A lot of us are busy dreaming of and planning the holidays that we will take in 2023. And why not? There’s so much of the world that needs to be seen and explored, and now that Covid is behind us, we want to travel more. And that is why, we are suggesting that Argentina make your travel bucket list. A destination of endless adventure, Argentina is home to some of the most diverse natural landscapes in the world. From the snow-capped mountains of Patagonia to the lush jungles and waterfalls of Misiones, visitors can enjoy a wealth of life-changing experiences in one trip alone. With the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions to the country, the reinstatement of the direct flight from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires with British Airways from 26 March 2023, and the launch of the digital nomad visa, there has never been a better time to discover some of the incredible adventures awaiting travellers in Argentina.  There are multiple reasons why you should visit this beautiful country, and tons of things to do once you are there. For now, we will list the top 5 ones here: Stargaze surrounded by spectacular landscapes With its clear, dark skies, Argentina is one of the best destinations in the world for a year-round stargazing experience. Argentina’s national Astro tourism capital, El Leoncito National Park in San Juan, is located at 2,552 metres above sea level and is home to Argentina’s biggest diameter telescope. El Leoncito National Park is also perfect for hiking, with beautiful waterfalls and trails to explore. Other stargazing spots include Salto Encantado Provincial Park in Misiones with spectacular natural surroundings and Ampimpa Observatory in Tucumán which is one of the country’s most educational observatories. Discover the vineyards of Mendoza Producing 78% of Argentina’s wine, and home to over 1,200 wineries, Mendoza Province is renowned for its rolling vineyards, winery tours and cosmopolitan downtown area. But drinking wine is not the only activity to enjoy in this world-class wine region. Cycle around the vineyards and soak up the fascinating panoramic views, try harvesting your own Malbec with the help of a local wine expert, relax in a yoga class among the vineyards, or stay in one of the many cabins or hotels at the foot of the Andes Mountain range.  Explore the capital, Buenos Aires With the return of the British Airways direct flight from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires from 26 March 2023, now is the perfect time to discover Argentina’s vibrant capital. The city’s historic centre plays an important role and visitors can tour the famous Casa Rosada, Argentina’s Government House, and explore San Telmo, the oldest neighbourhood in the city and the tango mecca, with colonial buildings, antique shops and small cafes. Wander the streets of the trendy Palermo neighbourhood, home to independent boutiques and murals, and enjoy beautiful landscapes and local gastronomy in Tigre.  Embark on one of 17 nature routes with La Ruta Natural Experience the natural beauty and scenic attractions of Argentina with  La Ruta Natural  (The Natural Route), a new tourism website offering detailed tips to help travellers plan their trips in a responsible, sustainable way. With 17 routes across the whole country, visitors can enjoy experiences including scuba diving in the Patagonian Sea, meeting the indigenous Qom community in Chaco, witnessing awe-inspiring landscapes such as Ischigualasto and seeing a host of wildlife, from emperor penguins near Ushuaia to capuchin monkeys in Iguazú National Park. Visit the 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites  Argentina is home to 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including five natural and six cultural sites – each offering a completely unique experience. Travellers can join a guided hiking tour in Los Glaciares National Park to Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier in the country, or discover the exceptional cave paintings over 9300 years old in Cueva de los Manos (the Cave of Hands) in Santa Cruz. Sites also include the Natural Parks of Ischigualasto and Talampaya with impressive red geological formations, and the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis – the remains of five Jesuit missions built during the 17th and 18th centuries.  Are you inspired to explore Argentina? Let us know. Or if you have been there once but are aching to go there again, do leave us a comment as well.

We all love good deals and offers, and most of us want to start booking our holidays much in advance. This way, we’ve set our holiday goals and made some savings as well. The more we save, the more we can spend it on discovering newer places and destinations! But impromptu, last-minute holidays are good too; they bring spontaneity and a bit of spice into our lives. That’s why, we have two new offers for you, and both choices are amazing. You can choose to go to Egypt or explore Vietnam. While the Egypt deal is available from May 2023, you can do Vietnam this month itself. In fact, the official site of Vietnam’s tourism industry has recorded a big jump in the global ranking of most visited websites over the past year (according to traffic analysis firm SimilarWeb). It is now fourth in the region, coming after Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Cruise The Nile with Travel Department Sail with Travel Department down the Nile River and through Egypt on this unique holiday that combines the exotic beauty of Cairo and the vibrant resort of Hurghada with an unforgettable 7-night cruise. Your holiday begins in the magnificent city of Cairo, where you’ll get to absorb the ancient sites including a full day city tour, a visit to the Egyptian Museum and a trip to the Khan El Khalili bazaar. You’ll also pay a visit to Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Then you’ll embark on a relaxing river cruise down the Nile with a range of excursions along the way including the Temple of Horus, the Valley of Kings, the High Dam and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Finally, you’ll enjoy a 3-night stay in Hurghada, the beautiful beach resort town stretching 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Explore Egypt on this 12-night guided group holiday stepping back in time, without missing out on comfort and luxury on your travels. Departs on the 6th of May 2023 from €2259pps and includes flights, transfers, full board basis on the Cruise and B&B/half board in hotel as well as expert guides and tours. If you need more information, you can find it here. Explore Vietnam with TD active Holidays Join TD active Holidays on an adventure to Southeast Asia on this 13-night guided group holiday to Vietnam. This beautiful country has so much to offer, from stunning white sandy beaches and buzzing cities to spectacular countryside filled with rice fields and sleepy villages. On this holiday of a lifetime, you’ll embark on a cultural discovery tour of Vietnam from North to South. You’ll get to experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo ride, cycle through the Vietnamese countryside in search of pagodas, explore the underground network system of the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and soak up the local culture in the Mekong Delta. This small group tour allows you to truly immerse yourself in the Vietnamese way of life. Departs on 11th Nov 2022 from €2,199 pp and includes return flights, transfers, 13 nights’ accommodation, expert guides and tours. Find more details here.

