It may come as a surprise, but a Japanese single malt has made its way onto the list of the world’s best whiskeys. While this might raise some eyebrows, whiskey aficionados would argue that it was only a matter of time. Japanese whiskey first gained international recognition in 2015 when the Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 was crowned the best whiskey in the world by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.
Continue reading Why Japan Does Whiskey Bars Better Than Anyone
Attention all adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers – your time has come to celebrate! It turns out that some of your top travel spots might offer even more than you expect, with thrilling experiences that are both unconventional and glamorous. While Europe is renowned for its rich history, food, and culture, it is also one of the top destinations for adventure seekers around the globe.
Travel has a way of helping you lose yourself, only to rediscover who you truly are. It transcends boundaries of age and background, offering experiences that create lasting memories. If you’re in search of an unforgettable journey, there’s no place quite like India to make that happen.
As 2017 approaches, we’ve put together a list of some of the priciest travel destinations around the globe. While cities like New York, Singapore, and Dubai are expectedly on the list, you might be surprised to find that certain destinations in South America and Africa can actually cost more than many popular European hotspots.
Continue reading The World’s 10 Most Expensive Travel Destinations
The vivid colors of autumn inspire travelers worldwide to head outdoors, spending time exploring nature, embarking on scenic road trips, and marveling at the breathtaking fall foliage. While New England is often the first destination that comes to mind, there are many other cities and towns that are draped in stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season.
Here are some of the top destinations to visit this fall, known not only for their natural beauty but also for their vibrant harvest festivals, farmers’ markets, and seasonal delicacies.
Kyoto is renowned for its cherry blossoms and springtime beauty, but its autumn leaf-viewing traditions are just as rich and fascinating. One of the best places to experience Koyo (autumn leaf viewing) is on the island of Honshu, where vibrant leaves blanket temple roofs, emphasizing the city’s imperial heritage. The scenery becomes even more enchanting under the moonlight, as the light filters through the branches, illuminating the fall foliage in stunning hues.
Cumbria, England
The Lake District in England is a stunningly beautiful region, and it becomes even more breathtaking in the autumn months. The area is dotted with picturesque lakes, framed by hills dressed in rich ruby tones. Cumbria is also home to several woodlands, including Grizedale Forest Park, where the fall foliage comes alive with shades of copper beech and evergreen pines. Take a leisurely walk through this scenic landscape with a loved one, and be sure to pause at one of the local pubs to enjoy a refreshing pint of ale.
The Jiuzhaigou Valley is home to some of the most diverse landscapes of China. Its natural beauty has always attracted visitors from all over the world, and all that greenery makes the place feel even more beautiful during the fall season. Come autumn, Jiuzhaigou Valley shimmers in a myriad of colors thanks to its prayer flags, emerald lakes and orange leaves, transporting you to a land of dreams. Those old-world Tibetan villages also offer an exciting insight into the region’s culture.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
When an entire town is named after a tree, you know you’re in for something special. Aspen transforms into a beautiful shade of yellow during the fall season and its cityscapes bask under the sun’s golden glow, making the place feel even more stunning. The craggy mountain peaks act as the perfect backdrop to those golden tones, offering countless ooh-and-aah moments. Aspen’s fall season is short. It kicks into life by the second week of September and is at its beautiful best towards the end of the month. You need to be in the resort town before the first week of October, for there will be more leaves on the ground than on the trees after that point.
We’d love to shortlist one destination to see in New York, but it’s just impossible to restrict a trip to New York to a single destination during the fall season. NYC is a must-see. Central Park comes of its own during the season, and the meadow by Belvedere Castle feels particularly beautiful. NYC also presents a number of fall festivals and seasonal food kiosks, and there’s always so much to see and do, no matter when you’re planning to visit New York. And then there’s Catskills, 6000 sq. miles of natural beauty that hosts 35 mountain peaks soaring to heights of 3500 feet and 6 major river systems. Catskills’ beautiful woodlands transform into shades of orange, red and yellow, and the idyllic villages dotting these woodlands also present all kinds of farmers’ markets, craft fairs and harvest festivals.
Prague feels particularly amazing during the fall season. It sees a lesser number of visitors and the lower angle of the sun during the fall season allows the cityscapes bask in its golden glow, making the atmosphere feel incredibly romantic. The warm weather also bodes well for travelers, pushing people outdoors, bringing those old-world plazas and hippy cafes to life. Take a Castle Hill walking tour just before dusk to enjoy unparalleled views of the most iconic attractions of the city. The city’s public parks are an equally exciting option as the fall foliage presents flashes of orange, crimson and copper, tantalizing your eyes, reminding you just how beautiful nature truly is.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is another city that transforms into a haven for travelers during fall. Its tree-lined canals are the perfect places to see all shades of red, yellow and orange dancing in the shimmering water. Crimson and golden vines cover the city’s ancient cobblestone streets, historic buildings and church spires, making them feel even more romantic under the fading afternoon sun. Spend your afternoons feasting on handmade chocolate, a local delicacy, and your evenings exploring the city’s open-air markets or admiring the fall foliage.
