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Trip Ideas, Family Travel, International Travel

8 Destination Ideas For A New Year Vacation With Kids

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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

Dubai by jimmyweee CC BY 2.0

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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Cities, Travel Inspiration, International Travel, Top 10 List

Top 20 Most Visited Cities In The World

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Here is the list of the 20 most popular tourist destinations around the world (in 2016). Read on and get travel inspiration for your next big trip.

Bangkok, Thailand

With 21.47 million annual visitors, the capital of Thailand is the first Asian city to join the top destinations list. Bangkok attracts travelers with its unique culture, food, a wide range of attractions, and low prices. However, you can still look at the list of free things to do in Bangkok and budget accommodations in the city if your budget for the trip is not very big.

How to get around in Bangkok? Read here.

London, United Kingdom

London used to be at the top of the list before Bangkok took the lead. With 19.88 million visitors it is in the second spot. When you visit London you can meet for a date near Big Ben, follow Harry Potter to Hogwarts or visit one of London’s quirky museums.

The capital of Great Britain is very popular, although it is a rather expensive tourist destination. However, you can always find free things to do in the city and budget accommodations.

How to get around in London? Read here.

Paris, France

Unlike all the other destinations, Paris has lost a number of visitors in the recent years. Nevertheless, with 18.03 million visitors, it is still a very popular city among travelers. There is definitely much to see in the capital city of France.

Furthermore, if you are on a low budget, there are things you can do in Paris for free. Plus, you can find inexpensive places to live. 

How to get around in Paris? Read here. 

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is the only Middle Eastern destination on this list. Every year Dubai is becoming more and more popular. With 15.27 million visitors a year, Dubai leads the middle east region. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is one of the top destinations for luxury travel in the world. Even people with a limited budget can have fun in the city. There is a variety of things you can do in Dubai for free, as well as many budget accommodations in the city.

How to get around in Dubai? Read here. 

New York City, USA – 12.75 million visitors

New York City is the only American city on the list. It also tops the list of the most popular New Year destinations in the USA. There are a lot of cool things you can do in New York. Plus, there are a lot of things you can learn from New Yorkers. The city isn’t the cheapest travel destination. However, you can always find cheap accommodations and free things to do, even in New York.

How to get around in New York? Read here. 

Singapore – 12.11 million visitors

This city in Southeast Asia lies at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore offers fantastic food, unique culture, and a world-leading airline. These are just some of the attributes that make Singapore so popular among travelers. You can read more about the must-see places in Singapore by clicking here. Plus, you can find free activities throughout the city. You can always find a cheap accommodation to spend the night in the city if you have a small budget.

How to get around in Singapore? Read here. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 12.02 million visitors

Kuala Lumpur is an important link between Asia and the Middle East. There a lot of places in Malaysia, which you should see at least once in a lifetime. There are also loads of attractions in the capital city, as well as things to do here for free. If you are on a low budget, you will also be glad to know that there are a lot of budget accommodations in Kuala Lumpur.

How to get around in Kuala Lumpur? Read here. 

Istanbul, Turkey – 11.95 million visitors

Its location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia is one of the features, which makes Istanbul a very popular tourist destination. In fact, it is expected that the capital of Turkey might reach the top of the list by 2020. It is also a popular place for budget travelers. The city offers a wide variety of free things to do and cheap accommodations, including choices of Couchsurfing hosts. The Turkish are very hospitable! And, of course, there are many other places to visit in Turkey, apart from Istanbul. Just pick the one you like, and set sail!

How to get around in Istanbul? Read here. 

Tokyo, Japan – 11.70 million visitors

Tokyo is one of the largest shopping cities in the world. However, that is not the only thing that attracts travelers to the capital of Japan. Unique oriental culture, food and various attractions make the city one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Also, Japan is one of the most family-friendly countries in Asia.

Seoul, South Korea – 10.20 million visitors

Seoul is not only the center of modern technologies nowadays, but it is also an attractive tourist destination. Plus, Seoul becomes more and more popular every year. The capital of South Korea offers its visitors a vivid nightlife, with prices affordable even to students. It also places among the top destinations in the world, which people most want to visit.

Other Popular Cities in 2016

Hong Kong, China – 8.37 million visitors

Barcelona, Spain – 8.20 million visitors

Amsterdam, Netherlands – 8 million visitors

Milan, Italy – 7.65 million visitors

Taipei, Taiwan – 7.5 million visitors

Rome, Italy – 7.12 million visitors

Osaka, Japan – 7.02 million visitors

Vienna, Austria – 6.69 million visitors

Shanghai, China – 6.12 million visitors

Prague, Czech Republic – 5.81 million visitors

 

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International Travel, Did You Know

5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The U.K.

