Tag Archives: Austria

Summer Travel, International Travel, Road Trip

6 Most Impressive Roadways in Europe

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Driving, windows down, music playing, nothing but the open road ahead; what else will you feel besides freedom? Traveling by car can be a wonderful and insightful experience.

Whether is it high rises or a natural vista, this method of transportation allows you to savor the scenery. People from all over the world take to the roads in search of a unique and liberating experience.

Read Next: 250 Greatest Travel Quotes to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Impressive Roadways in Europe

Today, we will discuss the 6 most impressive roadways in entire Europe. Each one of them makes for an epic road trip!

GROSSGLOCKNER, AUSTRIA

This roadway begins in Oberes Nassfeld and ends in Kaiser Franz Josefs Hohe. There is nothing you will miss while on this road trip. You will go from dark tunnels to sunny meadows. Plus, the winding road will take you through the mighty mountainside. Finally, you will reach the winter landscape.

The Grossglockner, the namesake of this route, is the highest peak in the Austrian Alps. The name befits the roadway since this trip will have you weaving in and out of the looming mountains. Furthermore, there are lovely stops along the way.

You can visit the Nature’s museum. This museum specializes in all substances of modern ecology. Lastly, the breathtaking view of Pasterze Glacier at the end of your trip will be magnificent.

Related: Roadtrips Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

ATLANTERHAVSVEIEN, NORWAY

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This road route connects two municipalities, Eide and Averoy. The roadway is eight kilometers long and passes through an archipelago including several small islands. The road has eight bridges that connect the islands.

The primary feature that attracts ‘roadies’ is the highest bridge, Storseisundet. When the wind is wild, you will love driving across this bridge. The turns in the bridge are breathtaking and exhilarating.

Furthermore, the stunning view of the mountains emerging from the sea will leave you in awe. In addition, the Atlantic road is toll-free!

LA ROUTE DES GRANDES ALPS, FRANCE

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This was one of the earliest roads built by road enthusiasts. Just as the car was starting to rise in prominence, this road was being built. The Touring Club at the time decided to make a route that would connect all the Alpine passes.

Consequently, you will find sixteen passes while you drive along this road. Along the way, you can stop and visit Ecrins, Queyras, Mercantour, and Vanoise national parks. The scenic beauty of Geneva Lake is worth the detour.

Also, you can satisfy your hunger with delicious food found while on the road.

TRANSFAGARASAN, ROMANIA

Dracula’s country attracts all kinds of tourists. The mystery and myths surrounding Romania make it an ideal location for a road trip. Discovering the legends of Romania will be an exotic journey.

The trip will lead you to Poienari Fortress. The intimidating fortress is the inspiration behind many myths. Specifically, many Vampire legends originated in this area.

Furthermore, the Transfagarasan tears its way through the Fagaras Mountains, which are the highest mountain in the country and the Carpathian Mountain Range. The Carpathian scenery has a raw beauty. Plus, adventure lovers can ride mountain bikes throughout the range.

RING OF KERRY, IRELAND

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This 200-kilometer long route has all you could ever want. It will take you on a ride along the Iveragh Peninsula. Consequently, you will see the deep valleys and high mountains along the coastline.

The slopes give in to sharp cliffs that look over the coastlines, which. Plus, you can stop at the white sand beaches along the way to relax.

Sneem is a small village near the roadway. Cute renovated thatch-roofed houses characterize this charming village. Plus, this village would be a great place to stop and rest on your journey. In addition, there are many other attractive spots along the roadway.

For example, Blue Pool Nature Reserve, Rossbeigh Beach, and Torc Waterfall are natural beauties you cannot miss. Lastly, Ross Castle and the Stone Circles are architectural wonders to behold.

ROMANTIC ROAD, GERMANY

The Romantic Road is named so because it is an embodiment of romance. The roadway was built around 1950, since then it has inspired many young couples in love. If you are traveling with your partner, this trip is perfect for you.

The trip will take you through medieval villages and across magnificent fairy-tail castles. Plus, the road will lead you to Schwerin Castle, which resides on an island.

The Romantic Road will surely bring out the romantic in you. Rustic landscape and baroque castles make for an incredible journey.

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Spring Travel, Photo Story, Cultures & Customs

15 Photos Showing How the World Celebrated Easter

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Easter is recognized on the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. Since 325 AD, Christians have celebrated Easter on a collective day. Some indulge in the easter eggs hunting and some just want to feel the experience the warm sun rays falling through the Holy Sepulchre.

Here are 15 unique and interesting easter tradition photos from around the world that capture the essence and spirit of Easter celebration.