New England might be the best fall destination on the planet, but Edinburgh certainly gives it a run for its money by treating your eyes to all shades of red, yellow, gold, crimson, bronze and copper. One of the top places in the city to enjoy fall foliage is the Royal Botanical Garden, 70 acres of natural beauty that also offers fantastic views of the city skyline and the Edinburgh Castle. For something more adventurous yet equally beautiful, walk up to Arthur’s Seat, home to a 2000-year-old fort and the highest point of Holyrood Park.
While fall comes early to the resort towns located around Denver, the city only starts enjoying the fall season towards the middle of October. But once fall makes its way to the city, Denver truly transforms into one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. The Cherry Creek Bike Trail and the High Line Canal aren’t just pleasurable biking and walking spots, they are also among the best vantage points to see the city basking in its fall colors. Fall further brings a number of beer festivals such as the Denver Oktoberfest, Great American Beer Festival and Denver Beer Fest to the city, giving you an excuse to try out 3500 beers from more than 700 breweries.
Europe is particularly striking during the fall season. Just about every destination is basking in fall beauty, and the woodland areas take on a new life, reveling in fall’s glittery glow. Oslo is a haven for nature lovers, the perfect place for inspired walks and foraging expeditions. It is home to a number of beautiful parks that are the perfect places to spend your evenings. Enjoy the colorful scenes of the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Akershus Fortress or simply wander into the Oslomarka Forest to see some of the most vibrant fall colors in the continent.
Autumn’s crisp air, cool temperature and bright colors inspire you to travel and the best destinations to visit this fall have an abundance of festivals, natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and happy people, ensuring that you have a great time enjoying fall’s vivid colors.
Also do check out Bookmundi’s list of the Top 10 Hauntingly Beautiful Landscapes on Earth – places on earth that look like as if they could be something out of a science-fiction movie and The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 10 Things to Do Before You Die that features some of the most amazing sights and places on the planet that truly looks and make us feel special.
Traveling solo may seem dull at first, but once you experience your first trip on your own, you’ll likely discover that it’s one of the best ways to explore. The essence of travel lies in immersing yourself in new environments and embracing experiences that introduce you to diverse cultures and people. Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes, South America is the perfect place to visit. With its wide range of terrains, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a variety of exciting activities tailored to each unique environment.
With Halloween behind us and the busy holiday season still ahead, November is the perfect time to plan your next getaway! This month offers a mix of snowy landscapes and sunny getaways, providing exciting adventures without the usual crowds. Plus, many destinations are more affordable at this time of year. Looking to take a family trip and make it a memorable experience for your kids?
Looking to unwind with friends on a getaway, or perhaps embark on a solo journey to discover more about yourself? Whatever your travel style or reason, these destinations are sure to make your trip unforgettable!
New York City (above image)
New York City may seem like a typical tourist hotspot, consistently ranking high on every traveler’s list. However, visiting in November offers unique advantages. With the start of the holiday season, the city sees fewer tourists compared to the summer and Christmas rush. Despite this, there are plenty of exciting events to enjoy! You can take in the stunning fall-to-winter transformation in Central Park, watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and witness the magical lighting of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. The city’s ice skating rinks and cozy cafés also provide the perfect setting for a romantic retreat.
Hong Kong
Post-monsoon Hong Kong is undeniably one of the most stunning destinations in the world. The weather becomes much more pleasant, with a refreshing cool breeze that makes it perfect for exploring the numerous hiking trails surrounding the city. Hong Kong blends the energy of a bustling metropolis with pockets of natural beauty, offering a rare combination you won’t find in many other cities, making it a fantastic addition to your November travel plans. You can indulge in shopping at the city’s sprawling malls, savor exquisite dishes at renowned restaurants, or escape to the outdoors by hiking one of Hong Kong’s scenic trails or relaxing on its pristine beaches.
St Barths
St. Barths is probably one of the poshest parts of West Indies. Usually, the island can get rather unattainable expensive. But, during off-season, St Barths becomes attainable to the masses- and that is where you should swoop in. St Barths is all about the sun, the beach, and relaxation. Book yourself a special spa session, or laze around by your pool the entire day. It has been a long year- you definitely deserve it. When on the island, check out the numerous award-winning, Michelin star restaurants. This is the ideal time for you to pamper yourself, so you might as well go all out!
