Holiday Ideas
Posted March 10, 2010 by Joyce Wan
You've probably given your mum endless headaches over the years, but with Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, why not show her how much you appreciate her? Stay away from the tried and tested (but boring) carnations and cards, and treat her to something she’d really enjoy instead.
Relax at a spa – To reward her for all her hard work, why not pamper her by treating her to a massage at a spa? Her tension will be kneaded out, and she’ll get to enjoy wonderfully scented hot oils and creams. Many places also offer luxurious treats such as champagne and cakes to make the experience as memorably indulgent as possible.
Theatrical treat – Maybe your mum loves a good musical or a little bit of heart-tugging melodrama? Then get her some tickets to the theatre and let her take the weight off her feet for a couple of hours in her favourite fantastic. Whether it’s singing along to 50’s pop in Hairspray, tripping the light fantastic in Dirty Dancing, or marvelling at the multiple ways you can use a bin in Stomp, there’s sure to be something your mum will enjoy.
Eat out – Let your mum take a break from the kitchen and treat her to a lavish restaurant meal. Many places are offering Mother’s Day deals this weekend, so take her out for some champagne and oysters – and you won’t even need to do the dishes when it’s all finished! Some hotels are also offering deals on afternoon tea, so bring mama along and let her indulge in towers of cakes, scones and canapés.
(Photo: womansday.com)
Posted February 3, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and your significant other may be dropping not-so-subtle hints to make sure you don’t forget it (again). But what if you can’t stand the idea of shelling out for roses that will die in a couple of days, and can’t stand the sight of another saccharine card? Well, if you hurry, you may just be able to whisk your other half away to one of these romantic places in time for a Valentine’s break.
Galesnjak, Croatia – This little islet may not immediately spring to mind as an ideal spot for romance, but a bird’s eye view of it will clue you in on why it’s one of the most romantic spots on Earth. This drop of land is perfectly heart-shaped, and no one lives on it, so it may just be the perfect desert island getaway you and your lover are looking for.
New York, USA – The harried pace of life in The Big Apple may not seem conducive to romance, but look closely enough, and you’ll find it in every corner. Whether you’re splashing out for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sharing a hotdog in the rain, you’ll be sure to have many moments to remember.
Prague, Czech Republic – The City of a Hundred Spires is an unashamedly romantic city, its endless cobbled streets and many bridges providing lovers with a beautiful backdrop to an unforgettable affair. Steal a kiss under an ancient spire, or wander through its centuries-old streets hand in hand just like countless other couples have done throughout the ages.
Venice, Italy – Venice and romance go together like, well, like a couple just meant for each other. A gondola ride while the sun sets may be too cheesy for words, but you can always hire a boat and explore the canals yourself. This way, you won’t have a noisy gondolier intruding on your romantic moments. Have dinner at a cosy little family-run restaurant by the water to cap off a wonderful day.
(Photo: dailycontributor.com)
Posted January 27, 2010 by Joyce Wan
If you’ve spent the last month staying in and getting over the excesses of the recent holiday season, then February is the perfect time to get out and face the world again! There are several lively festivals to kick off your year in style, and a plethora of fun events are happening around the country this month.
14th February – Chinese New Year celebrations, London Chinatown
The start of the Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day this year, so those of you feeling a bit sick of lovey-dovey couples will have something more interesting to look at instead. There will be music and acrobatics performances, and expect to bump into fantastically colourful dragons and lions as they dance around Chinatown. The events close with a spectacular fireworks display, traditionally used to scare away evil spirits.
15th – 21st February – Jorvik Viking Festival, York
The tranquil town of York gets transformed into a Viking battlefield this week. Watch big hairy men dress up as warriors and engage in skirmishes during this entertaining historical festival. For less bloodthirsty folks, there is a craft market selling Viking wares, textile demonstrations and a beard contest!
16th February – Pancake Race, Olney
You won’t find a more entertaining way of celebrating Shrove Tuesday than in Olney, there the tradition of pancake racing originated more than 500 years ago. Competitors dress up in old-fashioned ‘housewife’ outfits – including skirts, aprons and headscarves – and then race more than 400 metres through town, while carrying a frying pan and pancake. The winner is then first to arrive at the Church, and tradition dictates that she must then toss her pancake in the air.
(Photo: bbc.co.uk)
Posted January 20, 2010 by Joyce Wan
These cold grey winter days have had many people hankering after warmer climes, but how hot is too hot? Following on from last week’s virtual visit to some of the coldest places on Earth, this week, we’re bringing you to the hottest places on Earth. Those silly looking hats with attached fans may come in handy should you find yourself in any of these hotspots.
Death Valley, USA – With a name like that, you won’t expect to find many signs of life or greenery in the driest place in America. Summer temperatures have been known to top 56
oC, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from attempting to walk through the valley. If you’re not (fool)hardy enough to do the same, Death Valley also boasts many luxurious resorts scattered throughout its seemingly inhospitable terrain, so you can take in the stunning dessert scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your room.
