Holiday Travel

It’s impossible to describe New York in a few lines or even a few pages. It’s multi-cultural. It’s the financial capital of the world. It’s the centre of art and culture. And it means different thing to different people. People from over a 170 countries live and work here so it’s an amalgam of people of different creed, race and religion. What amazes visitors is the sheer energy and vibe of the city. Everything is fast paced and New Yorkers like to work hard and party harder.

New York is made up of five boroughs. Manhattan is the most important and visitors should concentrate on it as the best museums, shopping, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, you name it, are all here. The other four boroughs are Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Brooklyn too is worth a visit.

Accommodation can be expensive and cramped in New York so accept this fact and make the best you can. Stay in a hotel in Manhattan so you can walk to most places of interest on foot and get a better feel of the city. New York abounds in restaurants serving incredible food, including some delicious ethnic cuisine from different parts of the world. Even its street food is legendary. Nightclubs, bars and pubs stay open till the wee hours of the morning and they are one of the reasons the Big Apple is called the city that never sleeps.

Make time for plays and musicals on Broadway and head to Times Square for bargains on tickets. New York has some of the best shopping in the world. For designer shopping head to Madison Avenue. Bloomingdale’s is on 3rd Avenue, Macy’s in Herald Square, Century 21 is on 21 Cortland Street plus there are plenty of stores of every kind on Broadway. Also watch out for sales.

Read on to find out which are the places you should visit to get the most out of your New York holidays.

Things to see

The city is teeming with fabulous museums, architectural wonders, parks, galleries and more. It’s difficult to list all so here are the top attractions to help you make the most of your holiday travel and enjoy your New York holiday.

Statue of Liberty

One of the world’s most iconic structures, the Lady used to be a beacon of hope and freedom to the millions of immigrants arriving by ship to America. Although visitors weren’t allowed inside the statue after the 9/11 attacks, it reopened to the public on 4th of July 2009.

Empire State Building

It’s the most recognizable building of New York’s famed skyline. Go up to the observation deck for great views of the city. A new addition to the skyline is Top of the Rock which probably provides better views.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met, as it is popularly called, is one of the finest museums in the world. Its incredible collection – both in terms of size and quality – has few rivals. You can spend hours or days going through its zillion exhibits.

Central Park

In the centre of Manhattan’s concrete jungle lies the sprawling 843-acre park. Wooded paths, ponds, lakes with boating and beautiful gardens provide an oasis calm in the frenetic city.

Museum of Modern Art

MoMA is another great museum with paintings by Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh and other greats. Its contemporary collection covers everything from sculpture to film and architecture.

If you have kids, visit the American Museum of Natural History and the Rose Center Planetarium. The Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminus and the Guggenheim Museum are also worth a visit.

Best time to visit

New York is a year round destination and there’s always something happening in the city – free open-air concerts in summer, plays and performing arts in winter and great shopping and festivity before Christmas. But the best weather is in Fall and Spring. So visit in April, May, June, September, October or November.

Read more about New York nightlife and find out which are the best places to dine and party at The Best Things To Do On Your Holiday Nights.

New York cruise to nowhere also provides interesting ideas of how to see New York from a different perspective.

The best spa resorts are located in tranquil locations where your body and mind can both relax. But a select few offer a little more than relaxation and rejuvenation – romance! Whether it’s their beach location, lush wilderness or pampering service and great dining, spa resorts can make your spa break into a lovely romantic holiday. So the next time you are planning your holiday travel to a resort, don’t just think of a body spa, beauty spa and clay wraps. Think candlelit dinners, private pools and walks on secluded islands.
Check out these great spa romantic resorts and then make your travel plans. Who knows they may even rejuvenate your relationship?!

Mii Amo, Arizona, USA

In the Native American Yuman dialect, Mii Amo means journey. The spa is located in Arizona’s red-rock country and is literally chiseled into the rugged mountain. Its architecture has won several awards, as has the resort itself. The various spa programs are called journeys and the Sedona Clay Wrap is a must-try. The Wrap is supposed to nourish and detoxify your skin. This is a good place for a pampering holiday for you and your partner.