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The United Kingdom is one classiest of destinations to go. The traditional view of tourists towards U.K. is that it is a country where London is the fun capital and natives are very polite, who only drink tea. Duh! That is exactly what a typical U.K. tour should not be about.

We are always determined to help you to look beneath the surface. A few myths about U.K. will be proved wrong here. You can find these points helpful when you travel to the United Kingdom. Here we go.

U.K. IS NOT ALL ABOUT LONDON

Photo: The Art of Travel Partners

Travelers put London on the top of their bucket list when they travel to U.K. It’s okay when you want to see the Thames or visit Buckingham Palace. But there are many places out of London which are more appealing and less crowded.

You can even shop outside London at affordable prices. There are alluring Cornish beaches outside of London which are good for surfing. You can even party hard in British channel islands. Break your notion before you go to U.K. Enjoy everything which is and is not London.

Ironbridge 6 by Roantrum CC BY 2.0

GROW A SENSE OF HUMOUR

If you are going to visit U.K. soon we recommend you learn to read between the lines. English people have a sense of humor which is not easy to match. They may be sarcastic to the extreme. If you are bent on making some English friends do develop dark humour. It might just help your stay in U.K.

They may not outright insult you but if you get offended by a statement; beware the joke will be on you. So stay calm and assured of yourself while in Britain.

U.K. DOES EXTREME SPORTS VERY WELL

Don’t think U.K. is only about tea-drinking uptight people. It is home to a lot of extreme sports you couldn’t even think. You can do deep sea diving, mountaineering, ice climbing, fell-running, skiing, abseiling.

You can go on a twelve weeks voyage of U.K. A hike to fifteen peaks of Welsh will totally boost up your adrenaline. Scapa flows is the best place to go scuba diving. It’s a country which offers incredible options for adventure sports lovers who can challenge themselves with paragliding, kite surfing and many other aspects.

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AVOID PUBLIC TRANSPORT

With a large geographical area to cover a tourist needs to take affordable and efficient transport services. This is where U.K. lags behind. If you have planned out your trip way ahead of time that is booked your tickets twelve weeks earlier then you will not be annoyed with the public transport.

But the last moment rides are going to cost you an exorbitant amount. Skip the megabus because its not safe for a tourist. Any other forms of public transport will be too expensive and late. So we advice you rent a vehicle and go on an amazing road trip.

VISIT BRISTOL

Tourists overrate London and forget the most amazing city Bristol. Located on outskirts of Wales. It’s a cute and artsy city. The lanes are lined with boutiques of amateur designers. You will be surprised to find your dream dresses in too good to be true prices.

Bristol is also home to many galleries featuring upcoming artists.you can have a sneak peek into them. Music of Bristol shouldn’t be missed.as everything else here music is also in awesome process of making. Bristol is a microcosm of British culture.

A perfectly blended country and city vibe can be experienced here. Hope our tips help you before taking off to most intelligent, busy, yet serene, country of the United Kingdom.

 

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Budget Travel, Student Travel, Travel Hacks

5 Free Things To Do When Traveling

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We all associate traveling with money. While planning a trip somewhere, the first thing you do (if you’re not filthy rich) is to make a budget.

But that isn’t always the case.

With this list, you can do the best of things at no cost at all. You will realize that pleasure doesn’t come for a price!

TOUR ON FEET

Not only is this a way to explore free of any expenses, but it is actually the best way to explore any place! When you are traveling around a city on a bus, train, or subway, it is common to miss most of the places along the way.

We do not get to interact with the local culture and lifestyle and see how the streets are, houses are, and how life goes on. Plus, it offers you a variety of options! You can tour alone or with a group. You can make friends along as you are walking (just start with a ‘hi’).

You might also find great places to eat, drink or shop. Walking around the city is the best way to know what the city actually is like.

Though it is very easy to lose your way in a new city. Therefore, download google maps or similar navigation software. You can also buy a local map, though we prefer software as the GPS lets you know your current location easily. The map can tell about the points of attraction and places of interest, so buy it anyway.

GO TO THE BEACH

Spending time just lying on the beach is one of the most beautiful ways to spend your time anywhere. And guess what? Totally free of cost. You can lie on the sand and get a tan through the day, or enjoy the cool ocean breeze during the night. Sleeping on the sand is the most peaceful sleep you will ever get in your life.

Walk along the beach. There will be places with lots of people enjoying the beach, and solitary ones as well. Choose what appeals to you and lie down.

You can carry some water to drink or a picnic basket with some food, so you don’t have to ruin your peaceful and nice rest trying to find food and water.

If you came with your significant others, lying on the beach can provide additional options (wink).

VISIT RELIGIOUS PLACES

Every place has a lot of religious places pertaining to the major and minor religions in that geography. These places have their own history, stories and most of the time amazing architecture.

No religious place ever requires payment, therefore you can tour them all you want. You would find them fascinating. You just need to be religiously open to respecting other religions and have no problem going to their sacred places.

