Monthly Archives: December 2016

Seven Winter Escapes in USA

winter-escape

Winters in the US mean loads of snow and even more travellers looking for ways to escape it.  Those seeking great winter getaways within the country will be thrilled to know that the country boasts of many destinations where a good winter vacation can be enjoyed. Read on to know more about the seven best places to travel to during winters in the US to enjoy the best of the winter chills.

Miami

A hub of beach bums, surfers, party animals, and all those looking for unlimited fun! During winters, this place comes alive with people from the colder parts of the country as they come here to beat the winter chills and soak up some sun. Miami is a glamorous beach destination with vibrant art deco buildings, long sandy beaches, surfing hotspots, and happening nightclubs.

Alaska

Snow-lovers, who don’t want to escape the snow but want a snowy and chilly winter vacation, can head to Alaska. Collect lifetime memories watching the Northern Lights with your family and friends and follow it up with romantic massages at Alaskan hot springs. How about watching the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, riding dog sledges, enjoying massages, and soothing hot spring therapies? The answer is a holiday in Alaska during winters.

New Orleans

The US city of New Orleans becomes a popular festive and party destination during winters. Most travellers are drawn to its late-winter carnival Mardi Gras, which features vibrant costume parades and street parties. The city also hosts spectacular Christmas and New Year celebrations and has world-class cafés – need any more reasons to book flights to the destination this year?

Phoenix/Scottsdale

The metropolis of Phoenix/Scottsdale in Arizona is a winter holiday destination for those who want to travel to urban areas for a holiday. An escape to Phoenix/Scottsdale during winters means lots of shopping, golfing in world-class courses, and getting rejuvenated at spas. Plus, the city is home to around 40,000 acres of parks and reserve lands.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a popular holiday destination in the US state of Hawaii. The place gets thronged by visitors during winters as it has a fantastic weather, plethora of outdoor activities, and lots of sunny beaches for relaxation! Travellers can also enjoy a spectacular nightlife and shopping scene in Honolulu.

Oregon

Enjoy serene mornings and sunny afternoons and lively evenings on the Cannon Beach in Oregon this winter. The place is visited by many during winters as it is blessed with a beautiful weather and has rare instances of snowfall. Between mid-December and mid-January, the shores are thronged by people to watch gray whales in action.

Orlando

Last and by no means the least, Orlando remains one of the all-time favourite winter holiday destinations in the US. Chat with your favourite Disney characters at this famous family destination. Come during winters to make the most of the weather.

Unravel the Historical Charms of Hampi, India

Travel back in time as you head to the ancient village of Hampi in Karnataka, India. The village is dotted with ruins of ancient structures, including temples.

hampi

It is one of the most important UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites in India and has a pronounced rustic charm. The village is surrounded by green stretches of palm groves, banana plantations, and paddy fields. Read on to know more about some of the historical attractions of the region.

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Explore the history of the region with a visit to the Vijaya Vittala Temple, a 15th century temple with rich traditional temple architecture. The temple complex is massive and has many other temples, pavilions, and halls. Dedicated to Lord Vittala, the temple boasts beautiful pillared halls, huge stone chariots, and ruins of the ancient Vittalapura township. The temple is a perfect example of India’s spectacular religious architecture.

Zenana Enclosure

Explore the stunning Zenana enclosure, an isolated area that was exclusively reserved for royal ladies. Spend some time admiring the Lotus Mahal, which is located at the southeast corner of the enclosure. The Lotus Mahal is a pastel coloured arched pavilion with two floors. Move on to discover the Queen’s Palace in the centre of the area.

Virupaksha Temple

Feel blessed in the serene atmosphere of the Virupaksha Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, who is considered to be the principal god of the ancient Vijaynagara royals. The temple, built around the 7th century, is not only an important attraction of the region but also the region’s main pilgrimage centre. Marvel at the ancient architectural features of the temple, some of which have been well preserved.

Hazara Rama Temple

The ancient Hazara Rama Temple is a popular attraction of the Hampi ruins. Visit the temple and admire the long arrays of carvings depicting stories of the Hindu mythology Ramayana on the temple walls. The temple is located in the centre of the royal area. It is believed to be a private temple of the king or the royal family and stands at a nodal location of the royal area.

Royal Enclosure

Once the hotbed of the power of the ruling royals, the ruins of the Royal Enclosure of Hampi today include a vast expanse of open ground with several small shelters. Explore the King’s Audience Hall or the 100-Pillared Hall, its huge and stunning stepped tank, an underground chamber, and the Dossier Platform. Be ready for a good stroll or a walk at the Royal Enclosure as the place is quite big.

