Monthly Archives: December 2014

Ultra Music Festival, South Africa – An Electronic Music Festival that Makes the World Dance

If you consider yourself an ardent electronic music lover, you must have tasted the fun at Ultra Music Festival! In case your answer is no, get ready to do so at the first festival of 2015 series which is ready to rock South Africa in February. Popular South African cities – Cape Town and Johannesburg – are hosting Ultra Music Festival on 13th and 14th February, respectively. Read on to know more about the fiesta and its South African edition.

Little about Ultra Music Festival

Ultra Music Festival by Ines Hegedus-Garcia/ CC BY

Ultra Music Festival by Ines Hegedus-Garcia/ CC BY

Miami celebrated the first ever Ultra Music Festival in 1999. But today, it has been featured in 10 nations across Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. Ultra Music Festival covers all these destinations in a year. And in 2015, the journey will start with South Africa!!

Artists

The stature of an event is perhaps best highlighted by the list of lined-up artists. And a music event, which has already featured artists and DJs like Tiesto and Hardwell, must surely be a grand one! Avid music lovers have already booked flights to visit South Africa to dance to the tunes of Armin Van Buuren, Ingrosso, Hardwell and Martin Garrix in 2015.

Tickets

Tickets for the event are available on the official website. Couples who love music must have bought tickets for the event to celebrate their Valentine’s Day in a style! Early bird tickets are already sold out. But you can still buy tickets for GA Access, VVIP Advance and VIP Access. For all these categories, limited tickets are available. Sybarites boarding flights to South Africa are buying VVIP tickets to keep up with their lavish musical holiday. These tickets entitle them to exclusive privileges such as dedicated parking area, complimentary bar and food services, entry through VVIP entrance and above all, separate dance floor!

Travellers, who wish to immerse in the extravaganza of the Ultra Music Festival in Miami i.e, the main site of the festival, should seek availability of flights to the city for 27th to 29th March 2015.

Stellenbosch Wine Festival: A South African Celebration You Must Not Miss!

Stellenbosch-Wine-FestivalAmazing wines, scrumptious food, and entertaining live performances by South Africa’s most popular musicians – Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2015 brings you the best of what the town of Stellenbosch has to offer. Considered to be the oldest wine festival of South Africa, it draws a number of visitors who book tickets on flights to be in Stellenbosch. Whether you are a solo traveller who wants to have some fun or someone with family who wishes to experience a bit of everything, Stellenbosch Wine Festival caters to everyone’s preference with its variety of activities. Here is a quick look at the highlights of the festival.

The Wine Route

Stellenbosch Wine Festival features one of the largest wine varietal tasting offerings at one venue. The famous Stellenbosch Wine Route is brimming with around 150 wineries. Wine Aficionados who are booking their flights tickets to Stellenbosch for this festival can taste over two hundred different wines in a single day! (Getting drunk is not the idea though as there is more to explore.)  As you are strolling through the wine route, you can easily feel the rich culture and history of the country embedded here.

Gourmet Lane

If you are foodie, you will be delighted to know that Stellenbosch boasts some of the finest restaurants of South Africa, and as most of them are sitting on wine farms, the festival brings a culinary experience too. The Gourmet Lane features some of the top restaurants to share their ways of culinary creation. Listen to their secrets as you are sipping your favourite wine, it is quite an experience. A lot more awaits you in the Gourmet Lane.

Pairing Food & Wine

Of course, a wine festival cannot be complete without this one. Keen wine lovers have the options to choose from 1 of 4 selected wineries where they can enjoy a canapé and wine-paring experience that will be hosted by some of the most popular winemakers of the country. It is important to pre-book as numbers of seats will be limited.

Stomping the Grapes

Are you ready to get your feet purple? Come and join the grape stomping at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. A large number of enthusiastic people will gather to create a super-fun atmosphere. Live entertainment, grape stomping, bottle opening and barrel rolling competitions – the Grape Stomping Ground will include everything.

Dates: 30th Jan – 1st Feb

Location: Coetzenburg Sport Grounds, Coetzenburg Road, Stellenbosch

Rio Carnival 2015 – A Chance to Peep into the Fun-Loving Soul of Brazil!

Rio Carnival by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo/ CC BYRio Carnival by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo/ CC BY

Whether you are a party animal, a samba dancer, a music freak or a culture vulture, mark 13th to 17th February on your 2015 calendar. Why? These five days are once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse in the invigorating extravaganza of the Brazil’s grandest fiesta i.e., Rio Carnival. The menu of this fiesta comprises of street parties, samba school nights, live bands and of course, Samba Parade. Here’s some more information on Rio Carnival 2015.