Como Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

In the hills of Ubud is the luxurious Como Shambhala Estate (previously known as Begawan Giri) in Bali. With beautifully landscaped gardens, tropical forests, rice fields and waterfalls, the setting is incredibly serene and romantic. The estate, well known for its unique Balinese architecture, is secluded and is located on vast grounds. Its 10 villas and 21 suites are tastefully decorated with antiques and canopied beds. All of them enjoy magnificent views of the valley below. There are nine dedicated treatments rooms and four pavilions where you can indulge in every kind of massage, scrub and wrap. Exotic body treatments include Javanese Lulur and Balinese Spice. The service is extremely personalized and you can dine anywhere you like on the estate.

Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux, France

The hotel and spa are located around their own lake on the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in France’s wine growing region of Bordeaux. Its 49 rooms are elegantly furnished, combining antiques with modern elements. There are two restaurants, a three-hole golf course, gym and bar. The main attraction is the Vinotherapie spa which has its own hot spring and was the first in the world to utilize the healing power of vines and grapes for spa treatments.

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Parrot Cay is located on a pristine private island in the Turks and Caicos and oozes with laid-back Caribbean charm. The 1,000-acre property offers plenty of privacy and incredible views of the azure sea. The price tag is hefty and you may occasionally spot a Hollywood celebrity. The award-winning spa offers a wide variety of treatments which are mostly Eastern in origin. Its signature treatment is the Parrot Cay bath which includes dry brushing, an aromatherapy salt scrub and a Shambhala massage. Besides yoga and meditation, you can indulge in snorkeling, diving, sailing and other non-motorised water sports.

Sundara, Wisconsin, USA

Sundara means ‘beautiful’ in Sanskrit and although the name refers to beauty of the body and soul, quite frankly everything about the resort is beautiful. It is set amidst 26 acres of pine forest in Wisconsin Dells and comprises 26 suites and 12 private villas. Sundara’s Spa Together treatments are to be enjoyed with a partner and the rooms are specifically designed for two people. Just imagine being in the Asara Spa Together room with shimmering gold walls and half-moon windows, and you are submerged with your partner in a large body spa overlooking a wonderful waterfall!

There are many cities around the world which are incredibly romantic. Read about them at The Most Romantic Destinations. You may also want to explore Honeymoon Cruise Destinations for holiday travel ideas.

On the 31st of December, the best parties take place on city streets and not in hip nightclubs. New Year’s Eve is perhaps the only day that is widely celebrated across the world. For once, religion, culture and other issues don’t come in the way of a good party and total strangers greet each other and share drinks.

To help you plan your holiday travel for your New Years holidays, here’s our pick of the cities that see the biggest and liveliest parties:

Sydney

In Sydney the New Year’s Eve celebrations are well under way even as New Yorkers are waking up. Sydney is the first city to celebrate the New Year and it does it in style. The place to be in is Sydney Harbour. About a million people gather there for the spectacular fireworks show that lights up the graceful Sydney Bridge. Music blares over the bridge, the party kicks in and lasts well after the fireworks are over. Taking a cruise and watching the fireworks from the water is another great way to celebrate and offers some of the best views of the Sydney Bridge.
There are loads of pubs and restaurants around the Harbour and the city has a vibrant nightlife.
Weather in December: It’s summer in Sydney and temperatures range from 17 to 25ºC.

New Orleans

At the other end of the world, New Orleans throws an even bigger party than usual. People begin flocking to Bourbon Street early in the evening, downing drinks on the street and stepping in and out of the many bars and pubs that line the street. At midnight everyone heads to Jackson Square, which is just 10 minutes away, to watch the ‘Baby Bacchus’ dropping from Jax Brewery and be dazzled by the fabulous fireworks display over the Mississippi river. Then it’s back to Bourbon Street for an all-night party. The soul of the city is the music you hear in the French Quarter and some hot-ticket bands keep the party going.
Weather in December: Snow is extremely rare and temperatures range from 9 to 18ºC.

Las Vegas

It’s hard to beat the spectacle staged in Las Vegas. There are two big venues: The Strip and the Fremont Street. The younger crowd gathers at The Strip to watch the synchronized fireworks that shoot off from the roofs of casinos. Popular tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for the fireworks. The Strip gets very crowded so it’s advisable to arrive early. On Fremont Street there’s an entry fee for the America’s Party held under a massive canopy that stretches across 4 blocks. Expect Vegas style motorbike stunts, great bands and lots of drinking. The feel is pretty casual and there’s a confetti shower at midnight. Post midnight the action begins in the casinos with all-night betting.
Weather in December: Temperatures range from a high of 14 C to a low of 1ºC. It can occasionally get a bit windy but snowfall is rare in the city.