Welcome to Magical Winter Fun: UK’s Winter Wonderland!

The festive winter season again brings the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – an extravagant event held in the heart of London every year. Each year, the Hyde Park in London, UK, is decorated to look like a bustling wonderland of lively festivities.

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This year, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland began on 18th November, 2016 and will run till 2nd January, 2017, with a break on Christmas Day. The 2016-17 event marks the 10th anniversary of this fantastic celebratory fair.

Ice Skating

Probably one of the most popular attractions of the event is the open air ice rink at Winter Wonderland. Skate to your heart’s content alone or with that special someone or with family and friends at the largest open air ice rink across the UK right here. Skaters can enjoy skating around the Victorian bandstand of the Hyde Park under glittering lights during night or glide around the ice under the glistening afternoon sun. It is the perfect winter activity for locals and tourists alike.

The Magical Ice Kingdom

Celebrating its 10th year in 2016, the Winter Wonderland has introduced this new attraction – the Magical Ice Kingdom. Visitors can enjoy exploring this walk-through attraction full of ice and snow sculptures at their own leisure for around 30 minutes. Moving around a frozen island full of icebergs and a shipwreck in the middle of an arctic ice floe feels like as if you have become part of an Arctic adventure. The attraction offers plenty of photo opportunities as well.

The Nutcracker on Ice

Enjoy a world-class ice show, the Nutcracker on Ice, at this amazing winter destination. The ice theatre showcases stunning ice dancing and is a pleasure for visitors of all ages. The ice-dancing show is around 60 minutes long and includes world-class skating, stunning projected scenery, beautiful costumes, thrilling flying sequences, acrobatics, and fire shows.

Bar Ice

Operated in association with Smirnoff, it’s a fun place to be. Visitors get an exciting opportunity to sample fantastic cocktails in a thrilling Arctic ambience with sub-zero temperatures. This year, two ice bars have been sculpted to offer double fun to visitors, who will be further thrilled by the complimentary cocktail in ice glass that comes with the ticket price. The bar also offers an extensive array of non-alcoholic drinks.

Zippos Christmas Circus

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland boasts of being the biggest circus tent across the UK. Apart from this, the circus acts performed here will truly take your breath away. The shows are held during daytime and feature awe-inspiring aerial acts, colourful clowns, and brilliant jugglers. The show is also suited for kids as it runs for just about 45 minutes.

Top New York Haunts for Museum Buffs

new-york

New York is perhaps one of the most popular urban destinations not only in the US but across the world. The city, fondly called the Big Apple, has many draws, including some of the very best museums and galleries across the world. So, if you are a museum lover or love spending an afternoon visiting a gallery, here are some of the most popular museums in New York for you.

Museum of the Moving Image

The Museum of the Moving Image, which is located at Astoria in Queens, New York, is a media museum dedicated to film, television, and digital media. The collection of moving image artefacts here is considered to be the largest such collection in the US. The museum screens numerous films every year and also holds educational events periodically. Explore its main exhibition – Behind the Screen – which showcases the creative process of developing moving images, presenting it in the form of interactive experiences, rare artefacts, and demonstrations of professional equipment.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Explore diverse contemporary arts at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which is located at Bronx in New York. The museum is a dedicated area for modern art from a variety of cultural backgrounds. This free-entry museum also has gift and souvenir shops and offers free Wi-Fi to visitors. Besides, there are modern art pieces, with Bronx playing the central role in many of them. Visitors can also explore the chic surroundings of diverse neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and attractive restaurants.

American Museum of Natural History

Discover the natural history of mankind in this amazing science museum, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is one of the largest museums in the world and is visited by around 5 million people every year. The best way to explore the museum is to spend late afternoons or Sundays here looking at dinosaur fossils. Learn about animal and human history through its numerous exhibitions and enjoy IMAX movie action. Some of the best attractions of the museum are the Hayden Planetarium, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan, New York to learn about the development of the transport methods across the sea, air, and space through spectacular interactive exhibitions. Marvel at the well-restored aircraft, USS Growler submarine, a British Airways Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Pavilion. Enjoy a fascinating tour of the museum, including a one-hour trip that takes visitors through the history of an aircraft carrier and another trip that educates about the space program. Have a thrilling experience at the GForce Encounter, a supersonic jet simulator, at the museum.

