Category: Short Escapes

Sharjah is home to acclaimed art galleries, buzzy waterfront areas and a sophisticated outlook; as creativity and excitement flow through the emirate. At the same time, the emirate stays true to its Islamic heritage, with a traditional, gracious and welcoming vibe. Nestled between two lagoons, the emirate is a global metropolis of modern business and vibrant culture. UNESCO declared Sharjah a Culture Capital of the Arab World in 1998 for its efforts to maintain and promote Arab traditions. The city shares its heritage with over 20 museums and galleries, local architecture and culture-packed leisure activities. Sharjah is a prime tourism ... Read more

Portugal has been inhabited for thousands of years and its national boundaries have been definitely defined since the 12th century. This long history has been reflected in a particular culture that is the result of the people who settled there and the influences that Portuguese brought from their journeys to the African, American and Asian continents. By choosing a region, an itinerary or a specific theme, you can discover a unique heritage and different landscapes, all within a short distance, which retain the authenticity of local customs. Moreover, your tour will be complemented to perfection by the traditional cuisine and ... Read more

Monterey County embodies the perfect backdrop to uncover a new, relaxed and inspired you in 2019. The natural beauty of California’s Central Coast redwood forests, verdant valleys and sweeping, towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean will erase stress and inspire a new state of being. “With plentiful offerings that will rejuvenate mind, body and soul, Monterey County is the ultimate destination for travelers to disconnect and focus on themselves in the New Year,” says Rob O’Keefe, Chief Marketing Officer for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From spas and meditation studios to hiking trails and literary sites, travelers will ... Read more

The big day has arrived! Now, more than ever, is a great time to experience fabulous new entertainment in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, including the new experiences debuted on January 18. Mickey & Minnie’s surprise celebration at Magic Kingdom Park Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration honors those true originals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages at Magic Kingdom Park. Mickey and Minnie will greet guests together at Town Square Theater, and guests can dance with their favorite Disney pals during the “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street ... Read more

While Montana’s seemingly endless supply of fresh powder tends to garner most of the attention during the winter, there’s another natural wonder that’s a close second: hot springs. With 14 hot spring resorts and day-use pools located throughout the state, there are plenty of places to take a relaxing dip or a morning plunge. Montana’s hot springs have been in use for thousands of years, first by American Indian tribes who discovered the springs as they traveled throughout the state’s vast landscapes, followed by early miners and pioneers. Today, the natural pools welcome visitors from around the world to relax ... Read more

You can meet your 2019 goals to travel more and live healthier with an activity-focused trip to Tacoma, Washington. Whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend, you’ll be within reach of activities from mountain to city to sea. Overnight options range from a secluded cabin to a waterfront hotel. Plan now for an action-packed visit. Winter – Ski or snowboard at Crystal Mountain Resort, the state’s largest ski resort. Lessons, camps and a parents’ program are offered at many ability levels. – Climb the indoor rock walls at Edgeworks in Tacoma. Explore 10,000 square feet of climbing space and ... Read more

When it comes to American cities, Miami is that multi-cultural place where no trip here is ever the same. It’s one of the few places where a beach vacation includes trips to world-class museums, art districts, shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. 2019 is the year of Miami, the year to discover what’s new – and what’s old – in the Magic City. Ocean Drive is still an Art Deco landmark with its signature neon-lit streets, but Miami has expanded with celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, world-class museums, and family-friendly attractions that weren’t there before. A walk on Lincoln Road is always nostalgic ... Read more

Photo Courtesy: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa Malindi Malindi is one of the beautiful coastal towns in Kenya, steeped in rich heritage with several cultural and historic places to discover or re-discover. Its many beaches make the town an amazing setting for a perfect holiday or weekend getaway for lovers or families. Malindi has a wide variety of exciting activities due to its diverse landscapes and it is truly a paradise with serene beauty and unspoiled surroundings. Watamu National Marine Park Explore abundant underwater life at Watamu National Marine Park, Kenya’s first such park featuring over 600 species of colorful ... Read more

Here are some smartest ways to see exciting places (affordable hotels, bargain restaurants), and some money-saving ways to visit otherwise expensive locations in 2019. The money-saving, exciting list of places was curated by Laura Begley Bloom for The Forbes. This list of 10 inexpensive places in hand, you’ll be able to travel for less. New Orleans Red trolley streetcar on rail in New Orleans French Quarter Located along the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a mojor port and is world-renowned for its distinct music, Creole cuisine, unique dialect, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart ... Read more

Whether you’re wrapping up warm for a classic Christmas break or looking to escape to milder climes, America’s cities have plenty to offer in winter – with the added bonus of being less crowded than during peak visitor periods. Experts at the Leisure Pass Group, the world’s leading attraction pass company, have identified six favourite cities for a winter getaway, with exciting options for every member of the family. New York – great winter views from on high New York offers one of the world’s best-loved festive breaks, with spectacular holiday season store windows, great shopping and the iconic Times ... Read more

Ideal weather, Christmas decorations, street entertainment, festive atmosphere and spectacular fireworks will let you celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays in the most spectacular way in Portugal. Go Ho! Ho! Ho! and all merry in absolutely amazing Lisbon. The churches and streets are so wonderfully decorated that gets you going all Christmas-y. Plenty to shop for in the amazing Christmas markets of Lisbon. Climb to the castle of Sao George and take a stroll through festally decorated Alfama and if you are lucky, you may get to treat your ears with Fado. Explore the festive beauty of nearby Belem district, ... Read more

The Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, has activities to keep you enthralled for several days and can be visited many times over! Snow Park Snow Park is a breathtaking 3,000 square meter, real snow wonderland — strap on your snow boots and experience Twin Track Bobsled runs, a Snow Cavern filled with interactive experiences, and Tobogganing hills. Head one down to the upgrade station for an exhilarating ride on the Giant Ball or jump on the chairlift for a one of a kind bird’s eye view of the entire park. Don’t miss out on the resident royalty ... Read more

There are umpteen number of ways countries and local bodies promote tourism. Cat tourism is one such novel idea to help small town and rejuvenate local economies by promoting tourism. The idea was sprouted up in the heads of the six remaining students at a community school in the tiny island of Hujing off the coast of Taiwan. The students of the Hujing Elementary School got the idea from the success of other cat towns and islands in the region. Another small coal mining village in Taiwan’s Rueifang District, once abandoned, is also attracting huge number of visitors to see the feline friends. The large ... Read more

Switzerland’s tourism board has once again appointed Ranveer Singh as their brand ambassador to enhance the number of tourists form India. Bollywood block busters, Sangam, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Jab Tak Hai Jaan have showcased Bollywood’s fascination with Switzerland. The Swiss government is trying to cash this fascination to promote their tourism sector. Director of Switzerland Tourism India Claudio Zemp said, “Ranveer showcased the fun and adventurous side of Switzerland in last year’s campaign, while this time around we have highlighted the Lake Geneva Region, one of Switzerland’s hidden gems. It focuses more on the finer things of life ... Read more

Arya Aravind Though I have visited Wayanad, in Kerala, more than a dozen times, I have never travelled to the outskirts on the Gundlupet-Bandipur route. It was not a purposeful avoidance; since my travel were all unplanned, one or the other problems come in between from making me go beyond the Wayanad circle. This time I was particular that I will be taking a drive down the Gundlupet-Bandipur stretch. And, believe me I was awestruck and was taken away by the swaying sunflower farms on the Gundlupet stretch and could even spot a dozen of animal friends on the Bandipur ... Read more