If you want to pay less for food, accommodation and transport, while having the best time of your life, then GO EAST and you will not regret it!

There are so many places that are awaiting to be unveiled by tourists that we cannot even try to make a list of all, but we’ve chosen a few to start with. After all, it’s your trip and you make your own itinerary. Either way, the East will fascinate you so much that you will probably come back for more, for further East.

1.Ljubljana, Slovenia

It is considered one of the best cities in Eastern Europe. With a rich history and culture and many resources, the capital city is a good choice for someone who likes the atmosphere of small cities with preserved architecture, an array of cafes along the Lubljanica River and an active nightlife due to the large student population.

The mixture of Latin culture, Germanic influences and the Slavic style makes the city a perfect attraction for those who have thought bad about those countries part of former Yugoslavia.

Favourite attractions in Ljubljana: walk the cobbled streets of the Old Town, cross the Dragon Bridge, visit the Ljubljana Castle and you must take a trip to the fantastic Lake Bled.

You can find cheap hotels in the city, hostels or spend your night in a converted prison cell at Hostel Celica.

2.Ohrid, Macedonia

The city can be easily seen as the pearl of the Balkans. It is a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid with picturesque houses and monuments. Ohrid is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage as both Cultural and Natural site.

A city of Byzantine, Slavic churches and Otoman chapels, Ohrid was an important cultural centre and it has become a holy centre of the region.

It is an antic city with a rich history and undiscovered treasures; it is a city where the famous Sts. Clement and Naum founded one of the first universities in Europe, where Isis, the Goddess of destiny, used to have her cult and where you can find peace and harmony by entering a cascade of nature and mysticism.

Words cannot describe the beauty of Ohrid. You have to go there to understand how its churches, frescos, natural beauties and the city itself can bring joy to any soul.

This travel blog photo’s source is TravelPod page: Constantine’s Birthplace

3.Niš, Serbia

It is one of the oldest cities in Balkans and Europe. With an eventful history, Nis, located in southern Serbia, can fascinate anyone with its numerous monuments that show the locals’ turmoil throughout the ages. The city centre hosts the Nis Fortress, an extant fortification of Turkish origin, which is dating from the first decades of the 18th century.

You can enjoy the cafes and restaurants on the Tinkers Alley, the popular spas – Niška Banja, Spa of Topilo, the archeological sites and the heroic atmosphere embedded in all the city’s memorials.

The Skull Tower, a monument to the Serbian revolutionaries in 1804-1813, is made of skulls from decapitated Serbs by the Ottomans. Near Nis Fortress is Memorial Chapel built in the memory of NATO bombing victims, while on the “12th February Boulevard” there is a rare Nazis concentration camp, Crveni Krst.

4. Mostar, Bosnia

It is the city that hosts the famous Stari Most bridge that  links the two parts of Mostar. Even though it was badly affected by the Croation-Bosnian war, Mostar has been reconstructed and turned into a great, turquoise-white city, but with visible reminders of the treacherous conflict.

The Old Bridge is one of the city’s landmarks, while the city excels in art, theatre and a delicious cuisine.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

The city was the 2011 European Capital of Culture, which says a lot about its artistic life. With hot parties, a buzzing nightlife and cobbled, intimate streets, Tallinn has become a great destination for anyone travelling in Eastern Europe.

Tallinn’s Old Town has escaped the Soviet’s marks and remained a truly medieval site where you can walk alongside high walls, stone doorways, cheap cafes and bars that will allure you with their locally made vodka and absinthe.

6. Kotor, Montenegro

This is a destination for those who truly want to have fun with cheap wine, friendly locals, fresh fish in an impressive ancient port town.

It’s a sunny, happy place with white houses looking down to the blue Bay of Kotor, to its Venetian architecture and the river canyon from the Adriatic.

Kotor together with Orjen and Lovcen form a picturesque Mediterranean landscape, being also part of the World Heritage Site.

The city is home to various sights including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town, while the ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km directly above the city create an overwhelming atmosphere.

7. Dalmatia, Croatia

We will stay in the Adriatic zone and recommend you to spend at least one summer in Croatia. From Zadar to Dubrovnik, the country’s most famous destination, the Croatian coast looks and feels like a corner from heaven.

Tasty food, medieval architecture, rich history, natural beauties can easily describe Dalmatia. It is an area of calmness, music and magical sunset with people promenading the cities’ waterfronts, drinking cocktails and enjoying a poetic, yet entertaining scenery.

8. Krakow, Poland

This superb city cannot be missed if you are backpacking Easter Europe. It is a city full of life, with an amazing Old Town and a thick air of history floating above.

The second largest town in Poland has the biggest medieval square in all of Europe where you can taste the great Polish cuisine, or experience various style of architecture developed once with this extraordinary, lively city.