Check out Las Vegas Holiday Packages for some great deals.

Rio de Janeiro

Over two million people gather on the two and half mile stretch of Copacabana beach in Rio. They start arriving from early afternoon and the beach is packed by the time the long fireworks display begins just before midnight. It is launched from the ships anchored just off the beach. Several yachts and cruise liners too gather to watch the fireworks from the sea. Live concerts and Brazilian music add to the gaiety. What is also unique about Rio is that the locals all dress in white and offer flowers to the sea, seeking happiness, wealth and luck in the New Year.
Weather in December: Summer in Rio begins on December 22 so the heat isn’t oppressive by the end of the month. Average temperature is around 25ºC – just perfect to go for a midnight swim in Copacabana.

Prague

At midnight fireworks go off in all parts of the beautiful and historic city and Prague is bathed in colour and light by the exploding fireworks. The two main places to be in are near Charles Bridge and in the Old Town Square. You can dine at one of the many riverboat restaurants so you can watch the spectacle from the water or simply walk down the streets and join other revelers as fireworks are set off from Prague Castle. In the Old Town Square you can also buy and fire off your own hand-held fireworks but a little caution is advised.
The bars and pubs are teeming with people through the night and the atmosphere is unbelievably festive. It’s cold in Prague and temperatures dip below zero but that doesn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits in any way.
Weather in December: Temperatures range from -2 to +2ºC with the chance of snow and light rain.

Also check out Christmas Breaks – Beaches, Christmas Breaks – Ski Resorts and Christmas Cruises for more holiday travel destinations for your Christmas and New Year holidays.

The best way to enjoy a white Christmas is to hit the slopes. There are loads of great ski resorts but the only way to choose the right ones for your Christmas break is by checking which ones will have powder in December. Low-level resorts in the Alps along with famous high-level ones like Val d’Isere in France and St. Moritz in Switzerland have all been affected by global warming.

Below are a few resorts that offer great skiing and a lovely atmosphere for Christmas. All of them cater to beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and are sure to make your Christmas holidays truly memorable.

Keystone, Colorado, USA

Keystone is just a 90-minute drive from Denver and covers 3,148 acres of skiing area. It gets plenty of deep dry powder in winter and is already packed with snow by the beginning of December.
Keystone has three mountain peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak and The Outback. Its diverse terrains have plenty to offer beginners as well as experts – open glades, fresh corduroy, moguls, steeps, bowls, trees and terrain parks. Keystone also offers night skiing.
There are some nice shops, restaurants and bars in the villages.

Nearby Breckenbridge is located higher at over 3,900 meters and has equally good slopes.

Val Thorens, France

It is Europe’s highest resort so snow is not a problem in December. There are 170 kms of ski pistes in Val Thorens and although all the skiing is above the tree line, the off-piste and powder skiing is fabulous. The ski lifts in Val Thorens can get a bit crowded but they are very efficiently run. The resort along with Meribel and Courchevel constitutes The 3 Valleys. The three resorts are linked, offering skiers some incredibly varied skiing. At 2,300m, Val Thorens is located considerably higher than the other two resorts.
Val Thorens has loads of boutiques and gourmet restaurants and really comes alive at night. Its many trendy nightclubs and bars are known to stay open till the wee hours of the morning.

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

As its name implies, Whistler-Blackcomb comprises the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. Often rated as North America’s best ski resort, it covers an astonishing 8,000 acres and has a vertical drop of 5,280 feet! It offers something for all level of skiers.
Blackcomb is steeper than Whistler with challenging back bowls, open powder fields, fast chutes and heavily treed areas. Whistler-Blackcomb will host the 2010 Winter Olympics so expect upgraded facilities.
There are plenty of great shops, restaurants and bars. You can also catch some live bands.

Chamonix, France

Few resorts can rival Chamonix for its unique combination of varied terrain, wonderful scenery and a picturesque town. It’s often rated as one of the world’s top mountain sports destinations. Chamonix offers 11 separate ski areas on its lift pass so you can choose the one that suits you. Plus the vast spread ensures that the weather will be good for skiing in some place in the valley. Advanced skiers will delight in the area’s challenging breakneck powder-filled terrain.

