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10 Winter Travel Destinations To Visit This Winter

“Winter is coming” – No, winter has already arrived and we bring you some unique winter travel destinations. These 10 amazing destinations beat winter blues like no other.

Come out of your comfy shell and explore the wonders of this world.

ABISKO, SWEDEN

Just near the Arctic Circle lies a quaint village in Sweden. Trains run to Abisko Village, so it is not a problem to travel here. But winters get brutal here and thus challenging the hikers who decide on conquering peaks of Abisko National Park (like Nuolija).

The heavy snow provides a great opportunity for winter sports like Cross-country skiing, Freeriding, and Back- Country Skiing. Winter is not only about snow but also about darkness, and the long dark nights offer bright starry skies and Aurora Borealis.

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

The Largest Lake in North America attracts visitors from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and pretty much all over America during the winter months. This world-famous, stunning lake acts as a winter sports capital for tourists.

Tahoe straddles both Nevada and California, which names its largest resort Heavenly Mountain Resort as the largest in both Nevada and California.

Other areas for winter sports include Squaw Valley, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Northstar. Skiing is not the only thing to do here, Tahoe has a fair number of casinos. Gamble and spoil yourself at Crystal Bay Club or the Calvena.

ATHENS, GREECE

When the wind blows through the columns of Acropolis and the wintry light shines upon the marbles – there is magic in that moment.

There are many places where the winter is beautiful. But Greece has Mediterranean climate and winter brings not the freezing winds but pleasant weather. The days are short, which gives you time to roam the streets in the evening.

Usually, the winter season is low on tourists (which is a good thing if you prefer avoiding the crowd). You can enjoy the monuments and landmarks in a relaxed way, and hotel prices are half of what they are in peak season.

Go outdoors during the day, visit Acropolis, various museums, and boutiques and have a leisurely coffee at cafés in the evening.

Did you know? There are 6000 exotic islands to choose from in Greece and a myriad of ancient ruins to explore and ponder on the meaning of life. Have it all at your disposal during winter.

TULUM, MEXICO

Once upon a time, 1000 residents inhabited the Mayan Port in Caribbean Coast of Mexico. Tulum attracts tourists from around the world to witness the Tulum Ruins. If you reach here via the road of Playa del Carmen, then it feels like you are at a bus stop.

 

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But later when you discover the pristine Coba ruins, secluded Caribbean beaches, and a biosphere reserve, your mind takes a U-turn. It is not a truck stop- uhh no! It is an ancient Caribbean wonder!

Winter brings out the best in it- cheap hotels, inexpensive street food, and lazy sugar sandy beaches.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

November to February are the winter months in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. The dark and gloomy time brings less daylight. From 8 am to 4 pm, you have the time to explore all the fun. Then it is time to hygge!

Do not worry, in these few hours there are tons of things to do. Do Ice Skating at Frederiksberg, take a dip in Vinterbad Bryggen, shop at a discount in Christmas Markets (discounts last until January end), and taste the warming glogg snaps (season special).

ASPEN, COLORADO

Perched on the slopes of Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Aspen turns into skiing heaven during winters. The snow-laden valleys become great areas for winter sports.

For skiing, there are four major areas: Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountains. Other than skiing, try your hands at Sleigh rides and sledding. Snowmobiling is also a fantastic way to enjoy winter glory.

JASNA, SLOVAKIA

Jasna is a tiny village in the interior of Slovakia (and maybe, just maybe it is a prospective host of 2022 winter Olympics). If so, why not try what the upcoming winter Olympics host looks like?

Jasna boasts of many of the best skiing resorts. Low Tatras is the greatest among them all. It has four cable cars and eight chairlifts, and a 6 km long home run. Besides that, the new terrain park supports night skiing as well. You can head to Jasna without a second thought!

Ski-lovers, if you are wondering how to how to choose the best ski poles, check out: 10 Best Ski Poles.

WHISTLER, CANADA

Winter gifts the mountains in British Columbia with chunks of snow, which become useful for snow-sports. Those who did not know that Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in America, now perk your ears.

The Whistler Blackcomb has a snowcross track, four terrain parks, and a superpipe. No matter what kind of snow fun you desire, Whistler caters to it all.

This quaint village also has a lot to offer for non-skiers – like just soak up the serene frozen landscape. Well, another reason to love Canada.

TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

The mighty fortresses surrounded by blooming orchids amidst the misty mountains give Transylvania a fairy-tale charm. It’s located in central Romania. It is here that the Dracula story was set.

Step into the wintry magic of the Carpathian Mountains, by riding carriages and spotting bears.

Visit the famous medieval castles like Bran Castle (but meeting a vampire is hardly a chance). Skiing in the Carpathian Mountains is an experience like no other. Save it for the best day!