This Photo dates back to 1930 taken in  Megara, Greece. The women are performing a traditional Easter Dance.

Here is a photo which was taken by Alessio Romenzi when the nuns were blowing out their candles after the Holy Fire ceremony, Jerusalem.

In Stinatz, Austria women dressed up in traditional dresses, while they shared Eggs with “Happy Easter”  written on them.

The procession along the Via Dolorosa is carried out in Jerusalem City, Israel, during the Good Friday.

This mascot is the Easter bunny who the curious children found when on an egg hunt in Connecticut, USA.

This is how the window looks from the roof of the church of the Holy Sepulchre. And all that haze is due to the smoke from the Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem.

An altar created in Oaxaca, Mexico for Easter. And a woman who unknowingly became the subject of this photo.

During the Holy Week,  Procession of Verges takes place in Verges, Spain. The actors re-enact the life story of Christ. This photo is from the final act – The Dance of Death.

This delish scene is outside St Michael’s Church in Vorkuta, Russia. Eggs, candles, and cakes! I bet the parish is feeling the giving spirit of Easter.

The photo was taken by David Alan Harvey in 1978 during Holy week procession in Valladolid, Spain.

The Holy Fire is indeed blazing during the Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem. Alessio Romenzi accentuates the passion of the festival.

A March in Chartres, France in 1969 when the students walked to the cathedral bearing crosses.

The light coming from the window of Holy Sepulchre (in Jerusalem) is considered Holy by many Christians. Some women reverently basking in the sun rays coming through the window.

These beautifully painted Easter Eggs are all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska. Ready to hide the eggs and play the fun game?

A procession held from Mount Olives to the Temple of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, where pilgrims carry crosses to commemorate the journey of Christ to his Crucifixion.

All photo credits go to the gallery of National Geographic Travel.

Interested in pilgrimages? Check our Post 5 Pilgrimages That Could Change Your Life

You may like: Visiting the Birth Place of Buddha in Nepal

 

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Cultures & Customs, Food & Cuisines, Festivals & Events

20 Christmas Food Traditions Around the World

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Besides New Years, Christmas is the most celebrated international holiday. According to Pew Research Center, there are about 2.2 billion Christians in the world, making up nearly one-third of the world population.

This means that about one-third of the entire world celebrates Christmas in some capacity. Just think about all that holiday cheer! 

Christmas is traditionally the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th and customarily includes exchanging presents, hanging lights, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, and eating meals with family and friends.

These are some of the core practices of celebrating Christmas but many cultures add their own unique twist when it comes to observing this meaningful holiday.

Christmas Food Traditions

Some of the most interesting differences in how various cultures and regions celebrate Christmas is through their food and drink traditions. You are probably familiar with turkey in the U.S. and maybe you’ve heard of tamales in Latin America but what about rum punch in Jamaica, Kentucky Fried Chicken in Japan, or prawns in Australia!

Whatever it is, you can bet each region has its own holiday delicacy. In order to reveal some of the most interesting holiday meal traditions, Kitchen Cabinet Kings put together a list of top 20 Holiday delicacies from around the world.

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If that list got you wondering about other cool and unusual Christmas traditions check out the Philippines’ Giant Lantern Festival or the Parrandas Festival in Remedios, Cuba. If you are looking for more bizarre traditions, look up Catalonia’s defecating figure in their nativity scenes and Austria’s Krampus who goes around beating naughty kids.

Another country’s unique traditions to explore is Africa. In Ghana, people dress up in elaborate costumes and parade around on Christmas day. In Kenya and Uganda, people celebrate in much less commercial ways than many other countries.

Usually, the only gift given is a new outfit for church. On Christmas day in South Africa, many indulge on deep-fried caterpillars of the Emperor Moth.

Read more: 8 Destinations that will make you spend Christmas away from home

Traditions may differ around the world but nothing brings people together like food and the holidays, no matter where you’re from or your cultural background. Wherever you call home, there is probably a unique traditional dish, dessert, or drink you look forward to having every Christmas.

Did your favorite dish make the list? Or maybe you saw something you just have to try (personally, France’s Buche de Noel instantly made my mouth water.)

If you decide you want to travel for the holidays next year, use this list and try some of the unique Christmas dishes from the region you find yourself in.

Read more: 10 Most Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World

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Trip Ideas, Travel Inspiration, International Travel

Top 10 Countries Not Enough Americans Visit

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There are hidden treasures all around the world waiting to be discovered. We have compiled a list of ten destinations that are often overlooked by American travelers. These places are worth more than they are given credit for. Don’t believe us? Then travel there and see for yourself. 

