Monthly Archives: November 2015

Atlanta’s Top Christmas Events in December 2015

Atlanta is one of those cities in the USA that has become a prominent destination to enjoy splendid Christmas celebrations.

christmas

The city is again ready to kick off the festive month of December with a range of events. Even if you are visiting Atlanta just for a day in December, you get several options to experience the eclectic festive mood at various parties, markets, shows, walks and concerts. Let’s check out a few popular Christmas events in Atlanta.

Garden Lights

Atlanta Botanical Garden will host the annual extravaganza, Garden Lights, from 14th November to 09th January, 2015. Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest, Tunnel of Light, and Orchestral Orbs are among the attractions that feature a dazzling display of lights. You can admire this captivating show of lights between 5pm and 10pm. Entry tickets for this event are generally classified into two types; Peak Night Admission (Thursday to Sunday) and Non-Peak Night Admission (Monday to Wednesday).

Black Nativity

Theatre lovers must add this event to their itineraries. This theatre performance is based on the Black Nativity written by poet Langston Hughes in 1961. It portrays the African-American perspective of the Nativity story through gospel music, captivating voices and energetic dance. This show is scheduled from 02nd to 20th December, 2015 at Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater and Gallery.

Celtic Christmas

Visit Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, Atlanta on 19th and 20th December at 8pm and 3pm to enjoy Celtic Christmas. Packed with poetry, dance, mirth and music, this event celebrates the intermingling of various ethnicities such as Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and Appalachian. Tickets for this event are available on the official website of Celtic Christmas.

Peach Drop

Often named as the largest New Year’s Eve in the Southeast, Peach Drop is packed with exclusive live entertainment for adults and a range of activities for kids. New Year’s Eve of 2015 will mark the 26th edition of this notable event where you can enjoy the performances of Ludacris, Symphony Crack Orchestra and Radiolucent. Peachtree Rides and PAC MAN Play Arcade promise a fun-filled New Year’s Eve for families. Underground Atlanta will host this lively extravaganza on 31st December.

Top 3 New Zealand Events in December

December is a time, when the people of New Zealand spend nice sunny days at the beach and enjoy some of the most happening events in the country.

new-zealand

If you are in New Zealand in December, you wouldn’t want to miss some of these events.  Have a look at our pick of top 3 events in December.

An Evening with Oprah

If you are a fan of Oprah and would be in Auckland in December, you are in luck, as Oprah will be coming to Auckland with “An Evening With Oprah” where she would bring her own story and understandings of life on Wednesday, 16th December.  Through television and other mediums, Oprah, for the past 25 years, has created an extremely powerful connection with people throughout the globe. She is the CEO and the chairman of OWN and along with her humanitarian work, she is also continuing to produce and act in award winning feature films.  You can book the tickets online. Visa cardholders get the special privilege of jumping the queue.

Ed Sheeran

Starting on 28th November in Brisbane, and touring through venues like Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Perth, throughout December, the Grammy nominated British talent Ed Sheeran is going to be the first musician to have ever performed a New Zealand and Australian tour solo. All the sounds on the stage, during the performance, will be produced by his guitar, voice and loop pedals. This tour celebrates his sophomore album x. Ed Sheeran, with his innovative music techniques promises to make you sway and tap your feet in sync and sing along with the British star.  The tickets are available online and can be booked in advance.

Fleetwood Mac

After the Unleashed Tour at 2009, which was a big success and a sold out event, Fleetwood Mac is bringing On With The Show Tour to Mt Smart Stadium. This is the first time since 1998 that Fleetwood Mac, one of the most loved groups of all time, will be touring as a five-piece band. All of the 5 original members in the band will be together as Christine McVie is reuniting with Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham after 16 years. The tour will witness Fleetwood Mac performing hits and classics from their career such as “Dreams”, “The Chain”, “Go Your Own Way” “Don’t Stop” and many more songs, which have inspired and entertained 4 decades of followers.

