Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

The Alps hold a certain charm that is undeniable. People from all over the world flock to this region in Europe at the first sign of fresh powder, aching to drop their skis or snowboards into the fluffy white snow.

But, the Alps are just one of many spectacular areas in the world where the skiing is world-class and the mountains are magical.

Because of the two hemispheres and opposite seasons, it is possible to plan a skiing vacation any time of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, skiing normally runs from June through October; in the Northern, October or November (depending on weather) through late spring.

For people planning a ski or snowboard vacation in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months, Canada has got some of the best skiing in the world.

Banff, Lake Louise, Alberta

Located in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are three ski areas – Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort and Lake Louise.

Sunshine Village, which opens in November and closes mid-May records an average of nearly 30 feet of snow a year. The resort has more than 3,300 skiable acres of mountain, 107 runs with names (and plenty more off-trail adventure opportunities), and a terrain park. Sunshine Village has an even split of beginner and advanced slopes – about 25 percent for each – and 50 percent intermediate.

Ski at Lake Louise! photo courtesy of jorr81 via Flickr

Mount Norquay, which celebrates its 86^th anniversary this season, was the first resort in the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, it has garnered recognition for being one of the best family ski resorts in Canada and also one of the best jumping and racing facilities. In addition to skiing and a terrain park, there is also the opportunity to go snow tubing and snow shoeing. The resort features more than 30 trails – with the largest number of trails designated for advanced skiers. Beginning in the new year, every second Thursday of the month, Norquay has been offering “Toonie Thursdays,” giving visitors passes for only $2.

Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts on the continent and offers 4,200 skiable acres over four mountain faces. With 139 trails and bowls, it’s a near even split between beginner and advanced runs. Around 45 percent of the trails are designated for intermediate skiers. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy dog sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing.

For those who can’t decide between the three, there are options to “Ski Big 3” that include lift passes to all three, along with discounts or free rooms based on length of stay.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Everyone in the family can ski at Whistler! photo courtesy of Scott Hughes via Flickr

It wasn’t the host for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games for nothing. Whistler Blackcomb, located about two hours from Vancouver, features some of the best skiing in North America. First established in February 1966 with dreams of hosting the Olympics, Whistler has grown into its own, merging with Blackcomb in the late 90s to create one of the world’s biggest resorts. It was the first mountain to be recognized by an American ski magazine as the best outside of America, and today has gained a reputation for its challenging runs, including “Couloir Extreme,” one of the top 10 steep in-bounds in the world, according to Ski Magazine.

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Opening for the 2012 season in June, Lake Wanaka features four parks, making the area the largest skiable terrain in Australasia. There is the family-focused Cardrona Alpine Resort, complete with an entire children’s facility to accommodate lessons and childcare. Known for its wide open trails, it breaks down to 25 percent beginners, 50 percent intermediate and 25 percent advanced runs.

Another option is Treble Cone, a challenging option for skiers and snowboarders. This mountain, which features a vertical drop of 2,312 feet, offers only 10 percent of the trails for beginners, and 45 percent for both intermediate and advanced visitors.

For those looking for skiing with less adrenaline but still a challenge, Snow Farm is New Zealand’s only cross-country resort, with more than 50 km of trails.

Finally, there is Snow Park, perfect for the free-style enthusiasts. It features a terrain park packed with challenges, plus a dedicated jump area. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there’s also sledding to pass the time.

Valle Nevado, Chile

Valle Nevado is great for advanced skiiers - photo courtesy of Brasileiro via Flickr

Selected by The New York Post as one of the best summer escapes in the world, Valle Nevado, near Santiago, Chile is one of the youngest in this bunch, having its first season in 1988. Valle Nevado has the largest skiable area in South America, with nearly 7,000 acres. Be warned: the trails here are challenging, and abundant. Only 10 percent of the trails are designated as beginners, with another 36 percent for intermediate skiers and 54 percent for the advanced athlete. In the off-season, there is hiking and biking to enjoy on the rough Andes terrain.

- Diana Edelman

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

Top Places to Ski Around the World by Diana Edelman from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

Just because most of America is in a deep freeze (or at least not shorts weather), doesn’t mean the rest of the world is experiencing the same. Thankfully, there are plenty of places enjoying summer whilst we pack on the layers and bundle up to face winter’s wrath.

During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, many other places are enjoying some gorgeous weather, free from the rainy seasons, monsoons and sweltering heat, so now is the time to head to one of these exotic locales to enjoy some sun, blue skies and less clothes. A lot less clothes.

Thailand

Whether you’re in the mood for some city living in Bangkok or up north in Chiang Mai, or want to relax on the pristine beaches in the south, the weather is pure bliss from January through March. With average temps ranging from the high 70s to high 80s, the likelihood of having the perfect weather day is just about 100 percent.

Thailand is the perfect remedy for winter blues

Not sure where to go? For a true holiday, head to either the Andaman Coast or Gulf of Thailand. Both of these regions feature blue water, white sand and sunshine. The tourist hot spots are Phuket and Pattaya. If you don’t want to share your little spot on the sand with others, try the less popular (but equally beautiful) islands like Koh Samet, Phi Phi Island or Koh Chang.

Kenya

Another hot spot is Kenya this winter. Temps here average between 70s and 90s, with the hottest months being in February and March. While there are plenty of resorts to relax at, safaris are the name of the game. In fact, the beginning of the Wildebeest Migration runs from January through March where more than 500,000 new wildebeests are born.

Take time to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve to see the “Big Five” on a safari – elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards – at the most famous wildlife safari area. There are plenty of ways to experience the wildlife in Kenya, whether you want to fly over in an airplane, drive, camp, go on a safari adventure, or enjoy a different perspective from a hot air balloon. And, when you are amply safari-ed out, head to some of the nomadic communities in the country to learn about culture and life in Kenya.

Brazil

Yes, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro happens to fall in one of the most perfect times of year for a visit to Brazil (Feb. 18-21). Temps during this time are mid-80s and lend themselves perfectly to days and nights spent dancing, drinking and enjoying the vibrant culture and celebrations. But, there’s more.

With 4,600-plus miles of coastline, Brazil is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the summer weather during our winter. Hang out at Fernando de Noronha, 350 miles off of the coast, for diving and snorkeling. Or, check out Salvador, a vibrant and colorful coastal town where you can surf and swim in addition to explore local culture.

Wear shorts and short sleeves this winter in Cambodia!

Cambodia

Like Thailand, Cambodia delights with temperatures in the 80s during this time of year. And, like Thailand, there is plenty to do. Head inland to Angkor Wat and check out the other-worldly temple, or learn about the country’s past with a visit to S-21 detention centre, a harsh reminder of the genocide that took place here.

There’s also the beaches, which are largely free from huge tourist enclaves. Dine on fresh fish and relish in the relatively untouched areas of the country’s three beach communities – Sihanoukville, Koh Kong and Kep – or head out to some islands for a private experience.

Maldives

This exotic and romantic country is the stuff dreams are made of. During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter is the best time to visit. In fact, in January, the air and water temperatures are nearly the same – both in the 80s. People visit this lush locale for relaxation and to unplug from the world.

And, it’s easy to do. There are more than 1,000 islands, many untouched, to explore. Plus, there is snorkeling and diving, which affords a glimpse into the colorful and whimsical underwater life of more than 1,000 species of fish. For adventurers, there is swimming and surfing (although most of the big waves come later in the year). When the beaches get old – if they ever do – head out to visit little fishing villages and visit the locals.

- Diana Edelman

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

5 Places to Travel in Winter by Diana Edelman from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

What are you doing when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve? Depending on where you are, this answer could vary. In America, there is the tradition of watching the ball drop from Times Square in NYC (or the Peach drop in Atlanta and so on), along with an impressive fireworks display that rivals Independence Day, breaking out into “Auld Lang Syne” and the kiss to start the year off right.