Krakow is the unofficial cultural capital of Poland and boasts with various museums and art galleries, parks and gardens, the Wawel Castle, or the major landmark such as St. Mary’s Basilica.

If you visit the city, you also have to take a trip to the Jewish district of Kazmierz, known for its renaissance buildings and streets.

9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

We think it is a good idea to explore less popular cities as well. Plovdiv is one of the few cities with two ancient theatres from the Roman Empire. If you are interested in something different than the well-known capitals of the Eastern countries, then you will definitely enjoy this city.

Remains of medieval walls and towers, Ottoman baths and mosques, as well as superb houses, streets and churches can be explored in Plovdiv. Anyone keen on history will surely find spectacular the Roman theatre and the Roman Stadium built in the 2nd century.

Plovdiv, also known as the “City of the Seven Hills“, has great shopping centres, low prices and hosts numerous economic and cultural events such as the International Fair Plovdiv and the international theatrical festival “A stage on a crossroad“.

Brasov, Romania

10. Brasov, Romania

Located in the heart of the country, Brasov has escaped the ugliness of the communism era, becoming one of the most beautiful cities in Romania.

Part of the Transylvania region, the city has one of the best preserved Old Towns in Europe which lays at the feet of Tampa Mountain.

The medieval city of Brasov with its cobbled, tight streets, its impressive walls of the old Roman fortress and its great towers can be breathtaking, especially in the winter. The city boasts with a famous Gothic site – the Black Church which dates from 1477, the First Romanian School, the Rope Street – one of the narrowest streets in Europe, and one of the most popular ski resorts in Eastern Europe, Poiana Brasov.

Brasov’s centre is crowded with cafes, pubs and antique shops, while the outskirts take you in the mountains with bears and unbelievable scenery.

With a mixture of German, Hungarian and Latin culture and architecture, Brasov, also known as Kronstadt, is a destination for those eager to break the clichés about the states of the former Eastern Bloc.

However, I will try to describe you the immensity of this amusement park and maybe, for a few seconds, to make you feel its great atmosphere.

Park entrance

The first thing you need to know about Disneyland is that it makes you feel like you’re in a big city. In fact, when you first enter the park you will find the City Hall – where you can get your brochures, leaflets, and information about the main restaurants and activities.

Disney City Hall

I advise you not to enter the park without the necessary guide. It will be extremely useful, because thanks to it you will find the map of the park with pictures. The cool part is that each picture is numbered so that you will know where you are all the time, what you should not miss, the parade schedule, where to eat and many other things.

The guide

Another thing for which Disneyland resembles a city is that when you pass by shops and restaurants you will feel like walking on a city boulevard.

Waiting for the Parade

Also, on the main street, the “Disney’s once upon a Dream Parade” will take place and this is your chance to meet all your childhood characters. You shouldn’t miss this moment, it’s really amazing!

Disney's once upon a Dream Parade

It’s important to know that Disneyland is divided in four sections – Adventure Land, Frontier Land, Fantasy Land and Discovery Land.

Each section is like a mini-city, thought to the smallest detail. Moreover, each land is created for a well targeted public and has its own theme that you can see in the architecture, design, restaurants, bathrooms, and even in the costumes of the people working there.

In the guide that I was telling you about, you can find the hottest attractions in every sector, including those that pump up adrenaline.

If you want to avoid queues and save time, don’t forget to get a fast pass. This will tell you when you should come back, in order to avoid congestion. Keep in mind that you cannot take more than a ticket for each ride – only after you use it, you can take the next one.

Adventure Land – crazy attractions

Indiana Jones and the Tempo of Peril

In this side of the park, don’t miss – Indiana Jones and the Tempo of Peril – a fast roller coaster that will flip you upside down so that you will hardly have the time to figure out exactly how it works and – Pirates of the Caribbean – a boat ride through the world of no ordinary pirate.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontier Land – hot rides

Phantom Manor is a very strange house, where a special chair will take you to places more or less scarier.

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain – initially, you will feel like you’re too big for this kind of ride, especially when you are only hold by a barrier to the knee. You’ll change your opinion the second the ride starts and, at the end, you’ll thank God you are still alive.

Fantasy Land – what to visit

Fantasy Land

We recommend you to visit this section if you want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This part of Disneyland is designed especially for children, but this doesn’t mean that adults can’t enjoy it.

Fantasy Land

Here you will find the Sleeping Beauty Castle, which you can visit and a fantastic place called “It’s a Small World”, where a boat will take you to a miniature universe that contains absolutely all the nations of the world, dancing and singing in unison.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Also, don’t miss Peter Pan’s Flight – an air ride through a fantastic world.