Samba Parade

This parade often shows up in the list of ‘Things to Do At least once in Life!’ Scores of travellers have already booked tickets aboard flights to Rio de Janeiro to be a part of this splendid parade. The main highlight of this parade is the competition between Samba schools! The synchronized dance moves, matching beats and ostentatious costumes add a distinctive flavour to the effervescence of the parade. Buy tickets for the Samba Parade to enjoy the captivating performances of various schools that are divided into various sections and wings. Carnival floats depict various themes and act as a division between wings.

Be a Part of a Performance

Numerous holidaymakers often inquire about participating in the Rio Carnival as a performer. If you are one of them, you just need to select the costume on the official website of the festival and send them your size details. You can select your currency to pay for the costume; the payment not only covers your costume but also your participation fee. But remember, to enjoy the performances of other samba schools, tourists need to buy separate tickets.

Tickets and Seats

There are six types of seats at the parade venue namely Grandstands, Open Front Boxes, Covered Grand Tier Boxes, Private Chairs, Party Lounge and Luxury Suites. Majority of tickets in Open Front Boxes for the main parade day have already been booked. Visit the official site to grab tickets for your preferred day at the earliest. Sybarites boarding flights to experience the magnificence of Rio carnival should not settle for anything less than Luxury Suites to continue with their luxurious trip to Brazil. These suites are known to offer the perfect view of the Samba Parade!

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2015 – A Must Visit for Fans Travelling to Melbourne

grand-prixWhere: Melbourne

Dates: 12 to 15 March 2015

If you have already explored the best of Melbourne, here is what you should be exploring now. Melbourne welcomes its visitors to enjoy the four entertainment-packed days. Grand Prix lovers, who are booking tickets on flights to Melbourne in the month of March to enjoy the race, are sure to be amazed with the experience. Here is a quick peek at the schedule.

12th March – Behind the Scenes

Every true motorsport fan waits for this day. On this day, fans can get up close to all their favourite Formula 1 drivers. Visitors are also allowed free access to the Autograph Stage. Watch the first day of action that is packed with Practice and Qualifying for all support categories on track.

13th March – The Supercars

Thirteenth March is all about adrenalin-pumping experiences. Watch the Supercars perform the hair-raising stunts, watch the drivers hustle for pole position in Formula 1 Qualifying – it is one of a kind experience. Whether you are with friends or family, make sure you are in the entertainment zones to get the best of all the thrills and breathtaking stunts.

14th March – Action All Areas

One of the most thrilling parts of the event, Formula 1 Qualifying is must watch. The experience of watching the world class drivers compete is breathtaking. The day does not end here; continue to explore the live music and death-defying stunts in the entertainment zones around the venue.

15th March – Race Day

The final and the most important day of the event: Race Day.  If you are not rushed by the adrenaline, you might get overwhelmed by the kind of atmosphere, the crazy crowd will make. Watch the exciting race, cheer for your favourite driver and shout with the crowd – there is no other option than to have absolute fun!

How to Get Here

Travellers who are booking tickets aboard flights to Australia will be delighted to know that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2015 venue is easily accessible through a number of Melbourne’s transport network including trains and buses. It is important to know that there is no public parking at the circuit. Limousine, helicopter and other services are available for the visitors. Visitors can contact 1800 800 007 for up-to-the-minute train, tram and bus timings.

Best Attractions of Havana That Are Too Good To Miss for First Time Travellers

havanaVisiting Havana? The capital city of Cuba has a lot to offer to its visitors. For holidaymakers who are blocking their flights’ tickets to this city and are wondering what to visit, here are four most popular attractions to start with.

Old Havana

The sands of time have indeed turned Havana into a thriving metropolis but there are some secrets and tales of the past that the city still hides, and preserves in its old centre. Anyone who is booking tickets on flights to Havana for the first time should definitely pay a visit to Old Havana. The place preserves a fascinating blend of Baroque and neoclassical monuments. The more you explore the place, the more you are going to like it!

El Capitolio

Once a seat of government in Cuba, El Capitolio now tells the tale of Cuban past. This marvellous piece of architecture is inspired from the US Capitol building in Washington DC and the Pantheon in Paris. El Capitolio features a planetarium and three museums. One of the prime highlights of this place is the ‘Estatua de la República’, the third largest indoor statue in the world. The place also boasts a 25-carat diamond in the centre of the main lobby.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana

Considered to be the most prominent museum of fine arts, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana (or National Museum of Beautiful Arts of Cuba) is a place you must visit if you are into arts and culture. The magnificent museum settles itself in two separate buildings. Each building has a massive collection of arts that are certainly worth exploring. The very design of the building (Designed by Alfonso Rodríguez Pichardo) is impressive enough.