But, that’s America.

What about downing 12 grapes at each chime of the clock? Or, smashing plates against a front door?

There are different ways people bring in the New Year around the world.

Let’s take a trip, shall we?

Wales

Referred to as “Nos Galan”, at the first strike of 12 in Wales, people open their back doors, then shut them. This signifies letting the old year exit (hopefully quietly) and then closing out any bad luck. At the last stroke of midnight, the front door is opened to let in the New Year and new luck. Tradition also dictates that if the first visitor in the New Year is a woman and a man opens the door to let her in, it is bad luck. Also, if the first man to come into the home in the New Year is wearing a red hat, that’s bad luck, too.

The following morning in Wales, New Year’s Day (“Dydd Calan”), children awake early and visit neighbors to sing until midday.

Denmark

Hide your nicer dishes for this New Year’s Eve tradition. In Denmark, people toss old dishes at the homes of their friends. The more broken dishes you have laying scattered about your front stoop, the more friends you have.

Spain

Eat 12 grapes in Spain for good luck! - photo courtesy of JaulaDeArdilla via Flickr

People in Spain bring in the “Nochevieja” by eating grapes, one-at-a-time, at each chime of the clock. Those who can down the 12 grapes in a minute have good luck for the New Year. Those who can’t? Well, better luck in 365 days. After midnight, people leave their homes and head out to celebrate.

Hungary

“Jack Straw,” an effigy, is made up to represent evils and misfortunes of the past year and is then paraded around Hungary villages before it is burned on New Year’s Eve, or “Szilveszter.” Then, to put the old year in the past, people attend church.

South Africa

At midnight, it’s tradition in South Africa for churches to chime their bells and locals to shoot their guns. In the past, people used to fling fridges off of balconies and bridges, too, but due to serious risks, this practice has been largely curtailed.

Japan

"Forget the year" in Japan - photo courtesy of civ33 via Flickr

The New Year, which symbolizes renewal, is the most important holiday in Japan. In the days leading up to December 31, Japanese hold “Bonenkai” or “Forget the year” parties to prepare for the coming New Year. On New Year’s Eve, Buddhist temples hit the gong 108 times to expel the 108 types of human weaknesses so everyone starts the year fresh.

Netherlands

To commemorate the start of the New Year in the Netherlands, Christmas trees are burnt, fireworks are launched and children toss fire crackers. This tradition is said to come from a pagan custom – the firecrackers drive away demons and allow people to start the New Year with a clean slate. The next day, some people take a quick polar bear dip into the frigid waters of the North Sea.

China

While people in China may not celebrate the same New Year as others, they still have a tradition. “Yuan Tan”, the Chinese New Year, takes place between January 1 and February 19 and is based on the lunar calendar. Unlike most other New Year celebrations, the Chinese New Year lasts for 10 to 15 days and includes fireworks, celebrations and the exchange of red envelopes with gold coins placed inside for good luck.

Colombia

In this country, Colombians build a dummy to represent the old year. It is clad in old clothes from each family member and stuffed with straw and firecrackers, along with pieces of paper where each family writes down faults or bad luck they want to get rid of in the new year. Then it is burned to ashes.

Greece

Look out for coins or charms in the Vasilopita in Greece! - photo courtesy of Irene-Angelica Chounta via Flickr

In Greece, they make special bread called “Vasilopita”. It is baked with a coin or charm inside it. At midnight, it is cut and served, and the person who has the piece of bread with the coin or charm receives good luck for a year.

Is there a New Year’s Eve tradition you have in your country? Please share it below!

- Diana Edelman

Planning your New Year’s Eve? Check out the New Years Party Guide for events all over the US, or browse Viator’s New Year’s Eve Tours and Things to Do in Australia, Europe, and North America.

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

New Year Around the World by Diana Edelman from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

Move over Spain. Beat it, Italy. There’s some competition over in Europe these days. While Spain, Italy, France and the rest of Western Europe will always remain as some of the best spots for European holidays, Eastern Europe is picking up steam and grabbing the hearts of travelers around the world.

Why holiday in Eastern Europe? For one, it’s cheap. Maybe not Southeast Asia cheap, but prices are significantly less than the western counterparts. Food is cheap (and seriously delicious), and in some countries, the price can be negotiated. Drinks are super cheap (less than $1 for a liter of beer!). Lodging, depending on your tastes and travel style, can cost around $10 a night for a shared room.

What’s more – Eastern Europe isn’t nearly as crowded as Western Europe. You can easily travel to places of interest without hearing your own language more than the native tongue. Sure, summer time on the Adriatic will still have packed beaches, and you will have to book lodging ahead of time, but for the most part, even those tourists aren’t Americans. Ironically, they’re Western Europeans headed away from their tourist-packed towns to their own secret enclaves.

There are plenty of towns in Eastern Europe worth a visit. They’re packed with history, beauty, culture, good food … and of course, aren’t pricey.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

While Croatia is one of the more expensive countries in the region, the Balkan city of Dubrovnik is also one of the most stunning. The old city, set inside enormous walls, is romantic. Complete with refreshing water to cool off in during the summer months and cliff-side bars to enjoy the pinks and reds of the sunset reflected in the azure Adriatic, this town has been described as “paradise.” Whether or not you agree, it’s worth a visit. Plus, there are plenty of trips you can take from there – up the coast to the seaside town of Split, which is where the ferries to islands operate, or down the coast to Montenegro (which is on the Euro, but very inexpensive).

Easily travel to Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A blending of old and new happens in Sarajevo. A stroll through the heart of the city takes you through different periods in the town’s history – from its Turkish roots to Austro-Hungarian roots and to the sad reality of the ethnic cleansing that went on in the 1990s. It’s hard not to notice the pock-marked buildings, the red cement roses that signify losses of life on the street and on walls. But, more than the history, Sarajevo tells a tale of redemption. All around, life flourishes. Sidewalk cafes are packed all day. Museums proudly educate visitors on the country’s morbid past, and show off its present day accomplishments.

Brasov, Romania

Be careful at Bran Castle, there may be vampires lurking in the shadows... photo courtesy of jtriefen via Flickr

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Brasov is a perfect launching point for tours of the region. Nearby is Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle), along with the stately and ornate Peles Castle in Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, a mountaintop town. In town, there are plenty of places to explore, including taking a tram (or braving it and hiking) up the Brasov hill. From the top, you can see the entire town and the South Carpathian Mountains. Also be sure to check out Rope Street, perhaps the narrowest street in Europe, measuring approximately four feet in width. In the heart of the expansive town square is the Gothic and gorgeous Black Church.  And while there aren’t any vampires here … you can imagine the spooky Transylvania depicted in the books.

Goreme, Turkey

Home to the fairy chimneys and caves, Goreme, in Turkey‘s Cappadocia region, is a sight. Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and float over the amazing stone formations in Love Valley. Stay in a real cave hotel. Dine on authentic Turkish dishes served in clay pots. While the prices here are more expensive than other places in Eastern Europe, it is the only place to experience these stunning formations from your own point-of-view.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Interesting houses along one of the many winding roads in Veliko Tarnovo - photo courtesy of aneye4apicture via Flickr

A charming mountain town with a fort at the top, Veliko Tarnovo is a place to go and unwind for a few days. Tsarevets Castle, an old fortress, stands at the top of this town on a hill, and features nighttime events in the summer months. Spend time wandering the meandering streets, checking out local restaurants and exploring the beauty of the surrounding lush green mountains. Be sure to sample any of the local rose products – this region is known for its roses and mingles them with water, liquor, soap and more.

- Diana Edelman

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Dubrovnik tours and things to do, Turkey tours and things to do, or book a private tour guide in Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Romania, Turkey, or Bulgaria for a customized tour!

