9 Cruise Trips You Are Sure to Love

There are so many places to go and things to see, and I have a lot of ideas for amazing cruise trips. I enjoy exploring glaciers in Alaska and wonderful tropical beaches in Hawaii. And what about you? Whatever your dream, check out a few cruise trips you will definitely love.

1. Alaska

Most people think of cruising as a perfect way to visit some tropical places. However, there are many amazing Alaskan cruises departing every year in summer from such locations as Vancouver and Seattle. Explore glaciers, plan a whale watch and don’t forget to attend a salmon bake.

2. Caribbean islands

From Puerto Rico, St. Maarten to Jamaica, the Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for cruisers any time of the year. No matter whether you’re going to learn about an island’s history, shop, or just chill out at the beach, you will definitely enjoy your trip.

3. Hawaii

Whether you depart directly from Honolulu or sail across from the mainland, there’s surely nothing more romantic and amazing than traveling from island to island with your love. And the best thing about visiting all Hawaii is that you will gather lots of ideas about which island you would like to visit again in the future.

4. New England and Canada

Cruises throughout Canada and New England allow you to enjoy all the best entertainment and food. With stops in such cities as Halifax, Portland and Boston, you are sure to be impressed by breathtaking scenery each step of the way. I’m going to take the cruise this fall and I can’t wait for this moment!

5. Bahamas

Want a quick tropical getaway? A cruise to the Bahamas offers the great chance to relax and enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenery. Even if your cruise is short there are still a lot of fun things to do. Plan to swim with dolphins, to go snorkeling or experience parasailing.

6. Europe

European cruises are popular choices for people who want to experience the best of the Old World. Many companies offer unique options, such as sailing along the Danube, Main and Rhine, so check them out when planning your next trip. Whether you stick to the sea or travel by river, both of adventurers and history buffs are sure to have a great time.

7. Australia and New Zealand

Cruising in Australia and New Zealand gives you a wonderful opportunity to take in everything from unique wildlife species to the Great Barrier Reef. Often these cruises last more than a week, so you will definitely get the absolute most out of your trip.

8. Bermuda

The turquoise waters and pink sands of Bermuda are something that attracts more and more tourists from all parts of the world to this destination year-round. June, July and August are the best months to visit Bermuda, when beaches are in high demand, a majority of itineraries are ready to launch and tour operators offer parasailing, scuba, snorkel and sailboat tours. You will have the wide selection of ships, itineraries and home ports during the peak season. Another great thing is that the water temperature reaches 85-degrees or warmer.

9. Cayman Islands

They are pristine and electrifying! From wonderful white beaches and amazing underwater reefs to breathtaking cliffs spouting waterfalls, the Cayman Island area is a piece of heaven on Earth! The biggest draws are scuba diving and underwater snorkeling. There are many shipwrecks nearby, which divers can visit and there are thousands of colorful tropical fish.

What amazing cruise trips have you been on? Share your thoughts, please!

9 Fantastic Winter Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss

Among the most popular holidays in the winter season are Christmas and New Year. Most people usually associate these holidays with plenty of snow, but snow and frost are not everywhere and while we are enjoying the frosty and snowy winter in the United States and Europe, people have summer. Here is the list of the most interesting and entertaining winter festivals in different countries. If you want to embrace the world of winter festivals, take a look at my list.

1. La Tamborrada, San Sebastian, Spain

This festival is a wonderful mixture of the beat of blues and drum. It takes place in San Sebastian, a popular town near the sea. During that festival many people dressed in uniforms march through the streets towards Saint Donostia de San Sebastian. Who is their patron. Parading is accompanied with drumbeats. You can join this festival on the 19th of January 2014. You are expected to take the following musical instruments: maracas, tambourine etc.

2. Mevlana Festival, Konya, Turkey

This festival in Turkey is not so much popular around the world. It is dedicated to the great poet Celaleddin Rumi. Usually this holiday is celebrated during a week. The festival focuses on the ideas of Rumi who was convinced that people can reach the union with Allah while dancing. Annually hundreds of people take part in this festival. You can see them dancing in loose clothing and skirts. That is a great attraction for many people. Every year this holiday lasts from the 10th of December till the 17th.

3. Up Helly-Aa, Lerwick, Scotland

One of the most interesting winter festivals is Up Helly-Aa. It is held in a small town Lerwick in Scotland. If you lack some madness and craziness in your life you should obviously visit this holiday. You will see there people wearing Vikings costumes. In such way they celebrate the history of the Shetland Isles. The witnesses of the festival can observe a spectacular ceremony of burning a huge Viking ship. It has a natural size. During 11 hours the visitors of the event can entertain while drinking, singing and dancing. But if you are a tourist you should remember that only local inhabitants can take part in celebration. You will have a nice opportunity to drink something while watching that magnificent performance. The spirit of the festival is great. If you want to enjoy it and feel all the craziness you are welcome to visit it on the 31st of January 2014.

4. Bodhi Day, World Over

For those people who prefer quiet and peaceful celebrations Bodhi Day is the best choice. At this festival participants celebrate the awakening of Budha. It initiates the achievement of Nirvana. If someone wants to feel peace, comfort and relax he is sure to take part in this festival. A lot of decorations can be seen on the houses of people who celebrate this occasion. They can be colored lights. It is a tradition to decorate ficus trees. This winter festival is celebrated on the 8th of December. You are welcome!

5. Ice And Snow Festival, Harbin, China

There is a great number of winter festivals where you can see much snow. But Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin is something special. Those who decided to visit it must wear warm gloves, a scarf and a hat. Tourists from different countries come to Chine to witness this wonderful festival. Different events are represented here such as artistic, cultural and athletic. The visitors of the festival are usually involved in a great amount of activities. The attraction of the show is extraordinary firework. The opportunities for visitors vary greatly. There you can do figure skating to go to the theatre. No matter which preferences you have, the Ice and Snow Festival memories will stay in your mind for years. Every person should visit this winter festival at least once in a lifetime. Usually it lasts from the 5th of January till the 28th of February.