Travel and culinary experiences are like the sea and seashells – can you ever think of one, without the other? After all, who doesn’t want to see more of the world, and experience different food cultures whilst doing so. And for that reason, we are here to help if you’re heading to Turkey and want to explore more of its delicious food and cuisine. Turkey has been very popular with tourists this year, and it’s expected that this surge will continue. Not only does Turkey offer great beaches, beautiful architecture and landscapes, it tops it up with a rich and varied cuisine, one that differs from region to region. So what it is that you must try? And how? I will start from my favourites, and I hope you enjoy these experiences as much as I did. This feature is about Istanbul, and we’ll do a part two for Cappadocia for these are the two places and regions where I chased my culinary delights. And came with memories of a lifetime, a double chin, and recipe books! Start your day early and happy with a Simit Chances are that you will find a food cart vendor right outside your hotel (we did!), and get your first real taste of Turkey right away. So what’s a Simit? It’s a circular bread layered and encrusted with sesame seeds. Just like a bagel, if you please. These are usually eaten in the morning and most bakeries would display them in a tempting way. On our first morning in Istanbul, we decided to skip a buffet breakfast and take our cue from the locals. We promptly spotted a cart with an alluring spread of Simit, and they were so fresh. I felt like a local as I dug into my still-warm Simit, and took a tram that was full of office-goers. You can pair a Simit with Turkish tea, cheese, clotted cream or even honey but they are equally delicious on their own. T ake a delightful break for fresh juices and roasted chestnuts If you’re hopping from one place or palace to another, and want something to snack on, or something refreshing, go for roasted chestnuts and a glass of freshly squeezed juice (it could be anything from orange, apple, grapes, melon, pomegranate and more!) Known as Kestane Kebab, the chestnuts make for delightfully simple snacks. If you talk to a local, they will tell you that many households in Istanbul often roast them on wood-fired ovens. In the streets, they are grilled with their skin on and are such a good treat for the chilly winds of winter (though they’re available all year round). Both – the fresh juices and chestnuts – are so pocket-friendly, but we’ve to say that most eating adventures in Turkey are reasonably priced. Just perfect, isn’t it? Especially so if you’re on a budget. A kofte trail – find the original, and also the ‘imposter’! Kofte is meatballs, and you can’t do Istanbul without doing koftes. Now here’s the thing. There is a very old (1920) kofte restaurant in the Sultanahmet area called the Sultanahmet Koftecisi. It has a minimal, bare décor, and a simple menu. We tried the beef Izgara kofte, and they turned out to be the most delicious ones of our trip. There’s also a second restaurant by the same name, and we ended up going there too. While it’s not the original, its succulent chicken kebabs didn’t disappoint either. We gave our business to the original, and the imposter and were rewarded with happy bellies and hearts. It’s also a good idea to order the lentil soup (chorba) along with your koftes, and you will end up having a most comforting and wholesome meal. Go for light lunches and big dinners When we travel, lunch is usually kept light, and dinner can be a more leisurely experience. That way, during the daytime we get to see more of the place we are at. That’s what we did in Istanbul as well. We tried small lunches and at different places – at a marketplace, opting to go with what the shopkeepers had for themselves. It turned out to be chicken pilav – rice with shreds of chicken and chickpeas that was served with pickled Istanbul green chillies. Near Istanbul University, we ate like students. Thrifty meals of chickpea stew with rice teamed with a salty yoghurt drink called Ayran. We also took our clue from families out on a picnic in Uskudar and had uskumru sandwiches (freshly grilled mackerel tucked in a loaf of bread along with slices of tomatoes and onions). There was just one lone stall, and all the families made a beeline for it, and so did we. (Uskudar is a neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, just across from Besiktas. There are many tea and coffee joints there, and also cafes that offer shisha or hookah with different flavours.) For dinner, it’s a good option to try to tack Iskander. These are chicken donor kebabs served over soft slices of roasted pide bread, and accompanied with gravy, yoghurt, salad and French fries. You could also have a hookah, and end your meal with some dessert. Most restaurants would offer an assortment of Turkish desserts, and my tip is to opt for kunefe (a cheese-based dessert served with ice cream and pistachio nuts) and firing sultan (a baked rice pudding served in a clay dish). If you are hungry between meals, try these In between breakfast on the go, a light lunch, a street-side snack, and a leisurely dinner, you may feel like indulging yourself a bit more. If you do, Istanbul offers you plenty of opportunities. Whilst shopping and bargaining, many shopkeepers extend a cup of Turkish tea and coffee (most times, for free). It’s part of the shopping experience and their hospitality. There are also sherbet sellers in traditional gear with their cooling, fragrant drinks. We had what they called a rose-hip sherbet and it was just the thing for a hot day. And how can we forget the mischievous ice cream sellers? Eating ice cream in Turkey is an experience in itself. You may have seen a video on social media, but it’s fun to experience it for yourself. Of course, these are just some of my personal favourites, and there is plenty more in Istanbul to discover, devour and enjoy. If you want some Michelin-recommended or Michelin-starred restaurants to try out, here’s a link for that too. Plus, if you’ve always been interested in food adventures, and the prospect of eating like a local excites you, we have something on that too! You will find it here .