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is beautiful in November. The northern part of the country will present just the right amount of warmth, especially for those trying to escape the bitter cold of winter. Whether you’re more into culture or nature, Ethiopia has something to offer to everybody. You can head to Bahir Dar, on the banks of Lake Tana, and walk among medieval monasteries and castles. You can hike up Simien Mountains National Park, and try spotting the bleeding heart monkeys. The most unique destination in Northern Ethiopia is Aksum. Aksum was the seat of an ancient civilization, but it currently claims to be home to the famed Ark of the Covenant. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Costa Rica
Lush forests, calming waves, white sandy beaches, and tropical sun. Doesn’t that sound like heaven? Well, heaven has a name, and it is Costa Rica. Celebrities flock to this paradise island in droves, with many of them owning homes here. Once you reach the beaches of Playa Hermosa, you will understand just why. In November, most of the beaches will be deserted, so you can just pretend to be in your own private beach! If you want to make your trip more special, you can book one of the beach-facing villas at an off-season price! It will add a luxurious twist to the vacation and make it more memorable.
Recommended Tours in Costa Rica:
Tuscany
While many people travel for sights and adventure, there are some people who travel for food and wine. If you’re one of those people, Tuscany in November will be your ideal destination. There are dozens of food festivals in the area in November, and you will not want to miss a single one of them. And the vineyards. Oh, those vineyards!!! In November, the wild boar hunting season starts, so you should definitely grab a plate of that as well. Or you could go to the Feast of San Martino, where you can find the world’s best Bringoli. Fans of olive oil will love the Montemurlo Olive Oil Festival. Rent a villa, stock up on the wine, and attend every food festival in town! What more could a vacation possibly need?
Myanmar
Myanmar is becoming more and more popular among travel writers, and for good reason. The country is still vastly unexplored by foreign travelers, so you will be able to explore the country without having to come across too many tourists. November is a wonderful season to visit, as it is the festive season in Myanmar. The festival you must definitely not miss is the Taunggyi Balloon Festival, where balloons and lanterns of different shapes and sizes are made and launched, in a huge competition. Since travelers have been allowed to enter Myanmar only recently, you can go through a tour operator to smoothen the process and handle all the hotel and travel details for you.
Once upon a time, Mozambique was a country ravaged by civil war. That said, this former Portuguese colony is a treat for travelers now. Mozambique is lined with palm-fringed sandy beaches, and the best coastal food you can ever enjoy. Jumbo prawns slathered in local piri piri sauce is so divine, you will never want to leave the country ever again! Mozambique is still rather new in the world of tourism, but it is rapidly catching up to the likes of Seychelles and Maldives! November is the best month to visit, as it is right before the monsoons, which you will definitely want to avoid.
Cancun
Cancun has been the go-to vacation spot for a long time, but this has made the place too crowded and expensive during the holiday season. In November, you can enjoy huge discounts in the area (as it is technically supposed to be hurricane season, even though storms rarely hit the area). Enjoy the warm weather, and some of the finest resorts at a highly discounted cost. You also get to enjoy all the fun and activities of Cancun without the college crowd trying to steal your thunder!
Recommended Tours in Cancun:
Cairo
The capital of Egypt can get incredibly crowded during the peak months, so it is highly suggested that you travel during the off-season. November will provide you relief from tourists, and also from the scorching heat. This will definitely make life easier when you have to go exploring the Valley of the Kings or the Pyramids. Make sure you book yourself on a Nile tour to get the full Egypt experience, and also to catch a glimpse of Turkey on the other side!
Recommended Tours in Cairo:
The holiday season is about to begin, and before you get swept away with Thanksgiving or Christmas preparations, treat yourself and your loved ones to a holiday. The point of the holiday season is to spread cheer, and be merry, and what better way to do so than travel the world?
There’s a sense of enchantment in the air, with laughter and music bringing pure joy! A soft, sparkling layer of snow blankets the city, creating a peaceful atmosphere that makes everyone long for a warm cup of hot chocolate. Winter is the perfect season for those looking to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy quality time with family during the Christmas holidays.
Continue reading Winter Wonderland Destinations You Must Visit This Winter
When you think of Peru, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Machu Picchu. And for good reason—this ancient site is a breathtaking marvel, often considered the ultimate discovery sought by many Spanish explorers. While Machu Picchu certainly lives up to its legendary status, it’s far from the only historic ruin Peru has to offer.
Continue reading Beyond Picchu: Ruins Worth Exploring in Peru