Editor’s Note: This post is from Diana Edelman, a travel writer and PR professional. Her popular blog, d travels ’round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with travel tips and photos from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for travel stories, news and more.

5 Can’t-Miss Destinations in Eastern Europe by Diana Edelman from Viator Travel Blog

Barbados packs a punch (not only the rum kind). This small island welcomes over 1 million visitors annually and shows them all a good time. Whether you’re a gourmet diner, water sports nut or shopping addict, you’ll find plenty to please you here.

The rich and famous migrate here like clockwork. But there are activities for every budget. And no matter how deep your pockets, you’ll have a warm welcome in Barbados.

#1 Beaches

The beach is the place to be seen in Barbados, and all beaches in Barbados have public access. So however exclusive the hotel clientele, you too are entitled to walk along the beach and paddle in the water.

The West Coast is the major draw. It’s classic Caribbean beach territory: golden sands, palm trees, azure seas and glorious sunsets. Oh, and top-end hotels (think Sandy Lane).

Leaving footsteps in the sand at this gorgeous beach in Barbados - heaven!

On the Atlantic (East) Coast, trade winds blow and surf crashes. If you’re not worried about sun-loungers or waiters, you may enjoy this. Some beaches (e.g. Bath Beach) have lifeguards, but otherwise it is not ideal for swimming.

#2 Sports

Cricket
Bring your picnic box to the Kensington Oval, dance in the ‘Party Stand’ and relax in the pools. This is cricket, albeit Barbados-style.

Match tickets are reasonably priced and usually available on the day. If you’re new to cricket: Test Matches last for 5 days. One-Day Internationals are more manageable.

Horse-Racing
For people-watching, gambling and cheering, head to Garrison Savannah racecourse  in the Garrison Historic Area outside Bridgetown, home to the Barbados Gold Cup for Thoroughbreds and the Barbados Triple Crown series.

Sailing
May sees the Mount Gay Rum Barbados Regatta. Mount Gay also sponsors the Round Barbados Race in January.

#3 Shopping

Forgotten your Gucci or Ralph Lauren? Fear not, Barbados’s duty-free shopping malls will soon have you kitted out. Broad Street in Bridgetown can solve most high fashion dilemmas, but there’s also a mall in Holetown (shop in between cocktails).

For souvenirs, the ‘Best of Barbados’ stores sell beach towels and t-shirts (etc). The Pelican Craft Centre in Bridgetown sells handmade jewelery. Otherwise, vendors will approach you on the beach. Expect to haggle.

#4 Food

Sun-bathing is hungry work, but Barbados food is up to the job. Whatever cuisine you like, it’s here. Seafood is the big draw. It’s very fresh and very high quality. Tuna, snapper, barracuda, mahi-mahi and shrimp feature highly.

Dress codes are mostly low-key. “Day-time beachy, night-time peachy,” as they say.

The dress code sign at Daphne's restaurant - now that's casual!

The West coast is the big restaurant hub. Here are a few favorites:

• Daphne’s: Italian-Caribbean fusion
• Elbow Room: DIY stone-grilling in Holetown, then go on to Lexy Piano Bar or Angry Annie’s
• Lone Star: Sunday roasts and shepherds’ pie
• Groots: Curries and seafood in a traditional chattel house – add your signature to the walls

Cafes advertise traditional Caribbean food on Saturdays (“Pudding & Souse” and “Cow Heel Soup”). Sundays see the Caribbean buffets at hotels, accompanied by steel bands.

#5 Rum (and Other Drinks)

They make the world’s best rum (and a lot of it) in Barbados. Mount Gay, Cockspur and Rum Sixty-Six are all manufactured here. How you drink your rum is a personal choice (I’m a Rum Sour gal), but do try different brands to see how the taste varies. The Mount Gay Extra Old and 1703, in particular, are worth a shot.

Visit a factory to learn about rum-making: Mount Gay for the large-scale operation or St Nicholas Abbey for a more personalized view.

Banks is the local beer of choice. For soft drinks, there are fruit juices, punches and the usual sodas. Tamarind is a particularly tasty drink.

#6 Hitting the Road

Self-drive is the best way to see Barbados. Car rental is reasonably priced and it’s impossible to go very far or very fast. So just relax and enjoy the drive!

Taking a road trip around Barbados is fun, easy and relaxing - with much to see

Head a few miles inland and you’ll be surrounded by banana trees and sugar cane. You’ll see immaculate cricket pitches and a multitude of churches. And, of course, you can stop just to admire the scenery.

Expect to get lost – road signage is unpredictable. But you will find your way again, even if you have to follow the local bus!

#7 St Nicholas Abbey

If you only leave your sun lounger once, then do so to visit St Nicholas Abbey. This 17th Century plantation has beautiful gardens, a Jacobean mansion and a rum-making operation.

To get to St Nicholas Abbey, you drive up Cherry Tree Hill. At the top, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Atlantic coastline. You then proceed along an avenue lined with mahogany trees towards the plantation.

A visit to St. Nicholas Abbey in Barbados treats you to lovely grounds and colonial buildlings

A short black-and-white film, shot in 1935 by a former owner, records the sea passage from England to Barbados and life on the plantation. It was labor-intensive: 10 men were needed just to turn the windmill.

The rum-making operation here is small. Rum is distilled in the traditional batch still process and aged in bourbon oak casks. 8- and 12-year-old spirits are bottled in individually-etched glass decanters.

The Great House is decorated luxuriously, as befits a home of its status. A 1936 Gentleman’s Chair dominates the study and the dining room is laid for dinner.

#8 Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a 2.3km stream cave system located under the central highlands. Come here to find out about Barbados’s geological history.

Some of the cool stalagtites at Harrison's Cave in Barbados - an interesting tour!

The Cave Interpretation Centre tells you the history of the Caves. Outside on the valley floor, admire the bearded fig trees (“Los Barbados” in Portuguese) that gave the island its name.

Then it’s onto an electric train and into the caves. While you “wow” over the limestone structures, the constant ‘drip-drip’ sound will remind you that this is an evolving cave system.

#9 Barbados Museum

The Barbados Museum is housed in the former military prison. The galleries here provide a wealth of information on the flora, fauna and social history of Barbados. Even the building is historical – the shady courtyards once rang to the sounds of working prisoners.

Learn about the unique history of Barbados and enjoy the scenery at Barbados Museum

Find out about Barbados wildlife, including the 19th Century ecological disaster when mongooses were imported to control rats. Social history includes a song to “Jin Jin” (Queen Victoria), sung after emancipation in 1838. There are also map collections and descriptions of plantation life.

#10 Bridgetown

Located at the mouth of the Constitution River, Barbados’ capital has little in the way of tourist attractions, but is a pleasant city. The British founded Bridgetown in the 17th century, in the area now called the Careenage. Head there to see government buildings and a picturesque marina. The square at the end of the Careenage used to be called Trafalgar Square. Although the (official) name is now “National Heroes Square,” the statue of Nelson remains – for now.

By the cab rank is a memorial plaque: this is a description of the ‘Cage’, where runaway slaves were kept until their masters came to claim them.

A colonial mansion in the capital city of Bridgetown, Barbados, like stepping back in time

Broad Street is lined with colonial-style buildings (think Scarlett O’Hara). Most are now banks or duty-free shopping malls. They provide scope for attractive photographs, even if the shopping doesn’t appeal.

Handy Tip: Buy rum here to take home. The shop takes your flight details and you collect the bottles at the airport. Now that’s what I call service!

- Louise Heal

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Barbados tours and activities, Barbados attractions and Barbados travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Barbados for a customized tour!