Starr Bonsai Museum

A major highlight of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, this museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. When you visit, stroll across the beautiful and serene Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) spread across 52 acres of well-manicured lush landscapes with over 10,000 types of plants collected from across the world. The BBG is dedicated to impart education about plants to the general public and create awareness for conservation.

Experience the Offbeat Charms of Australia

Home to the world’s largest coral reef system – the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is one of the top holiday destinations. Over 8 million tourists visited this exquisite land last year.

australia

It was easily more than the number recorded in 2014. Thus, if you plan to explore ‘The Land Down Under’, we won’t be surprised! While most people seek the highly popular destinations, you can also explore some of the lesser-known ones.

Undara Volcanic National Park

Undara Volcanic National Park is a place where one can explore natural geological wonders. There is an abundance of wildlife here. Most interestingly, it is known for the remnants of the Earth’s longest flow of lava starting off from a single volcano. The park is also full of various colourful birds, including cormorants, herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills, kites, eagles, falcons, quails, emus, parrots, rosellas, and cockatoos.

Gunlom

Situated in the Kakadu National Park, Gunlom has a beautiful cascading waterfall and peaceful plunge pool. A not-so-easy climb to the peak of the waterfall offers great views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu National Park. A rejuvenating dip in the clear pools is an exhilarating experience.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay, a coastal town in Victoria, has several swimming and surfing beaches. Green hills overlooking the bay create an attractive backdrop. The restaurants and cafes serve mouth-watering dishes. Apollo Bay also hosts the yearly Great Ocean Sports Festival and Apollo Bay Music Festival.

Melbourne Graffiti Alleys

The overall atmosphere of Melbourne is distinctly vibrant! Travellers with an artistic bent of mind can find some of the best works by simply walking through the city’s alleys and lanes. The beauty of street art and creativity is apparent as you simply stroll along. It’s almost as if the walls have something to convey or express! So, don’t limit yourself to art galleries.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles – These are rather strange, if not totally ‘hidden’! The Pinnacles are limestone formations which rise out of yellow sand dunes in a bizarre way. They are often described as ‘Life on Mars’. The natives believe that the rocks symbolize the people who died over the years in the desert.

Famous Places to Visit in Brazil

Brazil is one of the most popular tourist destinations across the world. Many people visit the country to experience its exotic beauty and to live it up at one of its many local or international festivals.

brazil

The sunny beaches, exotic culture, and friendly locals make a vacation in Brazil well worth the effort. Listed below are some of the most popular attractions of the country.

Copacabana Beach

The long and scalloped Copacabana beach offers lots of fun. Being one of the most popular attractions of the country, the beach teems with tourists and locals alike. This beach is as popular for playing football as it is for simply sunbathing. Though, the beach is well-lit at nights, it is still advisable not to visit late into the night.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The beautiful Parque Nacional da Tijuca is a must-visit park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Tijuca, which covers an area of around 39-sq-km, is a dense tropical forest with mighty trees, creeks, waterfalls, and hilly terrain. It is a great place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy trekking on the well-marked trails. You may also attempt the long trek to the Pico da Tijuca peak or simply enjoy picnics.

Cristo Redentor

The Cristo Redentor is a huge statute of Jesus Christ and a famous attraction in Rio de Janeiro. The imposing Art Deco statue of Christ, also known as the Cristo Redentor or the Christ the Redeemer, stands with its arms outstretched. From the summit of Corcovado, the statue overlooks Rio de Janeiro and the bay. The statute is 709-meters high and is surrounded by a broad plaza.

Teatro Amazonas

Experience the beauty of the Teatro Amazonas or Amazon Theatre, an opera house in Manaus. The monument was built using the best materials brought from the world over. It contains furniture imported from Paris and was built with marble and steel imported from Italy and England respectively. The dome of the building is covered with brightly coloured ceramic tiles.

Ipanema Beach

Another popular attraction with travellers is the fantastic beach of Ipanema. The beach is thronged by all kinds of people, tourists looking to get tanned, hippies, musicians, and other artists. In fact, Arpoador, which lies between Ipanema and Copacabana, is one of the top surfing spots in the country. You may also play volleyball, football, beach tennis, and frescobol at the beach.

