The Deep Sea

How ironic is it that the Dead Sea is on the verge of death itself? Due to diminishing flow of water, water usage, and increased water evaporation, the Sea is drying up and is likely to go extinct within the next century. When visiting, you must test your floating skills in the world’s deepest hypersaline lake; witness the Qumran—a place that held the oldest bible intact for more than 2,000 years, and do a sunrise hike to the top of the Masada, an isolated rock plateau that is one of the best spots for panoramic views of the Dead Sea and Moab Mountains.  Hotels such as the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar and Evason Ma’In are in close proximity to the Sea and are reasonably priced at under $200 per night. And there’s so much more to see in this region from Jerusalem to Petra.

Maldives

Easily among the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, the white sand and sapphire beaches of the Maldives offer one of the most breathtaking island experiences. Unfortunately, according to climate scientists, the Maldives is at risk of disappearing due to the rising sea levels, so make sure to visit the Maldives before the country goes under the sea.

There are numerous things to do in the Maldives, and not surprisingly, most involve water. It’s a top spot for diving and great for snorkeling, fishing, and sailing. There are fabulous private island resorts throughout the Maldives, which cost upwards of $1,000 per night for overwater villas, but it feels like you have paradise all to yourself. For barefoot luxury at its finest, try Cocoa Island by COMO; Cheval Blanc Randheli; Jumeirah Vittaveli; and the new St. Regis Maldives. And for the ultimate experience, the Four Seasons, which has 2 properties and a liveaboard catamaran offers a three-resort itinerary that provides you 9 nights of island bliss!

Venice

What’s more thrilling than walking on water? Walking in water might become the norm, as the city is sinking, and one day it may begin restricting access to visitors. I once visited Venice during one of its record torrential rains and had to scramble to buy knee-high plastic rain boots to step in the foot-deep pools created in the piazzas and walkways. It was quite an unexpected adventure in one of the most iconic cities in the world.

There is quite a lot you can do once you reach this place. You can rent a boat to ride through the Grand Canal or even go to the Campanile—a 99-meter tall iconic building that oversees the city. You can visit several wonderful museums such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or buy amazing glassworks from Murano. Visiting the city can be a bit pricey, so expect to pay at least $300+ per night for lodging near the famous Grand Canal.  A few recommend hotels are the PalazzinaG for modern, Venetian interiors designed by Philippe Starck, and the Hotel Danieli, which has that old-world Venetian charm in a fantastic location overlooking the Grand Canal and next to St. Mark’s Square.

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous venues, before unveiling a few hidden gems that you may have been – until now – blissfully unaware of.

London, Paris, and Berlin

It’s only right and proper that three of the continent’s biggest cities have New Year’s celebrations to match their status.

Whilst London has one of the most famous firework displays on the planet – kicked off every year by the chiming of the ancient bells of “Big Ben” – the after parties are usually un-ticketed affairs spread across each little borough and district. Perfect for those of you who like to play fast and loose with plans.

Paris is the so-called “City of Lights”, and there won’t be many individuals who would be annoyed at ringing in the new year under a brightly-lit Eiffel Tower. Celebrations are slightly different here, with no official firework display. However, with fireworks legal across the city, you’ll see more than your fair share of them lighting up the Parisian sky. Much like London, parties are available across the city. From club nights, to high-brow affairs in museums and galleries, how you decide to celebrate is up to you.

By contrast, Berlin operates a “one party for all” system. Celebrations are directed to one huge 2km-long street party running between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. This area has everything you could ever want to celebrate the passing of another year. Live bands, DJs, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world all help to kick off the new year in style for locals and visitors alike.

But what about those lesser-known destinations that take new year even more seriously than the major capitals? Here’s the best places to celebrate new year that you might not have even thought of.

Madeira, Portugal

The tiny volcanic island of Madeira is 1,000km from the European mainland, but is part of Europe by extension of its Portuguese ownership. Despite being 520km from any other land mass, the island entertains 1.4 million tourists a year – a great of which arrive on a cruise ship to the port of Funchal, the capital of Madeira.

Despite its remote location, Madeira puts on one of the biggest firework displays around. The capital Funchal is surrounded by steep volcanic hills which makes a great naturally-occurring amphitheater for enjoying the show. Thousands of lights are also strung along the city’s main avenues, making this-already picturesque location even more delightful on this
special night.

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you though Madeira was committed to their fireworks, Reykjavik takes it to a whole new level. Not because there is an official celebration as such, but because the 200,000 local citizens manage to set off a staggering 500 tons of fireworks each New Year’s Eve. Yes, you read that right, 500 tons. Who said living on the outskirts of the Arctic circle couldn’t be fun?

No matter where you decide to enjoy your evening, you are bound to take in an almost never-ending display of color lighting up the night sky. Better still, since January in Iceland means almost 20 hours of darkness a day, it’s a great idea to dedicate some of your trip to looking for the most elusive of natural light displays – the northern lights.

If winter in Iceland is not for you, check out our guide on spending 7 days in Iceland in summer

Edinburgh, Scotland

New year in Scotland is not even called new year. It’s called Hogmanay, and the celebration of it lasts over two days! Festivities start on the 30^th, before carrying on through into the early hours of the 1^st of January. There are all kinds of official celebrations packed into the historic town of Edinburgh.