Barbados Top 10 Things to Do by Louise Heal from Viator Travel Blog

Beijing is a city that embodies China’s ancient civilization and rich political and cultural history. Alongside all of the historical buildings, temples, and gates is the juxtaposition of a modern China filled with skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and a vibrant art and music scene. Here are suggestions of what to do when you come to the capital of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Day 1: A Taste of Chinese History in the Present

Start your day with a dive into China’s ancient history. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1840). For nearly five hundred years, it served as the palace for emperors and their families, and was the political center of the Chinese government.  The Forbidden City is the world’s largest surviving palace complex and a UNESCO Heritage Site, consisting of over 900 surviving buildings with 8,000 rooms. Inside the Forbidden City visit the Palace Museum to witness China’s largest collection of ancient art works.

The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Just north of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, a large city square in the center of Beijing. At Tiananmen Square, you’ll see the gate to the Forbidden City along with the iconic Chairman Mao portrait. Tiananmen Square was the site of a number of political events and protests. Now, Chinese visitors from all over the country come to Tiananmen Square to visit Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and pay their respects.

Go for a late lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant located south of the Forbidden City. Here you’ll take in Beijing’s local specialty dish. The Beijing duck is known for its thin, crispy skin and is usually wrapped up in a pancake with hoisin sauce and spring onions.

After finishing lunch, head to the Temple of Heaven. During the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor of China would come to the Temple of Heaven to make sacrifices to heaven and offer prayers for good harvest. The Temple of Heaven is an architectural masterpiece and the design of the temple halls in circles and squares reflects the ancient Chinese belief that heaven is round and the earth is square. Nowadays, you’ll find the park inhabited by retirees playing Chinese chess or practicing tai chi.

Chinese architectural masterpiece, Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Next, take a cab to the Drum and Bell Tower, then wander in the alleys (also known as hutongs) that run between compounds of housing built inside courtyards. These housing complexes are quickly disappearing as more and more high rises are being built. Lastly, climb aboard a rickshaw and visit Prince Gong’s Mansion, Beijing’s largest and best preserved Qing Dynasty royal mansion.

Near the Drum and Bell Tower, you’ll find Houhai (Back Lakes), where you can unwind after a long day with a classy meal and a glass of wine while enjoying a view of the night lights around the lake.

Day 2: From the Great Wall to Beijing Opera

No trip to Beijing is complete without a trip to the Great Wall. Get up early in the morning to beat the traffic and crowds at the Great Wall. There are several sections of the wall you can climb. Badaling is the most visited section of the wall and provides stunning scenery of the wall snaking into the distance. Mutianyu is a less commercial section of the Great Wall and is known for its guard towers and its awe-inspiring views.  If you like to climb steep hills, Simatai is the choice for you.

The Great Wall of China, stretching for 5,500.3 miles (8,851.8 km)

After a day of hiking, take a bus back into the city and visit the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace was the vacation spot for the royal family. Inside the Summer Palace, you’ll find gardens, pavilions and lakes where Empress Dowager Cixi once frequented.

In the evening, take a seat at Lao She Teahouse and experience Beijing opera, a form of traditional Chinese theater, which includes cross-talk, music and acrobatics. Enjoy your show in a traditional teahouse and sip some green tea and enjoy light refreshments.

Day 3: Exploring (and Tasting) the Beijing of Today

Begin your morning at Panjiayuan, a lively weekend market selling a variety of antiques. This market is the best place to pick up art, crafts and antiques. You’ll find calligraphy, Tibetan beads, Cultural Revolution memorabilia, and a variety of knick knacks. Be prepared to bargain intensely before making a purchase.

After stepping through the history and culture of ancient China, soak yourself in Beijing’s modern architecture and art. First, visit the China Central Television Tower in Beijing, a 44-story skyscraper in Beijing’s Central Business District constructed in 2008. Then head over to 798 Art Zone to view artwork by up-and-coming local artists. Finally, take a trip out to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games site to view the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

Stalls at Beijing's Dong Hua Men night market, Wangfujing Snack Street

Finish your evening snacking your way through Wangfujing Snack Street. Food vendors and restaurants are lined up on Wangfujing Snack Street sell a variety of food including lamb kebabs,  fried pancakes, candied fruits and even fried insects!

- Amy Zeng

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Beijing things to do, Beijing attractions and Beijing recommendations.

Top Things to See in Beijing by Amy Zeng from Viator Travel Blog

Following a long held love and fascination for travel and books, I have finally found a way to combine the two with ease and discover parts of the world that I never even knew existed: Maurice Sendak’s famous book, Where the Wild Things Are. It recently became a film, but I declined to see it as I really enjoy the originals, and my imagination is probably better – so there!

But from reading this book, I wondered if any of these characters could be translated into real life – could I be Max(ine), an intrepid explorer in search  of where some of  those Wild Things may be? I bloody well could! So I started thinking of those “peripheral zones” in different countries, where the land and people don’t always conform to how things are done in the “big smoke”. So for me, naturally the first drop off is Cornwall, home of the pirates and other wild n’ hairy types.

We’re Not in London Anymore!

While this dainty peninsula may appear to be part of England, the locals have long proclaimed it to be a separate entity; for once you cross the Tamar River, you are in Kernow (which is believed to be the tribal name derived from ‘people of the horn’, which became the Breton French “Corn Wel” and we all know where it went from there). City and town become more village-like, people smile at you walking down the street and actually appear to mean it. This place really has something special going for it – and it ain’t just the pasties.

East Tregeseal stone circle, Cornwall, England

The first of these Wild Things coming from Cornwall would have been the post-Ice Age Man, who had many dwellings and villages all through the region that can still be seen today. There is a definite vibe that accompanies these leftovers of a long gone history. Take a walk through some eerie stone circles that are found by trailing through back roads, and a saunter in a farmer’s field to find formations such as Kenidjack and the East Tregeseal stone circle at the back of St Just. Even if you are a sceptic of these types of forces, there is an underlying  feeling of ancient stoney powers that lie within the perimeter – they even have the same number of stones as Stonehenge….oh spooooky. Most of these sites are in West Penwith, in the south west of the region (Lanyon Quoit near Madron, and the remains of an old village in Chysauster near St. Ives) but there is beautiful landscape in between the top and bottom that it is a real pleasure to experience just getting there.

Wild and Ancient Scenery: Exploring the Coast and Islands

The next thing any visitor will find within these parts is the pure push and force coming from the actual landscape itself. I find this is the real essence of Cornwall – the land and ocean combine to make this one of the most exhilarating and wildest places on earth.  From St. Austell to the Lizard, there are any number of points along the coast that inspire, excite and reinvigorate any soul in need of sustenance, and reassure those of us who know the world is an amazing place. There are many lovely towns that demonstrate the beauties of Cornwall: St. Agnes is a quite beachy village on the west coast; Falmouth a pumping University town that has a gorgeous harbour and access to the island of St. Mawes; St. Ives has a long history of artistic endeavours; and Penzance even inspired a musical!

But one of the best things I love about Cornwall is the way one can travel without cars, by using the tracks that basically ring the region via the coast line. These tracks have been used for centuries – the more obvious ones have become roads, but these coastal tracks allow anyone to get closer to the natural beauty that lies at the heart of Cornwall.  Take a trip to Land’s End, then follow the coastal path south to the lovely ex-fishing village of Sennen, where you can really see the strength of the ocean and there are some very tasty fish and chips to be had after your lovely big walk.

Inlet on the Wild and Beautiful Coast of Cornwall, England

Land’s End itself is interesting, as it is the most southerly tip of Cornwall, and hence the United Kingdom.  From there, it is a short boat ride to South America. So get yourself into a kayak and start a-rowing, and while you are at it, brush up on your Spanish! Land’s End has become a kind of tourist attraction, with various souvenir shops and photo opportunities at every turn. However, there is the Land’s End Hotel for a more relaxed view of the ocean, as well as a gorgeous Cornwallian specialty of scones with clotted cream. Delic-ious!! Plus walking around this area really makes you feel part of the scenery. You feel the push and pull of the ocean as it rages against the rocks, you know it has been doing this for thousands of years, and now you are privileged to be there with it.