Discovery Land – amazing places

Welcome to the land of adrenaline junkies! You could start your journey with the Star Tours – a spaceship simulator that will take you to Star Wars galaxy. Don’t forget to fasten your seatbelts!

Ok, and if you really want to feel scared, you must ride the Space Mountain Mission 2. For me it was the ultimate roller-coaster of all time.

Space Mountain Mission 2

I can’t put in words all the sensations I’ve experienced, but at the end of the ride, for the price of 15 EUR, you can get a beautifully framed picture with you screaming your lungs out.

What I’ve told you so far is just a little bit of the fantastic world you are about to enter, if you are planning to pay it a visit. You can also take a trip to the Walt Disney Studios.

Disney at night

Tickets cost 59 EUR per person, with access to both parks and 49 EUR per person, just for one park. You can book your tickets online, buy them at the Disney store in Paris or at the entrance in the park.

If you are a student, we advise you to buy your ticket at the entrance in the park – you will have a substantial reduction (about 20 EUR).

Daniel

Original post by gonyc.

1. Savoy

This warmly lit restaurant feels more like a country inn — complete with a roaring fire in the colder months. Dine on fine American cuisine and if you’d really like to impress, reserve for the chef’s special menu.

Savoy Basics:
70 Prince St.
Between Crosby and Lafayette Sts.
212-219-8570

2. The Place

This West Village restaurant offers all of the romance of New York’s finest restaurants, but with a more affordable price tag. The menu features both American and pan-European cuisine.

The Place Basics:
310 W. 4th St.
Between Bank and W. 12th Sts.
212-924-2711

3. Gramercy Tavern

Danny Meyer’s restaurants are reknowned for impeccable service, and Gramercy Tavern is no different. Serving creative American fare, Gramercy Tavern is the perfect place for a perfect meal, from start to finish. Reservations suggested, though the tavern area has reduced prices and a no-reservation policy.

Gramercy Tavern Basics:
42 E. 20th St.
Between Broadway and Park Ave. So.
212-477-0777

4. Union Square Cafe

Another Danny Meyer destination, Union Square Cafe offers great service and delicious fare in a comfortable setting. Union Square Cafe is friendly to vegetarians. Reservations suggested, though the bar area offers you an in without a reservation.

Union Square Cafe Basics:
21 E. 16th St.
Between Fifth Ave. and Union Sq. West
212-243-4020

8. Daniel

If you really want to dazzle your date, Daniel is among New York City’s most impressive restaurants, with prices to match. Decor reflects Daniel Boulud’s appreciation for Italian Renaissance design, but the menu features creative French cuisine. 3 Course Prix-Fixe $96.

Daniel Basics:
60 E. 65th St.
Between Park and Madison Aves.
212-288-0033

10. Balthazar

I must admit, I’m a bit prejudiced, since Balthazar is where I went for dinner after I got engaged, but if being transported to a bustling Parisian bistro is your idea of romance, this is the perfect destination. Steak frites are fabulous, as is the onion goat cheese tart.

Balthazar Basics:
80 Spring St.
Between Crosby & Broadway.
212-965-1785

1. Kansai International Airport

Country: Osaka, Japan
Established: 1994

Kansai International Airport is built on an artificial island which is 2.5 miles long and 1.6 miles wide. It is so large that it can been seen from space. Travelers from the airport can go to the main city by car, railroad or a high-speed ferry.

Stewart Schreckengast who is a professor of aviation technology at Purdue University and a former aviation consultant with MITRE, said that this airport might be underwater in 50 years or more because of the climate changes and rising sea levels due to global warming.

2. Madeira Airport

Country: Santa Cruz, Portugal
Established: 1964

Madeira Airport is an international airport. It was once famous for its short runway which was surrounded by high mountains and the ocean that made a difficult landing even for the most experienced of pilots. The original runway was only 1,400 metres in length, but later it was extended by 400 metres.

The length of the runway was doubled in 2003. It was extended out over the ocean. Instead of using landfill, the extension was built on a series of 180 columns, each being approximately 70m tall.

3. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport

Country: Saba, Netherlands
Established: 1963

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the only airport on the Caribbean island of Saba, in the Netherlands Antilles. It covers a comparatively large portion of the small island of Saba. Despite the fact that no major tragedies have ever happened here. Still some of the aviation experts think that this airport is one of the most dangerous in the world.

What makes this airport dangerous is that both ends of the runway are covered by cliff which end instantly into the sea while one side is being covered with high hills. This creates the possibility that an airplane might overshoot the runway during landing or takeoff and end up in the sea or on the cliffs.

4. Ice Runway

Country: Ross Island, Antarctica
Established: N/A

The Ice Runway is one of three major airstrips used to transport supplies to the researchers at Antarctica. There are no paved runways here. All the planes have to land on long stretches of ice and snow. However, these landing strips are groomed carefully. The only challenge pilots have to face is to land the plane carefully so that the plane doesn’t get stuck in the soft snow. Oh this sounds crazy!