A Few Must-have Experiences at Praslin Island, Seychelles

About 25 miles north of Mahé, the capital of Seychelles, lies the spectacular Praslin Island.

Seychelles

Blessed with many natural and man-made marvels, the island is a fascinating tourist destination that draws holidaymakers from far and wide.

Seychelless

Be it sparkling white beaches, enchanting forests, lofty mountains or exotic marine life – Praslin Island is simply a beauty to behold. We’ve compiled a list of some must-have experiences at the destination.

Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is one of Seychelles’ only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other being the isolated Aldabra Atoll. While the nature reserve is famous for its dense Coco-de-Mer forests and the endangered Seychelles Black Parrot, there are plenty of other exciting things too. You can enjoy camping, fishing and canoeing in this stunningly beautiful forest. The reserve is home to exotic wildlife and hence is big draw for wildlife buffs and shutterbugs alike.

Try Deep Sea Diving

Considered one of the best diving sites in the Seychelles, Praslin Island is famous for its colourful marine life. Take a diving excursion to spot the rare and endangered marine species such as reef sharks, sting rays and turtles. Though there are more than 15 diving sites to choose from, one of the most popular spots is Côte d’Or. The various hotels and resorts at Praslin Island arrange half as well as full day diving trips to the place.

Try your Luck at Casino des Iles

Like to try your hand at gambling? Head to the famous Casino des Iles and enjoy gaming and other nightlife revelries. The place is a popular tourist spot, with its casinos, clubs and restaurants offering unending fun after sunset. The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the casino tables operate daily between 20:30 and 03:00.  The Tante Mimi Restaurant here serves delectable Creole cuisine.

Spend a day at Anse Lazio beach

No words can do justice to the surreal charms of Anse Lazio beach. Ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio is a haven for solitude seekers and romantics. Take in the breathtaking views of the white powdery sands, turquoise waters and surrounding green landscapes. You can also enjoy some water sports to complete you fun-filled day at this famous beach on Praslin Island.

Getting around Maldives – Tips for First-time travellers

When before booking tickets for a holiday destination, it’s better to find out about small things such as the accommodation options, weather, local cultures and the different modes of transport available there.

maldives

The best way to get to a place from another in Maldives is by walking. Malé, the capital city of Maldives is just about a square mile in area and all of the landmarks are in walking distance from one another. But if you would like to go for island hopping, Yacht is the best option as it is faster and easier than the ferry or the local boat (known as “dhoni”) and is easier for navigation.  Here are the best modes of transport that you can choose in your holiday to Maldives.

Yacht

If you can spend a generous amount of money, then this is the best mode of transport you’ll get when travelling from one island in the archipelago to the other.

Yacht

Yachts can easily glide through the isolated reefs and the remote islands.  Various resorts in the islands have their private docks for the convenience of the travellers arriving and leaving through the yachts. As visiting the non-resort islands is prohibited by the government of Maldives, it is important to see where you are choosing to anchor. We would recommend you to travel with a licensed tour guide/operator as they will have proper licence and will know the rules and regulations. Also, if you are lucky, they can even take you to the islands that are usually off limits to the tourists,

Ferry

Although the local ferry network is confined to some major places, it is the best option for cruises and if you want to experience the traditional and cultural aspects of the Maldives. Their network is limited to the four routes with specific schedules and can be checked on their government’s transit website.

Motorbikes

In Malé, you will be able to see some motorbikes, making their way through the narrow lanes and crowded streets. However, for safety reasons, we’d advise you not to rent one unless you are an expert rider. Moreover, since all landmarks are roughly a fifteen minute walk away, there is hardly any use for motorbikes.

Taxis

There are several taxis in Malé which are useful is you are carrying too much luggage or if you’re stuck in a thunderstorm. You can both call for the taxi services or hail a taxi on the streets. Luggage costs extra if it is more than a certain amount.