The town is vibrant with great sports stores, fashion boutiques, bars, restaurants and two nightclubs. There’s also a superb Michelin-rated restaurant – Restaurant Atmosphere.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Although not as famous as Gstaad and St. Moritz, Zermatt is regarded by many as a better resort. Its high altitude means it receives ample snow and its long season runs from November to May. Zermatt is great for beginners and intermediate skiers but those wanting to go off piste should watch out for rocks. It is linked by lift to the Italian resort of Cervinia so you can actually go skiing from Switzerland to Italy!

The scenery is breathtaking and the village is car free. An array of pubs, wine bars, fine-dining restaurants, discos and shops make it a lively place.

Check out Ski Vacations to find out what you need to take with you on a skiing holiday.

Also see Christmas Breaks – Beaches, Christmas Cruises and New Year’s Eve Destinations for more holiday travel ideas for the festive season.

Not everybody wants to stay home during their Christmas holidays and shovel snow. If you are looking forward to getting away from the cold and simply lazing on a sun-kissed beach, there are some great beaches where you can spend your Christmas break.
Every hotel and resort will have something special organized for Christmas so the mood will be festive. It’s best to plan for Christmas breaks well in advance because December is peak travel season and flight and hotel bookings can be difficult to get.
Here are a few great beach places to spend your Christmas and New Year holidays:

St. Lucia

If you don’t want a white Christmas, head for the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean. The island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide and is of volcanic origin. The best beaches like Reduit are on the northwest of the island and have white sands, lush tropical greenery and blue coves. The rugged and spectacular twin peaks of the Pitons are on the south and the scenery throughout the island is gorgeous and is studded with waterfalls. Don’t miss the Sulphur Springs and visit Soufriere for its unique West Indian charm. There are some good dive sites so a popular activity on the island is scuba diving.
Weather in December: Temperatures range from 24 to 27º C and it’s dry so you are free to work on your tan

Tenerife

Europe’s sun destination in winter, Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands’ seven islands. It’s absolutely picturesque and is dominated by the Pico del Teide which rises 12,194 feet above sea level and is Spain’s highest mountain. The view from the peak is awe-inspiring and you can see volcanic rocks in a variety of intense hues. While the north coast has steep cliffs, the south is flatter and the majority of the resorts and therefore crowds are found here. The beaches of Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas and Costa Adeje attract the most sun worshippers. The active nightlife too is centred around these beaches whose white sand has been imported from the Sahara desert! If you are looking for a quieter experience, head to the centre of the island.
Weather in December: Temperatures range from 18 to 20ºC and it’s mostly dry in the south of the island. The north gets rain.

Hawaii

Santa will probably say “Aloha!” and arrive in beach slippers! So Christmas in Hawaii can be fascinating. A 50-foot Christmas tree is put up in the Honolulu City Hall and the area is festooned with lights and you can catch some live entertainment. You can go snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching, scuba diving, sailing, fishing or choose to simply laze on Hawaii’s pristine beaches fringed with palm trees. Hawaii is genuinely a tropical paradise and there’s plenty to see apart from beaches. The islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Big Island make up the main islands in Hawaii. Each island has something unique to offer and each has a landscape that is just breathtakingly beautiful.
Weather in December: The average temperature is 23ºC and though it rains in December, it won’t disrupt your holiday.

Read reviews about the Best Hawaii Beaches.

Goa

Goa is the only state in India where the majority of the population is Christian. So Christmas is a lively affair with colourful street dances and concerts. Almost all the houses are lit up with pretty paper lanterns and the atmosphere is truly festive. The two-year-old Sunburn Music Festival takes place from December 27 to 29, 2009, and is billed as South Asia’s largest music fest.
The legendary sandy beaches are of course Goa’s main attraction. The beaches on the north are touristy but the ones in the south are prettier and quieter. Venture into the interiors and you will see lush fields, coconut plantations, churches, temples and even forests. Most visitors don’t go beyond the beaches and miss out on the true essence of Goa.
Weather in December: Temperatures range from 24 to 30ºC, humidity is low and there’s no rain.

Also see Christmas Breaks – Ski Resorts, Christmas Cruises and New Year’s Eve Destinations for more holiday travel ideas for the festive season.