5. Princess Juliana International Airport

Country:  Saint Maarten, Eastern Caribbean
Established: 1942

Princess Juliana International Airport is second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean. It is named after Juliana of the Netherlands, who as a crown princess landed here in 1944. The airport has a very short landing strip of about 2,180 metres that has made it quite famous. Due to short landing strip, the planes have to approach the island flying extremely low. Various photos of jets flying at 10–20 meters or 30-60 feet above the island have been considered fake but they are real.

6. Courchevel Airport

Country: Courchevel, France
Established: N/A

Courchevel is the name of the largest linked ski area in France.  It has an airport with a very short runway that pilots have to land on an inclined strip to slow down and to take off on a decline strip to get enough speed. Only private or charter planes and helicopters are allowed to land.

You must have seen this airport in the opening scene of the movie Tomorrow Never Dies.

7. Barra International Airport

Country: Barra, Scotland
Established: 1975

Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where planes have to land on the beach. It is situated on a wide beach in Barra Island, Scotland. The airport is literally washed away by the tide once a day.

8. Lukla Airport

Country: Nepal
Established: N/A

Lukla Airport is a small airport in the Town of Lukla in eastern Nepal. The airport is at an elevation of 2900 meters and it is quite popular as it has a huge mountain on one end and a 1000 meter drop on the other. In 2008, it was renamed in the honor of Sir Edmund Hillary who was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

You picked your vacation destination, you did all your research, and you clicked that purchase button –only to realize you’ve become the victim of an all-too-common travel scam.

You’re not alone. According to the Better Business Bureau, travels scams cost U.S. consumers over $10 billion each year. Out of the 3,900 industries the BBB monitors, the travel industry consistently ranks near or in the top 25 number in complaints.

With personal information readily available online, it’s easy for scammers to find and contact you to lure you into what you think sounds like a great deal on a vacation.

And if you think that going through a travel agency is failsafe, think again. Since 2009, the BBB reports that there have been over 15,000 complaints against travel agencies.

So before you book your next trip, check out some of the top ways you can get scammed when planning your next U.S. holiday:

1. Discount Travel Clubs: If you are someone looking for a good deal on a travel package, you may be this scammers number one target. Since 2009, there have been more than 4,200 complaints to the BBB about travel clubs. These Internet ads ask you to pay an up front fee to have access to discounted travel deals. “These seem to be popping up a lot offering discounted rates on all sorts of travel related activities, wherein you pay a fee up-front and get nothing in return,” travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Foxnews.com. “These can be set up by anybody in particular with access to the Internet, or resourceful enough to take out an ad in the paper as people are quite gullible if they think they are getting a deal.”

2. Deceptive Pricing: When searching to book a travel or vacation package, you may find a great deal. But, make sure you read the fine print, say experts. “When you get offered a great deal, it’s typically not what you expect,” vice president of Public Policy for the National Consumers League John Breyault told Foxnews.com. It’s the old bait and switch, where they’ll advertise part of a fare to lure in consumers. And it’s just limited to agents. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and many other companies are guilty of this scam. How does it reveal itself? “Perhaps the client will have an extra charge on their credit card and the liquidator may have disappeared before the client even realizes they got duped. This can cost the consumer and the credit card companies a lot of money,” said Abbamonte. For example, according to the BBB, a San Diego based firm selling discounted vacation packages on eBay scammed consumers out of thousands of dollars in 2006. After paying for the vacation, consumers realized that their reservations were made on invalid credit cards, or never booked at all. “Travelers should call the hotel and verify on themselves that the agency has made the reservation for them,” said Breyault.

3. Timeshare Scams: The BBB reports that from 2009 to the present, there have been over 16,000 complaints against timeshares. When pressured over the phone to purchase a timeshare at a “one-time-only” deal, these timeshares are often over sold and consumer will never actually use the timeshare they purchased. According to the Federal Trade Commission, telemarketing scams involving timeshare are consistently filed by consumers. “Cold calling works, and there are a lot of suckers out there when it’s just a numbers game,” said Abbamonte. “People want timeshares. They want a vacation home, so to speak, to brag about and will jump at time for what seems like a good deal even from a phone scam.” These timeshare can be illegally or illegitimately sold by just about anyone. “Don’t be pressured into buying when they tell you the offer is only good for next week. If it’s a good deal today, it will be a good deal tomorrow,” said Breyault.