MYANMAR


Myanmar is still an underrated destination in the eyes of American Travelers. Most travelers opt out of a vacation to Myanmar because of the difficulty in air travel. There are no direct flights to Myanmar from America. You have to take a flight to Hong Kong or Bangkok, and from there another flight to Yangon.

Aside from the long flights, Myanmar is an exotic Asian country where you can enjoy ancient architecture and magical sunsets. The sunset along the Irrawaddy River is a breathtaking sight to witness – and is the focal attraction for tourists in addition to the Temples in Old Bagan.

BELIZE


Belize is not as popular as its neighbor, Mexico, but it has all the same assets. The primary tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun are hotspots that drag the attention away from nearby destinations. The tiny island of Caye Caulker is on par with these well-known cities.

There are enormous mountains here in addition to Belize’s Barrier Reef. On a journey to Belize, those who want to dive can dive, those who want to hike can hike, and those who want to grab a beer can grab an iced cold one.

NORTHERN IRELAND


In the 1990s, the dispute between the IRA (Irish Republic Army) and Loyalists created international disinterest in the country. But now, it is safe for tourists to travel to Northen Ireland again.

Northern Ireland is loaded with history and spectacular countryside sceneries. The best city around is Belfast, which is modern yet it retains the classic Irish rolling hills. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive staircase created from an earthquake that reaches from cliff to sea.

AUSTRIA


Switzerland takes away all the tourist glory from Austria. That is why most of Austria remains overlooked by American tourists. You know what makes this country special? The Grand Art Nouveau buildings as well as the ornate palaces, which are evidence of the Habsburg Empire.

Wine lovers will think Austria is heaven since it has some of the richest wine cultures in the world. Not just that, but the stunning architecture that inspired Genius musicians such as Mozart and Haydn, attracts art lovers as well as music lovers to this beautiful country.

ECUADOR


Adventure enthusiasts should buckle up for the trip of their lifetime in Ecuador. The neighboring countries, Peru and the Galapagos Islands, lure all the tourists away.

Traveling in Ecuador is cheap. Plus, the Amazon basin offers you adventurous trails, tumultuous waves, and rough roads. Ecuador is inexpensive and a treasure trove of adventure.

TUNISIA


Tunisia has had a bad reputation since its association with Yemen, Libya, Syria, and Jordan. But now it is safe for tourists to travel to this Mediterranean paradise. The balmy beaches coupled with Ottoman Culture makes Tunisia a unique destination.

The historical Old Town of Medina has a rich cultural history. Taste the delicious French-influenced food with the Ottoman touch or hang out in one of the many buzzing cafés.

MALAYSIA


Americans shun Malaysia and opt for Thailand because they think the culture here is mostly Muslim. People mistakingly believe that this means they cannot drink or they must always be covered. In reality, Malaysia is nothing like that. Malaysia is an open-minded country with a lot of exciting things to offer.

The tropical beaches on the South China Sea are lovely places to sunbathe. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Gunung Mulu National Park, is the primary tourist hotspot.

CUBA


Tourism to Cuba opened for Americans in 2015. If you already watched Fate of the Fast and Furious, then you know that Cuba abounds in historic cars.

Those who love cars and racing can’t find any better place than this. You can hang out in any café, nearly all of which have live music. Or why not take a tour of a cigar factory?

CAMBODIA


According to the Lonely Planet, Cambodia has the most coveted destination – Angkor Wat. Yet, fewer tourists are visiting Cambodia than Vietnam or Thailand.  

It is inexpensive to travel to Cambodia, especially for Americans. Aside from the budget travel appeal, there are also many Buddhist and Hindu ruins other than Angkor Wat which are worth a visit. 

PHILLIPPINES


Any water lover will jump at the first opportunity to visit the Phillippines. American travelers will have to spend one day in the air to get here. The long journey discourages many of the tourists.

But once you are here, the accommodation and food costs are minimal. You can land a four-star hotel room at just $50/night, isn’t that surprising? So, pack your bags and head to the Phillippines. You can do anything involving water here, from snorkeling to cruising.

 

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Winter Travel, Trip Ideas, Cultures & Customs, Festivals & Events, Top 10 List

10 Most Exciting New Year Traditions around the World

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Unlike other holidays, New Years is celebrated almost everywhere in the world; regardless of the nation’s religious beliefs or even their calendar. However, New Year traditions and celebrations differ from country to country.

New Year Traditions

Here are some of the unique New Year traditions from around the world.

