Of all the different branches in world tourism, ecotourism is one of the most famous, important, and demanded. It can be defined as responsive travel to protected natural areas that also sees for the wellbeing of its population. If you are planning your next vacation and find ecotourism a very attractive option for your trip, here are some characteristics of this form of travel to understand what it really is and if it is what you are looking for.
If you are craving a great spring vacation on the beach, enjoying magnificent views, the warmth of the sun, and the freshness of the water, but you are also thinking of a green vacation, this is the article for you. There are a lot of spots around the globe to enjoy the benefits of the beach while making a contribution to the world. These are three ecotouristic options for every traveler’s spring break.
If you are looking for a great spot to vacation, away from technology, in the middle of nowhere, you are in the right article. Ecotourism is the best way to escape the hustle of daily modern life and there is no better place to get in contact with nature than the mountains. There are a lot of destinations for mountain lovers, but we have narrowed the list to three spots for you to visit in your next trip to the woods.
The treasures that hide in the forest are endless. This is one of the main reasons why tourists love to explore the unknown paths of the forest and let nature surprise them as they go. There is no better way to learn about certain wooded area than through ecotourism. The following destinations are well known for their ecotouristic activities, ready to show travelers the wonders that forests conceal.
Nice is one of the most famous cities of France and a favorite destination among travel lovers looking for romantic spots. Here, you will find some suggestions for your magical and romantic trip to Nice.
The romantic atmosphere of Buenos Aires is the best complement for a perfect date. Between the mystic aura of the place and the passionate personality of the people, Buenos Aires will wrap you and your lover in a sultry half-light ambience. If you are planning on visiting the Argentinian capital soon, this are some ideas for your romantic dates and wanderings around the city.
Starting with one of the most visited spots in Buenos Aires, the Teatro Colón is an important theater ranked as one the the top five opera houses in the world. Opened in 1908 after 20 years of construction, this opulent building and Argentinian jewel has the best acoustics to musicalize your romantic evening, and the most amazing insides. One can appreciate incredible masterpieces such as murals, chandeliers, and other architectural details. In this theater it is possible to witness the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra, opera, and ballet performances.
Another must see building in Buenos Aires is the Metropolitan Cathedral. This splendid church has the most beautiful frescoes and stained glass art in the city. With a Rococo style dated from 1871, the church’s altar features the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity. A very important part of the Cathedral is the Mausoleum of General Saint Martin, known for taking part in Argentina’s independence.
To step aside the crazy city life, Buenos Aires has some beautiful and important green areas such as parks and gardens. The Ecological Reserve of Buenos Aires is a 350 hectare park where one can practice cycling while enjoying a picnic and admiring the natural landscape. This romantic spot is perfect for those nature lovers searching for coexistence with local fauna, while taking a relaxed stroll through the park. For more romantic natural scenery, the Rose Garden opens its doors for travelers looking for romance and adventure. With pedal boats and rowboats on rental, this garden is a great idea for an intimate evening with your loved ones.
To live the full Buenos Aires experience, couples can’t miss the milongas, local tango clubs. In this clubs locals and travelers can practice their dance moves while enjoying the best live tango, music and dance. If you are looking for a place to admire tango as an spectator there are many Cafes that offer tango shows as well as full meals and wine. For the ones wanting to improve their moves before performing to an audience, it is possible to sign up for lessons at some famous dancing schools such as Alvear Palace.
Every year, there are more romantic travelers who prefer the argentinian passion over other classical destinations around the globe. For a true passionate adventure don’t miss Buenos Aires and its very warming people. We hope this options help you while planning your trip itinerary.
One of the most romantic places in the world must be Venice. With its charming buildings and amazing culture, it is hard not to fall in love in this city. It is hard to select just a few of the numerous activities one can enjoy in the italian city of love, but here are some ideas for you to spend the most romantic time with your significant other during your break on Venice.
A Gondola Ride
Even though this is one of the most expensive options for travelers, it is also the most iconic activity one can enjoy in Venice, so it is worth spending a few more euros than expected. A gondola ride is a relaxing break when a couple can spend almost a whole hour of italian romance in its splendour. It is recommended to do this trip after a special meal and at time for watching the most amazing sunset. To make this special time even better, it is possible to purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy the ride of your lives.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
To enjoy the best view in Venice, one must visit St. Mark’s Square and enter the Campanile bell tower of the Basilica. This building is perhaps the most important symbol of the Venice and it is the best place for couples to enjoy spectacular views of the canals and the whole city. Besides, the Basilica itself is an important part of venetian history and culture. Through the mosaics inside it, one can learn about St. Mark history, as well as important scriptures from the Old and New Testaments.