4. Going Out of Business Deals: Cruise lines, small airlines, and other agencies can go out of business before you take your scheduled trip. They go bankrupt and you loose out on your vacation, without a refund. “They come and they go with all kinds of promises and then they disappear like thieves in the night,” said Abbamonte. The National Fraud Center encourages doing research into a company before booking a seemingly inexpensive vacation. “Watch out for things that are priced way below market value,” said Breyault.

5. Spring Break Packages: College students are the most easily targeted for vacation scams because they do virtually no research. They are often approached by their college peers offering an “all-inclusive” trip for a flat rate. “They are just excited at the prospect of Spring Break and are generally drawn to the cheapest deal,” said Abbamonte. “These are fly-by-night operations that easily go away and pop up in a different guise. Parents should be aware of them,” said Breyault.

The easiest ways to avoid these scams are to pay with credit card; do not wire money or send them a check. And, say travel experts, if you purchase anything over the phone or online, be sure to get everything they promised in writing.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 110,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 5 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

But once you have visited all these must-see places, you could travel around and really enjoy the beauty of London. Take the city’s pulse by wandering the less touristy streets, visiting less famous museums or walking on the amazing bridges of London, which will probably make your heart skip a beat.

Given the multitude of this capital’s treasures, it is almost impossible not to fulfill everyone’s wishes, but we’ve rounded up a list of neutral attractions for those people who would like to experience something a bit different than the rest of the tourists.

Remember, this is not a top, but a listing!

Take a walk in Little Venice

Little Venice

This is the area where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet to make together a peaceful oasis in one of the busiest cities in the world. The idyllic waterways are dotted with colourful houseboats, cozy pubs and luxury restaurants floating on the canal. You can take a walk along the banks, under the superb bridges or hire a local’s narrow boat for a lovely afternoon on water.

The closest tube station is Warwick Avenue Station, where the Welsh singer Duffy has filmed the music video for her song called “Warwick Avenue.”

Brick Lane

Go east and complete your experience with at least 24hours spent on Brick Lane. A multicultural area which once was associated with poor slums and the scene of the crime for the Jack the Ripper murders, has evolved into a market with artistic tones and attitudes.

Known for its eclectic mix of styles and communities, Brick Lane hosts every Sunday one of the most vibrant markets in London. Vintage clothes, handbags and jewellery are to name a few of its treasures. The food is inexpensive and delicious, while the clubs and the bars lining the street just shout at you to come inside to enjoy their special, intimate atmosphere. Find out more about Brick Lane here.

Wellcome Collection

Located at 183 Euston Road, London, the trust was founded by Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936, who was passionate about medicine, fact which made him collect over a million objects. The Collection explores the connection between medicine, life and art in all times.

Those curious to experience its interactive facilities can enjoy the exhibitions and collections for free. Wellcome Collection incorporates also a Library, a cafe, and a bookshop. Find out more information about the Wellcome Collection here.

Items from the collection

Hunterian Museum

It’s one of the most impressive museums due to its unconventional collections of the surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. It was given to the Company (later the Royal College) of Surgeons. Even though you are not an expert in medicine and don’t know much about this fascinating world, you could still discover lots of amazing items from skulls, jaws and teeth to human and animal foetuses.

The collection gives you the opportunity to explore the evolution of medicine over the years or to watch various recorded surgeries. The Hunterian Museum is located inside The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, but visit only if you have a strong heart and you’re not afraid of going to the dentist.

Visit the long Street

Portobello Market

One could say this is a popular destination for tourists, but what is great about the market is the mix of tourists and Londoners. Another element which makes it so famous is its location straight in the heart of Notting Hill, the area known from the film with the same name. The picturesque arcades, pubs and streets in the area become crowded especially on Saturdays.

The Market is a historical place for London, which was originally a farm, named after Puerto Bello in the Caribbean in memory of Admiral Vernon who captured the town in 1739. Basically one can find anything here from fruit and vegetables to antiques, clothes and second hand goods.

Greenwich

The famous Greenwich meridian and the largest refracting telescope in the UK can be found here. Additionally, one could touch a chunk of rock that is possibly older than the Earth or take a walk in the Greenwich Park. It’s a cool place to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon or you could go to O2 Arena in North Greenwich and explore the amazing amenities, the shows and the Music Museum.

Bridges over Thames

Bridges across the River Thames

It may sound dull, but crossing the River Thames in any season can be a thrilling experience. The amazing panoramas over the city and the shimmering lights of the traffic in the night will make you fall in love with this capital. Crossing Thames in the centre of London feels like being part of this city’s extraordinary history.

Richmond Park, South West London

The historical Richmond Park is a 2,500 acre site where many Londoners go to find their green oasis. The park is a very popular spot for summer picnics, quiet walks and of course, deer watching. It was established by Charles I in 1637 as a hunting area and its attractions include its ornamental gardens, ancient oaks and 600 deer.