Bacardi Building

Are you a Bacardi fan? Well, if you are, and you happen to be in Havana, head to Avenida de Bélgica No. 261 and explore the famous landmark of Havana, Bacardi Building! The architecture has received applause from all around the world. Bacardi Building is twelve stories high and features a number of things to see. Tourists, who visit this place, explore not only the building’s beautiful architecture and heritage, but also enjoy some really fascinating stories about the brand.

Get set For a Musical Ride at Playa Del Carmen’s BPM Festival, Mexico!!

The culture of Mexico is undefined, if music is missing from it! Today, Mexico hosts several annual music festivals that entice hordes of music lovers to plan holidays in this nation. January is the month for fans of electronic music to book flights to the city of Playa Del Carmen which is hosting BPM Festival from 09th to 18th January. The menu of this 10-day music fiesta is adorned with numerous events, more than 100 DJs and never-ending parties at nightclubs as well as beach clubs.

BPM Festival by Mike Reger/ CC BY

BPM Festival by Mike Reger/ CC BY

A Bit of History

The BPM Festival was started in 2008 to bring people from hospitality industry at one place. BPM stands for Bartenders, Promoters and Managers but in last seven years, the festival has became a coveted podium for DJs to show their skills and a sought after floor for music enthusiasts to match their moves to the electronic beats.

Tickets

Being one of the most popular music festivals in Mexico, the Advance Passes for this event have already been sold out however, tickets, especially for the single events, are going up for sale in coming days. You can subscribe to the festival’s official website or Facebook page to get updates on tickets and schedule. Moreover, one can buy either of the 3, 7 or 10 day pass. Travellers disembarking flights in this hip city of Mexico can also buy express entry pass that facilitates entry to all events, making sure you don’t hassle for tickets anymore.

The Line Up

The line-up for the BPM Festival features big names, not only from Mexico but also from Europe, Asia and Americas. Few well-known names on the list of Phase 1 Artist Line Up are Guti, Art Department, Leon, Joy Orbison, Green Velvet and Chus & Ceballos from Argentina, Canada, Italy, UK, USA and Spain, respectively.

Taste the Best of Latin Culture with spectacular Calle Ocho Carnival in Miami!

Culture and merrymaking go hand in hand in Miami, and the myriads of carnivals that the ‘Magic City’ celebrates all year-round indicate it. If you, too, are keen to witness one of the biggest cultural fairs in Miami, book flights to the city and be here in March to be a part of the spectacular Calle Ocho Carnival! The week-long event transforms the city into a vibrant party hub, with tons of spectators assembling to celebrate the colourful Latin culture on the streets of Little Havana. In 2015, this huge gala will kick off from March 15 and is expected to enthral one and all with loads of fun, food, music, culture and more.

Here’s what all one can look forward to after netting air tickets on flights to enjoy this Miami carnival!

Carnival-in-MiamiCultural Merrymaking: Calle Ocho is both a cultural fest and a boisterous street celebration. Held along the SW 8th Street, the carnival sees Miami’s Latin community coming out loud and proud to pay homage to their cultural heritage. Talented artists from all parts of the USA gather here to perform on various styles of Latin music, from hip hop to meringue and jazz to rap. Enthralling sounds of the Hispanic and Caribbean nations fill the air with intense patriotism! Various cultural events, magic shows and interesting competitions just add to this enigmatic aura, promising the visitors whale of a time and maximum bang for their monies spent on travel tickets and holiday deals.

Delicious Latin Delicacies: If you’re a food-lover, Calle Ocho Carnival is your opportunity to savour some of the most incredible Latin flavours. You will see innumerable stalls and shops serving foods from different countries like Colombia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The local cuisines of Florida and the rest of the USA are also offered to delight epicureans who attend the event after disembarking their Miami flights.

Sit Back and Relax: When in Miami, it’s almost irresistible not to indulge in the soul-soothing serenity and solace which the city’s magnificent coast has to offer! Be it the vibrant Crandon Park Beach, beautiful Matheson Hammock Park Beach or secluded Virginia Key, top beaches in Miami are truly a delight to be at.

January Events for Travellers Vying to Experience the Sportsmanship of Abu Dhabi

abu-dhabTrip to Abu Dhabi is the best way to explore UAE beyond Dubai. The capital city of the UAE hosts several events offering an insight into the cultural richness of the Middle Eastern nation. Sports have become an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle and culture. If you have booked tickets to disembark flights here in January, there are several sports events you can be a part of.  Here’s a list of upcoming 2015 events in Abu Dhabi that you can add to your itineraries.