Local Flavor – Both Wild and Sweet

Friendly "bearded" local in rural Cornwall

Last but not least, it is the people who make another strong and lasting impression of Wildness down in Kernow. They are friendly, but not overly so, always willing to be helpful, yet not pushy about it. And if you do meet a local who was born and bred here, just try and understand what they are saying without subtitles. At that point, you will know that a boundary has been crossed and you are currently in another dimension. Usually the further south you go, the broader the accent. I learned to nod and smile at appropriate moments when talking to the local Beard Patrol. The hairier the better I think, and these boys were doing the wild thang au naturel. But they were very sweet, and just like the monsters in the book – gentle whenyou got past all the gruff.

So I think my search, while not quite finished, has found at least one part of the world that is still wild and woolly; where things should not be judged by appearance. The landscape is reflected in the people, sometimes a bit rough, but bracing and well worth the effort to engage with. Cornwall, through its unique landscape and people, remains (and quite happily so) one of the great, and somewhat hidden, Places Where Wild Things are.

- Kathleen McDowall

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s England tours & activities, England day trips and England historical & heritage tours.

The Search for Where the Wild Things Are – Part 1 by Kathleen McDowall from Viator Travel Blog

Being a Londoner, I would never have thought of going on a London day trip anywhere. Oh, how ignorant I was!

Boarding the coach at Victoria Coach Station, I was pleasantly greeted by Nick, our tour guide for the day; a very knowledgeable and friendly man. He made us all feel comfortable, as we embarked on a two-hour trip down to Dover. That first half hour of the drive was almost a tour on its own; we passed many of London’s greatest attractions, learning tidbits even I (a proud-to-say-Londoner) didn’t know. Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, the Tower of London, all witnessed from the comfort of my coach seat. Nick produced a calm ambiance around us, making the journey that much more relaxing.

The imposing white Cliffs of Dover, Dover coast, England

It was not long before the view outside my window changed. Taken from the busy, industrial scenes of London, we were now in Kent, the garden of England – a picturesque countryside many London tourists miss out on. Nick filled our ears with history, and soon my anticipation was over. I could see the white cliffs of Dover. The town itself is very Olde England. Quaint shop signs, a seaside view and, most of all, a medieval castle, like a shepherd watching over its flock. We were driven right to the castle gates. Nick stopped to carry out all the ticket malarkey with the box office as we walked as if being pulled by a magnet up to the castle’s entrance, a great arch of white stone carrying medieval magnificence.

A Fascinating Taste of History – Recent and Medieval

We were told to explore the castle and its great tower in our own time before we would be taken down into the tunnels. I walked up inside the great tower and found little beds, little dining tables, everything was almost in miniature. Even though everything inside the great tower is not real artefacts, they have been replicated to exact detail, causing my Dover Castle experience to feel much more authentic. The colours that decorated it were rich and were contrasted by the paleness of the stone walls.

Taking my senses back to the medieval times, I tasted some traditional mead. It was sweet, warm and just what I needed on a cold autumn morning, awakening my taste buds to the whole experience. The gift shop has an array of different wines and meads to try, as well as chutneys (Gooseberry with Elderflower being my favourite). Not only can you buy all the medieval goodies but there are books, children’s toys and many collectors’ items to take back to reality with you.

The imposing towers of Dover Castle in Dover, England

Walking a little downhill to the Secret Wartime Tunnels we were fast-forwarded to the Second World War. Although the first tunnels were built in the Napoleonic times, those above and below them were built during the War and aided the evacuation of Dunkirk. Walking through these eerie tunnels you can see the names of soldiers etched into the stone; the old military operation rooms, plotting rooms with real artefacts and equipment were preserved. Each room had its purpose, told its own story. Walking around everyone is silent; all you can hear are footsteps and the voice-clippings of those back in the day. Every one of us are now in awe of the history being told by the white walls. My favourite fact of the day was that the function all of the equipment down in the tunnels – and there was a lot of it – could be carried out by one normal laptop.

Olde England Charm and Literary Tales in Canterbury

Back in the coach we are driven to the city of Canterbury. As we enter the town Nick tells us about its literary history: The Canterbury Tales, The Marlow Theatre and its connection with Charles Dickens, as well as the history surrounding the Cathedral, which is also connected to Dover Castle by one man named Thomas Becket. We are taken to an old style English pub to eat a quintessential British lunch consisting of fish and chips – the best I’ve had in a long time – before we had two hours to explore the medieval city ourselves.

The magnificent, famed Canterbury Cathedral in the town of Canterbury, Kent, England

The city centre is full of old store buildings juxtaposed with contemporary shops, all providing a blanket around the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. You can enter the Cathedral for just eight pounds and with the great coloured glass windows, medieval tomb stones and immense energy; itis actually worth it, even if you’re not the religious type. One other place I happened to find myself in was the Old Sweet Shop, on the corner of the main high street. Fudge, chocolate, marzipan and all kinds of gummy sweets from ceiling to floor decorated this cute store and it was not long before I found myself spending a little too much on ‘candy.’ One thing that did surprise me was that the shopping rivaled that of London, and you will not hear me say that often, if at all. Feeling rather content and that much more knowledgeable, we boarded the coach again for our journey up to Greenwich.

Another View Just Across the Thames from London Town….

I remember Nick mentioning that this part of the trip was where he found many of us ‘tourists’ fall asleep and, to my surprise, I woke up as we were driving into Greenwich. It baffles me that so many of those that visit London do not travel just the other side of the Thames to Greenwich. There is so much to do, with breathtaking backdrops to accompany it. From Wednesday to Sunday the market is open – home to some of the best Brazilian food you can find except in Brazil, vintage books and clothing, as well as arts and craft collections. There is also London’s only public Planetarium, the National Maritime Museum, and home to Greenwich Mean Time – where east meets west. You can place one foot in the western hemisphere while your other is in the east and funnily enough be in two places at one time.

Usually the coach will drop you off in Blackheath, at the entrance to Greenwich Park, and you can take your time walking through the park, seeing the sometimes forgotten view of London as you make your way down to the Thames, taking in all the sights and history that go with it. However, as this is a very British tour, we had the British weather to back it up – it was raining, heavily. Because of this Nick decided it would be better to get dropped off in Greenwich centre and take us to the middle of the now Greenwich University, a spot from which all the great buildings, the Thames and even Canary Wharf are visible. He narrated the history that tied up all the facts of the day, a nice way to end the trip as there was a continuous flow of the past between the three places we had visited that day.

View of London Tower Bridge from cruise on Thames River, London

It wasn’t long before we all decided to embark on the last part of the trip: a boat on the Thames. We walked the five minutes to Greenwich Pier and before we knew it we were all sitting comfortably in our dry, warm seats watching the bridges of London pass above us. It was a great way to end the day. I had been taken from Olde England and thrown back into modern day London, with a much more cultured view of my city and its history.

- Mariella Agapiou

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s London tours and activities, especially London cruises and London day trips.

A Trip Through British History by Mariella Agapiou from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This post is from Anna Colclough, who is the founder of the adventure travel web site Tourdust. Anna travels for a living, researching local adventure outfittersaround the world. She also writes about the challenges of balancing travel, work and kids on her own blog.

My parents are brilliant grandparents – the hands on types. Which is great for the kids, but as their daughter, I struggle sometimes to get a word in edgeways. So, in order to get a chance to catch up properly, I booked my mum and me a trip to Morocco with a twist. The plan was to do a spot of shopping in Marrakech and then head out to the desert, to visit some Saharan dunes for a spot of camping and camel trekking. She was all up for the shopping and the desert bit, but less sure about the camels. Still, after checking out some video footage on Youtube, she reckoned she was game, how hard could it be?