Peru is getting closer to achieving its ambition of having its food recognised as being the best in the world. The country has just won the enviable accolade of ‘World’s Leading Culinary Destination’ at the global edition of the World Travel Awards. Already a tourist hotspot, Peru’s travel reputation was cemented at this year’s WTAs, viewed as the Oscars of world tourism, with it landing the top gongs for best cultural destination in the world, leading culinary destination in the world, and best tourist attraction in the form of Machu Picchu. “This is the fourth time that Peru has been recognised as a leading cultural destination in the world and the fifth time that our world wonder, Machu Picchu, has been imposed in the category of tourist attraction,” the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperú) said .Also, this is the 10th time that Peru has won the award as ‘leading culinary destination’ in the global edition of the WTA, “which brings us closer to the goal of positioning Peruvian cuisine as the best in the world.” “It drives us to continue. These awards are an important recognition for the work of all Peruvians,” said the executive president of Promperú, Amora Carbajal. “Knowing that our country is a destination that stands out in the world, with a rich culture and gastronomy that are increasingly valued by international travellers,  fills us with satisfaction and drives us to continue working to promote the attractive and diverse tourist offer. from Peru,” he said . If you’re looking for more food related travel stories, or how you can make the best of your culinary adventures – take a look here , and there’s also more here .

Chile has been officially ranked as the world’s greenest tourist destination. For the third time in history, Chile was awarded as the Best Green Destination in the World in the 29th version of the World Travel Awards, also known as the “Oscars of Tourism”. The award, which had previously been awarded to Chile in 2019 and 2020, recognises the existence and promotion of nature destinations, and the planning, development and promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism experiences. Chile surpassed Peru, Ecuador, Madagascar and Norway in the category.  With the rise of experience tourism, added to the greater awareness of the damage caused to the planet by human intervention and unfriendly practices with the environment, this award highlights the value of initiatives to discover, enjoy and appreciate the ecological, aesthetic and ethical aspects of “green” forms of tourism. “As a Government we are very happy with this recognition. This reaffirms our commitment to continue developing a green and sustainable tourism industry, promoting rural tourism and experiences that support local communities, that respect the diversity of flora and fauna and that work to preserve the natural heritage of our country,” said Verónica Kunze, Chile’s Undersecretary of Tourism. For the Chilean Government, tourism development must be sustainable and must be based on the protection of natural resources. For this reason, one of the lines of work of the Executive is the support for the certification and recertification of companies with the “Sello S” of Sernatur, a distinction in sustainable tourism that guarantees the visitor that tourist accommodation, tour operators and travel agencies comply with global criteria of tourism sustainability, in the socio-cultural, environmental and economic fields. “Sustainability, today, is a real and concrete commitment in the country’s tourism strategy, so having been crowned the Best Green Destination in the World at the World Travel Awards is the result of this joint effort that we have carried out associatively in the sector. Chile not only stands out for its natural attributes, but also for the experience provided by a sustainable offer that has been consolidating for being inclusive, innovative and sustainable,” highlighted the national director of Sernatur, Beatriz Román. The Best Green Destination in the World joins three other awards given to Chile in 2022, including the Best Destination, Best Romantic Destination and Best Adventure Tourism Destination, all in South America. In total, there have been 27 awards given to Chile by the World Travel Awards since 2015.

If you’ve always wondered about what the festive season looks like in New Jersey, maybe this is the clue for you to find out. And by that we mean, not just via our words and this feature, or by romcoms and what’s on telly. Sure those are good ways to let your imagination fly, and there are joys of being an armchair traveller as well. But you can find out for yourself. Be there in person. And even if you have been to New Jersey before, it’s always good to be there for Christmas. This is because New Jersey comes alive with the Christmas spirit during the holiday season, with events, tours and displays taking place across the state throughout November and December. It helps that there are multiple daily direct flights from London Heathrow , Edinburgh and Dublin into Newark. Add to it a great choice of accommodation to suit all budgets and some great bargains to be found as well if you want to do a little tax-free Christmas shopping. That is why, now is a great time to take a trip to the Garden State. Here’s all the travel inspiration to get you in the mood for a New Jersey Christmas. Light Displays Dasher’s Newark Drive-Through Christmas Light Show This spectacular Christmas drive-through celebration features the syncing of over one million lights choreographed to holiday music played through your car radio on 97.5 FM. Running at Newark Moonlight Cinema from 25 th  November 25th until 31st December. Read more  here . Orchard of Lights – Drive-Through From 23 rd  November until 1 st  January 2023 Demarest Farms in Hillsdale will be running their annual festival drive-through, with 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. In addition, there is a fire pit to sit around and enjoy hot cocoa and treats from the farm market, make your own S’mores, take pictures with Santa and listen to the singing Reindeer. Intrigued? Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village Sussex County’s Skyland Stadium transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland from 23 rd  November to 31 st  December, showcasing a mile-long drive-through Christmas light display and a Christmas Village full of fun-filled activities, delicious treats and memory-making photo opportunities. Christmas Markets The German Christmas Market of New Jersey Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairground. The largest Christmas market in New Jersey, where you can visit over 100 vendors located in the authentic wooden huts, enjoy Christmas entertainment, food, Christmas lights and displays, Santa visits, wagon rides and a fairground. Taking place on 2 nd  to 4 th  of December. Christmas Train & Trolley Rides Cape May’s Trolley Rides The charming Victorian town of Cape May is the perfect destination for immersing yourself in the Christmas Spirit. A number of festival trolley tours are put on over the festive season, these include  Santa’s Trolley Ride where Mrs. Claus takes to the wheel as she shares Christmas stories and songs and The Holiday Lights Trolley Ride which tours the historic streets of Cape May teaching guests about the history of many of the Christmas traditions of today. Phillipsburg’s Polar Express Christmas Train This one hour, 45-minute vintage train excursion along the Delaware River is inspired by the hit movie and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. A hugely popular family Christmas event that includes storytelling, Christmas sing-alongs, performances and a meeting with Santa himself. Parades Christmas Parade, Ocean City Ocean City’s 2022 Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, 2nds December 2nd, going down Asbury Avenue beginning at 6th street and ending at 12th street. This wonderful family friendly parade includes floats, musical acts, dance and cheers teams. Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade The popular Jaycee Christmas Parade takes place on 2 nd  December, starting at 6pm, the parade is followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade Awards. Walking Tours Cape May Candlelit House Tours This tour has been a beloved annual tradition in America’s only National Historic Landmark City since 1974. Celebrating the best of Cape May at Christmas, the tour travels through Cape May’s gas-lit streets, giving guests the chance to hear musicians and carollers, and visit more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels and see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Christmas Shows Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Atlantic City A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of acrobats and singers perform a Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus. The show takes place at the Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort on 11 th  December. Christmas Shopping A shopper’s paradise, New Jersey is home to more malls per square mile than any other U.S. state. With the exchange rate not being in our favour at the moment, bargain shopping is all the more important so it is great to know that there are a number of discount outlets throughout New Jersey so you can make your pound stratch a little further. The Mills at Jersey Gardens is New Jersey’s largest outlet mall with more than 200 stores located just five minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport is makes a great stop off on your way home. Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls has 120 outlet stores and  Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City  has more than 90 brand name outlets offering 20 to 40 percent below retail prices. For more information on Christmas shopping in New Jersey  click here .

You may know Philadelphia for its iconic sites such as the Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, LOVE sculpture, and Reading Terminal Market, but did you know you can also see a piece of Einstein’s brain, marvel at 19th-century robotics Maillardet’s Automaton and take a stroll down the oldest residential street in America? These and many more curiosities and unexpected gems are ready to be explored in the City of Brotherly Love. Mutter Museum Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum is one of the most unique and interesting museums in the United States featuring collections of fascinating scientific discoveries about the human body, along with antique medical equipment, anatomical and pathological specimens and much more. Visitors to the Mutter Museum are able to view the conjoined liver of Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker, slides of Albert Einstein’s brain, and the mystery surrounding the famous “Soap Lady.” The Museum’s Historical Medical Library is now open to the public for the first time in its 200-plus year history. Weekend visitors to the museum can now head upstairs to view rare artwork and books in a historic library which was previously only accessible to researchers with appointments. Find out more here: www.muttermuseum.org/ Wagner Free Institute of Science This natural history museum is a rare example of a Victorian era scientific society, with a museum, research centre, library, and educational facilities. The Wagner Free Institute of Science boasts more than 100,000 specimens including fossils, shells, minerals, mounted animal skeletons and skins displayed in original wood and glass cabinets. More details here: www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org The Franklin Institute The Franklin Institute’s innovative exhibits, films, and hands-on experiences demonstrate how fun and interesting science can be. One of the most famous and popular museums in Philadelphia, it houses some fascinating gems including a theremin, a prototype synthesizer which is controlled by movements of the player’s hands without any actual physical contact with the machine. Another fascinating museum curiosity is Maillardet’s Automaton, an early mechanic ‘robot’, that mimicked human behaviour. Built by 18th-century Swiss clockmaker Henri Maillardet, Maillardet’s Automaton was programmed to write out three poems and draw four sketches via mechanical means. Feeling curious? Browse here: www.fi.edu Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Racing fans will be in seventh heaven at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum which houses the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. The museum’s collection consists of approximately 75 racing sports cars and has been assembled over more than 50 years by Frederick A. Simeone, a retired neurosurgeon and native of Philadelphia. All interesting information and more here: www.simeonemuseum.org Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens A mesmerizing mosaic labyrinth created by artist Isaiah Zagar covers an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block. Zagar has devoted himself to beautifying the South Street neighbourhood since the late 1960s. In 1991 he started decorating the walls of vacant lots near his studios with mosaics. When the owner of the lots wanted to remove his work and sell the land, the local community rushed to support Zagar. The artist’s creation quickly became incorporated as a non-profit organization, was saved and opened in 2008 to the general public. www.phillymagicgardens.org Laurel Hill Cemetery A 78-acre National Historic Landmark and America’s second oldest cemetery, Laurel Hill was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country and is laid out on a series of winding paths above the Schuylkill River. There are some wonderfully aesthetic tombstones and mausoleums to explore, including the William Warner tomb which shows the soul coming out of the tomb in a puff of smoke. Fairmount Park Fairmount Park is one of the country’s largest park systems in the U.S, with more than 2,000 acres of parkland featuring miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, an orchard, greenhouses, multiple playgrounds, the country’s oldest zoo, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row. All details here: www.myphillypark.org Elfreth’s Alley This 32-house alley is America’s oldest residential street, going back over 300 years. The quaint cobblestone alley is lined with traditional red brick homes with old-fashioned flower boxes and shutters, beautifully preserved by the Elfreth’s Alley Association which was founded in 1934. Visitors can tour 126 Elfreth’s Alley, which is now the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, here you can learn about dressmakers, shoemakers, and other artisans who lived in the house, as well as about the larger history of the Alley. More information here: www.elfrethsalley.org The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has come up with a suggested itinerary taking in the very best of Unexpected Philadelphia.  Click here  to read more.