Discover Rialto (market & bridge)
The Rialto is an important center of commerce and was the first part of Venice to be established. It contains the principal market for Venetians where one can find from fresh fruits and vegetables, to the most peculiar flowers, spices, and fish. This is an unavoidable stop for early shoppers and tourists looking for the true Venetian lifestyle. For an amazing and classic view, stand on the 800 year old Rialto bridge and admire the famous river and its gondolas. It is also possible to catch a great lights show at sunset.
Stroll through its streets
To enjoy the best parts of Venice, one must be willing to get a little bit lost. This is the perfect city to go for a walk because there is a main plaza around every corner and it is very safe. This is the best way to know Venice from its insides and get to learn peculiar or random facts about its surroundings, buildings, lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Of course there is so much more to do while in Venice, but be sure that this activities will fulfill your romance expectations and leave you and your significant other a great loving feeling. We hope this ideas inspire you to live the most amazing trip of your life.
When thinking about a romantic spot to spend Valentine’s Day, Paris always comes to mind. The legendary City of Love offers the most amazing places and activities for couples to spend a getaway full of adventure and romance. If you are planning a trip to Paris, these are some incredible ideas to do with your significant other.
Tango and dance enthusiasts enjoy this great idea to spend a very romantic and unique afternoon along the river Seine, in the Tino Rossi Square. A bottle of french wine is the perfect excuse to enable the senses and your best dance steps to share the most romantic time with your partner. If you and your lover are not that much into dancing, you can just sit near the river and admire the old couples that have been dancing in this spot for years. There is nothing better to encourage a romantic atmosphere than to watch such a passionate dance in the most romantic places in the world.
This is one of the most famous things to do in Paris, but it never gets old. If you happen to be strolling down the Seine, search for the Padlock Bridges, write yours and your lover’s initials on a padlock, lock it forever, and throw the key into the river. Don’t forget to take a romantic picture while you seal your love.
During the coldest months in Paris, usually from November to March, there are a lot of outdoor places where tourists can enjoy natural and artificial rinks. Some of this rinks are free and some of them charge a price, it depends on the place. Some of the most famous rinks in Paris are the Hotel de Ville Ice Skating Rink, Champs-Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, and Stade Charlety.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can travel with your significant other to the Palace of Versailles. You can have a romantic walk in the amazing gardens, look around the incredible golden palace, and learn about the history of the place and its owners. This is one trip to remember so, if you are planning on asking important questions or making big announcements, this is the perfect place to do it.
Last, but not least, the traditional trip to the Eiffel Tower should not be missed. This is the perfect spot to witness true love, marriage proposals, romantic portraits, long kisses, with the most amazing background in the whole city. During the day, it is possible to enjoy a classic parisian picnic with a glass of pink Champagne, with some cheese and crackers. At night, you can’t miss how the tower sparkles every hour with its 20,000 golden lights.
The streets of Paris are the perfect scenery for the most romantic gestures among tourists and locals. These five recommendations are impossible to fail if you are seeking the most romantic adventures in the City of Love. Don’t miss any opportunity to surprise your significant other with the best plans for Valentine’s Day during your stay in Paris.
The magical atmosphere that Amsterdam offers is perfect for a romantic getaway. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Amsterdam glows more than ever and becomes the perfect spot for love to bloom. If you are ever in the Dutch capital looking for some romantic activities to do with your better half, this list can help you decide how to surprise him or her.
1. Celebrate with music.
Concertgebouw is one of the most special stages during the romantic festivities. It is the perfect place to listen the best programs of classical, pop, and jazz music, performed by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert hall is the place to dine while witnessing important works of legends such as Verdi and Puccini. Remember to book your tickets in advance because of the high demand of the shows.
2. Athletic love.
If you and your significant other are run lovers, this idea is perfect for you. Every year on February 14th the Valentijnsloop (Valentine’s Run) takes place in Amsterdam, where approximately 500 sports fanatic couples or singles run for love on a 5k journey through the Vondelpark. The runners that run in couples start the course at 20:00 hours, the single runner ladies follow up, and finally the single men chase them. The park is specially lightened, the atmosphere is set by DJ Amor, there are chocolate fountains at the finish line, and all participants receive special glow-in-the-dark glowsticks.