6. Bikaner Camel Festival Rajasthan, India

At this festival all attention is focused on camels. You can see camels everywhere: in decoration, dancing camels, racing camels. It is a real excitement. The celebrations are held in the desert not so far from the city. Different competitions and racings can be observed there. At night the visitors of the event can dance and watch fireworks. For those who like extreme there are fire dances. I recommend you to visit this festival. You will never have such a great chance to see that exotic festival in winter. You will certainly enjoy it. This holiday is celebrated 2 days on the 18th and 19th of January, in Bikaner, Rajastan.

7. Fiesta Grande, Andacollo, Chile

Andacollo is a small mining town in Chile. It is very quiet. But one day every year it becomes really busy and alive. People here celebrate the festival which commemorates Virgen del Rosario, saint patron of the miners. This holiday is full of various activities. There you can watch ceremonial and traditional dances, cock fighting, horse racing and help yourself to delicious foods and drinks. If you decided to have a fantastic and exciting celebration of Christmas you must obviously visit Andacollo during this festival. It is held on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December.

8. Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand

When visit this festival you will have the most exotic New Year’s Eve in your life. In what other place you can feel the atmosphere of palm trees, beaches and music? And all that in winter. This is really great event. Near 30, 000 people enjoy the celebration this night. Usually some popular DJs entertain participants with their club music. Thailand is not the only place where you can visit Full Moon Parties. They take place in different parts of South East Asia and even in Australia. But in Koh Phangan you will have unforgettable New Year’s Eve. That is the greatest party of the world!

9. Thaipusam Festival, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It is the brightest festival which takes place in Kuala Lumpur every year. It attracts millions of people. At this event people express their faith and the worship of the God in different ways. For example some can carry pots of milk on their heads. That shows people’s devotion to the God. Others can climb 272 steps to the shrine of Lord Murugan. Some crazy participants can even pierce their tongue or cheeks. The best way to feel great and mysterious spirit of people’s devotion to the God is visiting this holiday. Come here on the 7th of February and you will never forget this fascinating atmosphere.

Which of these festivals do you like and want to visit? Feel free to share your thoughts!

10 Places to Visit That You’ve Never Heard of

Are you tired of visiting the same locations as millions of other tourists? Have you visited locations like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls but now feel yourself yearning for something a little less ‘normal’? It might be time to discover destinations that are definitely not on most people’s radar. Check out the following ten places to visit that you’ve never heard of to see if you can find your next travel destination. Do you think you have it in you to shatter your own comfort zone and venture into places unknown?

1. Turkey’s Pamukkale

Turkey’s Pamukkale is one of those spectacles of nature that will leave you scratching your noggin in amazement. The hot springs of Pamukkale stretch into the distance and are especially tempting at dusk. It’s breathtakingly beautiful place that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.

2. Arizona’s Coyote Buttes

Arizona’s Coyote Buttes is a not-to-be-missed natural landmark. While the Grand Canyon gets all of the tourist attention, Coyote Buttes is actually more stunning. If dunes carved by centuries of sand are to your liking, you’ll definitely want to add Coyote Buttes to your travel temptations list.

3. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is known to the mega-rich of Europe, but is still a treasure hidden from many global visitors. Hugging the Mediterranean, Costa Smeralda is home to sailing races, yachts moored at sunset, and whispered secrets beneath the Sardinian sun.

4. Lanai’s Keahiakawelo

Lanai’s Keahiakawelo just might leave you thinking you have been dropped off on the face of the moon. Desolate and haunting, the red clay dunes are covered with gigantic boulders and tiny tuffs of vegetation. Breathtaking!

5. Wuppertal in South Africa

Wuppertal in South Africa is an exotic combination of waterfalls, hillside boulders, and breathtaking pools of tranquility. If you ever travel to Cape Town, be sure to add Wuppertal to your itinerary. Your soul will thank you for the indulgence.

6. Providence Canyon in Georgia

Providence Canyon in Georgia, USA is a tempting treasure you don’t expect to find in the southern United States. Shades of taupe, tan, and rust color the rocky walls of this exquisite destination. Spindly trees watch over the canyon, causing visitors to wonder how vegetation manages to grow with no source of water in sight.

7. Yemen’s Socotra

Yemen’s Socotra is another beautiful place o visit that you’ve probably never heard of. Barren, rocky desert is speckled with incredible mushroom-like trees that will leave you wondering how on earth beautiful vegetation manages to grow in such a desolate place.

8. Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

The sand dunes of Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil are a spectacle of nature that will leave you stunned into silence. White sand ripples amongst deep green water in tunnels that look like a giant carved them with an outstretched finger.

9. Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands

Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands are known to insiders in the surfing community, but have yet to be discovered by the mainstream traveling public. If blue water, coral reefs, and miles of marvelous beaches are the sights you daydream over, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Mentawai Islands.

10. Coronation Street, Providence, Maine

If you are a fan of cobblestone streets and enchanting taverns like the Rover’s Return on Coronation Street, you’ll want to check out Providence, Maine on the east coast of the United States. You’ll have to watch where you are walking along the rickety pathways of Providence. Puddles, protruding grates, and worn out cobblestones just add to the charm of this memorable destination.

While the rest of the traveling public visits popular tourist locations like Paris, London, or New York City, you can be experiencing the truly tempting travel spots if you are willing to venture into lesser known locations. Do you think any of these hidden gems will make it to your bucket list of places to visit before you croak?