People are always looking for ways to escape the city. Log cabin holidays may be the perfect way to get away, chill out and connect with nature. Most often the log cabins are located amidst stunning scenery and from your window or porch you may see nothing for miles except nature. The rustic charm of the all-wood structure is something to experience. Some cabins are basic while others offer incredible luxury or are part of eco resorts.
If you are aiming to stay in a log cabin, here are a few ideas for your holiday travel:

Smoky Mountains, USA

Cherokee Indians used to call the mountains Shaconage which means the ‘the place of the blue smoke’. A deep blue haze clings to the mountains much of the time. The haze or smoke is caused by water vapour rising from the thick forests that cover the lofty mountains and its valleys. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers an area of 814 square miles and straddles the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the most visited of America’s National Parks.
Waterfalls, streams and rivers abound. The thick forests are home to an infinite species of wildflowers. Many people come to see black bears and white-tailed deer in their natural habitat. Anglers go for trout fishing. The hiking trails too are fabulous. The Park itself has one of the largest collections of historic log buildings. The winters are mild and hiking can be fun. There’s a colour extravaganza in Fall, and Spring and Summer see a carpet of gorgeous wildflowers.
The Park’s only accommodation is the Le Conte Lodge where the amenities are basic but the view is spectacular. You can only reach it on foot and bookings need to be made a year in advance! Many log cabin resorts have sprung up around the National Park especially in the towns of Gatlinburg in Tennessee and Cherokee in North Carolina where the Park entrances are. You can stay in a remote cabin with great views of the Smokies. From small 1-bedroom cabins to luxury cabins with their own pool, the choice is varied and suits all budgets.
Best time to visit: All year round.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Rivers, lochs, mountains and wonderfully isolated beaches make the Scottish Highlands a great retreat. The scenery can only be described as stunning. Fishing in remote lochs, bird watching, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing and off-road biking are some of the activities to undertake. The best thing to do however is walk. The low density of population makes everything a joy and it’s the reason why you will see incredible species and numbers of birds.
Most log cabins are situated in wooded areas near lochs which means you have unobstructed views and enjoy spectacular sunsets. It’s quite common to spot deer near your cabin. Most rental cabins are self-catering but there’s usually a supermarket and pub nearby.
Loch Ness (of the Loch Ness monster fame) and Loch Lomond are the more well-known lochs in Scotland but venture beyond these to more remote locations to truly experience the Highlands.
Best time to visit: June, July and August

There are scores of location options for log cabin holidays in the UK stretching across the country so you have a lot to choose from.

Sweden

The concept of a log cabin originates from Scandinavia. More than half of Sweden is covered by forests and the untouched beauty is something to behold. In Sweden you will find log cabins on the banks of tranquil lakes as well as high up on snow-covered mountains. Summers are great to spend by the lake and to just dive into the lake. The sun doesn’t set till midnight so there’s a lot you can do during the day. Mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, rafting, kayaking and trekking are the favourite activities.
In winter, the ski resorts come alive for the more adventurous. There’s nothing like sitting in a cosy log cabin in front of a fire and watching the snowflakes glide by your window. In Lapland you can see the Northern Lights from September to April but for snow, visit November onwards. The one thing to remember though is that winters can be bitterly cold. It is dark even during the day and as a result ski slopes are often lit artificially. So a winter log cabin holiday is not for the faint-hearted.
Best time to visit: May to September, November to January

Most people visit places to experience their history and culture, laze on the beaches or enjoy the stunning landscape. But come evening, some cities come alive and offer the visitor an incredible nightlife. As the sun goes down, you may hear the strains of a guitar in a jazz bar, see well-dressed people stepping into fine-dining restaurants and feel the pulse of the nightclubs as they throw open their doors to the party animals.
Here are some of the cities known for their nightlife where you can make the most of your holiday nights:

Madrid

After you have taken a tour of Madrid’s grand palaces, museums, cathedrals and parks, get into a party mood in the evening because its residents sure know how to party. Dinner is served late so the night begins at around 11pm. Almost every neighbourhood has great tapas bars and restaurants. You can also catch wonderful live flamenco performances at clubs such as Corral de la. Palacio de Gaviria plays every kind of dance music in its many rooms, Pacha is a rocking discotheque and Kapital has seven different parties going at the same time, one on each of its seven floors – this place is for the serious clubber. But these are just a few of the happening places. The city has loads of dance halls, cafes, movie houses, theatres and of course nightclubs, so there’s plenty happening every night.