Bangkok, Thailand – It may come as a surprise to you to find out that Thailand’s capital has the honour of being named the world’s hottest city. Bangkok is surrounded by lush green farmland, but the constant smog and high humidity raises the average daily temperature to well over 28
oC. For some respite from the heat and notoriously bad traffic snarls, head north to the cooler provinces, such as Chiang Mai.
Dasht-e Lut, Libya – If a name like Death Valley doesn’t scare you, then perhaps the sight of parched, cracked mud will. This plateau in the Libyan desert is said to be the driest spot on earth, and is so hostile to life that not even bacteria is able to survive. The temperature here has exceeded 70
oc in some years, so you’ll need more than a fan to keep cool.
(Photo: und.edu)
Posted January 13, 2010 by Joyce Wan
The UK’s recent cold snap may have had most people rugging up and turning up the heating. However, there’s always the odd one out, who insists that it’s just not cold enough, and then laughs at you for piling on the scarves. For these masochists, a trip to some of the coldest places on earth may be just the thing. Don’t forget to pack those mittens!
Oymyakon, Russia – The little village of Oymyakon has the dubious honour of recording the coldest air temperature in the Northern hemisphere. The mercury fell to a lowly -71
o Celsius back in 1926, and global warming hasn’t driven it much higher these days. The area is so cold that the surrounding water is completely frozen, and usable water has to be brought into the town by tankers.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – This bustling Mongolian capital city lies 1300 metres above sea level, with temperatures in winter hovering around the -20
oC mark. Set in a valley on the Mongolian steppe, the temperature rises to a pleasant high of around 25
oC in July, before plunging back down to freezing temperatures again. Warm up with a mug of suutei tsai – tea with salt and milk – or a huge glass of Mongolian vodka.
Denali, USA – Also known as Mount McKinley, the loftiest peak in North America boast winter temperatures around -40
oC. You’d have to be a hardy mountaineer to scale the 6,194 metre peak and brave wind speeds of over 18 miles per hour while doing so. For a warmer – and less rugged – view of the peak, pay a visit to Denali National Park.
(Photo: nomadicfrontiers.org)
Posted January 6, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Skiing may be a fun way to stick to your New Year’s resolution to ‘exercise more’, but going to the same resorts in the Alps and seeing the same faces every year can get a little boring. So why not venture further afield and explore some more unusual ski destinations this season? You’ll be rewarded with unusual scenery and much lower prices, and you won’t have to waste hours queuing for the ski lifts with hordes of teenagers on their annual school ski trip.
Zakopane, Poland – This scenic town has been a well-kept Polish secret for ages, but more British skiers in the know have been venturing over there recently. Quad biking and snowmobiling are also available for adrenalin junkies, while those who prefer a slower pace can go for sleigh rides drawn by cute Polish ponies. All this activity can make a person really hungry, and the town offers a range of restaurants to satisfy your grumbling tummy. Choose from huge barbecued Polish sausages, hearty Italian meals, or even fondue-style meals.
Oukaimeden, Morocco – Skiing may not be an activity you associate with Marrakech, but there’s plenty of it available in this tiny ski resort about 45 miles from the city. Many families spend their time sledging, while others go simply for the view – at over 2600m, Oukaimeden is the highest ski resort in Africa and offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Chimgan, Uzbekistan - The Tian-Shan mountain range provides an impressive backdrop to this picturesque ski resort about 85km from Tashkent. Most slopes are geared towards beginners, and the area is hugely popular with families. The rental station also provides snowboards and sleds for those who want to try something else. If you prefer a break from the slopes, the village nearby has horses for hire, and some villagers are willing to take in guests for a small fee. The resort itself has a vibrant nightlife, with several clubs playing throbbing dance music through the night.
(Photo: touruz.narod.ru)
Posted December 24, 2009 by Joyce Wan
The fairy lights and tree ornaments may be safely tucked away for another year, but that doesn’t mean that January has to be a bleak, boring month. There are plenty of exciting events around the country, and you won’t have to put up with jingly Christmas music at all. If ‘losing weight’ wasn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions, then lucky you, there are more reasons for you to stuff yourself this month too!
1st January – Hogmanay, EdinburghEdinburgh’ raucous New Year’s celebrations are world famous. This year, the city has organised a week of events bookending the actual day. On the day, expect to see a colourful carnival lighting up the city’s streets, with a street party afterwards to see in the New Year. There will also be choir concerts, dance performances, and a giant puppet making its way through the city centre.
6th January – Farewell to Christmas, Geffrye Museum, LondonCelebrate Twelfth Night at the Geffrye Museum in East London with music and feasting. There will be a bonfire in the garden, with holly and ivy being burnt. The museum also provides mulled wine and cake, with a bean and pea hidden in the cake. The two people to find the bean and pea will be made King and Queen for the day. Admission is free.
25th January – Burns Night, ScotlandHeld to celebrate the life of the poet Robert Burns, Burns Night suppers combine poetry and feasting, culminating in a fun filled night for all. Guests may be served haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, and dessert such as Tipsy Laird or cranachan. Burn’s most famous work ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will often be sung to signal the end of the supper.