COSTA RICA

Unlike the Icy Paradises, Costa Rica is a welcome change in winter. The months from December to April sees a throng of tourists, flocking to have a warm winter vacation. Personally speaking, December is my favorite month of Costa Rica vacation!

Beach-seekers who enjoy the sultry sunshine and vibrant wildlife will love it during the wintertime. During the winter season, many lively fiestas include wild dancing, live concerts, and bullfights take place. Plan ahead and go have a blast!

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10 Unusual Spots To Add To Your Travel Bucket List

Cheers to the wanderers, gypsies, explorers, travelers, and the free-spirited. You will see many new and unexpected additions to the travel list in here. So, refresh your bucket list with these amazing travel destinations.

THRILL WALK, SWITZERLAND

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Buckle up for the incomparable thrill in Switzerland. It is not new that Switzerland does everything in its power to attract tourists. But on June 9th, 2016, Schilthornbahn AG opened the new “Thrill Walk” cliff path at the Birg mid-station.

The walk consists of railings, glass and air segments which even scare off the bravest hearts. At the height of 3000 meters, a 200-meter long walk is a sheer madness! But braving the odds is what explorers are best known for. The effort and courage pay off when you reach the observation and see the panoramic view.

FOOD INK, LONDON

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After taking London by storm, Food Ink is now ready to take over the world. This pop-up restaurant uses 3-D printing technique to cook a three-course meal. If you want a quirky dining experience, then be ready.

Food Ink embarks on a world tour this year. Although a three-course meal costs $250 per head, the experience of tasting tech-food is epic. Jazz up your bucket list and at least head for having a look at how the 3-D chef works at Food Ink.

PIKE PLACE MARKET, SEATTLE

Pike Place Market is not just a 40-year-old market in Seattle. It is the largest food market in America. A hefty amount of money was invested in improving the Marketplace. An extra of $34 million ensures the building of more stalls.

And an extra 30000 square miles will let shoppers wander easily rather than clumsily in the marketplace. It is the best place in America for food enthusiasts as well as those who want to buy something local from the artisan shops.

BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER, PERU

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The scenic hike to Machu Picchu is now a different thing altogether and is a top addition to your bucket list. Peruvian rail launched the Andean Explorer which takes ten and a half hour to trail through the quintessentially beautiful landscape of Andes.

There is an open-air car that allows you to take pictures of the stunning landscape, and not just that the services of the train are beyond luxury. Drink in the natural splendor while experiencing the symphony of Peruvian music.

ROTTNEST ISLAND, AUSTRAL

 

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Rottnest Island is all set to open the Pinky’s Eco-Retreat and Beach Resort. This resort emphasizes sustainable tourism. Hence there are eco-star tents. There are options according to price for all kind of travelers, starting from $75. It has a café, restaurant, bar and a deck to give you a fantastic view of Perth.

Not just the facilities but the 63 stunning beaches play a major role in tempting visitors. Come, and be part of our generation’s move towards a new travel trend: Sustainable tourism, at one of the best islands in Western Australia.

TALAMANCA, COSTA RICA

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Talamanca in the Southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica is home to an indigenous tribe of Bribri. The individual tour guides of this region planned to open a tour agency. A tourist can choose an itinerary focusing on rivers, farms, forest, indigenous reserves, wildlife or a combination of all these.

The costs of the tour are cheap, approximately $40 per person, and it started from April 2017. Live like the Bribri ancestors amidst the pristine natural landscape. This ought to be on your updated travel bucket list.

ALL BLACKS EXPERIENCE, NEW ZEALAND

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With the increase in tourist numbers, New Zealand needs more all-season attractions to lure tourists. All Blacks is a step towards it. This attraction will stand in Wynyard quarter. Everybody knows about the passion of Rugby in New Zealand. All Black’s Experience is to immortalize the great players and the passion. The event is held in Auckland.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM, PHILADELPHIA

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While refreshing your bucket list this year, keep in mind that the world is now obsessed with the current American Politics. If you want to enhance your knowledge of America’s political history, then the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadephia is your place.

The museum opened on April 19, 2017. It exhibits everything that shaped the history of American Politics. The three-story building just two blocks away from Liberty Bell displays the historical tent of George Washington (second floor). It is the same tent he used during the War of Independence. There is also a Museum shop and café on the sidewalk to engage the estimated 500,000 tourists/annually.

LAVA CENTRE, ICELAND

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Want to unveil the mysteries of nature? Lava Center is an Earthquake and Volcano center in Hvolsvollur, Southern Iceland. Those who want to explore the fiery heart of Iceland can take a tour here.

From molten lava oozing out of Volcanoes to record-breaking earthquakes, everything is within an arm’s reach. And the best thing about it is the proximity to Iceland’s other tourist attractions. What are you waiting for? We all agree that Iceland is a destination to be explored.