New York

The Big Apple never sleeps. Its cosmopolitan nature makes New York a vibrant place and offers the visitor an incredible choice. The amazing thing about the city is that it ignores the clock completely – you can hit the dance floor at 6am or hit the bar when most people are having cereal for breakfast! New York’s round-the-clock energy is infectious. From charming Irish pubs to posh piano bars and elegant lounges, from Broadway shows to pulsating nightclubs, from sophisticated art gallery receptions to free public concerts, the mix and variety is truly mind-boggling. Every kind of music and every kind of cuisine is available for every kind of taste. Nobu, Per Se, Corton and Adour are some of the fancier restaurants to try out but there are loads of more modest restaurants and delis to choose from. La Belle Epoque, Pacha, The Pink Elephant and Lotus are some of the popular nighclubs. For something more posh, check out The Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel, The Box and The Beatrice Inn. The best ting to do is to just dive in and make the most of your stay in New York.

Read more about How To Make The Most Of Your New York Holidays.

Rio de Janeiro

Most famous for its Carnaval, you can expect a party atmosphere in Rio. It’s a beautiful City with the statue of Christ The Redeemer overlooking its miles of sandy beaches, thick rain forests, mountains and city sprawl. A festive beach atmosphere lingers through the day and night. Baronetti, Ruth and Melt are the more exclusive clubs where the well-heeled come to dance the night away. There are a great variety of dining options like Espirito Santa, which is famous for its authentic Brazilian food, and Careme whose celebrity chef serves up great French and Italian fare.

London

Catch the best plays at the West End where British thespians and the occasional A-list Hollywood actor take their bows. Local pubs are an institution so drop in to sample some beer at a nearby pub. Gordon Ramsay Restaurant is the celebrity chef’s signature restaurant and always makes every ‘Top 10’ list. Zuma, Hibiscus, Chez Bruce, The Cinnamon Club and the Greenhouse are a few others to try out. London is an expensive city so watch out for the bill. The city’s immigrant population has livened up its cuisine and Chicken Tikka Masala is probably the country’s most famous dish.
Music, however, remains the driving force of London’s nightlife and you can catch top bands in concerts or at a club. The Ministry Of Sound, Funky Buddha, Boujis, Amika and Crystal are for serious clubbing.

Berlin

Berlin has everything – an avant-garde cultural scene, casual cafes, laidback bars and high-octane clubs. The nightlife is considered to be the best in Europe. Berlin is also the techno capital of the world! But the curious thing about its clubs is that they don’t go out of their way to advertise and often have nondescript entrances so finding even a happening club can be quite a task. Berghain, Panorama Bar, King Kong Klub, Kaffee Burger, Weekend, Watergate, B Grad and Club Maria are popular choices. A-Trane is a favourite with jazz lovers. There’s no dearth of hip clubs but you just have to look a bit harder than in most cities. There are no curfews so clubs are open till the wee hours.
You will find some smart restaurants serving German, French, Austrian, Indian, Chinese and Turkish food. So dig in.

Tuscany is a region of uncommon wealth in terms of art, history, culture, food, wine and even landscape. Hilltop towns with fortresses and city walls date back to Etruscan times. The Renaissance art in Florence, the Gothic architecture of Siena, the vineyards in the Chianti region and the unhurried pace of village life present a rich kaleidoscope of Tuscan life.
Below are listed some of the best attractions for your holiday travel through Tuscany.

Florence

This is a treasure trove of the finest Italian art, architecture and culture. You will need more than two days to take in all that Florence has to offer. Some of the best known artists, scientists and philosophers were from Florence – Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Puccini and Galileo, to name a few.
Brunelleschi’s majestic octagonal Duomo dominates the city’s skyline and is a must-see for every visitor. You can climb up to the dome for great views of the city. The Uffizi gallery houses one of the world’s best art collections and the Galleria dell’Accademia has Michelangelo’s famous David. There are scores of museums, churches and mansions to see in Florence so you will be spoilt for choice.

Pisa

Tourists throng to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa whose gravity-defying tilt began even as construction began. The ground under the tower is shaky and the quality of architecture is also a bit suspect and these two factors have combined to make the tower tilt.

The tower is one of three grand structures on the sprawling Campo Di Miracoli in Pisa. The Cathedral and Battistero are the other two unique structures next to the tower. Most tourists limit their visit to Pisa to the Campo but do make time to explore the town.