London ExCel

ExCel Exhibition

In case you run out of ideas, ExCel London located 10 minutes from Canary Wharf, in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, is a good choice to find exciting and entertaining events, exhibitions and markets. Situated in a stunning waterfront setting, the gallery is part of a 100 acre campus and hosts a variety of events including World Travel Market, EcoBuild, Professional Beauty, the London International Boat Show, Grand Designs Live, Top Gear Live and Britain’s Next Top Model Live.

Keen to wander the streets? Click here to explore London street-by-street and tell us where you like to go when in London. via Expat-Times

However, if you are planning a vacation for this time of year, you should definitely visit one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Europe.

These places can bring the romance of the holidays to life. Additionally,  you can experience the artisan crafts of a country and be delighted by the cheeriness that happens mostly in this Christmas time.

The interesting part is that some of these famous markets have been running since the Middle Ages, and nowadays they attract more than two million visitors during December.

You’ll fall in love immediately with the smell of gingerbread and roasting sausages in the cold air, handmade ornaments and the stress-free shopping in a traditional, festive environment. Don’t forget to enjoy all of this with a few mugs of mulled wine!

Brussels Christmas Market (Late Nov. – Jan. 1)

This place has been around since 2002 and takes over the Grand-Place, Brussels’ commercial hub. You will surely find here some good food stalls – don’t forget you are in a city famous for its cuisine and piles of Belgian chocolates.

The Christmas spirit will be brought to you by the lights, jugglers, street musicians and carols, which are filtered through loudspeakers.

At the end of your Christmas shopping, stop at the Fish market which is transformed annually into a long ice-skating rink.

Vienna Christmas Market (Mid Nov. – 24 Dec.)

Vienna’s venerable Christkindlmarkt is one of the most visited and best-known in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year for beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments.

Vienna Xmas Market

Also, the tourists snack on cream-filled pastries, candied fruit, roasted chestnuts, and Weihnachtspunsch,a spiced “Christmas punch” of wine, brandy, or schnapps sweetened with warm fruit juices.

The market starts from mid-November and is one of the oldest in the world, dating back over seven hundred years. Another attraction is the park surrounding the market, with its trees decorated with themed lights, shaped like hearts or gingerbread men.

Vienna Christmas Market is definitely the place to be this season.

Prague Christmas Markets (Early Dec. – early Jan.)

If you didn’t know, you may as well find out that the Czechs take Christmas seriously and their Vanocni trh (Christmas markets) are family friendly and low-key. Although, several are dotted around town, the biggest is held in Old Town Square.

Prague Christmas Market

Visitors can buy here a large range of items, from the decorated stalls, wooden toys and Bohemian crystal to handmade jewelry and classic Czech marionettes.

And that’s not all – they can also find plenty of sweets – honeyed gingerbread, vánocvka (a braided pastry studded with raisins), and vosí hnízda’ (“wasps nests,” nutty cookies heavy with rum).

Kids can also enjoy the market, as they can play with ponies, goats and sheep in the central petting zoo, while their parents listen to the daily carol singers and music bands playing seasonal tunes.

Stuttgart Christmas Market (Late Nov. – Dec. 23)

This 318year-old market lies between the Gothic cathedral of the city and ivy-clad castle. Tourists can buy arts and crafts (glass baubles, wooden toys, nutcrackers) from the 270 stalls and eat waffles, roasted almonds, and gingerbread.

In the evening, they can warm up with some cinnamon and vanilla wine and visit the Old Castle’s Renaissance courtyard for the daily Christmas concert.

Nuremberg Christmas Market (Late Nov. – Dec. 24)

This market, which dates back from 1628 (original known as a regional centre for trading handmade wood figurines), is one of the famous Christmas markets in Europe.

Although it is neither the largest nor oldest, two million shoppers visit this place every year to enjoy the ornaments, crafts and toys found at almost 200 stalls.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Nowadays, Nuremberg market is best known for its food, gingerbread, and sweet with honey. In the evening, the place is lit with hundreds of lights and the musical bands would delight the visitors and locals.

Munich Christmas Market

Is set in the heart of the old centre, is filled with hundreds of stalls and dates back to the 17th century.

Munich Christmas Market

The market is opened on the Friday before the first Advent, when thousands gather in the square to watch the thirty metre-high Christmas tree light up for the first time. Here, visitors can buy decorations, jewellery, arts and crafts.

Salzburg Christmas Market (Late Nov. – Dec. 26)

Documents from the 15th century were found about this market, where crafts were being sold by elderly women in front of the Salzburg cathedral during Advent season.

Salzburg Christmas Market

This market is more intimate and smaller than others, but this doesn’t mean that tourists can’t enjoy roasted chestnuts and almonds, sausages, and sweet mulled wine. Just like the big, famous markets, the one in Salzburg thrills its tourists and locals with decorations, lights and carols.