3. A romantic bike ride.
To get fresh air and spend some hours in the middle of nature with your love, a bike ride through Amsterdamse bos, or the Amsterdam forest, is the perfect activity. In this incredible forest, one can rent a rowboat or take a swim to refresh. Besides, romantic picnics take place in the beautiful park while watching the sunset.
4. Kiss on the Skinny Bridge.
The Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge is famous for once being too narrow for two people to pass at the same time. Widened in the 19th century, this bridge is one of the most stunning bridges in Amsterdam, known for its illumination at night. Supposedly, this bridge was built for two skinny sisters that lived in opposite sides of the Amstel River, and needed an easy way to visit each other. But, nowadays the legend tells that, if one want love to last forever, one must kiss on the bridge to be blessed with everlasting love.
5. Sail for love.
There is nothing more romantic than cruising through the UNESCO-recognized canals and waterways of Amsterdam. Different boats are rented for big groups, so you and your friends can have a great private party. For couples, it is recommended to rent a small private boat with a professional sailor, relax through the journey, and admire the city’s historic buildings around.
The idyllic landscapes and cityscapes of Amsterdam are the perfect views for a romantic escape from the day-to-day life. This city is a fun option for your affectionate journey, and these are just some of the many activities that Amsterdam has to entertain its visitors. We hope these ideas help you decide on your Valentine’s Day plans.
The best way to welcome 2016 is planning all the trips and journeys you will be doing throughout this new year. The wideness of the world, its traditions, and different cultures make it possible to consider one destination for each month of the year; 12 months, 12 destinations. We hope this suggestions are useful and of interest for all our travelers and readers around the world.
Every year in Australia is welcome by the biggest art festival in the whole country, the Sydney Festival. Plastic expositions, art installations, plays, and even opera events are presented during this three week festival. Every year, more than 1000 exponents from the world present their art in this acclaimed festival. There are more than 30 different stages for several events, spread throughout the city.
In its program, the Sydney Festival considers appropriate activities for everyone to enjoy. Among its categories one can find: Cinema, Music, Theater, Dance, Opera and Art Installations. The festival organizes both free and ticket only events. Each year 500,000 assistants are estimated to the free events and more than 150,000 assistants to the exclusive programs.
In this occasion, Sydney opens its doors from January 7th to 26th 2016, to any voyager who is interested in arts and who wants to enjoy the numerous events that this festival has prepared for everyone.
Forty days before Easter, Rio de Janeiro watches the biggest parade in the country, where tourists and locals party in the avenues, streets, and beaches of the city during four whole consecutive days. Originally, this carnival was represented to welcome the Spring every year, and in fact, Brazil is not the only Latin American country to organize a party like this one. Little by little, cariocas’ personality has overtaken the festivity to make it the huge celebration it is today.
During the Carnival in Rio, different samba schools and musical bands participate in the parade, being the main attraction since the 20th century. Even though it may appear as a hollow festivity, these dance schools work throughout the whole year to prepare the best show, based in a specific theme of historical importance and relevance.
Besides, this festival is a main source of income for cities like Rio de Janeiro, Bahía, São Paulo, and Recife, where the biggest carnivals are performed. These cities create jobs through the Carnival to maintain their traditions alive, so they can share to the world a bit of their history, traditional dances, music, costumes, food, and other aspects of their culture.
Entering Spring, men and women in India unite in one of the greatests and most important parties in the country. Filling the streets and people’s faces with color, the Color Festival or Holi is the way indians celebrate the triumph of the good over evil. During this celebration, the assistants throw colorful dust named Gulal, painting everything in their paths, including other people. This is held in representation of unity and celebrating that, this day everyone is equal, regardless of religion, gender, profession, age, origin, or socioeconomic level.
The origins of the Holi Festival come from before the 7th century, from very antique and traditional religious rituals. The festival as we know it nowadays, has been modified to become the most colorful party to run in the streets of India and other countries that have adapted the festival to their cultures. Fortunately, the festival has a lot of participation, including foreign assistants that travel exclusively to be a part of this tradition.
The different Hindu rituals that are performed during the celebration are held to drive away bad spirits, and attract only good vibes. The participants are encouraged to carry water guns, balloons, and syringes as “weapons” to paint everyone with colored water during the celebrations of this Festival.
Songkran or the Buddhist New Year is the biggest and funniest party celebrated in Thailand. A couple of days before the month of april, the whole country is prepared for a very wet festivity. During this festivity, buddhist monks wash religious antiques and figures, praying for abundant rains for the season. These days are also used to celebrate the elder people of the country, like teachers and grandparents. In one ceremony, children must wash their elders’ hands to be blessed with good health and a prosper life.