Touring such places is not only a free way to make good use of your time, but it also helps you gain knowledge of other religions and cultures. Some of these places offer a strange mental peace that cannot be found in the huge world outside. So enjoy them to the fullest.

GO TREKKING

Trekking is the most adventurous thing to do when you are traveling in good terrain, and it is totally free too! Trekking packs a lot of adventure, fun, and thrill into one single thing.

Just pack up your bag and put on your trekking shoes, and leave for the amazing places you want to visit.

Traverse the beautiful mountainside full of wildlife and natural beauty. Remember to take some water for the way, as trekking is a very strenuous task and there wouldn’t be much available.

Also, beware if the area is known for wild animals or reptiles like snakes. That can be very hazardous.

EXPLORE MUSEUMS

You might be surprised to know that many of the world’s museums do not charge any entry fees. And this is true for almost all the museums in Britain.

Even for the museums that do charge an entry fee (which is close to nothing), there are fixed days for a week or a month in which the entry is totally free.

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Visiting museums is a great way to spend your time away free of cost. Museums offer a great deal of variety and entertainment.

Art lovers can enjoy Picasso, Ruben, Vinci or Gogh, while people who are more into sciences can enjoy the natural history of the world and rise of various species, see dinosaur skeletons, or visit a planetarium to know cool things about stars and planets!

 

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Transportation, Travel Inspiration, Did You Know

Top 5 Online and Global Travel Trends

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Economies are changing. Societies are changing. People are changing. Travel is changing. At the core of all new trends related to traveling (both locally and internationally) are three things:

“Traveling increases in a globalized world.”

GLOBALIZATION

People are more connected with one another than ever before in the history of mankind. (How deeply connected is a topic for another time). Most people are also receiving more education today than just 50 years ago.

If you combine literacy with internet access, you get a society which is very knowledgeable about other cultures, places and interested in exploring new opportunities.

“Traveling increases when people have friends from all over the world.”

AUTHENTIC INDIVIDUALISM

The other growing trend that we are currently seeing is “authentic self-expression”. While the social media has done a good job giving everyone a platform to express themselves in whichever way they want, I believe, having such an exposure of the world on your fingertip is a good thing.

For example, young people today from all over the world are interested in coming together for a cause and solving tough problems in creative ways.

“Traveling increases when people’s bank balance increases.”

MONEY

Finally, traveling is a costly endeavor. It is always more economical to just stay home than to go out, even locally. When you are out of your home, you have to spend money on food and drink.

If you are too far out, you have to spend on gas and car, renting a place for the night and if you are traveling too far from your home, you are now also spending on air tickets, insurance, gears and cameras among several other things.

However, as people are earning more (all over the world) and as transportation is becoming cheaper due to better technology and global competition, many more people are now able to afford to travel which would have been impossible just 150 years ago. Think about that.

So, what are the top 5 travel trends of our time?

ADVENTURE

People today wish to experience the world for what it truly is. From skydiving to river rafting to scuba diving, the adventure has become a top reason for people to travel.

One of the major travel trends has become doing “interesting things” or visiting “interesting places” while traveling.

BUDGET TRAVEL & SHARING IS FUN

Luxury travel is going to stay. Luxury feels good. Trust me on this. If you have the money, you would not pick budget travel over a 5-star resort in the Caribbean. If money allows, you would want a full window, balcony suite on a luxury cruise. That said, business such as Airbnb, Home Away, Priceline, Hostels, Time-sharing, etc. are becoming hotter than ever before. Another trend is people now tend to share more. As global trust level is increasing, traveling and sharing things with strangers are becoming a growing possibility.

GOING LOCAL

Nothing can beat the experience and the opportunity to see your own home country or town. People want to engage with a worthy cause and give back to the local communities. This trend is picking up and becoming big. Traveling which often involves a larger involvement of locals and engaging with the community.

MORE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Seeing the world. Particularly, the continent of Asia and Africa. Today more than ever before, many young people are committing to travel the world.

For some that may mean visiting a country from each continent while for some, it may mean visiting 100+ countries. In the past, Africa was an expensive and exotic destination reserved for only the brave or the rich.

The countries in Asia was also the land of mystery, snakes, and uncivilized tribal communities. We all know now that the truth is far from any of these stereotypes of pre-1950s.

RELOCATION AND WORKING REMOTELY

Technology has allowed us to work from anywhere in the world and be part of a truly global team. A lot of young people are relocating to warmer or cheaper (or both) destinations to work remotely for their employer, who is based in the US or in Europe.

Information Technology, programming, and software and web development can be done from anywhere as long as one has access to fast internet and electricity. No wonder, we are seeing this trend where a lot of Americans are locating to South America and even Thailand to work remotely whether for a short duration or while traveling.

What other travel trends you see? Comment below.

 

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