Camels Erg Chebbi

Sightseeing and Shopping

We decided to travel in November and beat the onset of winter blues, which turned out to be a fantastic time to go. The temperature in Marrakech was in the low 20′s which was just perfect for ambling around and shopping. And shopping we did, lanterns, tea pots, mirrors, you name it, we shopped, then dropped, then got horribly lost in the labyrinth that is the souk. After a couple of days, however, we were ready to escape the city and see a bit more of the country that we were starting to fall in love with.

We headed out on the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, a winding mountain road peaking at a glorious 2,600m with breath-taking panoramic views. Driving past donkey carts and road side stalls selling trinkets, we were leaving the dust of the city far behind. Our first stop of the trip was to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou – an impressive fortified city reached by stepping over stones in a stream. The site has been used as the location for several Hollywood films, including Gladiator and The Mummy and it is easy to understand why. The buildings are enchanting and winding alleys intriguing.

Ait Benhaddou

Journey Through the Desert

After getting our fill of culture, we headed back into the 4 x 4 and continued our drive. The landscape was starting to change from the mountains to plateau and I was starting to wish I had paid more attention in my geography classes. Definite must-sees along the way were two gorges we made side-trips to visit – Dades and Todra Gorges. Both formed out of spectacular red sandstone, they were imposing gorges that my amateur photography could not do justice to.

Still, the desert was calling, beckoning us, and as the plateau turned to rocky desert, our minds turned to the dunes. Mum was preoccupied with the camels, I was wondering about the sand. We had been promised Sahara, but would it be a Disneyfied token dune? I was not to be disappointed. We saw the dunes in the distance and started our approach off road. Driving through the dusty, rock desert, we could see them looming, and they were mighty! The highest dunes are approx. 150m high and the range is around 22km long, by 5 km. I was starting to get excited, this was looking like it would be quite promising.

Anna Erg Chebbi

We arrived at a Kasbah to pick up our camels and meet our guide. We were allocated a camel each, loaded up a day pack and then mounted our animals. There is no dignified way to get on a camel. Well, maybe there is, but we didn’t manage it. After many shrieks and laughing, however, we were ready to head off into the sunset. Literally, actually, as the tour was timed to perfection so that we could watch the sun disappear behind the dunes as we rode. We arrived at our camp after about an hour, tired, but happy. With no electricity and very basic facilities, we lay back and watched mother nature put on a spectacular show, with stars appearing by the second, counting the shooting variety. Sleep came easily that night in the moonlight, under a traditional tent. Good thing really, as the next morning we were awoken at 5am to mount our camels. We trekked for around 30 minutes before dismounting to watch a new day dawn over the dunes. Possibly one of the most magical experiences I have ever had.

Two days later, we were heading home. Mum had overcome her camel phobia and we had pretty much talked the hind legs off both our camels! A perfect trip all round.

- Anna Colclough

Planning a trip to Morocco? Head over to Tourdust for multi-day trekking trips in the Atlas Mountains and multi-day 4wd tours out to the Sahara or browse Viator’s own tours in Marrakech.

Guest Blogger: Anna Colclough in Morocco by Anna Colclough from Viator Travel Blog

As America continues to look a bleak economy straight in the face, it is more important than ever to leverage all options to find the cheapest flights and trips online, so we can still enjoy an affordable vacation.

Done right, the intelligent traveler can chop considerable dollars off his or her airfare and invest it somewhere else, where it would be better used. Unfortunately, there isn’t one answer to finding the cheapest fare available. Getting the lowest price requires diligence and careful planning.

Read on to find a list of the best tips that will allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the vacation you deserve – instead of having to worry about your pocketbook.

7 Tips for Finding Cheap Airfares

1. Be flexible. If you have to fly in at 5PM and leave at 12AM, you’re probably not going to find a cheap flight. Sacrifice a few hours or decide to spend another day wherever you are and you’ll be able to drop a good amount off your bill. Don’t, and you’ll suffer the consequences of stubbornness.
2. Book far in advance. There is probably no stronger tip than this. If you have some leadership ability, start planning up to a year in advance, push your friends and family on a trip, and you’ll save considerably. However, there is always risk involved with this that comes with booking so far in advance. It’s never too late, though. If you’re within a month, think of the trip, plan it, and book it that day. Generally, the longer you wait, the larger the cost.
3. Continue checking prices. If you know you have a flight in the future, and it’s already not too late, don’t book immediately. Fares can fluctuate like the stock market, so it can be the most cost effective to continuously plug in your iteniary online until you find the best deal available.
4. Buy late. For the spur-of-the-moment traveler, several options exist for dirt-cheap flights. The first is to find all your local airlines online and sign up for their newsletters. You’ll often get tips about last-second deals that can make a great trip affordable. There are also several specialized sites available online that will help you find a great last-second flight.
5. Fly on weekdays. Think about what most people do when they travel, and do the opposite. If you do this, you will save the most money, because airlines are always trying to fill these seats. This means fly on the weekdays, when their planes are the least crowded, and the flights are the cheapest.
6. Air Passes. Many countries offer air passes at low prices for tourists to promote tourism and inter-country travel. If you have plans to see the scope of Asia or Australia or any other large body of land, looking into Air Passes can be the most cost-effective way to see the country or continent coast-coast. These passes will generally give you a certain number of preordained flights within the country to go with your round-trip airfare.
7. Investigate. Use multiple travel sites. Don’t assume that the first one you check is going to have the same airfare deals as the others, they won’t. To save the most money, check all the online agencies. There are also several multi-search engines available online. Also, you can sometimes find the best deals on the airlines’ own websites. Southwest sells fares on its own site exclusively, and other airlines are not opposed to posting the lowest possible fare on their own domain.

The more complex you get, in terms of mixing fares, buying hotels, and doing your homework, the more likely it will become that you find the best price available. As it is with most things, hard work pays off. Work hard and you’ll save the money that you don’t need to be spending on your next flight.

-Ross Hudgens

7 Tips on Finding Cheap Flights by Ross Hudgens from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This post is from Nomadic Matt, who manages the eponymous Nomadic Matt travel site. We challenged each other to pick four cities we both love, and share just one thing about each place. Four cities, one great thing. It is harder than you think. You can read Scott’s list here.

New York. London. Amsterdam. Bangkok. Each of these cities has many great things to do and, while Scott has his own list of favorites, I have mine. What I enjoy most about these cities is the wide array of activities they offer. You can sightsee, lounge in parks, take in cultural events, or get festive with the locals until the wee hours of the morning. Among the cities of New York, Amsterdam, Bangkok, and London, the following activities are my favorite to do:

New York City

Central Park is the highlight of New York for me. Widely known around the world, this park maybe a must on a tourist trip to the city but it is also famous with residents as a great place to relax from the crowds, run, have a picnic, or take a mid afternoon stroll. The park is huge, has a zoo and a little pond to rent a boat in, and lots of space and trails to walk and relax on. I love New York City but it is a crazy place and Central Park provides a good respite from the chaos of the city. I love just spending a day walking and relaxing in the park with some food with my friends.

One thing to love about New York City? Central Park.

Amsterdam

The Jordaan area is located west of Amsterdam central. The Jordaan area is historically known for its residential homes, little shops, and great cafes. Though surprisingly close to the center of Amsterdam, few tourists ever wander through this area. They just skim the outskirts closest to the tourist sites, too afraid to venture inward. For the rest of us who do, their loss is our gain. I love the Jordaan area for its great food and peacefulness. Walking through the winding street is a great way to see the great architecture of Amsterdam without the crowds. During the summer months, the restaurants put out tables near the canals so people can enjoy a meal taking in the sun.

Amsterdan's canals, lovely.