Siena

A beautifully preserved medieval town, Siena’s historic centre is enclosed within city walls. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is a slanting central square. On July 2 and August 16 of every year it is the site for the historic Palio or horse race which draws thousands of visitors. The Palazzo Publico which has the city’s main museum and the Torre del Mangia or bell tower are at one end of the Piazza. The Palazzo’s Gothic architecture is remarkable. Siena’s Cathedral is widely acknowledged to be Italy’s finest Gothic churches. There’s plenty to explore in the city and it’s a pleasure to just walk down its historic streets and alleys.

San Gimignano

As you drive towards the hilltop town of San Gimignano, you will see 14 towers rising, like skyscrapers, above the rest of the city. That’s why San Gimignano is also referred to as the medieval Manhattan. Today only 14 of the original 72 towers remain. Collegiata is the main church although there are many more in the small town. The Palazzo Del Popolo is one of the major places to see in San Gimignano. The Museo Civico and Sala di Dante with a grand fresco by Lippo Memmi are within the palazzo as is the Torre Grossa, a 54-meter high tower that provides great views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Montepulciano

It sits high up on a steep hill. The views of the Tuscan countryside from the town are superb. This region produces some of Tuscany’s finest wines and is most famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. So apart from wandering around the central square – Piazza Grande – where all the main buildings are concentrated, head for Palazzo Ricci on Via Ricci. Palazzo Ricci is one of the town’s wine ‘cantine’. Check out the wine cellars and indulge in some free wine tasting! Montepulciano is a nice place to have lunch and walk through cobbled alleys.

Montalcino

This town, like Montepulciano, is set high on a hill and you can see its imposing spires as you drive up. The town is best known for producing the Brunello – often rated as Italy’s best red wine – so don’t forget to buy some from the town’s many cellars. A fortress from where you can admire expansive views of the countryside dominates the town.

Radda in Chianti

This is another pretty town where you can stop for lunch before departing on a wine tour at one of the nearby vineyards. The drive to Radda will take you past some of Tuscany’s best landscapes.

Badia a Contlibuono

It’s an estate located about 7kms from Radda and you have to keep an eye out for the small road that takes you up to the estate. On reaching the top, you will discover an absolutely tranquil, almost isolated place. The abbey here was founded in the 11th century and today serves as the owners’ home. Some parts of the abbey are open to visitors and there’s a family vinery which produces the famous Chianti Classico.
Not to be missed is a meal at its restaurant.

Cortona, Pistoia, Arezzo, Lucca and Volterra are also some of the other places of interest. The best thing to do is to hire a car and explore Tuscany at your own pace, stopping at quaint villages to sample local cuisine and leisurely driving past olive groves and fertile vineyards.

Another incredibly scenic area in Italy is its northern region where you will come across across tranquil lakes and picturesque town and villages. Read more about Italian Lakes Holiday.

Where to go?
OR
When to go?

The best thing to do while planning a holiday is to figure out what is fixed – your holiday destination or your travel dates.

If you know where you want to go, then find out what is the best time of year to visit that place and then plan your holiday travel accordingly. You don’t want your holiday to be rained out, literally. For example, if it’s Venice, you may want to avoid rainy November and instead go in May, June or September when the weather is pleasant and the place isn’t overrun by tourists.

Families with children often holiday during the schools’ summer holidays in which case they should choose places which have ideal weather in July and August. Most parts of North America and Europe have great weather during these months, as do South American countries like Peru and Brazil.

To help you with choosing your destination, a few places have been suggested on this site based on the kind of holiday you may be looking for. Do you want a romantic getaway or are you keen on sea, sand and surf? Do you want to go trekking or do you want to brush up on history? You will find some great holiday destination ideas on this site.

Of course no holiday would be complete without buying tickets, be they for flights, trains, coaches or cruises. Car hire is another possibility. Read Holiday Travel Resources to help you with your decisions.

Staying at the right hotel too can often make or break your holiday. So do take the time to make informed decisions about your holiday accommodation. From budget hostels to boutique resorts and grand palaces, the choice of places to stay can be varied and it pays to read up what other travelers have to say. Many people also opt for timeshare to make the most of their vacations.