There’s something nice and dreamy about having the opportunity to live somewhere else for a year or so. Or more if you like. You can explore a new part of the world, learn about different traditions and cuisines, and even try your skills at mastering a foreign language. Maybe you are inspired by A Year in Provence or Eat Pray Love . Or simply want to create your own little adventure, borrowing just a little from Under The Tuscan Sun . Whatever your reasons are, perhaps the top 10 cities in the EIU Global Liveability Index 2022 might interest you. So which cities make up the top 10? According to the EIU Index, these are Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Calgary, Vancouver, Geneva, Frankfurt, Toronto, Amsterdam, Osaka, and Melbourne. Now it’s important to note that the Global Livability Index is produced each year by the Economist Intelligence Unit of  The Economist , which rates cities on more than 30 factors across five weighted categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. So if you are thinking of setting up a home in any of these cities, you know you will be in good hands, so to speak. You could use your time to explore what these cities and countries offer – getting more out of them than an average tourist. Visit local markets, festivals and fairs, explore popular haunts and cafes, take a class or two, make friends… While Travel Times has covered many of these cities in a number of ways – deals, cruises, touristy things to do and more, we put together some travel inspiration for you here again. Vienna, Austria Vienna is on the top of the list having scored highly – a total index of 99.1 out of 100. Vienna is always at the top of everyone’s list because it offers a lot to travellers of every kind. But at Christmas, it becomes all the more special with its enchanting Christmas markets. In fact, online travel company Click&Go reviewed their most popular Christmas Market destinations , and Vienna was second on their list! If you were to live in Vienna for a while, we would like to know – what are the things that would be at the top of your list? Copenhagen, Denmark Whether you are thinking of bicycling across Copenhagen or strolling across its historic city centre, or being like a local and setting up home and getting ‘immersed in hygge’ – you are in for a treat. We also have a lovely article about how to do Copenhagen on a budget , and it may give you the inspiration you need. You may also find that at the end of your long holiday or living abroad in Copenhagen, you are a pro at enjoying the small and good things in life together with the people you care about. Isn’t that what hygge is all about? Zurich, Switzerland This largest city in Switzerland boasts of many good things – excellent quality of life, amazing museums, stunning views, high ranking universities…No wonder it’s third on the list. What would you do if you had a year in Zurich? Do let us know in comments. Calgary, Canada Calgary is a cosmopolitan city which has a lot going for it. Whether you want to spend your months visiting its top attractions or make the most of its constantly evolving neighbourhoods and diversity – you would have a very eventful trip and year. Vancouver, Canada Vancouver has often ranked in the top ten of the world’s most livable cities. It’s renowned for its innovative programmes in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. A lot of tourists and those in the know also vouch for Vancouver as a city that offers a very good work-life balance. Would you head to Vancouver for a year? Let us know. Geneva, Switzerland Whether Geneva has been in your list for its breathtaking scenery, absolutely amazing wines and cheese, (not to forget the chocolates) or for getting trained in watchmaking – it’s a good place to be. Geneva is also a city of world diplomats – you can find the headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the World Trade Organization, and the International Air Transport Association. And these are just a few. Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt holds the reputation of being one of the largest financial hubs in Europe. Whether you want to head there for its lovely sausages, or for the views of the Main, or its exceptional art and history museums, you won’t be disappointed. Toronto, Canada Toronto has consistently scored high in many lists and rankings. It is considered to be one of the best cities in the world to do business, ranked at the top often when it comes to global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life. Of course, there is plenty to do and see there as well, and we would love to hear your take on this city. Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam has world-class museums, quirky festivals, a lively theatre scene and great avenues for live music. It also helps that it has plenty of laid-back bars and lovely restaurants. Amsterdam has a well-established and thriving business ecosystem and attracts talent from across the world. Doesn’t matter if you are tourist, a digital nomad or looking to spend a year living there – you are guaranteed to get the best out of your experience. Osaka, Japan Osaka is known for many things – its exciting nightlife, sumptuous food and friendly locals. It also has plenty of history and plus, if you visit it during the cherry blossom season, you will never forget the beautiful scenes. If you stay for longer, and set up home, you can enjoy all the seasonal festivals, like Tenjin Matsuri, Kishiwada Danjiri and Ebessan. Melbourne, Australia Who doesn’t like Melbourne? Whether you’re attracted to its plentiful beaches, amazing bayside eateries or its excellent nightlife, Melbourne doesn’t ever disappoint. It is also culturally very diverse and is a good place to try out different cuisines, and most amenities of life are at an easy reach.