Amazing Entries of Travel Trolley’s #Photoedat Contest

Travel Trolley recently ran an exclusive month long #PhotoedAt Contest on Instagram from 12th September, 2016. As part of the contest, participants were required to send their travel-related photographs at famous tourist destinations. We received an overwhelming number of entries from the contestants. While, all the entries were unique and beautiful, some of them entries stand out from the rest. Come, take a look.

Img 1#PhotoedAt Trafalgar Square by (https://www.instagram.com/gossip.ni/): This amazing photograph was chosen as the winner of the contest. The photograph was sent by @gossip.ni and shows her having fun at Trafalgar Square in London, UK. Trafalgar Square is a large public square and an important landmark in Central London. The square contains many commemorative statues, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces. The square is also decked up with a cafe, public toilets, and a lift to facilitate access for disabled people.

 

 

img 5#PhotoedAt Magic Kingdom Paris by (https://www.instagram.com/trudeeh/): @trudeeh sent this picture of her in front of the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is probably one of the most popular family theme parks across the world. The huge park is divided into five differently themed categories: the Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Each of these themed areas offers plenty of rides and live shows and also gives visitors an opportunity to meet their favourite Disney characters.

 

 

img 4#PhotoedAt Chichen Itza by (https://www.instagram.com/gemb797/): This fantastic holiday photograph was sent by Gemma of her in front of the ancient pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, famous for a collection of Mayan ruins along the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. The most prominent monument is a huge step pyramid called the El Castillo, which is seen in the photograph. Travel to the site to explore the ancient stone carvings, temples, and the Wall of the Skulls at Chichen Itza.

 

 

img 2#PhotoedAt MountRushmore State Park by (https://www.instagram.com/twohedges/): Neil Hedge had sent this amazing picture of the sculpture of the faces of four US Presidents carved into the granite walls of Mount Rushmore. Better known as the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this famous tourist attraction is located in the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota, USA. The sculpture of the four US Presidents are 60-foot tall and feature George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

 

 

img 3#PhotoedAt the Leaning Tower of Pisa by (https://www.instagram.com/manfalou/): This may be the last but definitely not the least. The cute family picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy in the background was sent by Samantha Mann. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Italy and is world famous for the tilt of its freestanding bell tower. It is considered to be the third oldest monument within Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo).

 

 

 

 

Experience the Charm of Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa equals wildlife, right? This is what travellers experience when they visit this stunning country. The extensive species of animals and birds surprise locals and tourists alike.

south-africaa

Checking them out here is a veritable once-in-a-lifetime experience, undoubtedly. While you explore South Africa, consider putting up in the luxury safari lodges. Each has its own unique charm.

Singita Ebony Lodge

Step into Mpumalanga’s Singita Ebony Lodge and immerse yourself in a world of huge open spaces and interiors reflecting an amalgamation of ‘local tribal culture and the animal kingdom’. The golden radiance of time-honoured brass, hand-made baskets, brownish-yellow tent canvas, and uncovered thatch have a soothing effect. Singita Ebony Lodge consists of 12 suites, featuring private plunge pools.

Tswalu The Motse

Tswalu The Motse in Kalahari comprises nine suites, three of them developed for families. They are well-furnished and have amenities and facilities such as broadband Wi-Fi access, direct dial phone, separate dressing area, and private sundeck. The family suite has two separate bedroom suites with their own en-suite bathrooms. The large central living room will take you to the private terrace, from where you can admire the beautiful surroundings. The lodge’s secluded spa will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge

KwaZulu Natal’s &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury lodges. By staying here, you can wake up to the rustling forest sounds and bird songs. The leaf-filtered light may fall on you. These are what the city folks desire the most when holidaying. Thrill-seekers can go for the day and night game drives, walking safaris, and river cruises. In the forest, you can spot wild animals such as Cheetah, Nyala, and White and Black Rhino.

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane, located in Hoedspruit, is an upscale and intimate safari lodge featuring six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites, and Africa House. For instance, Luxury Suites showcase ‘refinement and opulence’ with their elegant colonial-style attributes. Royal Suites have huge outside decks with pools encouraging you to appreciate natural beauty and enjoy the warm sunshine in absolute privacy. Furthermore, the Africa House has six bedrooms with multifaceted furnishings.

Makanyi Private Game Lodge

The Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Hoedspruit is a blissful place where you can find ultimate comfort and pleasure. The seven luxury suites come with a bed, sitting area, fireplace, private deck, and bathroom. Newlyweds can select from any of the two honeymoon suites, subject to availability of course! These suites have been designed keeping in mind the possible requirements of couples.