Austria

Austria has one of the most glamorous ways of celebrating New Year.

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The operetta “Die Fledermaus” by Johan Straus is performed every New Year’s Day in Vienna. Plus, on New Year’s Eve, the capital of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire holds a traditional Imperial Ball. 

A New Years dinner in Austria traditionally contains edible pigs and peppermint ice cream. A suckling pig on the table symbolizes good luck.

Related: Top 9 Destinations to Spend New Year in the USA

Denmark

CopenhagenNYE BY Stig Nygaard CC BY 2.0

In Denmark, people save old dishes for the entire year. On New Year’s Eve, they throw them at friends’ doors. This symbolizes friendship and brotherhood. People believe that the larger pile of dishes one has in front of the door, the more friends he has.

Some Danish also leap over chairs at midnight.

China

The Chinese have their own calendar, consequently, they celebrate the New Year in February. These celebrations are always bright and loud. Firecrackers and noisemakers chase evil spirits away.

Fabulous dragons and lions dance in the streets. Plus, people give each other tangerines for good luck.

However, odd numbers are considered unlucky, so these tangerines are given in pairs. Also, the third day of the New Year is the day when mice marry off their daughters, so people try to go to bed early in order not to disturb them.

Red in China traditionally symbolizes happiness and good fortune. On New Year’s Day, people wear red and give children red envelopes with lucky money. Some people even paint their front doors red, before the celebration.

Spain

In Spain, people believe that eating 12 grapes at every toll of the clock will bring them good luck and happiness for the upcoming 12 months.

Japan

In Japan, the New Year is called Oshogatsu and is celebrated amongst family. The whole week before New Year’s Eve people clean their houses, settle debts, try to resolve all disagreements and forgive all offenses. After that, they are ready to welcome the New Year. Also, before midnight, the Japanese ring 108 bells. These rings symbolize the elimination of 108 troubles. And the day after New Year’s Eve is the First Writing Day when people write their dreams, hopes, and plans for the new year.

There are three traditional symbols for the Japanese New Year. A pine branch, or kadomatsu, represents longevity. A stalk of bamboo symbolizes prosperity. Lastly, a plum blossom denotes nobility.

Sri Lanka

Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka BY Amila Tennakoon CC BY 2.0

The New Year in Sri Lanka is called Aluth Avurudhu and it is celebrated in mid-April. Traditional rituals include a proper house cleaning, the lighting of the hearth, taking an herbal bath, preparing traditional dishes and strengthening family relations.

India

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In India, people celebrate New Year in mid-April too. However, these traditions vary greatly amongst the different regions. For example, in Odisha, the festival is held on April 13th or 14th, and involves worshiping the deities and offering them fruit-based drinks, called “pana”. In Kerala, people also worship the deities during New Year and make offerings, which have the name of Vishukanni.

In Tamil Nadu, locals light lamps to eradicate the darkness and they use auspicious tools, which symbolize prosperity. Furthermore, the people of the Bengal region believe that the way you spend the first day of the year marks the way you will spend the rest of it.

Germany

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In Germany, lead is believed to predict the future.

On the New Year, people pour molten lead into the cold water and observe what shape it takes. The shape of a heart predicts marriage in the near future. A round shape signifies good luck. An anchor shapes mean that you may need help soon. Whereas, a cross symbolizes someone’s sad demise.

Puerto Rico

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In Puerto Rico, people clean their houses properly before New Year. They also throw buckets of water out of their windows. They believe that this ritual will clean the odds of the last year and get the spirits out of their homes.

Philippines

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In the Philippines, people believe that all round things are lucky, attracting fortune and money. So, during the New Year, they consume grapes, wear polka dotted dresses and keep coins in their pockets. The Filipinos also throw coins during the New Years celebration to increase wealth and prosperity.

That’s the end of our top 10 list. So which New Year traditions attracted or intrigued you the most? Comment below.

 

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Winter Travel, Cultures & Customs, Family Travel, International Travel, Top 10 List

10 Destination Ideas for a Christmas Vacation in Europe

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Europe is a popular travel destination and has a lot to offer.

However, if you are already fed up with the crowds in big European tourist centers, such as Paris, Berlin, Rome, Venice or Amsterdam, try going there in winter for a change, during the low season. Or just choose less popular, but still magnificent cities of

Or just choose less popular, but still magnificent cities of Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. In fact, Christmas is a great time to try something new, don’t you think? Here are ten less famous European destinations, which become just magical during the Christmas time.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you are not afraid of Prague’s chilly winters, you have a great chance to enjoy its famous Christmas markets, concerts, castles and underground restaurants. Even the most jaded travelers won’t be able to resist the charms of the city.