We know that it’s the time of the year when you are doing Christmas markets along with ski trips. As well as planning your 2023 holidays. And if you’re in that mode, we want to remind you that Cappadocia continues to hold its charm. It’s a great contender for your 2023 bucket-list, and while we have mentioned it in our Five Hot Air Balloon Rides article , it does merit attention on its own. So, for starters, a bit about Cappadocia. This region is in the southeast of Ankara, and is known for many things, but most prominently for the rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’. In fact, you may have come across these beautiful, dreamy structures and Cappadocia’s surreal landscape – on social media, on the pages of a glossy magazine, or even on your friend’s gram! Cappadocia incorporates parts of the cities of Aksaray, Nevşehir, Niğde, Kayseri and Kırşehir. Many tourists head to the towns of Uchisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı and Ihlara to experience the charms of this beautiful landscape. We were based in Goreme for our vacation and used that as a base to explore the region. Here’s what we enjoyed doing whilst in Cappadocia, and we think you may too: Take the hot-air balloon ride I am so glad that I didn’t listen to myself (I thought this was a touristy thing to do) and instead went for the sage advice of my husband. The hot-air balloon ride was an experience of a lifetime, and worth every Lira that we paid for it. Most local tour operators in Cappadocia offer these rides at various times of the day, but you should aim for the pre-dawn flight. If you do, you would be up in the skies, and catching the sunrise as your balloon glides softly over the fairy chimneys — that’s the 60-million-year-old rock formations that look as if they belong to a galaxy far away from Earth. That’s not all. You will also be able to take in the hillside settlements and breath-taking valleys. And once your balloon safely lands, you’re in for a treat too – champagne and some hard-earned Turkish breakfast! Look at the photographs from our trip below, and I am certain that they will win you over! A tour of the underground cities There are several underground cities in Cappadocia carved into the soft tuff rocks. However, there are two large ones near Nevsehir that are open to the public. What did we do? Well, there was so much to see around the area, that we took organised day tours so that we could get a glimpse and more of the not-to-be missed sights. Our group was small, the transport was air-conditioned and comfy – I reckon we couldn’t have covered all of the sights if we had gone out on our own. Here’s what we saw from the day tours, and a private taxi hire. (The cab came at very reasonable rates and ferried us around, giving us time to explore sights on our own). We took in views from Goreme Panorama point, visited the underground cities of Derinkuyu, and also went to the Goreme open air museum. Our tour managed to give us views of the Rose and Red Valley, Ortahisar Greek town and the pigeon valley. (Believe it or not, people collected pigeon droppings for fertiliser and this labyrinth of caves has dovecotes carved into the rocks so that it became easier to collect the droppings.) One of our tours included a visit to Pashaba or the Monks valley and taking in the Uchisar castle. Again, I will let the photographs do some of the talking. Try the testi or pottery kebabs If you are in Cappadocia, you mustn’t miss out on its unique offering. The clay pot/pottery kebab is also known as testi kabab. Meat, vegetables, and lentils are slow cooked in a sealed clay pot in traditional earthen ovens. When the pot is broken, the smoky aroma and flavour just delights your senses. In some cases, there’s also a bit of a flourish at play when this tasty treat is brought to your table. The waiter brings a clay pot from the oven to the table and ours used a sword to break it open! You could have lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp, carrots, celery root, onions, garlic, and potatoes in your pot, depending on what version you’ve ordered. Some restaurants require that you book your pottery kebabs a night or two in advance since they let the meat simmer and cook overnight and more. Whatever you do, please have the testi kebab. Head to the terrace to witness Cappadocia at night It is a most magical way to take in all the beauty of the region. Most hotels or cave hotels in Cappadocia would have a terrace. Once you’re done with dinner, head there and watch the magic unfold. We were in Goreme and the entire neighbourhood was lit up with lights – it felt like a festival of sorts! Be transported into a different realm by attending a Dervish ceremony We attended one at the Saruhan Caravanserai – just outside of Avanos. It was a most beautiful ceremony, and I felt as if all my worries flew away, and for that hour, I was one with the dervishes. You can find the details of the ceremony here . ( All photographs in this feature, apart from the one accompanying the dervish performance, are by the author and are taken whilst on a personal trip to Turkey .)