Whether you choose to attend Hogmanay in the Gardens headlined by huge global stars such as Mark Ronson, or prefer to experience the cultural phenomenon that is the Ceiledh Under the Castle, there’s something to get your teeth into. Of course, like all good New Year’s Eve celebrations, midnight on the 31^st signals the start of a spectacular firework display which takes place above the famous Edinburgh Castle.

Try Something Different in Europe to Ring in A New Decade

The imminent arrival of the 2020s may have you wanting to head to somewhere completely different to celebrate the dawn of a new decade.
Whether you opt to join the rave-like street party of Berlin, or you choose to sit back and watch monumental firework displays whilst being thousands of kilometers from anywhere else, it’s up to you to decide where to mark this special occasion.

One thing is for sure though, you’re spoilt for choice

Recently have you taken a vacation or are you fed up of the boring everyday schedule? If you consider the job culture in today’s corporate world, people are investing long hours at work and constantly running after money. In this rat race don’t you think, somewhere they are neglecting the vital aspects of their lives?

If you are one of them, who have pushed vacations down in your priority list, then wake up. Trust me, it is high time that you realize the importance of taking a vacation. When we talk of vacations the diverse beauty of South India cannot be ignored. So, surprise your family by booking one of the South India tour packages right away.

Why South India?

When you think of the great holiday destinations, there is no better place than South India to experience a unique and diverse vacation. Be it waterfalls or barren lands, beaches or hills, temple towns or nightclubs, every state in South India is a perfect mixture of every element of tourism in abundance. Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean on the three sides, this southern region boasts of a different beauty altogether.

What you will love in South India

• • Multiple holidaying options – Are you looking for a good variety in your holiday destination? Then South India is the answer. It offers end number of varieties like historical sites, adventure trips, scenic beauty, romantic backwater getaways, serene beaches, wild safari and what not.
  • Temple – South India which is known for its rich cultural heritage houses a number of beautiful architectural structures and exotic temples. Right from the rule of the kings till date many of the archaeological structures based here adds to the pride of India
  • Rich culture forms and colourful festivals – The variety of dance forms in South India namely Kathakali, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi along with the Carnatic Music are really impressing. If you get to witness the vibrant festivals of South India like Pongal, Onam and Dussehra then it will double the fun of the trip.
  • Backwater experience – If you ask me, a South Indian holiday can’t be complete without taking a tour of the Kerala Backwaters. Staying in the midst of the greenery and sailing on the waterways in ultimate serenity is a breath-taking experience.
  • Ayurveda healing centres – Many of us plan South India trips to rejuvenate ourselves with the help of ancient herbal medicine and Ayurvedic healing treatments. Kerala probably hosts some of the best Ayurvedic wellness centres which you should definitely visit.
  • South Indian food – Another fascinating reason for which you should pay a visit to the South Indian states is the delectable South India cuisine. Right from the seafood, Hyderabadi biryani, delicious pickles, famous filter coffee, there is a long list of food items that you must try to take back some fondest appetizing memories.
  • • Traditional attires – Are you a shopaholic? Even if you are not, you should be ready to pay for excess baggage on your way back. Be it a crisp Kerala cotton or a luxurious Kanchipuram saree every piece of handloom work is just irresistible.
  • • Variety of hotels – Since South India comprises of five major states namely, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana here you get to put up in some of the best luxury hotels. No, no, it not only houses luxury hotels, villas and houseboats, but also several budget-friendly hotels, resorts and homestays with all kinds of modern facilities to make your stay most remarkable.

Places you shouldn’t miss in South India

• Finally, let us give you a glimpse of some of the

Best Tourist Places in South India

•  that you must include in your itinerary:
  • • Alleppey – This is one destination Kerala is famous for. The view of its backwaters during the monsoons is nothing less than heaven. All that you need to do is to take a houseboat cruise or book a houseboat stay to enjoy the serenity and greenery of the area.
    • Kovalam – Talk of the South Indian beaches and this is probably the first name that strikes our mind. A visit to stay in any of the beachside resorts in Kovalam, Kerala is the perfect gift you could ask for to rejuvenate yourself.
    • Cochin – Cochin which has been renamed as Kochi is the “Queen of Arabian Sea” and one of the best places in South India that offers some real flavour of authentic South Indian culture.
    • Mysore – If you are found of cultural heritage, then you will surely fall in love with this “City of Palaces” based in Karnataka. It offers some of the rich heritage sites and South Indian traditions.
    • Hampi – Talk of some of the top historical destinations, Hampi in there with its laid-back village which was once the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu empires in India’s history in Karnataka.
    • Madurai – Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu houses some of the most impressive and significant temples in South India. The Meenakshi Temple is one of its greatest attractions which you should not miss at any cost.
    • Pondicherry – This is an 18th-century French colony and remains a separate union territory. It is situated on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. The town has a laid-back flavor which you can enjoy along with its scenic beauty.
    • Coorg: Are you eagerly waiting to enjoy your vacation at a hill station in the lap of Mother nature? Coorg in Karnataka is one such tourist places in South India which is not only known for its exclusive beauty but also for its flavourful South Indian coffee.