When the religious ceremonies are over, the streets are ready to the water battle that awaits. Everyone prepares with balloons, water guns, hoses, and even pools to attack tourists and locals. Even people on their automobiles are ready with their weapons to attack dry pedestrians.
To end the festivities, natives prepare a parade in which Miss Songkran is presented along with some religious statues. The streets are filled with people eating, dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments. Depending on the region of Thailand in which this festivity is celebrated, the locals also tend to finish the activities on rivers and cascades.
The third sunday of May, the city of San Francisco is ready to host the famous 12 km race, Bay to Breakers. This race starts at the bay of San Francisco, continues across the city, and conclude in the Pacific beaches where the waves break. The story behind this race dates from the year 1906, when a disastrous earthquake hit San Francisco. This event was created to cheer up San Francisco inhabitants after the disaster and it is very famous for its participants who often attend naked or in very striking outfits.
Bay to Breakers is also famous for its “centipede” competition in which a group of runners participate in the race tied to each other in the shape of a human centipede. Another runner goes through the race by their side in case he or she needs to replace an element of the centipede because of a dropout or injury.
Up until 2010, Bay to Breakers was officially considered the biggest race in the world. It has been surpassed by City2surf in Sydney, Australia. Still, every year San Francisco receive more than 60,000 participants and 100,000 spectators.
During the month of June the streets of Lisbon receive thousands of visitors, anxious to participate in the famous Festivities of Lisbon. Different stages are prepared to receive the best in music, cinema, theater, and arts. Also, distinctive popular celebrations and traditions take place during June nights. Historical zones, like Av. Liberdade, and different neighborhoods of the city, are perfect sceneries for the local parties. Everyone who visits Lisbon during this holiday can learn about the most important traditions, popular dances, music, and food, like the traditional grilled sardines and portuguese wine.
Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the city, and is venerated by the inhabitants of Lisbon during this days. In June 12th a big parade takes place, in which the congregation march in the saint honor. The day after the parade, the collective wedding is held. This is a very popular and important day in Lisbon. In this wedding, the brides are known as “Saint Anthony Brides” because of his matchmaker fame.
During the nights of these celebrations, different popular parties are held in the Costelo, Mouraria, Alfama, Ajuda, and Barrio Alto neighborhoods. All of these parties are full of bright colors, adorned with wreaths and balloons. The different dances and traditional songs set a festive atmosphere under the moonlight.
These Pamplona festivities or “Sanfermines” are part of a celebration held in honor of San Fermín de Amiens in the city of Navarra, Pamplona. During these festivities, the street parties converge with the religious celebrations, and it is very common to see the congregation attend both festivities. On one hand, the street party is filled with fun, music, food, and alcoholic drinks. This party takes place in the whole city, although it tends to concentrate in the old part of the city. On the other hand, the religious celebrations match the street parties due to a change in the religious calendar. Local churches celebrate masses and in their atriums some fairs and carnivals are held.
The taurine festivities and bullfighting are related to the sprees of the street, although they are a whole different celebration. The confinement is internationally known as the race in which bulls leave their pens in Santo Domingo, run through the old part of the city, and are conducted to the bullring. These confinements are held from july 7th to the 14th, and before they begin, the participants sing to San Fermín in order to receive blessings during this festivities.
In Pamplona it is forbidden to mistreat the bulls, cows, and heifers that participate in the confinement. It is absolutely prohibited to kick them, mount them, take them from their tails, or any abuse towards them. The assistant that realizes any of these actions is liable to a heavy fine and he or she is reprimanded by the crowd.
This red celebration takes place in Buñol, Valencia, the third wednesday of every August since 1945. That year, a small fight among youngsters originated this now internationally famous spanish celebration. In the day of “La Tomatina” the participants arrive to the plaza and wait for the tomato ammunition that the city council grants for this event.
The first event is held at 10 in the morning and it is called the “soap stick”. This game consists in a competition in which the assistants try to reach a ham located at the top of a greasy pole. Once a participant reaches the ham, the tomato battle can begin. A variety of trucks arrive into the plaza and deliver near 150 tons of tomatoes for the Tomatina to start once the shoot is heard.
The battle ends approximately an hour after, when another shoot is heard to let the participants know that they have to stop throwing tomatoes at each other. Immediately, every participant starts cleaning the streets, while they clean themselves too. The tomatoes used in the Tomatina are cultivated specifically for the celebration, and they are not appropriate for human consumption. It is recommended that the assistants wear goggles or special glasses, and plastic gloves to protect themselves from getting hurt. It is also recommended to squish the tomatoes before throwing them to avoid hurting anybody.