Dresden Christmas Market (End Nov – Dec. 24)

This is the oldest market in Germany – its first mention was in 1434 and the locals are very proud and fond of their Striezelmarkt, named after the local ‘Striezel’ or Stollen, a sweet fruitcake baked in the shape of a loaf and dusted with icing sugar.

Dresden market has around 250 stalls selling strictly traditional wares and people say the shopping is better here than elsewhere.

If you know other interesting markets in Europe, we would love to hear about them.

The publisher’s seventh-annual Best In Travel book is a collection of top 10-lists covering everything from the best cities to the best-value destinations to visit in the upcoming year.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes is eighth on the list of ‘best regions’, in the company of gems such as the island of Hvar in Croatia, Canada’s Maritime Provinces and coastal Wales.

New Zealand-based Lonely Planet author Sarah Bennett said the inclusion of the South Island region on the list was two-fold.

Queenstown was known internationally as an adventure playground where people could go skiing in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon, she said, but the area’s beauty could also not be discounted.

“I think anyone that’s been there knows that the scenery is actually surreal – it’s so beautiful it’s surreal and we hear that all the time.”

Aside from Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau were singled out for special mention in the Southern Lakes entry.

Bennett said although Wanaka often felt “a little bit like a poor cousin”, it offered a lot of the same charm as Queenstown on a smaller, quieter scale.

It is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a place Bennett described as “paradise”.

“Once you’ve been to that area, to the Southern Lakes, it could ruin you for travel for the rest of your life.”

Tony Everitt, CEO of Destination Queenstown, said featuring in Best in Travel 2012 would bring significant benefits for the region’s profile.

“To receive this kind of endorsement by Lonely Planet is priceless for Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as well as New Zealand,” he said.

“Lonely Planet is a giant of the travel industry so making it onto their top 10 must-visit regions for 2012 will give our region global recognition and provide inspiration for their readers to visit.”

The guide’s top country to visit next year is Uganda, a place Bennett said was an “emerging tourist destination”.

“People think of Uganda [and] they think of civil war and they think of Idi Amin and those are two reasons not to travel to a country, for sure, but that era is over…

“The actual trouble in Uganda is in very small pockets and very defined areas and for the most part, they’re welcoming tourists. They’ve got the infrastructure but it’s still at an early stage.”

Bennett said Uganda would particularly appeal to travellers seeking an intrepid safari adventure.

London was named the top city to visit next year and the northeast of the United States was deemed the best-value destination.

LONELY PLANET’S TOP TRAVEL PICKS FOR 2012

Best regions

1. Coastal Wales
2. La Ruta Maya, Central America
3. Northern Kenya
4. Arunachal Pradesh, India
5. Hvar, Croatia
6. Sicily, Italy
7. Canada’s Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island)
8. Queenstown and Southern Lakes, New Zealand
9. Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia
10. Poitou-Charentes, France

Best cities

1. London, England
2. Muscat, Oman
3. Bengaluru (Bangalore), India
4. Cádiz, Spain
5. Stockholm, Sweden
6. Guimarães, Portugal
7. Santiago, Chile
8. Hong Kong, China
9. Orlando, Florida, USA
10. Darwin, Australia

Best countries

1. Uganda
2. Myanmar
3. Ukraine
4. Jordan
5. Denmark
6. Bhutan
7. Cuba
8. New Caledonia
9. Taiwan
10. Switzerland

Via nzherald.co.nz

Let’s get this out of the way: you can travel with a baby. Many new parents feel that once they have a child, their travel days are over, but many parents will tell you that the first six months are the easiest time to travel with a baby. Is it easy? Not exactly, but with enough planning and the right attitude, it’s not as hard as you might think. Is it selfish? Probably, but so is most travel.

Again, planning, attitude and a good amount of luck factor in to ensuring that you and baby aren’t a nuisance to other passengers and that you and your child have a safe and healthy trip. My baby is too young to remember her early adventures, but she’s learning to be adaptable and sociable, and does well with travel, new people, and noise. Is it fun? Your carefree days of travel may be over, but you can still enjoy exploring new places, indulging in great food and wine (it might just be at a sidewalk cafe at 4pm instead of a trendy restaurant at 9pm), and engaging with locals more deeply than you ever did before baby. Given the patience, resourcefulness, and ingenuity that I’ve developed while traveling with a baby, I’d say it has made me a better traveler, maybe even a better person.