Few other destinations that you can consider including in your South India tour packages

are Gokarna in Karnataka, Periyar National Park in Kerala, Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, Munnar in Kerala and a lot more. The ideal time for visiting South India is during the winters. December to February is considered the peak season as then the climate is really pleasant. The package cost primarily depends on the destinations you choose and the number of days you cover.

If you ask me, once in a while, every one of us needs a holiday that gives us a scope to take a break from our tiring day-to-day life and scope to rejuvenate ourselves. It is true that each one of us has different preferences when it comes to holiday destinations. Some of us prefer to do a lot of sight-seeing while others prefer to sit back and relax. There is also a segment who loves to go on adventurous trips to different places. Whatever be your preference, Kerala has the answer to every bit of it.

Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country” is one of the most relaxing places you can visit with an abundance of scenic beauty. Be it the beautiful backwaters, the spectacular beaches or the thrilling adventure sports, it is at Kerala that your search comes to an end. It offers a perfect blend of everything you might be thinking of exploring.

I believe the best way to discover this land is to opt for any of Kerala holiday packages that would offer you most of the tourist attractions of this place. On the internet, you will come across a lot of the package tours, select the one that satisfies your requirement and fits your pocket too.
Tips to select the best holiday package

• Decide what you want: It is really important to get it sorted in your mind what exactly you are looking for in the holiday trip. In my opinion, you should be clear about the type of activities you want before you select a tour package.
• Select the right group of people: This can actually make or break your trip. To make the most of your holiday trip, always travel with like-minded people.
• Learn from past experiences: I personally feel, for this, you can take lessons from the mistakes you made in the last trips or take advice from people who have already travelled to Kerala. Gathering information from the internet can also prove to be useful.
• Plan according to your budget This is a vital step. In this online world, you will come across a huge number of companies offering Kerala tour packages. Always choose the one that meets your needs and fits in your budget.
• Do a background check of the tour company I hope you would agree with me that normally, every holiday trip involves a lot of money. Hence, to ensure that every hard-earned penny that you spend is worth, doing this background check is really important.

Special attractions in Kerala Trust me there are a lot of special attractions you get to witness in Kerala. In this article,we will discuss a few of them that will help you make your trip a memorable one.

• • Alleppey backwater tour: If you desperately want to escape from the noise and commotion of the city life, just book yourself any of the Kerala houseboat packages that will include a tour of Alleppey backwaters. The houseboats available there take you down the river and offer you some of the spectacular views of the lush greenery surrounding the region. Unwind in any of the best houseboat accommodations available with luxurious bedrooms, other amenities along and mouth watering cuisine.
  • Floating Cottages: Though they are named as floating cottages, they don’t move in the water. These are basically luxury cottages built on a platform floating in the water. You get to experience these types of cottages in Poovar, Kumarakom, etc.
  • Tree House

If jungles excite you, then you can try exploring the tree houses. These are rooms built on treetops. Nowadays, some of the resorts construct their own tree houses offering all basic amenities. A stay in a tree house can be a unique experience. Munnar, Thekkady, Vythiri, etc. are places where you can stay in such tree houses.

• Beach tour of Kerala: Holiday packages in Kerala normally includes a beach tour that gives you a scope to discover the true beauty of the coastal area. You can spend some time casually taking a tour to some of the beaches like Kovalam, Fort Kochi, Varkala, etc. and also visit the nearby places of cultural interest. The Muzhappilangad Beach allows you to enjoy a blissful drive and helps you gather some everlasting memories in your Kerala trip.
• Kerala Honeymoon Trips: To spend some cozy romantic time you and your partner at the start of the fresh loving journey of togetherness book yourself one of the most exciting Kerala Honeymoon packages. Be it witnessing a sunset cruise down the backwaters or enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach side, Kerala is the best place. These honeymoon packages even arrange a romantic stay in the houseboats to allow you to spend some lone time with each other in serenity in the lap of Mother Nature.
• Private Pool Villa If you are longing to spend some cozy moment with your partner in the pool then go for the independent villas in luxury resorts where they have a private pool with each cottage. Though these cottages may be a bit pricey, they offer you ultimate privacy and can be one of the lifetime experiences. These pool villas are highly recommended for honeymoon couples.

The final words

Some of the other options that you may look for in the different Kerala holiday packages are Kerala backwaters Tour, Kerala Cultural Holidays, Kerala Wildlife Holidays, Kerala Spice Plantation Tours, Tea Plantation Tours in Wayanad and a lot more. The best time to pay a visit to Kerala as per me is from September to March. During these months the weather is warm and comfortable, and not hot.

Now, if you are thinking how long should I spend in Kerala then I would say, it entirely depends on your interests and what all the things you want to cover. According to my experience, at least a week’s time is required to explore the beauty of Kerala. Depending on the total number of days you spend, your cost will vary accordingly. So, what are you waiting for, book a trip with any of the reliable tour packages and get set to explore the natural beauty of Kerala.