around town, and the biggest is held on the busy Old Town Square.
The idyllic Baroque setting of the cobbled square seems perfectly suited to a quaint seasonal market, helped along by the generous layer of snow that visitors should expect at this time of year. A central petting zoo, complete with ponies, goats, sheep and a single folorn-looking lama, is the big attraction for kids.
The rows of colourfully decorated wooden huts stock some attractive hand-made stocking fillers, including the locally made wood-carved puppets, jewellery, toys and candles. You may also find some good deals on Bohemian crystal. A central stage hosts daily carol singers and bands playing seasonal tunes.

8. Tallinn Christmas Market

What Tallinn’s market lacks in history – it’s only been running since 1991 – it makes up for in atmosphere and romantic appeal. The Christmas market takes place on the ludicrously picturesque Raekoja plats, the Old Town Hall Square, a cobbled expanse dominated by the 15th-centry Town Hall, although all the surrounding buildings are chocolate-box charming.
Given its latitude, you’re almost guaranteed snow here, and while the small market isn’t worth visiting for alone, it adds significantly to the old-fashioned romance of a snow-dusted weekend here. A brightly lit Christmas tree stands above the groups of stalls which line the square, selling a range of Estonian arts and crafts, mulled wine and sausages.
You can pick up some good hand-made, natural, gifts here – such as carved wooden bowls or decorations made from wood and twine. The best buy, though, is the hand-knitted jumpers, socks and bobble-hats, knitted in natural grey, white and beige wool.
Father Christmas arrives in the evenings to pose for photos with children, although the low-key atmosphere probably makes it a better choice for couples. There are several candle-lit restaurants fringing the square, making good refuges if the cold gets too much.

9. Berlin Christmas Market

As befits a city as modern and edgy as Berlin, the city’s main Christmas market has an altogether more contemporary feel than those in the rest of Germany. There are actually several markets that take place around the city, but the most popular – and most visited, with around four million visitors last year – is the one that takes place around the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche.
The setting itself is interesting, with stalls clustered around the Gedächtniskirche (or Memorial Church) which was hit in a bomb attack in WWII, and left only partly restored as a poignant reminder to the war.
The market isn’t as large as one might expect, with around one hundred stalls, housed in traditional rustic, wooden huts that seem rather out of place in Berlin. There’s the usual array of traditional arts, crafts and Christmas decorations, but the fact that the city is home to some of Europe’s leading cutting-edge artists and designers doesn’t go unnoticed – you should find a good selection of more radical artworks and decorations, as well as an eclectic selection of antique and contemporary jewellery.
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10. Copenhagen Christmas Market

Europe’s oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens, hosts Copenhagen’s annual Christmas market. The setting is out of Hans Christian Andersen, with hundreds of Christmas trees and over half a million lights illuminating the stalls and park.
The main lake is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink, where visitors can hire skates. There are around 60 colourfully-painted stalls, selling locally produced arts, crafts and decorations, such as Copenhagen porcelain or wooden dolls.
There are plenty of food stalls – the main draw here is glögg, Danish mulled wine mixed with liquor and spices. Hot apple dumplings make for a warming mid-shopping snack. Other attractions include pony rides, a Father Christmas who does the rounds and poses for photos in the ‘leprechaun tent’ – filled, rather bizarrely, with actors dressed as red-clad leprechauns.

10 Places To See Before You Die (part1)

Humans have transformed Earth beyond recovery, but luckily not everything is lost yet. Beautiful mountains, blue water lakes, magnificent oceans with fabulous islands – our planet has many breathtaking places and awe-inspiring sceneries  just waiting for you to discover them.

However, life is short, and the funds are limited, so we have to narrow down the selection. Knowing that you are just another lazy panda, we’ve done it for you!

We’ve picked 41 most amazing places in the world, however it is said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”,  so you may as well have your very own personal list of places to see before you die.

1. Antelope Canyon, USA

Bamboos for: James Marvin Phelps , Rob Inh00d

Antelope Canyon is the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, photogenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Lower Antelope Canyon is Hazdistazí, or “spiral rock arches.”

Antelope Canyon was formed by erosion of Navajo Sandstone, primarily due to flash flooding and secondarily due to other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways are eroded away, making the corridors deeper and smoothing hard edges in such a way as to form characteristic ‘flowing’ shapes in the rock.^[1]

2. The Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Bamboos for: Jo@net , Goianobe , CX15
The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. ^[13] Classic beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life – it’s paradise perfected. ^[14]

3. Santorini, Greece

Bamboos for: MarcelGermain , Maggie & David

Santorini is perhaps the most fascinating and most talked about island of Greece in the Aegean. Only the name of the island is enough to unfold in mind pleasurable connotations, volcanic landscape, gray and red beaches, dazzling white houses, terraces with panoramic sea views , stunning sunsets, wild fun. All this, together with remnants of lost civilizations discovered in the volcanic ash justify the epithets with which visitors identify Santorini and fairly is called, magical, indescribable, astonishing. ^[3]

4. Maldive Islands

Bamboos for: iujaz , aquabumps

The Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. The country is made up of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers. These atolls structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, making way for their secluded uniqueness.

Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit. ^[4]

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

Bamboos for: Tati@ , szeke , magnusvk

Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. ^[5]

The Incas started building the “estate” around AD 1400, but abandoned it as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. ^[6]

6. The Great Wall of China

Bamboos for: Francisco Diez , topgold

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. ^[7]

7. Iceland

Bamboos for: shchukin , Stuck in Customs

Fire and Ice offers a stunning portrait of this island of extremes, where some of Europe’s biggest glaciers cozy up to some of the continent’s hottest volcanic springs. ^[8] Every season has its own unique charm and there are always opportunities to experience new things, discover beauty and be mesmerized by the freshness and colours of nature. ^[9]

8. Bora Bora Island

Bamboos for: kenyai , jsmoral , Pierre Lesage

Bora Bora emerged from the waters 3 millions years ago. Like all the other Polynesian islands, this volcanic island slowly sinking in the ocean. It currently presents particular geological characteristics ranging in between a high island and an atoll status. Island has unforgettable turquoise lagoon – where a multi-color aquatic fauna (sting & manta rays, sharks, tropical fishes) can be observed by outrigger canoe, boat or diving explorations. The coral reef includes a string of islets and gorgeous white sand beaches surrounding the main island. ^[10]

9. The Wave, Arizona, USA

Bamboos for: Alaskan Dude , DIVA007

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in the United States of America near the Arizona and Utah border on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. Nearly 200 million years ago, this region was a sandy desert where huge dunes migrated across the landscape pushed by seasonal winds. Prevailing winds of that ancient Jurassic time can be determined by examining the cross-bedding (layers) in the sandstone. What we see today are some of the original crossbedded dunes shaped into dramatic landforms and exposed by erosion from eons of runoff. The spectacular ribbons of various colors called Liesegang Bands, were formed by movement and precipitation of oxidizing materials such as iron and manganese by ground water[1]. Thin veins or fins of calcite cut across the sandstone, adding another dimension to the landscape. ^[11]

10. Petra, Jordan

Bamboos for: ralwic , rwoan

Petra, the world wonder, is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. ^[12]