Prague is famous for its magnificent gothic architecture and unique folkloric traditions. You’ll also be glad to know that the prices in the capital of Czech Republic are very reasonable. So if you are a traveler on a budget, you shouldn’t be afraid to spend too much in this medieval city.

Innsbruck, Austria

While Innsbruck is undeservedly avoided by travelers during the summer season, in winter, this town on the Inn River becomes crowded with skiers and other winter sports lovers. Innsbruck is crowned with the Austrian Alps, offers numerous ski resorts, winter attractions and all-inclusive packages for the best Christmas vacation in the Old World.

Vienna, Austria

In Vienna, you’ll have a delightful old-fashioned Christmas, with the smell of mulled wine and hot chocolate. There will be magnificent holiday decorations on imperial architecture, ice skating rinks, and outdoor Christmas markets.

Don’t miss the Vienna Boy’s Choir performance. Or visit one the world’s most famous Viennese Christmas Balls. The capital of Austria really gives you an opportunity to make yourself feel like a 19th-century aristocrat, waltzing to the famous works of Johan Straus in a real imperial ballroom.

Budapest, Hungary

Couples skating hand-in-hand, families having fun, clouds of breath in the frosty air, you won’t find a more picture-perfect Christmas holiday anywhere other thanBudapest. The capital of Hungary boasts an enormous outdoor skating rink in the picturesque park Városligeti Műjégpálya.

And if you get cold, the numerous thermal baths of Budapest are at your service!

The city is also number one in the best affordable destinations in Europe list. This is another compelling reason to visit this beautiful city.

 

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Valkenburg, Netherlands

Christmas Shop in Amsterdam near the Flower Market By Tobias Niepel CC BY 2.0

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

However, if you are looking for new impressions and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, Valkenburg is a place for you.

The city is home to the oldest and the largest subterranean Christmas market in Europe. It is located in a labyrinth of underground caves. Underneath the town, you will find sculptures, an 18th-century chapel, mural drawings of Roman times and even Santa himself. The market works from mid-November until just before Christmas. During these weeks, the whole town transforms into a glittering winter wonderland.

Riga, Latvia

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The popular Riga Christmas market in the Town Hall Square offers not just souvenirs, Christmas gifts, and locally crafted items, but also numerous interesting events for both children and adults.

In the heart of Latvia’s capital, you will find a carousel of wooden figures, riding ponies, and horse-drawn carriages. Children will also enjoy the animal corner, with live sheep and rabbits, and the cat house with habitats of local animal shelter. Of course, you shouldn’t miss an organ concert in the famous Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms), as it is a truly fabulous performance!

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia is known for its Christmas spirit and the medieval Old Town, whuch is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The world’s first Christmas tree was set up in Tallinn in 1441. Nowadays, on Town Hall Square, you will find not only the famous tree but also numerous little huts selling their goods, handcrafters at work, snow sculptures, national foods and drinks and a mini-zoo.

Copenhagen, Denmark

For a fairytale European Christmas, you can’t choose a destination more magical than the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen.

Of course, you can visit the famous and always crowded monument of the Little Mermaid.

But forget about it for the rest of Christmas vacation and just enjoy your time in the capital of Denmark. Enjoy the fairy streets and houses of old Copenhagen. Enjoy the warm, cozy cafes with big windows and flurrying snow outside. 

And in the heart of the city, there is a Tivoli amusement park, which transforms into a really magical place around Christmas, with illuminations warming the heart and hot mulled wine warming the body.

Lapland, Finland

What is a Christmas without Santa? And where to look for Santa, if not at his house? You will probably be surprised to find that there is a place in the world where Santa Claus lives.

It is a small town of Rovaniemi in Finland, the official hometown of Santa. It is a wonderful place, and not only for children. For the new experience, you can choose to sleep in an igloo hotel or try fly fishing. If your budget is not limited, you can even go on a husky safari. A 2-hour ride will cost you around 150 euro, but it is definitely worth it. At the same time, your children can make cookies with Mrs. Claus or enroll in Elf School. Rovaniemi is a perfect destination for family Christmas vacation!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Although Reykjavik may be too cold and dark in winter, it is still worth visiting during Christmas time. The capital of Iceland offers its winter visitors not just the Yule Town Christmas market, filled with holiday decorations, treats, and gifts, but also unique holiday traditions, such as the 13 Yuletide Lads. And, of course, it’s your chance to see the northern lights, a marvelous natural phenomenon which you will not soon forget.

 

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