If you’ve a trip planned to California in 2023, we have a hot little list for you here. The reason is, the Golden State is offering travellers and tourists a wealth of new offerings. This ranges from theme park experiences and cultural attractions to photo-worthy museums and luxury resorts. And all of these are being introduced for 2023. So even if you’ve been to California before, there will be something brand new and exciting in store for you, and your family. It’s like discovering a much-loved place in a new light. Exciting Theme Park Additions SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and will be the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to debut in the United States. It opened its first location at Universal Studios Japan to rave reviews in 2021. The US debut at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ was created in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to generations of Nintendo fans for over 40 years. Disney – 100 years of wonder celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins in January 2023 Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100) will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co. At Disneyland Resort, the heart of the celebration, the fun kicks off on the 27th of January with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year. Highlights include platinum-infused décor throughout the resort; two all-new night-time spectaculars: “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park. There’s also the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction; the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown in spring 2023; and the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park in time for spring. San Diego to Debut Arctic Rescue Coaster SeaWorld San Diego’s new highly anticipated coaster, Arctic Rescue , will open in spring 2023. Joining other thrill rides at the theme park, Arctic Rescue will be the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. This family friendly, multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. Revamped and reimagined experiences at Knott’s Berry Farm Montezooma’s Revenge was the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1978, and it is the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location. For 2023, Montezooma’s Revenge is being rethemed with new thrills that will allow guests to be completely surprised by the direction the train takes them. The new Fiesta Village will reopen at Knott’s Berry Farm in summer 2023, showcasing beautiful décor across three new zones in the area, brand-new food locations, an updated Fiesta Plaza stage and a redesigned marketplace inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street. Major Attraction Openings Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza opening 2023 The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza coming to downtown Palm Springs in 2023 will feature the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Spa at Séc-he and an outdoor Oasis Trail. The new museum will celebrate the history, culture and modern times of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the state-of-the-art spa will showcase the Tribe’s ancient Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Inspiration for its design includes Agua Caliente traditions such as basket weaving and pottery, and elements found in nature. The Sausalito Center for the Arts opening in Marin County The Sausalito Center for the Arts (SCA) in Marin County is set to open in early 2023, along the iconic waterfront street of Bridgeway. Sausalito is a community with a rich arts heritage, and the SCA embodies that history. The centre will feature art and cultural events, as well as serve as an educational, meeting and community-building space. A one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of downtown Sausalito, the SCA will feature a beautiful rooftop bar complete with Sausalito’s famed picture-perfect view of the bay. Museum of Illusions coming to San Diego Museum of Illusions will open a new museum in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter toward the end of 2023. The nearly 10,000-square-foot museum will feature optical illusions, 3D holograms, brain-puzzling exhibits and interactive illusion rooms designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Noteworthy new accomodations California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand, with more than 30 new hotels and resorts opening in 2022, accounting for over 5,100 additional rooms. Noteworthy new hotels slated to open in 2023 include: Pendry Newport Beach replacing the iconic former Fashion Island Hotel Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa opening in Indian Wells Canopy by Hilton opening in downtown Sacramento Appellation Hotel in the rolling hills of Healdsburg Hearst Hotel in San Francisco, which is set to redefine luxury in the city by the bay Palihotel San Diego, along with three new hotels within Palisociety’s brand-new Le Petit Pali brand.   The Renovated Sea Ranch Lodge Is a Must-Visit Stop in Northern California’s Iconic Coastal Community.  Nomada Hotel Group set to open three new properties in SLO CAL Adding to its existing portfolio including Granada Hotel & Bistro in San Luis Obispo, Farmhouse , a B&B style hotel with 26 separate cottages is due to open in the heart of Paso Robles in January 2023. River Lodge , a wine country escape complete with 27 accommodations, large central pool, gardens and full-service restaurant and bar, is due to open in May 2023 at the base of the Paso Robles wine trail. In August 2023, Pozo , situated near Santa Margarita Lake, will provide 30 accommodations including airstreams, upscale tents and RV hook-ups. The property will also boast a distiller, pool and soaking tubs, as well as a full-service restaurant.  Now that you have all the information from exciting new resorts, attractions and experiences, time to get your holiday planning hat on!

The festive season is officially here and whilst many of us have the traditions that we stick to year after year, it’s often very different for everyone across the world. Many in the UK often dream of a white Christmas and Australians are known to enjoy their Christmas whilst on the beach with a BBQ! Travel Department has put together a snapshot of how cultures around the world celebrate the festivities. Take a look below. 1. Italy & Befana the Witch Whilst Italy celebrates the holiday season with delicious food on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they also have an extra holiday tradition. On the eve of 6th January, called Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas), children will excitedly leave their stockings out in the hopes it will be filled with sweets and presents. 2. Italy & No Meat on Christmas Eve Even though Christmas Eve is a cause of a family feast in Italy, unlike the following day, it’s traditional that no meat (and sometimes no dairy) is consumed. It’s often a meal consisting of seafood before people go to Midnight Mass services. 3. The Netherlands & Shoes by the Fireplace In the lead-up to 25th December, the children of The Netherlands place shoes by the fire in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with small gifts in the night. Similar to how we would leave a cookie and a drink for Santa and a snack for his reindeer, the Dutch leave carrots in the shoes for Sinterklaas’ faithful steed, a white horse named Amerigo. Whilst we’re used to naughty children receiving coal in their stockings, children who misbehave would traditionally receive a potato in lieu of gifts. 4. Ukraine & Festive Cobwebs Usually, we associate Christmas with wreathes, tinsel, baubles and more; Ukrainians often use decorations that mimic a spider’s web shimmering in the winter dew. This tradition stems from a folktale about a widow who could not decorate a tree for her children, so spiders took pity on the family and spun beautiful cobwebs all over the tree for Christmas morning.  Additionally, spider’s webs are considered to be lucky in Ukrainian culture. 5. Japan & Fried Chicken Feast In 1974, KFC undertook a holiday marketing campaign in Japan. The straightforward phrase “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) started a national custom that is still popular today. Despite the fact that Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, families from all across the nation gather there for a special Christmas Eve supper. 6. South Africa & a Barbeque While the festivities vary by area and culture in South Africa, most families get together for a barbeque known as a braaing. The main course includes marinated steaks and boerewors sausages, while the traditional dessert is malva pudding served with custard. Christmas trees made of traditional fir are adorned with a variety of ornaments, including hand-beaded African decorations. 7. The Alpines & Krampus Joins Santa According to mythology, the Krampus, a devil-like monster, joins St. Nicholas celebrations on 6 th  December in Alpine nations like Austria. A list of their good and bad deeds is requested from the kids: children who behave well receive treats like candy, apples, and nuts, while those who don’t behave well worry about what the Grinch might bring on Christmas morning. 8. Egypt & Christmas in January In Egypt, Christmas Day isn’t celebrated on the 25th December but on the 7th January! Coptic Orthodox Christians observe a specific fast during the 43 days leading up to Christmas (Advent), from 25 November to 6 January, during which they essentially follow a vegan diet. They don’t consume anything made with animal products (including chicken, beef, milk and eggs). It is referred to as “The Holy Nativity Fast.” However, people can be forgiven if they are too weak or ill to fast properly. 9. Philippines & Four Months of Christmas & Parol Philippines is known for celebrating Christmas for four months – Festivities begin in September! However, formal celebrations begin on 16 th  December with the first of nine pre-dawn early morning masses. Whilst Filipinos have adopted many western traditions such as Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, and Christmas Carols, they still enjoy some native traditions. ‘Parol’ is traditionally a bamboo pole or frame with a paper star lantern on it. The decoration symbolises the star that guided the Wise Men and is one of the most popular decorations in the country. 10. Ireland & A Single Red Candle A tall red candle is traditionally left in a front window by the Irish overnight as a warm-weather sign of safety and protection. In Ireland, homemade roast goose, veggies, cranberries, and potatoes are a common holiday cuisine. There’s also the ‘little Christmas’ or ‘Women’s Christmas’ – January 6 is a special day in Ireland when the women of the country are celebrated. It’s to cheer their efforts – all women who worked so tirelessly during the holiday period. The day falls on January 6 and is also known as Nollaig na mBan, or The Feast of the Epiphany. Have you visited any of these beautiful counties and their cultures during the festive period? Or perhaps you’re looking to adopt your own family tradition? Regardless, Christmas is celebrated across the world in a variety of ways – each as beautiful as the last! If you’re looking to visit any of these countries, why not try a  guided tour holiday ? Travel Department offer plenty of discounts and have  holiday deals  all year around.