A handy companion on your travel is without doubt a travel guide. Each guide is based on exhaustive research by seasoned travelers and covers everything you need to know about a city, town or village within a country or a region. It’s definitely worth buying a guide once you know where you are headed. Decisions about what to see and where to eat become so much easier and rewarding.

The New7Wonders Foundation announced the list of the modern seven wonders of the world on July 7, 2007, in Lisbon. The results were based on a worldwide poll in which about a 100 million people cast their votes. Of the ancient wonders of the world only the Pyramids of Egypt survive and have been named as an Honorary Candidate. These are must-see holiday travel destinations for anyone.

The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Mexico

The El Castillo Pyramid is an ancient Mayan temple built using precise astronomical calculations. It is a step pyramid of four sides, measuring 60 meters on each side and rising to a height of 24 meters. On each side there are 91 stairs leading up to a temple platform. The total number of steps is 365 steps – one for each day of the year.
On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, a magical play of light and shade takes place. The edges of the terraces cast a single shadow on the north staircase, creating the illusion of the feathered serpent Kukulcan or Quetzalcoatl descending from the temple to the serpent’s head at the base of the pyramid. This phenomenon occurs at the rising and setting of the Sun on Equinox.
Best time to visit: December, January, February

Christ The Redeemer, Brazil

The statue is located on top of the 700-meter high Corcovado mountain and overlooks the magnificent vista of Rio de Janeiro. White sandy beaches, bays with bobbing yachts, towering skyscrapers, Sugar Loaf mountain and also hills and forests create a fabulous view from the top. With hands outstretched, the statue seems to embrace its surroundings. About 39 meters tall and 30 meters wide, the statue was inaugurated in 1931 and remains a powerful symbol of Brazil’s Christianity.
Best time to visit: September, October

The Roman Colosseum, Italy

It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman empire and the grand stage for gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Some of the contests involved the use of elaborate sets and were immensely popular with the local population. With a seating capacity of 50,000, the Colosseum runs 189 meters long and 156 meters wide and covers an area of 6 acres. A total of 80 entrances ensured that crowds could enter and exit with incredible ease.
Today the Colosseum remains an icon of Roman engineering and architecture.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October

The Taj Mahal, India

Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. It took 20,000 workers 22 years to build the mausoleum on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra. The Taj houses Mumtaz Mahal’s grave, and Shah Jahan was later laid to rest beside her after his own death. The style of architecture is Mughal and reflects Persian as well as Hindu influences. Built entirely in translucent white marble, it is decorated with delicate motifs and with inlaid with precious stones. The beauty of this monument is unparalleled.
Best time to visit: October to March

The Great Wall of China

The Wall is not a single continuous wall but rather a series of separate walls measuring a length of about 8,500 kms. Construction of the wall began in the Qing dynasty in 221 BC. Fortification and extensions continued in the next millennia but it wasn’t until 1368 AD during the Ming dynasty that major extension recommenced. The older wall is made of rammed earth while the modern wall was built using stones and bricks and is as a result much stronger.
The Wall was built to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. After Mongolia was annexed during the Ming dynasty, the construction of the wall ceased. Best time to visit: May, September, October

Petra, Jordan

The ancient Nabatean kingdom had Petra as its capital. Hidden by massive sandstone mountains, Petra served as the centre of caravan trade routes and hence flourished through trade. Approaching Petra from the east, make your way through the Siq, a one-kilometer long narrow, dark gorge formed by a split in the sandstone rock. At the end of the Siq, you will get the first dramatic glimpse of the Treasury through a narrow opening.
The façade of the Treasury, or Al Khazneh, is carved out of the rose-coloured sandstone mountain cliff. Rising to a height of 40 meters, the Treasury is remarkably well preserved because it is protected from the elements by the rock cliffs. Further ahead are an amphitheatre, various tombs and the Monastery.
Best time to visit: January to May

Machu Picchu, Peru

Located at a height of 2,450 meters in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is spectacularly located between two mountains. Built between 1460 and1470 AD, it was inhabited for about a century before being abandoned. Although known to the locals, it was never discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors and came to light in 1911 thanks to Hiram Bingham of Yale University.
Around 1,200 people, mostly priests, women and children, lived in Machu Picchu. There are about 140 structures surrounded by terraces used for growing crops. The main structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. The architecture is classic Inca involving stones cut into blocks and placed together without mortar. The stones are so tightly placed that not even a blade of grass can pass through.
Best time to visit: April and May