AMERICAN WRITER’S MUSEUM, CHICAGO

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All those who have a writer’s streak, here is what your heaven looks like. The American Writers Museum founded in 2010 in Chicago, Illinois displays many exhibits related to writers. It represents everything that is American Literature and writing.

It opened in April 2017 this museum boasts exhibits like Writer’s Hall, Word Water Fall, The mind of a writer, Children’s Gallery, Writing across America.

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Top 5 Costa Rica Hidden Gems and Secret Spots

Costa Rica is a famous tourist destination many people desire to visit. The small country has been thoroughly explored, and yet there are still places off the beaten path that only the most determined adventurers get the pleasure to enjoy.

Everyone wishes they had a local to show them all the hidden gems that elude visitors. Sure you can go to a tourist location and fight the crowds, but wouldn’t it be nice to know all the secret spots before you go?

Chances are if you book a hotel or vacation home you will be on your own. That is if you do not want to pay big bucks for a private guide. So, here are our top 5 secret Costa Rica stops. These recommendations come from a Costa Rican insider, and they are sure to get you off the well-traveled paths. 

PLAYA PALO SECO

Hidden deep in the heavy lush vegetation, Playa Palo Seco is off the main road yet close to Manuel Antonio. This uncrowded, almost solitary, enchanting piece of paradise stretches over 5 miles. Walking along the beach, you will be surrounded by a thick line of Palm trees on one side and the immense Pacific Ocean on the other. 

A visit to Playa Palo Seco gives you a chance to deeply connect with nature and enjoy the sweet sounds of Mother Earth. 

Take long walks along the shore, relax in a hammock or ride some great waves; whichever activity you choose, you will be totally in peace with only the company of just a few locals.

The Public Elementary School runs a Turtle Sanctuary which cooperates to protect and release thousands of Baby Sea Turtles. The best time to see these little creatures running from the sand to the Ocean will be from August through November.

The sunsets are an absolute show of nature, with unique colors reflecting in the soft, clean, dark sand.

PLAYA ZANCUDO

This remote corner of heaven is one of the few areas in Costa Rica that remains undiscovered and undeveloped by foreigners. Playa Zancudo is located near the old banana port of Golfito in the South Pacific. Venturing along the coast of Playa Zancudo will truly take your breath away.  A trip here offers you a unique experience in the wild.

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The black sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see. The combination of fascinating savage life and sea life will give you the sensation of being the only human being on Earth. During a big south swell, the surfing is fun with long lefts and only a few locals riding them.

The Coto River is truly an eye-opening jungle scenery. The river mouth creates a tropical dreamland, inhabited by different creatures such as huge crocodiles, curious monkeys and colorful species of birds just to mention a few.

The sleepy and picturesque village of Zancudo welcomes you with friendly bars, tasty restaurants, and cozy accommodations. 

 

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BIJAGUAL

For those looking to get a real taste of Costa Rica, the rural village of Bijagual is the place to go. Located approximately 20 minutes away from Jaco Beach and hidden among green hills, it overlooks the Central Pacific coast. Here you will discover stunning views and cool refreshing breezes.

Travel back in time and discover how the entire country used to be before it was developed and urbanized by foreigners. You will be back in a time when it wouldn’t be unusual to see Cowboys cruising around on their horses, stopping to get cold beers at the only bar in town.

Here you won’t find souvenir shops or fancy restaurants, just traditional little places where classic Costa Rican dishes cooked on wood can be savored.

The area also features one of the largest waterfalls in the country measuring 600 plus feet tall. Composed of many natural springs and swimming pools running through the Rain Forest, the waterfall is a wonderland for hiking enthusiasts. Delightful tropical nature can be admired, along with wildlife and gentle sounds from the birds.

Enjoy a full day of intense tradition, majestic nature, and astonishing views.

CABUYA

A dirt road from the well-known beach town of Montezuma heads south all the way to Cabuya, which is a part of the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve nested in the Peninsula of Nicoya. Along the short journey, you will be amazed by the grace and charm of nature.

Massive ancient trees, white sand beaches, crystal clear water and small rivers plunging all the way down to the beach create a surreal experience. Playa Los Cedros has a left point reef break that works only with a massive swell. Usually, locals are the only ones surfing during the winter.

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Cabuya Island is located at the end of this enchanting scenic littoral landscape. You can reach the island by walking through dead coral during low tide. The island is beyond spooky and mysterious. It is even rumored that ghosts haunt the island.

On the island, there is an old graveyard. The legend says that natives used to bury their dead in this graveyard and the locals keep the tradition alive by using it as a cemetery. 

All around the island, you can enjoy some upscale snorkeling. In fact, this is one of the best spots in Costa Rica for snorkeling. You can find several different types of multicolored sea life.