Burning Man is an annual festival held during 7 days in a city that only exists during this celebration: Black Rock City or BRC. The festival takes place near a lake in the desert of Nevada and it has a cost of 390 US dollars. The origin of this festival comes from the parties held at the beach during the summer solstice in the end of the 80s. In one of these parties the assistants burned a doll of more than 2 meters high as an artistic expression. Since then, every year in September, the assistants to this festival help in the burning of a gigantic and wooden figure in the shape of a man.
This celebration is full of colors, fireworks, and a great show for the assistants. A huge wooden church is also built and burnt during sunday night, the last night of the festival. Nevertheless, while burning this temple, the participants must not make any sound, as it is not a party but a solemn event. During the whole festival week, the assistants write on the temple and leave photographs or notes that will be burnt in a spiritual metaphor.
This festival has several goals, like supporting plastic artists by letting them present their sculptures and giving scholarships for them to build their art and assist to the festival. Another objective of the festival is to raise awareness of nature and ecology, as well as making a great artistic impact in the assistants. During the festival, as the participants live for a week in the desert, the ground must stay clean and free of garbage, there should not be any disagreements or fights, and one can live in a peaceful environment. At the end of the event, there are no burnt wood residues, or any kind of waste. The festival has no sponsors; the assistants can bring everything they are going to need to live in the desert for a week and, usually, they share and make barters among other participants.
More than 6 million of tourists participate in this popular german festival every year. Munich celebrates Oktoberfest in between september and october in the Teresa Meadow. This celebration is known as the festival of beer, and only certain beers that pass through quality control exams are served in the festival. The inauguration of the festival takes place when the brewers make their entrance parading in big horse cars that carry the beer kegs.
After the entrance, at noon, the Mayor of Munich opens the first beer barrel. The assistants tend to make bets about the number of hits that the Mayor needs to give the barrel for it to open. After this, and since 1835, a huge and traditional parade of typical costumes takes place. Almost 8,000 people participate in this celebration with traditional german costumes.
At the end of this festivity the assistants to the festival can taste and enjoy some of the hundreds of litres of beer that the festival has to offer, as well as typical german food, and other fair attractions, like games, and stages with musical, dance, and pop culture shows. It is no wonder why this festival is so popular around the world.
This festival is held in Xcaret, Playa del Carmen and in 2003 it was declared as Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. During this celebration, it is possible to enjoy the traditional mayan gastronomy of the region, as well as different rituals, workshops, altars, art expositions, dances, theater plays, and concerts of all kinds.
The festival takes place during the Day of the Death celebrations and its mission is to make the assistants travel in time and know everything about different mayan traditions. The festival also counts on the participation of invited countries, showing part of their culture and customs. In 2015, Xcaret received an important panel of colombian participants.
During this festival, the lonely lost souls of mayan ancestors are honored in a farewell celebration for them to find their way into the light. The candles that adorn the place, and other Day of the Death elements, like the altars, play an important part in the festivity for the souls to find their way home.
Another important part of this celebration is to introduce to the public indigenous products, made by local people, and by the invited countries. These products can be different crafts made with fabric, or sisal. Xcaret receives a numerous quantity of travelers with various activities for them to enjoy, in a family atmosphere, inside this majestic park.
There is no better place to receive the new year than an exotic and luxurious destination such as Dubai. Dubai was recently named the best city to receive the new year, because of its amazing show the last day of the year. During these dates, Dubai’s downtown brights in a special way to delight the travelers thanks to its enormous and very elegant buildings. The majestic dancing fountains are programed to be synchronized with music, and buildings like the Burj Khalifa are illuminated with more than 80,000 LED panels, imposing a world record.
At night, the sky is painted with more than 45 thousand fireworks with amazing designs, and every year the City Hall organized different international concerts with celebrities and musicians like David Guetta. Also, all of the Dubai’s fancy hotels host the most amazing parties with the most delicious dishes and cocktails to celebrate the entrance of the new year until sunrise.
If you are interested in Dubai as a New Year’s destination, don’t forget to book in time in order to get the best lodgment and parties. This is a very busy destination in Dubai and soon, every hotel is booked, and every ticket is sold for any important show during these days.
Here you have 12 favorite destinations to travel around the world the whole year. There is no excuse not to travel in 2016. We hope this suggestions are interesting for you and your family, and don’t forget to book your places on time.