Bangkok

Khao San Road is infamous. It’s the quintessential backpacker ghetto and an either love it or hate it place. People don’t like it because it is so touristy but I say that is why it is so great. On this road, you will meet travelers from all walks of life and places around the world. The street may be filled with booze and touts but if you are looking to meet people or find travelers to tag along with, there is no better place than to do it than here. Solo travelers are all looking for partners and groups are willing to socialize with anyone. The spirit of this street is high and you can feel the energy miles away. Sure it’s touristy but for travelers looking to meet other, this is the perfect place to do it.

London

London is famous for a lot of things, one of which is their museums. For me, I always found London a bit more over-hyped. It never lived up to the reality. However, the museums here are bar none and they have lived up to all their reputations. The best part is that the museums are also free. Whether you want an art or history museum, you’ll find everything in London for free. I love museums and, with the Museum of London one of the biggest and best in the world, it is nice to be able to tour it and learn so much about the world for free. As a lover of art, I can gaze at Picasso and Monet as often as I want without ever paying a cent. In city that has that, you can never go wrong.

These aspects of each of these cities are really the heart of why I like each city. From park to cafes to parties or museums, I think these aspects of the cities encompass the spirit of each of the locals. Whenever I visit any of these cities, I stop at all of these destinations. For me, no trip to these places is complete without them.

-Nomadic Matt

Guest Blogger: Nomadic Matt by Nomadic Matt from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s note: This post is by guest blogger Whit Honea, an award-winning writer in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a husband of one, a father of two and the lifeline to many relatively tame creatures. Whit’s writing can be found at UpTake, FameCrawler, AOL’s StyleList, Green Daily, DadCentric and the Disney Blog.

Disneyland is many things to many people. It’s memories past and future. It’s magic. It’s expensive. It’s a good walk spoiled. Wait, that last one is golf, but still, there’s a lot of walking.

Disneyland used to be one man’s dream – the original magic kingdom, but it has since morphed into something much bigger, and though purists may disagree, perhaps better.

The happiest place on earth? If you're a kid, yes!

Disneyland was founded by Walt Disney as an alternative to the existing parks of his time. He wanted someplace clean and fun where kids could be kids and adults could escape from the pressures of their daily lives. He wanted a place where reality was checked at the door, or gate as the case may be. It worked and it is still working today.

Disneyland: Whatever works for you

Disneyland is divided into different themed areas, each connected via the hub in the center or the railroad that runs mainly along the perimeter of the park’s public areas. Or your imagination. Whatever works for you.

The areas consist of Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country and Mickeys Toontown. Each different land offers a variety of rides, shows, shops, dining and opportunities to meet and greet an array of Disneys famous characters – not to mention the other characters that fill the park, those of the paying customer variety.

Disneyland has numerous spacious and clean restrooms, a quiet area for those with small children, first aid, assistance for guests with disabilities, lockers and anything else one might need while away from home.

Disneyland tip: Child swap!

Where dreams come true, since 1955

Of note for parents traveling with children that do not meet height requirements on certain rides, ask a cast member about a child swap voucher which will allow one parent to ride while the other stays with the kid(s). Then the second adult(s) may access the same ride through a much shorter line than the main queue. After all, the grown-ups are footing the bill, they should get to ride whatever they want, too.

Located in Anaheim, California, just south of Los Angeles, the park, which is now part of the Disneyland Resort, is popular with both locals and tourists. There is the 10-year-old second gate, Disney’s California Adventure (DCA), which is currently undergoing a major overhaul (should be done by 2012), the Downtown Disney entertainment area which features such favorites as the Rainforest Cafe and the LEGO store, and three hotels: the classic Disneyland Hotel, the breathtaking Grand Californian and the other one that isn’t really worth staying at.

The days of seeing it all in one day are gone. The Disneyland Resort is a destination and to experience it all while maintaining any sense of sanity takes days. Yes, days of Disney magic and memories. Expensive memories. The sanity is relative. But life is short and childhood fleeting, if anything is worth the time and expense of Disneyland it’s the smile it creates on a child’s face, and let’s be honest- the smile on the parent’s as well.

Disneyland: Things to do for adults

With the transformation from park to resort there are plenty of things for adults to enjoy whether they have kids in tow or not. There are spas and bars (ESPN ZONE and House of Blues to name two) plus Disney spins on such activities as a half-marathon and a food and wine festival. It can even be romantic.

Then there is Christmas (or the winter holiday of your choice, but mainly Christmas). The holidays at Disneyland, from Halloween to New Year’s Eve, are a real treat (or trick, if visiting in October). There are special events associated with the holidays- parades, shows, shopping, decorations, food and anything else that Disney can think of, which let’s face it, is quite a bit. They even have special versions of two popular rides, the Haunted Mansion (overlaid with Jack Skellington and friends) and It’s a Small World (annoyingly sweet song replaced with annoyingly festive song), respectively. And lights. Lots and lots of lights.

The park and the greater resort area may now be bigger than Mr. Disney imagined, or maybe not- the guy was a dreamer, but what it promised in 1955 is still alive and well: “To all that come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

It is.

Remember that when you’re standing in line behind crying kids and screaming parents. It’s the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down, and quite frankly, it’s pretty magical.

-Whit Honea

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Anaheim tours & things to do. You can also book Disneyland on a bus from Los Angeles over on the main Viator website.

Disneyland, Happiest Place on Earth? by Whit Honea from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Jeff Gates’ is off and running again. Catch up on his posts from last summer or his first post from his most recent trip to Spain. This is his second post from Spain. Jeff is the New Media Lead Producer for the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Managing Editor for its blog, Eye Level.

Estoy en España, mis amigos. And so far, my detailed packing technique has yielded no forgotten essentials. My one suitcase weighed 21 kilos, just under the 50-pound limit and my supersized backpack was filled to the brim with computer and camera cables (and power bars) of every kind.

Globalization: The Tennessee Bar in Aranjuez, Spain

The flight over was uneventful for the most part. I actually slept (the first time I’ve slept on a plane in steerage class). The young woman I was sitting next to kept coughing on me but was kind enough to assure me that even though she had had whooping cough a few years ago and it kept coming back, she wasn’t contagious. Thank you kind young woman. Your assurances were comforting.

I am sitting at my hotel room desk, connected to their WiFi. My computer’s plug is nestled in its European adapter and I’ve downloaded a few photos to my laptop I took earlier on my first soujourn around the town. My family and I have talked via Skype. So all is well with the world and this global traveler.

Of course, we had nothing much to say —we just saw each other fourteen hours ago. With no time for the girls to get on each other’s nerves, Mom was happy and we simply marveled at the technology that made us feel we were next door. After hanging up, my wife called back to ask where I’d put the lawnmower goggles. Yes, a totally normal bit of information exchange.

My talk is on Tuesday. I must prepare for it but my mind can’t get out of my original time zone at the moment. Mañana…

-Jeff Gates

Guest Blogger: Jeff’s Post-Flight Recap by Jeff Gates from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Loyal readers will remember Jeff Gates’ posts from last summer, when he took his family on an all-American vacation to Yosemite, Las Vegas and the Sierra Nevadas. Happily Jeff is hitting the road again this summer, first to Spain and then to the Pacific Northwest with his family. This is his first post (of many, we hope). In case you forgot, Jeff is the New Media Lead Producer for the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Managing Editor for its blog, Eye Level.

Jeff’s next stop: Spain! Vamos a empezar.

Ok, true confession: I am a neurotic traveler. Well, to be more specific: I am a neurotic pre-traveler. With one week to go before heading off to Aranjuez, Spain, to give my first international talk (El uso de los blogs dentro de los museos de corte tradicional/New World Blogging in a Traditional Museum Setting), I’d sleep much better if I was entirely packed and ready to go. I’m always afraid I’ll forget something. A MacGyver I’m not.