MAR AZUL

Mar Azul is a surfing point named after a local restaurant and cabin, whose remains still face the rocks. Adjacent is the only sandy beach in Malpais. Despite being well known by locals, the waves here tend to be pretty uncrowded. The waters are fun with easy lefts breaking from different levels. It is best to surf during high tide, due to the rocky bottom.

The quaint fishing village of Malpais boasts of a laidback atmosphere, unspoiled nature, and a volcanic coast. This beautiful beach has sand made almost entirely of shiny and precious little pieces of shells. At the port, traditional fishing boats float peacefully.

Before sunset, you can buy fresh and cheap fish. At sunset, the fisherman head back to shore after a hard day of work.

Author Bio

Jason Mueller is an entrepreneur that relocated to Costa Rica. His Business Jaco Ropes keeps him busy, but in his free time, he enjoys to surf and work on his farm. 

 

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8 Destination Ideas For A New Year Vacation With Kids

The week after Christmas is the perfect time for a family trip. Kids are off from school, and you can have a very nice weekend away together over the New Year. Here are some of the best family-friendly destinations for a New Years vacation.

London, England

If you want to have some fun, head towards Dickens World Amusement Park in the capital of Great Britain. This “Winter Wonderland” has everything you wish for in a family weekend: music, dance, rides, boat rides, party poppers, and other exciting attractions.

The indoor snowfall, to the sound of Big Ben’s chimes at midnight, is a performance you will not soon forget. Plus, the fireworks display at Big Ben is a must-see event in London. And for New Year gifts for your kids, visit Hamleys, the largest toy store in the world.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Dubai has tropical weather all-year-round, with temperatures of 25°C all winter long. In addition to the lovely weather, theme parks abound in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In 2016, four new parks opened their doors to visitors from all over the world.

The four parks are IMG Worlds of Adventure, Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood Dubai. Aside from lounging by the pool and wandering on the beach, you can also wear out your kids on new roller coasters, water rides, and film-themed attractions, like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

Coffs Coast, New South Wales

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Among New Year destinations for kids, Coffs Coast has some of the best attractions to offer your little ones. The New Year Carnival, magnificent fireworks, ample food and loads of exciting activities for children of all ages make it a very popular family destination. Your kids will love to feed and pet the dolphins at the Pet Porpoise Pool.

Other activities include go-carting, ice skating, bowling, and horse riding. Also, Butterfly House and Zip Circus are great photo locations, and Jungle Bungle is an indoor play area just for toddlers. Come to Coffs Coast for exciting holidays and a unique experience!

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island in Singapore celebrates the New Year with fantastic colorful pyrotechnic displays and a most vivid dance party. Songs of the Sea is a one-of-a-kind performance of fireworks, waterworks, and light. Also, the Underwater World is sure to make your kids excited with electric eels, turtles, pink dolphins and a huge variety of fish.

Combine your trip to Sentosa with a tour around Singapore, and you’ll have yourself a wonderful family vacation!

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

Yellowstone National Park, California

For a family holiday vacation in the United States of America, we recommend visiting one, or several, of the country’s national parks. Yellowstone is one of the most fascinating. Plus, it is also one of the best places to camp in Wyoming, as well as in the entire United States.

The park’s three hundred geysers will make people of all ages excited! The most famous of them, Old Faithful, erupts seventeen times a day, so you can’t miss it. Also, the Junior Ranger program for kids (Ages 4+) is an excellent opportunity to explore the park together.

Kerala, India

Kerala is one of the most popular travel destinations in India. It has everything you need for a great winter vacation: a tropical climate, sandy beaches, lakes, waterfalls, mountain ranges, palaces and ancient landmarks.

In 2012, Kerala was named one of the ten paradises of the world. Tours to the region usually include visiting tea farms, wildlife sanctuaries, and cruises along backwaters. A family visit to the oldest European settlement in India will also be great fun!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica regularly tops the list of the happiest countries in the world. It offers a rich variety of wildlife adventures and activities for everyone in your family. Zip-lining and river-rafting will be an exciting experience.

However, if you want to relax, you can take a bath in one of the natural hot springs on the volcano slopes. At the same time, your kids can have fun observing monkeys, macaws, poison-arrow frogs and other strange miniature beasts. If a vacation on an island is your idea of a perfect family holiday, head to Costa Rica, and you won’t regret your decision!

Killington, Vermont

Killington North ridge BY Mark Klapper CC BY 2.5

If you don’t dream of a winter vacation in the tropics but prefer to ski, then you should choose one of the many ski resorts in the United States. If you are planning a family vacation, pick a resort where your kids will have an opportunity to learn how to ski too.

For example, Killington in Vermont provides instruction for children. It also offers a variety of cozy cabins for New Year celebrations, with interesting board games and marshmallow toasting.

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