A Quick Look at Popular Luxury Resorts in Soufriere, St. Lucia

Beautiful sunny beaches and a relaxing environment are among the top reasons that prompt tens of thousands of tourists from all around the world book tickets for St. Lucia.

st-lucia

Situated in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia is a part of the West Indies islands. But beaches are not the only highlights of this beautiful tourist destination. The Island is home to tropical rainforests, rustic villages and offers an array of adventurous activities such as horse-riding, zip lining, helicopter tours and whale watching. There are numerous luxury resorts in St. Lucia, where you can indulge in various recreational activities, enjoy luxurious amenities and sample gourmet meals and exquisite beverages. Have a look at three such popular resorts in the island.

The BodyHoliday LeSport

The beachfront property of BodyHoliday LeSport resort is a hot favourite. As the name suggests, the resort apart from providing luxurious accommodation and amenities for a lavish holiday, also offers various facilities to keep your body and mind healthy and rejuvenated. Take your pick from a world of sports lessons, including snorkelling, tennis sailing, and surfing. Fitness classes are conducted too.  The resort houses two bars, three restaurants, three outdoor pools and on-site shopping options. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature patios or furnished balconies for a relaxing drink. There is even a private beach where you can unwind or indulge in various water-sporting activities.

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

With beautiful views of the Reduit Beach and convenient access to the shopping hotspot of Rodney Bay Village, Bay gardens Beach resort offers a perfect holiday experience. The resort features three bars, two restaurants, a full-service spa and a lagoon-style pool. The guest suites boast cable television, balconies, kitchens, in-room massage services, and dining and living areas. You can also treat yourself to various entertainment options including dancing, live band shows and fire eating performances. Several land and water based activities are also available to make the best of your holiday experience.

Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa Castries

Located amidst lush hills, the Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa at situated at Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia. The resort features seven multi-cuisine restaurants, ten bars, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. All the guest rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with fine mahogany four-poster beds with turndown service and refrigerators. There are a number of entertainment options for guests, including karaoke, music performances, dance lessons and various poolside games. If you like adventure sports, you can also enjoy a number of land and water sporting activities for an exciting and enthralling holiday experience.

Top 3 Places to See in Ranthambore National Park

If you are a nature lover, and are planning to visit an offbeat yet beautiful place this winter, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan would be one of the most promising options.

ranthambore

The park is a haven for wildlife photographers, nature lovers and adventure seekers. Let’s have a look at the top 3 places to see in Ranthambore National Park.

Raj Bagh Ruins

The Raj Bagh Ruins are situated between Raj Bagh Talao and the Padam Talao and make for a beautiful old place to visit. The ancient domes, arches, pillars, steps and palace outhouses tell stories of the past and the setting amidst the wilderness lend a nostalgic appeal to the place. The ruins and the surrounding natural beauty draw countless nature lovers. If you are lucky, you will also be able to spot tigers here.

Padam Talao

Padam Talao is the largest lake in the park and the world famous Jogi Mahal is situated on one of the shores of the lake. Padam or Padma means Lotus/Water in the local language. The Padam Lake has been so named because of the water lilies that grow on the surface of the lake during the season. If you are a nature enthusiast, especially with a fondness for wildlife photography, visit the lake at dawn and dusk as numerous animals, including tigers and chinkaras come to drink water at that time.

Ranthambore Fort

The Ranthambore fort is one of the main highlights of the national park. It is located strategically on top of a hill, which overlooks the whole park. No vehicles can go up, so the only way to reach the top is to climb up, which is an exhilarating experience. When you reach the top, one of the most scenic views meets your eye. The fort looks magnificent and you can spot many birds, including vultures and Serpent eagles. There are a number of animals that can be seen here. The entry tickets don’t cost much, although it would be better to go with a guide, in order to know more about the history of the fort.