Spanish-translated PowerPoint: check (on thumb drive, on CD, on .mac drive and ftp site —yeah, that should cover it); clothes decisions made (hot weather, casual conference they tell me): check. Laptop: check and already nestled in my new international trip backpack. While not entirely a “light” traveler, I like to travel as light as I can: unencumbered both physically and mentally. Until now I’ve managed never to have taken my laptop on any trip, business or pleasure. But then again, I haven’t traveled out of the country for nine years. Yes, I’ll admit to that too.

When I started to consider international calling plans to keep in touch with the family, I suddenly discovered Skype. For someone who’s supposed to be on the technological cusp this was a long overdue revelation. Free PC-to-PC telephony —a new tech development since my last international trip. That, alone, made taking my computer irresistible. Tested on our laptops, my two girls now think they have an in-house walkie-talkie. It’s not that I haven’t traveled to far-flung places: the interior of China twice, way way off the beaten tourist paths. I’ve just been focused on domestic issues for a while. Yeah, that’s a good way of spinning my isolationism.

Oh yeah, don’t forget your opening remarks in Spanish (although I need to practice). I had fantasies of giving my whole talk in Español but I only got through the first 20 lessons of Coffee Break Spanish. Should it come up I can say with confidence: Tengo dos hijas. I have two daughters. I guess I haven’t come to the lesson “So you’re giving a talk on museum blogging in Spain” yet.

What’s really funny about these language lessons is that I learn more useful phrases when they talk to you in Spanish about the lesson itself. I experimented with Pimsleur a bit and came away remembering that most useful phrase Escuchar y repetir: listen and repeat. Well, they repeated so often I couldn’t help but remember it. And in Coffee Break Spanish I will be able to weave into my presentation. Vamos a empezar. Let’s begin.

So, there’s a pile of travel stuff starting to grow in the corner of our bedroom. And I keep some paper and a pencil next to my bed so I can write down additional items I need to take when I suddenly remember them in the middle of the night.

Forget the excitement of arriving in Madrid. I can’t wait for the excitement at my airport arrival for takeoff. By then I’ll have remembered everything or not. And I can just relax and enjoy the trip. Geez, Jeff, it’s only a week.

-Jeff Gates

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Madrid tours and things to do in Spain.

Guest Blogger: Jeff Hits the Road, Again by Jeff Gates from Viator Travel Blog

Why we travel: The View from Viator (click here)

Editor’s Note: At Viator we are big fans of Vagabondish: The Travelzine for Today’s Vagabond. So much so that we’ve agreed to swap posts on the critical question of “why we travel.” The following is by Amanda K, an Australian travel addict, writer and English teacher who’s visited more than 30 countries. Also check out her personal blog – Not A Ballerina.To read the Viator reply to Amanda & Vagabondish, click here.

Not everyone who travels becomes a travel addict. There are those people who are happy to take the odd vacation now and again, do a little sightseeing, perhaps tentatively try a new food, but are happier at home in their living room, attending to their garden or catching up with their friends on a regular Friday night at the pub.

I am not one of those people. And if you’re reading this, the chances are that you’re not one of those people, either.

Remind me: Why do we travel?

So why do we travel? And why do we just have to keep traveling? Traveling is an expensive, time-consuming hobby. I don’t dare to try to calculate how much money I’ve spent on my travels over the years. And what do I have to show for it? A few insights, some pretty photos, friends dotted around the globe who I send occasional emails to… is that a good return on investment?

I guess what I’m saying is that there is some almost inexplicable force that keeps travelers getting on planes, booking vacations and daydreaming about their next destination. It’s a strong force that’s pretty much impossible to fight.

Here’s my own personal philosophical take on why we travel: we’re trying to improve ourselves. It sounds all very noble, although perhaps it’s not what any of us are actually thinking as we rattle across Russia in a train or swallow fried cockroaches in Thailand, but I think that might be the basis of it all.

Why we travel: Expanding our comfort zone

One aspect of this is expanding our comfort zones. That’s what makes travelers different from the people who prefer to stay home – you really only test the barriers of your comfort zone when you’re in foreign countries, faced with complicated decisions and multitudes of new impressions. While confronting yourself with new challenges might partly be an adrenalin issue (if you can compare trying to find the bus station in Sousse, Tunisia with bungee jumping), I think it’s also part of an inner desire to push yourself to somehow be better, more capable of meeting challenges, to have an “I can do anything” attitude.

To be frank, I consider myself a pretty cowardly person. I won’t ride a rollercoaster if it loops upside-down, I’ll shriek if I see a small spider and I get scared before making a speech in front of my colleagues. But others see me differently, because they watched me give up a good job to travel the world with no particular plan, they know that I traveled across Russia without meeting more than two or three other foreigners, and they even think I’m brave for eating some of the more unusual Japanese foods.

Why we travel: Understanding the world

Another side of the self-improvement idea is that travelers might have an innate sense of wanting to understand the world better. The more I travel and the more foreign people I meet, the more I realize that they’re not foreign at all, and people are really the same the whole world over. Because I teach English as a second language, I get a double dose of that – in my classroom I’ll have Colombians sitting next to Koreans, Russians next to Taiwanese, and they inevitably become firm friends.

Is it too big an idea to say that if everyone was able to travel extensively we’d be able to achieve world peace? Sure, it’s a big call, but maybe there’s something in it: if everybody got to experience more of those special friendships with people from all different countries, races, religions and beliefs, perhaps a whole lot more barriers would be broken down and we could achieve a bit more harmony. Or at least we could shed a lot of the negative stereotypes we hold about other nationalities.

Why we travel: Avoiding materialism

I’m not sure whether this is a cause or effect of the force that makes us travel, but it seems to be bound up in it somehow: travel addicts are mostly people who are trying to avoid getting caught up in the materialist traps that our society sets for us. Yes, it’s lovely to have a lot of nice belongings, but we all know the research that suggests people from developing countries who basically have nothing are intrinsically happier than we are.

Unfortunately, I’ve always been a bit of a hoarder. Not of expensive material goods (I’ve never owned a brand new car, for example) but of sentimental belongings like books, clothes, souvenirs and old letters. Of course, I had to live without all of this stuff during my time abroad. I learned that I really don’t need it all. And I especially don’t need a wardrobe full of new clothes, the latest and best computer or stereo equipment, or an expensive leather sofa.

So why do we keep traveling?

The result of all this is that once we get the travel bug, we can’t give it up. And that’s because all of these goals that we’re either consciously or subconsciously trying to achieve are almost unattainable.

Once you expand your comfort zone, the new, the exciting and the dangerous become comfortable. So then you have to start all over again and find other ways to stretch yourself outside of your (now enlarged) comfort zone.

You will never fully understand the world. There are too many people in too many different places, and on top of that, the world is constantly changing. You might come to grips with how middle-aged Germans see the reunification of the former East Germany and West Germany, but then there’ll be a new generation of Germans who grew up in a unified country and have a completely different perspective.

Western society in particular revolves almost entirely around materialism and consumerism. Since I moved back to Australia, I’ve been astonished at how many shopping catalogs land in my letter box, how many people are crowded into shops to grab the latest products, and – more scarily – how tempted I’ve been to join them. Perhaps I need some more traveling to remind myself how little stuff you really need to be happy.

A Caveat: It’s OK to stay home, too

Just in case you’re a non-traveler and you’re reading this too: I’m not saying that those who stay at home aren’t trying to improve themselves too. I bet they do in a million ways that travel addicts like me would never understand. They might even end up with a much healthier bank balance than me, and a bunch of multi-cultural friends in their own city. Part of me wishes I could be like you, and then I wouldn’t feel unsettled every time I stay home for any extended time. But I’m a travel addict, and I don’t think there’s any program to cure it.

–Amanda K.

Guest Blogger: Vagabondish by Amanda K from Viator Travel Blog