Living in a foreign country like Turkey puts me at an advantage: I deal with a language and cultural barrier every day and everything is much more complicated and difficult than it would be at home in New York. Because this is not our permanent home and imported items are expensive, we made it through the first few months with little more than a stroller, a baby wrap to carry her, and a portable changing pad, so we already travel light. I say it gives me an advantage because I’m already used to the challenges and unfamiliarity inherent in travel. What makes foreign travel daunting (even without a baby) is the foreignness of it all, which has become my normal (after nearly two years abroad, I can tell you that knowing what’s going on all the time is overrated). The skills I’ve honed as a traveler and an expat — problem-solving, thinking ten steps ahead, and planning an exit strategy — are the same I use as a parent; you can apply the same lessons with a child or on the road.

Now with a few trips under my belt with baby both solo and with my husband (and more travel planned in the coming weeks and months), I’ve developed some guidelines to help with traveling with a baby. I’ll be posting some additional articles on how to cope with a baby on a plane and on the ground, travel gear recommendations, as well as some destination-specific info, but first: some tips on planning a trip with a baby.

-Choose a baby-friendly destination. You may find that people everywhere are much more understanding and helpful to people traveling with babies than you imagine, but some places are more baby-friendly than others. In my experience, Mediterranean Europe is full of baby-lovers, even if the cobblestones, stairs, and ancient infrastructure presents a lot of challenges. Istanbul can be a nightmare to navigate with a stroller, but there are always friendly Turks willing to help. I’ve also heard babies in Latin America and Southeast Asia are treated like rock stars. Generally, countries with a high birth rate tend to be friendlier than others, though I’ve found the United States to be the most difficult in terms of other people’s attitudes.

-Prepare to pare down: There are a lot of great things about having a baby in the 21st century, but people managed quite well for generations without wipe warmers (really, this is a thing?!) and baby gyms. There are a few items I use at home every day such as a bouncy seat, a nursing pillow, and a folding bathtub, but I’ve done fine without them for weeks at a time while traveling. I know at some point down the line, I’ll need to pack a myriad of toys, snacks, and diversions for my child, but infants need very little. It may help to wean yourself off of baby gear in advance of your trip to see how well you can get along with less. Let the baby get used to a travel cot if you plan to use one, try getting around for a day with just a baby carrier, and introduce toys that can be easily attached to a stroller and then stashed in a pocket. Think about your destination: will a stroller be more of a hinderance than a help or can you get along with another mode of transport? Do you need a car seat or can you rent one? What can serve multiple purposes? I carry a thin Turkish towel that looks like a pashmina and I can use it as a burp cloth, nursing cover, baby blanket, and a scarf. The less you can pack, the better. Really all you can handle is baby in a stroller, one wheeled suitcase, and a purse and/or diaper bag. Anything more and you’ll regret it. Also, keep in mind that babies are born everywhere, and there are few places in the world where you can’t buy diapers, formula, clothes, or other gear. Pack enough in your carry-on to get through the first day and night in case you arrive at your destination after shops close.

-Schedule travel around baby: Babies are adaptable, but when it comes to travel, especially flying, make it as easy on yourself as possible. My baby generally wakes up early to eat, then goes back to sleep for a few hours, and sleeps through most of the night. Therefore, I’ve tried to book flights for early in the morning or overnight so she’s awake as little as possible. In the six flights we took to and from the US and domestically, the only one we had any trouble with was a 45-minute Boston to New York flight in the early evening, when she tends to be cranky. It’s hard to comfort a baby when you’re standing in line or getting ready to board a flight, so if your baby is already asleep at the airport, that’s half the battle. There used to be nothing I hated more than getting to the airport at the crack of dawn, but traveling with a sleeping, and more importantly, quiet baby is worth getting up early.

-Consider an apartment rental: With the popularity of websites such as AirBnB (even after the home trashing scandal), renting an apartment for even a short stay is an increasingly viable option when planning a trip. It not only gives you more space and a more home-like environment, it can also help you to get to know a place more through the neighborhood and markets when you buy food to cook on your trip. For a parent, an apartment has several key advantages over a hotel room. Having access to laundry while traveling can be a huge help and reduce your packing load significantly. Likewise, whether you are breastfeeding or using formula, having a kitchen with a fridge can be a necessity with a baby. If you’re set on a hotel stay (daily room-cleaning could be a big help too!), make sure your room has a minibar fridge to stash bottles inside and a bathtub if your baby is too big for the sink, and get info on the closest laundromat.

-Do your research: The last thing you want when traveling is to be standing on a subway platform with a crying baby, after hauling a heavy stroller up a flight of stairs, only to discover the train is bypassing your station. Before I travel next week to Slovenia and Italy, I’m looking up everything from how to cross the border by taxi, to what train stations have elevators, to public bathrooms in Venice with baby-changing stations (though I’ve managed many times on the top of a toilet seat lid and a changing pad). All the stuff about a destination you could wait to figure out until you arrived before you had a baby will help you a lot to plan in advance.

Via gadling.com