You may have probably heard the bit about the French baguette. It’s been in the news and made it to many headlines. Well, the French are super happy that their beloved bread has made it to the UNESCO heritage status. President Emmanuel Macron described the baguette as “250 grams of magic and perfection” but do you know about the kind of elements and experiences on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Representative list? Being part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inscriptions means recognising the country’s heritage and its importance in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalisation. There are many interesting and rich experiences and elements from the world over on the list. It includes Ukrainian borscht cooking and traditional Ahlat stonework from Turkey, the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony and many more. It actually makes for such a lovely bucket list. Imagine having a travel bucket list that aims to experience and tick off things from the UNESCO 2022 list ! How incredible it would be to experience, say bear festivities in the Pyrenees ? The bear festivities take place every winter in five villages in the Pyrenees mountain range located in Andorra and France. You will see young men dress up as bears and run through the streets trying to catch participants. The festivities are punctuated by dances, speeches in Catalan and music. The entire local population takes part, hunting the bears and welcoming the spectators. Although the style varies from one village to the next, the scenario remains the same and symbolizes the end of winter, spring rebirth (with the bear waking up from hibernation) and the relationship between humans and nature. Or heading to China to get insight into its traditional tea processing techniques and tea ceremonies ? Tea is an important part of people’s daily lives in China. You will find that tea is served steeped or boiled in homes, workplaces, tea houses, restaurants and temples. It is an important part of socialisation and of ceremonies such as weddings. The practice of greeting guests and building relationships within families and among neighbours through tea-related activities is so integral to this country and its people. And if you’re the sort of person who loves a good cup of tea, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony or visiting a tea plantation will be like a dream come true. The telling tradition of Nasreddin anecdotes is also very interesting, and would certainly make it to my list. Would it make to yours? It refers to the social practices and festivals around the telling of anecdotes attributed to Nasreddin, a philosopher and wise man recognized for his wisdom and humour. Although there are slight differences across communities in terms of imagery, character names and stories, the key features are shared as a common heritage in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. How nice it would be to attend a festival or a storytelling event and take in the anecdotes – over cups of coffee and a nice fire? Being a part of a feast, and being able to sample Al-Mansaf in Jordan also tickles our taste buds! This festive dish is central to Jordan’s socio-cultural fabric. Large chunks of sheep or goat meat are boiled with spices in a yoghurt sauce and served with rice or sometimes bulgur over a layer of thin bread. The preparation itself is a social event, with cooks discussing common concerns, telling stories and singing. The layers of bread, rice and meat are arranged on a platter and garnished with fried, desiccated almonds. In northern Jordan, fried bulgur balls filled with minced meat are also placed around the dish. The host’s relatives carry the platters to the reception hall and the guests sit around them, with five to seven people around each platter. Traditionally, the dish is consumed with the right hand while the left is placed behind the back, but today some people use dishes and spoons. Women generally pass down the recipes and related practices (such as milking the goat or sheep) to their daughters and granddaughters. Fascinating stuff, isn’t it? And if Egypt has always been on your bucket list, this will interest you even further. The festivals related to the Journey of the Holy Family in Egypt commemorate the Holy Family’s voyage from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape King Herod’s oppression. Every year, the event is memorialized by two festivals in which Egyptians, including Muslims and Coptic Christians of all ages and genders, participate in large numbers. The first festival, called ‘The Festival of the Advent of the Holy Family to Egypt,’ is a one-day event generally held in the beginning of June. The second event, called ‘The Nativity of the Virgin’, is a feast that takes place in several towns and cities, including Durunka and Cairo, between May and August. Activities include singing, traditional games, body-painting, re-enactments of the journey, religious processions, artistic performances and the sharing of traditional foods. Do check out the complete list here, and let me know what experiences make it to your list. (All photographs, including the feature/cover image and information in this feature story are from unesco.org)