Highlights of Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival 2015

Thailand’s charms are many. Besides its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and wonderful food, Thailand is also a land of numerous entertaining festivals.

thaland

These festivals not only help the country in preserving its ancient traditions, but also attract a large number of foreign tourists. One such festival that attracts tourists in large numbers is the Loy Krathong Festival which is celebrated to pay respects to Lord Buddha. This year the festival will be held from 24th-26th November throughout the country, and will involve everything from boat races to lantern processions and beauty contests. Here’s shedding some light on the major highlights of this year’s festival.

Releasing Floating Lanterns into the River

One ritual that is performed every year is releasing floating lanterns in rivers, lakes and the sea. While some perform this ritual in the belief that it would cleanse their sins, others do this to honour the goddess of water for the year’s agricultural produce. Whatever the reason be, this ritual is performed by most people.

Exciting Boat Races & Fireworks Display

Exciting boat races are held throughout the country during the Loy Krathong Festival. River Ping is where you can catch some of the most exciting races. The prizes are big and the atmosphere is full of fun, so entertainment is guaranteed. The event is signed-off with an extravagant fireworks display.

Grand Krathong Parade

One of the most high profile events of the festival is the Grand Krathong Parade that starts from Thapae Gate and ends at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office. The event is also covered extensively by the media and this adds zing to the whole scenario.

Contests, contests, contests!

The festival organizers also make sure that there are lots of contests including hot-air balloon contest, beauty contest, handmade Krathong contest and many more. The basic idea is to make the festival entertaining for young crowds, something that the festival has successfully achieved in the past few years.

Thailand is a year-round tourist destination, and come November the hotel and flight prices go sky-high. So make all your bookings in advance, and if possible join the festivities along with the locals as that’s the best way to gain insights into the festival.

Exploring Venezuela Beyond its Beaches!

Venezuela is often called a beach bummer’s paradise and rightly so. The country boasts some of the most enchanting beaches in the Caribbean, known for untamed natural beauty and exciting water sports.

venezuela

But that’s not all when it comes to a Venezuela holiday. The Caribbean land offers a wide array of enthralling experiences that make it a perfect holiday destination for everyone. Explore the country’s diverse wildlife, admire its historical legacy, soak up the colourful culture, or relish mouth-watering seafood – there is definitely much more than the sun, sand, and the surf to enjoy in Venezuela. We’ve composed a list of some such top attractions in Venezuela.

Hiking up Roraima Mountain

Hike up the Roraima Mountain to explore Venezuela at its natural and rugged best. This stately table mountain lies in the south-eastern corner of Canaima National Park and features strange rock formations, beautiful waterfalls and a diverse range of flora & fauna. Unexplored until 1884, the stark landscape allures hordes of hikers and nature-lovers to discover its otherworldly charms. The best time to hike the mountain is between November and April.

Salto Ángel (Angel Falls)

The world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls is simply a beauty to behold. Watching the waters falling from a majestic height of 979m is certainly a memorable experience. There are camping facilities near the base of the falls. You can also take up excursions to the surrounding mountains and green forests. As the waterfall is situated at a distance and there is no road connectivity, most visitors opt for a boat ride to reach the campsite.

Wildlife Spotting on the Orinoco Delta

How about a canoeing or kayaking expedition on the vast Orinoco River and its tributaries that are home to exotic aqua species including cayman, catfish and even piranhas? The surrounding forests on the Orinoco Delta have some of the most diverse wildlife in Venezuela. Rare species that you can spot here include puma, howler monkeys, and hummingbirds. Enjoy overnight camping and gorge on freshly cooked local delicacies to complete your excursion the traditional way.

Mérida

Nestled in the Chama River Valley with the snow-capped Pico Bolivar Mountain in the backdrop, Mérida is a beautiful town and a terrific holiday destination in Venezuela. The city is famous for its historical buildings and museums that depict the region’s eventful history. An eclectic array of bars, clubs and restaurants promises a fun-filled time after sunset. If you’re up for adventures, the surrounding mountains offer great trekking opportunities.