The President Cup Falcon Competition 2015

Falcon shows are an integral part of holidays to Abu Dhabi. In January, the excitement of such shows is going to touch a new level of exhilaration with the President Cup Falcon Competition. The upcoming event is the second edition of the Falcon Competition and is scheduled to take place from 15th to 17th January at Abu Dhabi Falcon’s Club. The competitors will be judged on their performances in three competitions and the winners will take away a whooping prize of AED 25,000,000 along with 56 cars.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Golf lovers boarding flights to be in Abu Dhabi in mid-January should reserve 15th to 18th January in their travel plan to catch the action of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship which is going to held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. In the past, this championship has featured star players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson. With the prize money of US $ 2.7 million, this is the richest golf championship in the Gulf region.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Into its seventh year, Mubadala World Tennis Championship is ready to welcome tennis lovers once again with its line up of top-notch tennis stars namely Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Other three players competing for prize money of US $ 2, 50,000 are Stanislas Wawrinka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. From 01st to 03rd January, this 3-day event will be held at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.  Buy tickets at the official website to experience the thrill of nail-biting contest between the world’s best.

Top Hong Kong Cultural Celebrations during the Spring Season

hong-kongSpring in Hong Kong is a time of celebration! From salubrious weather to gratifying shopping and an array of cultural fests, the season is marked by a great zeal and enthusiasm in the ‘Asia’s World City’. Here are some popular cultural carnivals that happen to express the real essence of Hong Kong, blending its contemporary persona with ancient rituals and bizarre customs.

Birthday of Tin Hau

Hong Kong boasts an influential maritime heritage, and the Birthday of Tin Hua, the goddess of the Sea, is an annual reminder of that! The locals flock to the temples of the deity and pray for safety, security and well-being of their fishing business. One of the famous places to witness this cultural extravaganza is Shap Pat Heung in Yuen Long, where a colourful parade of fa pau (floral wreaths) takes place, followed by the lion dances and a noisy procession of brightly decorated fishing boats. It generally falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (11th May in 2015) and attracts a huge number of holidaymakers who buy tickets aboard flights for Hong Kong.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The century-old Cheung Chau Bun Festival is still one of Hong Kong’s most important cultural carnivals. Held in the fourth lunar month, the week-long event sees loads of merrymaking with fascinating Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, drum beating and exciting games and competitions. The locals, dressed in cultural costumes, parade statues of deities through the narrow alleys of the island. Many unique rituals are performed to keep the real essence of the fest alive, and this is what makes it one of the world’s top, quirky local festivals. Quite naturally, a fair share of travellers who grab flight tickets’ for spring holidays in Hong Kong partakes in the carnival.

Birthday of the Buddha

hong-kong-aAlso called the Buddha Bathing Festival, it surely reflects the spiritual sides of people in Hong Kong. A number of rituals, taken from the life of Lord Buddha, are practiced and make for a unique cultural experience for those who join the festivity after disembarking their Hong Kong flights. Devotees visit the temples and pay homage to the deity by bathing statues. Various cultural performances, group chanting and holistic sessions add to its spiritual significance. Eating the special green cookies signifies the passing of the hard time in life and remains a highlighted ritual of the event!

Top Free Attractions in Barcelona, Spain that Becharm All

Barcelona is a beautiful city that’s graced with infinite charms. The region’s cultural charisma is too majestic to be ignored by anyone who disembarks from the plane that land in the city. The city’s bars and restaurants are wonderful and the upscale ones can really delight the taste buds of yours. Yes, it has to be agreed that Barcelona, in specific and Spain in general, are expensive places to spend few weeks in. But, that doesn’t mean that those with no-so-heavy-wallets cannot enjoy their time in region. Take a look at different attractions/activities that are absolutely free for travellers who don’t wish to spend more after investing on flights, tickets, hotels, etc.

Barcelona by Bert Kaufmann/ CC BY

Barcelona by Bert Kaufmann/ CC BY

Beaches

Barcelona has some wonderfully delightful beaches and enjoying most of them doesn’t cost much! Penny-pinchers can try lazing around the Barceloneta, one of the most popular beaches of Spain. Enjoy a cool drink at any of the many beach bars or even more affordably, enjoy reading an interesting book! It costs nothing.

People Watching

‘People watching’ is perhaps the most enthralling part of a holiday for many. Nothing beats the charm of checking out the local crowd as they go about their usual routine! The tourist in you might take delights in locating a range of characters walking on the streets. El Raval, a neighbourhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, is a nice place to people watch! From students to backpackers, all sorts are found here.

Monuments

Spain is a sort of repository, with many grand monuments of great cultural and historical interest in Barcelona representing that Spanish feature! Travellers who spend on flights and are willing to move around in search of significant marvels might find the Colombus monument and the grand Arc de Triomf the perfect venues to enjoy penniless sightseeing.

Mercat de la Boqueria

Tourists may wish to soak in some local flavours at the Mercat de la Boqueria, a famous indoor market hall. This is a great place for tourists to check out the several Spanish colours that are illustrated by the merchants and tradesmen. Roam around the place and take it all in!