(Photo: unique-events.co.uk)
Posted December 9, 2009 by Joyce Wan
Towering skyscrapers of steel and glass may be very eye-catching and cutting edge, but they do tend to look alike after a while. If modern cities such are Sydney and Tokyo are starting to look very similar these days, then maybe it’s time for a change of pace? Instead of rushing around under the shadows of tall, shiny office buildings, why not travel to some of the oldest cities in the world and discover the origins of civilization?
Athens, Greece - Often referred to as the ‘cradle of Western civilization’, this city has layers of history buried under yet more layers of history. Monuments from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires all jostle for space in this ancient city, while camera-wielding tourists engage in elbow fights for a chance to pose in front of these magnificent ruins.
Beirut, Lebanon – With a history that stretches back at least 5000 years, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this city is nothing much than a bunch of dusty old buildings, but Lebanon’s capital is a bustling, modern city these days. Churches and mosques stand side by side, and visitors who aren’t fans of gawking at Phoenician remains can choose to go shopping at ultra-modern, air-conditioned shopping centres.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan – As one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Samarkand has seen the fall of several great civilizations. Modern-day Samarkand is a cheerful, bustling market town boasting a wealth of carefully restored archaeological treasures.
These days, you’re more likely to run into hordes of beige-clad retirees bargaining for a silk rug than rampaging Mongol soldiers on their way to sacking the city.
(Photo: math.unicaen.fr)
Posted November 25, 2009 by Joyce Wan
December may be cold and windy, but it’s also one of the most magical times of the year. Streets are decked out in bright, cheerful strings of lights, and there are parties and fairs happening all over the country. While Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve all happening this month, it’s also a time for feasting in the company of loved ones. If you’re worried about packing on the pounds after all that turkey and pudding, then why not strap on your ice skates and visit the ice rinks that have been set up? Or just stick to your New Year’s resolution and go on that diet.
4th – 19th December – Dickensian Festival, GrassingtonThe little town of Grassington is transported back in time during this festival. Villagers dressed in Victorian costumes can be seen in the shops and on the square. There is also a traditional Christmas Fair, with carollers and actors entertaining the many visitors that descend upon the town. There will also be a Nativity procession through the streets, with actors dressed as Mary and Joseph.
5th December – Great Christmas Pudding Race, LondonYour mum may have told you not to play with your food, but surely she wouldn’t object if you were doing it for charity? Teams of six runners – all in fancy dress – run a relay race through an obstacle course in Covent Garden. And to make it more difficult, they have to do so while carrying a Christmas Pudding. Proceeds from the race will go towards Cancer Research UK.
29th December – Hogmanay Torchlight Procession, EdinburghIndulge your Viking fantasies as you roam through Edinburgh with a torch in hand, ready to set fire to a Viking worship. The Torchlight Procession forms part of the city’s famously rowdy Hogmanay celebrations. Thousands of would-be Vikings are expected to surge through the Old Town and up Calton Hill, where a waiting ship will be set aflame to the sounds of pipes and drums. Torch vouchers cost £6 on the night.
(Photo: ukstudentlife.com)
Posted November 18, 2009 by Joyce Wan
The holiday season is fast creeping up on us, and that means having to shop for presents. This year, instead of going the usual route and getting run-of-the-mill gifts like everyone else, why not get some one-off items for your loved ones instead? The recent popularity of handmade items has seen a resurgence in craft fairs and Christmas markets all over the country. You’ll be able to present unique gifts to family and friends this year, instead of re-gifting that smelly old guest soap set from last year. So this winter, why not spend a weekend exploring what the various fairs have to offer?
19th November to 23 December – Christmas Market, Whitefriars Square, Canterbury
This traditional style Christmas Market brings Germany to the centre of Canterbury. Enjoy German
Gluhwein and
bratwurst while shopping for gifts for your loved ones. There will also be musicians performing traditional Christmas songs to entertain visitors while they shop.
28th/ 29th November – Candy Cane Christmas Fair, The Workstation, Sheffield
Organised by Sheffield artists, this Christmas fair is an excellent opportunity to view (and maybe purchase) unique, handmade items by artists from Sheffield and the surrounding region. It’s a chance to pick up goods ranging from post-modern cross-stitch kits, to stuffed toys, to more traditional items such as scarves and even handmade soaps.
5th December - WeMakeLondon Christmas Fair, Chelsea Town Hall, London
This Christmas fair is set in the beautiful Town Hall on Chelsea’s King’s Road. The hall itself is a marvel to look at, with gorgeous period architecture and fantastic fireplaces in each room. There will be 75 stalls at the fair, ranging from up-and-coming designers to old-school crafters, selling handmade woollies, cards, paintings and other items.
12th/ 13th December – Caerphilly Medieval Market, Town Centre, Caerphilly
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Caerphilly Castle, this medieval-themed market makes for a great day out with the whole family. Keep your hands free and your kids entertained while shopping, by letting them join the various children’s workshops available, or take them for a visit to Santa’s grotto. The ninety stalls at the fair will be selling food, traditional crafts and even replica medieval goods.
(Photo: 50connect.co.uk)
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